scholarly journals Classification of Evaluation Metrics for Project Baseline Schedules

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 235-239
Keyword(s):  
Construction Project ◽  
Evaluation Metrics ◽  
Project Schedule ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Baseline Schedule ◽  
Project Completion

The Evaluation of construction baseline schedules aims to provide a high-quality project schedule. However, obtaining a project schedule free from technical defects remains a challenge to construction planners and schedulers.The result of having a high-quality schedule is achieving the desired project completion dates and avoid any disputes between the construction project parties which may be present due to the technical defects of the schedule itself. Many organizations and consultants had developed some evaluations techniques for assessing the baseline schedules from different prospects. The aim of this study is to classify and filter out the evaluation metrics and parameters of the project baseline schedule, in order to facilitate the schedule reviewing and evaluating process. This is achieved by introducing a clear, arranged and classified evaluation metrics to let the schedule reviewerto list down all the schedule technical defects and convert them into clear comments in order to rectify them and having a schedule free of defects.

scholarly journals Scheduling Optimization of Prefabricated Construction Projects by Genetic Algorithm

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 5531
Author(s):  
Linlin Xie ◽  
Yajiao Chen ◽  
Ruidong Chang
Keyword(s):  
Project Scheduling ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Resource Constraints ◽  
Construction Project ◽  
Engineering Application ◽  
Project Schedule ◽  
Scheduling Optimization ◽  
Implementation Method ◽  
Traditional Construction ◽  
Construction Project Scheduling

Prefabricated buildings are the direction of the future development of the construction industry and have received widespread attention. The effective execution of prefabricated construction project scheduling should consider resource constraints and the supply arrangement of prefabricated components. However, the traditional construction resource-constrained project scheduling implementation method cannot simultaneously consider the characteristics of the linkage between component production and on-site assembly construction. It cannot also fully adapt to the scheduling implementation method of the prefabricated construction projects. It is difficult to work out a reasonable project schedule and resource allocation table. In order to determine the relevant schedule parameters that can reflect the actual construction situation of the prefabricated building and meet the scheduling requirements of the prefabricated project, this study proposes a prefabricated construction project scheduling model that considers project resource constraints and prefabricated component supply constraints. Additionally, it improves the design of traditional genetic algorithms (GAs). Research results of the experimental calculation and engineering application show that the proposed project scheduling optimization model and GA are effective and practical, which can help project managers in effectively formulating prefabricated construction project scheduling plans, reasonably allocating resources, reducing completion time, and improving project performance.

scholarly journals An Approach to the Classification of Apparent Asphyxial Infant Deaths

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 200-211 ◽  
Author(s):  
Evan W. Matshes ◽  
Emma O. Lew
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome ◽  
Infant Death ◽  
Sudden Infant Death ◽  
Sudden Infant ◽  
Death Certification ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Infant Deaths ◽  
Unexpected Infant Death

Recent evidence indicates that with thorough, high quality death investigations and autopsies, forensic pathologists have recognized that many unexpected infant deaths are, in fact, asphyxial in nature. With this recognition has come a commensurate decrease in, and in some cases, abolition of, the label “sudden infant death syndrome” (SIDS). Current controversies often pertain to how and why some infant deaths are determined to be asphyxial in nature and whether or not apparent asphyxial circumstances are risk factors for SIDS, or rather, harbingers of asphyxial deaths. In an effort to sidestep these controversies, some forensic pathologists elected to instead use the noncommittal label “sudden unexpected infant death” (SUID), leading to the unfortunate consequence of SUID – like SIDS – gaining notoriety as an actual disease that could be diagnosed, studied, and ultimately cured. Although it is not possible to provide death certification guidance for every conceivable type of unexpected infant death, we recognize and propose a simple classification system for overarching themes that cover the vast majority of cases where infants die suddenly and unexpectedly.

scholarly journals 7-Score Function for Assessing the Strength of Association Rules Applied for Construction Risk Quantifying

2022 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 844
Author(s):  
Hubert Anysz ◽  
Jerzy Rosłon ◽  
Andrzej Foremny
Keyword(s):  
Association Analysis ◽  
Search Algorithm ◽  
Construction Project ◽  
Score Function ◽  
Road Construction ◽  
Combinatorial Problem ◽  
Macroeconomic Factors ◽  
Project Completion ◽  
Expert Opinions ◽  
Construction Risk

