Government Buildings Research Articles

Property and the End of Empire in International Zones, 1919–1947

Abstract At the end of the First World War, defeated European empires ceded a wealth of imperial patronage, including palaces, government buildings and offices, to newly forming states in central Europe. While we know a great deal about these property transfers, the fate of ceded property in mandates and other newly emerging sovereign spaces, such as international zones, is less well known. This article traces the ways in which central European properties were reallocated and sold in international zones, with special reference to the International Zone of Tangier. While the remains of central European imperialism in Tangier were integrated into the international administration, this process encouraged erstwhile imperial powers to vie ever harder to reclaim ‘their’ former property, including private property portfolios. Meanwhile, it encouraged existing imperial powers to support private property purchases in order to secure advantages in the administration. In other words, internationalization entailed widespread competition for property that is omitted from the usual accounts of these spaces. Drawing attention to this phenomenon is important as it reveals the new forms imperial rivalries took on within the international structures created after the war.

Exploring the role of smart cities in supporting ageing-in-place in Chongqing, China.

Through interviews with older adults and professionals in Chongqing, China, this paper explores the challenges and opportunities faced by smart cities that undertake to better support ageing-in-place. We undertook a qualitative multi-methods approach, engaging 46 professional stakeholders and 64 older people to examine the role of smart cities in enabling older people to age-in-place in Chongqing, China. With the development of smart cities, technology has the potential to facilitate ageing-in-place by creating opportunities for heathy and active ageing. This study identified specific priorities in delivering age-friendly smart cities, including the following: shaping smart environments around the everyday lives of older people, designing inclusive and equitable smart cities and ensuring strong forms of institutional governance, trust and relationship building with older people. The age-friendly city and communities movement (AFCC) and smart city policy instruments have potential for realising active ageing by supporting mobility, access to services and civic participation. However, there exists a disconnect between smart city policy and practice in delivering tangible well-being outcomes for older people. Addressing this requires greater cross-sectoral working, reconciling smart city policy priorities with AFCC domains and creating the institutional and governance framework to enable socially sustainable cities to support ageing-in-place.

Optimal Design of Grid-Connected Hybrid Renewable Energy System Considering Electric Vehicle Station Using Improved Multi-Objective Optimization: Techno-Economic Perspectives

Electric vehicle charging stations (EVCSs) and renewable energy sources (RESs) have been widely integrated into distribution systems. Electric vehicles (EVs) offer advantages for distribution systems, such as increasing reliability and efficiency, reducing pollutant emissions, and decreasing dependence on non-endogenous resources. In addition, vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology has made EVs a potential form of portable energy storage, alleviating the random fluctuation of renewable energy power. This paper simulates the optimal design of a photovoltaic/wind/battery hybrid energy system as a power system combined with an electric vehicle charging station (EVCS) using V2G technology in a grid-connected system. The rule-based energy management strategy (RB-EMS) is used to control and observe the proposed system power flow. A multi-objective improved arithmetic optimization algorithm (MOIAOA) concept is proposed to analyze the optimal sizing of the proposed system components by calculating the optimal values of the three conflicting objectives: grid contribution factor (GCF), levelled cost of electricity (LCOE), and energy sold to the grid (ESOLD). This research uses a collection of meteorological data such as solar radiation, temperature, and wind speed captured every ten minutes for one year for a government building in Al-Najaf Governorate, Iraq. The results indicated that the optimal configuration of the proposed system using the MOIAOA method consists of eight photovoltaic modules, two wind turbines, and thirty-three storage batteries, while the fitness value is equal to 0.1522, the LCOE is equal to 2.66 × 10−2 USD/kWh, the GCF is equal to 7.34 × 10−5 kWh, and the ESOLD is equal to 0.8409 kWh. The integration of RESs with an EV-based grid-connected system is considered the best choice for real applications, owing to their remarkable performance and techno-economic development.

Lessons learned from health system rehabilitation preparedness and response for disasters in LMICs: a scoping review.

