A framework for integrating syntax, semantics and pragmatics for computer-aided professional practice: With application of costing in construction industry

Producing a bill of quantity is a knowledge-based, dynamic and collaborative process, and evolves with variances and current evidence. However, within the context of information system practice in BIM, knowledge of cost estimation has not been represented, nor has it been integrated into the processes based on BIM. This paper intends to establish an innovative means of taking data from the BIM linked to a project, and using it to create the necessary items for a bill of quantity that will enable cost estimation to be undertaken for the project. Our framework is founded upon the belief that three components are necessary to gain a full awareness of the domain which is being computerised; the information type which is to be assessed for compatibility (syntax), the definition for the pricing domain (semantics), and the precise implementation environment for the standards being taken into account (pragmatics). In order to achieve this, a prototype is created that allows a cost item for the bill of quantity to be spontaneously generated, by means of the semantic web ontology and a forward chain algorithm. Within this paper, ‘cost items’ signify the elements included in a bill of quantity, including details of their description, quantity and price. As a means of authenticating the process being developed, the authors of this work effectively implemented it in the production of cost items. In addition, the items created were contrasted with those produced by specialists. For this reason, this innovative framework introduces the possibility of a new means of applying semantic web ontology and forward chain algorithm to construction professional practice resulting in automatic cost estimation. These key outcomes demonstrate that, decoupling the professional practice into three key components of syntax, semantics and pragmatics can provide tangible benefits to domain use

Truncated eigenvalue equation and long wavelength behavior of lattice gauge theory

We review our new method, which might be the most direct and efficient way for approaching the continuum physics from Hamiltonian lattice gauge theory. It consists of solving the eigenvalue equation with a truncation scheme preserving the continuum limit. The efficiency has been confirmed by the observations of the scaling behaviors for the long wavelength vacuum wave functions and mass gaps in (2+1)-dimensional models and (1+1)-dimensional $\sigma$ model even at very low truncation orders. Most of these results show rapid convergence to the available Monte Carlo data, ensuring the reliability of our method.Comment: Latex file, 4 pages, plus 4 figures encoded with uufile

A review of air filtration technologies for sustainable and healthy building ventilation

Urbanization increased population density in cities and consequently leads to severe indoor air pollution. As a result of these trends, the issue of sustainable and healthy indoor environment has received increasing attention. Various air filtration techniques have been adopted to optimize indoor air quality. Air filtration technique can remove air pollutants and effectively alleviate the deterioration of indoor air quality. This paper presents a comprehensive review on the synergistic effect of different air purification technologies, air filtration theory, materials and standards. It evaluated different air filtration technologies by considering factors such as air quality improvement, filtering performance, energy and economic behaviour, thermal comfort and acoustic impact. Current research development of air filtration technologies along with their advantages, limitations and challenges are discussed. This paper aims to drive the future of air filtration technology research and development in achieving sustainable and healthy building ventilation

Numerical study on the thermal performance of earth-tube system in ningbo china

Earth tube system (ETS), which capitalizes on the high soil thermal inertia, is gaining popularity in recent years as an alternative to conserve energy for space cooling/heating in buildings. This paper presents a numerical study of the thermal performance of the basic ETS in Ningbo, China, through Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) modeling and then assesses its corresponding energy saving potential in the local climate. The primary impact parameters, i.e. pipe diameter and inlet air velocity, are discussed in terms of their influences on the ETS thermal performance. It is found that (1) the outlet temperature increased as the inlet velocity was higher as a result of reduced contact time between soil and airflow; (2) the outlet temperature increased when the diameter of the pipe was larger due to more airflow was passed through in a unit time; (3) a balance between outlet temperature required and volumetric airflow rate stipulated by regulations needed to be established provincially; (4) the ETS was estimated being able to provide cooling of 1185kWh in summer period (i.e. 86% of the projected energy demand) in Ningbo and attained a COP of 3.3. The overall research indicated the ETS has the potential to become the effective energy saving technology in Ningbo buildings and thus could contribute to the related carbon emission reduction in China.Papers presented to the 12th International Conference on Heat Transfer, Fluid Mechanics and Thermodynamics, Costa de Sol, Spain on 11-13 July 2016