There are several factors influencing the time of construction project execution. The properties of the planned structure, the details of an order, and macroeconomic factors affect the project completion time. Every construction project is unique, but the data collected from previously completed projects help to plan the new one. The association analysis is a suitable tool for uncovering the rules—showing the influence of some factors appearing simultaneously. The input data to the association analysis must be preprocessed—every feature influencing the duration of the project must be divided into ranges. The number of features and the number of ranges (for each feature) create a very complicated combinatorial problem. The authors applied a metaheuristic tabu search algorithm to find the acceptable thresholds in the association analysis, increasing the strength of the rules found. The increase in the strength of the rules can help clients to avoid unfavorable sets of features, which in the past—with high confidence—significantly delayed projects. The new 7-score method can be used in various industries. This article shows its application to reduce the risk of a road construction contract delay. Importantly, the method is not based on expert opinions, but on historical data.

scholarly journals Reforestation by Seedlings and Saplings: Challenges and Solutions

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 1408-1415
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Base ◽  
Information Search ◽  
Forest Regeneration ◽  
Foreign Markets ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Intensive Forest Management ◽  
Business Entities ◽  
Technical Solutions ◽  
Technological Analysis

Despite the urgent need to accelerate the development of intensive forest management and reforestation technologies in Russia, the problem of creating progressive technologies and techniques to increase the efficiency of reforestation by seedlings and saplings of forest crops has not been completely resolved, which are serious challenges for accelerated and high-quality reforestation. Of particular concern is the lack of patented equipment competitive in the domestic and foreign markets for reforestation by seedlings and saplings of forest crops that can accelerate the creation of highly productive forests. To answer these challenges, it is proposed as a tool for the synthesis of patentable solutions that increase the efficiency of forest regeneration by seedlings and saplings of forest crops, to use the knowledge base formed on the basis of patent information search and the author’s methodology of functional, structural and technological analysis. A classification of the main areas of patenting in this area is proposed. The most characteristic patented objects of technologies and equipment that can be used as analogues and prototypes for the synthesis and patenting of new intellectual property for planting seedlings/saplings, as well as business entities patenting in this area, are identified. The effects (goals) for the achievement of which the technical solutions incorporated in the patents are directed are revealed. Using the generated knowledge base and the FSTA methodology, a synthesis of new patentable technical solutions has been carried out. Its features and some results are given on the example of several basic objects of machines and manual devices for planting seedlings/saplings. It is proved that the application of the proposed methodology to the selected object for improving the processes of planting seedlings/saplings is effective, which is confirmed by the development and patenting of fundamentally new technical solutions for equipping forest regeneration with seedlings and saplings of forest crops.

scholarly journals Improved Reference Genome for Cyclotella Cryptica CCMP332, a Model for Cell Wall Morphogenesis, Salinity Adaptation, and Lipid Production in Diatoms (Bacillariophyta)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wade R. Roberts ◽  
Kala M. Downey ◽  
Elizabeth C. Ruck ◽  
Jesse C. Traller ◽  
Andrew J. Alverson
Keyword(s):  
Reference Genome ◽  
Lipid Production ◽  
Fold Increase ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Short Read Sequencing ◽  
Large Size ◽  
Reference Genome Assembly ◽  
Cell Wall Morphogenesis ◽  
Cyclotella Cryptica

ABSTRACTThe diatom, Cyclotella cryptica, is a well-established experimental model for physiological studies and, more recently, biotechnology applications of diatoms. To further facilitate its use as a model diatom species, we report an improved reference genome assembly and annotation for C. cryptica strain CCMP332. We used a combination of long- and short-read sequencing to assemble a high-quality and contaminant-free genome. The genome is 171 Mb in size and consists of 662 scaffolds with a scaffold N50 of 494 kb. This represents a 176-fold decrease in scaffold number and 41-fold increase in scaffold N50 compared to the previous assembly. The genome contains 21,250 predicted genes, 75% of which were assigned putative functions. Repetitive DNA comprises 59% of the genome, and an improved classification of repetitive elements indicated that a historically steady accumulation of transposable elements has contributed to the relatively large size of the C. cryptica genome. The high-quality C. cryptica genome will serve as a valuable reference for ecological, genetic, and biotechnology studies of diatoms.Data available fromNCBI BioProjects PRJNA628076 and PRJNA589195

scholarly journals A BESPOKE APPROACH FOR RELATING MATERIAL WASTE TO COST OVERRUN IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

2017 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 39-52
Author(s):  
Ibrahim Saidu ◽  
W Shakantu ◽  
A Adamu ◽  
I Anugwo
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Construction Material ◽  
Methodological Approach ◽  
Construction Project ◽  
Project Managers ◽  
Cost Overrun ◽  
Project Cost ◽  
Cost Overruns ◽  
Project Completion ◽  
Final Project

