Process transparency on construction sites : examples from construction companies in Brazil

Process transparency is the core concept in Visual Management (VM), which is one of the founding blocks of the Toyota Production System. This paper presents the preliminary results of a collaborative research conducted between Brazil and the UK, as part of a research effort focused on the application of Visual Management in construction. How process transparency is realized on construction sites is the main research question of the paper. The use of this concept and the implementation of the transparency theory were investigated through multiple case studies, carried out in nine different construction companies. The findings are explained through six theoretical transparency increasing approaches. The affecting parameters in the application of, the management’s perception of and several methods in process transparency in construction were identified. Further work, especially exploring the functions of process transparency on construction sites and reflecting the worker perception of the issue, is necessary to elaborate the process transparency concept

TGF-beta(2)- and H2O2-Induced Biological Changes in Optic Nerve Head Astrocytes Are Reduced by the Antioxidant Alpha-Lipoic Acid

Background/Aims: The goal of the present study was to determine whether transforming growth factor-beta(2) (TGF-beta(2))- and oxidative stress-induced cellular changes in cultured human optic nerve head (ONH) astrocytes could be reduced by pretreatment with the antioxidant alpha-lipoic acid (LA). Methods: Cultured ONH astrocytes were treated with 1.0 ng/ml TGF-beta(2) for 24 h or 200 mu M hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) for 1 h. Lipid peroxidation was measured by a decrease in cis-pari-naric acid fluorescence. Additionally, cells were pretreated with different concentrations of LA before TGF-beta 2 or H2O2 exposure. Expressions of the heat shock protein (Hsp) alpha B-crystallin and Hsp27, the extracellular matrix (ECM) component fibronectin and the ECM-modulating protein connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) were examined with immunohistochemistry and real-time PCR analysis. Results: Both TGF-beta(2) and H2O2 increased lipid peroxidation. Treatment of astrocytes with TGF-beta(2) and H2O2 upregulated the expression of alpha B-crystallin, Hsp27, fibronectin and CTGF. Pretreatment with different concentrations of LA reduced the TGF-beta(2)- and H2O2-stimulated gene expressions. Conclusion: We showed that TGF-beta(2)- and H2O2-stimulated gene expressions could be prevented by pretreatment with the antioxidant LA in cultured human ONH astrocytes. Therefore, it is tempting to speculate that the use of antioxidants could have protective effects in glaucomatous optic neuropathy. Copyright (C) 2012 S. Karger AG, Base

Novel role for the innate immune receptor toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) in the regulation of the wnt signaling pathway and photoreceptor apoptosis

Recent evidence has implicated innate immunity in regulating neuronal survival in the brain during stroke and other neurodegenerations. Photoreceptors are specialized light-detecting neurons in the retina that are essential for vision. In this study, we investigated the role of the innate immunity receptor TLR4 in photoreceptors. TLR4 activation by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) significantly reduced the survival of cultured mouse photoreceptors exposed to oxidative stress. With respect to mechanism, TLR4 suppressed Wnt signaling, decreased phosphorylation and activation of the Wnt receptor LRP6, and blocked the protective effect of the Wnt3a ligand. Paradoxically, TLR4 activation prior to oxidative injury protected photoreceptors, in a phenomenon known as preconditioning. Expression of TNFα and its receptors TNFR1 and TNFR2 decreased during preconditioning, and preconditioning was mimicked by TNFα antagonists, but was independent of Wnt signaling. Therefore, TLR4 is a novel regulator of photoreceptor survival that acts through the Wnt and TNFα pathways. © 2012 Yi et al

Human-induced earthquakes: E-PIE—a generic tool for Evaluating Proposals of Induced Earthquakes

The HiQuake database documents all cases of earthquake sequences proposed on scientific grounds to have been induced by anthropogenic industrial activity. Because these cases range from being highly plausible to unpersuasive, stakeholders have requested cases to be allocated plausibility grades. Since no questionnaire scheme existed that was sufficiently generalized to be applied to the diverse cases in HiQuake, we developed a new scheme for the task. Our scheme for Evaluating Proposals of Induced Earthquakes (E-PIE) comprises nine generalized questions with a simple weighting system to adjust for the variable diagnostic strength of different observations. Results are illustrated using a simple colored pie chart. We describe the E-PIE scheme and illustrate its application in detail using the example cases of the Groningen gas field in the Netherlands, the November 2017 M5.4 Pohang Enhanced Geothermal Systems-related earthquake sequence in South Korea, and the 2001 deep-penetrating bombing of Tora Bora, Afghanistan. To test the performance of E-PIE, five analysts independently applied it to a suite of 23 diverse cases from HiQuake. By far the most diagnostic questions are those concerning spatial and temporal correlations with industrial effects. Other data are diagnostically subsidiary. For individual cases, the agreement between analysts correlated positively with the strength of evidence for human induction. E-PIE results agree well with those from a specialist scheme tailored to fluid-injection cases. Its strong performance confirms its suitability to apply to the entire HiQuake database

