Development of a Fuzzy Fire Risk Evaluation Model for Building Construction Sites in Hong Kong

Earlier research works on fire risk evaluation indicated that an objective,reliable, comprehensive, and practical fire risk evaluation model is essentialfor mitigating fire occurrence in building construction sites. Nevertheless,real empirical studies in this research area are quite limited. This journalpaper gives an account of the second stage of a research study aiming atdeveloping a fuzzy fire risk evaluation model for building construction sitesin Hong Kong. The empirical research findings showed that the overall firerisk level of building construction sites is 3.6427, which can be interpretedas “moderate risk”. Also, the survey respondents perceived that “Restrictionsfor On-Site Personnel” is the most vital fire risk factor; with “Storage ofFlammable Liquids or Dangerous Goods” being the second; and “Attitudeof Main Contractor” the third. The proposed fuzzy fire risk evaluationmodel for building construction sites can be used to assess the overall firerisk level for a building construction site, and to identify improvementareas needed. Although the fuzzy fire risk evaluation model was developeddomestically in Hong Kong, the research could be reproduced in othernations to develop similar models for international comparisons. Suchan extension would provide a deeper understanding of the fire riskmanagement on building construction sites

How Novice Researchers See Themselves Grow

Engaging in undergraduate research is identified as a High Impact Practice (HIP), an experience that improves student learning outcomes. In this paper, we report the differences in the relative rates of increase in skill and knowledge gains associated with early engagement in undergraduate research from students who have little to no prior research experience. We studied the relative rates of changes in novice researchers’ perceptions of the progressive development of different research-related skills and conceptual understandings of their own projects, as well as how their attitudes, such as confidence in their own abilities as researchers, develop with continuous participation in mentored research. Knowing the progression timeline for various skills may help program administrators and faculty mentors plan for “just in time” provision of relevant resources and supports

Anti-Jo-1 Syndrome presenting as cryptogenic organizing pneumonia

AbstractA 50-year-old Chinese lady presented with subacute onset of dyspnoea, bilateral infiltrates on chest X-ray and type I respiratory failure. There were minor symptoms of arthralgia and myalgia. Subsequent investigations confirmed that she had organizing pneumonia, polymyositis and serum anti-Jo-1 antibody. Treatment with corticosteroids resulted in prompt improvement of the respiratory condition and myositis

Development of a simple nonlinear switched reluctance motor model using measured flux linkage data and curve fit

This paper presents the formulation and simulation of a simple nonlinear switched reluctance motor (SRM) model. The model formulation is developed by first measuring the motor's flux linkage. A suitable 3 dimension shape function is developed to curve fit this data. Multiple shape functions are added together to reduce the mean square error of the flux linkage equation. We call this equation the Chan Series. Motor parameters such as inductance and back electromotive force coefficient equations are obtained by differentiating the Chan Series. The coenergy and motor torque equations are derived from the Chan Series by mathematical manipulation. Nonlinear model analysis is then carried out. Ways to indicate the motor size that takes into consideration the effect of magnetic flux saturation are proposed. Two motor relations are presented. Computer simulation of the model for chop, singlechop, and single-pulse modes are performed and compared to those published in [19]. The comparisons show that the developed model can predict the SRM behavior.Center for Electromechanic

Determining and assessing the risks of commercial and recreational complex building projects in developing countries : a survey of experts in Iran

Purpose: As construction of commercial and recreational complex building projects (CRCBPs) is one of the most important issues in many developing countries and requires a very high cost of implementation, it is important to identify and prioritize the risks of such projects. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to identify and rank the risks of CRCBPs by studying the case of the “Hamedanian Memorial,” a CRCBP in Iran. Design/methodology/approach: To pursue this aim, a descriptive-survey method was used. The statistical population of the study consists of 30 experienced experts (consultants, contractors and employers) of the “Hamedanian Memorial” project selected according to the Cochran formula and minimum population census. A questionnaire was used as the data collection tool, administered in all stages of risk identification and evaluation, and was devised by using library and field methods based on the literature and research background, as well as interviewing experts in the risk identification and evaluation stages. Kendall’s coefficient of agreement was used to validate the experts’ opinions in the risk identification stage. The ranking in qualitative evaluation was done based on the risk intensity and the cumulative risk index. Findings: The results show that the risks are associated with exchange rate fluctuation, inflation fluctuation, access to skilled workers, contractors’ claims and foreign threats from international relations. Originality/value: The results and findings of the present study can be of interest to the executives of large commercial, leisure, public and private projects in developing and developed countries; understanding risks can significantly improve the decision-making process of CRCBPs

