bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Smart System Combining Rainwater and Treated Sewage for Use in Sports Complexes in Korea
Authors: Kim Ree Ho , Lee Jung Hun , Kim Mik Yeong , Choi Han Na
Published: October 2014

Existing systems that provide an alternative water supply such as a sewage reuse system (SRS) or a rainwater harvesting system (RWHS) tend to experience a slight loss of efficiency through the separate use of their component systems. A smart system has been introduced that combines the stable water quality of an RWHS and the stable water quantity of an SRS for use in sports complexes in Korea, and selected monitoring results are presented here in terms of the quantity of water used. The system monitors the operating conditions and provides measurement data. It is designed to be remotely operated at each facility in which it is installed. Ninety-eight percent of the treated sewage was used for lawn watering and maintenance of wetlands. The rainwater collection efficiency was higher in summer than winter in the rainwater utilization system. The amount of water produced from the sewage reuse system can be reduced during summer and increased during winter when less rainfall is experienced. A system that combines rainwater and treated sewage is expected to reduce the cost and energy use for treating wastewater.
Composition and Microstructure of Koryo Celadon in Korea
Authors: Kim Kyung Nam , Kim Sung Jin
Published: October 2014

In this study, the characteristics of porcelain body, glaze and inlay were analyzed, using Koryo celadon shard of 10th-14th century. The characterization of celadon shard were investigated by Scanning electron microscopy, X-ray fluriscence, X-ray diffractometer, and Dilatometer. The characteristics of celadon shard is similar in color to gray-green with the naked eye, and the thickness of glaze layer and body is about 149.5-200μm and 4.2-8.8mm. The chemical compositions of body is SiO2 70.9-74.8wt%, Al2O3 19.4-20.5wt%, RO▪RO2(R=Ca, Mg, K) 4.0-7.0wt% and Fe2O31.3-2.7wt% in weight ratio. The high contents (12.5-24.6wt%) of calcium oxide in the glaze is considered lime type. In the chemical compositions of the white and black inlay Al2O3 is 33.2-37.1wt% and 19.7wt%, and Fe2O3 is 1.1wt% and 5.6wt% in weight ratio, respectively. The density of black inlay is higher than that of white inlay, and firing temperature for celadon may be about 1250°C.
Effect of Carbon Pre-Treatment on Pd Dispersion in Synthesis of Pd/C Catalyst
Authors: Kim Ji Sun , Baek Jae Ho , Kim Myung Hwan , Hong Seong Soo , Lee Man Sig
Published: October 2014

In this study, we confirmed effect of carbon pre-treatment on Pd dispersion in synthesis of Pd/C catalyst. Physical characteristics on the surface of before and after pre-treated carbon were analyzed by nitrogen adsorption-desorption analysis. The dispersion and size of Pd particles were analyzed by XRD, FE-TEM and CO-chemisorption. After pre-treatment, surface area of carbon were decreased. And mesopore area ratio were increased with decreasing micropore area ratio. In the case of pre-treated carbon, we confirmed high dispersion of Pd particles.
Temperature Dependence of Magnetic Properties in Ferrite Powders by High Energy Ball Milling
Authors: Hong Chan Seok , Song Yo Seung , Chang Si Young
Published: October 2014

The ferrite powders were prepared by high energy ball-milling, and subsequently compacted under a pressure of 490MPa for 3min and sintered at 1273~1673K for 3h. The spherical shaped initial powders with a mean size of approximately 70μm were changed to irregular shaped powders of 230nm in a mean size after milling at 300rpm for 3h. The milled powders were composed of the nanosized particles with a size of approximately 10nm. After compacting, the green density was approximately 70%. The sintered sample with a relative density of approximately 98% was obtained by sintering at 1473K, which showed the saturation magnetization (Ms) of approximately 90emu/g and the coercivtity (Hc) of approximately 19Oe at room temperature. The Ms decreased with increasing temperature, whereas the Hc and initial permeability (μi) were unchanged. There was no change in the Ms, Hc and μi during holding at 423K.
Synthesis and Characterization of Cu–TiC Nanocomposites by Ball Milling and Spark Plasma Sintering
Authors: Oanh Nguyen Thi Hoang , Nguyen Hoang Viet , Kim Jin Chun , Kim Ji Soon
Published: October 2014

In this study, Cu-TiC nanocomposites were fabricated from a mixture of Cu and 5÷15% wt. TiC powders by ball milling and subsequent spark-plasma sintering. The morphology of Cu-TiC nanocomposite powders were observed by field emission scanning electron microscopy. Only characteristic peaks of Cu and TiC phases were detected from X-ray diffraction patterns of milled powder mixture. Sintered compacts showed a highly densified compacts (∼95% relative density) while retaining fine grains in the matrix. The hardness, wear resistance, and fracture surface of the sintered specimens were also investigated.
Study on Electrical and Thermal Properties of Epoxy Resin/Inorganic Filler Composites for the Fully Enclosed Casting Bus Bar and its Calculation of the Temperature Field
Authors: Gao Nai Kui , Wang Yi Li , Zhang Wen Xi , Liu Zhao , Chen Chi , Jin Hai Yun
Published: October 2014

