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Building information modeling – simulation and analysis of a University Edifice and its environs – A sustainable design approach
Full text linkThis study utilized Building Information Modeling (BIM) to refine an existing campus master plan, improving the built environment concerning usability and sustainability. Using capabilities of the premium version of the Autodesk Revit Architecture and its many add-ons for simulations and analyses, this research paper were through the evaluation of the directional alternatives with the actual data. This research paper undergone the simulations of wind patterns, solar exposure to the building, and energy factors for three different building orientations. The optimal construction orientation, designated as Directional Option 2, provides enhanced ventilation and sunlight access, yielding an annual customized solar radiation of 587 kWh/m2. This option showcases the lowest energy consumption rate at 241 kWh/m2/yr, indicating substantial savings relative to other orientations and the average annual consumption standard of 333 kWh/m2/yr (Sheffield City Council, 2022). Assessing the designs against established benchmarks from EU policies, including the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), guarantees the models’ energy efficiency and sustainability. Autodesk Revit Architecture's ability to simulate multiple design options and evaluate their performance against established standards confirms the validity of its assumptions. In addition, the wind analysis establishes a correlation between the results of the Revit simulation and the actual wind speed measurements taken during different seasons. This substantiates the fact that the simulation results are in close agreement with the measured values, despite the fact that there are some slight deviations. For example, the wind speed estimated at spring was 5.67 m/s, but simulations showed 6.5 m/s, which is slightly more than the actual. The seasonal solar analysis indicates that Directional Option 2 offers the highest solar exposure accuracy at 90% during summer, confirming its status as the most efficient choice for solar energy utilization. BIM is used as a transformative tool for sustainable development in this study's comprehensive approach, allowing for data-driven decision-making that promotes an environmentally conscious and user-friendly built environment.</p
Exploring the roles and challenges of national development experts on the Rohingya crisis in Bangladesh
Full text linkBangladesh hosts nearly one million Rohingyas who live in several congested camps in Cox’s Bazar, making it the largest refugee camp in the world. Many NGOs and several UN agencies support the Rohingyas with essential basic needs. The enormity and complex nature of the crisis have created spaces for practitioners, researchers, academics, and activists to get involved in the quest for a dignified and sustainable solution for the Rohingyas. Based on 25 interviews with various “experts” (including academics, researchers, and activists) working on the Rohingya crisis, this paper explores to what extent the “experts” can play a meaningful role in resolving this crisis. Our evidence suggests that a nonchalant, non-responsive practice limits the roles of “experts” in making meaningful contributions towards effective policy formulation for this crisis. Traditionally, there remains a lack of evidence-based policy formation in various sectors in Bangladesh. The case of the Rohingya is no exception. The lack of evidence-based policy culture makes it difficult for the experts, although “international” experts enjoy some advantages over national experts
Developing an asset-based, equitable system and culturally inclusive collaborative approach to enable market access and preparedness support for the sustainable growth of Ethnic Minority-led MSEs
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Primates in Fragmented Habitats
Full text linkForest fragmentation was highlighted as a conservation priority in primatology more than 20 years ago, yet unfortunately this issue unfortunately remains a key challenge. In this article, I review the literature on primate responses to habitat fragmentation and propose priority areas for future studies. I first take a landscape approach, which treats heterogeneous cover types, including agroecosystems and secondary forests, as viable spaces for primate movement and foraging. Next, the article further explores edge effects, to understand how they interact with surrounding matrix and how different species use these habitats. Finally, I consider linear disturbances, such as clearings for roads and power lines, and how they uniquely divide primate habitats. Further research in these priority areas, along with greater regional and taxonomic diversity of fragmentation studies, will improve our understanding of the impact of habitat fragmentation and inform management strategies to share space with our primate neighbours
Cardiac vagal activity is not a determinant of apnoea tolerance in trained breath‐hold divers
Full text linkMixed Method Evaluation of Writing Retreats to Support Dissertation Completion in Undergraduate Students
Full text linkDissertations are a critical component of many undergraduate programmes and are often seen as daunting, leading to anxiety and feelings of isolation among students. This study explores the role of writing retreats in supporting undergraduate students during their dissertation process, addressing the unique challenges they face, such as ethical approvals, complex data analysis, and writing and editing the final report. Using a mixed-method approach over two academic years (2022-24), the study found that retreats significantly increased students' academic self-perception and decreased academic anxiety. Qualitative analysis identified themes such as the development of a learning community, the demystification of the dissertation process, and the enhancement of academic self-efficacy. The retreats offered students a chance to work alongside peers, access to continuous tutor support, and engagement in structured activities that broke down the dissertation into manageable tasks. The findings suggest that writing retreats not only improve students' academic outcomes but also contribute to their mental well-being by reducing stress and fostering a sense of belonging. This research highlights the importance of implementing such effective interventions in undergraduate education to enhance student success and well-being during the dissertation process. Further studies are recommended to explore the long-term benefits of writing retreats across various disciplines
Phase Characterisation for Recycling of Shredded Waste Printed Circuit Boards
Full text linkIn this study, we adopt a geometallurgical analytical approach common in mineral processing in the characterization of samples of shredded waste printed circuit board (PCB) E-waste, originating from Europe. Conventionally, bulk chemical analysis provides a value for E-waste; however, chemical analysis alone does not provide information on the textural variability, phase complexity, grain size, particle morphology, phase liberation and associations. To address this, we have integrated analysis using binocular microscopy, manual scanning electron microscopy, phase, textural and compositional analyses by automated (SEM-EDS), phase analysis based on (Automated Material Identification and Classification System (AMICS) software, and elemental analysis using micro-XRF. All methods used have strengths and limitations, but an integration of these analytical tools allows the detailed characterization of the texture and composition of the E-waste feeds, ahead of waste reprocessing. These data can then be used to aid the design of optimized processing circuits for the recovery of the key payable components, and assist in the commercial trading of e-scrap