Disasters such as earthquakes, conflict, or landslides result in traumatic injuries creating surges in rehabilitation and assistive technology needs, exacerbating pre-existing unmet needs. Disasters frequently occur in countries where existing rehabilitation services are underdeveloped, hindering response to rehabilitation demand surge events. The primary aim of this scoping review is therefore to synthesize the evidence on rehabilitation and assistive technology preparedness and response of health systems in LMICs to the demand associated with disasters and conflict situations. A secondary aim was to summarize related recommendations identified in the gathered literature. A scoping review was conducted using the Arksey and O'Malley framework to guide the methodological development. The results are reported in accordance with PRISMA-ScR. Four bibliographic databases were used: CINHAL, Cochrane, Pubmed, Scopus and. Key international organisations were also contacted. The search period was from 2010-2022. Eligible publications were categorized for analysis under the six World Health Organization health systems buildings blocks. The findings of this scoping review suggest that rehabilitation is poorly integrated into health systems disaster preparedness and response in LMICs. Of the 27 studies included in the scoping review, 14 focused on service delivery, 6 on health workforce, 4 on health information systems and 3 on the leadership and governance building block. No study focused on financing nor assistive technology. This review found the most frequently referenced recommendations for actions that should be taken to develop rehabilitation services in disasters to be: the provision early and multi-professional rehabilitation, including the provision of assistive technology and psychological support, integrated community services; disaster response specific training for rehabilitation professionals; advocacy efforts to create awareness of the importance of rehabilitation in disasters; and the integration of rehabilitation into disaster preparedness and responseplans. Findings of this scoping review suggest that rehabilitation is poorly integrated into health systems disaster preparedness and response in LMIC's, largely due to low awareness of rehabilitation, undeveloped rehabilitation health systems and a lack of rehabilitation professionals, and disaster specific training for them. The paucity of availableevidence hinders advocacy efforts for rehabilitation in disaster settings and limits the sharing of experiences and lessons learnt to improve rehabilitation preparedness and response. Advocacy efforts need to be expanded.

Addressing the Escalating Threat of Cybercrime in African Nations: Strategies for Legislation, Governance, and Capacity Building

This overall assessment considers the intricate terrain of cyber-threats in African countries in depth, showing how varied it is, what its economic consequences are, and why the appropriate countermeasures are needed. Cybercrime is a comprehensive threat that includes different types of activities, including hacking and phishing, right up to damaging intellectual property. The ripple effect goes far beyond immediate financials losses and is caused by service failures and reputational damage. The rising trends of cybercrime in Africa necessitate the urgency to fight it because, of its prevalence, with the annual losses running into billions. The article looks at the growth of cybercrime in Africa, especially the fact that cybercriminals are revolving into cybercriminal activities. As we’ve witnessed an internet population of over a billion people in the continent, the vulnerabilities become more widespread as there are insufficient cyber security laws and regulations in place. Mobile phone propagation aggravates weak security infrastructure that today are scaring Africa with a total cost of up to $4 billion yearly. Businesses and governments may fail to engage in cyber security which will increase their vulnerability since the commitment to the cyber security measures will be delayed, and timely and tactical response is needed. Legislation is a critical element in tackling cyber-attacks and this is a challenge many African countries face when it comes to enacting all-encompassing laws. The rules of Budapest Convention are used to create a guiding framework, which is aimed at supporting the harmonization with the international standards for the efficient cooperation. A coordinated effort culturally, as well as internationally, becomes evident to protect Africa’s digital future by lessening the economic and social implications of cyber threats. Keywords: Cybercrime, cybercrime strategies, internet security, cyber legislation, cyber governance, cyber capacity building and cyber threats.

