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Renovating school buildings offers the potential to increase the visual, thermal and auditory well-being of students and school staff through biophilic design. Biophilic design guidelines generally...

Ultra-precision diamond milling (UPDM) is one of ultra-precision machining approaches, providing nanometric surface roughness (NSR). The NSR exhibits rich anisotropic features, which is very sensitive to noise. However, there is lack of effective assessment of the anisotropic NSR. Therefore, the study proposed surface difference and surface curvatures as extra parameters to estimate the anisotropic NSR of UPDM. Moreover, noise effects were reduced by probability distribution with the 95–99 rule. Significantly, the proposed method effectively represents the anisotropic assessment of the NSR of UPDM.

Flood scouring can expose the foundation and cause stiffness degradation of masonry structures and is often overlooked by designers and engineers. The seismic performance of a structure cannot be g...

In this study three already finished projects in Lithuania were investigated, the problems faced in the projects were examined, and the main advantages and drawbacks of the chosen geopile installation technology were identified. Three alternative solutions for geopile installation were selected for the investigation: driving a hollow steel pipe into the ground using a deep vibrator and using geosynthetic material to reinforce soils (A1); driving a closed-ended hollow steel pipe into the ground and using geosynthetic material to reinforce soils (A2); driving an open-ended hollow steel pipe into the ground and using geosynthetic material to reinforce soils (A3). Those alternatives were evaluated according to the following criteria: geopile installation cost (K1), level of mechanization (K2), load bearing capacity (K3), installation options (K4), impact on the environment (K5), duration of the installation of geopiles (K6). In order to find out the significance of the evaluation criteria a survey questionnaire and a ranking procedure were used. The same order of criteria importance, namely K1˃K3˃ K2˃K4˃K6˃K5, was obtained using the selected rank-order weighting method. Basing on the selected criteria, a rational option for geopile foundations was identified using the multi-criteria assessment method TOPSIS. The results show that driving an open-ended hollow steel pipe into the ground and using geosynthetic material to reinforce soils (A3) is the most rational option for the installation of geopiles in the investigated finished projects in Lithuania. This article is based on Master thesis topic “Research on installation technology of geopiles”.

Competency-Based Training (CBT) was introduced in the HTIs (i.e. Polytechnics, most of which has become and Technical Universities) in Ghana to provide graduates with appropriate knowledge and skills to efficiently perform work place roles in industry and administration. This is a preliminary study to undertake an appraisal of CBT since its implementation in the HTIs. The study focuses on the mode of delivery of CBT, the modes assessment, the benefits and the challenges. Mixed methods research design was used to collect and analyse data from five Polytechnics using random sampling. A total of 510 respondents comprising lecturers and students who engaged in various CBT programmes participated in the study. The findings reveal that CBT helps trainees to acquire competencies/skills required in the performance of jobs. CBT also encourages the adoption of flexible delivery and learning methods in Polytechnics in Ghana. Among the major challenges facing CBT in the Polytechnics are finance and logistics as well as the “pen-and-paper test”. The study recommends that proper identification of trainee skills, adoption of appropriate teaching and assessment methods are used in the delivery of CBT. In addition, adequate funding required for CBT training and equipment is also recommended. Most significantly, stronger collaboration with both public and private sector firms in the industry is needed. Finally, commitment and support from all stakeholders in polytechnic education is necessary for the sustainability of CBT. Keywords: Competency-Based Training; Polytechnic Education; Employable Skills; Job Performance

Brewing yeast biomasses may be converted into valuable products, including supplements for ruminant diets. This paper presents experimental data on a nutraceutical suspension formulation containing post-fermentation brewing yeasts and the brewing yeast strain, Saccharomyces pastorianus ssp. carlsbergensis W34/70, which was intended to be administered to ruminants. The brewing yeast biomass is a component of oral suspensions designed as dietary supplements that prevent digestive acidosis in ruminants. The brewing yeast strain W34/70 was cultivated using molasses (M) and glucose (G) as carbon sources and was lyophilized at different freezing temperatures (0�C, �10�C, �20�C, �30�C, and �40�C). The post-fermentation brewing yeast biomass was spray dried (AAY) and lyophilized (ALY). Both dried yeast biomasses were analyzed in terms of wettability using a contact angle (CA�) evaluation at the solid/liquid interface. Suspensions were subsequently formulated and tested. Their physical and aggregative stability was established in connection with controlled sedimentation and flocculation. The assays were performed following quality by design (QbD) principles. The critical process parameters (CPPs) corresponding to the technological process of yeast production, as well as the critical quality attributes (CQAs) for suspension formulations, were pointed out as preamble determinants when designing oral nutraceuticals destined to be included in ruminant diets.

