ABSTRACT
Lean simulations are an effective way to learn Lean principles and experience the impact on process optimization. However, to date, in construction these have mostly been conducted physically on site or in the office. As digital solutions for collaboration and teaching are increasingly developed in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, Lean simulations also need to evolve by being decentralized from the project team and driven by digitalization. This paper examines the adaptation and creation of Lean simulations that can be run on a digital platform that supports interactions between multiple participants in real time. Specifically, two simulations were created through a three-phase iterative development. The first simulation focuses on Lean principles and the second on the Last Planner® System. To evaluate the developed digital simulations, feedback was collected from the participants through questionnaires. It can be noted that all rating results were in the upper range. Research objectives were achieved: The evaluation of the technology, the fun and the design indicate that the participants can successfully interact with each other via the chosen digital platform. It also proved that digital simulations offer high flexibility, integration of technology with low costs and effort as well as a high level of sustainability. © Prof. Luis F. Alarcón and Assoc. Prof. Vicente González, IGL2021 All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
Our aim was to evaluate the analytical and clinical performance of the SARS-CoV-2 molecular detection kits used in Argentina. Nine real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and three reverse-transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) assays were evaluated using the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended test as reference method. A secondary standard calibrated for the E, N and RdRp genes against the Pan American Health Organization-World Health Organization-International Standard was used to calculate the limit of detection (LoD). A panel of artificial clinical samples, 32 positive and 30 negative for SARS-CoV-2, were analyzed to estimate the kappa concordance (kappa) and the diagnostic performance. Differences among the LoD values for the target genes amplified by each kit were >1 log copies/reaction. The kappa for the RT-qPCR kits was greater than 0.9, whereas that for the RT-LAMP assays ranged from 0.75 to 0.93. The clinical performance of RT-qPCR kits showed 100% specificity and high sensitivity, although with variations according to the gene analyzed. The E and N genes provided greater clinical sensitivity, whereas the RdRp gene increased the clinical specificity. The RT-LAMP assays revealed a variable diagnostic performance. The information provided can be useful to choose the most appropriate diagnostic test and may contribute to the establishment of a consensus in the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 in Argentina and the region.