12 research outputs found

    New Light Source (NLS) project: conceptual design report

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    Exploratory Cluster Analysis from Ubiquitous Data Streams using Self-Organizing Maps

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    This thesis addresses the use of Self-Organizing Maps (SOM) for exploratory cluster analysis over ubiquitous data streams, where two complementary problems arise: first, to generate (local) SOM models over potentially unbounded multi-dimensional non-stationary data streams; second, to extrapolate these capabilities to ubiquitous environments. Towards this problematic, original contributions are made in terms of algorithms and methodologies. Two different methods are proposed regarding the first problem. By focusing on visual knowledge discovery, these methods fill an existing gap in the panorama of current methods for cluster analysis over data streams. Moreover, the original SOM capabilities in performing both clustering of observations and features are transposed to data streams, characterizing these contributions as versatile compared to existing methods, which target an individual clustering problem. Also, additional methodologies that tackle the ubiquitous aspect of data streams are proposed in respect to the second problem, allowing distributed and collaborative learning strategies. Experimental evaluations attest the effectiveness of the proposed methods and realworld applications are exemplified, namely regarding electric consumption data, air quality monitoring networks and financial data, motivating their practical use. This research study is the first to clearly address the use of the SOM towards ubiquitous data streams and opens several other research opportunities in the future

    Securing Healthy Circular Material Flows In The Built Environment

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    Departing from two problem statements, one concerning circularity in the built environment and one concerning flexibility in the built environment, this dissertation sets out to answer two main research questions: ā€“ In an Open Building division of support and infill, to what extent can the infill contribute to sustainable circular material & product flows? ā€“ Which qualitative and quantitative criteria and preconditions are central to integrating the notions of user health & well-being, circularity, and flexibility in infill configurations? In view on these research questions, this dissertation revolves around multiple topics and disciplines, addressing material properties, material flows, product design, and user benefits, relating to a specific building component: non-bearing partitioning. The research follows a mixed-method approach, primarily qualitatively driven and supported by quantitative data and tools. Literature studies, workshops and expert consultations are applied throughout the trajectory to derive, test and adjust criteria, guidelines and design concepts. The dissertation is structured around four research chapters (each set-up as a separate academic article), preceded by a general introduction and background sketch, and followed by an overarching evaluation of the findings. The results from the first research chapter (Chapter 3) concern the distinction of various intrinsic and relational properties, as well as an inventory matrix based on building layers and material reutilisation routes. In the next chapter (Chapter 4), a first set of criteria is derived (Circ-Flex I) in order to integrate flexibility, circularity and user benefits. In Chapter 5, criteria are further elaborated, including assessment guidelines that pinpoint health, well-being, and operational performance (Circ- Flex II). The following chapter (Chapter 6) is aimed at design aspects: a design conceptualisation trajectory is laid out, applying design preconditions rooted in the criteria that were shaped in the preceding chapters. Furthermore, a novel flow analysis and modelling method is utilised with respect to secondary raw materials: the Activity-based Spatial Material Flow Analysis (AS-MFA). This stage revolves around materialisation and operational propositions for an innovative partitioning configuration of side-panel and insulation. The innovations are based on renewable material and reversible adhesive technologies. The following conclusions are derived from the research: Circularity in the built environment can only occur if flexibility is fully integrated in the whole building (component) value network, and conversely, flexibility in the built environment increasingly depends on the handling and management of materials designated for healthy, circular applications. ā€“ Infill parts, implemented in an Open Building context, enable multiple short to medium length cycles within the longer service lives of multi-family building structures, following changes in user requirements. As such, this model accommodates more sustainable product and material flows. However, decisive success factors are the attitude of and interplay between actors in the value network, not least the end-user. ā€“ Technical circularity potential of building products and materials resides at the intersection of intrinsic and relational characteristics. ā€“ The differentiation of building layers and parts, in combination with differentiated reutilisation routes, provides leverage for more advanced approaches to circular building strategies, anticipating multiple handling and treatment processes. ā€“ To bring circular building to scale in a socially engaged way, value models need to take account of actorsā€™ shared incentives around flexibility and health, as well as split incentives around circularity. ā€“ Monitoring the operational performance is key for capitalising on the intrinsic health and circularity potential of building components during their service life. ā€“ Research and design exercises into circular building concepts and products benefit reciprocally from data and experience in adjacent disciplines, such as urban planning and waste management, whilst integrating multiple sub-systems associated with value creation in circular models. ā€“ Modifications associated with the innovative partition concepts occur above all in raw material sourcing, manufacturing, reutilisation logistics, and data-sharing, of which the latter should extend to the end-user. Next to partitioning, the findings can be relevant for other infill components as well, such as: kitchen cabinets, stairs, furniture, and the interior side-sheeting and insulation of walls and ceilings in energy-renovations. Follow-up research and practical efforts should be aimed at the development and testing of products, as well as value propositions regarding ownership: from regular transactions in which ownership shifts to the customer, to more innovative models in which ownership stays with the supplier or shifts to an intermediary actor (e.g. pay-per-use, buy-back or deposit model). Securing healthy circular material flows in the built environment cannot be the objective of one industry, let alone one organisation, but reshuffles whole value networks. This cannot be done without binding agreements and multiā€‘criteria learning loops. The first emphasises legal frameworks. This is therefore another prime area for future action. The aspect of multi-criteria learning loops, finally, relates to the need for more sophisticated data-exchange, also engaging endusers, which is nowadays rare in housing

    Soil health in urban agriculture with an emphasis on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi

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    Urban agriculture describes the production of food or raising of animals within city boundaries. It is a promising method to increase urban sustainability and to create resilient communities. However, our understanding of soil processes in these complex systems is limited and little addressed in previous scientific research. This thesis aimed to describe the soil health of urban agriculture systems based on field studies within the metropolitan area of Adelaide, South Australia. The natural occurrence of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and their application via commercial products was emphasized as a tool to increase sustainability in urban agriculture. Two independent surveys were undertaken: The first one captured twelve urban agriculture sites at one time point, whereas the second survey sampled three urban agriculture sites over the course of one year. Soil samples were collected and analysed according to physical, chemical, and biological soil properties. To analyse the potential use of commercial arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) inoculants, these were evaluated in a global study towards their potential to colonize a host plant under controlled conditions. Some quality concerns were identified and addressed through a quality management framework. In a final step, typical urban agriculture substrates, such as potting mixes or composts, where evaluated and tested whether they support colonization of a self-propagated AMF culture. All results of this thesis were incorporated into two literature reviews, focusing on soil management principles of urban agriculture and the use of AMF as biofertilizers. The results of this thesis showed generally fertile urban agriculture soils with heavy metal concentrations below national guideline limits. However, imbalanced plant nutrients were uncovered, such as consistently high concentrations of plant-available phosphorus and very low concentrations of mineral nitrogen during certain times of the year. Potential soil health constraints were identified and addressed through sustainable soil management principles and the use of urban waste products. The evaluation of commercial AM inoculants showed that, on a global scale, the majority of products failed to colonize a host plant under controlled conditions. Using a self-produced culture of AMF with composts and potting mixes showed that the development of AMF is not inhibited as long as the substrate is not limiting plant growth. This thesis provides novel insights into a broad range of urban agriculture soil health properties. It also highlights the use of AMF towards increased sustainability and productivity of urban food production. The evaluation of commercial AM inoculants revealed global quality concerns, which have been addressed through a proposed quality framework. Implementation of this framework into national guidelines would support the widespread adoption of AMF biofertilizers in food production systems.Thesis (Ph.D.) -- University of Adelaide, School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, 202

    Town of Kennebunk Maine Zoning Ordinance

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