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Testing Applicability of Point Merge Systems for Göteborg Landvetter Airport
Full text linkThe ability to comprehensively evaluate the performance inside Terminal Maneuvering Area (TMA) is important for understanding of the traffic conditions in the airport vicinity, and to identify the areas for possible improvements. We examine performance of the individual arrival flows to Göteborg Landvetter airport and analyze them separately in order to identify the problematic areas. Then, we test the potential of introducing Point Merge (PM) arrival procedure to this airport and schedule aircraft arrivals along them. We aim to determine whether introducing the PM structure improves the arrival performance and analyze the associated trade-offs. Comparing the resulting performance of the optimally-scheduled arrivals with PM against the baseline scenario derived from the historical flight trajectories obtained from the open-source Opensky Network database, we observe that adherence to the PM procedures provides a decrease in the fuel consumption about 5% in average due to improved vertical efficiency, however the time and distance aircraft spend in TMA increased both 10.4%. PM usage provides additional benefits in terms of improved controllability of the traffic flows, supported by significant reduction in the spacing deviation within the control area close to the runway
Reviews and Responses for Automating the Estimation of Noise and Emissions near Airports with ADS-B Data
Full text linkSee detailed reviews and responses in the PDF file.
DOI for the original paper: https://doi.org/10.59490/joas.2024.790
Reviews and Responses for Uncovering Hidden Inefficiencies in the Route Availability Document
Full text linkDetailed reviews and responses can be found in the PDF and HTML versions of this document.
The DOI for the original paper is https://doi.org/10.59490/joas.2024.7892
A Compass of Architectural Theories in the Tower of the Winds
Full text linkIn this paper, we present the axes of a mode of epistemological orientation originally designed as a “Compass of theories and theses.” The purpose of this model is to support the possibility of a categorization of architectural theories, hence of architectural theses. It was originally designed to orient doctorate students facing inevitable meditations and doubts regarding the nature of a thesis in architecture as well as the complex nature of knowledge production in architectural theory. An analogical categorization, mirroring both theories and theses, should prove productive to an understanding of the future of theory since doctoral students are called to become the theorists of tomorrow. Pragmatically, the four quadrants are based on an empirical mapping of theories related to four main types of knowledge production here qualified as: prospective versus retrospective, proactive versus retroactive. This compass – itself a theoretical model of architectural theories – is therefore consisted of two main axes:
1 - The axis of epistemological aims allows for the distinction of knowledge productions along a slider situating objects of research and modes of writing theory. This axis distinguishes two poles, one of retrospective and the other of prospective aims of theories.
2 - The axis of tensions between disciplinary and professional projects qualifies typical theoretical oscillations between architecture as a way of thinking and as a mode of action or “project.” This axis distinguishes two poles, one of retroactive and the other of proactive dimensions of theorie
The Anxiety of Appraisal
Full text linkIn the present paper I aim to depart from the hypothesis that the question regarding theory appraisal conceals an unbearable yet necessary anxiety for the architectural and the scientific enterprise in general and rather argue that appraisal’s significance is ontological, not merely epistemological. Referring to Slavoj Žižek’s reading of German Idealism and mainly to his reading of Hegel via psychoanalytic theory I suggest that appraisal and the perpetual formulation of theories does not occur because of some lack in our existing theories and architectures, but are grounded on a fundamental, structural lack in our rationality which is precisely why the project of science has universal appeal. A lack, a primordial ‘nothing’ which takes its architectural form and its creative power in Aldo Rossi’s theoretical work on the architecture of the city. The article concludes with the realization that the distinct attribute of scientific theory is that it is public and open for appraisal
Practice as You Play: Using Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP) Exercises to Evaluate a Storm Decision Support Tool