A primary requirement of a modern electric power system is reasonable ability to satisfy the customer load requirements. Electric utilities involve generation, transmission, and distribution facilities each one of which contributes its own inherent difficulties to the problem of satisfying customer requirement. A power system should be designed and expanded the facilities in order to perform its intended function with a reasonable risk. With increasing the electrical energy demand and the potential of disruption that may occur in the system, the distribution system must have high reliability and continues supply to customer. In this case, the reliability of the distribution system needs to be evaluated by monitoring and analyzing the level of distribution system failure in a certain period of time. A study on a practical distribution system with application of automatic circuit reclosers (ACRs) which plays an important role in enhancing the reliability index of system is presented. The reliability index assessment analyze the reliability index of the existing system before and after application of ACRs. From the simulation point of view, the system average interruption frequency index (SAIFI) is about 19.43% or decreased the failure frequent event from 11.4 failure/ customer.year to 9.25 failure/customer.year); while the momentary average interruption frequency index (MAIFI) has decreased from 6.72 failure/customer.year to 5.05 failure/ customer.year, or increase the reliability index of about 24.85%.

Most British railway embankments were constructed between 120 and 180 years ago without the benefit of modern design and construction methods. This can result in undesirable load-deformation characteristics and consequent disruption to present-day railway operations, for which there is unprecedented demand. Annual rail passenger kilometres have approximately doubled in the last 20 years and freight has increased by 60% over the same period. Whereas elements such as rails or bridges can be refurbished or replaced to meet increasing demand, the same is not usually feasible for embankments. Development of techniques to assess embankment performance risks posed by operational capacity enhancements is therefore of increasing significance to railway geotechnical asset management. The two case studies presented in this paper demonstrate how geospatial analysis and data management techniques may be applied to this challenge at both strategic (regional or national) and tactical (site-specific) scales for embankments incorporating plastic clay fill. The case studies also demonstrate, in a world of ever more abundant data, the growing need for engineering geologists and geotechnical engineers to augment their traditional knowledge with comprehensive data management and geospatial analysis skills, these being essential for modern infrastructure asset management. Thematic collection: This article is part of the ‘Ground-related risk to transportation infrastructure’ collection available at: https://www.lyellcollection.org/cc/Ground-related-risk-to-transportation-infrastructure

A safety assessment method for high-piled wharf construction was developed based on BIM technology. Firstly, the Revit component library of the high-piled wharf was established and the corresponding three-dimensional visual model with geometric and engineering information was constructed. Then, combined with the actual requirements of safety management of high-piled wharf construction, four safety assessment indexes were determined, and analytic hierarchy process was introduced to quantify the four indexes. Finally, the risk level of each subproject of the wharf construction was displayed by the Revit model. The results showed that the established method to assess the construction safety of highpiled wharf realized the visualization and informalization of construction safety assessment of high-piled wharf project, which helped to improve the efficiency of construction safety management and broaden the application of BIM technology in the field of hydraulic engineering, and had practical significance for further promotion.

To satisfy the requirements of the Plan for Education and Training Outstanding Engineers, teaching reform group has implemented a reform of the digital circuit curriculum. The reform is based on the problems of the traditional digital circuit course. The new technology of FPGA is introduced and the curriculum knowledge structure is adjustedensuring the integrity and comprehensiveness of the knowledge system. Moreover, the novel teaching methods is applied to practice with a development kit (pocket lab). Besides, novel assessment methods are proposed to nurture students’ innovation and application abilities. After two rounds of experiments, the students’ comprehensive ability has been strengthened, and the teaching effect of the reform is obvious.

