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Book part
Publication date: 28 March 2024

Sonia Virginia Moreira, Nélia R. Del Bianco and Cézar F. Martins

The expansion of connectivity on a national scale in Brazil, whether through mobile Internet or fixed broadband, is described as one of the factors that can lead to social and…

Abstract

The expansion of connectivity on a national scale in Brazil, whether through mobile Internet or fixed broadband, is described as one of the factors that can lead to social and economic benefits for large parts of the population who do not have a network connection. It can also help to reduce poverty by improving the infrastructure of services and increasing Internet use for education purposes. It also provides people with the ability to communicate with online administrative services – local, regional, and national. In Brazil, the main difficulty facing an effective universalization of telecommunications has been limitations in accessing services. This chapter demonstrates the relevance of small Internet providers for the expansion of fixed broadband in less commercially attractive regions (in terms of subscribers, income, and distance) who have been growing over recent years and are now present in 70% of Brazilian municipalities and whose role is paramount to reducing the digital divide.

Details

Geo Spaces of Communication Research
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-80071-606-3

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 October 2023

Omotayo Farai, Nicole Metje, Carl Anthony, Ali Sadeghioon and David Chapman

Wireless sensor networks (WSN), as a solution for buried water pipe monitoring, face a new set of challenges compared to traditional application for above-ground infrastructure…

Abstract

Purpose

Wireless sensor networks (WSN), as a solution for buried water pipe monitoring, face a new set of challenges compared to traditional application for above-ground infrastructure monitoring. One of the main challenges for underground WSN deployment is the limited range (less than 3 m) at which reliable wireless underground communication can be achieved using radio signal propagation through the soil. To overcome this challenge, the purpose of this paper is to investigate a new approach for wireless underground communication using acoustic signal propagation along a buried water pipe.

Design/methodology/approach

An acoustic communication system was developed based on the requirements of low cost (tens of pounds at most), low power supply capacity (in the order of 1 W-h) and miniature (centimetre scale) size for a wireless communication node. The developed system was further tested along a buried steel pipe in poorly graded SAND and a buried medium density polyethylene (MDPE) pipe in well graded SAND.

Findings

With predicted acoustic attenuation of 1.3 dB/m and 2.1 dB/m along the buried steel and MDPE pipes, respectively, reliable acoustic communication is possible up to 17 m for the buried steel pipe and 11 m for the buried MDPE pipe.

Research limitations/implications

Although an important first step, more research is needed to validate the acoustic communication system along a wider water distribution pipe network.

Originality/value

This paper shows the possibility of achieving reliable wireless underground communication along a buried water pipe (especially non-metallic material ones) using low-frequency acoustic propagation along the pipe wall.

Details

International Journal of Pervasive Computing and Communications, vol. 20 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1742-7371

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 16 January 2024

Ayodeji E. Oke and Seyi S. Stephen

This chapter presented radio frequency identification (RFID) as a technological gadget used in various industries to improve information and tracking equipment. The adoption of…

Abstract

This chapter presented radio frequency identification (RFID) as a technological gadget used in various industries to improve information and tracking equipment. The adoption of RFID in the construction industry has been scarcely used due to the dissemination of its potential to construction professionals in the industry. RFID is generally used as a wireless device that transmits information using radio waves. The benefits associated with using RFID in the construction industry were discussed along with challenges, and its functions to the construction process.

Details

A Digital Path to Sustainable Infrastructure Management
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83797-703-1

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Article
Publication date: 15 January 2024

Spencer Ii Ern Teo, Yuhan Zhou and Justin Ker-Wei Yeoh

Network coverage is crucial for the adoption of advanced Smart Home applications. The commonly used log-based path loss model is not able to accurately estimate WiFi signal…

Abstract

Purpose

Network coverage is crucial for the adoption of advanced Smart Home applications. The commonly used log-based path loss model is not able to accurately estimate WiFi signal strength in different houses, as it does not fully consider the impact of building morphology. To better describe the propagation of WiFi signals and achieve higher estimation accuracy, this paper studies the basic building morphology characteristics of houses.

Design/methodology/approach

A new path loss model based on a decision tree was proposed after measuring the WiFi signal strength passing through multiple housing units. Three types of regression models were tested and compared.

Findings

The findings demonstrate that the log-based path loss model fits small houses well, while the newly proposed nonlinear path loss model performs better in large houses (area larger than 125 m2 and area-to-perimeter ratio larger than 2.5). The impact of building design on path loss has been proven and specifically quantified in the model.

Originality/value

Proposed an improved model to estimate indoor network coverage. Quantify the impacts of building morphology on indoor WiFi signal strength. Improve WiFi signal strength estimation to support Smart Home applications.

