26207 research outputs found
Sort by
An ICT-enhanced methodology for the characterization of vernacular built heritage at a regional scale
Get PDFThe characterization of vernacular buildings is crucial for understanding the historical, social, and cultural significance of a community. These buildings reflect a collective memory and result from a long adaptation process to the local environment. Documenting them facilitates better decision-making regarding the preservation of their intrinsic values and long-term conservation. Unfortunately, depopulation processes in many areas threaten this invaluable heritage. Furthermore, this heritage is often overlooked due to a lack of awareness and appreciation by local authorities and residents. This paper presents a methodology for documenting and inventorying vernacular built heritage, with the main goal of contributing to promoting its valorization. The methodology integrates Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) with GIS tools to create large-scale inventories. Using the Montesinho Natural Park (Portugal) as a case study, the methodology facilitated the collection of data from over 2,000 buildings in 13 villages. The collected data was then used to characterize the vernacular built heritage of selected villages in terms of authenticity, conservation state, materials, construction systems, past interventions, present use, and occupancy. The findings of this study can serve as a valuable resource for developing inventories of vernacular buildings in rural areas, contributing to the protection of this distinctive architectural heritage
Questioning ‘voice’ and silence: Exploring creative and participatory approaches to researching with children through a Reggio Emilian lens
No full textThere has been much debate around the ‘voice’ of the child in qualitative research. This paper contributes to these discussions by drawing on the philosophy of Reggio Emilia, which emphasizes dialogical encounters that recognize the value of children's subjectivities. The paper critically reflects on a qualitative study of primary education during the COVID-19 pandemic that involved children aged 5–7 (n = 30), teachers (n = 6) and parents and carers (n = 18) in Wales. The study generated data using creative methodologies, field notes and qualitative interviews. The philosophy of Reggio Emilia was utilized to be reflexive about the processes of research design, fieldwork, data analysis and dissemination, questioning tensions between voice and silence and how research teams can face and respond to the challenging issues that complicate the intent of respecting children's subjectivities and perspectives. A key lesson from this process of reflection and questioning was the need to be attentive to and attuned with the subtleties of children's paralanguage and to maintain a level of flexibility in research design and processes that respected children's requirements and preferences. While the study focussed on children's experiences, the lessons learnt from evaluating the study in relation to the philosophy of Reggio Emilia have value for wider qualitative projects with diverse communities
Toward developing a predictive model for interpersonal communication quality in construction projects: An ensemble artificial intelligence-based approach
Get PDFPurposeFollowing the job demands-resources theory, this study investigates the role of female managers in enhancing employee well-being in terms of psychological health via workplace resources.Design/methodology/approachTo accomplish this objective, we conducted a comprehensive literature review to identify key IPS. Subsequently, a fuzzy-based algorithm was employed to prioritize these skills. Following this, we developed an algorithm based on Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) to predict the quality of workers’ IC. The efficacy of the XGBoost model was assessed by applying it to three real-life construction projects.FindingsUpon application of the model to the case studies, we made the following conclusions: (1) “Leadership Style,” “Listening,” “Team Building” and “Clarifying Expectations” emerged as significant skills and (2) the model accurately predicted workers’ IC quality in over 78% of the cases. This algorithm has the potential to preempt interpersonal conflicts, enhancing job-site productivity, team development and human resources management. Furthermore, it can guide construction managers in designing IPS training programs.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the existing knowledge by addressing the crucial connection between IPS and IC quality in construction projects. Additionally, our novel approach, integrating fuzzy logic and XGBoost, provides a valuable tool for IC prediction. By identifying significant IPS and offering predictive insights, this research facilitates improved communication and collaboration in the construction industry, ultimately enhancing project outcomes
Exploring the multidimensional challenges in integrating Design for Safety (DfS) in the Ghanaian construction industry
Get PDFPurpose: The uptake of Design for Safety (DfS) practices in developing countries like Ghana has been limited. This study aims to provide an in-depth understanding of the barriers across regulatory, organizational, cultural and educational dimensions that restrict DfS assimilation in the Ghanaian construction sector. Identifying the key impediments can inform policy initiatives and industry efforts to facilitate safer construction. Design/methodology/approach: A postpositive philosophy underpinned the quantitative research. Multi-stage research was used. A comprehensive questionnaire survey was designed and given to six industry experts to assess clarity, relevance and effectiveness after a thorough literature review. In all, 164 professionals were reached to take part in the study using purposive sampling and consequently snowballing. “Variables” were ranked using mean score ranking and normalization techniques; exploratory factor analysis was then used to group variables into clusters. Findings: Emergent findings revealed four distinct clusters of challenges; Design Process and Communication Challenges; Regulatory and Expertise Limitations; Planning and Education Constraints; and Attitudinal and Perception Barriers. These findings help identify targeted solutions to overcome barriers including developing robust regulatory frameworks, promoting collaboration among stakeholders and cultivating a positive safety culture. Originality/value: This study provides new insights into the integration of DfS in the context of the developing construction industry in Ghana. This study expands the knowledge base to drive further research in enhancing construction safety in developing countries. Practical recommendations for overcoming these challenges are proposed
Interview with Ana Cristina Portilla Benavides, assistant magistrate of the special jurisdiction for peace (Colombia)
No full textEndogenous labour flow networks
No full textIn the last decade, the study of labour dynamics has led to the introduction of labour flow networks (LFNs) as a way to conceptualise job-to-job transitions, and to the development of mathematical models to explore the dynamics of these networked flows. To date, LFN models have relied upon an assumption of static network structure. However, as recent events (increasing automation in the workplace, the COVID-19 pandemic, a surge in the demand for programming skills, etc.) have shown, we are experiencing drastic shifts in the job landscape that are altering the ways individuals navigate the labour market. Here we develop a novel model that emerges LFNs from agent-level behaviour, removing the necessity of assuming that future job-to-job flows will be along the same paths where they have been historically observed. This model, informed by economic theory and microdata for the United Kingdom, generates empirical LFNs with a high level of accuracy. We use the model to explore how shocks impacting the underlying distributions of jobs and wages alter the topology of the LFN. This framework represents a crucial step towards the development of models that can answer questions about the future of work in an ever-changing world
Taking a Close Look at Microfibres
No full textTaking a Close Look at Microfibres is based on what we learned from a project about air pollution that researchers at the University of the West of England in Bristol did with schools.The team worked with 9 to 11 years olds to investigate the microfibres in the air at their schools to answer questions such as where the microfibres were from and how many of them there were. This book tries to answer some of these questions and encourages you to observe, question, and reflect on your environment with curiosity and care
Copyright and tattoos: Uncomfortable bedfellows
Get PDFArticle proposes that tattoos as inked on human bodies don't fit well into existing copyright law and proposes a sui generis right as a reform after consideration of recent case la