A risk based approach to evaluating the impacts of Zayanderood drought on sustainable development indicators of riverside Urban in Isfahan-Iran

In recent years, the Zayanderood River in Isfahan-Iran has been encountered by hydrological imbalance and drought. Literature review shows that long-term climate change, drought, and disruption of the river's water supply has led to depletion of underground aquifers and, consequently, gradual subsidence of the river and serious damage to old buildings and structures along the riverbank. This fact would be followed up by adverse environmental, social, and economic effect that could threaten the sustainable development of urban space. Therefore, it is necessary to use efficient risk identification and assessment approaches toward a more effective risk management. The goal of this study is to identify and prioritize the risks of river drought with regards to all three sustainable development areas including environmental, social, and economic. The research methodology was a mixed field method that included a set of questionnaires and interviews. To evaluate collected data, the analytic network process (ANP) method was used. Eighteen important risks were identified. Based on the results, decrease in the groundwater level, climate change, and gradual soil degradation were ranked first, second, and third, respectively. As this study examined the impacts of river drought on all three areas of sustainable development simultaneously and comprehensively, it is expected that the results will fill the existing theoretical and practical gap affecting improvements in assessment and management of sustainable development risks. © 2019 by the authors

Small fibre neuropathy in sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis is characterized by multisystem granulomatous formation particularly in the chest. In this case report, we present an uncommon case highlighting significant peripheral nerve involvement, a phenomenon that is not well recognized  in sarcoidosis. The patient presented with severe incapacitating pain. Sarcoidosis as being the underlying cause was only established after extensive investigations. This case highlights the importance of recognizing small fibre peripheral polyneuropathy as a possible presentation of sarcoidosis. This could help to direct appropriate  medical intervention

An empirical survey of the perceived benefits of executing BIM and sustainability practices in the built environment

PurposeThe increasing urbanization of the built environment has bolstered the need to promote green Building Information Modeling (BIM) initiative in new construction projects and the rehabilitation of old premises. This study aims to explore and examine the key benefits of the implementation of BIM and sustainability practices in the built environment.Design/methodology/approachThe study gathered the worldwide perceptions of 220 survey participants from 21 countries which were analyzed using descriptive and inferential analytical methods. The identified individual benefits of green BIM were further categorized into their underlying clusters using factor analysis.FindingsThe key benefits are related to enhancing project efficiency and productivity, ensuring real-time sustainable design and multi-design alternatives, facilitating the selection of sustainable materials and components, together with reducing material wastage and project’s environmental impact, among others. The study analyzed and compared the perceptions of the diverse groups of the respondents as well.Practical implicationsEffective blueprints and insightful recommendations for enhancing the various stakeholders’ capacities to implement green BIM in their construction projects were put forward to achieve the aim of sustainable smart urbanization.Originality/valueThe study identified salient benefits of the adoption of BIM and sustainability practices. The proper integration of these concepts and the execution of the recommended useful strategies by construction stakeholders, policymakers and local authorities will enable the built environment to reap the gains of its implementation

Concomitant Impediments to the implementation of Smart Sustainable Practices in the Built Environment

The paper examines the major barriers to the application of smart tools to enhance the implementation of sustainability practices in the built environment. The study collated 38 types of impediments from a comprehensive desktop review of the literature, and the data collected were further subjected to expert review via the use of empirical questionnaire surveys. The perceptions of 220 professional respondents from 21 countries were collated via the surveys for statistical analysis and classification purposes. The study findings revealed the significant impediments as related to inadequate knowledge and skills, the current market structure and inherent resistance to change in the built environment, and organizational challenges, among others. A comparative analysis of the perceptions of the diverse groups of survey participants was conducted and discussed. The adoption of the survey findings is envisaged to help the built environment in minimizing the impact of these barriers and can serve as a policy instrument and useful guidelines for government agencies, stakeholders, and others towards ensuring BIM can be used to deliver the full potential of sustainability practices in the construction industry. The study has provided effective practical strategies and recommendations for enhancing the implementation of smart sustainability practices in the built environment