조선시대 정의현 읍치의 조성 과정과 공간구조

In the Joseon Dynasty, the center of Jeongui-hyeon was first established in Goseong-ri, Seongsan-eup, and then moved to the current Seongeup-ri in 1423. The construction of the citadel was carried out in five days despite the cold winter. It has a three-door structure: the west gate, the east gate, and the south gate, and has a T-shaped street network. The government office buildings were mainly located in the north, and a private houses were located in the south.,The factors that determine the location of town in Jeongui-hyeon include location factors, water factors, military factors, and geomantic factors. In addition, despite being a middle-mountainous region, the water was relatively abundant. In addition, since it is located inland, it is less invasive than the coast, and it is located in a propitious site where Hallasan Mountain's veins continue even from geomantic principles. Since Jeongui-hyeon has a relatively low status as a town, there are no various government buildings like Jejumok, and only the government buildings, for example, gaeksa, dongheon, hyangcheong, jilcheong, and military offices were built. There seems to have been little change in the location of gaeksa and donghan, and the location of other government buildings seems to have continued to fluctuate. Overall, the layout of the building was located on the north side of the east-west street network, and in the center was gaeksa symbolizing the kingship.

The effect of climate change and urbanization on outdoor microclimate: A case study in Berlin

The urban overheating phenomenon is becoming significant in cities, causing extreme weather conditions that negatively affect citizen comfort and health, and increase building energy consumption. This research, in line with the objective of reducing overheating in city centers, investigates a Berlin district, in Germany, which has undertaken consistent urban evolutions during the last few years. The area falls into the Mitte, Tiergarten, and Moabit quarters and is the site of several governmental and institutional buildings, which were mainly built after 2000. Through a numerical approach, the microclimatic conditions are studied, during a representative summer day, at 3 different times: a past time (2000) before the construction of the main government buildings, a current time (2022), and a future time (2035) taking into account the new building constructions already planned for that area. The urban simulations are performed in ENVI-met, employing, for the past and current climate, weather data registered from the nearest weather station, and for the future one, provisional weather conditions developed according to the RCP 4.5 as 50% warming scenario, and RCP 8.5 as a 95% most warming scenario. Finally, by investigating 7 scenarios, the study shows the weight of climate change and of urbanization on the variation in microclimatic conditions in the considered area of Berlin.

Seismic Risk Analysis of Government Buildings in the City of Tembilahan using FEMA P-58

Research in estimating losses and harm experienced by structures in the high seismic zone had been conducted in previous studies. Yet there is limited study carried out in low-moderate seismic areas. Therefore, an accurate method for calculating losses incurred due to earthquake events is needed in assessing the performance of building structures. This study aims to analyze the seismic risk of government buildings in Indragiri Hilir Regency Riau Province according to FEMA P-58. Seismic risk analysis was carried out on four reinforced concrete buildings. The four buildings reviewed in this study were categorized as low-rise buildings (Immigration Office) and medium-rise buildings (Regent's Office, Puri Husada Hospital, and Rusunawa). The buildings’ location according to SNI 1726-2019 was categorized as soft soil class. The results showed that the Immigration Office, Regent's Office, Puri Husada Hospital and Rusunawa were in a safe state. This is drawn by the value of the collapse probability in the current search condition, which is lower than the value of the collapse probability in the upper bound condition. Regent's Office and Rusunawa were the most vulnerable buildings where the value of the mean loss probability was the highest, namely 23.2%.

Identifying Energy-Poor Households with Publicly Available Information: Promising Practices and Lessons Learned from the Athens Urban Area, Greece

Energy poverty (EP) has emerged as a significant and multifaceted social challenge, both in Europe and globally, in recent years. Given the constraints of limited public resources, it is imperative that policies addressing EP focus on the most socially vulnerable households. To this end, effective policies necessitate a thorough understanding of the key characteristics defining households affected by this phenomenon. This research aims to contribute to the identification of energy-poor households by examining both established and novel EP indicators, utilizing the Athens urban area as a case study. The study employs the official EP indicator utilized in Greece, alongside three newly developed indicators. These indicators constitute essential components in the formulation of multivariate binary logistic regression models. The models incorporate predictors derived from existing government databases, encompassing household and building characteristics. From a policy perspective, this research introduces novel approaches for addressing EP, as the models and two of the newly introduced indicators demonstrate promising results in identifying energy-poor households. Importantly, this identification can be achieved without the need for primary questionnaire surveys or the compilation of complex information.

Governance of noncommunicable diseases in Afghanistan.

