Commercial disputes among owners, contractors, and subcontractors on construction projects are a fact of life, regardless of how hard parties might try to avoid them. Sometimes these disputes get resolved quickly at the project level, but sometimes the dispute is handled through litigation.
NCHRP Legal Research Digest 92: Resolving Construction Disputes: Review of State DOT Processes, from TRB's National Cooperative Highway Research Program, aims to build a better understanding of what state departments of transportation (DOTs) are doing in terms of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) processes and reviews state DOT practices for construction disputes.
110 pages
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8.5 x 11
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paperback
ISBN Paperback: 0-309-71009-X
ISBN Ebook: 0-309-72380-9
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17226/27891
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2024. Resolving Construction Disputes: Review of State DOT Processes. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press.
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Involvement of animals in scientific research can elicit strong emotions and responses from some members of the public, in part because the information they receive is inadequate. There is therefore an urgent need for scientists who conduct research involving animals to communicate more effectively about their work. To identify strategies for effective communication, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine convened a workshop in December 19-20, 2023, entitled Effective Communication with the General Public About Scientific Research That Requires the Care and Use of Animals. The workshop focused on enhancing public understanding of scientific research with animals, how research animals are cared for and treated, the ethical considerations that are involved in these activities, and how research with animals has contributed to improvements in animal and human health. Participants explored characteristics of effective communication, ways to integrate information from scientists into media for diverse public audiences, and opportunities to address challenges in understanding research with animals.
44 pages
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8.5 x 11
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paperback
ISBN Paperback: 0-309-71793-0
ISBN Ebook: 0-309-71794-9
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17226/27737
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2024. Effective Communication with the General Public About Scientific Research That Requires the Care and Use of Animals: Proceedings of a Workshop. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press.
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On April 3-5, 2024, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine's Board on Army Research and Development convened a workshop to examine the potential use of integration readiness levels (IRLs) to speed technology transition in U.S. Army acquisition. The workshop planning committee consisted of experts in systems integration, systems engineering, military operations, and experts in specific technology areas relevant to Army systems. While the Army does not formally use IRLs in acquisitions, recent discussions across the national security community and the Department of Defense prompted the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Research and Technology to request that the National Academies convene a workshop to explore the origin of IRLs, their current use (or lack thereof) in government and industry, and their potential to support Army acquisitions.
12 pages
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8.5 x 11
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ISBN Ebook: 0-309-71965-8
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17226/27790
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2024. Integration Readiness Levels: Assessing Their Potential for Speeding Technology into the Soldier's Hands: Proceedings of a Workshop—in Brief. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press.
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Implantable brain stimulation has had a profound impact on neuroscience research and the treatment of central nervous system disorders by allowing physicians to directly intervene in the pathological neural circuits of their patients. To explore the logistical, educational, and economic barriers to adopting this technology into regular use in clinical care, the National Academies Forum on Neuroscience and Nervous System Disorders hosted a public workshop in October 2023.
94 pages
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6 x 9
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paperback
ISBN Paperback: 0-309-71759-0
ISBN Ebook: 0-309-71760-4
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17226/27657
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2024. Exploring the Adoption of Implantable Brain Stimulation into Standard of Care for Central Nervous System Disorders: Proceedings of a Workshop. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press.
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The Gulf Research Program and Policy and Global Affairs division of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine partnered on a pilot project called Community Engagement in Southeast Texas (CEST) to better understand the role that community engagement can play in enhancing "flood resilience" - the ability to plan and prepare for, respond to, and more successfully adapt to flooding. As part of the project, CEST convened a diverse group of community stakeholders for a 2-day workshop in Houston, TX, on April 26-27, 2023. The purpose of the workshop was to bridge community knowledge (like the lived experiences of flood survivors) and CEST knowledge (like data from the CEST discussions and survey) with knowledge from other relevant stakeholders to gain a more comprehensive understanding of flooding in NE Houston. The objectives of the workshop were to identify gaps and possible actions to fill gaps, while providing workshop attendees with opportunities to build relationships for future collaboration on enhancing flood resilience. The workshop agenda covered several topics - environmental hazards, mental health, drainage and green infrastructure, and community resilience hubs - through panel and breakout sessions.
12 pages
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8.5 x 11
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ISBN Ebook: 0-309-72228-4
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17226/27848
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2024. Bridging Diverse Knowledge Systems on Flooding and Flood-Related Disasters in Northeast Houston Communities: Proceedings of a Workshop—in Brief. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press.
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Water infiltration is a common problem in tunnels. Such infiltration accelerates the deterioration of the structure and elements within and creates hazards in the form of icicles and slippery roadways. The severity of water infiltration often reflects various factors, so determining the appropriate remedy is challenging and frequently requires an extensive investigation to understand the source and location of the leak, the structural details of the tunnel, and the geology of the surrounding substrate.
NCHRP Synthesis 627: Practices for Controlling Tunnel Leaks, from TRB's National Cooperative Highway Research Program, documents the methods and practices used by state department of transportation tunnel owners to control tunnel leaks.
