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Composition Naturalized
No full textThe emergence of Large Language Models has exposed composition studies’ long-standing commitment to Cartesian assumptions that position writing as a nonmaterial, distinctly human activity. This paper develops a naturalized theory of composition grounded in Deweyan pragmatic naturalism that dissolves the nature/culture dualism embedded in contemporary theory and practice. We advance an eco-ontological account that understands compositional activity as emerging from within the matrix of animal behavior and introduce “compositional viability” to theorize how writing functions as a biosemiotic tool for environmental reconstruction. This framework yields three pedagogical implications: attending to somaesthetics, cultivating writerly habits, and orienting composition toward viable action
E-Taxi Technology: Assessing Operational Benefits and Sustainability in Modern Aviation
Get PDFThis study evaluates the operational benefits and sustainability impacts of electrically driven landing gear systems (e-taxi technology) in the aviation industry, focusing on the Philippine context. The objective was to assess improvements in fuel savings, emissions reductions, and maintenance costs associated with e-taxi systems. Using a mixed-methods approach, data were collected through interviews with airline operators, and secondary data were collected from industry reports. Results showed that e-taxi systems reduced taxiing time by 15–22%, fuel consumption by 150–180 kg per flight, and engine wear by 10–14%. Carbon emissions were reduced by 472–566 kg per flight, while noise levels decreased by 12–18%. The cost-benefit analysis demonstrated a positive return on investment despite high initial installation costs. Challenges related to infrastructure and regulatory barriers were identified, with recommendations for enhancing airport infrastructure and updating regulatory frameworks. The study concludes that e-taxi systems present a viable solution for improving operational efficiency and sustainability in aviation. Future research should explore the long-term effects of e-taxi systems on aircraft maintenance and examine their integration with other green aviation technologies to maximize benefits
Sustainability in the Age of Innovation: Negative Impacts of Jobsite Construction Technologies
Get PDFThe construction industry is undergoing transformation driven by the rapid advancement and adoption of emerging technologies to reshape the traditional design and construction processes. Building information modelling (BIM), internet of things (IoTs), robotics and process automation (RPA), artificial intelligence (AI) or machine learning (ML), 3D-printing or additive manufacturing (AM), Exoskeletons and Wearable devices, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) promise increased visualization, productivity, efficiency, safety, and accuracy; they also introduces sustainability challenges. This study used the PRISMA method to conduct a systematic review guided by two questions. First: What are the prevalent technologies currently being used on construction jobsites, and how do they influence the sustainability of the construction process? Second: What are the specific challenges that arise from the use of emerging technologies on construction jobsites that contribute the negative sustainability outcomes environmentally, socially, and economically? Engineering Village and Web of Science were searched for peer reviewed journal articles, using the combination of keywords, “construction site”, “technology”, and “sustainability” and, screened for inclusion. The results from thematic analysis showed that challenges originating from emerging technologies on construction sites can be associated with negative sustainability impacts environmentally, socio-economically, based on their chosen application. For example, exoskeletons increase jobsite productivity and efficiency but cause long-term damage to worker health due to prolonged use. Making workers aware of this trade-off can be integrated with safety trainings, which can reduce the negative impact. By highlighting similar negative impacts, this study informs the construction industry to balance technological innovation with environmental stewardship and social responsibility
A comprehensive approach to strategic Research & Innovation development: The case of the European Construction and Built Environment sector
Get PDFThe built environment and construction industry has an essential role to play in the socio-economic transition towards a sustainable and climate-neutral economy and society. The way we design and build our buildings and infrastructures impacts the way we live, as individuals and communities. It also impacts the climate, resources, and biodiversity on the planet. On both dimensions, industry must undergo some deep transformation to deliver a more sustainable, resilient, inclusive built environment. The role of research and innovation is instrumental in such transition, and this is why a sectoral Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (SRIA) has been developed recently in Europe in the context of the ECTP platform, to identify the future R&I orientations and address the challenges faced by the industry and the built environment. This paper reports on the methodology deployed to build and deliver this SRIA. A review of the environmental, technical, and societal challenges has been carried out, together with an analysis of the key technological trends, including as well a review of the political and regulatory context. The paper also develops and applies a data analytics methodology aimed at comparing the EU SRIA with knowledge contributions of the international CIB W78 research community, in the field of construction IT. The results highlight strong alignments and open avenues for reinforced international collaborations
Geospatial Analysis of China’s Overseas Development Finance (CODF) Projects with Protected Areas in Africa
No full textGlobal infrastructure development is booming given the rise in various bilateral and multilateral infrastructure investment initiatives, like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the G7 Partnership for Global Infrastructure Investment (PGII). These investments have covered various sectors such as transportation (road, rail, airports, ports) and energy (fossil fuels, renewables) that are expected to facilitate trade and connectivity between countries. The sub-Saharan Africa constitutes the majority of these development finance-based infrastructure projects (44 out of 149 participating BRI countries are in the sub-Saharan Africa). However, no previous study has explicitly focused on investigating the extent of the overlap between these projects and the protected areas. The World Database on Protected Areas (WDPA) lists the areas rich in native culture and resources like marine and terrestrial life, flora and fauna, and geologic structures. This study examines the spatial overlap of infratructure projects with protected areas in Africa, focusing on a critical 5-kilometer buffer that highlights potential direct environmental impacts. Countries such as Angola, Kenya, and Zambia show the highest counts of project intersections (mainly transport and power), while Sudan and Angola exhibit notably large overlap percentages, posing higher potential risks to protected areas. The analysis reveals that the majority (92%) of overlaps occur in nationally designated protected areas, indicating potential gaps in national-level governance and regulation. The findings offer crucial insights for policymakers and stakeholders (especially from countries like Angola, Kenya, and Nigeria) engaged in these infrastructure development and conservation efforts
