bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of waste occurrence level indicator in Vietnam construction industry
Authors: Khanh Ha Duy , Kim Soo Yong 
Published: November 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the waste occurrence level in the construction industry. It includes: first, identifying the mean value of frequency of waste occurrence according to respondents’ characteristics; second, identifying the main predictive factors for waste occurrence based on latent relationships between initial waste factors; and third, identifying the waste occurrence-level indicator (WOLI) for the construction industry based on the main waste measurement factors.

Design/methodology/approach
– A total of 19 waste factors were sorted from the literature review. A structured questionnaire was adopted to carry out the survey. The respondents are professionals who have much experience in construction and management of project. Shapiro-Wilk test of normality, Levene’s test, ANOVA test, and factor analysis technique were used to analyze the collected data.

Findings
– Frequency of waste occurrence in construction projects is quite high. There was no statistically and practically significant difference in means for waste occurrence between selected population categories. Based on factor analysis technique, there were five principal components extracted with 56.7 percent of total variance. The WOLI in the construction industry was found as 61.55 per the scale of 100.

Research limitations/implications
– The non-probability sampling was applied to collect data because of several certain limitations and difficulties. The number of data sets is relatively small. This study has only examined the frequency of waste occurrence without quantitative information.

Practical implications
– This is another study of waste factors in the construction industry, which is different from traditional waste studies.

Originality/value
– The contribution of this study to the practical project management is that a proposed evaluation sheet for WOLI could be applied for any construction firm.
Climate and construction delays: case study in Chile
Authors: Ballesteros-Pérez Pablo , del Campo-Hitschfeld Maria Luisa , González-Naranjo Manuel Alejandro , González-Cruz Mari Carmen 
Published: November 2015

Purpose
– Construction projects usually suffer delays, and the causes of these delays and its cost overruns have been widely discussed, the weather being one of the most recurrent. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the influence of climate on standard construction work activities through a case study.

Design/methodology/approach
– By studying the extent at which some weather variables impede outdoor work from being effectively executed, new maps and tables for planning for delays are presented. In addition, a real case regarding the construction of several bridges in southern Chile is analyzed.

Findings
– Few studies have thoroughly addressed the influences of major climatic agents on the most common outdoor construction activities. The method detailed here provides a first approximation for construction planners to assess to what extent construction productivity will be influenced by the climate.

Research limitations/implications
– Although this study was performed in Chile, the simplified method proposed is entirely transferable to any other country, however, other weather or combinations of weather variables could be needed in other environments or countries.

Practical implications
– The implications will help reducing the negative social, economic and environmental outcomes that usually emerge from project delays.

Originality/value
– Climatic data were processed using extremely simple calculations to create a series of quantitative maps and tables that would be useful for any construction planner to decide the best moment of the year to start a project and, if possible, where to build it.
Key factors for the BIM adoption by architects: a China study
Authors: Ding Zhikun , Zuo Jian , Wu Jinchuang , Wang JY 
Published: November 2015

Purpose
– There has been a growing attention to building information modeling (BIM) globally due to its benefits to various stages of a building’s life cycle. To facilitate the implementation of BIM in the construction industry effectively, the purpose of this paper is to gain a better understanding of the mechanism for BIM adoption by practitioners such as architects.

Design/methodology/approach
– A questionnaire survey of architects is conducted in Shenzhen, China. A structural equation model is built with survey data to identify the key factors affecting architects’ BIM adoption in the design firms.

Findings
– It is found that motivation, technical defects of BIM and BIM capability are the statistically significant factors affecting architects’ BIM adoption whereas management support and knowledge structure are not.

Research limitations/implications
– Only one architectural, engineering and construction (AEC) profession, i.e. architects were selected as research participants. In future, other professions such as construction engineers, project managers, etc. should be investigated with respect to their BIM adoption issues.

Practical implications
– BIM technology developers should improve the technology along the objectives of economic benefits, effectiveness and efficiency of BIM adoption. The compatibility and integration between BIM and other widely available software in the industry should also be improved. Moreover, AEC company and project managers should provide architects with opportunities of BIM training so that architects are more likely to apply BIM in future projects.