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs)arethe main reasons of mortality worldwide. One of every two person is dying due to NCDs in Afghanistan. International policy actors, mainly the World Health Organization (WHO), published several reports and declarations on controlling and preventing NCDs. This study aimed to provide a situation for governance of NCDs in Afghanistan and proper solutions for identified challenges. We conducted qualitative research utilizing interpretive phenomenology. A self-developed questionnaire was developed to conduct the semi-structured interviews with 39 experts fromAfghanistan. The results were analyzed using a deductive framework analysis. Six building block framework of health system developed by theWHO was used as predefined framework for this study. The governance building block of health system consists of five subthemes including policy making, planning, organizing, stewardship, and control. We identified main strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and challenges for these subthemes. The experts also provided key recommendations to address the challenges. Management of NCDs is a neglected part of the health system in Afghanistan. Strengthening evidence-based policy making with technical and indigenous planning, establishing responsive units with adequate financial and human resources within different ministries to address "health in all policies" concept, passing and implementing national laws and regulations to support national strategies for prevention and control of NCDs, and establishing decentralized monitoring systems to control the implementation of these strategies are the main recommendations of this study. Local government and international policy actors should invest and support the development of a multisectoral coordination system at national level for Afghanistan.

Strategies for Co-Creation and Co-Governance in Urban Contexts: Building Trust in Local Communities with Limited Social Structures

Over the last few years, community empowerment has become a central focus when discussing the sustainability of large-scale urban regeneration processes, especially those related to the implementation of nature-based solutions. In this article, the authors describe the experience of the CLEVER Cities project in the city of London, by looking at the dynamics of the early stages of co-creation and the implications on co-governance, motivation and policy. Particular attention is given to the importance of carefully evaluating the project context to guide where emphasis is given on the use of specific co-creation strategies such as building trust, raising awareness or networking. In this case, a set of strategies emerge that are a response to several factors but are strongly influenced by the backdrop of limited social structuring encountered in South Thamesmead, South London. The methods are derived based on a qualitative and looped observation approach over three phases applied to three urban living labs in the project area. Finally, to structure the results, an iterative co-production of knowledge approach is used to cluster the strategies into ten more synthetic recommendations based on collaborative governance, communication and capacity building, as well as incentives and motivation. Further, guidance is given by highlighting priorities to inform policy and place-based planning actions.

Building a Better Roadmap toward a Green Economy through Advanced Rooftop Solar Mapping and Enhanced Energy Yield

Objective: This study aims to develop a transparent roadmap for the implementation of rooftop solar (RTS) systems to boost solar energy adoption, addressing the lack of a definitive solar roadmap. The objective is to utilize Helioscope solar software to envision the maximum shadow-free area over building rooftops and simulate energy generation potential using fixed tilt-based and monthly optimum tilt-angle control-based solar photovoltaics systems. Methods: The research employs HelioScope software to estimate shadow-free rooftop areas of government buildings in an Indian state, considering both fixed-tilt and optimum tilt angle control-based solar tracking systems. The study validates monthly optimum tilt angles for different districts and presents an experimental setup with a 2kWp RTS system. Results: The district-wise analysis reveals the useful rooftop area and energy generation potential, indicating an increase in annual solar energy yield with the implementation of an optimum tilt angle control-based tracking system. The results suggest that chronological implementation based on available rooftop area can aid in achieving the mandated RTS target. Conclusion: The proposed methodology provides a guideline for developing a transparent RTS installation roadmap. The study highlights the potential of an 8% increase in annual solar energy yield by incorporating monthly optimum tilt angle control. The district-wise spatial differences in solar energy production serve as a prototype for other states and countries, facilitating effective solar mapping and policy planning for RTS installations.

