Abstract: Analyzing the relation networks between the hospital
buildings which have complex structure and distinctive spatial
relationships is quite difficult. The hospital buildings which require
specialty in spatial relationship solutions during design and selfinnovation
through the developing technology should survive and
keep giving service even after the disasters such as earthquakes. In
this study, a hospital building where the load-bearing system was
strengthened because of the insufficient earthquake performance and
the construction of an additional building was required to meet the
increasing need for space was discussed and a comparative spatial
evaluation of the hospital building was made with regard to its status
before the change and after the change. For this reason, spatial
organizations of the building before change and after the change were
analyzed by means of Space Syntax method and the effects of the
change on space organization parameters were searched by applying
an analytical procedure. Using Depthmap UCL software,
Connectivity, Visual Mean Depth, Beta and Visual Integration
analyses were conducted. Based on the data obtained after the
analyses, it was seen that the relationships between spaces of the
building increased after the change and the building has become more
explicit and understandable for the occupants. Furthermore, it was
determined according to findings of the analysis that the increase in
depth causes difficulty in perceiving the spaces and the changes
considering this problem generally ease spatial use.
Abstract: Urban areas, as they have been developed and operate
today, are areas of accumulation of a significant amount of people
and a large number of activities that generate desires and reasons for
traveling. The territorial expansion of the cities as well as the need to
preserve the importance of the central city areas lead to the
continuous increase of transportation needs which in the limited
urban space results in creating serious traffic and operational
problems. The modern perception of urban planning is directed towards more
holistic approaches and integrated policies that make it economically
competitive, socially just and more environmentally friendly. Over
the last 25 years, the goal of sustainable transport development has
been central to the agenda of any plan or policy for the city. The
modern planning of urban space takes into account the economic and
social aspects of the city and the importance of the environment to
sustainable urban development. In this context, the European Union
promotes direct or indirect related interventions according to the
cohesion and environmental policies; many countries even had the
chance to actually test them. This paper explores the methods and processes that have been
developed towards this direction and presents a review and
systematic presentation of this work. The ultimate purpose of this
research is to effectively use this review to create a decision making
methodological framework which can be the basis of a useful
operational tool for sustainable urban planning.
Abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate the
photocatalytic activity of polycrystalline phases of bismuth tungstate
of formula Bi2WO6. Polycrystalline samples were elaborated using a
coprecipitation technique followed by a calcination process at
different temperatures (300, 400, 600 and 900°C). The obtained
polycrystalline phases have been characterized by X-ray diffraction
(XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission
electron microscopy (TEM). Crystal cell parameters and cell volume
depend on elaboration temperature. High-resolution electron
microscopy images and image simulations, associated with X-ray
diffraction data, allowed confirming the lattices and space groups
Pca21. The photocatalytic activity of the as-prepared samples was
studied by irradiating aqueous solutions of Rhodamine B, associated
with Bi2WO6 additives having variable crystallite sizes. The
photocatalytic activity of such bismuth tungstates increased as the
crystallite sizes decreased. The high specific area of the
photocatalytic particles obtained at 300°C seems to condition the
degradation kinetics of RhB.
Abstract: This paper explores and provides substantiated
evidence on the usage patterns of Information and Communication
Technologies (ICTs) by female users at Vhembe District in Limpopo-
Province, South Africa. The study presents a comprehensive picture
on the usage of ICTs from female users’ perspective. The
significance of this study stems from the need to assess the role,
relevance and usage patterns of ICTs such as smartphones,
computers, laptops, and iPods, the internet and social networking
sites among females following the developments of new media
technologies in society. The objective of the study is to investigate
the usability and accessibility of ICTs to empower female users in
South Africa. The study used quantitative and qualitative research
methods to determine the major ideas, perceptions and usage patterns
of ICTs by users. Data collection involved the use of structured selfadministered
questionnaire from two groups of respondents who
participated in this study. Thus, (n=50) female students at the
University of Venda provided their ideas and perceptions about the
usefulness and usage patterns of ICTs such as smartphones, the
Internet and computers at the university level, whereas, the second
group were (n=50) learners from Makhado Comprehensive School
who provided their perceptions and ideas about the use of ICTs at the
high school level. The researcher also noted that the findings of the
study were useful as a guideline and model for ICT intervention that
could work as an empowerment to women in South Africa. It was
observed that the central purpose of ICTs among female users was to
search for information regarding assignment writing, conducting
research, dating, exchanging ideas and networking with friends and
relatives. This was demonstrated by a high number of females who
used ICTs for e-learning (62%) and social purposes (85%).
