3,778 research outputs found

    Spatial and temporal variations in indoor environmental conditions, human occupancy, and operational characteristics in a new hospital building.

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    The dynamics of indoor environmental conditions, human occupancy, and operational characteristics of buildings influence human comfort and indoor environmental quality, including the survival and progression of microbial communities. A suite of continuous, long-term environmental and operational parameters were measured in ten patient rooms and two nurse stations in a new hospital building in Chicago, IL to characterize the indoor environment in which microbial samples were taken for the Hospital Microbiome Project. Measurements included environmental conditions (indoor dry-bulb temperature, relative humidity, humidity ratio, and illuminance) in the patient rooms and nurse stations; differential pressure between the patient rooms and hallways; surrogate measures for human occupancy and activity in the patient rooms using both indoor air CO2 concentrations and infrared doorway beam-break counters; and outdoor air fractions in the heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems serving the sampled spaces. Measurements were made at 5-minute intervals over consecutive days for nearly one year, providing a total of ∼8×106 data points. Indoor temperature, illuminance, and human occupancy/activity were all weakly correlated between rooms, while relative humidity, humidity ratio, and outdoor air fractions showed strong temporal (seasonal) patterns and strong spatial correlations between rooms. Differential pressure measurements confirmed that all patient rooms were operated at neutral pressure. The patient rooms averaged about 100 combined entrances and exits per day, which suggests they were relatively lightly occupied compared to higher traffic environments (e.g., retail buildings) and more similar to lower traffic office environments. There were also clear differences in several environmental parameters before and after the hospital was occupied with patients and staff. Characterizing and understanding factors that influence these building dynamics is vital for hospital environments, where they can impact patient health and the survival and spread of healthcare associated infections

    GEANT4 : a simulation toolkit

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    Abstract Geant4 is a toolkit for simulating the passage of particles through matter. It includes a complete range of functionality including tracking, geometry, physics models and hits. The physics processes offered cover a comprehensive range, including electromagnetic, hadronic and optical processes, a large set of long-lived particles, materials and elements, over a wide energy range starting, in some cases, from 250 eV and extending in others to the TeV energy range. It has been designed and constructed to expose the physics models utilised, to handle complex geometries, and to enable its easy adaptation for optimal use in different sets of applications. The toolkit is the result of a worldwide collaboration of physicists and software engineers. It has been created exploiting software engineering and object-oriented technology and implemented in the C++ programming language. It has been used in applications in particle physics, nuclear physics, accelerator design, space engineering and medical physics. PACS: 07.05.Tp; 13; 2

    BRIDGING GAPS IN ARCHITECTURAL EDUCATION: DEVELOPING A PROFESSIONAL AND CAREER-ORIENTED CURRICULUM

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    The concern about the future of architecture education has been growing in the last few decades. This phenomenon is powered by the sensation that the existing models of teaching and practicing architecture may not be appropriate enough to address the challenges of tomorrow. The aim of this research paper is to explore the missing links between the continuous chain of architecture education and the current state of the profession that leads the future. The research conducted a comprehensive review of literature, surveys of academics and Heads of School in Architecture, and the development of some case studies of the existing models of teaching and practicing architecture, in several major universities in the Middle East. It is argued that a consequence of outdated academic curricula must be changed in order to support a paradigm shift. This change would be from the architect provider to the architect enabler . As a result of this issue, a new educational methodology is introduced to support: (1) building bridges between the different disciplines in order to reach integral education, and (2) building bridges between the academia and practice in order to ensure graduates have the necessary technical and social skills. Finally, the paper concludes a set of recommendations that enhance the interaction between academia, practice and the other disciplines. This develops better architectural education future that steers the goals, curricula, research, and service of academia towards the arising new realities

    Sustainable Ephemeral: Temporary Spaces with Lasting Impact

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    From the Far East to the Western world, architecture has historically strived toward permanence and monumentality. Recent “sustainable” design practice is likewise concerned with preservation, seeking to maintain quality of life for future generations by conserving both built and natural environments. However, in an age of rapid technological advancement, designed objects and buildings are quickly rendered obsolete, and in effect, our culture has become disposable. Buildings are designed to be replaced or updated according to technological progress, and that which is no longer useful or relevant is simply discarded. An ephemeral architecture has the ability to mediate between aspired permanence and inevitable change, sustaining cultural meaning despite a short existence. Framing a moment in time through construction processes and lingering fragments, a building designed to disappear can foster a potent communal memory. The fleeting experience created by a temporal architecture can serve a didactic purpose within its community. The tectonics of the building will be telling of its mutable nature not only as urban furniure, but also as a dynamic marker of place and time, showcasing the potential sustainable value in impermanence. An amenity for the 2013 America’s Cup sailing regatta in San Francisco will test the sustainable potential of an ephemeral architecture. The building will not only enhance the experience during the race, but also frame a historical moment for the city. Located on a waterfront site, the building will embrace the unique climate of the bay, as well as contribute to a collective coastal identity at the scales of site, neighborhood and city