This paper focused on the epoxy resin/inorganic filler composites. The electrical and thermal properties of the composites were tested and analyzed at room temperature. The influence of temperature on the thermal conductivity and thermal expansion coefficient was studied. Based on the electrical and thermal properties of the composites, the simulation model of the fully enclosed epoxy resin casting bus bar (FEERCB) was built, and the temperature field distribution of the FEERCB was calculated. T The study results showed that the volume resistivity, dielectric constant, dielectric loss factor and breakdown strength of the epoxy resin/inorganic filler composites were 1.74×1014Ω·cm, 3.44, 3.75 and 22.31 kV/mm respectively at room temperature. The thermal conductivity and thermal expansion coefficient of the composites were 2.55 W/m·K and 21.73×10-6 /°C, achieved the insulation requirements for FEERCB. In the temperature range of the test, with increasing temperature, the thermal conductivity reduced gradually, while the thermal expansion coefficient increased gradually. The simulation results showed that the FEERCB has remarkable performance on the heat dissipation and current carrying capability.
Fabrication and Characterization of Silica Aerogel @Polystyrene Composite Beads by Suspension Polymerization
Authors: Li Hong Wei , Lv Na , Lu Pan Yan , Geng Gang Qiang , Wang Wei
Published: October 2014

In this study, the powder of hydrophobic silica aerogel remaining nanopore by ambient pressure drying was successfully introduced into polystyrene beads during suspension polymerization. nanosilica powder without nanopore was also used. Pure polystyrene, silica aerogel/polystyrene (PS) and nanosilica/polystyrene beads were fabricated, respectively. The structure and properties of silica aerogel @PS composite beads were characterized by SEM, EDS, TG-DSC and FT-IR. The results of TG-DSC, FT-IR and EDS show silica aerogel is located in the PS beads, but it is difficult to be observed by SEM because of its low content. The introduction of silica and silica aerogel both decrease the transparency of PS beads. Silica aerogel loosen the microstructure of PS beads.
Application of Finite Element Method to the Simulation of Vessel Stents
Authors: van Hai Dinh , Minh Tam Hoang , van Quang Duong
Published: October 2014

In this study, the effects of supereslasticity of Nitinol for self-expanding (SX) stents – Stent devices which are implanted into the blood vessels in order to restore blood flow in a diseased artery segment (narrowing of the blood vessel due to plaque build-up) and keep the artery open after angioplasty were considered and analyzed. To emphasize the unique properties of Nitinol as compared to other materials, this study was conducted to differentiate the behaviors of two types of stents which are made of Nititol and 316L stainless steel during implantation. Finite element analysis was used for simulation and modeling. The study results are expected to serve well the design of vessel stents.
Fabrication of Porous SiAlON Using Fe2O3 as Pore Former
Authors: Duan Qing Wen , Liu Rong Zhen , Jin Hai Yun , Yang Jian Feng , Jin Zhi Hao
Published: October 2014

Porous SiAlON ceramics were fabricated by carbo-thermal reduction nitridation method using Fe2O3 as pore former. Particle size effects of Fe2O3 were reported in this paper. The results showed that composites were composed by SiAlON, AlN and Iron Silicon phases. The median pore diameter of Sialon was affected by the composition and particle size of Fe2O3. The fracture mode of this material was intergranular. With the increase of Fe2O3 additions, the porosity of this materials increased. The bending strength of this material was reversely proportional to Fe2O3 particle size. The maximum bending strength of Porous materials with 30wt.% Fe2O3 additions (with a porosity about 65% and the pore size is about 1μm) could reach 22 MPa. The porous Sialon ceramics with a smaller pore size exhibited a higher bending strength.
The Effects of Deposited Material and Loaded Amount within Synthesis of TMP-Ester
Authors: Lee Man Sig , Kwak Bo Rae , Baek Jae Ho , Gwon Mi Seong , Hur Seung Hyun
Published: October 2014

Due to changing of wind power from on-shore to off-shore, it is necessary to eco-friendly features but also insulating characteristics. The purpose of this study is to confirm that effect of deposited material and amount of catalyst for synthesis of TMP(tri-methylol propane)-ester as vegetable insulating oil. Potassium fluoride and potassium bromide were deposited via an impregnation method on HAP(hydroxyapatite). The effects of deposited material loading on the characteristics of the catalysts were investigated through XRD, XRF, FE-SEM, BET and TPD. We confirmed that KF/HAP catalyst has higher activity than KBr/HAP. The higher activity of KF(40%)/HAP catalyst showed the best catalytic properties.
Phase Transformation Behavior of Niobium Containing Microalloyed Steel with Predeformation and Continuous Cooling
Authors: She Yuan , Zhang Zhao Hui , Ju Jian Tao , Jin Bo
Published: October 2014

