Critical Reflection

 Module learning:

From the start of the trimester till now, I have seen good changes in myself. I consider myself as timid when it comes to presentation. I was not born in English speaking family; therefore, it can be quite a hassle for me to conduct presentation and write a formal technical report in English. Thanks to this module, the professor especially, I’m able to gain self-confidence and report writing skills along the way. During the mock presentation, I highly relied on scripts, this led me to feel nervous and lose my train of thoughts. When I had this anxiety in me, I tend no to have any eye contacts, I would only look that one person instead. I knew that I was not well prepared for my mock presentation. I am the person open to wide range of feedbacks, I took everyone’s feedback as my learning pointer. Hence, this did not make me feel demoralised, my groupmates were also encouraging me until the actual presentation. We conducted multiple dry runs for presentation. This is to ensure that we don’t stutter on the actual one. Indeed, this enabled me to speak more confidently and smoothly, able to project my voice clearly on the actual presentation. The fact that the actual presentation had more audience than the mock presentation. I would say that I truly enjoy the process of how we have started on our technical report writing. Back in polytechnics, we did the similar module as effective communications, but the professor did not go in depth on the technical report writing. In this module, prof Brad taught us on how to write the finest technical report. He guided us on our language skills such as not to use first or second person, how to do citations of a website or articles using the 7^th edition APA style He has been consistently giving constructive feedbacks on our reports. From the start till now, I have acquired the proper technic in writing a report.

Project Learning

From this project learning, I have learnt how to be a good team player and have good communication skills. In a group of four, we had to work together as a team. As we know that this project is highest weightage in this module. Hence, we had to work together to achieve a better grade. The fact that four of us are from different background, that makes us able to give wider range of ideas due to the different industries we had experienced in. This project allows me to acquire technical knowledge due to the several researches we had done. We then split the project into various parts and assigned each part. After our individual research, we combine all the ideas into the word document and help one another to add on more information if required. From there I was able to learn more technical terms in the project, this gave me a clear direction on how to present the group’s idea during presentation. During the presentation, I found that I was able to convey the concise and concrete ideas. I know as an audience, I would not want the presentation to be draggy. Hence, I would want to make the presentation more interesting and engaging. I am truly thankful to be part of The Four Brothers team, just like what’s stated in the group title. Not only did we just work as groupmates, we also treated each other like brothers, helping and backing up each other when one falls. We fell hard, we got up hard too. We treated every feedback as learning lesson to us. This eventually made us present better when it comes to formal presentation. This does not make us stop learning when this module ends, in fact I believe there are much in depth presentation skills coming towards us.

 

Summary/Summary Reader Response Draft #Final : Concrete that grows

 

The concept of living concrete and environmental benefits has been elaborated by Corless. (2020) in the article “Scientists create living concrete from bacteria and sand”. Conventional concrete is known to contribute a great amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) emission to the environment, while living concrete containing bacteria aids in the reduction of CO2 emission. Researchers from University of Colorado Boulder mixed components such as sand, hydrogel, and bacteria to create a living substance with the strength of cement-based mortar and the prospect to perform photosynthesis. In the process of designing living concrete, researchers used a 3D sand–hydrogel scaffold containing cyanobacteria. Cyanobacteria are able to adapt in extreme environmental conditions. Furthermore, carbon dioxide is converted to sugars during the process of photosynthesis. Regeneration of cyanobacteria can be obtained from a source, while achieving the original properties as the source with the extension of hydrogel scaffold. The development of living concrete will give rise to advantages to the environment. However, certain trade-offs should be recognized such as this type of concrete is only able to obtain its maximum strength when it is dried completely, it is more costly than conventional concrete, and it is not suitable to grow in any atmosphere and media. 

Firstly, Trimmer (2020) mentioned that living concrete has lower compressive strength than conventional concrete. This leads to the presence of bacteria being compromised during the drying process as it requires humidity to function. In order to maintain the structure of the concrete, mixing the bacteria with gelatine is required . In addition, Timmer (2020) discussed that an ambient humidity of 50% and above is necessary to demonstrate moisture for the gelatine to absorb adequate water to support the bacterial life for at least a week. Therefore, maximum strength is not achievable where bacteria exist in the concrete.

