Digital Commons Network^™

Mapping Construction 4.0 And Sustainability For Innovation In The Construction Industry Of Developing Countries, Natalia E. Lozano-Ramírez, Nelly P. Garcia-Lopez

CIB Conferences

A country's inclusive and sustainable growth depends largely on efficient infrastructure, making it a crucial aspect of governmental, urban, and social decisions, particularly in developing countries. However, these regions face significant barriers to progress, such as low digitalization rates, limited adoption of technology, and socio-economic obstacles that hinder sustainable development. Addressing these challenges is vital to fulfilling the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and requires strategic partnerships, innovative practices, and integration within the construction sector. Furthermore, Industry 4.0 represents a promising pathway toward sustainable, technologically advanced construction; however, its adoption in developing countries remains in the early stages and …

The Implementation Of Un Sustainable Development Goals Using Facilities Management Standards In South Africa, Steven Molloy, Yewande Adewunmi

CIB Conferences

The suite of ISO 41000 standards for facility management (FM) seeks to address 17 of the 24 UN sustainable development goals (SDG). Implementing these ISO systems will enhance SDG’s management and operations of facilities. In their daily actions, facility managers are in a unique position to guide facility and property owners in implementing sustainability measures without expensive construction changes to the building fabric. A viewpoint paper through the review of the literature and South African laws and regulations was undertaken to determine areas that incorporate SDGs into the management of facilities. South African institutional reports, and local standards were reviewed …

Integrating Flood-Resistant Design And Construction Strategies In Sustainable Homes In The Central Valley: Effective Approaches For New And Existing Structures, Matthew Gomes, Vivien Luo, Manideep Tummalapudi

CIB Conferences

As climate change intensifies, California’s Central Valley faces unprecedented weather events, including increased flood risks, leaving homeowners vulnerable, especially those in disadvantaged communities. This paper, based on a master’s thesis, examines effective strategies for integrating flood-resistant design and construction practices into new homes and retrofit solutions for existing homes by assessing local flood vulnerabilities. Employing a mixed-methods approach grounded in an extensive literature review, this study combines a homeowner survey with qualitative interviews with local design, construction, and development professionals in the residential sector. Insights from the survey informed the interview design, enabling a deeper exploration of challenges specific to …

Strategic Facilities Management Contingencies Implemented By Office Real Estate Owners In Response To Drought Risks In Cape Town, Saul Nurick Dr, Kathy Michell Professor, David Porter Mr

CIB Conferences

Climate change has impacted the natural water supply in South Africa. This has resulted in a more intentional adoption of environmental, social and governance (ESG) initiatives, specifically within the context of real estate. Water management is one of the key ESG factors, which became apparent to office real estate owners during the 2018 drought in Cape Town. Strategic facilities management (FM) is recognised as the crucial link to ensure that strategic real estate goals are achieved. A form of strategic FM pertaining to water is defined as water management features and initiatives (WMFIs). The research comprised a multiple case study …

Balancing Density And Greenery: Addressing Urban Heat Islands In Transit-Oriented Development, Esraa Elmarakby, Hisham Elkadi

CIB Conferences

This study explores the relationship between urban form, green infrastructure, and the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect in Manchester's Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) neighbourhoods: Manchester Piccadilly and East Didsbury. The research investigates how urban density, characterised by deep street canyons and lack of green spaces, influences the intensity of UHI effects. Land Surface Temperature (LST) and Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) were mapped using remote sensing techniques to identify spatial patterns of heat intensity and vegetation coverage, respectively. The analysis revealed significant negative correlations between NDVI and UHI intensity in both areas, with East Didsbury exhibiting a stronger correlation than Manchester …

The Activation Of Open Building Through An Adoption Of Mass Timber Construction: A Case Series Analysis, Paul D. Kremer, Ron Wakefield, Alireza Ahankoob, Behzad Abbasnejad

CIB Conferences

Open Building (OB) represents a fundamental shift in the approach to building design viewing the overall superstructure (the base building) as one element and each unit/residence within (the infill/fitout) as separable non-standardised spaces. Mass Timber Construction (MTC) is a modern approach to building that utilises large structural wood components to create sustainable and innovative structures. To support and enable an OB approach MTC technology presents itself as a promising activating agent for the benefits of OB. The present study is a case series of five projects. The aim was to find evidence supporting a relationship between OB and MTC. A …