The continuous cooling phase transformation behavior of niobium microalloyed steel was studied by Thermecmastor-Z thermomechanical simulator; the continuous cooling transformation curves (CCT) were established. The change of microstructure under different cooling rates was observed, and the influence of deformation in austenite non-recrystallization region on transformation was discussed. Based on these work, it was possible to know that the phase transformation is retarded and the ferritic grain is refined dramatically as the cooling rate increasing. The deformation in austenite non-recrystallization region caused deformation stored-energy, which improved the grain refinement of transformation to some extent, but not significant.
Fabrication and Electrochemical Performance of Nitrogen-Doped Graphene Synthesized by Hydrothermal Method
Authors: Liang Sen , Luo Min , Dou Yuan Yun , Guo Lei , Liang Bin , Li Hai Bo , Li Jin
Published: October 2014

In this study, nitrogen doped graphene (NG) was prepared by using hydrothermal treatment of graphene oxide (GO) and ethylene diamine (EDA). The surface chemistry of the reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and the NG was investigated by the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results revealed that there were four kinds of nitrogen substitution: pyrollic N, pyridinic N, graphitic N and C-NH2. Further, the electrical measurements illustrated that the NG had superior capacitive performance than that of the rGO. Specifically, the maximum specific capacitance of NG was 200.6 F/g due to the double-layer capacitive and pseudocapacitive effect from the nitrogen-doped graphene. In addition, the present studies showed that the EDA was not only choose as nitrogen doping source but also played a key role in reduction.
Study on Aqueous Viscosity Behaviors of Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Hydrosol and Konjac Glucomanan Hydrosol
Authors: Tang Bei , Luo Xue Gang , Lin Xiao Yan , Qi Fang Wei
Published: October 2014

In this work, the viscosity behavior of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and konjac glucomanan (KGM) hydrosol was studied. Effects of mass fractions, water quality and sodium chloride (NaCl) on the viscosity of hydrosol were investigated by rotating viscometer. The results indicated that the viscosity of KGM and HPMC apparently increased with the increasing of mass fraction. HPMC could always maintain high viscosity in various kinds of water, whereas the viscosity of KGM reduced in tap water. The salt resistance experiments shown that the viscosities of the two kinds of hydrosol with 0.9% NaCl appeared a little decrease, hence, all hydrosols have a good salt resistance.
Preparation and Characterizations of Novel Near Room-Temperature Driven Fe/Sr2Bi2O5 Thermocatalyst
Authors: Wu Pei , Luo Xue Gang , Lin Xiao Yan , Li Ke
Published: October 2014

In this study, room-temperature driven thermocatalyst (Fe/Sr2Bi2O5 powder) with negative temperature coefficient resistor (NTC) characteristics was prepared by conventional solid state method at various temperatures. Fe/Sr2Bi2O5 powder was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy EDS. The results indicate that Fe/Sr2Bi2O5 powder was prepared and the Fe has been doped successfully in Sr2Bi2O5. The thermocatalyst powder obtained a particular and stable crystal style, meanwhile, besides, well distributed size and rough surface were also found in regard to the thermocatalyst above. On the other hand, the thermocatalyst reactions show that Fe/Sr2Bi2O5 powder has highest removal rate of degradation under the 0.75% (molar percent) content of Fe at 750 oC. The total removal rate of degradation arrives at 93.8% after 3h at 50 oC. Hence, Fe/Sr2Bi2O5 powder may be a potential thermocatalyst at room-temperature for wastewater treatment in the future.
Effects of Ultrafine Grinded Steel Slag Addition on Properties of Cement
Authors: Shi Yan , Chen Hai Yan , Wang Jia
Published: October 2014

The steel slag was ultrafine grinded to different particle size, the chemical composition and mineral composition of steel slag were analyzed. The effects of amount of steel slag addition and particle size on the cement gelling properties were studied. The results showed that, with the decrease of the particle size of steel slag, both of the water requirement of normal consistency and the setting time which meet the standard requirement of cement was increased. The stability of cement mixed with ultrafine grinded steel slag were all qualified after testing. The strength of cement mortar was decreased with the increase of ultrafine grinded steel slag. When the content of steel slag powder was above 30wt%, the strength of cement mortar was decreased significantly.
Two-Step Sintering of Non-Stoichiometric CeO2-x
Authors: Abe Hitoshi , Nanko Makoto , Kato Masato , Hirooka Shun
Published: October 2014

Two-step sintering with controlled oxygen partial pressure by using metallic buffer was applied to obtain dense non-stoichiometric CeO2-x. The samples prepared with single step sintering were cracked. The two-step sintering promoted almost full densification ≈ 98% in relative density without any cracks. Relative density of CeO2-x reached more than 98% of the theoretical density. The value of x in CeO2-x was obtained in the range of 1.68 in Mn/MnO to 1.98 in Co/CoO.
A Comparative Study on the Physical Properties of Artificial Aggregates Made from Acid Clay and Dredged Soil
Authors: Kang Seung Gu , Kim Yong Sung
Published: October 2014