    Mokyklos estetinės ugdymo(si) aplinkos ir mokinių meninės saviraiškos sąsajos

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     For a child, the school is like a separate “state” in which they are fully educated and influenced by a variety of environments, including aesthetic education. The significance of the environment in which the learner lives, matures, and creates has been found to be enormous. In Lithuania, there is a well-established “package” of environmental requirements for general education schools – educating, safe, functional, ergonomic, aesthetic. This article analyzes the relationship between the aesthetic education environment of the school and pupils’ artistic expression. Is it possible to develop the artistic self-expression of pupils in schools when creating an environment for aesthetic education? And is this a problematic question? The purpose of this article is to reveal the link between the aesthetic education environment of schools and pupils’ artistic expression.The following methods were used in the article: (1) an analysis of educational documents and scientific literature and (2) a review and comparative analysis of the realized projects. The educational document analysis method was used to review and analyze Lithuanian educational documents on school education environments. The analysis of educational documents on the educational environment of schools has led to the conclusion that a great deal of attention is paid to the ergonomic, functional, and aesthetic planning of educational spaces. The aim here is to create high standards for school education. The creativity of students, as well as the contribution of artistic self-expression, are identified as important aspects in creating an aesthetic education environment. The link between the creation and development of such an environment, and the involvement of the educational process participants in the creation of such spaces are emphasized. The creation of an aesthetic education environment in schools is more associated with visual and applied art.In applying the method of scientific literature analysis, this study includes a review of research conducted by Lithuanian and foreign authors about various school education environments, the influence of school education(s) on pupils’ learning, the aesthetic relationship of pupils with school education and the aesthetic education of schools; links between environmental and artistic activity are established. This article discusses the peculiarities and possibilities of modernizing the educational spaces of Lithuanian schools.After the analysis of scientific literature on the educational environment, it was concluded that the topics of the school educational environments were relevant to Lithuanian and foreign scientists. The environmental impact of school education was proven on the basis of a multi-faceted study; the concept of an aesthetic education environment has been revealed, its significance for personality development emphasized. The conclusion is that the aesthetic educational environment of a school can influence the formation of the students’ aesthetic attitudes. The active artistic expression of pupils can be provided by educators with certain conditions for their activities, or pupils can develop joint initiatives contributing to the creation of an aesthetic education environment. After discussing the modernization of the educational spaces of Lithuanian schools, an important link was identified between the creation of educational spaces and pupils’ artistic expression.The analysis of educational documents and scientific literature scientifically substantiated the link between the aesthetic environment of a school and pupils’ artistic expression. Examples of certain “dream school” projects in Lithuania and abroad were analyzed using the sample review method. This article contains an overview of the Lithuanian Primary School of the Veršvų Gymnasium in Kaunas (2018) and the Balsių Progymnasium in Vilnius (2011). Chosen for the review of foreign schools were the “Wish School” in Sao Paulo, Brazil (2016), We Grow and Blue School Preschool and Elementary Schools in New York, USA (2018), Lake Wilderness Primary School, Washington, USA (2017), Heart in Ikast International School and Multifunctional Center in Ikaste, Denmark (2018), Vittra Brotorp, Vittra Telefonplan, Vittra Södermalm School in Brotorp, Stockholm, Sodermalm, Sweden (2011–2012).An overview of architectural examples (analogues) implemented by Lithuania has revealed that Lithuanian architects can perfectly design schools that are modern, technologically equipped, ergonomic, etc. In the reviewed examples (analogies), the learning environment is safe and modern; they promote communality, creativity. The corridor system and the “four-walled” classrooms were retained in the design of Lithuanian schools. Pupils are encouraged to create and to participate in the creation of an aesthetic education environment through visual and applied art. Artistic self-expression is promoted by dancing, musical activities, and the like. Communality and a variety of after-school activities are promoted.An overview of architectural examples (analogues) implemented by foreign countries has revealed the latest architectural trends in global school design practice. It is noted that the design of new school buildings has been important for cities, societies, and education for decades. In many cases, the design