96 pages
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8.5 x 11
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paperback
ISBN Paperback: 0-309-70970-9
ISBN Ebook: 0-309-72213-6
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17226/27840
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2024. Practices for Controlling Tunnel Leaks. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press.
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Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of more than 6,000 contaminants of emerging concern that can harm both ecosystems and human health. These anthropogenic compounds contain carbon–fluorine bonds that make them stable and persistent in the environment, earning them the nickname "forever chemicals."
NCHRP Synthesis 630: Practices to Identify and Mitigate PFAS Impacts on Highway Construction Projects and Maintenance Operations, from TRB's National Cooperative Highway Research Program, documents current state departments of transportation practices for identifying locations of potential PFAS contamination and mitigating the impacts of PFAS related to highway construction and maintenance operations. This study considers PFAS impact and mitigation efforts in all phases of highway project development (planning, design, right-of-way acquisition), construction, and maintenance.
96 pages
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8.5 x 11
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paperback
ISBN Paperback: 0-309-70976-8
ISBN Ebook: 0-309-72217-9
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17226/27843
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2024. Practices to Identify and Mitigate PFAS Impacts on Highway Construction Projects and Maintenance Operations. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press.
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Each year, the Gulf Research Program (GRP) produces an annual report to summarize how funds were used. These reports review accomplishments, highlight activities, and, over time, will assess metrics to determine how the program is progressing in accomplishing its goals. The 2022 annual report is the ninth report in this series.
The GRP is an independent, science-based program founded in 2013. Through grants, fellowships, and other activities, it seeks to enhance oil system safety and the protection of human health and the environment in the Gulf of Mexico region and other areas along the U.S. outer continental shelf with offshore oil and gas operations.
30 pages
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8.5 x 11
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ISBN Ebook: 0-309-72271-3
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17226/27868
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2024. Gulf Research Program Annual Report 2022. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press.
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Over two-thirds of states in the U.S. have enacted automated vehicle (AV) legislation, an executive order regarding AVs, or both. AV laws and regulations may differ for licensing, registration, operator requirements, equipment, insurance, and platooning, among others. A consistent deployment framework for AV technology and AV regulations among state, local, and tribal territories is necessary so AVs can operate seamlessly.
NCHRP Legal Research Digest 91: Multistate Coordination and Harmonization for AV Legislation, from TRB's National Cooperative Highway Research Program, provides guidance for multistate coordination and harmonization for AV legislation for Levels 3 through 5 vehicles. It also presents the legal issues and barriers to national harmonization of state AV laws and addresses the federal government's role in AV legislation concerning deployment and the operation of a vehicle on public roads by members of the public who are not employees, contractors, or designees of a manufacturer or other testing entity.
70 pages
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8.5 x 11
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paperback
ISBN Paperback: 0-309-70983-0
ISBN Ebook: 0-309-72269-1
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17226/27867
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2024. Multistate Coordination and Harmonization for AV Legislation. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press.
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Artificial intelligence (AI) has revolutionized various areas in departments of transportation (DOTs), such as traffic management and optimization. Through predictive analytics and real-time data processing, AI systems show promise in alleviating congestion, reducing travel times, and enhancing overall safety by alerting drivers to potential hazards. AI-driven simulations are also used for testing and improving transportation systems, saving time and resources that would otherwise be needed for physical tests.
NCHRP Web-Only Document 403: Artificial Intelligence Opportunities for State and Local DOTs: A Research Roadmap, from TRB's National Cooperative Highway Research Program, details possible steps for state and local DOTs to adopt AI in their pipelines.
242 pages
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8.5 x 11
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ISBN Ebook: 0-309-72259-4
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17226/27865
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2024. Artificial Intelligence Opportunities for State and Local DOTs: A Research Roadmap. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press.
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The CHIPS and Science Act recognized the importance of exposure to innovation and entrepreneurial concepts at the K-12 level by codifying into law the intention of broadening the base of Americans engaged in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The Government-University-Industry Research Roundtable (GUIRR) has long sought ways to strengthen partnerships across diverse sectors of the U.S. research ecosystem to meet a range of national challenges, including addressing the issue of STEM education. On February 6 and 7, 2024, GUIRR convened a workshop for members and invited guests that focused on K-12 STEM education to understand how to shape the scientific workforce of the future.
13 pages
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8.5 x 11
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ISBN Ebook: 0-309-72221-7
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17226/27845
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2024. Supporting K-12 STEM Education to Create the Foundations for Innovation: Proceedings of a Workshop—in Brief. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press.
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Research in biological and physical sciences in space provides the critical scientific and technological foundations that make space exploration possible. This booklet summarizes recent advances in the biological and physical sciences that have changed our understanding of the factors important to human, plant, animal, and microbial health, and then highlights research needs to make transformative advances in space.
28 pages
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8.5 x 11
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ISBN Ebook: 0-309-71971-2
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17226/27792
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2024. A New Era in Space: Ensuring the Future of Biological and Physical Sciences Research: A Decadal Survey for 2023–2032. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press.
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Driving trucks and buses is a physically demanding occupation that carries one of the highest injury rates of major occupational categories in the United States. Drivers often work in postures that increase risk of low back pain and other musculoskeletal disorders, slow their response time, and put them at increased risk for acute injuries due to crashes.