Secondly, an additional factor to consider would be the cost of living concrete as it is more expensive in comparison to conventional concrete. With a combination of biological and chemical properties, living concrete is ahead in technology advancement as compared to conventional concrete. This leads to more case studies behind the project. It can be beneficial to the environment, but on the other hand,  high cost of production would be a major consideration. With a cost factor in mind, small medium enterprise and private companies would make careful considerations when choosing such concrete. Hence, there might be more supply than demand within the industry.

Lastly, Shantilal Vekariya and Pitroda (2013) pointed out that the growth of bacteria is not well supported in the atmosphere. Different types of nutrients and metabolic products are used to grow calcifying micro-organisms as they can influence survival, biofilm and crystal formation . Additional work should be done in the retention and metabolic product of the building material. As countries have different ambient temperatures, researchers need to conduct various case studies for individual countries and customise a suitable living concrete accordingly. 

However, a main advantage of living concrete is being able to heal by itself. All concrete is known to crack eventually, which is mainly caused by wear and tear. Typically, if the cracks are not fixed immediately, at times, it will lead to high permeability where water is able to flow through those cracks. In such cases, steel reinforcements are stored in the concrete. After a period of time, steel will corrode,  and eventually result in structure collapse. With the invention of living concrete, it can heal by itself with the use of bacteria as it is more active in moist conditions. Hence, in the scenario where water flows into the concrete, bacteria are able to mend the cracks.  Stewart (2016) mentioned that bacteria and calcium lactate will be mixed into capsules where the capsule will be added into the wet concrete mix. In the event where cracks occur, water will flow through it, and the capsules will be open when it gets in contact with water which will eventually close up the cracks.

In conclusion, further research in living concrete needs to be done to achieve similar properties as conventional concrete. Additionally, because profits are maximized with high sales and low material cost, it would be ideal to weigh a balance between cost and the properties to ensure maximum profits and benefits. In addition, due to the varying ambient temperatures in different countries, further studies also need to be done to ensure uniformity between temperature and the growth of bacteria to produce a suitable living concrete.

Reference

 

Corless, V. (2020, January 16). Scientists create living concrete from bacteria and sand. Advanced Science News. https://www.advancedsciencenews.com/scientists-create-living-concrete-from-bacteria-and-sand/

 

Shantilal Vekariya, M & Pitroda, J. (2013, September 9). International Journal of Engineering Trends and Technology, 4(9).

http://www.ijettjournal.org/volume-4/issue-9/IJETT-V4I9P181.pdf

Stewart, A (2016, March 7). The “living concrete” that can heal itself. CNN. ‌https://edition.cnn.com/2015/05/14/tech/bioconcrete-delft-jonkers/index.html

Timmer, J. (2020, January 18). "Living concrete" is an interesting first step. Ars Technica. https://arstechnica.com/science/2020/01/living-concrete-is-an-interesting-first-step/ 

Introduction/Lit review #Draft 1

 

1. Introduction

This proposal is written in response to an email calling for proposals for sustainable economic growth. It aims to provide LTA with a comprehensive overview of how electric excavators would benefit the country in the long run. 

1.1 Background

The Four Brothers team’s focus is on sustainability and environmental protection. The team started off with the idea of changing common day garbage trucks to electric vehicles (EVs). However, through initial research, the team found out that this concept has already been implemented by Sembcorp Pte Ltd, one of the main companies in the waste management sector in Singapore. They have converted 20% of their garbage truck fleet to EVs and are planning to do more by 2030.

Hence, as civil engineering students, the team has changed its field of focus to its area of speciality, the construction sector. The team has narrowed it down to excavators in road works specifically since excavators are one of the more prominent and heavily used vehicles in the sector. 

EVs are vehicles that are fully electric-powered and use electric engines instead of the standard gas combustion engines. They generally run cleaner and quieter than everyday vehicles that use gas combustion engines. The fully electric engine also has a higher efficiency of up to 90% as compared to its traditional counterpart (CITATION), thus providing economic savings.

Currently, Singapore’s construction companies are not utilising EVs for their excavators. Case Construction Pte Ltd makes use of electric excavators that claim to provide the same efficiency as conventional diesel-powered machines while providing up to 90% in fuel and maintenance costs (CITATION). Caterpillar Pte Ltd are making use of electric excavators in Norway which reduce carbon emissions by 52 tonnes per machine, *as mentioned by Veidekke’s construction director, Oivind Larsen (CITATION).

Therefore, this proposal is addressed to LTA to require construction companies in Singapore to have at least 20% of their construction fleet to be electric by 2030, in order to provide higher energy efficiencies, reduce environmental and noise pollution, and provide higher cost savings. 