There is a current trend to restore posterior teeth with composite resin due to increasing demands on natural tooth colour restoration and increased concern about the safety of amalgam restorations. The objective was to evaluate the current teaching of posterior direct restoration among restorative dental lecturers in Malaysia compared to available international literature. An online questionnaire, which sought information on the teaching of posterior restoration was developed and distributed to 13 dental schools in Malaysia. The response rate for the questionnaire was 53.8%. The most popular posterior restoration teaching methods among the respondents were lecture (95.7%), demonstration (87.0%) and problem-based learning (PBL) (73.9%), while continuous assessment and a practical competency test (82.6%) were the most popular assessment methods. Placing a hard setting calcium hydroxide and GIC base for deep cavity restored by composite restoration was taught in 79.2% of cases. The standard protocols for posterior composite restoration were incremental filling in deep cavity (87.5%), using circumferential metal bands with wooden wedge (91.7%), with a total etch system (95.8%), using a light emitting diode (LED) light curing unit (91.7%), finishing using water cooling (80%) and finishing with a disc (87.5%). Graduates from dental schools in Malaysia received similar theoretical, preclinical and clinical teaching on posterior restoration techniques, although there were variations in the delivery methods, techniques and assessments, pointing to a need for uniformity and consensus.

The article proposes an approach to expert assessment of the capabilities of civil defense forces in multicriteria tasks. To implement the approach, taking into account the specifics of the subject area, the possibility of a method of supporting expert decisions, which combines the use of ontologies, voting procedures of experts, and relevant calculation procedures. The general scheme of the environment for making expert decisions on assessing the capabilities of civil defense forces on the example of emergency rescue formation is given. It is shown that the main normative sources for decision-making on capacity assessment are the catalog of basic components of capabilities and the list of criteria for their assessment. The choice is made from three alternatives – ready for action as intended, limited ready, or not ready. The problem of capacity assessment was set, a variant of the scale of quantitative characteristics of capabilities, and the level of expert assessment was proposed. The correct choice of the voting procedure of experts is substantiated, which contributes to finding an agreed solution. It is determined that to ensure high-quality elaboration of the task hierarchy, control, and increase the objectivity of the formation of characteristic vectors, the subject area must be presented in the form of an ontological information model. Attributive descriptions (properties) of the criteria are presented in the ontological database in the form of frames, the slots of which contain the corresponding numerical or linguistic data. Appropriate computer web tools have been proposed to support remote access capability assessment technology., У статті запропоновано підхід до експертного оцінювання спроможностей сил цивільного захисту в багатокритеріальних задачах. Для реалізації підходу розглянуто, з урахуванням специфіки предметної області, можливості методу підтримки експертних рішень, що поєднує застосування онтологій, процедури голосування експертів та відповідних розрахунковихпроцедур. Наведено загальну схему середовища прийняття експертних рішень щодо оцінювання спроможностей сил цивільного захисту на прикладі аварійно-рятувального формування. Показано, що основними нормативними джерелами для прийняття рішення щодо оцінювання спроможностей є каталог базових компонентів спроможностей та перелік критеріїв їх оцінки. Вибір здійснюється з трьох альтернатив – готове до дій за призначенням, обмежено готове або не готове. Здійснено постановку задачі оцінювання спроможностей, запропоновано варіант шкали кількісних характеристик спроможностей та рівні експертного оцінювання. Обґрунтовано правильний вибір процедури голосування експертів, що сприяє находженню узгодженого рішення. Визначено, що для забезпечення якісного опрацювання ієрархії задачі, контролю та підвищення об’єктивності формування векторів характеристик предметну область необхідно представити у вигляді онтологічної інформаційної моделі. Атрибутивні описи (властивості) критеріїв подаються в онтологічній базі даних у вигляді фреймів, у слотах яких містяться відповідні числові чи лінгвістичні дані. Для підтримки технології супроводу процесу оцінювання спроможностей в режимі віддаленого доступу запропоновано відповідний комп’ютерний веб-інструментарій.

As the building sector is one of the leading responsible for energy consumption and CO2 emissions, criteria of sustainability, availability, and recyclability should be considered for developing materials even in the envelopes. Façade, as the first element against the undesirable external impact, may contribute to building sustainability by reducing the amount of energy consumption and providing indoor environment quality for the inhabitants. The envelope excluding its aesthetic function should fulfill certain requirements such as strength, flexibility, ductility, lightness, thermal and acoustical insulation, durability, and sustainability. Fiber/Textile cement sheets as an interesting architectural material attract great interest during the last decade, especially those reinforced with more sustainable fibers like vegetables or textile wastes. In this sense, this paper presents a novel model to evaluate the sustainability index of façade cladding panel, especially the fiber/textile cement board. To this end, a new model for assessing objectively the façade cladding sustainability was designed and developed based on MIVES according to the value function concept and seminars of experts. The authors wish to express their gratitude to the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness for the financial support in the scope of the project eFIB (reference: RTC-2016-5236-5) which was carried out along with SACYR Ingeniería e Infraestruturas. The first author also thanks the Department of Enterprise and Education of Catalan Government for providing support through the PhD Industrial Fellowship (2018 DI 77) in collaboration with Smart Engineering Ltd.

