Architectural Response Towards the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) as a Catalyst for National Security in Nigeria

Epidemics either occur naturally, for example, the coronavirus or in the form of intentionally released agents (e.g., biological warfare or bioterrorism). Research has demonstrated that acute and chronic changes in health status have direct and indirect impacts on security and that epidemics may lead to destabilization, political unrest, civil disorder, or long-term deterioration of the economic viability of a country or region. This study focuses on the COVID-19 global pandemic and its effects on national security. It explores how architects can shape cities through responsive designs and strategic planning to effectively contain and treat the virus. Key architectural considerations identified through literature review include modular constructions for adaptable healthcare needs, adaptive reuse of existing structures, energy-efficient measures for sustainable infrastructure, and integration of smart technologies for public safety. Implementing these architectural responses in Nigeria contributes to containing infectious diseases and safeguarding national security. The need for increased discussions between various stakeholders (e.g., in the health sector, military, governmental and non-governmental organizations, professionals in the building industry) as it pertains to providing higher livability in our cities will help to combat future epidemics if they occur

Architectural Response Towards the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) as a Catalyst for National Security in Nigeria

Epidemics either occur naturally, for example, the coronavirus or in the form of intentionally released agents (e.g., biological warfare or bioterrorism). Research has demonstrated that acute and chronic changes in health status have direct and indirect impacts on security and that epidemics may lead to destabilization, political unrest, civil disorder, or long-term deterioration of the economic viability of a country or region. This study focuses on the COVID-19 global pandemic and its effects on national security. It explores how architects can shape cities through responsive designs and strategic planning to effectively contain and treat the virus. Key architectural considerations identified through literature review include modular constructions for adaptable healthcare needs, adaptive reuse of existing structures, energy-efficient measures for sustainable infrastructure, and integration of smart technologies for public safety. Implementing these architectural responses in Nigeria contributes to containing infectious diseases and safeguarding national security. The need for increased discussions between various stakeholders (e.g., in the health sector, military, governmental and non-governmental organizations, professionals in the building industry) as it pertains to providing higher livability in our cities will help to combat future epidemics if they occur

Collapse settlement behaviour of remoulded and undisturbed weathered quartzite

Abstract: The behaviour of semi arid residual soils derived from the weathering of Johannesburg quartzite are difficult to predict because of their heterogeneous particle constitution and weakly bonded structure..

Omentoplasty as an effective surgical modality for managing a high risk patient with deep sternal wound infection

Poorly managed diabetes and hypertensives are risk factors for deep sternal wound infection (DSWI) following cardiac surgery; leading to increased morbidity and mortality. To reappraise the effectiveness of omental flap in the management of High risk patient with DSWI. A middle aged man with extensive mediastinitis following cardiac surgery (from outside referral). He was a known Diabetic and Hypertensive who was poorly compliant on medications. The history, physical examination, gycosylated Haemoglobin (HbA1c) and microbiological analyses showed high blood pressure, poor glycaemic control, septicaemia with staphylococcal DSWI. Resuscitation was achieved with the use of oral antihypertensives, Human insulin and antibiotics respectively. The DSWI was managed with serial debridement and subsequent wound cover with omental flap. The hospital stay was shorter and outcome was good. The management of DSWI with omental flap may be an effective surgical modality that reduces morbidity and mortality even in high risk patients

Railway Foundation Properties of Some South African Quarry Stones

Abstract: Railway ballasts are broken pieces of hard rock within the grain size range of 25mm - 60mm, over which the railway tracks are laid. Quarries in dolerite, greywake, shale, pebbles and granitic rock formations are some of the major sources of large stones that may be selected as railway ballast based on a range of properties. Flakiness index, Roundness, sphericity and shape factor, and Los Angeles Abrasion indices of samples of the five rock types were determined..