Singapore’s 2030 Green Plan provides a road map to reinforce Singapore’s national sustainability efforts. The goals of this proposal are in line with the country’s efforts to achieve lower carbon emissions while providing much higher energy efficiencies. As western construction companies are already implementing electric excavators in their fleet, this technology would not be hard to come by and can be modified to fit local requirements. As such, by implementing this concept in Singapore’s construction fleet as soon as possible, the industry will be able to enjoy the long term benefits sooner.

Lit review

Efficiency is the ratio of the total power input to a mechanical device to the total useful power output of the intended effect, measured in percentage(%) or kilowatts per hour (kWh). In this proposal, it would be the ratio of the conversion of potential energy in fuel or electrical energy in electricity, to the mechanical energy in the engine of the excavator, in order to allow the excavator to carry out its works. 

Sound is the vibration of the acoustic wave which is transmitted through a medium such as air and is received in the ear and perceived by the brain, measured in decibels (dB). A whisper is about 30 dB, normal conversation is about 60 dB, and a motorcycle engine running is about 95 dB. A typical excavator while running is around 87 dB. An electric runs much quieter at a range of 30-60 dB.

Excavators are mechanical machines used in the construction sector for excavating road works. They are piloted by a operator who uses joysticks on the excavator to control the mechanical arm of the machine, which operates using a hydraulic system. The arm then digs into soil and is able to carry it into its designated storage area, such as a dump truck. Traditional excavators use gas combustion engines which burn fuel to attain mechanical energy to carry out its tasks. This generates tons of carbon emissions through its exhaust pipe. It also creates noise pollution, largely due to the gas combustion engine causing excessive noise which get worse with bigger machines like excavators. 

Electric Vehicles (EVs) have higher efficiencies of 85% when converting electrical energy to mechanical energy, compared to conventional gas combustion engines with only 40%. They also reduce environmental and noise pollution through their fully-electric engines.

Sound

A whisper is about 30 dB, normal conversation is about 60 dB, and a motorcycle engine running is about 95 dB. A typical excavator while running is around 87 dB. An electric runs much quieter at a range of 30-60 dB.

https://www.shutterstock.com/image-vector/decibel-scale-sound-level-volume-chart-1304692708

https://www.epd.gov.hk/epd/misc/construction_noise/contents/index.php/en/foundation-works/49-quieter-construction-equipment.html

https://www.tractors.com.sg/blog/360-fuelefficiency-336gc

Cost for diesel excavator

20.94L x $2.58 = $54

This is for 1hr run time therefore it costs $54 per hour to run.

Cost for electric excavator

As of simple terms, the formula is: Size of battery (kWh) x Electricity cost of your supplier (pence per kilowatt-hour) = Cost to charge an electric car from absolutely empty to full.

300kwH x 25cents = $75

This is for 6hrs run time therefore it cost $12.5 per hour to run.

https://futurism.com/the-byte/electric-excavator-norway

Summary/Summary Reader Response Draft #3: Concrete that grows

The concept of living concrete and environmental benefits has been elaborated by Corless. (2020) in the article “Scientists create living concrete from bacteria and sand”. Conventional concrete is known to contribute a great amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) emission to the environment, while living concrete containing bacteria aids in the reduction of CO2 emission. Researchers from University of Colorado Boulder mixed components such as sand, hydrogel, and bacteria to create a living substance with the strength of cement-based mortar and the prospect to perform photosynthesis. In the process of designing living concrete, researchers used a 3D sand–hydrogel scaffold containing cyanobacteria. Cyanobacteria are able to adapt in extreme environmental conditions. Furthermore, carbon dioxide is converted to sugars during the process of photosynthesis. Regeneration of cyanobacteria can be obtained from a source, while achieving the original properties as the source with the extension of hydrogel scaffold. Creation of living concrete will give rise to advantages to the environment. However, certain trade-offs will be recognised such as concrete is only able to obtain its maximum strength when it is dried completely, it is more costly than conventional concrete, and it is not suitable to grow in any atmosphere and media. 

Firstly,living concrete has lower compressive strength than conventional concrete. This leads to the presence of bacteria being compromised during the drying process as it requires humidity to function. In order to maintain the structure of the concrete, mixing the bacteria with gelatine is required. In addition, Timmer (2020) discussed that an ambient humidity of 50% and above is necessary to demonstrate moisture for the gelatine to absorb adequate water to support the bacterial life for at least a week. Therefore, maximum strength is not achievable where bacteria exist in the concrete.