Originality/value
– A quantitative theoretical model, i.e. structural equation model is built to identify key factors affecting architects’ BIM adoption, which takes one step further to reveal the BIM adoption mechanism in contrast to previous descriptive-oriented studies.
Essential features of a building services standard method of measurement in Malaysia
Authors: Amuda-Yusuf Ganiyu , Mohamed Sarajul Fikri 
Published: November 2015

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to examine the need to develop building service standard method of measurement (BSSMM) that would provide a home ground advantage and a framework for managing the cost of building services by quantity surveyors.Design/methodology/approach– A review of previous research on the rules of measurement was carried out. This exercise provides the basis for questionnaire design which was administered to quantity surveyors in Malaysia construction industry.Findings– The results indicated the need to develop BSSMM. In total, 23 variables were identified as essential features of such standard method of measurement. These variables were grouped into three categories and a priority ranking of them was carried out. The analysis revealed a strong agreement among quantity surveyors on the priority ranking of the essential features of the BSSMM.Research limitations/implications– Although, the research would assist industry stakeholders in developing BSSMM that reflects local and international best practices, there is need to further investigate how the rules of the BSSMM could be aligned with construction industry classification systems.Practical implications– The availability of information and computer technology (ICT) tools has transformed the traditional practices in the industry and offered values to quantity surveyors, but if quantity surveyors’ tools cannot be consolidated and incorporated into emerging ICT applications, then QS collaboration will be difficult, and the requirements for electronic data exchange will be impractical. Therefore, this type of standard method of measurement will facilitate cross-referencing and coordination between BoQ and other documents such as drawings, specifications and tender produced by other project participants and thereby lay efficient foundation for effective collaboration of quantity surveyors in BIM model. In addition, the BSSMM will not only comply with local industry practices, it will also be internationally compatible.Originality/value– Adoption of a structured format based on BSSMM to present building services cost information is essential in view of the increase in the value and complexity of building services in modern buildings. However, there is need to enhance quantity surveyors’ knowledge in the technology and cost management of building services so as to ensure the reliability of cost advice provided to clients. This goal would be partly achieved through education and training of Quantity Surveyors/Cost Consultants in the interpretation and use of the rules of an SMM.
Barriers to public private partnership projects in developing countries
Authors: Babatunde Solomon Olusola , Perera Srinath , Zhou Lei , Udeaja Chika 
Published: November 2015

Purpose– Studies on barriers to public private partnerships (PPPs) in Nigeria, especially those that are empirical, remain rare. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to identify and classify barriers to PPP projects implementation in Nigeria.Design/methodology/approach– Primary data were collected through the administration of questionnaires to public sector authorities, concessionaires, local lenders, consultants, and contractors already involved in PPP projects. Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics, mean score, Kruskal-Wallis test, and factor analysis.Findings– The study identified 58 barriers and the analysis of the total ranking among stakeholders revealed that all the identified barriers were considered as serious barriers influencing PPP projects in Nigeria. The result of Kruskal-Wallis test indicated that except for 18 (out of 58) identified barriers, there was no statistical significant difference in stakeholders’ perceptions on barriers to PPPs project implementation in Nigeria. The study through factor analysis grouped the identified 58 barriers into ten principal factors with their components.Practical implications– This study provides an in-depth understanding on Nigeria’s PPP market environment current context in terms of prevalent barriers influencing PPPs project. This would be beneficial to PPP stakeholders in decision making and planning towards PPP projects implementation.Originality/value– The findings would be valuable in assisting all stakeholders, particularly potential local, and foreign private investors to recognise major barriers in the implementation of PPP projects in Nigeria and thus helping them to develop strategies for penetrating Nigeria and developing countries PPP market successfully. This study results are crucial as not many empirical studies have been conducted in Nigeria.
Group consensus of heterogeneous multi-agent systems with fixed topologies
Authors: Liu Cong , Zhou Qiang , Hu Xiaoguang 
Published: November 2015

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to study the dynamical group consensus of heterogeneous multi-agent systems with fixed topologies.Design/methodology/approach– The tool used in this paper to model the topologies of multi-agent systems is algebraic graph theory. The matrix theory and stability theory are applied to research the group consensus of heterogeneous multi-agent systems with fixed topologies. The Laplace transform and Routh criterion are utilized to analyze the convergence properties of heterogeneous multi-agent systems.Findings– It is discovered that the dynamical group consensus for heterogeneous multi-agent systems with first-order and second-order agents can be achieved under the reasonable hypothesizes. The group consensus condition is only relied on the nonzero eigenvalues of the graph Laplacian matrix.Originality/value– The novelty of this paper is to investigate the dynamical group consensus of heterogeneous multi-agent systems with first-order and second-order agents and fixed topologies and obtain a sufficient group consensus condition.
Value assessment of built heritage: a case study of Ferdowsi mausoleum
Authors: Daneshdoust Dousa 
Published: November 2015

