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This study presents a mixed-method systematic literature review (SLR) investigating the applications of Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technologies for enhancing sustainability in transportation infrastructure projects from a construction perspective. A corpus of 199 scholarly articles published between 2009 and November 2023 was meticulously selected from the Scopus database. The thematic analysis categorised the publications into four main clusters: infrastructure type, technology types, project lifecycle stages, and geographic context. The scientometric analysis revealed a burgeoning interest in the integrating of I4.0 technologies to enhance sustainability—particularly environmental sustainability. Among these, Building Information Modelling (BIM)-related tools emerged as the most extensively studied domain (33.50%), followed by the Internet of Things (IoT) and sensors (14%), and Artificial Intelligence (AI) (13.22%). The findings demonstrate that roads, highways, and bridges are the most studied infrastructure types, with BIM being predominantly utilised for energy assessment, sustainable design, and asset management. The main contributions of this review are threefold: (1) providing a comprehensive framework that categorises I4.0 applications and their sustainability impacts across transportation infrastructure types and project lifecycle stages, (2) identifying key technical challenges in integrating I4.0 technologies with sustainability assessment tools, and (3) revealing underexplored areas and providing clear directions for future research. The findings provide actionable insights for researchers and industry practitioners aiming to adopt integrated, sustainability-driven digital approaches in transport infrastructure delivery.

The aim of this study is to provide an overview of the current state of Industry 4.0 (IR 4.0) with regard to construction in Australia and to identify the key factors that are driving and hindering its adoption. A literature review and desktop review were conducted to extract mainstream topics, followed by a two-folded workshop designed with a multidisciplinary team of academics, as well as representatives of mainstream firms and peak bodies from the construction value chain. Our study has highlighted the importance of considering both technological and human-related factors in the adoption of IR 4.0 to address barriers that have been traditionally overlooked, and work towards a more successful and holistic implementation of this transformative paradigm. By considering the social aspects of construction, prioritizing data-driven approaches with a focus on privacy and ethics, and emphasizing integration, these facilitators contribute to the effective implementation and success of IR 4.0 in the construction industry. The findings of this study have significant implications for the construction industry in Australia. Addressing the barriers to digital construction adoption and embracing IR 4.0 technologies can help the industry to improve productivity, reduce costs, and enhance sustainability. Additionally, investing in education and training can help to build the necessary skills and capabilities needed to drive the industry forward in the digital age.

Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) are increasingly promoted as solutions to housing crises, labor constraints and decarbonization targets, yet implementation outcomes vary markedly across national contexts. This study applies a structured cross-case comparative design to examine MMC adoption in seven high-income countries—Japan, Germany, Sweden, Singapore, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Australia. Drawing on documentary analysis of 66 company cases and 26 government initiatives, validated through expert consultation, the study develops and applies an eight-dimensional framework assessing policy alignment, industrial capability, and cultural receptivity. Findings show that successful adoption is rarely the result of technological innovation alone, but of sustained alignment between institutional, industrial, and socio-cultural systems. Barriers such as regulatory fragmentation, workforce resistance, and context-insensitive transfer strategies are shown to undermine outcomes. By distinguishing context-dependent constraints from transferable mechanisms, the paper reframes MMC not as a fixed set of technologies but as a systemic transformation, identifying the structural preconditions for effective adoption and contributing to debates on construction industrialization, policy learning, and innovation diffusion in the built environment.

This study examines the renewed interest in Industrialised Building (IB) adoption in Australia amid the housing crisis, addressing the gap between potential and implementation. Drawing on a systematic review of 171 peer-reviewed articles (1998–2024), we examine how the interplay between micro-level decision-making, meso-level organisational routines, and macro-level institutional arrangements shapes global IB adoption patterns, with implications for the Australian context where limited research exists. Our analysis highlights that successful IB adoption depends on coordinated alignment across systemic levels, with government policies and sustainability initiatives emerging as key global drivers. However, adoption barriers differ by market maturity; Australia faces unique challenges, such as economic constraints, limited stakeholder collaboration, and misaligned institutional frameworks, despite advancements in technology and innovation. The findings advance construction innovation literature by presenting a theoretically grounded framework to address IB adoption barriers and enablers. In the Australian context, realising IB’s potential requires co-evolution across micro, meso, and macro levels, driven by workforce upskilling, stakeholder collaboration, and adaptive regulations to transform construction practices.