Full text linkWe discuss the novel application of homeland security functional exercises to evaluate emergency managers’ use of simulation-based decision support tools for response to major coastal storms (e.g., hurricanes, tropical storms, nor’easters), such as Hurricane Katrina. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s “Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program” (HSEEP) is the universally accepted standard for emergency management exercises in the United States and provides a templated format familiar to emergency management practitioners. Using HSEEP in a scenario-based approach to end-user evaluation provides a plausible, realistic environment that encourages open and honest player feedback. We present the results of two HSEEP-based functional exercises run as part of implementation research with the Coastal Hazards Analysis, Modeling, and Prediction (CHAMP) system. CHAMP combines high-resolution storm models with a database of critical infrastructure vulnerabilities to predict storm consequences and aid decision-making. Findings suggest that the HSEEP exercise format provides a ready-made process for evaluating emergency management tools in a format comfortable and familiar to participants. User feedback and observation data collected during the CHAMP workshops and exercises are used to inform real-world activation protocols and to guide ongoing development of the CHAMP system
Nature-based coastal flood protection: Lessons from the Caribbean and the Philippines
Full text linkThis short communication examines four case studies from the Caribbean and the Philippines to summarize practical lessons on the implementation of nature-based solutions (NbS) for coastal flood protection. Each project, ranging from hybrid breakwaters to mangrove restoration, illustrates the benefits of integrating ecological restoration with participatory governance to enhance coastal resilience. Findings highlight that the effectiveness of NbS is highly site-specific, contingent upon local ecological conditions, governance structures, and socio-economic factors. While these interventions can offer significant co-benefits, including erosion control, biodiversity enrichment, and alternative livelihoods, challenges persist related to maintenance, funding, institutional coordination, and risk of maladaptation. This communication underscores the need to embed NbS within broader adaptation frameworks, combining scientific knowledge and community engagement to achieve durable outcomes. These insights are particularly relevant for low-lying coastal regions and small island developing states facing rising sea levels and intensifying storm impacts
Predicting Air Traffic Controller Workload from Eye-Tracking Data with Machine Learning
Full text linkIn this paper, we examine the feasibility of assessing air traffic controller (ATCO) workload using non-intrusive eye-tracking measures and machine learning algorithms. A total of N = 18 ATCOs participated in simulator runs with tasks inducing three task-load levels: light, moderate, and heavy. Task load was modulated through traffic load and the associated increase in complexity. We collected eye-tracking data (statistical summaries of which serve as features) and obtained subjective workload assessments using self-reported Cooper-Harper Scale scores, which act as label variables. We evaluate the performance of eight classical machine learning models, with the k-nearest neighbors and support vector classifier models emerging as the most promising. To optimize performance, we apply feature selection techniques, focusing on these best-performing models. Feature selection via recursive feature elimination (RFE) based on permutation importance reduces the original 42 features while maintaining or improving performance. The outcomes yield promising results in workload-level estimation, achieving an F1 score of 0.870 for low/high workload prediction and an F1 score of 0.788 for predicting three different levels of workload. The RFE process identifies optimal feature sets ranging from 7 to 13 features for different tasks, with minimal impact on performance. A “knee point” is observed, representing the optimal balance between model performance and dimensionality. Adding more features beyond this point contributes little to performance improvement while increasing model complexity. These findings indicate that even a few features can be sufficient for accurate workload prediction. We show that head-movement features provide valuable information. Comparable performance is achieved using only ocular features, but this requires more features. Asymmetry in left and right eye metrics holds workload-related information but transforming them into averages and differences reduces performance. Retaining the original features separately is the most effective approach, incorporating their absolute differences may provide slight benefits in certain models.
A case for elevating coastal roads based on experiences from Hurricane Katrina and the Tohoku Tsunami
Full text linkExperiences from Hurricane Katrina and the Tohoku Tsunami illustrate that elevated coastal roads and railroads can be effective countermeasures to coastal flood inundation and damage. In Mississippi, a railroad embankment was reported to have limited the extent of inundation, while an at-grade coastal highway did not. In Tohoku, Japan, elevated coastal highways strongly reduced the extent of the inundation zone. A simple analysis shows that the additional expenditure required to elevate the coastal highway in Mississippi is less than 1% of the direct damages caused in the state by Hurricane Katrina, illustrating the economic benefit of elevating coastal roads as multifunctional flood defences.