Purpose– Considering built heritage as public goods demands a lot of planning as usually historic sites and monuments are administrated by governments. The purpose of this paper is to propose and apply contingent valuation method (CVM) for the value assessment of historic sites as public goods.Design/methodology/approach– The aim of this research is to apply CVM to assess the total value as well as sub values, use and non-use values of a historic site. Ferdowsi mausoleum in Tus historic area near Mashhad city in Iran has been chosen as a case study.Findings– The paper indicates that historic sites meet all the criteria for being considered as public goods and obtained high amount of willingness to pay proves the significance of Ferdowsi mausoleum to the people of Mashhad city and its tourists. Non-use values comprise the highest share of value and cultural identity has the highest value among non-use values.Practical implications– It is recommended that CVM be applied in cost-benefit analysis of historic sites. This is useful in the process of prioritization of restoration and maintenance of historic sites and could be used by policy makers in policy crafting processes.Originality/value– CVM has been used for the first time for a mausoleum and for a site in Iran and sub values have been measured for the first time for a historic site.
Does religion influence consumers’ green food consumption? Some insights from Malaysia
Authors: Mohd Suki Norazah , Mohd Suki Norbayah 
Published: November 2015

Purpose– This paper aims to examine whether Muslim and non-Muslim consumers give different importance to green food consumption.Design/methodology/approach– Data were analysed using means comparison and multiple discriminant analysis across a sample of 700 students in a public higher learning institution in the Federal Territory of Labuan, Malaysia, using the convenience sampling technique.Findings– Empirical results via multiple discriminant analysis discovered that imperative aspects such as specific needs, personal environmental values related to green food and governmental efforts strongly predict discrimination towards green food consumption among the non-Muslim consumers. Muslim consumers follow a strict diet that complies with religious dietary laws.Practical implications– Understanding Muslim and non-Muslim consumers’ awareness of and intentions towards green food consumption is very important for any manager in the food industry or food market, as it is critical that the food they produce is safe, environmental and healthy. It is understood that Muslim consumers are very particular about food intake, as they can only consume food that complies with religious dietary laws.Originality/value– The results of this study presented vital insights and enhanced the understanding of the role of religion and its influence on green food consumption in Asia.
Family meals and identity in urban China
Authors: Yu Hongyan , Veeck Ann , Yu Fang (Grace) 
Published: November 2015

Purpose– This study aims to, with family structures in urban China becoming increasingly diverse, examine how and to what extent the characteristics of everyday family meals relate to the establishment and strengthening of a collective sense of the Chinese family. Integrating ritual and family identity theories developed through studies conducted in the West, the research explores the relationship between family identity and the major dimensions that characterize ritualistic practices through an examination of family dinners in a non-Western context.Design/methodology/approach– The mixed-method approach combines a qualitative phase (focus groups and interviews) with a large-scale survey of households (n= 1,319) in four Chinese cities.Findings– The results find a positive relationship between family identity and commitment to family meals, as well as continuity promoted through family meals, at a 99 per cent confidence level.Research limitations/implications– One important research limitation is that the sample was limited to four cities. In addition, it is difficult for quantitative measures to capture the richness of emotionally and symbolically laden constructs, such as communication, commitment, continuity and family identity.Practical implications– The results provide insights into the meanings of family meals in China. With over one-third of household expenditures spent on food in Chinese cities, the formulation of brand positions and promotions can be informed through a greater understanding of the influence of family dynamics on food consumption.Social implications– The findings indicate that, within China’s dynamic environment of changing family values, strengthening the ritualistic characteristics of everyday family activities, such as family meals, can lead to an increase in a collective sense of family.Originality/value– The study demonstrates under what conditions, within this rapidly changing socioeconomic environment, the family dinner provides stability and a sense of unity for Chinese families. In China, a trend toward individualization is accompanied by a deep-seeded sense of obligation toward family that exerts an important influence on meal composition and patterns.
Practising conviviality: social uses of ethnic cuisine in an Asian multicultural environment
Authors: Zafari Katayoun , Allison Gareth , Demangeot Catherine 
Published: November 2015

Purpose
– This paper aims to understand the social dynamics surrounding the consumption of non-native, ethnic cuisines in the multicultural context of an Asian city.

Design/methodology/approach
– Data were collected via in-depth interviews with 21 culturally diverse residents of Dubai. Data were analysed inductively, leading to the emergence of three themes characterising social dynamics underpinning the consumption of non-native cuisines in an Asian multicultural environment.

Findings
– Three types of social dynamics were identified: instrumental uses, expressive uses and conviviality considerations.

Research limitations/implications
– The study suggests that the different types of cultural dynamics at play have different roles; some act as influencing or constraining factors in the everyday practice of multicultural consumption, whereas others are used more proactively as enablers.

