Multilevel Research Articles

Application of the Black–Scholes Financial Model to Support Adaptability as a Sustainability Strategy for Buildings: A Case Study of an Adaptable Campus Parking Garage

In many construction projects, a “green premium” must be paid to implement sustainable designs that reduce environmental costs. Design for Adaptability (DfA) is a sustainable design philosophy that facilitates incremental renewal and infrastructure adaptation, thereby delaying future demolition and reconstruction. This paper focuses on the potential economic benefits of DfA. Notably, the paper contributes to answering the following question: is the green premium paid for an adaptable design justified by the potential long-term economic benefits? A modified version of the Black–Scholes financial options model is developed and demonstrated to address this question. A hypothetical case study of a parking garage is explored. This case study compares traditional and adaptable three-level parking garages and their potential expansion to a five-level garage at a future time. The “real option value” (i.e., the economic benefit of having the option to expand in the future) is calculated and compared under various assumptions and input parameters. The selection of reasonable model parameters for a given situation and the limitations of the Black–Scholes approach for valuing adaptable buildings are discussed. The model was developed for institutional (i.e., government or university) owners who consider their buildings as a cost of doing business without a direct relationship to revenue. It is concluded from the case study that the option value from the adaptable features of the parking garage exceeds the green premium given certain conditions. The payoff is most sensitive to the green premium, construction costs, and the owner’s inflation value on future additional parking. The work contributes to an economic case for DfA as a sustainability strategy for buildings.

Technical operation factors influence on bus body durability

Introduction. The purpose of the work is to study the causes of corrosion destruction of bus bodies of the enterprise. In the course of work, it was revealed that the main causes of intensive corrosion destruction of bus bodies are insufficiently high corrosion resistance of metals used in the manufacture of the body frame. The main places of occurrence of foci of corrosion of the body are: wheel arches; rear and lower parts of the bus, which are more susceptible to adverse road conditions; the upper and lower parts of the window openings in case of violation of the tightness of the seal. In the course of the study, initial data were obtained to determine the conditions and factors determining condensation on the cooled surfaces of bus bodies entering the indoor parking area; a set of organizational and technical measures aimed at reducing the intensity of corrosion wear of the company’s vehicle bodies was developed.Materials and methods. The results of observations of changes in the technical condition of bus bodies, parameters of their maintenance conditions were used, methods of a priori ranking of factors and classification were used. The results and recommendations on the technical operation of bus bodies are described.Results. As intermediate results of the conducted research, the data on the influence of the technical condition of bus bodies on the indicators of technical operation were obtained, which make it possible to justify the modes of maintenance and storage of motor vehicles. The data obtained make it possible to simulate the processes affecting the technical condition of bus bodies, which is the basis for the development of optimization measures.Discussion. It is noted that the approach implemented during the study enables to establish a set of factors affecting the technical condition of bus bodies, and to determine the consequences of premature achievement of the limit state by the elements of the load-bearing structure.Conclusion. As a generalizing conclusion, it is noted that the practical implementation of the developed methodology ensures the development and implementation of sound measures to increase their durability in the practical activities of road transport enterprises.

Analisis Perbandingan Teori Dan Praktek Sistem Multi Level Marketing Pada Bisnis Paytren Dalam Perspektif Syariah

This study aims to find out how the application of the Multi Level Marketing Business system is applied to paytren, whether the practice in the field is in accordance with established sharia. The research method used in this case is library research and field research, with a qualitative descriptive research approach that is deductive in nature. Researchers used sources such as books, theses, articles, and conducted interviews with paytren business users. This study also uses a normative and comparative approach. Based on the research results, it can be concluded that the paytren business that uses a multi-level marketing system that has been certified by sharia in practice has many deviations both by its customers and by the system itself. The implementation of Paytren's multi-level sharia marketing is carried out in an unfair way, that is, whoever has subordinates or partners will also receive bonuses when their partners transact without having to work. In practice, paytren contains elements of usury, gharar and dzulm.