Construction Safety Management Systems Using Promethee Method

Construction safety management is at the construction site safe working environment security to ensure to control activities a method that can be used. Planning and design taken during the process results of the construction project when the protection is largely affected. Construction and demolition sites, labor protection, and health hazard the result is unique hazards and risks causing professional safety and health management protection of systems organizations and health hazards continue to detect and remove help, incident possibilities reduce, to regulations compliance and risk-reduction implement interventions. Construction industry sites employee health and safety very dangerous to work with one of the workplace environments. Manufacturing processes, labor intensive characteristics, and occupational accidents due to the construction industry the greater the risk, the greater it is scale of financial losses, and the worst the company results from reputation. Construction in the construction industry site security is very important this is an important requirement mostly on project sites is ignored. Correct without safety regulations, hazards of the construction industry and because of the dynamic environment, staff small and large are prone to accidents. Security management systematic risk management in detection, and with it related risks can also help control, at the same time this control activities of the construction site useful in aiding protection it promises to be. Safety management process roughly the following steps outlines: planning related to the workplace at the stage identity hazards and accident or to avoid property damage ensure construction safety appropriate restrictions for making and advance the determination of the step. Accidents possible actions early detection, safe practices followed and safe conditions whether maintained monitoring of verification work. Neighbors are public and private protection of assets at all levels of the organization effective communication implementation and promotion. Safe operating modes attractive to use regularly with incentive programs safety education and training providing. Constant professionalism health and safety compliance with regulations. PROMETHEEE is a priority for assessment enrichment Ranking system and its interactive help Descriptive complementary geometric analysis known as PROMETHEEE methods. In this, The PROMETHEEE method is the best solution from the analysis The shorter the distance and the longer the negative-ideal solution Determines the solution with the distance, but of these distances, The comparison was not considered significant. Alternative is Safety Commitment by Senior Management, Competency Profiles, Safety Climate, Project Management, Safety Requirements and Incentives, Safe Working Environment/ Conditions. Evaluation preference is Government building, Private building, Civil engineering, Industrial building. From the result it is seen that Government building is got the first rank where as is the Industrial building is having the lowest rank. Government building is ranked first and industrial building is ranked lowest.

Advancing Security Measures in Governmental Institutions: Integration of Facial Recognition and Movement Monitoring Technologies in the House of Representatives

With the aim of improving security measures in public and government buildings, this study presents a system to protect the House of Representatives using Vicon sensors and facial recognition technology to detect threats as soon as they occur and alert accordingly to take appropriate measures. A face recognition model was realized, which took advantage of a DenseNet169-based feature extractor and a dense layer-based classifier. The machine learning models and Vicon sensors used by the physical motion capture system allowed for highly accurate analysis of real-world movements. Using Decision Tree (DT) and K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN) algorithms, the system achieved optimal accuracy using a dataset that included ten categories of behaviors performed by ten employees. Thanks to the combination of motion capture and facial recognition technology, allowing for precise threat classification, the House of Representatives will have a robust security system. This research highlights the importance of technical improvements in defending public employees and facilities.

Boko Haram Terrorism and Development Challenges in the Northeastern Nigeria

The study examines the challenges that hinder development in the Northeast, of Nigeria as a result of the activities of the Boko Haram insurgency. Mixed methods techniques of data collection were adopted to elicit both quantitative and qualitative data using (structured questionnaires) and qualitative (in-depth interviews. A total of 470 respondents were sampled using the Morgan and Krejcie (1970) sample size table. The quantitative data obtained were analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics while Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was employed for the analysis of the qualitative data. The study found that the Boko Haram violence had adversely affected the development and commercial activities of the areas studied. The destruction of markets, and government buildings, killings and abductions of business owners led to dire developmental challenges. Also, the study found that there was mismanagement of relief materials/assistance for the affected persons, lack of access to food, healthcare services and hygienic facilities in the affected communities and recurrent attacks by the Boko Haram members have hampered any development to take place in the study areas. This study suggests that the reopening of markets, provision of security, pro-poor social investment programs, introduction of surveillance technology, protection of farmers and exploration of natural resources endowed in the areas will rejuvenate the economic and social fortunes of the areas surveyed in this study.

