scholarly journals Concrete vs. Ceramic Blocks: Environmental Impact Evaluation Considering a Country-Level Approach

World ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 482-504
Author(s):  
Lucas R. Caldas ◽  
Francesco Pittau ◽  
Roberto Schaeffer ◽  
Anna K. E. B. Saraiva ◽  
Rayane de L. M. Paiva ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Impacts ◽  
Building Materials ◽  
Methodological Approach ◽  
Housing Demand ◽  
Country Level ◽  
Ceramic Blocks ◽  
Building Components ◽  
Material Transportation ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Using Data

In continental countries, building materials are often moved over long distances from factories to building sites. This is especially important when quality and performance certification systems are required for the building materials’ acquisition. In this scenario, the transportation phase tends to have a great contribution to building materials’ environmental impacts. Taking into consideration that countries such as China, India, and Brazil, i.e., continental countries, are expecting the largest future housing demand, the issue of transportation will have a crucial role in environmental impacts. Through a Brazilian case study, the present work investigates the potential environmental impacts of structural masonry made of concrete and ceramic blocks certified by the Brazilian Quality Program. A cradle-to-site Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA) is carried out while considering a country-level approach using data from the literature and Ecoinvent. The results show that ceramic blocks are preferable for most states and scenarios. Human Health and Ecosystem Quality are the two categories most affected by transportation, and they can reach more than 96% and 99%, respectively. The efficiency of the building material transportation system plays an important role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. A shift in building components from concrete to ceramic blocks has the potential to mitigate between 154 and 229 Mt CO2-eq between 2020 and 2050. The methodological approach used in this work can be applied to other building materials and other countries, especially those of continental dimensions that are expected to have a significant future housing demand.

Determinants of Control System Design in Divisionalized Firms

2004 ◽  
Vol 79 (3) ◽  
pp. 545-570 ◽  
Author(s):  
Margaret A. Abernethy ◽  
Jan Bouwens ◽  
Laurence van Lent
Keyword(s):  
Control System ◽  
System Design ◽  
Performance Measures ◽  
Simultaneous Equation ◽  
Equation Model ◽  
Control System Design ◽  
Information Asymmetries ◽  
Endogenous Variables ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Using Data

We investigate two determinants of two choices in the control system of divisionalized firms, namely decentralization and use of performance measures. The two determinants are those identified in the literature as important to control system design: (1) information asymmetries between corporate and divisional managers and (2) division interdependencies. We treat decentralization and performance measurement choices as endogenous variables and examine the interrelation among these choices using a simultaneous equation model. Using data from 78 divisions, our results indicate that decentralization is positively related to the level of information asymmetries and negatively to intrafirm interdependencies, while the use of performance measures is affected by the level of interdependencies among divisions within the firm, but not by information asymmetries. We find some evidence that decentralization choice and use of performance measures are complementary.

scholarly journals Relationship between MODIS Derived NDVI and Yield of Cereals for Selected European Countries

Agronomy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 340
Author(s):  
Ewa Panek ◽  
Dariusz Gozdowski
Keyword(s):  
Linear Regression ◽  
Grain Yield ◽  
Vegetation Index ◽  
Normalized Difference Vegetation Index ◽  
Arable Land ◽  
Early Spring ◽  
European Countries ◽  
Yield Prediction ◽  
Country Level ◽  
Using Data

In this study, the relationships between normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) obtained based on MODIS satellite data and grain yield of all cereals, wheat and barley at a country level were analyzed. The analysis was performed by using data from 2010–2018 for 20 European countries, where percentage of cereals is high (at least 35% of the arable land). The analysis was performed for each country separately and for all of the collected data together. The relationships between NDVI and cumulative NDVI (cNDVI) were analyzed by using linear regression. Relationships between NDVI in early spring and grain yield of cereals were very strong for Croatia, Czechia, Germany, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Slovakia. This means that the yield prediction for these countries can be as far back as 4 months before the harvest. The increase of NDVI in early spring was related to the increase of grain yield by about 0.5–1.6 t/ha. The cumulative of averaged NDVI gives more stable prediction of grain yield per season. For France and Belgium, the relationships between NDVI and grain yield were very weak.