Details

Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2046-6099

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Article
Publication date: 21 December 2023

Ahmed Farouk Kineber, Ayodeji Emmanuel Oke, Ali Hassan Ali, Oluwaseun Dosumu, Kayode Fakunle and Oludolapo Ibrahim Olanrewaju

This study aims to explore the critical application areas of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology for sustainable buildings.

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to explore the critical application areas of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology for sustainable buildings.

Design/methodology/approach

The quantitative research approach was adopted through a structured questionnaire administered to relevant stakeholders of construction projects. The data collected were analysed with the exploratory factor analysis, relative importance index (RII) and fuzzy synthetic evaluation (FSE).

Findings

The study’s results have categorised the crucial areas of application where construction industry stakeholders should focus their attention. These areas are divided into four categories: management technologies, production technologies, sensing technologies and monitoring technologies. The findings from the FSE indicate that monitoring technologies represent the most significant category, whereas management technologies rank as the least significant. Moreover, the RII analysis highlights that tools management stands out as the most important application of RFID, while dispute resolution emerges as the least significant RFID application.

Practical implications

The study establishes the core areas of RFID application and their benefits to sustainable buildings. Consequently, it helps stakeholders (consultants, clients and contractors) to examine the RFID application areas and make informed decision on sustainable construction. Furthermore, it provides systematic proof that can aid the implementation of RFID in developing countries.

Originality/value

The study provides an insight into the possible application areas and benefits of RFID technology in the construction industry of developing countries. It also developed a conceptual frame for the critical application areas of RFID technology in the construction industry of developing countries.

Details

Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology , vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1726-0531

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 13 June 2023

Felix Chari and Cawe Novukela

There has been an avalanche of global natural disasters in recent times. In recent years approximately 210 million people were affected, an estimated economic cost of US$153bn was…

1402

Abstract

Purpose

There has been an avalanche of global natural disasters in recent times. In recent years approximately 210 million people were affected, an estimated economic cost of US$153bn was incurred and 68,000 deaths were recorded. This was a work up call that made it imperative for humanitarian actors to impetuously adopt information and communication technologies (ICTs) to timeously assist affected populations in disaster prevention, mitigation response and recovery However, the use of ICTs in the humanitarian field is still at its infancy in most third world countries. The purpose of this study was, therefore, to evaluate the utilization of ICTs in humanitarian relief operations associated with Cyclone Idai in Zimbabwe.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a pragmatic approach, the study gathered data using semistructured questionnaires that were triangulated with interviews of humanitarian staff that were involved in Cyclone Idai relief efforts.

Findings

An observed suboptimal utilization of ICTs was further disadvantaged by the inequitable distribution of communication infrastructure. However, despite the suboptimal usage, there was a significant positive influence of ICT adoption on effectiveness, efficiency and flexibility in humanitarian relief operations.

Originality/value

Optimal use of ICTs has the potential to revolutionize humanitarian supply chain management. A smooth transition to new technologies is recommended in which personnel are given professional development opportunities on a regular basis.

Details

Journal of Humanitarian Logistics and Supply Chain Management, vol. 13 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2042-6747

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Article
Publication date: 28 December 2021

Craig Proctor-Parker and Riaan Stopforth

The purpose of the research has been the primary consideration and evaluation of a cost effective, reliable, robust and simple process of radio frequency identification…

133

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of the research has been the primary consideration and evaluation of a cost effective, reliable, robust and simple process of radio frequency identification (RFID)-based stock control, asset management and monitoring of concrete safety bollards used in the road environment. Likewise, the consideration of the use of the same system and technology to other items in and around the general road infrastructure.

Design/methodology/approach

The research approach undertaken has been an evaluation of the use of currently available RFID technology, with a key emphasis on low cost, ease of use, reliability and convenience. Practical field exercises completed in considering the relevant RFID tags and readers and associated software and apps and necessary software integration and development have been undertaken. At the same time, evaluating the specific limits created in the specific environment is being applied. Of particular interest has been the use of a moving scan in a vehicle drive-through or pass-bye, type reading system. This has been determined to be viable and completely practical, drastically reducing the key issue of time-taken. Practical application of the system from idea to real life application has been undertaken. The integration of the use of the RFID tag and reader system with necessary and related software to database upload and storage has been established. The creation of an online facility to allow the appropriate use of the data and to include the convenient output of an asset report has been undertaken.

Findings

The findings have provided the necessary insight confirming the use of RFID technology as a simple yet reliable, cost effective and adaptable stock control, asset management and geo-locating system in the road environment. The use of such systems in this particular environment is in its infancy, and is perhaps novel and original in the specific aspect of using the system to stock control, manage and monitor road safety concrete bollards and other roadside objects in the road environment.