Originality/value
– This paper contributes to the authors’ understanding of how people “practice conviviality” in multicultural marketplaces, providing insights into the complex social dynamics, underpinning the consumption of non-native cuisines in multicultural marketplaces. Although the consumer literature on food and cuisines has acknowledged the social influences surrounding cuisines and food consumption, these have typically been viewed in a single block. This study shows the importance of conviviality considerations in non-native cuisine consumption. Further, the paper shows that the consumption of non-native cuisines is an everyday practice in a multicultural context, which is used with varying degrees of proactiveness for social lubrication and multicultural socialisation.
Regional and historical factors supplement current climate in shaping global forest canopy height
Authors: Zhang Jian , Nielsen Scott E. , Mao Lingfeng , Chen Shengbin , Svenning Jens‐Christian 
Published: November 2015

Summary

Canopy height is a key factor that affects carbon storage, vegetation productivity and biodiversity in forests, as well as an indicator of key processes such as biomass allocation. However, global variation in forest canopy height and its determinants are poorly known.

We used global data on Light Detection and Ranging‐derived maximum forest canopy height (Hmax) to test hypotheses relating Hmax to current climate (water availability, ambient energy and water–energy dynamics), regional evolutionary and biogeographic history, historical climate change, and human disturbance.

We derived Hmax for 32 304 forested 55‐km grid cells using 1‐km global canopy height data (maximum height of 1‐km cells within a 55‐km grid). Variation in Hmax was related to latitude and biomes, along with environmental and historical variables. Both spatial and non‐spatial linear models were used to assess the relative importance of the different hypothesized factors.

Hmax was inversely related to latitude (i.e. tall canopies at the equator), but with high geographical variability. Actual evapotranspiration and annual precipitation were the factors most correlated to Hmax globally, thus supporting the water–energy dynamics hypothesis. However, water limitation emerged as a key factor in tropical and temperate biomes within specific geographic regions, while energy limitation was a more important factor in boreal regions where temperature is more limiting to trees than water.

Hmax exhibited strong variation among biogeographic regions, supporting the role of regional evolutionary and biogeographic history in structuring broad‐scale patterns in canopy height. Furthermore, there were divergent relationships between climate and Hmax between the Southern and Northern Hemispheres, consistent with historical evolutionary contingencies modulating these relationships. Historical climate change was also related to Hmax, albeit not as strongly, with shorter canopy heights where late‐Quaternary climate has been less stable. In contrast, human disturbance was only weakly related to Hmax at the scale (55 km) examined here.

Synthesis. This study confirms that forest canopy height is strongly controlled by current climate, but also provides evidence for an important supplementary role for regional–historical factors. This highlights the importance of considering evolutionary and biogeographic history for achieving a comprehensive understanding of forest ecosystem properties.
Higher seed number compensates for lower fruit set in deceptive orchids
Authors: Sonkoly Judit , E. Vojtkó Anna , Tökölyi Jácint , Török Péter , Sramkó Gábor , Illyés Zoltán , Molnár V. Attila 
Published: November 2015

Summary

Floral deception is widespread in orchids, with more than one‐third of the species being pollinated this way. The evolutionary success of deceptive orchids is puzzling, as species employing this strategy are thought to have low reproductive success (less flowers yielding fruits) because of low pollination rates. However, direct measurements of total seed production in orchids – which is a better measure of reproductive success – are scarce due to the extremely small size of their seeds.

Here, we quantified seed numbers in 1015 fruits belonging to 48 orchid species from the Pannonian ecoregion (central Europe) and obtained fruit set and thousand‐seed weight data for these species from the literature. We used phylogenetic comparative methods to test the hypothesis that deceptive species should compensate for their lower fruit set by having either more flowers, larger seeds or more seeds in a fruit.

Similarly to previous studies, we found that deceptive orchids have substantially lower fruits‐set than nectar‐rewarding ones. Also, we found that deceptive species have more seeds in a fruit but not more flowers or larger seeds compared to nectar‐rewarding ones. Based on our results, deceptive species compensate for their lower fruit set by having higher seed numbers per fruit. As a consequence, their seed numbers per shoot do not differ from that of nectar‐rewarding ones.

Together with other benefits of deceptive pollination (e.g. lower energy expenditure due to the lack of nectar production and higher genetic variability due to decreased probability of geitonogamous pollination), our results can explain why deceptive strategies are so widespread in the orchid family.

Synthesis. Our results indicate that deceptive orchids can compensate for their lower fruit set by having more (but not larger) seeds in a fruit than rewarding species. These findings highlight possible ways in which plants can increase their reproductive success in face of pollinator limitation. We emphasize that fruit set in itself is an inappropriate measure of the reproductive success of orchids – the total number of seeds per shoot is a much better approximation.