process of the schools discussed was developed in conjunction with the needs of the community and adapted to the local architectural context. In the examples of foreign countries discussed, the functional zoning of premises was combined with modern design, educational principles, and the latest technologies. School interiors have been designed with a new concept of education and learning in mind. When designing the school spaces, it was emphasized that students are active subjects and space changers. In some of the examples of the discussed schools, the idea of a “class without borders” has been implemented. Non-formal seating, colorful furniture, and bright-colored walls are accentuated. Classrooms are modern and flexible and easily adaptable in accordance with the educational needs of the pupils. A diversity of activities, communication, and an atmosphere of creativity are promoted. Common spaces are easily adaptable and inspiring. Pupils’ artistic self-expression, curiosity, and the aim to “awaken” creativity are encouraged. Functional zoning allows students to work successfully together and independently. Attention is paid to communality and a diverse spectrum of activities.An overview of implemented Lithuanian and foreign architectural examples (analogues) has revealed the connection between the aesthetic environment of a school and the artistic expression of the pupils: 1) Students are encouraged to create and participate in the creation of an aesthetic education environment through visual and applied art; 2) Music, dance, and self-expression are promoted in school spaces; 3) The community is involved in the school design process.By comparing Lithuanian and foreign (analogous) examples, it may be stated that Lithuanian schools are well-planned and meet high standards. The interior spaces could be more colorful and playful. In the cases of foreign (analogous) countries, internal spaces are more characterized by informal seating places, vibrant and colorful furniture and walls. The corridor system is more boldly eschewed, and the concept of “classes without walls” is implemented.Lietuvoje yra gana nusistovėjęs visos bendrojo ugdymo mokyklų aplinkos reikalavimų „paketas“ – ugdanti, saugi, funkcionali, ergonomiška, estetiška. Straipsnyje analizuojamas mokyklos estetinės ugdymo(si) aplinkos ir mokinių meninės saviraiškos santykis. Keliamas probleminis klausimas – ar kuriant estetinę ugdymo(si) aplinką mokykloje galima ugdyti mokinių meninę saviraišką?Šio straipsnio tikslas – atskleisti mokyklos estetinės ugdymo(si) aplinkos ir mokinių meninės saviraiškos sąsajas. Straipsnyje apžvelgiami ir analizuojami Lietuvos švietimo dokumentai apie ugdymo(si) aplinkas ir Lietuvos bei užsienio autorių tyrimai apie įvairias mokyklos ugdymo(si) aplinkas, mokyklų ugdymo(si) aplinkos įtaką mokinių mokymuisi ir estetinį mokinių santykį su mokyklos ugdymo(si) aplinkomis. Išryškinamos mokyklų estetinės ugdymo(si) aplinkos ir meninės saviraiškos sąsajos. Straipsnyje aptariami Lietuvos mokyklų ugdymo(si) erdvių modernizavimo ypatumai ir galimybės.Taikant pavyzdžių apžvalgos metodą analizuojami įgyvendintų „svajonių mokyklos“ projektų pavyzdžiai Lietuvoje ir užsienyje. Apžvelgtos lietuviškos Veršvų gimnazijos pradinė mokykla Kaune (2018 m.) ir Balsių progimnazija Vilniuje (2011 m.). Užsienio mokyklų apžvalgai pasirinktos: „Wish School“ mokykla San Paule, Brazilijoje (2016) ; „We Grow“ ir „Blue School“ ikimokyklinio ir pradinių klasių ugdymo mokyklos Niujorke, JAV, (2018); „Lake Wilderness“ pradinė mokykla Vašingtone, JAV (2017); „Heart in Ikast“ tarptautinė mokykla ir multifunkcinis centras Ikaste, Danijoje (2018); „Vittra Brotorp“, „Vittra Telefonplan“, „Vittra Södermalm“ mokyklos Brotorpe, Stokholme, Sodermalme, Švedijoje (2011–2012).&nbsp

    Orphanage Welfare and Care Centre as Integration with Community

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    Islam glorifies the orphans and the evidence in the Qur'an was mentioned by 23 times with a word which refers to the orphans of poverty and destitution. This means, the orphans need care and defense of the community to enable them to live comfortably and perfectly the same as children who have a family or guardian. In Al-Quran and Hadith of the Holy Prophet clearly has insisted that tells us to do good to the orphans. Similarly, the majority of homes for orphans in the state, particularly in Mukim Batu, Gombak, mainly provides social services on a voluntary basis and not generates profits. Therefore, it is trying to give a good and comfortable life by giving protection to the poor orphans and the less fortunate. However, there are some home management orphans poor due to lack of assistance from the government, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and other assistance from individuals. Addition of complexity of the problem is that most of existing homes for orphans is not registered with the Social Welfare Department of Malaysia (JKMM) and indirectly complicate their getting help from the government. Therefore, the establishment of a Welfare and Care Centre Orphanage will try to meet all the requirements in terms of technical and legal aspects of building design. This will enable the center to register with the Social Welfare Department of Malaysia (JKMM) and indirectly to meet the needs and wants of the target group. Keywords: Orphans, Welfare and Care Center, Integration, Community
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