Artificial aggregates (AAs) were manufactured from the acid clay (waste bentonite) and dredged soil produced at a thermal power plant by sintering at 600~1200°C for 10min. And those specimens were compared with respect to their bloating ability. The aggregates of acid clay had well-developed black core and uniform macro pores. The specific gravity of the AAs of acid clay increased with sintering temperature at 600~1000°C due to densification, but dramatically decreased at 1100°C, and at this temperature, the AAs showed bloating. The specific gravity and water absorption of the aggregates of dredged soil decreased with sintering temperature at 600~1000°C, indicating that the dredged soil has the ability to enlarge the sintering temperature range, favorable for the mass production process. The specific gravity of the AAs fabricated in this research ranged 0.8~2.0 and the water absorption ranged 4~26%, which was sufficient for various applications, such as functional membranes, light weight construction, smart soil, sound absorption and insulation fields etc..
Closed Blood Conservation Device for Reducing Catheter-Related Infections in Children After Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Tang Menglin , Feng Mei , Chen Lijun , Zhang Jinmei , Ji Peng , Luo Shuhua
Published: October 2014

Background

Arterial catheters are potential sources of nosocomial infection.

Objective

To investigate use of a closed blood conservation device in preventing catheter-related bloodstream infections in children after cardiac surgery.

Methods

Children with an indwelling arterial catheter after cardiac surgery were randomly assigned to 2 groups: a control group with a conventional 3-way stopcock in the catheter system and an interventional group with the conservation device in the catheter system. Catheter tips, catheter intraluminal fluid, and blood samples obtained from the catheter and peripherally were cultured for microbiological analysis. RESULTS Intraluminal fluid contamination was significantly lower (P = .03) in the interventional group (3 of 147 catheters) than in the control group (10 of 137 catheters). The 2 groups did not differ significantly in the rate of tip colonization (9 of 147 vs 12 of 137; P = .40) or in the number of catheter-related bloodstream infections (0 of 147 vs 2 of 137; P = .21).

Conclusion

Use of a closed blood conservation device could decrease the incidence of catheter-related contamination of intraluminal fluid.
Intravenous Lipids: Antidotal Therapy for Drug Overdose and Toxic Effects of Local Anesthetics
Authors: Bartlett Dana
Published: October 2014

Intravenous lipid emulsion is an accepted therapy for the treatment of severe cardiac toxic effects caused by local anesthetics. Lipid emulsion therapy has also been used successfully to treat cardiac arrest and intractable arrhythmias caused by overdoses of antiepileptic drugs, cardiovascular drugs, and psychotropic medications, but experience with intravenous lipids as antidotal therapy in these clinical situations is limited. However, intravenous lipids are relatively safe, widely available, and easy to administer, and many published case reports document their dramatic effectiveness. Patients who have not responded to standard therapies have been quickly revived by administration of intravenous lipids. Use of lipids most likely will increase, and critical care nurses should be familiar with lipid therapy.
Activated Partial Thromboplastin Times From Venipuncture Versus Central Venous Catheter Specimens in Adults Receiving Continuous Heparin Infusions
Authors: Dailey Mary Sue , Berger Barbara , Dabu Fortunata
Published: October 2014

Background

In patients receiving heparin infusions, variations in specimen collection technique may contribute to inaccurate measurements of activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT).

Objectives

To determine if there is a difference in aPTT results between specimens collected from a central venous access device (CVAD) compared with venipuncture in patients receiving heparin infusions.

Methods

Simultaneous blood samples (CVAD vs venipuncture) from 66 patients receiving continuous heparin infusions were compared.

Results

The mean aPTT difference (peripheral aPTT minus CVAD aPTT) was −7.3 seconds (P=.07). Neither length of time heparin was turned off (P=.18) nor waste volume (P=.32) was significantly associated with the difference in aPTT. The median aPTT difference when the CVAD specimen was obtained from the heparin infusion port was −20.5 seconds, compared with −0.1, −3.0, and −0.2 seconds for specimens from a port proximal to, distal to, or coterminal with the heparin infusion, respectively (P=.008).

Conclusions

Use of this protocol resulted in similar aPTTs when the CVAD specimen was not obtained from the heparin infusion port. However, obtaining the specimen from the heparin infusion port resulted in significantly higher aPTT values.
Chlorhexidine Gluconate Bathing to Reduce Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Acquisition
Authors: Petlin Ann , Schallom Marilyn , Prentice Donna , Sona Carrie , Mantia Paula , McMullen Kathleen , Landholt Cassandra
Published: October 2014

Background

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a virulent organism causing substantial morbidity and mortality in intensive care units. Chlorhexidine gluconate, a topical antiseptic solution, is effective against a wide spectrum of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, including MRSA. Objectives To examine the impact of a bathing protocol using chlorhexidine gluconate and bath basin management on MRSA acquisition in 5 adult intensive care units and to examine the cost differences between chlorhexidine bathing by using the bath-basin method versus using prepackaged chlorhexidine-impregnated washcloths.

Methods

The protocol used a 4-oz bottle of 4% chlorhexidine gluconate soap in a bath basin of warm water. Patients in 3 intensive care units underwent active surveillance for MRSA acquisition; patients in 2 other units were monitored for a new positive culture for MRSA at any site 48 hours after admission.

