Showing papers by "Mária Kozlovská published in 2022"

Design of Economic Sustainability Supported by Enterprise Resource Planning Systems in Architecture, Engineering, and Construction

Abstract: The implementation of information systems is a current topic, especially in the digital age and the digital economy. Enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems (such as some information systems) are a tool that can be used for information systems to enable the sustainable design of the management processes in architecture, engineering and construction (AEC). The focus of design for economic sustainability is defining selected key performance indicators and targeting good values for these indicators in AEC. The subject of this research was the idea that implementing ERP systems in construction management could positively affect the financial results; i.e., provide economic sustainability. This research analyzed the ways that these systems can reduce the costs and increase the revenues of construction companies. The aim of the research was to analyze the impact of the implementation of ERP systems on selected key performance indicators (costs and revenues) in AEC. A questionnaire was used as a tool to collect research data. It was distributed to construction companies operating in Slovakia. The research sample consisted of 125 respondents, of which 55 could be used for the research questions. Data processing was undertaken, with Cronbach’s alpha used to verify the suitability of the research questions and Fisher’s test and Pearson’s correlation coefficient used to confirm the dependence. The research confirmed the impact of ERP systems on cost reduction and revenue growth in the context of designing the economic sustainability of businesses in AEC.

Benefits of BIM models and mixed reality in the implementation phase of construction projects

Abstract: The current trend based on the current needs of construction industry points to the increasing application of digital technologies in construction projects. Nowadays, digital technologies are becoming an essential part of construction in the phase of preparation and implementation of construction projects. Probably the greatest progress in the use of digital technologies is seen in the development of a virtual object data model of the building. The main advantages of this trend can be presented by the use of BIM technology, thus an information model of building, where other information attributes are assigned to the geometric model itself. The model created in this way has great information potential in the process of planning and preparation of construction, but also during its implementation. The technology of mixed reality (MR) has recently been added to the BIM technology, which significantly contributes to the expansion of workers' knowledge and at the same time has the potential to reveal the shortcomings that have arisen during the construction. The paper offers solutions of the possible use of BIM technology and mixed reality as tools to support the implementation of construction projects. These technologies were applied to the construction project Bastion Office Center in Košice - an administrative building.

The possibilities of using digital twin technology in the life cycle of buildings

Abstract: The article deals with Digital twin (DT) technology, as one of the latest technologies, which, unlike construction, is already widely used in other industries. The theoretical knowledge basis of this technology in construction industry lies in understanding the characteristics of the digital twin and in using knowledge about it from other areas of application. Based on acquired theoretical knowledge and an example from construction practice, the aim of the article is to demonstrate the development process of a digital twin and to indicate the benefits of using Asset Information Model (AIM) as an essential source of information for development of DT during the phases of the life cycle of buildings. The case study analyses the process of development of a digital twin of the heating system in family house, from the initial design of a heating project, through use of 3D scanning to create a virtual model and the integration of various tools of Internet of Things technology to the creation of its virtual model. Reflexion on the benefits of AIM in various phases of the life cycle of buildings, induced from the study of theoretical knowledge and based on the case study, is an essential part of the article.

Hypoxic preconditioning effects change in hypertrophied or insulin resistant rat hearts

Abstract: Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine Cardioprotective mechanisms in the hypertrophied or insulin resistant heart is not fully elucidated. Insulin like growth factor IGF-1 through downstream kinases PI3K/Akt/GSK3beta is known to exert cardioprotective effects and regulate myocardial remodeling, glucose metabolism, cell survival, apoptosis, oxidative stress etc. The aim was to characterize IGF-1/PI3K/Akt-mediated cardioprotection in hypertrophied or insulin resistant hearts after hypoxic preconditioning in response to severe whole body hypoxia or isolated heart ischemia/reperfusion. Experiments were performed in male adult Wistar rats, and SHR with long-term heart hypertrophy. Insulin resistance (IR) was induced by high fat diet (58% kcal from fat). The animals were exposed to hypoxic preconditioning using mild hypobaric hypoxia séances in barochamber (5600 m, 3 h). In 24 h, hearts were isolated with urethane narcosis and subjected to ischemia/reperfusion in a Langendorff mode, infarct size was detected with TTC staining. The other group of rats after preconditioning were subjected to severe hypoxia (9000 m, 3 h). Inhibitor of PI3K wortmannin or blocker of IGF-1R picropodophyllin were used for testing of cytoprotective signalling. Protein expression were examined using Western blotting. In SHR, the myocardial expression of IGF-1 and Akt was lower by 42% or 63%, respectively, compared to Wistar. IR increased GSK-3beta expression and phosphorylation. Hypoxic preconditioning intensified IGF-1/PI3K/Akt-mediated cardioprotection, less pronounced in hypertrophied or insulin resistant hearts. Blockade of PI3K or IGF-1Rdecreased Akt phosphorylation, and abolished cytoprotective effects of preconditioning in view of mortality caused severe hypoxia, or of infarct size and cardiac function recovery in postischemic reperfusion. In SHR, hypoxia-induced cardioprotective effects and influences of the blockers were significantly reduced. The long-term left ventricular hypertrophy is accompanied with reduction of IGF-1/IGF-1R/PI3K/Akt-dependent prohypertrophic and cardioprotective signalling. Hypoxic preconditioning mediated by IGF-1/PI3K/Akt-signalling loses its effectiveness during prolonged cardiac hypertrophy, as well as insulin resistance development.

Improving the professional knowledge of civil engineering students by using mixed reality

Abstract: 1 Technical University of Košice (SLOVAKIA)2 Technical University of Košice, Faculty of Civil Engineering (SLOVAKIA)

Influence of Takt Time Planning on Construction Efficiency

Abstract: Creating continuous workflow and reducing variability of construction processes is one of the essential principles of Takt Time system. The Takt Time Planning is a powerful lean tool that creates a continuous flow of people, materials, and resources, therefore it is recognized as a technology with great potential for process innovation in construction. A takt is a demand-driven pace or rhythm of work, which ensures that professionals work at the same speed to free up workspace within standard time frames, leading to a more optimized production process. The main purpose of this article is to explore the practical application and influence of Takt Time Planning on the productivity and efficiency of construction projects by providing an overview of selected case studies. Results show that Tact Time helps to establish a continuous flow and, as a result, reduce waste, reduce the duration and number of inventory buffers, and therefore reduce costs of construction projects.

Importance of blended learning for construction occupational safety prevention

Abstract: 1 Technical University of Košice, Faculty of Civil Engineering (SLOVAKIA)2 Technical University of Košice (SLOVAKIA)

The potential of lightweight panel systems in building industry

Abstract: The current construction technologies are often characterized as ineffective, with long construction times, heavy structural weight, increased financial and labour cost, and environmentally unsustainable. Innovative construction methods, including modern lightweight panel systems, are characterized by low weight (this affects not only transport characteristics but also the production, such as easier handling of the panels), faster construction time, the guaranteed quality due to industrial production in a factory, economic efficiency and many other benefits. The presented study examined the potential of efficiency and performance of four variants of lightweight construction panels in the context of the required essential properties of prefabricated construction elements, as well as in comparison with the variant of "heavy" prefabricated concrete panel system.