There are many problems in the traditional teaching of modern electrical control technology, such as teacher-centered, not paying attention to the process examination and ability training. OBE is the abbreviation of output-oriented education, its core concept is student-centered and focuses on what students can produce after receiving education. Based on the concept of OBE education and the requirements of engineering education certification, aiming at the practical characteristics of modern electrical control technology, taking the actual occupation demand as the guidance and focusing on the cultivation of practical engineering application ability, the targeted reform is carried out from the four aspects of teaching content, practical teaching, assessment method and curriculum design. With students as the center and results as the guidance, teachers can raise their expectations of students' learning, set challenging goals, and cultivate outstanding professionals serving the society and enterprises.

Based on engineering practices of four typical traffic immersed tunnels built in China, this paper details the features of the four dominant foundation treatment methods for immersed tunnel construction: pile foundation, sand flow foundation, grouting foundation, and gravel bedding foundation. Subsoil stress time-history of different method are specified first, plus a summary of settlement assessment method for foundation quality control. Further, a comprehensive comparison of settlement and cost of these four foundation treatment methods is conducted to highlights the specific merits, disadvantages and conditions encountered in each foundation treatment method, based on real projects information. The findings of this article could henceforth be applied to foundation treatment work in immersed tube tunnel construction.

Green Architecture appeared to achieve what is beyond sustainability in buildings. It seeks besides maintaining the balanced environmental and building cycles to interact with the nature. Its definitions are always concerned by achieving the human psychological needs besides their physical ones. Nature in the Green Architecture is not only a party to avoid its negative effects and benefit its advantages, but it is also a party that buildings help their users to feel coexistence within. The Environmental Assessment Methods of Buildings appeared to set the principles of the optimum relation between the buildings and the environment, but, the current methods did not focus on the human psychological needs, and they included few and static assessment items for that, such as linking the users visually with their external environment through the openings. This item does not reflect an ideal relation in the Green Architecture, which should be beyond that direct and boring one. It was formerly difficult to achieve innovative relations between building users and their surroundings, but recently, there are enormous potentials to do so. Therefore, the research paper aimed to get out of the traditional borders of the environmental assessment of buildings, and focus on assessing the human psychological needs through the assessment methods by some proposed items, which help to achieve a human coexistence with nature. The proposed items may be considered an important step toward the Green Architecture, when considering the almost ignored human psychological needs within the most important tools used to encourage its application. Keywords: Coexistence with nature, Psychological needs, Interactive buildings, Building filters, Environmental Assessment Methods of Buildings

The sustainable development of old industrial buildings is in line with the national construction strategy and has an important impact on current urban renewal. Only by achieving a unified balance among economic, social, and environmental factors can reused industrial buildings be considered sustainable. However, there are no relevant sustainability assessment indicators and methods for reused industrial buildings in China. The purpose of this study was to provide a reasonable and effective method for assessing the sustainability of reused industrial buildings. First, this study analysed the factors influencing reused industrial building sustainability through a project investigation. Second, based on the assessment indicator setting procedure, the sustainability assessment indicator system for reused industrial buildings was optimised. Moreover, a multi-level sustainability assessment model based on extenics was established to identify the correlation functions of indicators with different attributes. Finally, a case was considered to verify this assessment method. The results showed that this assessment method in good agreement with the actual state of the case was validated to be more effective and practical. The assessment method could provide a basis for decision-making to improve sustainability and could be adopted by relevant rating agencies to determine the sustainability level of reused industrial buildings.

Dental composites are becoming increasingly popular in esthetic restorative dentistry and present a promising substitute for amalgam. However, the major hurdles that hinder their total adoption in restorative dentistry are limited longevity and possible health risks, leading to significant attempts for addressing these shortcomings. Besides the new materials, the evaluation methods play a critical role in the introduction and improvement of these types of materials. This review aims to cover the characterization methods in the evaluation of dental composites that are most employed nowadays. Therefore, the methods for evaluating the physical properties of the dental composites are first explained. Subsequently, the assessment methods of curing kinetics and the mechanical properties of the composites are classified and reviewed. Afterward, the article delves into the introduction and classification of the microscopic and antibacterial evaluation methods. Finally, the test methods for assessment of in vitro cytotoxicity and self-healing ability are described. It should be noted, for each test method, the most recent and interesting articles are cited. It is envisaged that this review will facilitate an understanding and provide knowledge for the section and utilizing the most effective and suitable characterization methods for future research on the development of dental composites.