Results

Before the protocol, 132 patients acquired MRSA in 34333 patient days (rate ratio, 3.84). Afterwards, 109 patients acquired MRSA in 41376 patient days (rate ratio, 2.63). The rate ratio difference is 1.46 (95% CI, 1.12–1.90; P = .003). The chlorhexidine soap and bath basin method cost $3.18 as compared with $5.52 for chlorhexidine-impregnated wipes (74% higher).

Conclusions

The chlorhexidine bathing protocol is easy to implement, cost-effective, and led to decreased unit-acquired MRSA rates in a variety of adult intensive care units.
Perception of mineral character in Sauvignon blanc wine: inter-individual differences
Authors: Parr Wendy Veronica , Ballester Jordi , Peyron Dominique , Grose Claire , Valentin Dominique
Published: October 2014

Of the descriptors employed to characterize wine organoleptically, minerality is arguably one of the most enigmatic. The aim of the work described in this article was to delineate the nature of perceived minerality in Sauvignon wine, specifically its sensorial reality for experienced wine professionals from France and New Zealand. Participants evaluated 16 Sauvignon blanc wines (8 French; 8 New Zealand) under three conditions, ortho-nasal olfaction, palate only (Nose-clip condition), and by full tasting (global perception). Data from the global condition only are reported here. Key results include: i) that although there were quantitative differences in perception of minerality as a function of culture, there was substantial agreement conceptually between French and New Zealand participants in terms of the sensorial experience of minerality; and ii) that perceived minerality associated significantly with other key wine descriptors, notably presence of citrus, stone-related characters (e.g., flinty or chalky/calcareous notes), and reductive notes, along with absence of Sauvignon varietal characteristics (passion fruit; green notes). Of particular interest, no significant, direct association was found between perceived sourness/acidity and minerality judgments for either culture.
A user's guide to core-storage facilities in Canada
Authors: Simpson F
Published: October 2014

Nearly 3 x 106 m of continuous cored sections and rock specimens, representing reduced cores from boreholes, drilled in the land and offshore regions of Canada, are stored with drill cuttings and other subsurface materials in 40 government-operated repositories,
to which public access is granted for examination of nonconfidential data. Provincial-government departments, which administer the acts controlling exploration for and development of mineral resources, operate 33 of these core­storage facilities, whereas subsurface materials from Canada Lands
(onshore and offshore) are stored in four other repositories. Additional core storage facilities are planned for Manitoba, Ontario, and Québec. Soft-sediment cores from the Canadian offshore make up the holdings of two more facilities under federal jurisdiction and similar materials from the
Canadian part of the Great Lakes are stored at an additional federal facility. Cores recovered by the Deep Sea Drilling Project from drill sites in the near Canadian waters are held in two United States repositories. The 40 repositories are described in detail including information on the materials
available for study, the examination facilities and any restrictions on public access to subsurface data. The detailed descriptions are summarized in English and in French in tabular form and an extended summary in both languages is provided.
Tuberculosis Abscess of the Chest Wall
Authors: Cataño Juan , Perez Jefferson
Published: October 2014

A 42-year-old male presented in June of 2011 with nocturnal fevers, night sweats, an 8-kg weight loss, and a cutaneous right chest wall mass. In March of 2013, a computed tomographic scan of the thorax showed a 54 × 18 × 26-mm right lower lobe mass with peripheral calcifications, and in May of 2013, he was admitted for a segmental lobectomy, in which histologic examination of the pulmonary tissue revealed granulomas with multinucleated giant cells. The tissue was negative for acid-fast bacillae on Ziehl–Neelsen stain, and culture grew Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Therefore, he was started on four first-line antituberculosis medications and showed rapid symptomatic improvement.
Australia’s Crisis of Uncertainty
Authors: Kay Robert
Published: October 2014

This viewpoint discusses how the need for stability has lead to a reduction in innovation in many industries despite the technological revolution we are living through.
Towards Harmonisation of Construction Industry Payment Legislation: A Consideration of the Success Afforded by the East and West Coast Models in Australia
Authors: Coggins Jeremy , Fenwick Elliott Robert , Bell Matthew
Published: October 2014

This article considers the success of the two distinct construction industry payment legislative models operating in Australia – “East Coast” and “West Coast” – in achieving their objective of improving cash flow throughout the construction industry. Success parameters are identified by the authors – namely: the levels of justice afforded by the legislation, the administrative and legal burden generated by the legislation, and the impact of the legislation on the relationships between the contracting parties – which are used as a basis to discuss and compare the performances of the East and West Coast models. It is concluded that the West Coast model provides a more just dispute resolution process, generates less administrative and legal burden, and is more conducive towards establishing positive relationships between contracting parties. However, it is recognised that there is a need for more data to be gathered from construction industry stakeholders before any firm recommendations can start to be made as to the most appropriate conceptual framework and detail for a harmonised approach.
Harmonisation of Chalk and Cheese
Authors: Davenport Philip
Published: October 2014