Secondly, an additional factor to consider would be the cost of living concrete as it is more expensive in comparison to conventional concrete.With a combination of biological and chemical properties, living concrete is ahead in technology advancement as compared to conventional concrete.This leads to more case studies behind the project. It can be beneficial to the environment, but on the other hand, high cost production would be a major consideration. With a cost factor in mind, small medium enterprise and private companies would make careful considerations when choosing concrete. Hence, there might be more supply than demand within the industry. 

Lastly, the growth of bacteria is not well supported in the atmosphere. Different types of nutrients and metabolic products are used to grow calcifying micro-organisms as they can influence survival, biofilm and crystal formation. Additional work should be done in the retention and metabolic product of the building material. As countries have different ambient temperatures, researchers need to conduct various case studies for individual countries and customise a suitable living concrete accordingly. 

However, a main advantage of living concrete is being able to heal by itself. All concrete is known to crack eventually, which is mainly caused by wear and tear. Typically, if the cracks are not fixed immediately, at times, it will lead to high permeability where water is able to flow through those cracks. In such cases, steel reinforcements are stored in the concrete. After a period of time, steel will corrode, and eventually result in structure collapse. With the invention of living concrete, it can heal by itself with the use of bacteria as it is more active in moist conditions. Hence, in the scenario where water flows into the concrete, bacteria are able to mend the cracks. The article ‘The ‘living concrete’ that can heal by itself’ by Andrew S. (2016) mentioned that bacteria and calcium lactate will be mixed into capsules where the capsule will be added into the wet concrete mix. In the event where cracks occur, water will flow through it, and the capsules will be open when it gets in contact with water which will eventually close up the cracks. 

In conclusion, further research in living concrete needs to be done to achieve similar properties as conventional concrete. Additionally, profits are maximised with high sales and low material cost.  Hence, it is ideal to weigh a balance between cost and the properties to ensure maximum profits and benefits. In addition, due to the varying ambient temperatures in different countries, further studies need to be done to ensure uniformity between temperature and the growth of bacteria to produce a suitable living concrete.

Reference

Corless, V. (2020, January 16). Scientists create living concrete from bacteria and sand. Advanced Science News. https://www.advancedsciencenews.com/scientists-create-living-concrete-from-bacteria-and-sand/

Shantilal Vekariya, M & Pitroda, J. (2013, September 9). International Journal of Engineering Trends and Technology, 4(9).

http://www.ijettjournal.org/volume-4/issue-9/IJETT-V4I9P181.pdf

Stewart, A  (2016, March 7). The “living concrete” that can heal itself. CNN. ‌https://edition.cnn.com/2015/05/14/tech/bioconcrete-delft-jonkers/index.html

Timmer , J. (2020, January 18). "Living concrete" is an interesting first step. Ars Technica. https://arstechnica.com/science/2020/01/living-concrete-is-an-interesting-first-step/ 

Summary/Summary Reader Response Draft #2: Concrete that grows

The concept of living concrete and environmental benefits has been elaborated by Corless, V. (2020) in an article “Scientists create living concrete from bacteria and sand”. Conventional concrete is known to contribute a great amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) emission to the environment, while living concrete containing bacteria aids in the reduction of CO2 emission. Researchers from University of Colorado Boulder mixed components such as sand, hydrogel, and bacteria to create a living substance with the strength of cement-based mortar and the prospect to perform photosynthesis. In the process of designing living concrete, researchers used a 3D sand–hydrogel scaffold containing cyanobacteria. Cyanobacteria are able to adapt in extreme environmental conditions. Furthermore, carbon dioxide is converted to sugars during the process of photosynthesis. Regeneration of cyanobacteria can be obtained from a source, while achieving the original properties as the source with the extension of hydrogel scaffold. Creation of living concrete will give rise to advantages to the environment. However, certain trade-offs will be recognised such as concrete is only able to obtain its maximum strength when it is dried completely and it is more costly than conventional concrete.

Firstly, thorough drying of the concrete is required to attain its maximum strength. However, the presence of bacteria will be compromised during the drying process as it requires humidity to function. In order to maintain the structure of the concrete, mixing the bacteria with gelatine is required. In addition, Timmer (2020) discussed that an ambient humidity of 50% and above is necessary to demonstrate moisture for the gelatine to absorb adequate water to support the bacterial life for at least a week. Therefore, maximum strength is not achievable where bacteria exist in the concrete.