Research On Sustainable Regeneration Design Of Slums Under Urbanization Process--The Case Of "Male" Slum In Rio De Janeiro, Di Gao, Wen Ouyang, Yu Jia Zhou

CIB Conferences

As global urbanisation accelerates, slums, as an important component of urban development, face challenges of resource scarcity, environmental degradation and social exclusion. This paper examines the causes of Brazilian slums and the historical evolution of Rio de Janeiro's slums, discusses their unique historical context and social dynamics, and analyses examples of slum governance and practices from around the world to summarise design principles for sustainable slum regeneration. Taking Male, the third largest slum in Rio de Janeiro, as an example, we analyse the current environment, identify the key issues and challenges it faces, and propose design strategies such as the …

Public Space Is More Than Architecture: A Critique To An Urban Renewal Project In Shenzhen, China, Cheng Li, Zhidi Cheng, Jilin Li

CIB Conferences

Urban regeneration is a multifaceted process that encompasses both the physical change of locations and the social and cultural reimagining of communities. This study analyzes an industrial heritage renewal project in Shenzhen, China, utilizing urban planning theories including Jacobs' Great Streets and Lydon’s Tactical Urbanism. The study emphasizes the disparity between architecture design implementation and the problems and the way of improvement in urban regeneration initiatives. It underscores the significance of public space design and management for sustained success, providing insights into how urban design may enhance community engagement and elevate quality of life. This study seeks to offer pragmatic …

Reimagining Community Engagement: A Social Network Driven Approach To Flood Resilience, Olutayo Ekundayo, David Proverbs, Subashini Suresh Dr, Chaminda Pathirage, Ezekiel Olatunji

CIB Conferences

Community Engagement (CE) is crucial for building flood resilience and empowering communities to participate actively in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. However, many existing CE approaches neglect key social dimensions, such as inclusivity, social vulnerabilities, and community-driven strategies. This oversight often limits community ownership and reduces effectiveness. This research critically examines the social drivers of community engagement in flood resilience, emphasising the need for a Social Network approach to strengthen social connections, enhance participation, and foster sustained resilience. A review and synthesis of existing literature, spanning disaster risk management, flood resilience, social networks, behavioural science, and community engagement, identifies key …

A Systematic Review On Sustainable 3d Concrete Printing: Opportunities And Challenges., Anjalee Wijethunge, Don A.S. Samarasinghe, An Le, Akvan Gajanayake, Chinthaka Atapattu

CIB Conferences

This paper presents a systematic literature review of the opportunities and challenges of implementing 3D concrete printing (3DCP) in the construction industry. While 3DCP holds significant potential to improve construction processes by enhancing efficiency, sustainability, and design flexibility, its widespread adoption is hindered by several challenges. A structured review methodology was employed, analysing 58 peer-reviewed articles sourced from SCOPUS and Discovery databases, using the PRISMA guidelines for comprehensive screening and analysis. The findings are categorised using the PESTEL framework (Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Environmental, and Legal), offering a detailed perspective on the factors influencing 3DCP implementation. Key opportunities include improved …

Exploring Social Equity And Cultural Indicators In Sustainable Road And Highway Infrastructure Development In Ghana, George Okyere Dokyi, Osei Kwame Kwakwa, Funmilayo Ebun Rotimi, John Tookey

CIB Conferences

This study explores the integration of social equity and cultural indicators in sustainable road and highway infrastructure development in Ghana. Using a qualitative approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 professionals in the construction industry, including engineers, project managers, and consultants. The research aimed to uncover challenges and effective strategies in addressing social and cultural dimensions of infrastructure projects. Thematic analysis of interview data, facilitated by ATLAS.ti software, revealed three key areas of concern: community engagement and public participation, worker health and safety, and traffic congestion management. Findings indicate that while stakeholders recognize the importance of these factors, significant challenges …

Analysis Of Social Value Creation In Infrastructure Delivery To Achieve The Sustainable Development Goal 3, Omoleye Ojuri, D'Maris Coffman, Priti Parikh

