Multifunctional Space of Art-Relaxation in an Educational Institution: Design Concept Revision

The study focuses on the theoretical and practical aspects of multifunctional art-relaxation rooms in a learning environment. Such rooms become centers for solving several social problems, including overcoming stress not only among students but also among other vulnerable groups—combat veterans, retirees, and children. Implementing them in continuous practice becomes a relevant problem, especially with the consequences of the COVID-2019 pandemic. This study is based on a systematic approach and is interdisciplinary. The original methodology provides the analysis of different forms of relaxation space organizing in the historical context, and the formation of the main design standards for justifying the original concept of environment design. The practical result of the study is the multifunctional space of art-relaxation "Art-Tell-Iya,” which operates permanently at the Lutsk National Technical University (Lutsk, Ukraine). The classes of art-relaxation and art therapy for restoring the mental state of ATO/JFO (Joint Forces Operation) veterans, classes for small groups of students, and activities of various artistic orientations are held in this space. The design space helps to improve psychological state and form new life strategies for a person through art. The authors present their own experience in art-relaxation space designing, which is based on main design standards, such as multifunctionality, aesthetics, and imagery, as well as visual and communicative interactions. From the standpoint of the systematic approach, the art-relaxation space is implemented as a model of world perception and as a powerful visual communicative system aimed at improving a person's psychological health. This study is an important step in the direction of solving the problem concerning the design of relaxation spaces in educational institutions for different visitors. It forms the base to conduct deeper research that is aimed at identifying connections between the design aspects and the efficiency indexes formation in the context of relaxation processes.

Measurements of natural airflow within a Stevenson screen and its influence on air temperature and humidity records

Climate science depends upon accurate measurements of air temperature and humidity, the majority of which are still derived from sensors exposed within passively ventilated louvred Stevenson-type thermometer screens. It is well-documented that, under certain circumstances, air temperatures measured within such screens can differ significantly from “true” air temperatures measured by other methods, such as aspirated sensors. Passively ventilated screens depend upon wind motion to provide ventilation within the screen and thus airflow over the sensors contained therein. Consequently, instances of anomalous temperatures occur most often during light winds when airflow through the screen is weakest, particularly when in combination with strong or low-angle incident solar radiation. Adequate ventilation is essential for reliable and consistent measurements of both air temperature and humidity, yet very few systematic comparisons to quantify relationships between external wind speed and airflow within a thermometer screen have been made. This paper addresses that gap by summarizing the results of a 3-month field experiment in which airflow within a UK-standard Stevenson screen was measured using a sensitive sonic anemometer and comparisons made with simultaneous wind speed and direction records from the same site. The mean in-screen ventilation rate was found to be 0.2 m s-1 (median 0.18 m s-1), well below the 1 m s-1 minimum assumed in meteorological and design standard references, and only about 7 % of the scalar mean wind speed at 10 m. The implications of low in-screen ventilation on the uncertainty of air temperature and humidity measurements from Stevenson-type thermometer screens are discussed, particularly those due to the differing response times of dry- and wet-bulb temperature sensors and ambiguity in the value of the psychrometric coefficient.

Hygienic Design of HVAC Systems for Hospitals

Hygienic design of the Air Handling Unit (AHU), the custom-designed industrial HVAC system used in hospitals, laboratories, and similar sterile areas to supply clean, filtered, and conditioned air, has become more prevalent during the covid-19 pandemic. Improper maintenance of the air handling system can carry germs or viruses at any stage. This study concentrates explicitly on Air Handling Units used in hospitals, which should maintain higher quality standards than conventional air handling systems to reduce all kinds of dirt, debris, mold, and bacteria from the system. Throughout the paper, the critical parameters and control points of the air handling units for hospitals are analyzed from a hygienic viewpoint, and the existing hygienic design standards are explained through an implemented case study.

Energy Efficiency Indicators and the First Design Stages for Commercial Centers after the Coronavirus Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic, which emerged in the last quarter of 2019, has seriously affected the global economy, including sectors such as the energy and building industries. Studies of COVID-19 transmission indicate a direct relationship between the number of occupants in a building and the risk of infection. The aims of this study were to focus on workplace density strategies as a primary, overlooked factor that can affect energy consumption and the risk of transmission of viruses within buildings and to determine optimal workplace density strategies to reduce energy consumption, especially in commercial buildings. To this end, the practical approach was used by applying COVE.TOOL technology and data from COVID-19 tracking projects to the proposed occupant density after new design considerations for the food court of the Mall of Arabia – the most famous shopping mall in Egypt. This approach was also used to evaluate customer visits to reduce the spread of disease and improve their energy efficiency. © 2022. Scientific Journal of King Faisal University Basic and Applied Sciences. All Rights Reserved.

Increasing the Livability of Open Public Spaces during Nighttime: The Importance of Lighting in Waterfront Areas

The contemporary way of life influences the forms and time framework of outdoor activities in open public spaces, shifting their focus to nighttime usage. The aim of this study is to demonstrate the limits of existing outdoor lighting design standards and recommendations in terms of livability. As an exploratory case study, the Sava waterfront in New Belgrade, Serbia was chosen. The methodology consisted of theoretical research and specific analysis, which included: (1) mapping the spatial distribution of users during several periods of the day;(2) criteria and indicator network analysis of outdoor lighting quality, and (3) a survey with a questionnaire conducted among the users of the waterfront area. The results showed that lighting design can influence overall open public space usage during nighttime through its parameters. It can affect the spatial distribution of users and their sense of safety and comfort, as well as the duration, frequency, and manner of usage. This study could improve planning and design practices regarding outdoor lighting, enabling more active and inclusive usage of open public spaces, thus increasing the overall livability of spaces and their social sustainability.