Therefore, the study revealed that most females used ICTs for social
purposes and accessing the internet rather than for entertainment, a
gesture that provides an opportune space to empower rural women in
South Africa.
Abstract: This paper discusses the general methods to saturation
in the steady-state, two axis (d & q) frame models of synchronous
machines. In particular, the important role of the magnetic coupling
between the d-q axes (cross-magnetizing phenomenon), is
demonstrated. For that purpose, distinct methods of saturation
modeling of dumper synchronous machine with cross-saturation are
identified, and detailed models synthesis in d-q axes. A number of
models are given in the final developed form. The procedure and the
novel models are verified by a critical application to prove the
validity of the method and the equivalence between all developed
models is reported. Advantages of some of the models over the
existing ones and their applicability are discussed.
Abstract: Space Vector Pulse Width Modulation is popular for
variable frequency drives. The method has several advantages over
carried based PWM and is computation intensive. The
implementation of SVPWM for multilevel inverter requires special
attention and at the same time consumes considerable resources. Due
to faster processing power and reduced over all computational
burden, FPGAs are being investigated as an alternative for other
controllers. In this paper, a space vector PWM algorithm is
implemented using FPGA which requires less computational area and
is modular in structure. The algorithm is verified experimentally for
Neutral Point Clamped inverter using FPGA development board
xc3s5000-4fg900.
Abstract: This study presents a hybrid metaheuristic algorithm
to obtain optimum designs for steel space buildings. The optimum
design problem of three-dimensional steel frames is mathematically
formulated according to provisions of LRFD-AISC (Load and
Resistance factor design of American Institute of Steel Construction).
Design constraints such as the strength requirements of structural
members, the displacement limitations, the inter-story drift and the
other structural constraints are derived from LRFD-AISC
specification. In this study, a hybrid algorithm by using teachinglearning
based optimization (TLBO) and harmony search (HS)
algorithms is employed to solve the stated optimum design problem.
These algorithms are two of the recent additions to metaheuristic
techniques of numerical optimization and have been an efficient tool
for solving discrete programming problems. Using these two
algorithms in collaboration creates a more powerful tool and
mitigates each other’s weaknesses. To demonstrate the powerful
performance of presented hybrid algorithm, the optimum design of a
large scale steel building is presented and the results are compared to
the previously obtained results available in the literature.
Abstract: Regions with extreme climate conditions such as
Astana city require energy saving measures to increase energy
performance of buildings which are responsible for more than 40% of
total energy consumption. Identification of optimal building
geometry is one of key factors to be considered. Architectural form of
a building has impact on space heating and cooling energy use,
however the interrelationship between the geometry and resultant
energy use is not always readily apparent. This paper presents a
comparative case study of two prototypical buildings with compact
building shape to assess its impact on energy performance.
Abstract: Although there has been a growing interest in the
hybrid free-space optical link and radio frequency FSO/RF
communication system, the current literature is limited to results
obtained in moderate or cold environment. In this paper, using a soft
switching approach, we investigate the effect of weather
inhomogeneities on the strength of turbulence hence the channel
refractive index under Qatar harsh environment and their influence
on the hybrid FSO/RF availability. In this approach, either FSO/RF
or simultaneous or none of them can be active. Based on soft
switching approach and a finite state Markov Chain (FSMC) process,
we model the channel fading for the two links and derive a
mathematical expression for the outage probability of the hybrid
system. Then, we evaluate the behavior of the hybrid FSO/RF under
hazy and harsh weather. Results show that the FSO/RF soft switching
renders the system outage probability less than that of each link
individually. A soft switching algorithm is being implemented on
FPGAs using Raptor code interfaced to the two terminals of a
1Gbps/100 Mbps FSO/RF hybrid system, the first being implemented
in the region. Experimental results are compared to the above
simulation results.
Abstract: It is an indispensible strategy to adopt greenery
approach on architectural bases so as to improve ecological habitats,
decrease heat-island effect, purify air quality, and relieve surface
runoff as well as noise pollution, all of which are done in an attempt to
achieve sustainable environment. How we can do with plant design to
attain the best visual quality and ideal carbon dioxide fixation depends
on whether or not we can appropriately make use of greenery
according to the nature of architectural bases. To achieve the goal, it is
a need that architects and landscape architects should be provided with
sufficient local references. Current greenery studies focus mainly on
the heat-island effect of urban with large scale. Most of the architects
still rely on people with years of expertise regarding the adoption and
disposition of plantation in connection with microclimate scale.