Effect of desiccation on the geotechnical properties of lime-fly ash stabilized collapsible residual sand

Abstract:Berea Red Sands underlying most of the Kwazulu Natal midlands and coastal plain is a very recent unconsolidated, weakly cemented red to brown, collapsible sands. The effect of wetting and drying cycles on the Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS) and California Bearing Ratio (CBR) of compacted and cured samples of stabilized Berea Sands was investigated. Different sample mix were prepared with 4% and 8% Lime and 0%, 6% 12% and 18% Fly Ash, and tested after 4, 8 and 12 cycles of wetting and drying..

Compaction and Strength of Lime – Fly Ash Stabilized Collapsible Residual Sand

Abstract: Berea Red Sands are weakly bonded residual collapsible sands underlying significant portions of the west coastal plain of South Africa. Freshly quartered samples of Berea Sand mixed with 4% and 8% Lime as stabilizers and 0%, 6%, 12% and 18% Fly Ash as additive by weight of the dry soil, were compacted and cured for 7 days, 28 days and 56 days. At different stages of curing, some samples were tested to determine their Unconfined Compression Strength (UCS) and California Bearing Ratio (CBR)..

Examining Approaches to Investigating the United Kingdom`s Existing Building Fabric in the Pursuit of Net Zero Targets

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate and analyze the potential of existing buildings in the UK to contribute to the net-zero emissions target. Specifically, it aims to address the significant emissions from building fabrics which pose a threat to achieving these targets if not properly addressed.Approach: The study, based on a literature review and ten (10) case studies, explored five investigative approaches for evaluating building fabric: thermal imaging, in-situ U-value testing, airtightness testing, energy assessment, and condensation risk analysis. Furthermore, cross-case analysis was used to evaluate both case studies in each approach. These methodologies were pivotal in assessing the existing condition of buildings and their energy consumption and contributing to the UKs net-zero ambitions.Findings: Findings reveal that the incorporation of the aforementioned approaches into the building fabric showed great benefits such as, significant temperature regulation issues were identified, energy consumption decreased by 15% after improvements, poor insulation and workmanship quality affected U-values of buildings. Implementing retrofits such as solar panels, air vents, insulation, heat recovery, and air-sourced heat pumps significantly improved thermal performance while reducing energy consumption. Pulse technology proved effective in measuring airtightness, even in extremely airtight houses, and high airflow and moisture management were essential in preserving historic building fabric.Originality: The research stresses the need to understand the strengths, limitations, and synergies of investigative approaches for cost-effective energy performance strategies. It emphasizes the urgency of eliminating carbon dioxide (CO2) and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to combat global warming and meet the 1.5°C threshold

Examining Approaches to Investigating the United Kingdom`s Existing Building Fabric in the Pursuit of Net Zero Targets

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate and analyze the potential of existing buildings in the UK to contribute to the net-zero emissions target. Specifically, it aims to address the significant emissions from building fabrics which pose a threat to achieving these targets if not properly addressed.Approach: The study, based on a literature review and ten (10) case studies, explored five investigative approaches for evaluating building fabric: thermal imaging, in-situ U-value testing, airtightness testing, energy assessment, and condensation risk analysis. Furthermore, cross-case analysis was used to evaluate both case studies in each approach. These methodologies were pivotal in assessing the existing condition of buildings and their energy consumption and contributing to the UKs net-zero ambitions.Findings: Findings reveal that the incorporation of the aforementioned approaches into the building fabric showed great benefits such as, significant temperature regulation issues were identified, energy consumption decreased by 15% after improvements, poor insulation and workmanship quality affected U-values of buildings. Implementing retrofits such as solar panels, air vents, insulation, heat recovery, and air-sourced heat pumps significantly improved thermal performance while reducing energy consumption. Pulse technology proved effective in measuring airtightness, even in extremely airtight houses, and high airflow and moisture management were essential in preserving historic building fabric.Originality: The research stresses the need to understand the strengths, limitations, and synergies of investigative approaches for cost-effective energy performance strategies. It emphasizes the urgency of eliminating carbon dioxide (CO2) and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to combat global warming and meet the 1.5°C threshold