This is a response to Towards Harmonisation of the Construction Industry Security of Payment Legislation: A consideration of the success afforded by the East and West Coast Models in Australia by Jeremy Coggins, Robert Fenwick Elliott and Matthew Bell. Towards Harmonisation is based upon the false premise that the objectives of the East Coast and West Coast models are the same. They are chalk and cheese. Each serves a valuable purpose. Each jurisdiction needs both models.  A model for a dual process incorporating both the East Coast and the West Coast models will be found in Davenport (2007).
Managing Performance in Construction
Authors: Sawhney Anil
Published: October 2014

Leonhard E. Bernold and Simaan M. AbouRizk, Wiley, UK, 2010, i – xix, 1 393 plus indices, Instructors companion site, ISBN 0470- 171642 (hardback) AUD 160.00, NZD 180.00 £ 85.00, € 100.00
Explaining the Increase in the Australian Average House Completion Time:Activity-based versus Workflow-based Approach
Authors: Gharaie Ehsan , Wakefield Ron , Blismas Nick
Published: October 2014

The Australian house building industry has been facing an increase in the average house completion time in the last decade. This increase in some states is quite dramatic. For instance, Western Australia has faced a 70 percent increase in the average house completion time during this period. This paper uses two planning approaches to explain this; i) the activity-based planning methods and ii) the workflow-based planning methods. In addition, this research investigates the strengths and weaknesses of these two planning approaches in explaining the behaviour of the house building industry. For this purpose, a national case study and five state case studies including Victoria, Western Australia, New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia have been used. The data related to the key parameters have been collected and their correlation with the average house completion time has been investigated. These key parameters include the average house floor area, the number of house completions and the number of houses under construction. The reasons for the increasing trend of the average house completion time have been postulated in all case studies. According to this research, the increase in the average house completion time cannot be explained using activity-based planning methods. In contrast, by using workflow-based planning methods, it has been shown that the average house completion time is correlated with the number of houses under construction. This paper shows that the average completion time is influenced directly by the workflow in the house building industry and that workflow planning should be the basis for the house building industry planning.
Convergence Among the Submarkets in Australian Regional Building and Construction Sector
Authors: Liu Junxiao , London Kerry
Published: October 2014

Studies on market convergence are well considered in the literature. However, the majority of the previous research focused on housing markets and few studies have concentrated on construction markets. Owing to a simultaneously dramatic increase in the construction prices of the sub-markets in the building construction sector in Australia, this paper aims to identify the convergence among these markets, involving house construction market, other-residential building construction market, and non-residential building construction market. To achieve it the Granger causality test and generalized response function depending on the vector error correction model with the quarterly data of Australia’s eight states from 1998 to 2010 will be applied. Based upon the econometric tests, the price diffusion patterns among these construction markets have been identified. Research on the convergences of construction markets not only helps construction firms perform well in business operations and arbitrage activities, but also provides policy makers with useful information for enacting effective construction policies for national perspectives and approaches to infrastructure planning.
Managing Construction Logistics
Authors: McGeorge Denny
Published: October 2014

Book ReviewManaging Construction LogisticsGary Sullivan; Stephen Barthorpe and Stephen Robbins Publishers : Wiley-Blackwell 2010, 304 pages, ISBN 978-1-4051-5124-5 (paperback), GBP 49.99, EUR 60.00,  AUD 99.95, NZD  115.00.
Practical Guide to Engineering and Construction Contracts
Authors: Davenport Philip
Published: October 2014

Book ReviewPractical Guide to Engineering and Construction Contracts Philip Loots and Donald Charrett, CCH Australia Limited, Sydney 2009, 439 pages plus index, ISBN 9781921593529 (hardback) AUD 95
From Disparity to Harmonisation of Construction Industry Payment Legislation in Australia: A Proposal for a Dual Process of Adjudication based upon Size of Progress Payment Claim
Authors: Coggins Jeremy
Published: October 2014

Since the introduction of the Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act into New South Wales in 1999, construction industry payment legislation has progressively been enacted on a jurisdiction-by-jurisdiction basis throughout Australia. Of the eight Australian Acts, two distinct legislative models can be discerned – what have been termed the ‘East Coast’ and ‘West Coast’ models. This article compares the two models with respect to their payment systems and adjudication schemes, procedural justice afforded, incursion upon freedom of contract, uptake rates and efficiency. From this comparison, the strengths and weaknesses of the two models are identified. Finally, a dual process of adjudication based on progress payment claim size is proposed for a harmonised model, developed from previous proposals put forward by other authors, which aims to combine the strengths of the two existing models.
An Investigation of Women Engineers in Non-Traditional Occupations in the Thai Construction Industry
Authors: Kaewsri Nuanthip , Tonghong Tanit
Published: October 2014