Natural Radioactivity in Raw Building Materials for Underground Parking Lots and Assessment of Radiological Health Risk for the Population.

This article reports the results of an investigation into the activity concentration of natural radionuclides in raw building materials for underground parking lots, together with the assessment of the radiation hazard for the public related to exposure to ionizing radiations. To this purpose, high-purity germanium (HPGe) γ-ray spectrometry was employed in order to quantify the average specific activity of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K natural radioisotopes. With the aim to assess any possible radiological health risk for the population, the absorbed γ-dose rate (D), the annual effective dose equivalent outdoor (AEDEout) and indoor (AEDEin), the activity concentration index (I), and the alpha index (Iα) were also estimated, resulting in values that were lower than the maximum recommended ones for humans. Finally, the extent of the correlations existing between the observed radioactivity and radiological parameters and of these parameters with the analyzed samples was quantified through statistical analyses, including Pearson's correlation, a principal component analysis (PCA), and a hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA). As a result, three clusters of the investigated samples were recognized based on their chemical composition and mineralogical nature. Noteworthily, this paper covers a certain gap in science since its topic does not appear in literature in this form. Thus, the authors underline the importance of this work to global knowledge in the environmental research and public health fields.

URBAN PLANNING APPROACHES TO PLANNING THE BEAUTIFICATION SYSTEM OF RESIDENTIAL AREAS DURING THEIR RECONSTRUCTION

The analysis of planning experience of inhabited localities urban beautification in view of reconstruction was undertaken in the article. The question of Ukrainian experience of urban beautification system in accordance with approved standards and State Constructional Standards was envisaged. Analysis of validation state of local documents in urban beautification field was carried out and it has shown deficient percentage of regulatory documents approval on local level, which is one of key issues of urban beautification development. Furthermore, detailed analysis of foreign experience of urban beautification planning and development trend of this system I such countries, as USA, Canada, France, Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan was carried out. It is shown that first and critical stage of planning of effective urban beautification is preparing and approving corresponding certificates and standards. Emphasis added to functioning normative legal documents on issues relating to urban beautification, in accordance to which the territory reconstruction in mentioned countries is realized. It was established that reference direction of urban beautification development in mentioned countries lies in parking lots removing out of the borders of curtilage or underground parking arrangement, landscape gardening development and classification of such territories by levels of urban gardening, territory reconstruction in accordance with typical schemes of street infrastructure development, urban gardening, cycle paths, etc. It is shown that problem solution of habitable open grounds organization on city level resides in usage intensification of such territories, and on the level of residential compounds – in increasing exploitation properties of open grounds. As a result of undertaken analysis it was established that raised problem of increasing the effectiveness of residential area usage within residential areas imposes complex approach, including question of land development intensiveness, architectural and planning organization and open grounds beautification.

Urban Transport - Synergies between City and the Port - the Example of the City of Koper

Koper is located in Slovenia near the Italian border and is the fifth largest city in Slovenia with 53,000 inhabitants. The history of the town is interesting because it first flourished during the Venetian Republic, when it became an important administrative and cultural centre of Istria. After the Second World War, the city underwent a different development as a harbour was built next to the old town. Today, Koper is a town that connects the old town centre with the newer surrounding settlements and is closely linked to the port of Luka Koper. The municipality covers an area of 303 km2, 48% of which is protected by Natura. Since 2017, the municipality of Koper has been implementing an integrated transport strategy aimed at ensuring sustainable and environmentally friendly mobility for its citizens. To ensure accessibility and a better quality of life, pedestrians, cyclists and public transport are promoted in particular. Residents of Koper who do not live in the old town still predominantly use private cars to get to work, school, and university. Koper is an old city that has existed since the time of the Roman Republic and has many monuments. To reduce the number of cars, the city centre has been closed to traffic, and residents of Koper's old town can use parking garages or open parking lots for a small fee. For everyone else, parking lots with P+R facilities have been set up, but there is great dissatisfaction among the population. Another problem is the increasing freight traffic coming in and out of the port of Koper. The port and the city live in harmony, but the problem of increasing freight traffic at critical times and on critical days is a big problem. In this paper we will outline the measures that should be taken in the area of public passenger transport and freight transport to ensure that the strategy is implemented.

