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1 – 10 of 164Philip R. Walsh, Holly Dunne and Omid Nikoubakht-Tak
The purpose of this study is to examine the application of sustainable building design and operation within a university setting to determine its economic efficacy and potential…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to examine the application of sustainable building design and operation within a university setting to determine its economic efficacy and potential for further university investment.
Design/methodology/approach
This study incorporated a life cycle cost analysis (LCCA), simple payback period and discounted payback period calculations to determine the return on investment, including a sensitivity analysis when comparing the energy use and financial benefits of the sustainable design of a multi-use facility at Toronto Metropolitan University with buildings of similar size and use-type.
Findings
It was found that there is a positive business argument for Canadian Universities to consider the use of sustainable design to reduce energy use and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. A reasonable payback period and net present value within an institutional context were determined using a life-cycle cost assessment approach.
Research limitations/implications
This study was limited to the measure of only a single location. Certain assumptions regarding energy pricing and interest rates and the related sensitivities were anchored on a single year of time, and the results of this study may be subject to change should those prices or rates become significantly different over time. Considerations for future research include a longitudinal approach combined with a more detailed analysis of the effect of use-type on the variables discussed.
Practical implications
For university administrators, the results of this study may encourage institutions such as universities to approach new building projects through the lens of energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.
Social implications
GHG emissions are a well-proven contributor to global climate change, and buildings remain a significant source of GHG emissions in Canada due to their winter heating and summer cooling loads. As a result, sustainable building design on university campuses can mitigate this impact by optimizing and reducing energy consumption.
Originality/value
Research related to the economic evaluation of sustainable building design on university campuses is generally limited, and this study represents the first of its kind in regard to an LCCA of a sustainably designed building on a Canadian University campus.
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Panagiotis Kordas, Konstantinos Fotopoulos, George Lampeas, Evangelos Karelas and Evgenios Louizos
Fuselage structures are subjected to combinations of axial, bending, shear and differential pressure loads. The validation of advanced metallic and composite fuselage designs…
Abstract
Purpose
Fuselage structures are subjected to combinations of axial, bending, shear and differential pressure loads. The validation of advanced metallic and composite fuselage designs against such loads is based on the full-scale testing of the fuselage barrel, which, however, is highly demanding from a time and cost viewpoint. This paper aims to assist in scaling-down the experimentation to the stiffened panel level which presents the opportunity to validate state-of-the-art designs at higher rates than previously attainable.
Design/methodology/approach
Development of a methodology to successfully design tests at the stiffened panel level and realize them using advanced, complex and adaptable test-rigs that are capable of introducing independently a set of distinct load types (e.g. internal overpressure, tension, shear) while applying appropriate boundary conditions at the edges of the stiffened panel.
Findings
A baseline test-rig configuration was developed after extensive parametric modelling studies at the stiffened panel level. The realization of the loading and boundary conditions on the test-rig was facilitated through innovative supporting and loading system set-ups.
Originality/value
The proposed test bench is novel and compared to the conventional counterparts more viable from an economic and manufacturing point of view. It leads to panel responses, which are as close as possible to those of the fuselage barrel in-flight and can be used for the execution of static or fatigue tests on metallic and thermoplastic curved integrally stiffened full-scale panels, representative of a business jet fuselage.
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Artur Abratanski, Rafał Grzejda and Rafał Perz
The purpose of this paper is to describe the new method for optimizing the topology of the control system frame for a canard missile to create its efficient model. Determining the…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to describe the new method for optimizing the topology of the control system frame for a canard missile to create its efficient model. Determining the minimum volume of the part risked losing some of the mechanical interfaces and functionality required of the frame. The proposed method must cope with these requirements and include a validation loop of the improved solution proposed by the software. The processing of the mathematical model to a printable form must take into account manufacturing technologies limitations and appropriate curvature continuities to avoid stress concentrations.
Design/methodology/approach
Real examples from the aerospace industry are presented and the process of determining a prototype is described. The optimization assumed leaving the largest volume of the domain. Strength analyses were performed on both the assembly fasteners and the robust prototype. Once all boundary conditions were validated, topological optimization was performed in the ANSYS environment. The algorithm of the optimization was presented.
Findings
Obtained fatigues showed the vast potential of topology optimization, efficient method of weight reduction in specific situations. It can be considered as an innovative approach to the manufacturing of products with a structure focused on the best possible correlation of weight and strength, for example of a canard rocket.
Originality/value
The paper introduces precise manufacturing technology of the inner frame for the missile’s control system, which ensures sufficient properties of the material, known as EBM.