For over a decade, the public and the private sectors have carried out research aimed at attracting women engineers to the construction industry and retaining them. However, studies on women engineers working in other types of construction-related businesses apart from contractor companies such as consultancies, developers, etc., have not been many. This paper aims to examine the experiences of women engineers in non-traditional careers and the implications for their turnover. A literature search on women’s careers in construction was performed in conjunction with semi-structured interviews with a sampling of 141 individuals. Results from three viewpoints, viz those of professional men and women engineers in contractor companies, and women engineers in non-contractor companies, were found to differ in many respects, including their opinions about career advancement, career path and the difficulties involved. It was also found that women engineers in contractor companies were much more affected by problems such as sexual harassment, work-life conflicts and equal opportunity than women engineers in non-contractor companies. Turnover rates of women engineers and their reasons for leaving were examined. Women engineers, particularly those in contractor companies, had to confront more barriers in non-traditional careers than their male counterparts.  Nonetheless, working in non-contractor companies provides a viable alternative for women engineers who want to have successful careers in the Thai construction industry.
A Human Perspective of Contractor Prequalification
Authors: Baroudi Bassam Michael , Metcalfe Mike
Published: October 2014

The contractor prequalification topic has had much written on it over the last two decades. In the past it has been primarily viewed in terms of the appropriate selection of contractors for construction projects. There has been extensive research interest into the functional and process driven aspects of contractor prequalification. However, there has been little research taking a more holistic view of contractor prequalification in terms of the human aspects that surround it. Hence, gaining a wider appreciation on how prequalification systems affect the major stakeholders seems warranted. The use of soft systems thinking allowed for an in-depth and contextual analysis of prequalification issues. This necessitated unstructured in-depth interviews to be carried out with senior industry practitioners. Sifting through their respective experiences allowed for an alternative view of contractor prequalification systems. It allowed a very human perspective of prequalification to emerge. The research suggests that viewing prequalification systems from a human perspective provides a fuller picture of their true benefits and limitations.
The Nature of Payment Problems in the New Zealand Construction Industry
Authors: Ramachandra Thanuja , Rotimi James Olabode
Published: October 2014

Delay and loss of payment is a serious problem in the construction industry of many countries. These affect the cash flow of contractors which is critical to meeting their financial obligations. Payment defaults by the principal leads to insolvency of contractors and in turn other parts of the project chain. In recognition of some of these problems, most countries have established payment-specific construction industry legislation and other contractual measures to mitigate the problems, but nevertheless the problem persists. In this context, the paper examines the nature of payment problems in the construction industry in New Zealand. It is part of a larger study, that seeks solutions to payment losses in the construction industry.The study uses two approaches; an analysis of liquidators’ reports, and an analysis of court cases involving payment disputes to determine the magnitude of payment problems on construction parties. The findings are presented using simple descriptive and interpretive analyses. The study finds that trade creditors are impacted negatively (payment delays and losses) by the liquidation of property developers, general construction and construction trade companies. 75% of trade creditors are unable to be paid fully by these categories of construction companies after liquidation proceedings. Liquidation proceedings take an average 18 months before they are finalised. The analysis of court cases found that 80% of payment disputes are between principals and contractors; with considerably significant percentage of disputes resulting in outright loss of payments. Only 40% of the cases are successful, in which case claimants are able to fully recover the amount in dispute. Payment losses are more prevalent in liquidation than delays and unlike in legal disputes, there is no security for those losses. The study finds that construction parties use remedies contained in the security of payment provisions within standard conditions of contract, and legislative documents.
Modern Construction Economics
Authors: Bridge Adrian John
Published: October 2014

Gerard de Valence (ed), Routledge, London, 232 pp. Hardcover, ISBN978-0-415-39706-3, USD 115.00 GDP 70.00
Work Stress among Professionals in Building Construction Industry in Nigeria
Authors: Ibem Eziyi Offia , Anosike Michael Nwabueze , Azuh Dominic Ezenwa , Mosaku Tim O.
Published: October 2014

This study was undertaken to identify key stress factors among professionals in building construction industry in Nigeria. This is in view of the fact that to date, very little is known about work stress among professionals in building construction industry in this country. The study involved the administration of questionnaire to 107 professionals including architects, builders, civil/structural engineers and quantity surveyors randomly selected from 60 ongoing building projects in Anambra, Ogun and Kaduna States, Nigeria. The data was analysed using descriptive statistics, and findings show that the principal sources of stress were high volume of work, uncomfortable site office environment, lack of feedback on previous and ongoing building projects, and variations in the scope of work in ongoing building projects. The paper suggests that taking responsibility for work which one has adequate capacity to handle, establishing realistic budgets and time frame for project delivery, provision of spatially adequate, visually and thermally comfortable site offices, adoption of appropriate job design practice and education of professionals on stress management strategies will reduce the incidence of stress among professionals in building industry in Nigeria.
Information Feedback and Learning in Construction Bidding
Authors: Oo Bee Lan , Abdul-Aziz Abdul-Rashid , Lim Yoke Mui
Published: October 2014

Information feedback condition in recurrent construction bidding is an important design variable about optimal procurement design. Contractors tend to optimize their bids in recurrent bidding with positive review of historic bids. Our experiment examines the effects of partial and no information feedback conditions on student (inexperienced) bidders’ bidding trends, and the extent to which their bidding trends agree with the behavioural patterns proposed by learning direction theory. The results show that the variations in bids over time for both information feedback conditions are statistically significant. Although the bidders with partial bidding feedback information are more likely to vary their bids as indicated by learning direction theory, their bids are less competitive than those with no bidding feedback information. Construction clients would need to consider the information feedback conditions in their procurement of construction services with the goal to achieve efficiency in construction bidding.
Analysing the Relationship between New Housing Supply and Residential Construction Costs with Regional Heterogeneities
Authors: Liu Junxiao , London Kerry
Published: October 2014