CIB Conferences

Good health and well-being are key indicators and a precondition for sustainable development, allowing people to enjoy fulfilling lives, receive education and be productive members of society. Social value is the positive impact of infrastructure projects on long-term well-being. Infrastructure social value (SV) delivery is a practical national/organisation-level vehicle for realising the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal Three - ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all ages. However, infrastructure SV delivery is often commissioned when the project is well underway or completed, so mechanisms to collect the required data to quantify SV impact were not set up. By that …

The Relationship Between Tenure Type And Domestic Retrofitting Uptake In The Uk, Nadeeshani Wanigarathna Dr, Ephraim Zulu Dr, Matthew Swingwood Mr, Fred Sherratt

CIB Conferences

The housing stock in the UK is a significant contributor to greenhouse gases. To achieve the UK's net-zero targets, a substantial upgrade to the thermal performance of existing dwellings (referred to as retrofitting) will be required. In addition to carbon emission, inefficient homes also present serious health and well-being issues for the occupants. The extent of retrofitting ahead requires significant monetary investment, and the responsibility for such investment ultimately lies with the housing stock owners. In the UK, housing stock can be owned by the occupiers, a private landlord, a local authority or a non-profit social housing association. Their capacity …

Exploring The Roles And Responsibilities Of Stakeholders In Ebe Education 5.0 Through The Quintuple Helix Model Of Innovation, Karen Le Jeune Ms, Krystle Ontong Dr, Alireza Moghayedi

CIB Conferences

The Quintuple Helix Model of Innovation (5HIM) offers an analytical framework with which to interrogate the reciprocal, complex inter-relationships between the eco-systems of the government, civil society, industry, academia and the environment. In the context of the Built Environment (BE), all of these subsystems are represented by the traditional stakeholders and role players. Education 5.0 requires the integration of digital technology into a modernised engineering and the BE curriculum, while prioritising human-centricity, resilience and sustainable development. Future BE Professionals (BEPs) will be required to serve a data-driven society – Society 5.0 – that strives to deliver prosperity of all, through …

Sustainable Healthy Communities: The Contested Role Of ‘Region’ In The Housing Development Sector, Graeme D. Larsen Dr, Ange Lee, Megi Zala

CIB Conferences

The English housing development sector is frequently described as being in a state of crisis, presenting challenges for a range of stakeholders. The research is tensioned against structural shifts in the housing development sector, with an agglomeration of a handful of large housing developers shaping the narrative, set against the decline of regional SMEs developers. The aim is to unpack the prevailing discourse and the common reductionist metric of ‘units’ built, in order to reintroduce notions of regionalism, place and sustainable healthy community into the debate. Central to this is unpacking what is meant by ‘region’ or ‘regional’. Contemporary perspectives …

From The Amazon To The Andes: Paleoclimatic And Paleoenvironmental Changes Recorded By Sedimentary Biomarkers Since The Late Pleistocene, Alessandro Antúnez De Mayolo Mauceri

Arts & Sciences Graduate Student Theses and Dissertations

The South American tropics encompass some of Earth's most diverse and dynamic landscapes, from tropical glaciers and arid deserts to savannahs, shrublands, and the planet’s largest and most biodiverse rainforest—spread across a vast climatic and topographic gradient. These biomes provide vital natural resources that sustain communities, bolster economies, and serve as key components of the global hydrologic and carbon cycles. Despite their environmental and socioeconomic importance, these tropical systems are highly vulnerable to contemporary and future climate change and its cascading impacts. Adding to this challenge, the scarcity and short duration of instrumental climate records from this region pose major …

Kidfluencers, Public Relations And Human Rights: An Exploration Of The Impact On The Human Rights Of Children As Social Media Influencers Within Public Relations And Promotional Practice, Catherine Archer, Kate Mirandilla Delmo

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

In this article we explore the human rights of children as important stakeholders in public relations (PR) practice by examining the phenomenon of social media influencer children, commonly termed kidfluencers. Children’s human rights in the digital realm have been a focus for the United Nations and those researching from media, communications and law disciplines, but have largely been ignored by PR scholarship. Given social media influencer relations is now an important part of PR practice, and a multibillion-dollar global industry, the need for more research on the genre from a PR perspective is apparent. Our research, using the UN (Human) …

Community Engagement In Digital Banking: Insights From Jakarta And Perth, Safaruddin Husada, Ulani Yunus, Latifa Ramonita, Mark Mcmahon