Secondly, an additional factor to consider would be the cost of living concrete as it is more expensive in comparison to conventional concrete.With a combination of biological and chemical properties, living concrete is ahead in technology advancement as compared to conventional concrete.This leads to more case studies behind the project. It can be beneficial to the environment, but on the other hand, high cost production would be a major consideration. With a cost factor in mind, small medium enterprise and private companies would make careful considerations when choosing concrete. Hence, there might be more supply than demand within the industry. 

However, a main advantage of living concrete is being able to heal by itself. All concrete is known to crack eventually, which is mainly caused by wear and tear. Typically, if the cracks are not fixed immediately, at times, it will lead to high permeability where water is able to flow through those cracks. In such cases, steel reinforcements are stored in the concrete. After a period of time, steel will corrode, and eventually result in structure collapse. With the invention of living concrete, it can heal by itself with the use of bacteria as it is more active in moist conditions. Hence, in the scenario where water flows into the concrete, bacteria are able to mend the cracks. The article ‘The ‘living concrete’ that can heal by itself’ by Andrew S. (2016) mentioned that bacteria and calcium lactate will be mixed into capsules where the capsule will be added into the wet concrete mix. In the event where cracks occur, water will flow through it, and the capsules will be open when it gets in contact with water which will eventually close up the cracks. 

In conclusion, further research in living concrete needs to be done to achieve similar properties as conventional concrete. Additionally, profits are maximised with high sales and low material cost.  Hence, it is ideal to weigh a balance between cost and the properties to ensure maximum profits and benefits.

Reference

Corless, V. (2020, January 16). Scientists create living concrete from bacteria and sand. Advanced Science News. https://www.advancedsciencenews.com/scientists-create-living-concrete-from-bacteria-and-sand/

Timmer, J. (2020, January 18). "Living concrete" is an interesting first step. Ars Technica. https://arstechnica.com/science/2020/01/living-concrete-is-an-interesting-first-step/ 

CNN, A. S., for. (n.d.). The “living concrete” that can heal itself. CNN. ‌https://edition.cnn.com/2015/05/14/tech/bioconcrete-delft-jonkers/index.html

 Shantilal Vekariya, M., & Pitroda. (2013). Bacterial Concrete: New Era For

Construction Industry. International Journal of Engineering Trends and

Technology, 4(9).

http://www.ijettjournal.org/volume-4/issue-9/IJETT-V4I9P181.pdf

‌

 

Summary/Summary Reader Response Draft #1: Concrete that grows

The article “Scientists create living concrete from bacteria and sand” by Corless, V. (2020) introduces the usage of bacteria in concrete mixes to make concrete. Many possible methods are being explored by researchers but no results cater to cement’s desirable properties. The articles mentioned that "Researchers from University of Colorado Boulder mixed sand, a hydrogel, and bacteria to create a living substance with the strength of cement-based mortar and the prospect to perform photosynthesis." "The researchers used a 3D sand–hydrogel scaffold that contains Cyanobacteria. Cyanobacteria are able to survive in extreme environmental conditions. It also can convert CO2 to sugars during photosynthesis. These materials are able to be replicated by a parent “brick”. The bricks are still able to perform the same biological functions as the parent brick by separating and extending with hydrogel scaffold." explained by Corless. The author discussed that a bacterium can do much more than previous findings of being to help the concrete to heal its own cracks.There are many reasons why ‘living concrete’ is the future in the construction industry with the many benefits it has. 

One of the reasons is that it adds nutrients to the concrete that enable it to sustain longer as compared to normal concrete, this value adds to the concrete. Synechococcus is a kind of bacterium that is utilized in living concrete. This bacterium meets the Cyanobacteria requirements. It obtains energy through the photosynthesis process. In the presence of chlorophyll, it absorbs carbon dioxide, sunlight, and certain other nutrients and releases calcium carbonate and oxygen.

Another reason is that ‘living concrete’ constitutes better properties than ‘non-living concrete’. There has been a lot of biological study on the perimeter of structural concrete. This has largely taken a lot of study attempting to find out how live organisms' shells gain some of their astonishing features. However, it has also featured the notion that living creatures may build structural carbonates, as well as a few efforts to create concrete that self-heals due to the presence of carbonate-producing microbes embedded in it."