Originality/value

To establish if in fact, stock control geo-locating can be reliably undertaken with the use of RFID tags and readers in the specific road and road construction environment, particularly with the use of moving RFID reading of passive tags. To establish the minimum requirements of a field usable RFID tag and reader, specifically applicable to the concrete safety bollards, however to other roadside furniture. To identify the minimum requirements of a function, simple app to minimise general requirements of the overall stock control and monitoring of the RFID-tagged objects. To establish the possibility of reading the tag data, global positioning system (GPS) location and video imaging footage as a single operation function. To determine the basic parameters or limits of the GPS geo-locating, on the proposed products selected and overall system. To determine the current best practice in respect of reasonable accuracy and detail in relation to price considerations to a fully function stock control and monitoring system. To identify the minimum requirements of an online database to receive, house and provide ongoing access to and report on the data. To identify the key differences and benefits between traditional stock control and monitoring systems, against that of proposed RFID tag, read and geo-locating system.

Details

Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology , vol. 22 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1726-0531

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 July 2023

Sara I. Abdelsalam, A. Magesh, P. Tamizharasi and A.Z. Zaher

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the behavior of a non-Newtonian nanofluid caused by peristaltic waves along an asymmetric channel. Additionally considered is the…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the behavior of a non-Newtonian nanofluid caused by peristaltic waves along an asymmetric channel. Additionally considered is the production of thermal radiation and activation energy.

Design/methodology/approach

The equations of momentum, mass and temperature of Sutterby nanofluids are obtained for long wavelength. By taking into account the velocity, temperature and concentration, the formulation is further finished.

Findings

Analyses of the physical variables influencing flow features are represented graphically. The present investigation shows that an enhancement in the temperature ratio parameter results in an increase in both the temperature and concentration. The investigation also shows that the dimensionless reaction rate significantly raises the kinetic energy of the reactant, which permits more particle collisions and as a result, raises the temperature field.

Originality/value

Due to their importance in the treatment of cancer, activation energy and thermal radiation as a route of heat transfer are crucial and exciting phenomena for researchers. So, the cancer cells are killed, and tumors are reduced in size with heat and making hyperthermia therapy a cutting-edge cancer treatment.

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. 34 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 January 2022

Femi Emmanuel Adeosun and Ayodeji Emmanuel Oke

In recent times, the construction industry is being influenced by technological innovations when delivering a better, more effective and efficient desired project, cyber-physical…

Abstract

Purpose

In recent times, the construction industry is being influenced by technological innovations when delivering a better, more effective and efficient desired project, cyber-physical systems (CPSs) offer a coupling of the physical and engineered systems by monitoring, coordinating, controlling and integrating their operations. This study aims to examine the level of awareness of professionals and usage of CPSs for construction projects in Nigerian construction industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The target population for this study was the professionals in the construction industry consisting Architects, Quantity Surveyors, Engineers and Builders. Data collection was through the use of a structured questionnaire administered to the target population. The data was analyzed by using statistical tools.

Findings

This study concluded that the construction professionals in the Nigerian construction industry are mostly aware about the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, global positioning system, microphone, speakers and camera as the most widely used CPSs in construction industry. HVAC systems was also found to be the mostly adopted technologies in the construction industry.

Originality/value

This study recommended that platforms that increase the awareness and encourage the usage of CPSs in construction industry should be encouraged by stakeholders concerned with management of construction projects. Such include electronic construction and adoption of blockchain technology.

Details

Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology , vol. 22 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1726-0531

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 October 2022

Mohammad Hossein Ronaghi

The fourth industrial revolution and digital transformation have caused paradigm changes in the procedures of goods production and services through disruptive technologies, and…

Abstract

Purpose

The fourth industrial revolution and digital transformation have caused paradigm changes in the procedures of goods production and services through disruptive technologies, and they have formed new methods for business models. Health and medicine fields have been under the effect of these technology advancements. The concept of smart hospital is formed according to these technological transformations. The aim of this research, other than explanation of smart hospital components, is to present a model for evaluating a hospital readiness for becoming a smart hospital.

Design/methodology/approach

This research is an applied one, and has been carried out in three phases and according to design science research. Based on the previous studies, in the first phase, the components and technologies effecting a smart hospital are recognized. In the second phase, the extracted components are prioritized using type-2 fuzzy analytic hierarchical process based on the opinion of experts; later, the readiness model is designed. In the third phase, the presented model would be tested in a hospital.

Findings

The research results showed that the technologies of internet of things, robotics, artificial intelligence, radio-frequency identification as well as augmented and virtual reality had the most prominence in a smart hospital.

Originality/value

The innovation and originality of the forthcoming research is to explain the concept of smart hospital, to rank its components and to provide a model for evaluating the readiness of smart hospital. Contribution of this research in terms of theory explains the concept of smart hospital and in terms of application presents a model for assessing the readiness of smart hospitals.

Details

Journal of Science and Technology Policy Management, vol. 15 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2053-4620

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1 – 10 of 177