Exploring the Interplay between CAD and FreeFem++ as an Energy Decision-Making Tool for Architectural Design

The energy modelling software tools commonly used for architectural purposes do not allow a straightforward real-time implementation within the architectural design programs. In addition, the surrounding exterior spaces of the building, including the inner courtyards, hardly present a specific treatment distinguishing these spaces from the general external temperature in the thermal simulations. This is a clear disadvantage when it comes to streamlining the design process in relation to the whole-building energy optimization. In this context, the present study aims to demonstrate the advantages of the FreeFem++ open source program for performing simulations in architectural environments. These simulations include microclimate tests that describe the interactions between a building architecture and its local exterior. The great potential of this mathematical tool can be realized through its complete system integration within CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software such as SketchUp or AutoCAD. In order to establish the suitability of FreeFem++ for the performance of simulations, the most widely employed energy simulation tools able to consider a proposed architectural geometry in a specific environment are compared. On the basis of this analysis, it can be concluded that FreeFem++ is the only program displaying the best features for the thermal performance simulation of these specific outdoor spaces, excluding the currently unavailable easy interaction with architectural drawing programs. The main contribution of this research is, in fact, the enhancement of FreeFem++ usability by proposing a simple intuitive method for the creation of building geometries and their respective meshing (pre-processing). FreeFem++ is also considered a tool for data analysis (post-processing) able to help engineers and architects with building energy-efficiency-related tasks

Hydrogenated Graphene Nanoribbons for Spintronics

We show how hydrogenation of graphene nanoribbons at small concentrations can open new venues towards carbon-based spintronics applications regardless of any especific edge termination or passivation of the nanoribbons. Density functional theory calculations show that an adsorbed H atom induces a spin density on the surrounding $\pi$ orbitals whose symmetry and degree of localization depends on the distance to the edges of the nanoribbon. As expected for graphene-based systems, these induced magnetic moments interact ferromagnetically or antiferromagnetically depending on the relative adsorption graphene sublattice, but the magnitude of the interactions are found to strongly vary with the position of the H atoms relative to the edges. We also calculate, with the help of the Hubbard model, the transport properties of hydrogenated armchair semiconducting graphene nanoribbons in the diluted regime and show how the exchange coupling between H atoms can be exploited in the design of novel magnetoresistive devices

Mercenario

Relat guanyador del I Concurs de relats breus de l'Escola d'Enginyeria de la UAB, amb motiu de la diada de Sant Jord

El tercer peso: el método hermenéutico de los pasajes paralelos en la teoría de la traducción

Congreso Internacional celebrado en la Universidad Carlos III de Madrid del 24 al 26 de septiembre de 2012Se propone en este ensayo una reflexión de la labor de la traducción a partir del procedimiento hermenéutico que constituye el método de los pasajes paralelos. Mediante una consideración de las tesis que este método implica, y apoyándose en el valor que tiene en el pensamiento de autores como San Agustín, Wilhelm Dilthey, Peter Szondi o Hans-Georg Gadamer, y de los problemas a los que el método lleva, se despliega una reflexión sobre el valor de la comprensión, del sentido y la repetición al que se enfrenta la traslación del texto en su traducción.In this paper a reflection on the work of translation is proposed in relation to the hermeneutic procedure known as parallel passages. Through the development of this issue, and in relation to the work of St. Augustine, Wilhelm Dilthey, Peter Szondi and Hans-Georg Gadamer and the difficulties that their work arise, this article unfolds a meditation on comprehension’s value, on its sense and on the matter of repetition that every text is faced up to in the movement of its translation

Influential factors in motivation and learning strategies in grade students

Analizando los diferentes procesos mentales que se dan durante el aprendizaje desde diferentes paradigmas, donde el docente pasa de ser el protagonista y responsable del aprendizaje del alumno a ser quien planifica la enseñanza y la organiza para que sus alumnos realicen un aprendizaje significativo. En el aprendizaje autorregulado los aprendices son los que eligen y deciden sobre su conducta, siendo los artífices y promotores de sus aprendizajes. A través de este estudio sobre una muestra de estudiantes universitarios, utilizando el instrumento CEAM II (Cuestionario de Estrategias de Aprendizaje y Motivación), formado por preguntas sobre la motivación y las estrategias de aprendizaje pretendemos conocer la implicaciones de las diferentes dimensiones que lo forman. El análisis de las diferentes variables nos lleva a conocer qué valores son los más empleados por los estudiantes dentro de los factores de motivación (metas intrínsecas, valor de la tarea y autoeficacia) y de las estrategias de aprendizaje (elaboración, organización y metacognición), así como aquellos ítems más y menos valorados por los mismos. Los docentes debemos trasmitir a los estudiantes los contenidos de las diferentes asignaturas a través de una metodología que les resulte atractiva, así les facilitaremos la adquisición de los mismosAnalyzing the different mental processes that occur during learning from different paradigms, where the teacher happens to be the protagonist and responsible for student learning to be who plans and organizes teaching for their students make significant learning. It should motivate, highlighting the importance of the matter and its implications for acredentar interest in it. Self-regulated learning learners are those who choose and decide on their conduct, being the architects and promoters of their learning.. Through this study on a sample of university students using the CEAM II (Learning Strategies Questionnaire and Motivation) instrument, consisting of questions about motivation and learning strategies we tried to understand the implications of different dimensions that form. The analysis of the different variables leads us to know which values are the most used by students in motivational factors (intrinsic goals, task value and self-efficacy) and learning strategies (preparation, organization and metacognition) as well as those items most and least valued by them. Teachers must convey to students the contents of different subjects through a methodology that is attractive to them, so we will provide the acquisition thereo

Leer para investigar

_Se abordan las particularidades de la lectura cuando el sujeto lector necesita realizar una investigación académica. Se asocian tres actividades: investigación, lectura y escritura

On the Influence of Shade in Improving Thermal Comfort in Courtyards

This study analyzes the thermal performance of courtyards in traditional buildings in the city center of Córdoba (South of Spain), one of them displaying a shading component, to determine the influence of this precise element. The courtyards have been monitored simultaneously during a summer period when temperatures during the day reached over 45 °C. The obtained data was contrasted, and we confirmed that the shading element provided an improvement of the thermal performance of the courtyard which doubled the thermal leap between outdoor and inside the courtyard temperatures when the shading element was installed, in comparison to the courtyard without shade. Therefore, the tempering effect of courtyards can be significantly improved by means of using these simple elements