In this paper, experiences on the development of an assessment method for existing bridges are presented. The method is calibrated using the results of full-scale testing to failure of a prestressed bridge in Sweden. To evaluate the key parameters for the structural response, measured by deflections, strains in tendons and stirrups and crack openings, a sensitivity study based on the concept of fractional factorial design is incorporated to the assessment. Results showed that the most significant parameters are related to the tensile properties of the concrete (tensile strength and fracture energy) and the boundary conditions. A finite element (FE) model in which the results of the sensitivity analysis were applied, was able to predict accurately the load-carrying capacity of the bridge and its failure mode. Two additional existing prestressed concrete bridges, that will be used to improve further the method, are also described, and discussed. Funder: BBT; LKAB; Swedish Universities of the Built Environment

As the core course of road and bridge engineering technology major, the highway engineering testing course is specialized in the curriculum system. It takes curriculum theory and practice teaching as the carrier. The relationship between innovation and entrepreneurship concept and theoretical teaching and practical teaching of engineering testing course is explored through the reconstruction of course content resources, reform of assessment methods, cultivation of teachers' innovation and entrepreneurship ability, innovation and entrepreneurship training programs and skill competitions, and the innovation and entrepreneurship ability of students is improved through curriculum reform and practice.

Increasing interests of circular economy (CE) principles applied into construction projects has led to the development of assessment methods for their justification. The use of smaller quantities of construction materials, materials of higher quality and durability, and recycling of construction waste are all requirements of today's aspiration for a circular economy, but it is necessary to assess their environmental and economic sustainability. This paper presents a review of the current assessment tools of circular economy projects applied to the construction industry, such as LCA, LCC and CBA. The main objectives of this study were to provide a categorization of CE concepts applied in the construction industry (CI) and to review assessment methods used for evaluating CE projects in CI. This paper selected and reviewed 96 published papers and classified them into one of five aspects of CE highlighted in this study: waste management, reducing the impact on the environment, material & product design, building design, and other. The results showed that the use of assessment methods in CE projects has increased in the recent years as well that an LCA was by far the most used assessment method and waste management the most common aspect of CE in CI.

Urban development principles have evolved from sustainability, where the focus was on limiting the negative impact of urban environment, to restorative and regenerative sustainability, where positive impact is needed on global social and ecological systems. This recent paradigm shift requires the development of new tools for practitioners, like design methodologies, new technologies, and assessment methods.To measure the impact of sustainability on the built environment, several building-scale assessment tools exist. The question is how these widespread rating systems support restorative change in the built environment.The main question of the research is answered in three methodological steps. First, the goals of restorative sustainability are summarized from the available extensive literature, including the topics of Place, Energy, Water, Well-being, Carbon, Resources, Equity, Education, and Economics. Then different rating tools (Living Building Challenge, WELL, LEED, BREEAM, DGNB) are analysed how the considered issues and indicators in these rating tools are connected to restorative goals. Then these indicators are assessed how they serve that goal.The result of this study shows the main strengths and gaps in current wide-spread international rating tools regarding their support of restorative sustainability.

Post-Earthquake damage assessment has always been one of the major challenges that both engineers and authorities face after disastrous earthquakes all around the world. Considering the number of buildings in need of inspection and the insufficient number of qualified inspectors, the availability of a thorough, quantitative and rapidly applicable damage assessment methodology is vitally important after such events. At the beginning of the new millennia, an assessment system satisfying these needs was developed for the Turkish Catastrophe Insurance Pool (TCIP, known as DASK in Turkey) to evaluate the damages in reinforced concrete (RC) and masonry structures. Since its enforcement, this assessment method has been successfully used after several earthquakes that took place in Turkey, such as 2011 Van Earthquake, 2011 Kutahya Earthquake, 2019 Istanbul Earthquake and 2020 Elazig Earthquake to decide the future of damaged structures to be either ‘repaired’ or ‘demolished’. Throughout the years, the number of research activities focusing on the reparability of earthquake-damaged structures has increased, which is a purposeful parameter in the determination of buildings’ future after earthquakes. Accordingly, TCIP initiated a research project with a sole aim to regulate and reevaluate the damage assessment algorithm based on the results of state-of-the-art scientific research. This chapter presents the new version of the damage assessment methodology for reinforced concrete structures which was developed for TCIP (TCIP-DAM-2020). In addition, an application of the developed damage assessment algorithm on an earthquake-damaged reinforced concrete building which was struck by Kocaeli (1999) earthquake is presented.

