Dhofar University

Data-Driven Risk Allocation and Incentive-Compatible Payment Schemes in Construction Contracts: Integrating Comparative Standard Forms, Public Works Disputes, and Principal–Agent Modeling

Abstract Construction projects worldwide suffer from misaligned risk allocation, poorly chosen payment schemes, and opaque claims and dispute processes, leading to chronic cost overruns and litigation. Building on comparative analyses of widely used international and national sta...

Operating room spatial layout, capacity utilization, and resource efficiency: evidence from a tertiary hospital in China

Purpose Operating rooms (ORs) are among the most resource-intensive hospital units. This study examines how OR spatial layout influences surgical preparation time, staff movement, equipment utilization, patient flow, and OR utilization in a large tertiary hospital in China. Desig...

Multilayer perceptron-assisted multi-objective optimization of an integrated cryogenic biogas upgrading system for simultaneous liquid CO2, hydrogen, power, heating, and cooling production

Using biogas in an integrated multi-generation system is one of the possible solutions for optimizing the utilization of renewable energy, minimizing environmental effects, and enhancing resource efficiency. In the current project, a new multi-product energy setup using biogas is...

Branding the skyline: the role of signature architecture in shaping creative city identity

This study explores the intersection between destination marketing and urban creativity through the investigation of how destination awareness, image and quality can shape perceptions of city creativity through the mediation of signature buildings. Being grounded in Symbolic Inte...

Beyond self-reports: the neuro-service quality (NSQ) framework

Purpose The paper is a critical reflection on the prevalence of self-report in the research on the quality of hospitality service and offers a new, neuro-scientifically based framework: neuro-service quality (NSQ). It is intended to solve the validity crisis in conventional surve...

Construction-to-lifecycle risk intelligence: a noise-robust Physics-Informed Temporal Graph Transformer and Bayesian Markov-Switching sample-selection framework for reinforcement and repair decisions

Construction projects require sequential decisions on structural reinforcement during execution and repair prioritization during operation under heterogeneous conditions, incomplete inspections, temporal dependence and non-engineering constraints. This study develops a constructi...

Evaluation of Na-ionomer/polyphenylene sulfide blends under chemical warfare agent simulants: structure–property relationships with rheological, tribological, and creep behaviour

This study investigates the influence of polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) on the chemical resistance, rheological, tribological, and creep behavior of Na-ionomer/PPS blends for defence applications. Blends containing 10–50 wt.% PPS were evaluated using chemical warfare agent (CWA) sim...

Antibiotic catheter lock: An adjunct therapy for recurrent tunneled hemodialysis catheter infections

The objective of the study is to evaluate the use of antibiotic catheter locks in reducing recurrent catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs) in hemodialysis (HD) patients. This prospective case series was conducted at ASeeb Renal Dialysis Center, from September 2022 to A...

Integrated Assessment of Battery Degradation and Advanced Characterizations in Renewable–Hydrogen Hybrid Architectures

Lithium-ion batteries are widely used in electric mobility, renewable energy integration, portable electronics, and renewable–hydrogen hybrid energy systems. Despite significant advances in battery materials and design, long-term degradation remains a major challenge that affects...

AI-Enabled Performance-Based Procurement and Life-Cycle Maintenance of Highway Bridges: Integrating Single-Bid Risk Analytics and PPP Payment Optimization

Abstract Aging bridges, tight budgets, and procurement inefficiencies require a data-driven approach to maintenance contracts. Existing evidence shows that information and communication technology (ICT)–based construction management improves site productivity but remains unevenly...

Game-Theoretic Design of International Construction Contracts: Integrating Liquidated Damages, Consortium Structures, and Performance Guarantees

Abstract Delays and cost overruns remain endemic in international infrastructure projects. This study develops a unified game-theoretic for contractor schedule incentives under liquidated damages (LDs), extensions of time (EOTs), and multicontractor or consortium structures. We m...

RL-Augmented Dual Robust Adaptive Propagated Interval Observer for Actuator and Residual-Framed Sensor Fault Detection and Isolation in Underactuated AUVs

Reliable fault detection and isolation (FDI) for actuators and sensors in underactuated autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) is challenging because nonlinear hydrodynamic coupling redistributes fault signatures, and persistent ocean currents can trigger false alarms. This paper...

Institutional quality, financial development, and the circular economy in Europe

The importance of financial development is widely recognized due to its positive impacts on the investment, innovation, poverty reduction, entrepreneurship and sustainable economic performance. Similarly, an efficient circular economy brings multiple benefits including the conser...