However, one disadvantage will be that concrete contains gelatine. Even though this was sufficient to sustain basic structures for long enough for the cyanobacteria to begin building carbonates. The cyanobacteria, on the other hand, simply do not make enough carbonate in a week to give the "concrete" the material toughness we associate with true concrete. To do better, the entire thing must be dried out, in order to eliminate the bacteria in the process.

To sustain the bacteria in the brick, there is a trade-off of the cement’s strength. Bacteria can function in the moist, but the mixture is stronger when it's dried. Currently, this technology is still new. It only can be represented as a possible alternative to cement in construction.

References

Corless, V. (2020, January 20). Scientists create living concrete from bacteria and sand. Advanced Science News. https://www.advancedsciencenews.com/scientists-create-living-concrete-from-bacteria-and-sand/

Timmer, J. (2020, January 18). “Living concrete” is an interesting first step. Ars Technica. https://arstechnica.com/science/2020/01/living-concrete-is-an-interesting-first-step/

Living Concrete: Advantages and Problems. (2020, April 19). The Constructor. https://theconstructor.org/concrete/living-concrete-advantages-and-problems-pdf/37822/

Summary Draft #2: Concrete that grows

The article “Scientists create living concrete from bacteria and sand”(2020) introduces the usage of bacteria in concrete mixes to make concrete that is able to take in CO2

Many possible methods are being explored by researchers but no results cater to cement’s desirable properties. The articles mentioned that "Researchers from University of Colorado Boulder mixed sand, a hydrogel, and bacteria to create a living substance with the strength of cement-based mortar and the prospect to perform photosynthesis."

"The researchers used a 3D sand–hydrogel scaffold that contains Cyanobacteria. Cyanobacteria are able to survive in extreme environmental conditions. It also can convert CO2 to sugars during photosynthesis. These materials are able to be replicated by a parent “brick”. The bricks are still able to perform the same biological functions as the parent brick by separating and extending with hydrogel scaffold." as explained by Corless. 

However, to sustain the bacteria in the brick, there is a tradeoff of the cement’s strength. Bacteria can function in the moist, but the mixture is stronger when its dried. Currently, this technology is still new. It only can be represented a possible alternative to cement in construction.

Due to the large production of cement, it's important to come out with 'green' alternative. 

Corless, V. (2020, January 20). Scientists create living concrete from bacteria and sand. Advanced Science News. Retrieved February 7, 2022, from https://www.advancedsciencenews.com/scientists-create-living-concrete-from-bacteria-and-sand/

Unit 1,Task 5.2 Soul of communication

 

In my personal opinion, I find that with good responsibility, empathy and leadership skills make up a good leader.  In the workplace, leaders are required to have a clear vision. They need to have the skillset as mentioned above to achieve the mission success.

 

Having good responsible means that the leader should be responsible to the team. They are the ones giving and guiding the team with instructions. If a leader were to be irresponsible for the team, no respect would be given to them.

 

Showing empathy means that you understand how the team feels. As a leader to be in the workplace, the leaders need to be understanding. There are many people coming from different background. The leaders can show empathy by showing cares and concerns to the people around them. From there, they will understand their behaviours.    

 

If the leader doesn’t have a follower, it doesn’t reflect them as a good leader. Hence, they are required to have good leadership skills. By possessing good leadership skills, they need to be initiative. The leaders need to outperform the people.

 

I strongly believe with the skillsets as mentioned above, its crucial to differentiate a good leader.  

Summary Draft #1: Concrete that grows

 

The article “Scientists create living concrete from bacteria and sand”(2020) introduces the usage of bacteria in concrete mixes to make concrete that is able to take in CO₂. The article states that production of cement is one of the top contributors to CO₂ emissions. 

Many possible methods are being explored by researchers but no results cater to cement’s desirable properties. Researchers from University of Colorado Boulder mixed sand, a hydrogel, and bacteria to create a living substance with the strength of cement-based mortar and the prospect to perform photosynthesis.

The researchers used a 3D sand–hydrogel scaffold that contains Cyanobacteria. Cyanobacteria are able to survive in extreme environmental conditions. It also can convert CO2 to sugars during photosynthesis. These materials are able to be replicated by a parent “brick”. The bricks are still able to perform the same biological functions as the parent brick by separating and extending with hydrogel scaffold.