New housing supply in Australia has been experiencing a low increasing rate in conjunction with a dramatic increase in residential construction costs since the 1990s. This study aims to estimate the relationship between new housing supply and residential construction costs with the regional heterogeneities. Based on a panel error correction model, it can be identified that there is a causal link and a significant correlation between new housing supply and construction costs in the Australian sub-national housing construction markets. The model developed in this research assists policy makers to better understand the nature of the supply side of the housing sector and then enact appropriate policies to improve the new housing supply in Australia.
Three Theoretical Perspectives for Understanding Inter-firm Coordination of Construction Project Supply Chains
Authors: Formoso Carlos Torres , Isatto Eduardo Luis
Published: October 2014

The success of construction projects is highly dependent on the coordination of a fairly large number of stakeholders, such as client organizations, designers, general contractors, and subcontractors. Each of those stakeholders can both affect and be affected by the way a project is managed, and none of them usually has the power or the ability to coordinate project supply chains. However, the existing literature on supply chain management does not provide a comprehensive theoretical foundation for describing or explaining the coordination of construction project supply chains. This paper discusses the role of three different theoretical perspectives for understanding the inter-firm coordination process of project supply chains in the construction industry: the Theory of Coordination, the Transaction Cost Theory and the Language-Action Perspective. The contribution of each theoretical approach is pointed out in the paper, and their complementary role is illustrated in a case study carried out in a petrochemical construction project in Brazil.
Training Artisans On-Site
Authors: Ogbeifun Edoghogho
Published: October 2014

The decline in apprenticeship in both the public and private sectors, the increasing use of sub-contractors as well as the uncoordinated approach in the informal sector are contributing factors to the shortage of skilled artisans in the construction industry. Artisans training can be introduced and implemented through the adoption of progressive implementation of construction processes commencing work from areas requiring low skill demands to areas of high skill demand. The success of this principle hinges on the collaborative effort of the key project stakeholders. The client should be willing to absorb extra cost and delays in the project; the design and contract documentation should facilitate on-site training, and  the consultant actively guide the contractor and the construction processes to achieve the training objectives. The exploratory research method was adopted in this study and research revealed that this principle was used in a project in the UK and in the development of infrastructure in the tourism industry of South Africa .It is being recommended that the principle be adapted by the public sector for the development of small size infrastructures that can be repeated in many places. This will boost the quality and quantity of artisans, enhance employability, reduce rural urban migration and alleviate poverty.Keywords: Skilled artisans, on-site training, progressive construction processes, project stakeholders, contract documentation.
The learning climate of chartered quantity surveying practices
Authors: Lowe David , Skitmore Martin
Published: October 2014

This paper reports on a fully structured interview survey investigating the relationship between the learning climate of chartered quantity surveying practices and individual learning styles, approaches to learning, ability, measures of length of service and the size of the quantity surveying organisation. The results indicate that the learning environment is generally supportive in terms of human support, but less supportive in terms of staff development systems; as individuals rise in the hierarchy of an organisation, their perception of its ability to provide an appropriate learning environment increases. Likewise, perceptions of human support and working practices within organisations increase significantly with length of time in the profession; larger organisations have more advanced staff development systems but provide less human support; and the learning environment both overall and in terms of working practices correlates positively with learning styles and approaches to learning.
Architectural firms: workforce, business strategy and performance
Authors: Oluwatayo Adedapo Adewunmi , Amole Dolapo
Published: October 2014

The intent of this research was to investigate the relationship between the workforce, business strategy and performance of architectural firms. Data was collected from 92 firms randomly selected from the cities where architectural firms were most concentrated in Nigeria using questionnaires. Hierarchical regression analysis was carried out to investigate the direct and indirect impacts of the workforce of architectural firms on their performance. The findings confirm the significant positive impact. With business strategy controlled, the specific characteristics of the workforce and its management which influenced performance were the number of architects, the work structure, and the age and experience of the principal partners. The impact of the number of non- architecture professionals and staff participation in decision-making on performance was moderated by the business strategy adopted by the firms. The results suggest that workforce characteristics are more important than the management of the workforce in determining performance of architectural firms. This is contrary to the results of previous studies which suggest higher importance of the management. This probably indicates the peculiarity of architectural firm as a professional service firm in the construction industry.
Factors contributing to the fluctuations in residential construction in Iran
Authors: Fereidouni Hassan Gholipour
Published: October 2014

Residential construction is one of the most important pillars of Iran’s economy. Although this sector had an increasing trend over the past two decades, however, the growth rate of residential construction was very volatile. The purpose of this paper is to empirically investigate those factors contributing to this fluctuation over the 1991:Q2-2008:Q4. By applying cointegration approach, the empirical results show that housing prices, construction costs, GDP and gold prices are important factors to explain swings in residential construction in Iran.