Abstract:The contributions of sustainability to architectural designs are steadily increasing in parallel with developments in technology. Although sustainability seems to be a new concept in today's architecture, in reality, it is not. This is because, much of sustainable architectural design principles depend on references to vernacular architecture, and there are many examples found in different parts of the world to which architects can refer. When the world seeks for more sustainable buildings, it is acceptable to revisit the past in order to understand sustainable features of vernacular architecture. It is clear that vernacular architecture has a knowledge that matters to be studied and classified from a sustainability point of view. This work aims to demonstrate that vernacular architecture can contribute to improving sustainability in construction. In this sense, the paper evaluates specific vernacular housing in Eastern Black Sea Region in Turkey and their response to nature and ecology. In order to explain this response, field work was carried out and the vernacular architectural accumulation of the region was examined on site. The features of the examples have been identified and debated in today's sustainable architectural concept. This work holistically evaluates this architectural manifestation, in the light of current knowledge, in order to find scientific justification for its knowledge to verify and promote its application in the future.

Synacthen test has been widely used as a screening test for evaluation of adrenal cortisol reserve. We investigated whether depot Synacthen test can be used in place of short Synacthen test in the evaluation of cortisol reserve of the adrenal gland. The study included 20 healthy volunteers of both sexes. We examined plasma cortisol response 30, 60, 90, and 120 min after administration of plain Synacthen, 250 micrograms, iv (Group 1), and depot Synacthen, 1000 micrograms, im (Group 2). Peak cortisol values were statistically similar between the groups. The increment in cortisol levels following Synacthen was also similar between the groups. A plasma cortisol value above 550 or 600 nmol/L was achieved in both groups during the test of 90 or 120 minutes duration, respectively. We think that depot Synacthen test, im 1000 micrograms, may be used in place of plain Synacthen, iv 250 micrograms, for evaluation of adrenal cortisol reserve.

This research focuses on evaluating the potential of architects/engineers as Knowledge Workers (KW) operating in the Turkish construction sector. A survey to identify the presence of KWs was prepared and applied to 113 of 324 employees, including architects and engineers from 138 different large-scale Turkish contractor companies (head offices, design offices, technical offices and construction sites). The survey consists of two main sections that (1) recognise the profile of the participants and companies and (2) six sub-sections as communication, motivation, autonomy, possessing theoretical and practical knowledge, ability to access and use information, and intellectual ability. The results of the survey indicate that architects have a higher potential to be identified as KWs than engineers in the Turkish construction sector. Furthermore, the number of KWs among the design and head office workers is higher, because there are a higher number of architects working in these departments.The potential of being a KW increases in parallel to the level of education of the employees, which is determined from a Bachelor's degree and PhD degree. When examining gender statistics in the survey, women employees have higher scores than men. The findings of this study should guide the construction sector professionals in Turkey as well as those from other countries who seek to identify the KWs in the contractor companies. This research, with the approach and methodology, may provide better management of human resources by identifying and placing these valuable employees correctly.

Today, construction practices with potential damages to the environment are carried out uncontrollably to respond to the rapidly growing population needs. In the construction sector, which is one of the leading sectors closely following technological developments, steps must be taken to protect the world's ecologic balance. The goal of the professionals is not only to put up a building in accordance with its design but also to comply with environmental requirements in a respectful way. Different parameters such as erroneous design decisions, inadequate work schedules, sudden weather oppositions, defects in product supply can directly or indirectly affect the construction process, resulting in the generation of construction waste on the construction site. These wastes negatively affect the living and non-living environment. It is not technically possible to completely eliminate construction wastes generated during the construction process, but it is possible to control and recover these wastes. For this reason, innovative applications are important in the construction sector. This study examines the potential of BIM applications in preventing/reducing wastes in the construction process. For this purpose; articles that talk about the reasons of waste generation in the construction sector and the relationship between BIM technology and construction waste management practices were examined, and the findings obtained were evaluated. BIM applications are being proposed to be developed to prevent/reduce wastes on the construction site.