Embodied GHG of missing middle: Residential building form and strategies for more efficient housing

AbstractThis research addresses two critical problems facing communities today: the growing demand for housing and the need to reduce material consumption to mitigate the impacts of climate change. Material production and use accounts for more than 25% of annual global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and must be reduced to meet the Paris Climate Agreement's 2°C target. At the same time, increasing urban populations are accelerating the demand for housing and construction materials. Strategies for supplying more materially efficient housing are urgently needed. Here, we quantify the impact of residential form on embodied emissions. Specifically, we look at the reduction potential of missing middle (low‐rise multi‐unit) housing, compare missing middle to single‐family and mid/high‐rise buildings, and identify opportunities for optimizing efficiency within forms. Forty‐two new material quantifications are calculated using an ontology based on MasterFormat and UniFormat. Minimum, maximum, and most likely GHG emissions factors are used to convert material mass to CO2eq. We observe embodied GHG of missing middle buildings varying between 5540 and 39,600 kgCO2eq/bedroom. On average, multi‐unit missing middle buildings have significantly lower embodied GHG per bedroom than single‐family and mid/high‐rise buildings, but variability within forms is greater than between forms, indicating a large potential to reduce embodied GHG through building design. Best‐in‐class design strategies include reducing substructure size and indoor parking, limiting mid/high‐rise slab thickness, and choosing low‐GHG insulation products. Building missing middle homes in the 1st quartile of embodied GHG efficiency with minimum insulation emissions factors could reduce future embodied residential emissions in Ontario, Canada by 46.7%.

Assessment of NOx Levels in an Underground Hospital Car Park: Implications for Occupational and Environmental Health

Environmental air pollution poses a significant threat to human health, with nitrogen oxides (NOx) identified as contributors to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. This study evaluates NOx levels in an underground car park of a hospital complex, where vulnerable patients frequently visit. NOx levels were assessed using direct-reading devices with high-resolution electrochemical sensors measuring NO and NO2 concentrations. Measurements consistently remained below the legal occupational exposure limit values for car park employees, averaging around 10% of the limit. However, approximately 75% of days recorded NO2 concentrations exceeding 70% of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommendations, with about 20% surpassing the 0.1 ppm limit set by the WHO. The highest recorded one-hour NO2 level reached 0.165 ppm, typically around 11:00 h. The study recommends that vulnerable patients, especially asthmatics, utilize outdoor parking, while all users should avoid using the car park as a waiting area. Employees are advised to spend more time in enclosed spaces with fresh air. Although occupational levels are generally within limits, environmental levels during peak hours could pose risks to vulnerable populations. Mitigation measures, such as increased ventilation during peak hours and restricted access based on emission levels, are suggested to minimize exposure and protect public health.

Home Environmental Factors Associated with Falls Among Elderly in Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand.

The demographics of the world's population have changed over time. Previous research demonstrated the high rate of falls among elderly people living in rural areas in their own houses. This study aimed to use the Thai-Home Fall Hazard Assessment Tool (Thai-HFHAT) to look into the environmental factors inside and outside of residential homes connected to falls among elderly living in rural Thailand. Data was gathered between August and October 2023 using a questionnaire to obtain demographic data and the 44-question Thai-HFHAT survey. The survey was divided into seven sections covering the areas inside and outside the elderly home facility. Descriptive statistics were used in the data analysis, and statistical tests, including Fisher's exact test and the Chi-square test, were used to examine the relationship between environmental factors and falls in elderly people. The study found that issues with an elderly rural home included split-level flooring in the living room, bathroom, and bedroom, an insecurely attached carpet in the kitchen and bedroom, and a shower area not separated from the toilet. The environmental factors linked to falls among the elderly encompass insufficient lighting in the living room, bathroom, bedroom, and parking garage, debris and obstacles such as wires along the path in the living room and parking garage, and the poor condition of the staircase, characterized by inconsistent step heights or a slippery surface. Community agencies should consider the living conditions of elderly people in rural areas to effectively reduce the occurrence of falls among this population.