scholarly journals Depression and loneliness of older adults in Europe and Israel after the first wave of covid-19

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Josefine Atzendorf ◽  
Stefan Gruber
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Individual Characteristics ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Epidemic Control ◽  
Government Response ◽  
Country Level ◽  
Interaction Terms ◽  
Share Data ◽  
Using Data

AbstractEpidemic control measures that aim to introduce social distancing help to decelerate the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, their consequences in terms of mental well-being might be negative, especially for older adults. While existing studies mainly focus on the time during the first lockdown, we look at the weeks afterward in order to measure the medium-term consequences of the first wave of the pandemic. Using data from the SHARE Corona Survey, we include retired respondents aged 60 and above from 25 European countries plus Israel. Combining SHARE data with macro-data from the Oxford COVID-19 Government Response Tracker allows us to include macro-indicators at the country level, namely the number of deaths per 100,000 and the number of days with stringent epidemic control measures, in addition to individual characteristics. The findings show that both macro-indicators are influential for increased feelings of sadness/depression, but that individual factors are crucial for explaining increased feelings of loneliness in the time after the first lockdown. Models with interaction terms reveal that the included macro-indicators have negative well-being consequences, particularly for the oldest survey participants. Additionally, the results reveal that especially those living alone had a higher risk for increased loneliness in the time after the first COVID-19 wave.

Alliance experience and performance outcomes: A meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
pp. 147612702098287
Author(s):  
Peng Wang ◽  
Xu Jiang ◽  
Maggie Chuoyan Dong
Keyword(s):  
Strategic Alliance ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Group Analysis ◽  
Performance Outcomes ◽  
Country Level ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Performance Consequences ◽  
Controversial Topic ◽  
Alliance Experience ◽  
And Performance

Alliance experience has been a frequent topic in strategic alliance research in recent decades. Nonetheless, its performance consequences, either as a whole or differentiated into general versus partner-specific alliance experience, are neither theoretically clear nor empirically consistent. We use a range of meta-analytic techniques to integrate the empirical findings of 143 studies and provide a more conclusive assessment compared to prior research. Our study thus addresses a long-standing, understudied, and controversial topic: the distinction between the two types of alliance experiences. Going beyond traditional sub-group analysis, we reveal the contextual contingencies by examining how different types of alliance experiences and performance outcomes jointly affect the alliance experience–performance relationship. Moreover, we identify critical country-level institutional contingencies that moderate the focal effect.

Capacity Planning for Cluster Tools of Wafer Fabrication Plant

2010 ◽  
Vol 450 ◽  
pp. 365-368
Author(s):  
James C. Chen ◽  
Chia Wen Chen ◽  
Kou Huang Chen ◽  
Chien Hsin Lin
Keyword(s):  
Capacity Planning ◽  
Production Costs ◽  
Wafer Fabrication ◽  
Total Production ◽  
Output Rate ◽  
Cluster Tools ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Capital Intensive

Wafer fabrication is a capital intensive industry. A 12-inch wafer fabrication plant needs a typical investment of US$ 3 billion, and the equipment cost constitutes about two-thirds to three-quarters of the total production costs. Therefore, capacity planning is crucial to the investment and performance of wafer fabrication plants. Several formulae are presented to calculate the required number of machines with sequential, parallel, and batch processing characteristics, respectively. An AutoSched AP simulation model using data from real foundry fabrication plants is used in a case study to evaluate the performance of the proposed formulae. Simulation results indicate that the proposed formulae can quickly and accurately calculate the required number of cluster tools leading to the required monthly output rate.

scholarly journals Defining an Industry: What is the Size and Scope of the Australian Building and Construction Industry

1970 ◽  
Vol 10 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 119-131 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gerard De Valence
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Performance Model ◽  
Cluster Approach ◽  
Industry Cluster ◽  
Traditional Structure ◽  
Economic Contribution ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Traditional Industry ◽  
Different Characteristics