Therefore, environmental design, which integrates science and
aesthetics, requires fundamental research on landscape environment
technology divided from building environment technology. By doing
so, we can create mutual benefits between green building and the
environment. This issue is extremely important for the greening design
of the bases of green buildings in cities and various open spaces. The
purpose of this study is to establish plant selection and allocation
strategies under different building sunshade levels. Initially, with the
shading of sunshine on the greening bases as the starting point, the
effects of the shades produced by different building types on the
greening strategies were analyzed. Then, by measuring the PAR
(photosynthetic active radiation), the relative DLI (daily light integral)
was calculated, while the DLI Map was established in order to
evaluate the effects of the building shading on the established
environmental greening, thereby serving as a reference for plant
selection and allocation. The discussion results were to be applied in
the evaluation of environment greening of greening buildings and
establish the “right plant, right place” design strategy of multi-level
ecological greening for application in urban design and landscape
design development, as well as the greening criteria to feedback to the
eco-city greening buildings.
Abstract: Communicating users' needs, goals and problems help
designers and developers overcome challenges faced by end users.
Personas are used to represent end users’ needs. In our research,
creating personas allowed the following questions to be answered:
Who are the potential user groups? What do they want to achieve by
using the service? What are the problems that users face? What
should the service provide to them? To develop realistic personas, we
conducted a focus group discussion with undergraduate and graduate
students and also interviewed a university librarian. The personas
were created to help evaluating the Institutional Repository that is
based on the DSpace system. The profiles helped to communicate
users' needs, abilities, tasks, and problems, and the task scenarios
used in the heuristic evaluation were based on these personas. Four
personas resulted of a focus group discussion with undergraduate and
graduate students and from interviewing a university librarian. We
then used these personas to create focused task-scenarios for a
heuristic evaluation on the system interface to ensure that it met
users' needs, goals, problems and desires. In this paper, we present
the process that we used to create the personas that led to devise the
task scenarios used in the heuristic evaluation as a follow up study of
the DSpace university repository.
Abstract: Multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) radar has
received increasing attention in recent years. MIMO radar has many
advantages over conventional phased array radar such as target
detection,resolution enhancement, and interference suppression. In
this paper, the results are presented from a simulation study of MIMO
uniformly-spaced linear array (ULA) antennas. The performance is
investigated under varied parameters, including varied array size,
pseudo random (PN) sequence length, number of snapshots, and
signal to noise ratio (SNR). The results of MIMO are compared to a
traditional array antenna.
Abstract: In this research, thorium dioxide mesoporous
nanocrystalline powder was synthesized through the sol-gel method
using hydrated thorium nitrate and ammonium hydroxide as starting
materials and Triton X100 as surfactant. ThO2 gel was characterized
by thermogravimetric (TGA), and prepared ThO2 powder was
subjected to scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction
(XRD), and Brunauer-Emett-Teller (BET) analyses studies. Detailed
analyses show that prepared powder consisted of phase with the
space group Fm3m of thoria and its crystalline size was 12.6 nm. The
thoria possesses 16.7 m2/g surface area and the pore volume and size
calculated to be 0.0423 cc/g and 1.947 nm, respectively.
Abstract: A compact Ultra Wide Band (UWB) antenna with coplanar
waveguide feed has been designed and results are verified in
this paper. The antenna has been designed on FR4 substrate with
dielectric constant (εr) of 4.4 and dimensions of 32mm x 26mm x
0.8mm. The presented antenna shows return loss characteristics in the
band of 3.1 to 10.6 GHz as prescribed by FCC, USA. Parametric
studies have been done and results thus obtained have been
presented. Simulated results have been verified on Rohde & Swartz
VNA. The measured results are in good agreement with simulated
results which make the presented antenna suitable to be used for
wearable applications. Performance analysis of antenna has also been
shown in the presence of three layered Human Arm model. Results
obtained in presence of Human Arm model has been compared with
that in free space.
Abstract: The development of transport systems has negative
impacts on the environment although it has beneficial effects on
society. The car policy caused many problems such as: - the
spectacular growth of fuel consumption hence the very vast increase
in urban pollution, traffic congestion in certain places and at certain
times, the increase in the number of accidents. The exhaust emissions
from cars and weather conditions are the main factors that determine
the level of pollution in urban atmosphere. These conditions lead to
the phenomenon of heat transfer and radiation occurring between the
air and the soil surface of any town. These exchanges give rise, in
urban areas, to the effects of heat islands that correspond to the
appearance of excess air temperature between the city and its
surrounding space. In this object, we perform a numerical simulation
of the plume generated by the cars exhaust gases and show that these
gases form a screening effect above the urban city which cause the
heat island in the presence of wind flow. This study allows us: 1. To
understand the different mechanisms of interactions between these
phenomena.2. To consider appropriate technical solutions to mitigate
the effects of the heat island.
