Scalable and Reliable Middlebox Deployment

Middleboxes are pervasive in modern computer networks providing functionalities beyond mere packet forwarding. Load balancers, intrusion detection systems, and network address translators are typical examples of middleboxes. Despite their benefits, middleboxes come with several challenges with respect to their scalability and reliability. The goal of this thesis is to devise middlebox deployment solutions that are cost effective, scalable, and fault tolerant. The thesis includes three main contributions: First, distributed service function chaining with multiple instances of a middlebox deployed on different physical servers to optimize resource usage; Second, Constellation, a geo-distributed middlebox framework enabling a middlebox application to operate with high performance across wide area networks; Third, a fault tolerant service function chaining system

Intelligent Data Analysis for Energy Management

Predictive data analysis has been identified as essential to support intelligent energy management for better energy sustainability and efficiency. Previous studies have showcased that predicted energy information can benefit consumers economically by optimising energy usage while assisting energy suppliers in efficiently planning power distribution and implementing DR energy management. Recent advances in the Internet of Things (IoT) and Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) simplify the collection of desired energy data streams for further informatics analysis. With such energy data, machine learning (ML) prevails to effectively infer future knowledge associated with online energy resource scheduling, e.g., renewable energy generation, load demands and electricity prices. Although some early efforts have been dedicated to incorporating ML into energy management, computation resource limitations and data scarcity are two pressing challenges for on-site predictive energy analysis. Due to privacy concerns, users prefer on-premise model establishment instead of placing the training task in the cloud and sharing sensitive energy data. But most ML algorithms rely heavily on solid computational resources and vast amounts of labelled data to succeed. Users are often unable to fulfil the requirements in real-world scenarios. To this end, this thesis uses different perspectives to propose several affordable solutions for performing on-demand intelligent data analysis on local resource-constrained devices. Also, three algorithm-specific training frameworks have been developed to solve data shortage by leveraging easily obtainable but extensive data sources based on transfer learning and federated learning. We implement our design under practical settings for photovoltaic (PV) power prediction and non-intrusive load monitoring (NILM) as case studies to fully evaluate their performances

VERSUS: Heritage for Tomorrow

Vernacular architecture represents a great resource that has considerable potential to define principles for sustainable design and contemporary architecture. This publication is the result of an overall aim to produce a valuable tool for analysis regarding vernacular heritage through different assessments, in order to define principles to consider for sustainable development. This was possible through a comprehensive reflection on the principles established and the strategies to recognise in different world contexts. The present publication was the result of an in-depth approach by 46 authors from 12 countries, concerned with the analysis and critical assessment of vernacular heritage and its sustainable perspective. The book presents 8 chapters addressing operational definitions and synopses advances, regarding the main areas of vernacular heritage contribution to sustainable architecture. It also presents 15 chapters and 53 case studies of vernacular and contemporary approaches in all the 5 continents, regarding urban, architectural, technical and constructive strategies and solutions. VERSUS, HERITAGE FOR TOMORROW: Vernacular Knowledge for Sustainable Architecture is the result of a common effort undertaken by the partners ESG | Escola Superior Gallaecia, Portugal, as Project leader; CRAterre | École Nationale Supérieure d’Architecture de Grenoble, France; DIDA | Università degli Studi di Firenze, Italy; DICAAR | Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Italy; and UPV | Universitat Politècnica de València, Spain. This is the final outcome of VerSus, an European project developed from 2012 to 2014, in the framework of the Culture 2007-2013 programme

The Role of Green Roofs and Living Walls as WSUD Approaches in a Dry Climate

The addition of green infrastructure, including green roofs and living walls, into buildings is part of a new approach to urban design aimed at resolving current problems associated with built environments. Green roofs and living walls are becoming an important component of water sensitive urban design systems, and their use around the world has increased in recent years. Green roofs can cover the impermeable roof areas that densely populate our urban areas, and through doing so, can provide many environmental, economic, and social benefits. In addition to roofs, there are a number of bare walls that have the potential to be transformed into vegetated, living walls. Living walls can potentially improve air quality, reduce pollution levels, reduce temperatures inside and outside of buildings, reduce building energy usage, and improve human health. Despite such benefits, both green roofs and living walls are relatively new technologies, and there are several research gaps and practical barriers to overcome before these systems can be applied more widely. Furthermore, specific design criteria need to be developed for a range of climatic conditions to develop resilient green infrastructure. Consequently, several field experiments comprising both intensive and extensive green roof test beds, as well as living walls, have been recently established. In these recent research studies, stormwater quality and quantity, hydrological behavior, plant performance, and thermal benefit have been investigated. The findings of these studies can be used to identify the key elements of resilient green roof and living wall systems

The Role of Green Roofs and Living Walls as WSUD Approaches in a Dry Climate

The addition of green infrastructure, including green roofs and living walls, into buildings is part of a new approach to urban design aimed at resolving current problems associated with built environments. Green roofs and living walls are becoming an important component of water sensitive urban design systems, and their use around the world has increased in recent years. Green roofs can cover the impermeable roof areas that densely populate our urban areas, and through doing so, can provide many environmental, economic, and social benefits. In addition to roofs, there are a number of bare walls that have the potential to be transformed into vegetated, living walls. Living walls can potentially improve air quality, reduce pollution levels, reduce temperatures inside and outside of buildings, reduce building energy usage, and improve human health. Despite such benefits, both green roofs and living walls are relatively new technologies, and there are several research gaps and practical barriers to overcome before these systems can be applied more widely. Furthermore, specific design criteria need to be developed for a range of climatic conditions to develop resilient green infrastructure. Consequently, several field experiments comprising both intensive and extensive green roof test beds, as well as living walls, have been recently established. In these recent research studies, stormwater quality and quantity, hydrological behavior, plant performance, and thermal benefit have been investigated. The findings of these studies can be used to identify the key elements of resilient green roof and living wall systems

Thermal energy storage in concrete: A comprehensive review on fundamentals, technology and sustainability

This comprehensive review paper delves into the advancements and applications of thermal energy storage (TES) in concrete. It covers the fundamental concepts of TES, delving into various storage systems, advantages, and challenges associated with the technology. The paper extensively explores the potential of concrete as a medium for thermal energy storage, analysing its properties and different storage methods. Additionally, it sheds light on the latest developments in concrete technology specifically geared towards thermal energy storage. The evaluation section discusses measurement techniques, experimental evaluations and performance metrics. Environmental and economic aspects, including sustainability and cost analysis, are thoughtfully addressed. The review concludes by underlining the significance of thermal energy storage in concrete, emphasizing its role in efficient energy management and the promotion of sustainable practices