The problems of material waste and cost overruns are common in the construction industry. These problems occur at different stages of a construction project, from planning, design to project completion. The argument on how to eliminate cost overrun has been on-going for the past 70 years as on-site wastage of materials leads to increase in the final project cost. This paper examines the relationship between the causes of material waste and those of cost overrun at the pre-contract and post-contract stages of a project. The desktop methodological approach was firstly adopted in comparing the causes of material waste and those of cost overruns from the literature, in order to determine the possible relationship. Subsequently, interviews were purposively conducted with construction professionals within Abuja, Nigeria, in order to verify the literature based information. The result reveals that all the causes of material waste also cause cost overrun at the pre-contract and the post-contract stages of a project. 96.88% and 81.81% of the causes of cost overrun also cause material waste at the pre-contract and post-contract stages respectively. Other causes which are not related are mostly, the micro-economic and macro-economic factors. These results are not different from those of the interviews conducted with professionals and summarised in the tick box. It was also found that to achieve Effective Construction Material Waste Management (ECMWM) for any construction project, material waste must be controlled at its sources and causes, and at different stages of a project. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that effective management of material waste would translate into a reduction in the level of project cost overrun. The study recommends that construction-project managers, as well as the construction practitioners should encourage the management of material-waste causes, as it has the potential to minimise cost overrun for projects. 

Abstract 205: Etiologic Ischemic Stroke Phenotypes in the NINDS Stroke Genetics Network

Stroke ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 46 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hakan Ay ◽  
Ethem M Arsava ◽  
Robert D. Brown ◽  
Steven J Kittner ◽  
Jin-Moo Lee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Geographic Location ◽  
Quality Data ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Good Reliability ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Stroke Subtypes ◽  
Phenotype Data ◽  
Epidemiological Characteristics

Background and Purpose: NINDS Stroke Genetics Network (SiGN) is an international consortium of ischemic stroke studies that aims to generate high quality phenotype data to identify the genetic basis of ischemic stroke subtypes. The goal of this analysis is to characterize the etiopathogenetic basis of ischemic stroke in the consortium. Methods: This analysis included 16,954 subjects with imaging-confirmed ischemic stroke from 12 US studies and 11 studies from 8 European countries. 52 trained and certified adjudicators used the web-based Causative Classification of Stroke System for etiologic stroke classification through chart reviews to determine both phenotypic (abnormal test findings categorized in major etiologic groups without weighting towards the most likely cause in the presence of multiple etiologies) and causative subtypes in each subject. Classification reliability was assessed with blinded re-adjudication of 1509 randomly selected cases. Findings: The figure shows the distribution of etiologic categories. Overall, only 40% to 54% of cases with a given major ischemic stroke etiology (phenotypic subtype) were classified into the same final causative category with high confidence. There was good agreement for both causative (kappa 0·72, 95%CI:0·69-0·75) and phenotypic classifications (kappa 0·73, 95%CI:0·70-0·75). Conclusions: This study provides high quality data on etiologic stroke subtypes and demonstrates that etiologic subtypes can be determined with good reliability in studies that include investigators with different expertise and background, institutions with different stroke evaluation protocols and geographic location, and patient populations with different epidemiological characteristics. The discordance between phenotypic and causative stroke subtypes suggests that the presence of an abnormality in a stroke patient does not necessarily mean that it is the cause of stroke.

Using issue logs to improve construction project performance

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amirali Shalwani ◽  
Brian Lines
Keyword(s):  
Best Practice ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Construction Project ◽  
Pairwise Comparison ◽  
Performance Outcomes ◽  
Project Performance ◽  
Project Teams ◽  
Project Schedule ◽  
Building Projects ◽  
Content Type

PurposeThe Project Management Body of Knowledge recommends the use of issue logs as a best practice to minimize the potential project cost and schedule growth. Although the broader topic of project control has been widely studied in the construction literature, the specific application of issue logs has remained relatively understudied. This study aims to analyze the extent and consistency with which construction teams utilize issue logs and the corresponding project performance outcomes.Design/methodology/approachA dataset of 5,635 individual issues was gathered from the final issue logs of 881 small building projects delivered via the design–bid–build method. Differences between groups were determined using the Kruskal–Wallis H test with post hoc testing via the Mann–Whitney U test with pairwise comparison.FindingsThe results showed that, on average, project teams who used issue logs to a greater extent achieved a 3.1 to 4.3% reduction in cost growth and a 5.3 to 12.3% reduction in schedule growth. This result shows that issue logs can be used to improve construction project performance in the areas of cost and schedule.Originality/valueThis result provides a contribution to practitioners, wherein project teams should be encouraged to establish their issue management practices early in the project schedule to encourage greater issue log usage for the remainder of the project.

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