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Enhancing infrastructure planning and design through BIM-GIS integration
No full textThis comprehensive review investigates the integration of Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Geographic Information System (GIS) in infrastructure projects. The study begins with a historical overview of BIM and GIS, outlining their individual contributions to construction and geographical data management. It then delves into the synergistic benefits of integrating these technologies, emphasizing enhanced accuracy and efficiency in infrastructure planning and design. Various methodologies for effective BIM-GIS integration are examined, including interoperability and data sharing protocols. The study identifies key challenges in this integration, such as technical limitations, organizational barriers, and the need for standardized practices. These challenges are analyzed in the context of current industry practices and technological advancements. Furthermore, the paper highlights the crucial role of interdisciplinary collaboration in overcoming these hurdles. Looking forward, the review proposes future research directions, advocating for more innovative approaches to fully exploit the potential of BIM-GIS integration. These include the development of more robust integration frameworks, fostering closer collaboration between industry and academia, and leveraging emerging technologies to streamline BIM-GIS workflows. The review concludes by underscoring the transformative impact of BIM-GIS integration on the future of sustainable and efficient infrastructure development.</p
The European Union’s Reform of International Investment Law: per aspera ad astra or an unfeasible aspiration?
No full textAs states continue exploring options for the reform of Investor-State Dispute Settlement, the EU’s proposal to establish a Multilateral Investment Court faces an uncertain legal and political landscape
Relationship of ankle proprioception measured in weight bearing with balance and walking ability in people with stroke:a cross-sectional study
No full textBackground: Proprioceptive deficits are common after stroke. However, limited research has investigated their relationship with functional outcomes (balance and walking ability), particularly in weight-bearing conditions. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate ankle proprioception on both sides (affected and unaffected), measured in biaxial movement directions (plantar flexion and inversion) and relationships with balance and walking ability in stroke survivors. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 70 mild to moderate, first-time, unilateral stroke survivors. Ankle proprioception was measured in a weight-bearing standing position, using the active movement extent discrimination apparatus (AMEDA). Balance and walking ability were measured using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), the 10-Meter Walking Test (10MWT) and the Timed Up and Go Test (TUG). Results: Ankle proprioception showed moderate correlations with balance and walking ability (0.4<|r|<0.6, all p < 0.001), regardless of side or movement direction. The only exception was proprioceptive acuity scores for plantar flexion movements made on the unaffected side, which were weakly correlated with BBS (r = 0.3, p = 0.006) and TUG (r = 0.3, p = 0.0015). Regression analysis indicated that ankle proprioception for inversion movement on the affected side was the only factor to independently predict balance (BBS, p = 0.001) and walking ability (10MWT: p < 0.001; TUG: p = 0.01). Ankle proprioception predicts 36% of the variation in BBS, 38% of the variation in 10MWT and 28% of the variation in TUG. Conclusion: Ankle proprioception showed moderate associations with balance and walking ability in people with mild to moderate stroke. These findings suggest that ankle proprioception could potentially be an indicator of post-stroke functional outcomes, warranting further investigation.</p
Regulating and financing of private schools in Germany, Austria and Switzerland
No full textIn this chapter, we compare the regulation and financing of private schools in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. To analyse the differences and similarities between the legal framework of private schools we focus on the following dimensions: legal status of private schools, responsibilities for the legal framework (federal government or the states/cantons), approval criteria and funding sources for public subsidies (federal government or the states/cantons). To investigate the approaches to school funding arrangements and legal frameworks we utilise Scott's institutional pillar model. The chapter will demonstrate that in Germany, Austria and Switzerland the regulatory frameworks vary and influence the establishment and operation of private schools. We also find that, compared to Austria and Switzerland, the German school law provides an enabling environment for the establishment and operation of private schools in Germany