Help You Locate the Car: A Smartphone-Based Car-Finding System in Underground Parking Lot

Help You Locate the Car: A Smartphone-Based Car-Finding System in Underground Parking Lot

Juergen's Model Approach to the Manufacturing Process for Th(3.77xz+DSr(1.77yz)) Nano Materials at 688.12 MHz per Tesla in a French CERN Cyclotron for Formation of a New Nuclear Fuels 1.09 TeV

Continuous experiments carried out by the International Research Team in the Nano Materials Manufacturing Division which is a sub research of the ALICE Project were carried out at the Betha Group CERN, Lyon, France, an experimental project, one of which aims to determine the type and durability of nuclear nano materials based on Thorium Differentiation Hybrid Matrix based on nuclear hybrid Th (3.77) pairwise sub atomic Muon-Hadron particles with respect to the longitudinal angle function (xz) Deuterium Srontium (DSr) multi group tensoris (1.77yz) for an experimental series in a 687.12 MHz per tesla powering on Super-Gyro Magnetic field, in a series of super magnetic panels of the CERN Cyclotron coil in France with a quantum plasmatic frequency ranging from 901.44 MeV to 1.09 TeV with an azimuth angle range of 31.58 degrees cosine factor and 42.11 degrees tangential vectoric factor. The type of nano material that has undergone a series of verification tests based on the Juergen’s Model at its quantum polarization of 314.55 tesla per currie succeeded in producing the type Th(3.77xz+DSr(1.77yz)) with the breakthrough effect of Kaon atomic sub particles through the Josephson approximation. The multi level quantum plasmatic graduation has succeeded in achieving a sub atomic Electrical Conductivity (EC) value of 1.089 currie per MHz, so that it can be continued as the basis for the formation of new nuclear fuels with a power of 1.09 TeV at various angles of the CERN Cyclotron, in particular 39.72 degrees tensoris per MHz per azimuth.

Research on the Car Searching System in the Multi-Storey Garage with the RSSI Indoor Locating Based on Neural Network

To solve the problem of reverse car searching in intelligent multi-story garages or parking lots, the reverse car searching method based on the intelligent garage of the PC client and mobile client APP was studied, and the interface design and function development of the system’s PC and mobile client APP were carried out. YOLOv5 network and LPRNet network were used for license plate location and recognition to realize parking and entry detection. The indoor pedestrian location method based on RSSI fingerprint signal fusion BPNet network and KNN algorithm was studied, and the location accuracy within 2.5 m was found to be 100%. The research on the A* algorithm based on spatial accessibility was conducted to realize the reverse car search function. The research results indicate that the guidance of the vehicle finding path can be completed while the number of invalid search nodes for the example maps was reduced by more than 55.0%, and the operating efficiency of the algorithm increased to 28.5%.

Optical, thermal and mechanical activation of spiropyrans enhanced by hydrogen bonding interactions and its application in time–resolved encryption

Here, a multi–stimuli–responsive spiropyran molecule with enhanced photochromic, thermochromic and mechanochromic properties was constructed by introducing hydrogen bonding interactions, which is highly sensitive to external stimuli, and its solution and powder change color after two seconds of ultraviolet irradiation. After short–term grinding (10 min) or heating (90 ℃ for 3 min), the powder can also show rapid and reversible fluorescence emission change. The molecule can withstand at least 5 reversible grinding–recrystallization cycles, 5 heating–white light cycles or 20 reversible UV– white light cycles. To our best knowledge, it is seldom reported that spiropyran compounds achieve multi–stimuli response by introducing hydrogen bonds, and there are also rare reports on the influence of hydrogen bonds on multi–stimuli performance. Hydrogen bond interaction makes the spiropyran molecule more sensitive to external stimuli to achieve the multi–stimulus response. Combined with this good photochromism, mechanochromism and thermochromism, a time–resolved multilevel information encryption was explored, which has the following advantages: (1) According to the actual demand, designing and adding the combination of numbers or letters can encrypt a lot of information. (2) The process involves three kinds of stimuli responses (photochromism, mechanochromism and thermochromism), and the complex information switching ensures that the real information is not easy to leak. (3) The encryption and decryption steps are easy to operate and can lower the application threshold. This work is a rare example of improving the photochromism, mechanism and thermochromism of spiropyrans by hydrogen bonding, which can also provide guidance for designing functional spiropyrans for multi–level information encryption.