Artificial intelligence technologies utilization for detecting explosive materials

Explosive material detection considers the identification and classification of explosive materials using techniques from traditional sniffer dogs to cutting-edge sensing technology like thermal imaging, X-ray scanners, and chemical sensors. Explosive detection is applied in various locations, including airports, government buildings, and public areas, to prevent terrorist attacks and criminal actions that attempt to employ explosive devices. The effectiveness of these procedures is dependent on the detection materials, equipment, and environment, so new techniques are continuously explored to increase precision, sensitivity, and detection speed. Because explosive substances present a critical risk to infrastructure, security, and public safety, extensive analysis of existing detection methods is needed. This paper highlights key areas for further research and development in explosive materials detection by addressing identified limitations and challenges. Specifically, advancements in technology, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the integration of AI techniques offer significant opportunities for improving detection accuracy, reducing false positives, and ensuring safer environments for individuals and society.

A comparative analysis of two century‐old historical map and satellite images for assessing land use transformation and preservation of the historical monuments of the Ahmad Shahi old city, Kandahar

AbstractThis study evaluates land use transformation in Kandahar's old city, also known as Ahmad Shahi city, the birthplace and first capital of modern Afghanistan. The city consists of four rectangular quarters and is surrounded by a high strong mud wall, entrance gates, and a moat. In the early 20th century, the city experienced significant and arbitrary expansion, which certainly affected the urban fabric of the area, the streets were widened, and the city wall, towers, and gates were demolished, and the area was added to the construction of new government buildings, commercial establishments, and residential plots. This study aims to evaluate the alterations in the old city's urban morphology, culture, and sociology by conducting a comparative analysis of three maps from different time periods and considering various factors within the target area.

Research on Corporate Governance and Internal Audit Wisdom Building under Financial Sharing Model Based on Logistic Modeling

Abstract In recent years, the assessment of corporate financial risk has become increasingly significant for banks. Therefore, studying models for corporate financial risk assessment holds substantial practical importance. This paper combines the Logistic model and the Lasso model based on their basic principles to construct an improved Lasso-Logistic regression model. Immediately after that, this paper selects 15 representative indexes from the four aspects of the enterprise’s profitability, solvency, operating ability, and growth ability as the indexes to respond to the company’s financial situation and extracts 4 public factors after factor analysis and analyzes them using the Lasso-Logistic regression model designed in this paper with these 4 public factors as the variables. The results show that the coefficients of public factors F1, F2, F3, and F4 are -2.9513, -1.8347, -1.9659 and -2.2714, respectively, and the coefficients of the four public factors are negative, and the classification accuracy of the Lasso-Logistic combination model in this paper is 89.46%, the misclassification rate of the first category is 6.21%, and the F1 score, RS2 score and AUC values are overall better than the two single models of Lasso and Logistic, the Lasso-Logistic model designed in this paper can well help enterprises assess their own financial risk and make targeted decisions.

The Stage of Dissemination: The Transformation of Architectural Concepts in Iranian Architectural Journals (1941–1967)

From 1941 to 1967, modern architecture in Iran shifted from a phenomenon confined to the upper class with a focus on urban monuments and government buildings to a public commodity. Three of the period’s architectural journals, Arshitikt (Architect), Bank-i Sakhtimani (Construction Bank), and Mi‘mari-yi Nuvin (New Architecture), were among the most effective tools for spreading notions of modern architecture in Iran at this time. This article traces mid-twentieth-century Iranian architects’ conceptual constellation of modern architecture through a quantitative and qualitative analysis of these periodicals. We argue that the transformation of core architectural concepts in each journal were due to changes in the sociopolitical context and in Iranian architects’ professional status as models of modern architecture were increasingly disseminated. In particular, our article demonstrates how the idea of architecture as fan (technique) in the journal Arshitikt (1946–48) was defined as the exclusive expertise of modern Iranian architects. Fan was replaced by the notion of architecture as construction in Bank-i Sakhtimani (1955–62) to justify the ongoing engineered mass production of modernized houses. By the 1960s, journals like Mi‘mari-yi Nuvin (1961–65) situated architecture as an art and a science, reflecting newly emerging views on national modernist architecture in a stabilizing professional condition.

Developing a Model to Improve the Efficiency of Maintenance Management for Service Buildings Using BIM and Power BI: A Case Study

Developing a Model to Improve the Efficiency of Maintenance Management for Service Buildings Using BIM and Power BI: A Case Study