Service-learning (SL) helps engineering students to be involved in community activities and to be motivated by their studies. Although several reviews and research studies have been published about SL, it is not widespread in sciences and engineering at the university level. The purpose of this research is to analyze the different community services or projects where SL is implemented by engineering students and faculty and to identify the procedures that were usually implemented to assess SL-based courses and activities. Assessment could be considered as the evaluation of a specific module and the engineering competencies, the evaluation of the effectiveness of the SL program, the assessment of the participation of the student in those programs, and the assessment of whether students have achieved certain outcomes or gained specific skills. We conducted a systematic review with a search in three scientific databases: Scopus, Science Direct, and ERIC educational database to analyze the assessment methods and what that assessment covers. From 14,107 publications related to SL, 120 documents were analyzed to inform the conclusions of this study. We found that SL is widely used in several universities as experiential education, and it is considered an academic activity. The most widely used assessment technique is a survey to evaluate the engagement and attitudes of students and, to a lesser extent, teamwork presentations. post-print 828 KB

The major reason that promoted the development of systems to support environmental performance assessment of buildings was the effective realisation, in some countries, that they were unable to say how sustainable a building was. Later researchers and government agencies understood that assessment tools are the best method to demonstrate the level of sustainability of all types of constructions. These can improve the education for a sustainable society, because it can promote understanding between the principles of sustainable construction and the user. Within this, several countries have developed their own methods for sustainability assessment adapted to their reality and presenting them as capable of guiding the overall performance of this sector. Most of these methods are based on local rules and legislation, in locally conventional construction technologies, with the default weight of each indicator set according to the actual local socio-cultural, economic and environmental contexts. Through the years, these methods have contributed to the growth of the awareness about criteria and objectives of sustainability, and they have been improved to a more holistic approach. They become a reference to assess the sustainability of buildings in particular and construction in general., (undefined)

Standardized and transparent life cycle sustainability performance assessment methods are essential for improving the sustainability of civil engineering works. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the potential of using a life cycle sustainability assessment method in a road bridge case study. The method is in line with requirements of relevant standards, uses life cycle assessment, life cycle costs and incomes, and environmental externalities, and applies normalization and weighting of indicators. The case study involves a short-span bridge in a design-build infrastructure project, which was selected for its generality. Two bridge design concepts are assessed and compared: a concrete slab frame bridge and a soil-steel composite bridge. Data available in the contractor&rsquo, s tender phase are used. The two primary aims of this study are (1) to analyse the practical application potential of the method in carrying out transparent sustainability assessments of design concepts in the early planning and design stages, and (2) to examine the results obtained in the case study to identify indicators in different life cycle stages and elements of the civil engineering works project with the largest impacts on sustainability. The results show that the method facilitates comparisons of the life cycle sustainability performance of design concepts at the indicator and construction element levels, enabling better-informed and more impartial design decisions to be made.

Background and Aim: This study tries to assess the risk level of fire in an educational environment by FRAME software in a practical method. Then, some effective strategies were proposed to reduce the risk level of fire and secure the environment as much as possible. Methods: In this practical study, the fire risk assessment was carried out in an educational environment by Fire Risk Assessment Method for Engineers (FRAME) ؛ this risk assessment was done in three sections including building and contents, residents and activities. It was tried to gain the highest fire security for the educational environment by using practical and logical control measures. Required data was gathered by studying and monitoring the situation, observation, interview, referring to available documents and measuring some parameters, regulatory inventory and checklist according to the requirements of the FRAME executive instruction. The calculation was done by FRAME software. Results: The results showed the risk levels of fire for the educational environment were unacceptable in residents (R=2.7) and activities (R=3.8) sections; although some parts such as laboratories, libraries and partitioning parts in the building section had a high-risk level (R> 1). Some preventive measures were recommended for reducing the risk level of fire and improving the security of situation by considering some effective factors؛ the results showed a significant reduction in the risk level of fire in all three sections within the acceptable level (R< 1). Conclusion: The results showed that the FRAME method can assess and determine the quantity of risk level and provide suitable controlling methods to improve the security of fire in the educational environment by considering the opportunities and challenges of the existing environment.