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: In the digital era, community engagement plays a pivotal role in driving market share expansion in the banking sector, yet the impact of such initiatives across diverse regulatory and cultural contexts remains underexplored. Purpose: This study examines the influence of community engagement on the digital bank market share in Jakarta, Indonesia, and Perth, Australia, while addressing disparities in digital access and customer experience. Methods: Employing a quantitative methodology, the study analyzed structured surveys from 300 respondents (150 each from Jakarta and Perth) to uncover relationships between community engagement and market expansion. Results: Findings reveal that robust community engagement significantly …

The Feminist Frontier: Reimagining And Reenergizing Pedagogy From Osclg 2024, Karla D. Scott, Lakresha Graham, Jennifer Jackson

Feminist Pedagogy

No abstract provided.

A Four-Truth Exploration Of Memory, Social Connection, And Belonging In Fairground And Tower Grove Parks In St. Louis, Missouri, Kenya D. Womack, Adeola N. Adewale, Marie E. Boesch, Gelene M. Strecker-Sayer

Dissertations

Historic racism supported practices such as redlining, discriminatory zoning, and racial steering that separated people and determined the flow of resources and investment into neighborhoods. Communities continue to experience the long tail effects of historic patterns of racism. That is, historic inequities influence the opportunities that residents have to connect with each other and thrive in urban areas. Urban neighborhood parks have the potential to bridge social divides and bring a community together. This basic qualitative research study examines two contested heritage sites in St. Louis, Missouri: Fairground Park, a park in a Black neighborhood that has been historically disinvested …

The Craft Of Tally: Tracing Marketability And Economic Sustainability Of Crafts, Mariam Mabrouk

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis explores the marketability and economic sustainability of the Tally craft in Gezeirit

Shandaweel, Sohag, Egypt, with a focus on how the craft navigates the tension between cultural

preservation and economic adaptation. Tally, a traditional form of embroidery, has deep cultural

roots in Egypt but faces significant challenges due to global market dynamics, shifting consumer

preferences, and systemic institutional neglect. Through an ethnographic case study, this research

investigates how artisans, institutions, and market forces interact to shape the craft's future. The

study examines the role of cultural perceptions, innovation, and institutional support in fostering

or hindering Tally's economic viability. …

Comparative Analysis Of Water Management Practices In Denmark, Egypt And Uganda: Implications For Sustainable Water Management In Uganda, Junior Twehamye Ashaba

Theses and Dissertations

Water scarcity and mismanagement are escalating global challenges, with over two billion people lacking access to safe drinking water and projections indicating that nearly two thirds of the world’s population could face water shortages by 2050 (Jones et al., 2024). This thesis presents an analysis of water governance and management practices in Denmark, Egypt, and Uganda-three countries that exemplify diverse hydro-climatic conditions, socioeconomic realities, and institutional frameworks. The study explains how governance structures, technological innovation, stakeholder participation, and policy design shape water resource outcomes, and how lessons from Denmark and Egypt can inform more resilient and sustainable water management in …

"You Need To Make The Decision You Can Live With": An Observational Study Of Anti-Abortion Centers In Tampa Bay, Anna Broich

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Anti-Abortion Centers (AACs) pose a grave threat to the reproductive health outcomes of Americans. Disguising themselves as licensed health clinics, AACs target vulnerable communities to prevent or delay abortion care through the spread of medical misinformation, contributing to abortion stigmatization. Situated in a state with a near-total abortion ban, this secret-shopper study aimed to understand the ways in which AACs in Tampa, Florida communicate anti-abortion rhetoric to pregnant people seeking abortions. Under the guise of people who suspect they are pregnant searching for abortion care, the main researcher and her assistants conducted the first phase of the study through 25 …

Louisiana’S Neverland: Alternatives To Revising The Public Trust Doctrine Informed By Promising Tales Of Faith, Trust, And Pixie Dust, Madeline Kraus

LSU Journal of Energy Law and Resources

No abstract provided.