Elevated Humidity Impairs Evaporative Heat Loss and Self-Paced Exercise Performance in the Heat
Get PDFThis study investigated the effects of absolute humidity on heat dissipation and subsequent thermal, cardiovascular, and performance responses during self-paced exercise in the heat. Twelve trained male cyclists performed a 700-kJ time trial in four different humidity conditions (Low: 1.6 kPa, Moderate: 2.5 kPa, High: 3.5 kPa, and Very high: 4.5 kPa) in 33°C. The gradient in partial water vapor pressure at the saturated skin surface and in air, which determines sweat evaporation, decreased significantly with increasing humidity (Low: 3.53 ± 0.30 kPa, Moderate: 2.74 ± 0.24 kPa, High: 1.99 ± 0.20 kPa, Very high: 1.19 ± 0.16 kPa; p < 0.001). The maximum evaporative capacity of the environment (E max) also decreased with greater humidity (Low: 309 ± 26 W m -2, Moderate: 240 ± 21 W m -2, High: 175 ± 18 W m -2, Very high: 104 ± 14 W m -2; p < 0.001), as did sweating efficiency (S eff) (Low: 0.50 ± 0.13, Moderate: 0.39 ± 0.10, High: 0.28 ± 0.09, Very high: 0.16 ± 0.04; p ≤ 0.003). Power output was similar between Low (260 ± 33 W) and Moderate humidity (257 ± 27 W; p = 0.999), but lower in Very high (222 ± 37 W) than in all other conditions (p < 0.001) and lower in High (246 ± 31 W) than in the Low and Moderate humidity (p < 0.001). Peak core temperature was higher in Very high (39.49°C ± 0.56°C) than in Low (38.97°C ± 0.44°C; p < 0.001), Moderate (39.04°C ± 0.39°C; p = 0.002) and High humidity (39.12°C ± 0.47°C; p = 0.010). Mean skin temperature was higher with elevated humidity (p < 0.001) and mean heart rate was not significantly different between conditions (p ≥ 0.056). These data indicate that reductions in evaporative potential and efficiency with elevated humidity exacerbate thermal and cardiovascular strain during self-paced cycling in the heat, resulting in marked performance impairments. </p
We calculated how much Dutton’s excise cut would save you on fuel – and few will save as much as promised
No full textAngus Taylor’s Budget Reply leaves conservatives wanting more
Get PDFFrom the National Press Club: Australia has had record numbers of business failures on top of declining productivity. That means declining living standards. The Treasurer’s Budget will provide 70 cents a day in tax cuts and aggregate deficits of some $180 billion over the next five years. Mr Chalmers says we’ve ‘turned the corner’ in the cost-of-living crisis.But what will Shadow Treasurer Angus Taylor do
Ted O’Brien was all over Chris Bowen like a wind turbine on an endangered bird
No full textFrom the National Press Club: I love the National Gallery of Australia (NGA), even if it’s gone so Woke that I can’t bring myself to be a member anymore. Today, the NGA was the battlefield for Speccie favourite, Chris ‘$275 cheaper’ Bowen, and Ted ‘too polished with little substance’ O’Brien for the National Press Club debate series. Clearly, the titles of Minister and Shadow Minister ‘for Climate Change and Energy’ indicate the level of importance your power bill matters to politicians. The highlight was when some idiot protester – I picked this bloke as dodgy at the get-go – jumped up when Ted O’Brien began to speak and started shouting about ending coal and gas. The numerous AFP officers had the leftie protester out the door before I could get my phone out for a photo
National Development Planning and Sustainability: The Case of Bhutan
No full textBhutan is a developmental success story that since the 1960s has consistently used five-year national development plans to make substantial socio-economic progress and promote sustainability. Many other developing countries had abandoned medium-term national planning by the 1980s, but Bhutan continued using these instruments as the principal mechanisms for developing the country and making substantial welfare gains for its population while attending to the sustainability of its development path and environment. Poverty has been greatly reduced, incomes have grown in real terms, life expectancy has markedly increased, there has been enormous growth in the provision of education and the country has become a world leader in environmental protection with 71% of Bhutan still under forest, making it the first carbon negative country in the world. The reasons for Bhutan’s success include always working within the capabilities of government, economy, and society; a demonstrated capacity to reorient development strategies with new plans; a stable political environment; good governance; the gradual inclusion of multiple stakeholders into the development process; a strong supportive relationship with neighbouring India; and the wise use of income from hydropower to fund development. Though there have been disruptions, mistakes, and failures in planning in Bhutan, the general trajectory of solid progress and continued attention to sustainability has been maintained; however, there are considerable challenges ahead for the ambitious Thirteenth Five-Year Plan (2024–2029). To investigate the Bhutanese experience, this article adopts a qualitative case study approach