This is a reprint from Vol 1, no 1, which has not previously been available in electronic format.The analysis and understanding of the conduct and performance of an industry begins with a study of its structure. However, before analysing an industry's structure it is necessary to define the industry and identify its size, scope and scale to establish its true economic contribution. This paper discusses the size and scope of the Australian building and construction industry, firstly froma traditional industry economics approach by firm size and business characteristics using data fron three construction industry surveys done over 15 years by the ABS. Secondly, data from an industry 'cluster' perspective is shown. The objective of the paper is to compare the differences found in industry size and scope in the structure-conduct-performance approach and the alternative industry cluster approach. Each model reveals different characteristics of the industry. The conclusion finds that the building and construction industry is a case where the traditional structure-conduct-performance model cannot be easily applied. 

scholarly journals Design and Development of Weatherproof Seals for Prefabricated Construction: A Methodological Approach

Buildings ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (9) ◽  
pp. 117 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristopher Orlowski ◽  
Kasun Shanaka ◽  
Priyan Mendis
Keyword(s):  
Development Process ◽  
Methodological Approach ◽  
Building Industry ◽  
Practical Application ◽  
Design And Development ◽  
Modular Systems ◽  
Design Life ◽  
Flow Charts ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Careful Design

Satisfactory weatherproofing of buildings is vital to maximise their design life and performance which requires the careful design of external sealing technologies. Systems commonly available have served well in conventional construction however with many prefabricated systems emerging in the building industry new and novel means of weatherproofing between panels and modules need to be developed purpose specific to this application. This paper presents a holistic and fundamental methodological approach to Design and Development of waterproof seals and has been applied specific for prefabricated panelised and modular systems. Two purpose specific weatherproof seals are finally presented. Flow charts of the overview of the suggested methodological approach and the processes within which include DfMA that have been incorporated into understanding and developing seals for this practical application. These strategies have enabled a resourceful and holistic set of processes that can be adapted and used for similar forms of product research in new and developing areas of construction such as prefabrication. The design and development process is thoroughly investigated and has resulted in an exploration of the technical challenges and potential solutions which take into consideration factors from installation limitations to building tolerances.

scholarly journals Derivation and Performance of Standardized Enhanced Liver Fibrosis (ELF) Test Thresholds for the Detection and Prognosis of Liver Fibrosis

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (5) ◽  
pp. 815-826 ◽  
Author(s):  
James Day ◽  
Preya Patel ◽  
Julie Parkes ◽  
William Rosenberg
Keyword(s):  
Liver Fibrosis ◽  
Delphi Panel ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Hazard Ratios ◽  
Test Thresholds ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Selection Of

Abstract Introduction Noninvasive tests are increasingly used to assess liver fibrosis and determine prognosis but suggested test thresholds vary. We describe the selection of standardized thresholds for the Enhanced Liver Fibrosis (ELF) test for the detection of liver fibrosis and for prognostication in chronic liver disease. Methods A Delphi method was used to identify thresholds for the ELF test to predict histological liver fibrosis stages, including cirrhosis, using data derived from 921 patients in the EUROGOLF cohort. These thresholds were then used to determine the prognostic performance of ELF in a subset of 457 patients followed for a mean of 5 years. Results The Delphi panel selected sensitivity of 85% for the detection of fibrosis and >95% specificity for cirrhosis. The corresponding thresholds were 7.7, 9.8, and 11.3. Eighty-five percent of patients with mild or worse fibrosis had an ELF score ≥7.7. The sensitivity for cirrhosis of ELF ≥9.8 was 76%. ELF ≥11.3 was 97% specific for cirrhosis. ELF scores show a near-linear relationship with Ishak fibrosis stages. Relative to the <7.7 group, the hazard ratios for a liver-related outcome at 5 years were 21.00 (95% CI, 2.68–164.65) and 71.04 (95% CI, 9.4–536.7) in the 9.8 to <11.3 and ≥11.3 subgroups, respectively. Conclusion The selection of standard thresholds for detection and prognosis of liver fibrosis is described and their performance reported. These thresholds should prove useful in both interpreting and explaining test results and when considering the relationship of ELF score to Ishak stage in the context of monitoring.

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