ORCID Profile
0000-0002-8524-1182
Current Organisations
University of South Australia
,
The University of Newcastle
,
The Univesity of Newcastle
Does something not look right? The information on this page has been harvested from data sources that may not be up to date. We continue to work with information providers to improve coverage and quality. To report an issue, use the Feedback Form.
Related Links
Publications
Enabling a Resilient Work Environment: An Analysis of Causal Relationships between Resilience Engineering Factors in Construction Refurbishment Projects
Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
Date: 09-2023
Resilience Engineering Indicators and Safety Management: A Systematic Review
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2020
Programmed genomic instability regulates neural transdifferentiation of human brain microvascular pericytes
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 09-12-2021
DOI: 10.1186/S13059-021-02555-0
Abstract: Transdifferentiation describes transformation in vivo of specialized cells from one lineage into another. While there is extensive literature on forced induction of lineage reprogramming in vitro, endogenous mechanisms that govern transdifferentiation remain largely unknown. The observation that human microvascular pericytes transdifferentiate into neurons provided an opportunity to explore the endogenous molecular basis for lineage reprogramming. We show that abrupt destabilization of the higher-order chromatin topology that chaperones lineage memory of pericytes is driven by transient global transcriptional arrest. This leads within minutes to localized decompression of the repressed competing higher-order chromatin topology and expression of pro-neural genes. Transition to neural lineage is completed by probabilistic induction of R-loops in key myogenic loci upon re-initiation of RNA polymerase activity, leading to depletion of the myogenic transcriptome and emergence of the neurogenic transcriptome. These findings suggest that the global transcriptional landscape not only shapes the functional cellular identity of pericytes, but also stabilizes lineage memory by silencing the competing neural program within a repressed chromatin state.
Conceptualising project uncertainty in the context of building refurbishment safety: a systematic review
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 03-2021
DOI: 10.3390/BUILDINGS11030089
Abstract: Project uncertainty is an inherent attribute in safety-critical projects, such as building refurbishment. While it has been suggested that project safety performance is often challenged due to project uncertainty, uncertainties are yet to be conceptualised in building refurbishment projects. The purpose of this research is to propose an industry-specific factor model of project uncertainty that can be used to diagnose and assess uncertainty in construction refurbishment research and practice. An extensive review of existing literature, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines, where 53 articles were selected to identify the determinants of project uncertainty and strategies for managing uncertainty. In total, 23 project uncertainty factors were identified and clustered under the taxonomy of uncertain information, uncertain complexity, uncertain temporal clarity, and uncertain understanding. Thus, 12 management strategies for coping with uncertainty in building refurbishment projects were determined. Learning and a flexible working environment were the most frequently raised strategies among all the reviewed articles. The factor model proposed enables project managers and academics to better understand, assess and manage project uncertainty and deliver safer building refurbishment projects. As such, it also provides a sufficient platform and initiates debate towards the development of uncertainty management strategies to better prepare for surprises as projects progress.
Stakeholder Collaboration Mechanism in Elderly Community Retrofit Projects: Case Study in China
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 28-09-2021
DOI: 10.3390/SU131910759
Abstract: The aged population all over the world is predicted to increase over the next couple of years. Especially in China, the ageing population is expanding significantly every year. A ‘Home-care model’ is becoming the first choice for many elders in China due to the traditional style of community and economic considerations. However, existing communities generally lack supporting facilities for their elders. This can result in hidden safety risks in these communities. Consequently, retrofit projects among these communities of elders have attracted attention and generated studies in both academia and industry. Such elderly community retrofit projects (ECRPs) involve multiple stakeholders, and therefore, the establishment of an effective synergy mechanism for all stakeholders would provide significant value for the successful implementation of ECRPs. Until now, no such mechanism has been developed and published. This research aims to develop a stakeholder collaboration mechanism (SCM) for ECRPs in China. As the method of data collection, interviews with relevant ECRP stakeholders were conducted. Stakeholders involved with ECRPs were classified into three main categories—namely, core stakeholders (ageing families, government organisations, and ECRP companies), dormant stakeholders (other residents, other investors community committees), and marginal stakeholders (financial institutions, property service enterprises, and public welfare organisations). Finally, the SCM was developed utilising a power–interest matrix. Actions for stakeholders were recommended in order to promote ECRP in China.
A critical analysis of risk factors and strategies to improve mental health issues of construction workers
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 12-10-2022
DOI: 10.3390/SU142013024
Abstract: Previous research has enabled construction professionals to consider appropriate mental health interventions for improved mental health outcomes. However, the heterogeneity of such interventions in contemporary studies makes it difficult for practitioners to keep up to date with relevant alternatives. Thus, the aim of this research is to critically analyse mental health risk factors and identify strategies intended to mitigate risks and promote employees’ mental health in the construction industry. A Systematic Literature Review (SLR) was employed following PRISMA guidelines, and 58 articles that met the inclusion criteria were selected for data synthesis. In total, 100 risk factors and 76 preventive strategies were extracted and clustered into a taxonomy consisting of an in idual level, workgroup level and organisational level. Strategies were further evaluated based on the type of prevention and financial significance. A critical content analysis of selected studies can suggest recommendations for future research, including the gap in mental health studies in the construction industry as well as the need for empirical research emphasis on generic forms of risks and strategies to cover more in idual (e.g., age, profession), workgroup (e.g., team, trade, project) and organisational (e.g., culture, policy) factors that appropriately fit into construction workplace settings. The findings herein can broaden the mental health knowledge of industry practitioners, and could assist in mental health-related decision-making by developing best practices for boosting the mental wellbeing of the construction workforce.
Identifying the risk factors in real estate construction projects: an analytical study to propose a control structure for decision-making
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 05-07-2021
DOI: 10.1108/JFMPC-03-2020-0018
Abstract: Construction projects in the real estate sector are important for a nation’s economic growth. However, owing to several constraints and stereotypes, the construction industry is suffering from major capital losses. A review of recent literature revealed that risks occurring in real estate construction projects (RECPs) carried out in developing economies can be ided into four categories, i.e. financial risks, design risks, execution risks and sociopolitical risks. This study aims to identify the critical factors that lead to these risk categories and develop a control structure for RECPs. A quantitative method, i.e. a questionnaire-based survey, was used for this study. Using a random s ling technique the questionnaire was distributed to selected, highly experienced project managers. To determine whether the factors identified as part of the literature review strongly influence the categories, the factor analysis of the observations was performed. The observations made in this study lead to the identification of six critical risk causing factors, i.e. lack of efficient planning, execution constraints, external constraints, client-induced constraints, project constraints and partner experience. The observations indicated a lack of knowledge of project management, organizational culture and a claims redressal mechanism in RECPs. Also, this study recommends a blockchain-based control structure to control the occurrence of the risk causing factors identified. This study recommends a blockchain-based control structure for controlling the risks occurring.
A systematic review on workplace health and safety of ageing construction workers
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2023
ESCO business model for energy conservation in Sri Lanka
Publisher: Inderscience Publishers
Date: 2020
Related Organisations
Chartered Institute Of Management Accountants
Location: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Related Funding Activities
No related grants have been discovered for Udara Ranasinghe Ranawalage.