Occupational noise exposure is a serious physical risk factor leading to occupational diseases including hearing loss. In this study, occupational noise measurements taken at seven natural stone processing plants operating in Sivas, Turkey and its environs are evaluated in accordance with the task-based assessment method given in TS EN ISO 9612-2009 standard. Though the processes in natural stone processing plants are similar, significant differences were observed in the noise levels, which are often above the limits specified in the relevant regulation. The highest noise levels to which workers were exposed are S/T, bridge cutting, sizing/honing, head/side cutting machine while the lowest noise levels were from narrow polishing machine and gang saw machines. In plants B, F and G the S/T block cutting machines, in plants B and D the head/side cutting machines, in plants C and E the sizing/honing machines and in plant D the bridged cutting and narrow polishing machines exposed workers to noise levels above the lowest exposure action value of 80 dBA. The bridge cutting machine in plant D exposed the workers to noise levels above the highest exposure action value of 85 dBA. High noise emitting machines were proposed to be isolated in separate compartments.

As a basic subject to explore the nature of life phenomena at the molecular level, molecular biology has been widely used in biomedical sciences, as well as in the fields of life sciences. In this study, aim to improve the teaching quality and cultivate high-quality biological innovative talents, the teaching reform from the aspects of teaching content, teaching mode and curriculum assessment methods were explored.

As a core curriculum of computer science, data structure plays a key role in connecting the preceding with the following in the professional curriculum system. This paper analyses the problems existing in the traditional teaching method of data structure course. Based on the results-oriented concept of engineering education for professional certification, the student-centered and continuous improvement concept of teaching, some ideas and measures for the reform of data structure course are presented, including adjusting teaching aims and improving teaching methods and reforming assessment methods, etc. Through the reform, we can effectively improve the teaching effect of data structure course, learning interest and initiative of the student and improve engineering practice ability for them.

For the database application basic course, there are problems such as outdated teaching methods and insufficient experimental hours. In order to cultivate college students' application practical ability, the students' enthusiasm and initiative are stimulated through the use of various teaching reform measures such as procedural assessment methods of examination by computer and in-class competition.

In recent years, the Python language, featuring in simplicity, efficiency, flexibility and strong applicability with rich class libraries, has been widely promoted and applied in various industries and the popularity is inevitable due to continuous development of artificial intelligence. Therefore, our school has carried out the intensive training of Python language targeting all freshmen via the innovative utilization of short semester. In view of the faculty, teaching management, supporting teaching materials and assessment methods, this paper discusses the problems and solutions of our Python language teaching reform and innovation in short semester, with the achievements and enlightenment of teaching reform clarified from the perspectives of students and teachers in order to effect certain direction and guidance for the teaching of Python language and computer language programming in colleges and universities.

The conservation of heritage structures is pivotal not only due to their cultural or historical importance for nations, but also for understanding their construction techniques as a lesson that can be applied to contemporary structures. Timber is considered to be the oldest organic construction material and is more vulnerable to environmental threats than nonorganic materials such as masonry bricks. In order to assess the structural vulnerability of heritage timber structures subjected to different types of risk, knowledge about their structural systems and configurations, the nature and properties of the materials, and the behavior of the structure when subjected to different risks, is essential for analysts. In order to facilitate the procedure, different assessment methods have been divided into the categories in situ and ex situ, which are applicable for vulnerability assessments at the element and full-scale level of a case study. An existing methodology for structural vulnerability assessments and conservation of heritage timber buildings is reviewed and a new methodology is proposed. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited

One of the founding concepts of the high-entropy alloy (HEA) field was that the lattice structures of multicomponent solid solution phases are highly distorted. The displacement of the constituent atoms, away from their ideal locations (local lattice strain), has been widely cited as the reason for a number of the observed physical and mechanical properties. However, very little data directly characterizing these lattice distortions exist and, thus, the validity of this hypothesis remains an open question. Here, the concept is reviewed by considering the underlying principles of the lattice distortions, the suitability of different assessment methods, and the direct experimental data currently available. It is found that, at present, there is no clear evidence that the lattice distortions in HEAs are significantly greater than those of conventional alloys. However, so few alloys have been appropriately characterized that this conclusion cannot be considered overarching and further research is required.