Abstract: Public space is essential to strengthen the social and
urban fabric and the social cohesion; there lies the importance of its
study. Hence, the aim of this paper is to analyze the quality of public
space in the XXI century in both quantitative and qualitative terms. In
this article, the concept of public space includes open spaces such as
parks, public squares and walking areas. To make this analysis, we
take Mexico City as the case study. It has a population of nearly 9
million inhabitants and is composed of sixteen boroughs. For this
analysis, we consider both existing public spaces and the government
intervention for building and improving new and existent public
spaces. Results show that on the one hand, quantitatively there is not
an equitable distribution of public spaces due to both the growth of
the city itself as well as due to the absence of political will to create
public spaces. Another factor is the evolution of this city, which has
been growing merely in a “patched pattern”, where public space has
played no role at all with a total absence of urban design. On the
other hand, qualitatively, even the boroughs with the most public
spaces have not shown interest in making these spaces qualitatively
inclusive and open to the general population aiming for integration.
Therefore, urban projects that privatize public space seem to be the
rule, rather than a rehabilitation effort of the existent public spaces.
Hence, state intervention should reinforce its role as an agent of
social change acting in benefit of the majority of the inhabitants with
the promotion of more inclusive public spaces.
Abstract: A novel chromium-free protective coating films based
on a zeolite coating was growing onto a FeCrAlloy metal using in –
situ hydrothermal method. The zeolite film was obtained using in-situ
crystallization process that is capable of coating large surfaces with
complex shape and in confined spaces has been developed. The
zeolite coating offers an advantage of a high mechanical stability and
thermal stability. The physicochemical properties were investigated
using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy
Dispersive X–ray Analysis (EDX) and Thermogravimetric Analysis
(TGA). The transition from oxide-on-alloy wires to hydrothermally
synthesised uniformly zeolite coated surfaces was followed using
SEM and XRD. In addition, the robustness of the prepared coating
was confirmed by subjecting these to thermal cycling (ambient to
550oC).
Abstract: Spacer grid assembly supporting the nuclear fuel rods
is an important concern in the design of structural components of a
Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR). The spacer grid is composed by
springs and dimples which are formed from a strip sheet by means of
blanking and stamping processes. In this paper, the blanking process
and tooling parameters are evaluated by means of a 2D plane-strain
finite element model in order to evaluate the punch load and quality
of the sheared edges of Inconel 718 strips used for nuclear spacer
grids. A 3D finite element model is also proposed to predict the
tooling loads resulting from the stamping process of a preformed
Inconel 718 strip and to analyse the residual stress effects upon the
spring and dimple design geometries of a nuclear spacer grid.
Abstract: Currently, green rating systems are mainly utilized for
correctly sizing mechanical and electrical systems, which have short
lifetime expectancies. In these systems, passive solar and bio-climatic
architecture, which have long lifetime expectancies, are neglected.
Urban rating systems consider buildings and services in addition to
neighborhoods and public transportation as integral parts of the built
environment. The main goal of this study was to develop a more
consistent point allocation system for urban building standards by
using six different lifetime shearing layers: Site, Structure, Skin,
Services, Space, and Stuff, each reflecting distinct environmental
damages. This shearing-layer concept was applied to internationally
well-known rating systems: Leadership in Energy and Environmental
Design (LEED) for Neighborhood Development, BRE
Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) for Communities
and Comprehensive Assessment System for Building Environmental
Efficiency (CASBEE) for Urban Development. The results showed
that LEED for Neighborhood Development and BREEAM for
Communities focused on long-lifetime-expectancy building designs,
whereas CASBEE for Urban Development gave equal importance to
the Building and Service Layers. Moreover, although this rating
system was applied using a building-scale assessment, “Urban Area +
Buildings” focuses on a short-lifetime-expectancy system design,
neglecting to improve the architectural design by considering bioclimatic
and passive solar aspects.
Abstract: This paper presents the local mesh co-occurrence
patterns (LMCoP) using HSV color space for image retrieval system.
HSV color space is used in this method to utilize color, intensity and
brightness of images. Local mesh patterns are applied to define the
local information of image and gray level co-occurrence is used to
obtain the co-occurrence of LMeP pixels. Local mesh co-occurrence
pattern extracts the local directional information from local mesh
pattern and converts it into a well-mannered feature vector using gray
level co-occurrence matrix. The proposed method is tested on three
different databases called MIT VisTex, Corel, and STex. Also, this
algorithm is compared with existing methods, and results in terms of
precision and recall are shown in this paper.