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Bartosz Dziugiel, Anna Maria Mazur, Adam Liberacki, Piotr Ginter, Agata Utracka, Sylwester Wyka, Vittorio Di Vito and Aniello Menichino
Process of building and then implementation of integrated multimodal, passenger-centred and predominantly sustainable transport system will require a specific effort to be input…
Abstract
Purpose
Process of building and then implementation of integrated multimodal, passenger-centred and predominantly sustainable transport system will require a specific effort to be input in preparation, especially if it covers new entrants like passenger Urban Air Mobility. This paper aims to address the first step which is the identification of barriers to be overcome to turn the concept into reality.
Design/methodology/approach
Comparison of the current state-of-the-art in transportation, Information and Communication Technologies as well as other city planning domains to the forecasted ecosystem, described in the form of scenarios where base for definition of necessary actions, challenges as well as potential barriers and obstacles were identified and thoroughly specified.
Findings
Barriers grouped in five categories: policy, digitalisation, transportation technologies, integration technologies and passengers’ needs allow for formulation of the relevant roadmaps defining optimal development path towards fully integrated multimodal, passenger-centred and sustainable transport system.
Research limitations/implications
Conclusions can be a starting point in studies towards development of roadmap for implementation of truly integrated municipal transport system both sharing the resources as well as high-level objectives.
Practical implications
Conclusions can be exploited in various areas starting from preparation of strategies in cities aspirating to be smart, through definition of technology development priorities by relevant agencies ending with industry actors looking for better trimming their business.
Originality/value
The identified barriers as derived from detailed investigation enable deep insight into the total transport system vision in which Urban Air Mobility integrated within urban mobility ecosystem is considered as game-changing factor having large potential to contribute to both making cities smart and sustainable.
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Rafal Perz, Kacper Wronowski, Roman Domanski and Igor Dąbrowski
Observation of the animal world is an important component of nature surveys. It provides a number of different information concerning aspects such as population sizes, migration…
Abstract
Purpose
Observation of the animal world is an important component of nature surveys. It provides a number of different information concerning aspects such as population sizes, migration directions, feeding sites and many other data. The paper below presents the results from the flights of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) aimed at detecting animals in their natural environment.
Design/methodology/approach
The drone used in the research was equipped with RGB and thermal infrared (TIR) cameras. Both cameras, which were mounted on the UAV, were used to take pictures showing the concentration of animals (deer). The overview flights were carried out in the villages of Podlaskie Voivodeship: Szerokie Laki, Bialousy and Sloja. Research flights were made in Bialousy and Sloja. A concentration of deer was photographed during research flights in Sloja. A Durango unmanned platform, equipped with a thermal imaging camera and a Canon RGB camera, was used for research flights. The pictures taken during the flights were used to create orthomaps. A multicopter, equipped with a GoPro camera, was used for overview flights to film the flight locations. A flight control station was also used, consisting of a laptop with MissionPlanner software.
Findings
Analysis of the collected images has indicated that environmental, organisational and technical factors influence the quality of the information. Sophisticated observation precision is ensured by the use of high-resolution RGB and TIR cameras. A proper platform for the cameras is an UAV provided with advanced positioning systems, which makes it possible to create high-quality orthomaps of the area. When observing animals, the time of day (temperature contrast), year season (leaf ascent) or flight parameters is important.
Originality/value
The paper introduces the conclusions of the research flights, pointing out useful information for animal observation using UAVs.
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Jinyao Zhu, Cong Niu, Jinbao Chen, Chen Wang, Dianfu Liu and Decai Yang
The purpose of this study is to describe the proposed alpha solar rotary mechanism (ASRM) and how it is used to accurately modify the solar array of the China Space Station (CSS…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to describe the proposed alpha solar rotary mechanism (ASRM) and how it is used to accurately modify the solar array of the China Space Station (CSS) in orbit to maintain continuous tracking of the sun to provide power. It also highlights the need to evaluate the performance of the ASRM and predict potential failure modes in various extreme scenarios.
Design/methodology/approach
To evaluate the performance of the ASRM, a dynamic model was created and tested under normal and faulty conditions. In addition, a multidirectional stiffness test was conducted on the prototype to verify the accuracy of the ASRM's dynamic model. The high-precision ASRM model was then used to predict potential failure modes and damaged parts in various extreme scenarios.
Findings
The simulation results were in good agreement with the test results, with a maximum error of less than 8.85%. The high-precision ASRM's model was able to accurately predict potential failure modes and damaged parts in extreme scenarios, demonstrating the effectiveness of the proposed model and simulation evaluation test.
Originality/value
The proposed high-precision ASRM model and simulation evaluation test provide an effective way to evaluate the structural safety and optimize the design of the spacecraft. This information can be used to improve the performance and reliability of the CSS's solar array and ensure continuous power supply to the station.
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Vaishali Rajput, Preeti Mulay and Chandrashekhar Madhavrao Mahajan
Nature’s evolution has shaped intelligent behaviors in creatures like insects and birds, inspiring the field of Swarm Intelligence. Researchers have developed bio-inspired…
Abstract
Purpose
Nature’s evolution has shaped intelligent behaviors in creatures like insects and birds, inspiring the field of Swarm Intelligence. Researchers have developed bio-inspired algorithms to address complex optimization problems efficiently. These algorithms strike a balance between computational efficiency and solution optimality, attracting significant attention across domains.