Our Common Cause: Advocating For Human Labor For Outreach, Technical Expertise, And The Future Of Institutional Repositories, Grace R. Swinnerton, Dylan Mohr

Librarian Publications

Since 2021, SURFACE, Syracuse University’s institutional repository, has seen substantial growth in both content and commitment to long-term digital preservation. This progress is largely due to the Syracuse University Libraries’ investment in a dedicated three-person team focused on sustainability and development. As we face emerging technologies and AI, we question whether AI can replace human labor to reduce costs. Despite the financial appeal of cost-cutting, our presentation underscores the essential role of human labor. Through community-focused outreach and technical advancements like mass minting DOIs and restructuring our platform, we have demonstrated the irreplaceable value of human involvement. This presentation will …

Bridging Science And Sports: The Role Of Paralympic Science Support Nl In Creating A Sustainable Community, Eline Blaauw

International Symposium of Adapted Physical Activity and International Symposium on Physical Activity and Visual Impairment and Deafblindness

Dutch researchers at the top of their field were frequently asked to share knowledge at international conferences or sports programs abroad, yet Dutch sports federations often lack awareness of their work or how to engage with them. This disconnection between research and practice created a gap in effectively supporting Paralympic athletes. To close this gap, Paralympic Science Support NL (PSS-NL) was established with support from the Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare, and Sports.

PSS-NL aims to create a supportive environment where adaptive sports programs can develop using knowledge. PSS-NL serves as a national hub for paralympic sports federations and academia, …

Connecting Policy With Practice: How The Dutch Ministry Of Sport Builds Inclusive And Sustainable Communities, Biko Blommestein, Lisa Snooy

International Symposium of Adapted Physical Activity and International Symposium on Physical Activity and Visual Impairment and Deafblindness

To address the challenges faced by persons with disabilities in accessing sports and recreation, the Dutch Knowledge Centre for Sport & Physical Activity (KCSA) has developed a sustainable, two-way system that bridges the gap between national policy and local practice. This initiative stimulates regional communities to create an inclusive sports infrastructure.

The Netherlands has a multi-level governance system, with national policies set by the government, provinces overseeing regional implementation, and municipalities responsible for local execution. Within this structure, KCSA has trained “knowledge holders” in every province, who are tasked with supporting stakeholders (e.g. coaches and healthcare professionals) when they face …

Maximising Solar Pv Potential: A Comprehensive Review Of Factors Affecting Photovoltaic Installation And Generation In A Mild Temperate Oceanic Climate, Aiza Ahmad, Niamh Power, Evan Finnegan

Publications

The urgency of addressing the climate emergency and clean energy transitions have spurred worldwide initiatives to increase utilisation of renewable energy sources. The integration of rooftop photovoltaic panels at domestic level, often underestimated, is a priority across Europe to meet targets of net-zero emissions by 2050. PV systems represent a crucial technology for renewable energy generation and mitigating climate change. However, their performance and potential are influenced by various factors, including environmental conditions, building parameters and geographical factors. This paper demonstrates multiple factors that affect PV potential in mild temperate oceanic climates, using Ireland as a representative case study. Unlike …

Where's The Dim Sum? Art, Oral History, And The Chinese American Diaspora In Portland, Or, Rayli Dornan

University Honors Theses

This thesis examines the history, transformation, and contemporary significance of Portland's Chinatown through an oral history framework, emphasizing the voices of Chinese American artists. Beginning with a comprehensive historical overview from the mid-nineteenth-century Gold Rush migrations and railroad labor to twentieth-century exclusion, dispossession under urban renewal, and the late-twentieth-century dispersal into suburbs, the thesis traces how structural racism and policy shaped both the physical landscape and communal life of Oregon's Chinese diaspora. Through in-depth interviews with local artists, this research aims to illuminate how individual experiences of identity, belonging, and creative expression navigate the tensions between heritage and adaptation.

Drawing …

“Why Us, Though?” Gendered Resilience In Climate-Displaced Bangladesh Narrated By Child Brides, Marzuka Amal Binthe Akber

Lawrence University Honors Projects

This thesis explores the resilience strategies narrated by women and girls displaced by climate change and subjected to child marriage in Bangladesh. Centering their voices and lived experiences, it highlights the intricate, often invisible methods through which these women navigate the intersectional precarity of environmental displacement, gender norms, and socio-economic marginalization. Through qualitative fieldwork conducted in riverine islands (chars), urban informal settlements, and government resettlement sites, the study foregrounds community practices like adda (social storytelling), mutual caregiving, informal healthcare, bodily negotiations, and strategic silence. Challenging dominant narratives of passive victimhood, it reveals resilience as relational, iterative, and context-specific acts rooted …