The plausibility of claimed induced seismicity

Claims of industrially induced seismicity vary from indisputable to unpersuasive and yet the veracityof industrial induction is vital for regulatory and operational practice. Assessment schemes have beendeveloped in response to this need. We report here an initial assessment of the reliability of all globallyknown cases of proposed human-induced earthquakes and invite specialists on particular cases torefine these results. 1235 cases were assessed, requiring over 1000 h of work. From the 881 cases forwhich scorable evidence is available, we class 87% as ‘Confidently Induced’, 10% as ‘Probably Induced’,2% as ‘Equivocal’ and < 1% as ‘Confidently Natural’. The most seismogenic activities are fracking,research, geothermal, water reservoir impoundment, conventional oil and gas. Least seismogenicactivities are construction, deep penetrating bombs, coal bed methane. 354 cases (29%) lack enoughinformation to be assessable. Future work could include applying data mining techniques includingnatural language processing and AI to uncover new evidence. Future best practice for rapid assessmentof cases would ideally involve an independent panel of scientists who rapidly apply a questionnairescheme, reach consensus, and inform a response

Opportunities and challenges of digital twin applications in the Middle East construction industry

Purpose – Over the years, the Middle East (ME) has experienced significant advancements in technology, particularly in the digital realm, initiated by Dubai’s 2013 Building Information Modeling (BIM) mandate. However, there are ongoing questions regarding how digital twins (DTs) have been adopted and awareness within the region’s construction industry. This paper aims to explore the current state of DT technology within the construction industry in the ME. It seeks to understand the trends, benefits and challenges associated with the adoption of DTs, as well as the level of awareness among industry professionals regarding this innovative technology. Design/methodology/approach – Conducting a comprehensive literature review and semi-structured interviews with 10 construction professionals from various firms in the ME, each possessing significant experience (ranging from 7 to 26 years) in digital construction. The interviews were designed to gather in-depth insights into the advantages, challenges and awareness of DTs in the region. The data collected from these interviews were transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis facilitated by NVivo 14 software, allowing the identification of key themes and patterns related to the implementation of digital twin technology in the region. Findings – There is a growth in Middle Eastern digital twin trends, with developers exploring efficient implementation. Despite theoretical advancements, practical implementation lags. Identified benefits include sustainability enhancement, roles in risk assessment, predictive maintenance, documentation, stakeholder communication, customer satisfaction, safety, production increase, efficiency and real-time monitoring. Challenges involve 26 obstacles categorized into six groups, notably a lack of awareness and understanding of digital twin technology and concerns about data uncertainties. Research limitations/implications – The research focused only on the applications of DT within the ME region. Practical implications – This paper underscores the importance of standardized policy frameworks for DT adoption in the ME construction industry. Standardization enhances project execution, regulatory compliance and innovation while fostering collaboration among stakeholders. Awareness and education programs are crucial for understanding DT benefits, promoting sustainability and improving operational efficiency, offering a clear roadmap for the effective integration of DT solutions. Originality/value – The value of this research lies in its in-depth examination of DT technology’s definition, components, benefits and challenges within the Middle Eastern construction industry. It sheds light on the early stages of DT adoption, emphasizing the need for infrastructure, skilled management and standardization to optimize its integration. The study bridges theoretical knowledge with practical insights, addressing barriers like cultural change, data uncertainties and regulatory gaps while highlighting lessons from related technologies like BIM

The study of dynamic singularities of seismic signals by the generalized Langevin equation

Analytically and quantitatively we reveal that the generalized Langevin equation (GLE), based on a memory function approach, in which memory functions and information measures of statistical memory play a fundamental role in determining the thin details of the stochastic behavior of seismic systems, naturally leads to a description of seismic phenomena in terms of strong and weak memory. Due to a discreteness of seismic signals we use a finite-discrete form of the GLE. Here we studied some cases of seismic activities of Earth ground motion in Turkey with consideration of the complexity, nonergodicity and fractality of seismic signals. © 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved

Design science research in lean construction: Process and outcomes

Design science (or constructive) research is a mode of producing scientific knowledge. It differs from explanatory research whose goal is to describe, understand and eventually predict phenomena of a particular field. Alternatively, the goal of design science research is to develop scientifically grounded solutions that are able to solve real-world problems. In this way, it establishes an appropriate link between theory and practice, strengthening the relevance of academic research. This paper discusses the design science research approach and illustrates through the analysis of two Ph.D investigations how it can be adopted in lean construction. In this paper, the outcomes and the research process adopted in these investigations are presented. At the end, some conclusions concerning the outcomes achieved and the activities involved in conducting design science in lean construction are discussed

The two sides of cytokine signaling and glaucomatous optic neuropathy

The mechanistic study of glaucoma pathogenesis has shifted to seeking to understand the effects of immune responses on retinal ganglion cell damage and protection. Cytokines are the hormonal factors that mediate most of the biological effects in both the immune and nonimmune systems. CD4-expressing T helper cells are a major source of cytokine production and regulation. Type 1 helper T (Th1) cells are characterized by the production of proinflammatory cytokines such as interferon-gamma, interleukin (IL)-2, IL-12, IL-23, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha while type 2 helper T (Th2) cells are characterized by the production of IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, and IL-10. The balance of Th1/Th2 cytokine production influences many pathological processes and plays both causative and protective roles in neuron damages. Growing evidence indicates that imbalances of Th1/Th2 cytokine production are involved in neural damage or protection in many neurological diseases. In this review, we discuss the possible roles of Th1/Th2 cytokine production and imbalance of Th1/Th2 cytokines in retina, especially glaucomatous optic neuropathy