Experimental validation of a modeling framework for upconversion enhancement in 1D-photonic crystals

Photonic structures can be designed to tailor luminescence properties of materials, which becomes particularly interesting for non-linear phenomena, such as photon upconversion. However, there is no adequate theoretical framework to optimize photonic structure designs for upconversion enhancement. Here, we present a comprehensive theoretical model describing photonic effects on upconversion and confirm the model’s predictions by experimental realization of 1D-photonic upconverter devices with large statistics and parameter scans. The measured upconversion photoluminescence enhancement reaches 82 ± 24% of the simulated enhancement, in the mean of 2480 separate measurements, scanning the irradiance and the excitation wavelength on 40 different sample designs. Additionally, the trends expected from the modeled interaction of photonic energy density enhancement, local density of optical states and internal upconversion dynamics, are clearly validated in all experimentally performed parameter scans. Our simulation tool now opens the possibility of precisely designing photonic structure designs for various upconverting materials and applications

Interior architecture education model at bachelor's level for increasing student achievement in design-cost control

Interior renovation process has a complex structure due to its intrinsic conditions, the necessity of different sub-contractors’ working together and the high number of components as regards manufacturing. It is extremely important to establish the relationship between cost and design in management of this process correctly. Different cost estimations are made at different stages of the process to this end. The experience of the designer is very important for reliable cost estimations. A designer experienced in cost estimation achieves high success in design-cost control estimation and manages the interior renovation process correctly. In this context, the purpose of the study has been determined as proposal of a new interior architecture education model at bachelor's level for increasing student achievement in design-cost control. A literature search has been conducted with an eye to determine what the cost estimation methods used at different stages of the design are at the first stage as methodology in line with this defined purpose and in this context, it has been determined what kind of cost estimations the interior architecture students should make at each and every stage of "Interior Architecture Design Studio" courses. Subsequently, it has been determined which information has to be provided to the students in theoretical courses in order to realize this cost -design relation practice described for project courses. At the final stage, an interior architecture education model at bachelor's level which integrates theoretical courses covering all of these educational activities with "Interior Architecture Design Studio" courses has been proposed

Evaluation of the advantages of usage of containers in housing production in terms of sustainability

Sustainable building construction aims to create a system that provides people with humanely and equitable economic opportunities through the harmony of the built environment with the natural environment. To this end, different approaches are utilized such as re-functioning, use of environmentally friendly methods in production, employment of building items suitable for climate and topography, consideration of energy efficiency in the building life cycle, utilization of renewable energy sources, use of local or traditional materials and minimization of waste generation during construction and destruction process of buildings. One of the most popular approaches among these is the "utilization of containers in the production of sustainable buildings", which is a sub-field of the re-functioning approach. In this context, the objective of this study is to evaluate the advantages of utilization of containers in the production of sustainable buildings through a systematic approach. However, the realization of this assessment within a single study for all building types is quite difficult to achieve as a scientifically significant result. As such, as a methodology, the first stage of the study will determine which structure type should be considered. Subsequently, the criteria to be based on, in the evaluation of the advantages of producing this structure type (containers) in terms of sustainability will be described. At the last stage, certain criterias that the containers should meet in line with the data obtained from the literature will be determined

SIMURG: A new model for the integrated assessment of sustainability

Sustainability assessment is one of the basic issues in the agenda of public authorities and it requires practical tools to measure performance in terms of sustainable development goals. Most studies in literature deal with only one dimension of the problem of environmental components of sustainability. These studies discuss entities at only one level (cities, buildings, etc.), and one layer (green, smart, etc.) in selected dimensions. The literature includes no models that claim to provide an integrated assessment of entities’ performance in the 3D Cartesian system. The presently available models do not offer solutions that would be applicable in practice. SIMURG (A performance-based and Sustainability-Oriented Integration Model Using Relational database architecture to increase Global competitiveness of construction industry) proposes using layers and their KPI sets in the assessment process. In addition to philosophical, organisational, integrational, and computational models, this study aims to develop a lean architecture of a relational database model by eliminating ineffective solutions in the practical dimension, i.e. in the computer model. The model can be used by individuals to help them choose built environment whose characteristics match their expectations. Public authorities can utilise the model to increase the level of accountability, transparency, and legitimacy in their decision-making processes

Experimental validation of a modeling framework for upconversion enhancement in 1D-photonic crystals

A theoretical framework to optimize photonic structure designs for upconversion enhancement is lacking. Here, the authors present a comprehensive theoretical model and confirm the model’s predictions by experimental realisation of 1D-photonic upconverter devices with large statistics and parameter scans

Effects of acetaminophen and mannitol on crush injuries in rats: An experimental study

BACKGROUND: The present objective was to evaluate effects of acetaminophen and mannitol on renal function and histopathology in crush injuries