This study presents a quantitative approach to exploring the spatio-functional characteristics of historic Chinese towns (HCTs) from a heritage tourism perspective. In recent years, HCTs have evolved from being resident-oriented to being more tourist-oriented, in part due to their heritage significance for attracting tourists. Spatio-functional qualities of a historic town are essential elements of the town’s urban morphology and of great concern for preservation. Previous studies that discussed this issue often used qualitative descriptions, and only limited studies have systematically explored the spatio-functional qualities of HCTs. Thus, there is presently a lack of understanding around this issue, especially based on rigorous quantitative approaches. This study examines the spatio-functional qualities of HCTs using space syntax, a commonly used method in urban studies that enables measurement of spatial characteristics through mathematical means. Four HCTs with heritage significance, Pingyao, Lijiang, Kulangsu, and Wuzhen, were selected as case studies. The study has examined the role of heritage tourism and the results show that tourist-focused functions tend to distribute and aggregate in the urban core of HCTs. By contrast, cultural relics are freely distributed and not expanded over time. Spatio-functional patterns of the four HCTs were theorised, and the paper concludes with suggestions regarding future land-use optimisation for the four HCTs concerning heritage tourism.

The paper presents an analysis of collaborative processes in delivering mixed-use housing developments, with a focus on the adoption and roles of digital collaboration to address complex challenges. Extending the collaborative practice (CP) model, the research utilises a qualitative approach and an instrumental case study involving nine semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders from an award-winning mixed-use housing development in Australia. The study identifies key collaboration elements, such as early project establishment, a well-defined brief, and an adaptive integrated digital plan relevant to the interdisciplinary team. The scarcity of successful “extreme” mixed-use cases globally highlights the need for a core conceptual model for collaboration in complex housing developments, focused on digital collaboration, to support future projects in the sector. The research emphasises social innovation in mixed-use housing developments and highlights the importance of effective digital collaboration for addressing environmental, economic, and social sustainability needs. Contributions to the field extend both theoretical and empirical aspects of the CP model, critically exploring the potential of digital collaboration in mixed-use housing projects. The findings reveal critical elements for establishing a digital collaboration plan, leveraging technology to enhance stakeholder experiences and project delivery. The research is especially relevant in the post-COVID era, where digital collaboration gains significance for the industry.

Objective This study aims to investigate the discoloration of anterior teeth with three types of substances used in endodontic treatment. Materials and Methods In this laboratory study, 75 newly extracted human anterior (central and lateral) teeth with full roots were examined. This study utilized the following materials: AH26, MTA Base (Maruchi), a novel formulation containing nano‐zinc particles, and a second novel formulation containing both nano‐zinc and nano‐copper particles. The teeth in the first three groups were dried with paper points, and the canals were completely sealed using the sealer lateral filling technique with gutta‐percha. Then the color of the samples was measured by a spectrophotometer at four times: initially, immediately after filling (0), 14 days, and 28 days later. Results The results showed that the mean color change (∆E) at all times (immediately, 14 days later, and 28 days later) was statistically significant between all groups (p < 0.05). The degree of color change decreased in the following order: AH26 > Zn‐nano > Zn.Cu‐nano > novel nano‐zinc/copper material > MTA Base (Maruchi) > control group. Conclusion The results of the present study showed that sealers with a zinc base (Zn‐nano and Zn.Cu‐nanoparticles) had an appropriate color change. Therefore, they can be used alongside other sealers available in the market.

Undoped zinc oxide (ZnO) and Au/ZnO thin films have been deposited on glass substrates using spray pyrolysis and sputtering methods. The impact of substrate temperature and Au thickness on the structural, electrical, optical, and ethanol sensing properties of the deposited films has been investigated. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns reveal a polycrystalline structure across all samples. Notably, for pure ZnO deposited at 500 °C, the (002) orientation exhibits a substantial increase in intensity compared to samples deposited at other temperatures and the layer reaches its superior crystalline state. Substrate temperature demonstrates a significant effect on the electrical resistance of ZnO. Increasing the substrate temperature from 350 to 550 °C results in a notable decrease in sheet resistance, ranging from 34.4 [MΩ/cm2] to 54.2 [KΩ/cm2]. The ZnO film deposited at a substrate temperature of 500 °C displays the lowest sheet resistance. Sputter-depositing a 10 Å of gold (Au) on top of the ZnO layer results in a simultaneous decrease in sheet resistance from 54.2 [KΩ/cm2] to 7.02 [KΩ/cm2], while it doesn’t have considerable effect on the transparency of layer. The effect of substrate temperature on ethanol sensing characteristics of ZnO has been investigated. According to the results, at the temperature of 350 °C, ZnO layer has a superior response compared to the other samples. As the substrate temperature increases, the response of the layers decreases. The film deposited at 500 °C showing predominant orientation (002), demonstrates a weak ethanol sensing feature compared to other layers. Ethanol sensing characteristics of the Au/ZnO double layer were also examined, encompassing parameters such as dynamic response, sensitivity, response/recovery times, and operational temperature. Sputtering of Au on the top of ZnO exhibits a significant improvement in gas sensitivity. Further investigation indicates that increasing the Au thickness to 40 Å contributes to sensitivity increase. However, beyond this thickness, a diminishing trend in sensitivity has been observed. According to our search, there is no report for synthesis and characterization of Au/ZnO double layer by employing two methods of spray pyrolysis and sputtering. The layers exhibit superior homogeneity and crystallization compared to other reports. Also the layers exhibit excellent gas sensing properties toward ethanol gas. The response and recovery time have low values. The gas sensitivity of Au/ZnO thin film has high value of 5 toward 200 ppm ethanol gas. According to the selectivity graph by sputtering Au on top of ZnO layer the gas selectivity toward ethanol gas enhances. The layers show good stability.