TCRP Research Report 247: Assessing Lifecycle and Human Costs of Bus Operator Workstation Design and Components, from TRB's Transit Cooperative Research Program, creates an easy-to-use toolkit for predicting the long-term safety of and promoting a healthy environment in bus operator workstations.
Supplemental to the report is a spreadsheet tool.
86 pages
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8.5 x 11
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paperback
ISBN Paperback: 0-309-70985-7
ISBN Ebook: 0-309-72243-8
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17226/27858
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2024. Assessing Lifecycle and Human Costs of Bus Operator Workstation Design and Components. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press.
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On August 31 and September 1, 2023, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine held a workshop in conjunction with a meeting of its Forum on Cyber Resilience aimed at better understanding recent developments with large language models (LLMs) and their implications for cybersecurity and resilience. Presentations addressed how LLMs are constructed and function, how industry is considering using LLMs generally and for cybersecurity, safeguards that aim to limit LLM outputs deemed harmful and techniques for circumventing them, and, more generally, the trustworthiness of LLMs and their integration into cybersecurity offense and defense.
9 pages
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8.5 x 11
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ISBN Ebook: 0-309-71935-6
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17226/27776
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2024. Large Language Models and Cybersecurity: Proceedings of a Workshop—in Brief. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press.
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Workshop_in_brief
The Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 has led to widespread devastation which presents acute and long-term challenges for Ukrainian science, education, and technology sectors. To discuss efforts to strengthen the science and innovation system, the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, in partnership with the Simons Foundation and ETH Zurich, convened a workshop with leading experts from around the world representing academia, ministries, industry, philanthropy, and foundations on March 19-20, 2024. This Proceedings of a Workshop - in Brief provides a high-level summary of the key discussions among speakers and participants during the workshop.
13 pages
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8.5 x 11
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ISBN Ebook: 0-309-72169-5
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17226/27825
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2024. Rebuilding and Strengthening Ukrainian Science and Innovation in Support of Economic Recovery: Proceedings of a Workshop—in Brief. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press.
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Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are found in many products, from consumer products to building materials. For airports, the primary implication is associated with aqueous film-forming foams (AFFFs) used in firefighting. For many years, airport operators were required to use AFFFs and, as a result of recommended training requirements and fire response, may have had releases of AFFFs to the environment.
ACRP Research Report 262: PFAS Management at Airports: A Guide, from TRB's Airport Cooperative Research Program, provides information and practical considerations for managing AFFFs containing PFAS used for firefighting at airports.
Four appendices provide a comprehensive set of tools and resources for airport managers: Appendix A (Toolkit on Assessing Current and Historical Product Use and Activities), Appendix B (Toolkit on Policies, Procedures, and Operations), Appendix C (Toolkit on Regulatory Action, Financial Planning, and Remediation), and Appendix D (Toolkit on Communication and Public Engagement). Appendix E summarizes the project's research methodology and Appendix F contains the survey questionnaire sent to airport staff nationwide and its findings.
110 pages
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8.5 x 11
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paperback
ISBN Paperback: 0-309-70981-4
ISBN Ebook: 0-309-72219-5
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17226/27844
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2024. PFAS Management at Airports: A Guide. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press.
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Emerging technologies present many potential challenges to state departments of transportation (DOTs) and other agencies that own and manage the existing infrastructure. Significant uncertainty exists about which changes are most likely to occur and where the largest impacts could be, hampering an effective national alignment in policy and approach.
NCHRP Research Report 1090: Risks Related to Emerging and Disruptive Transportation Technologies: A Guide, from TRB's National Cooperative Highway Research Program, presents a register of risks to state and local transportation agencies and their constituents posed by four emerging technologies: electric vehicles (EVs), connected autonomous vehicles (CAVs), mobility on demand/mobility as a service (MOD/MaaS), and advanced air mobility (AAM).
Supplemental to the report are a PowerPoint presentation describing the research and an implementation plan.
216 pages
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8.5 x 11
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paperback
ISBN Paperback: 0-309-70973-3
ISBN Ebook: 0-309-72215-2
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17226/27842
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2024. Risks Related to Emerging and Disruptive Transportation Technologies: A Guide. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press.
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A National Academies committee, tasked with developing recommendations regarding the structure of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and on the systems and processes needed to ensure optimal funding of women's health research, held a public workshop in January 2024. Speakers provided a background on the state of women's health, an overview of NIH processes, programs, and structures related to women's health, and stakeholder perspectives on research gaps at NIH from members of the public.
12 pages
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8.5 x 11
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ISBN Ebook: 0-309-72085-0
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17226/27802
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2024. Discussion of Policies, Systems, and Structures for Research on Women's Health at the National Institutes of Health: Proceedings of a Workshop—in Brief. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press.
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13 pages
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8.5 x 11
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DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17226/27812
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2024. Law Enforcement Use of Probabilistic Genotyping, Forensic DNA Phenotyping, and Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy Technologies: Proceedings of a Workshop—in Brief. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press.
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