Design/methodology/approach
Bio-inspired optimization techniques for feature engineering and its applications are systematically reviewed with chief objective of assessing statistical influence and significance of “Bio-inspired optimization”-based computational models by referring to vast research literature published between year 2015 and 2022.
Findings
The Scopus and Web of Science databases were explored for review with focus on parameters such as country-wise publications, keyword occurrences and citations per year. Springer and IEEE emerge as the most creative publishers, with indicative prominent and superior journals, namely, PLoS ONE, Neural Computing and Applications, Lecture Notes in Computer Science and IEEE Transactions. The “National Natural Science Foundation” of China and the “Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology” of India lead in funding projects in this area. China, India and Germany stand out as leaders in publications related to bio-inspired algorithms for feature engineering research.
Originality/value
The review findings integrate various bio-inspired algorithm selection techniques over a diverse spectrum of optimization techniques. Anti colony optimization contributes to decentralized and cooperative search strategies, bee colony optimization (BCO) improves collaborative decision-making, particle swarm optimization leads to exploration-exploitation balance and bio-inspired algorithms offer a range of nature-inspired heuristics.
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This chapter explores the empowering potential of research conducted with an activist orientation. It focuses on the story of four migrant workers employed in a Norwegian…
Abstract
This chapter explores the empowering potential of research conducted with an activist orientation. It focuses on the story of four migrant workers employed in a Norwegian fish-processing plant, who, supported by the local trade union and along with 67 colleagues, resisted against exploitative working, employment, and living conditions. Meant as a study of the emergence and dynamics of criminological activism, this chapter reflects the capacities in which researchers tend to act to challenge the normalisation of state-corporate harms and to empower those victimised by these harms, as well as on the pitfalls of these approaches. In so doing, this chapter points to the parallels between state-corporate criminology, labour perspective on human trafficking, social harm, and zemiology. Ultimately, it calls for heightened reflexivity and critical intellectual distance from activist researchers.
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Climate change is recognised as a severe threat to human and planetary wellbeing. Many children and young people around the world have chosen resistance as their form of…
Abstract
Climate change is recognised as a severe threat to human and planetary wellbeing. Many children and young people around the world have chosen resistance as their form of resilience in the face of the climate and biodiversity crises that threaten their current and future wellbeing. Their activism has widened the discourse pertaining to the climate emergency from a narrow focus on technical and scientific sources, bringing the discussion into broader public consciousness. In Aotearoa (New Zealand), the context for youth climate activism also reflects commitments to Māori, the Indigenous people, and to Pacific Peoples, given the ongoing impacts of histories of colonisation. This chapter draws from a range of focus group interviews with young Aotearoa (New Zealand) high school climate activists, and Māori and Pacific children and young people ranging in age from 10 into their 20s. Data were gathered during a recent small-scale project to develop a wellbeing guide which accompanies a climate change education programme for schools. It identifies the collective, collaborative leadership exhibited by these young people of diverse backgrounds, as well as their sophisticated analysis and advocacy for urgent remedies to address the climate crisis. It is argued that, instead of focussing on the blinkered continuation of restrictive assessment-driven pedagogies, teachers need to meet the moment of the current convergence of inter-related crises which include, along with the climate emergency, biodiversity loss, pandemic related exacerbation of socio-economic inequities, global conflict, and the unsustainable agenda of current global neoliberal economics. This can be done by supporting children and young people with knowledge and skills for climate action as they seek hope through active participation in endeavours to reshape their potential futures.
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This study aims to demonstrate what myths of and about science are reproduced in this popular cultural work (movie – “Oppenheimer”). This is done by examining the unconscious…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to demonstrate what myths of and about science are reproduced in this popular cultural work (movie – “Oppenheimer”). This is done by examining the unconscious hegemonic positions supported by the reproduction of stereotypical and mythical images of science.
Design/methodology/approach
Content/Text Analysis: The conceptual analysis of a cultural text – a film (“Oppenheimer”) – through a theoretical apparatus (B. Latour’s theory).
Findings
The film demonstrates its reproduction of three distinct elements. Firstly, it exhibits classic scientistic clichés pertaining to technoscience. Secondly, it highlights the replication of the individualized monomyth about the (super) hero, leading to the exclusion of the intricate conditions of technoscience’s existence. Lastly, the film aligns with the Californian ideology, as proposed by Barbrook.
Originality/value
The value of the text is twofold: (1) To show that the classical approaches of Bruno Latour are still relevant. (2) To show what hidden premises and myths about technoscience are being propagated through a work of pop culture (the film “Oppenheimer”) and, in effect, to show what kind of influence of cultural hegemony is at work here.
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