Social Life Cycle Assessment in Construction: A Bibliometric Analysis
Get PDFUrbanisation leads to the expansion of urban areas, which needs vigorous support from the construction sector for infrastructure development. While this sector is a contributor to job creation and economic development, it is also a major consumer of energy and greenhouse gas emissions, which emphasises its need for sustainable development. Achieving complete sustainable development involves an integration of social dimensions as well, which is often neglected in conventional Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). Despite the recent development of S-LCA guidelines, research output remains limited compared to traditional LCA. This study aims to analyse research trends, patterns, and impacts of the Social Life Cycle Assessment (S-LCA) within the construction sector by reviewing available literature. To fulfil the objectives, a bibliometric analysis was conducted with the help of Scopus using the keywords - “Construction” and “S-LCA,” and network maps were generated using VOSviewer. Results imply that there is an increase in research from 2023-2024, denoting this to be a fast-emerging field. Though the research principally originated from the West, still there was an increasing contribution from the East, like China and Malaysia, which underlines the potential for collaboration between them. The focus on the Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment (LCSA), which covers economic, environmental, and social dimensions, highlights its importance for construction projects in the future. The study concludes that S-LCA is significant for understanding the overall impacts of construction projects on different stakeholders involved. More focus on S-LCA research can help in the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Digital Data Storytelling for Sustainability Education of a Green Building Project
Get PDFEducation for Sustainability has been facing an increasing demand not only due to the priorities established by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) but also by being one of the main targets of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In this paper, digital data storytelling and project/problem-based learning approaches were investigated as effective tools for teaching sustainability to university students. Two groups of students, postgraduate and undergraduate, were selected to be exposed to a video showcasing sustainable principles and strategies implemented during the certification of a green building. With collaboration from industry partners, the video is intended to provide students with an overview of a real-world project and highlight the challenges and interactions among relevant stakeholders when deciding the implementation of sustainable strategies. Students were able to learn concepts of sustainability and understand how to perform a critical analysis when exposed to a green certification project. The results show a good response to the learning approaches used in this research, with a more significant positive impact on mature than younger students
Project Cancellations in New Zealand\u27s Construction Industry: Assessing the Impact of Unpredictable Events
Get PDFUnpredictable disasters such as climate change, natural hazards, and pandemics disrupt the construction industry, a vital driver of economic stability. Despite preventive measures, the industry faces setbacks, including project cancellations, postponements, and suspensions. These issues are particularly pronounced in large-scale projects, exacerbated by shifting regulations and economic crises, causing broader economic repercussions. In response, government priorities and disaster strategies often reallocate resources among residential, commercial, and civil projects, inadvertently exacerbating postponements and cancellations in some cases. This research addresses these challenges by analysing the impacts of external and unpredictable disruptions on project value and volume in New Zealand\u27s construction industry over recent years, using trend and correlation analysis. Findings highlight that residential, civil, and commercial projects experience the highest rates of cancellations and financial losses, with the housing sector being especially vulnerable. Conversely, sectors such as health, sports, and education show more stability, though occasional financial spikes reveal hidden risks. Heavy industry and energy projects, while fewer, present significant financial risks due to high-value cancellations. A strong correlation between cancellations and financial losses emphasizes the need for targeted, sector-specific strategies. Recommendations include aligning supply and demand, enhancing project management practices, and mitigating project terminations. These strategies aim to improve disaster preparedness and resilience, ensuring a sustainable and adaptive construction industry. This research provides actionable insights for policymakers and stakeholders, offering a roadmap to strengthen New Zealand\u27s construction sector. By addressing vulnerabilities and fostering resilience, the study contributes to economic stability and long-term growth in the face of unpredictable challenges
A Conceptual Framework for Intelligent Scaffolding Monitoring System
Get PDFScaffolding safety is a significant concern in the construction industry. To address this, researchers have proposed various safety monitoring approaches. However, current intelligent monitoring systems fall short of fully integrating real-time data, and predictive capabilities, reducing their overall effectiveness in ensuring scaffolding safety. Therefore, this study aims to develop a conceptual framework to advance the intelligent scaffolding monitoring system based on cyber-physical systems (CPS) and digital twins (DT) integration. The framework focuses on developing a DT-enabled scaffolding risk assessment model (SRAM), a sensor-based real-time data collection system, and an intelligent cyber-physical scaffolding risk alert. This research provides essential insights for more accurate accident risk assessments, more efficient data collection system, and faster warning mechanisms for construction safety
Performance of Natural Pozzolans (NPs) in Field Concrete Mixtures
Get PDFCement, the binding component of concrete, the most widely used construction material in the world, accounts for 8% of global CO2 emissions. Its significant contribution to global warming has motivated researchers to aim for achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, in alignment with the 1.5°C global warming temperature limit stipulated by the Paris Agreement. A successful strategy to reduce CO2 emissions in concrete production is through the use of supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) as a partial replacement for cement. However, it is estimated that by 2030, the demand for the most common SCM, fly ash, will exceed its supply. Natural pozzolans (NPs), such as calcined clays and volcanic ashes, can help fill this supply gap. However, the long-term field performance of concretes with varying water-cementitious (w/cm) ratios and temperatures is not well understood for these materials. This research study aims to fill this knowledge gap by investigating the hydration kinetics of cementitious pastes and compressive strength concretes prepared with these materials. This knowledge can help the concrete industry and transportation agencies with the adoption of NPs to address a projected decline in the supply of SCMs and environmental challenges