Balancing Street Functionality and Restorative Benefit: Developing an Expectation–Current Approach to Street Design

The importance of creating a better living environment that is conducive to public health has become increasingly prominent in the post-epidemic era. The restorative potential of urban streets has been emphasized recently, as these spaces of our everyday lives may provide people with restorative experiences. However, there is still no efficient way of delivering restorative street design, because no specific standard has been set to indicate the form such streets should take. A street has limited spaces but multiple uses;hence, the delivery of restorativeness is largely restricted by street contexts. This research proposes that this standard should be determined by the balance between street functions and restorative benefits. An expectation-current approach that involves street functions, street typologies, restorative evaluations and users’ expectations was developed in conjunction with its application to four pairs of streets. Each pair included one typical street type determined by its inherent function, and one corresponding case-study street. The restorative expectations and the streets’ current levels of restorativeness were evaluated, and their differences were used to indicate how and to what degree street-related restorative benefits should be optimized. Restorative design implications of the four case-study streets were then summarized accordingly. The expectation–current approach not only serves as a rigorous and sustainable method by stressing the balance between street functions and restorativeness, but also has the potential for application in broader assessment studies, especially when multiple environmental qualities need to be considered, with the advantage of the extensive involvement of people.

Novel Drone Design Using an Optimization Software with 3D Model, Simulation, and Fabrication in Drone Systems Research

This paper presents the design of a small size Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) using the 3DEXPERIENCE software. The process of designing the frame parts involves many methods to ensure the parts can meet the requirements while conforming to safety and industry standards. The design steps start with the selection of materials that can be used for the drone, which are polylactic acid (PLA), acrylonitrile styrene acrylate (ASA), and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). The drone frame consists of four main parts, which are the center top cover (50 g), the side top cover (10 g), the middle cover (30 g), and the drone’s arm (80 g). A simulation was carried out to determine the stress, displacement, and weight of the drone’s parts. Additionally, a trade-off study was conducted to finalize the shapes of the parts and the various inputs based on their priorities. The outcome of this new design can be represented in design concepts, which involve the use of the snap hook function to assemble two body parts together, namely the middle cover and the center top cover, without the need of an additional fastener.

Environmental Sustainability and Supply Resilience of Cobalt

Cobalt (Co) is an essential metal for the development of energy-transition technologies, decarbonising transportation, achieving several sustainable development goals, and facilitating a future net zero transition. However, the supply of Co is prone to severe fluctuation, disruption, and price instabilities. This review aims to identify the future evolution of Co supply through technologically resilient and environmentally sustainable pathways. The work shows that advances in both primary and secondary sources, Co mining methods and recycling systems are yet to be fully optimised. Moreover, responsible sourcing from both large mines and small artisanal mines will be necessary for a resilient Co supply. Regulatory approaches may increase transparency, support local mining communities, and improve secondary Co recovery. Novel Co supply options, such as deep-sea mining and bio-mining of tailings, are associated with major techno-economic and environmental issues. However, a circular economy, keeping Co in the economic loop for as long as possible, is yet to be optimised at both regional and global scales. To achieve environmental sustainability of Co, economic incentives, regulatory push, and improved public perception are required to drive product innovation and design for circularity. Although the complexity of Co recycling, due to lack of standardisation of design and chemistry in batteries, is an impediment, a sustainable net zero transition using Co will only be possible if a reliable primary supply and a circular secondary supply are established.

Engineering Like a Bird

In our elementary science methods course, we have integrated hands-on learning experiences that cultivate excitement about teaching science and equip our preservice teachers (PSTs) with a range of activities and teaching strategies that they can readily utilize in their own instruction. In addition, we incorporate opportunities for our PSTs to practice the engineering design process. A Framework for K-12 Science Education calls for engineering design to be elevated to the same level as inquiry in science and recommends that engineering design be frequently incorporated throughout every grade level. This recommendation is reflected in one of the major shifts in the Next Generation Science Standards: incorporating engineering design in the performance expectations for grades K-12. The third-grade unit we introduced to our PSTs applies engineering design to nest building as they explore the intricacies of bird nest designs. The activities offer opportunities for place-based outdoor learning, which has been shown to have a variety of benefits for elementary students.

Open ventilator evaluation framework: A synthesized database of regulatory requirements and technical standards for emergency use ventilators from Australia, Canada, UK, and US.

Development of emergency use ventilators has attracted significant attention and resources during the COVID-19 pandemic. To facilitate mass collaboration and accelerate progress, many groups have adopted open-source development models, inspired by the long history of open-source development in software. According to the Open-source Hardware Association (OSHWA), Open-source Hardware (OSH) is a term for tangible artifacts - machines, devices, or other physical things - whose design has been released to the public in such a way that anyone can make, modify, and use them. One major obstacle to translating the growing body of work on open-source ventilators into clinical practice is compliance with regulations and conformance with mandated technical standards for effective performance and device safety. This is exacerbated by the inherent complexity of the regulatory process, which is tailored to traditional centralized development models, as well as the rapid changes and alternative pathways that have emerged during the pandemic. As a step in addressing this challenge, this paper provides developers, evaluators, and potential users of emergency ventilators with the first iteration of a pragmatic, open-source assessment framework that incorporates existing regulatory guidelines from Australia, Canada, UK and USA. We also provide an example evaluation for one open-source emergency ventilator design. The evaluation process has been divided into three levels: 1. Adequacy of open-source project documentation; 2. Clinical performance requirements, and 3. Conformance with technical standards.