However, to sustain the bacteria in the brick, there is a tradeoff of the cement’s strength. Bacteria can function in the moist, but the mixture is stronger when its dried. Currently, this technology is still new. It only can be represented a possible alternative to cement in construction.

 

Assignment 1, Letter of Introduction

Dear Professor Brad,

My name is Ng Chin Wai, a student from CVE 1281 Trimester 2 2021-2022 T5. I'm hereby to introduce myself to you.

I graduated from Nanyang Polytechnic, with the diploma in engineering with business in 2019. I decided to switch from engineering with business to civil engineering as I want to be more specialized for my future career, I went through an internship when I was in polytechnic, and I realized that I showed passion in the building industry. Coincidentally, my father works in this industry. Hence, I am able to seek him for advice in the future as I enter to the work force.    

One of my communication strengths is that I show empathy to the people. I consider my social circle is big, I have been seeing many different people in my life, there are people who don't live in well to do family background, hence from there I always show my empathy by putting myself into their shoes, from there I will do my best to help them out if they were to ask. I'm the person that always look up to the people around me, as I know that one can never be perfect, I have different friends that have different skillsets and different views in lives that makes me look up to them sometimes. 

One of my communication weakness would be indecisive, as an easy going person can be a negative impact to others. Especially when it comes to decision making, I understand that when I enter the work force I have to lead the people to complete the task, if I were to be indecisive, this would lead me to being irresponsible to my work, hence from this module I hope to be more decisive at my work in the future.

I hope that by the end of this trimester, I am able to speak confidently and well presented to others, as I have been conversing Singlish with friends, which resulted me being lost when it comes to formal presentation. I also hope that by the end of this trimester, I can takeaway critical thinking skill, I am sure that with good critical thinking skill, I am able to survive in the working society. 

What makes me special from others is that I am the person whom willing to take up all sorts of challenges. People have been telling me that its impossible to complete, but I always like to prove them wrong, and eventually it can be done sometimes. This always makes me have great sense of achievement.

Warm Regards,

Ng Chin Wai

Year 1 Undergraduate 

Added as of 28th Jan 2021

My name is Ng Chin Wai, a student from CVE 1281 Trimester 2 2021-2022 T5.  I'd like to introduce myself to you.

I graduated from Nanyang Polytechnic, with the diploma in engineering with business in 2019. I decided to switch from engineering with business to civil engineering as I want to be more specialized for my future career. I went through an internship when I was in polytechnic. I realized that I showed passion in the building industry. Coincidentally, my father works in this industry as well. Hence, I am able to seek him for advice in the future as I enter to the work force.    

One of my communication strengths is that I show empathy to the people. I consider my social circle is big. I have been seeing many different people in my life, there are people who don't live in well to do family background. Hence, from there I always show my empathy by putting myself into their shoes. I will do my best to help them out if they were to ask me. I'm the person that always look up to the people around me, as I know that one can never be perfect. I have different friends that have different skillsets and different views in lives. This makes me look up to them sometimes. 

One of my communication weaknesses would be indecisive, as an easy-going person can be a negative impact to others. Especially, when it comes to decision making. I understand that when I enter the work force. I have to lead the people to complete the task. If I were to be indecisive, this would lead me to being irresponsible to my work. Hence, from this module I hope to be more decisive at my work in the future.

I hope that by the end of this trimester, I am able to speak confidently and well presented to others. I have been conversing Singlish with friends. It resulted me being lost when it comes to formal presentation. I also hope that by the end of this trimester, I can takeaway critical thinking skill. I am sure that with good critical thinking skill, I am able to survive in the working society. 

What makes me special from others is that I am the person who is willing to take up all sorts of challenges. People have been telling me that it’s impossible to complete those certain tasks, but I always like to prove them wrong. Eventually, it can be done sometimes. This always makes me have great sense of achievement.

Warm Regards,

Ng Chin Wai

Year 1 Undergraduate 

 

Paraphrase of Communication Quote

 "Developing excellent communication skills is absolutely essential to effective leadership. the leader must be able to share knowledge and ideas to transmit a sense of urgency and enthusiasm to others. If a leader can't get a message across clearly and motivate others to act on it, then having a message doesn't even matter."

According to Gilbert Amelio, former President and CEO of National Semiconductor Corp, the development of exceptional communication skills is critical in being an effective leader. One must be able to impart knowledge and ideas succinctly whilst inspiring others to take action immediately. Without this, a message is empty and holds no meaning.