PurposeMost educational institutions worldwide have shifted to online teaching and learning approaches to mitigate risks imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. This causes several issues, particularly in delivering the construction management (CM) courses which require site visits, interpreting technical drawings and developing 3D building models. This paper aims to identify the key strategies for online learning and teaching adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic and to investigate the implications for construction management education.Design/methodology/approachThe research approach is twofold. First, the study presents a systematic literature review (SLR) through a synthesis of the existing literature to identify the key strategies and lessons learned about online education during the COVID-19 pandemic in tertiary programs. It also discusses their implications in the context of the construction management (CM) sector in particular. Secondly, the authors shared their hands-on experience as construction management course facilitators – using the autoethnography approach – during the COVID-19 crisis.FindingsIn addition to identifying the key strategies such as online course delivery and assessments, the paper critically discusses the barriers to online learning and teaching, including (1) the technological and infrastructure barriers; (2) required online teaching skills and competencies; (3) issues surrounding mental health and wellbeing; (4) lack of consistency in the online delivery of various courses in a given program (5) difficulties around students' engagement and (6) the course characteristics and requirements.Originality/valueThe study offers some implications and recommendations not only for educational institutions and staff but also for vendors of online course delivery software. To prepare educational institutions for future online course delivery, the paper proposes several strategies. These include developing a set of guidelines for online course delivery, incorporating online teaching training modules into the recruitment process for academic staff, applying agile and resilience teaching and learning methods, wellbeing and mental health support and continuously improving course features to adapt to the online environment.

Undoped zinc oxide (ZnO) and Au/ZnO thin films have been deposited on glass substrates using spray pyrolysis and sputtering methods. The impact of substrate temperature and Au thickness on the structural, electrical, optical, and ethanol sensing properties of the deposited films has been investigated. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns reveal a polycrystalline structure across all samples. Notably, for pure ZnO deposited at 500 °C, the (002) orientation exhibits a substantial increase in intensity compared to samples deposited at other temperatures and the layer reaches its superior crystalline state. Substrate temperature demonstrates a significant effect on the electrical resistance of ZnO. Increasing the substrate temperature from 350 to 550 °C results in a notable decrease in sheet resistance, ranging from 34.4 [MΩ/cm 2 ] to 54.2 [KΩ/cm 2 ]. The ZnO film deposited at a substrate temperature of 500 °C displays the lowest sheet resistance. Sputter-depositing a 10 Å of gold (Au) on top of the ZnO layer results in a simultaneous decrease in sheet resistance from 54.2 [KΩ/cm 2 ] to 7.02 [KΩ/cm 2 ], while it doesn’t have considerable effect on the transparency of layer. The effect of substrate temperature on ethanol sensing characteristics of ZnO has been investigated. According to the results, at the temperature of 350 °C, ZnO layer has a superior response compared to the other samples. As the substrate temperature increases, the response of the layers decreases. The film deposited at 500 °C showing predominant orientation (002), demonstrates a weak ethanol sensing feature compared to other layers. Ethanol sensing characteristics of the Au/ZnO double layer were also examined, encompassing parameters such as dynamic response, sensitivity, response/recovery times, and operational temperature. Sputtering of Au on the top of ZnO exhibits a significant improvement in gas sensitivity. Further investigation indicates that increasing the Au thickness to 40 Å contributes to sensitivity increase. However, beyond this thickness, a diminishing trend in sensitivity has been observed. According to our search, there is no report for synthesis and characterization of Au/ZnO double layer by employing two methods of spray pyrolysis and sputtering. The layers exhibit superior homogeneity and crystallization compared to other reports. Also the layers exhibit excellent gas sensing properties toward ethanol gas. The response and recovery time have low values. The gas sensitivity of Au/ZnO thin film has high value of 5 toward 200 ppm ethanol gas. According to the selectivity graph by sputtering Au on top of ZnO layer the gas selectivity toward ethanol gas enhances. The layers show good stability.