Green chemistry emerged over the past several decades as an important component of chemical education. Many different types of educational materials have been created to teach students the 12 Principles of Green Chemistry. However, an international push towards sustainable development challenged green chemistry educators to teach students to weigh the complex factors of green chemistry and consider societal factors of sustainability. In this paper, we review courses and programs that strive to achieve these goals and assessment methods that have been used to evaluate student outcomes of green chemistry courses.

This paper reports findings from a web-based survey of professional ergonomists with certification through recognized organizations in English-speaking countries (USA, Canada, UK, Australia, and New Zealand). The purpose of the survey is to update knowledge on the types of basic tools and direct and observational assessment methods used by ergonomic practitioners. These results focus on prevalence and frequency of use for 23 ergonomic assessment methods and how ergonomists report using them (pencil and paper, computer software, mobile devices, other). N=405 ergonomists responded to the survey, representing a 34% participation rate. The NIOSH Lifting Equation is the most widely used assessment method, used by 86.9% of responding ergonomists. The findings indicate opportunities for development of mobile interfaces (“apps”) by which assessment methods can be deployed electronically. Only 25% of professionals reported using mobile apps, and several frequently used methods are predominantly used in “pencil and paper” format.

In the Czech Republic, HTA studies are only required for pharmaceuticals. For this reason, many health technology assessment work is being done by academic institution. A number of HTA methods are used within student’s theses in the Department of Biomedical Technology, the Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague. The environment of the Faculty of Biomedical Engineering thus contributes to the cultivation of HTA in the Czech Republic and in connection with the field of biomedical engineering interesting works are being created here. There is an effort to create works that have a practical impact, and many works arise in connection with the requirements of practice.

This paper presents a set of methods for renovation impact assessment of indoor hygrothermal conditions in a culturally significant historical building, functioning as an art gallery. A new parameter, Renovation Impact Index (RII), was developed and used for the assessment. The RII is defined as the performance gradient of indoor hygrothermal conditions over two annual periods, the year before and the year after the renovations. The performances of the two most critical parameters to artwork conservation – temperature (T) and relative humidity (RH) – were assessed with respect to conservation specifications. RII was defined over two windows: tight set points specified in the BS 5454 : 2000 Conservation Standard and a relaxed strategy for energy saving potential. ‘Global’ Performance Index was obtained as a combined effect of T and RH. A seasonal analysis was undertaken for detailed study of renovation impact on individual seasons. Results identified the positive effects of the renovation solutions, with the indoor environment then being less influenced by outdoor weather changes. In addition to energy savings of 27%, the positive RII estimate showed quantitative improvement in hygrothermal performance. The proposed methods can be extended to other renovation projects in similar buildings to assist building managers to target future improvements.

Introduction.The article discusses the question of applicability of the calculation assessment method of resistance for details from gray cast iron after thermal diffusion hardening. The purpose of research is to check applicability of the calculated model for determination of intensity in case of the variable blanket hardness.Materials and methods.The model of intensity dependence on contact of two disks of friction gear is used in the research. Calculated determination of parameters is executed in two options: contact of the steel disk and disk from gray cast iron with the strengthened layer, and contact of the steel disk and disk from the tempered high-strength cast iron. Thus, roughness corresponding to the earned extra surface in contact zone is created. Experimental check of received results is carried out by means of specific work of abrasive wear definition for gray cast iron with the strengthened layer and the high-strength tempered cast iron.Results.As a result, it was established that the resistance of details from gray cast iron with the strengthened layer is comparable to high-strength cast iron after hardening. The results of experimental check prove the obtained calculations since the parameters values of resistance received would be well coordinated. Therefore, the possibility of the calculated resistant technique usage for such case could be considered as proved one and, therefore, it could be used at design calculations of the frictional units containing details from gray cast iron with the strengthened layer.Discussion and conclusions.The considered way of superficial hardening needs to be applied depending on features of operation on frictional unit. In such case, when the allowed values of wear change in wide limits (for example, brakes, coupling, etc.) it would be better not to subject a blanket to machining where the formation of optimum parameters of friction surfaces happened in natural way, or it would be necessary to delete an allowance. This suggests that the calculation method of the determination of layer resistance enables to define concrete values of an allowance which needs to be deleted.