Design of a Smart Lighting System Based on Sensor Integration and Automation

As a crucial application of modern technology, smart lighting systems are transforming our interaction with the living environment. The key lies in utilizing advanced sensor technology to maximize lighting efficiency and conserve energy. This paper focuses on designing a sensor-based lighting control system that integrates Passive Infrared and light intensity sensors for the automated management of environmental lighting. Our research has extensively explored the integrated application of PIR and light-intensity sensors. The design aims to automatically adjust indoor lighting based on environmental light conditions and the presence or absence of occupants to enhance comfort and energy efficiency. The sensor fusion algorithm was optimized through a series of experiments to improve detection accuracy and effective energy utilization. Based on the design analysis, the system can significantly enhance energy savings by reducing unnecessary lighting without compromising occupant comfort. The system’s design also considers rooms of varying sizes and layouts, demonstrating good adaptability and versatility. The significance of this research lies in providing innovative solutions for the smart lighting domain. By enhancing the intelligence and responsiveness of lighting systems in home and commercial environments, our design offers a more intuitive and energy-efficient lighting experience. It paves the way for future developments and innovations in lighting systems. This work highlights the immense potential of sensor-based systems in creating interactive and adaptive environments suitable for diverse settings such as homes, corridors, and underground garages.

SAR Multi-Angle Observation Method for Multipath Suppression in Enclosed Spaces

Synthetic aperture radar (SAR) is a powerful tool for detecting and imaging targets in enclosed environments, such as tunnels and underground garages. However, SAR performance is degraded by multipath effects, which occur when electromagnetic waves are reflected by obstacles, such as walls, and interfere with the direct signal. This results in the formation of multipath ghost images, which obscure the true target and reduce the image quality. To overcome this challenge, we propose a novel method based on multi-angle observation. This method exploits the fact that the position of ghost images changes depending on the angle of the radar, while the position of the true target remains stable. By collecting and processing multiple data sets from different angles, we can eliminate the ghost images and enhance the target image. In addition, we introduce a center vector distance algorithm to address the complexity and computational intensity of existing multipath suppression algorithms. This algorithm, which defines the primary direction of multi-angle vectors from stable scattering centers as the center vector, processes and synthesizes multiple data sets from multi-angle observations. It calculates the distance of pixel intensity sequences in the composite data image from the center vector. Pixels within a specified threshold are used for imaging, and the final result is obtained. Simulation experiments and real SAR data from underground garages confirm the effectiveness of this method in suppressing multipath ghost images.

Building Visual Maps From Two-Camera Views for Intelligent Vehicle Localization in Underground Parking Lots

Building Visual Maps From Two-Camera Views for Intelligent Vehicle Localization in Underground Parking Lots

Localization for Intelligent Vehicles in Underground Car Parks Based on Semantic Information

Localization for Intelligent Vehicles in Underground Car Parks Based on Semantic Information

Driver-Centric Urban Route Planning: Smart Search for Parking

With urbanization, there is a growing need for mobility. Challenges for urban drivers include finding available parking spaces. Searching for a parking spot can be a frustrating experience, often time consuming and costly. Also, the increasing number of vehicles on the roads leads to an additional strain on traffic flow, while the search for parking spaces lowers the level of service. In inner cities, vehicles circulate in search of an available parking space, leading to an increase in travel time, fuel consumption, pollutant emissions, and a decrease in traffic safety. The search for a free parking space generates a significant increase in traffic in urban areas. To solve the parking search problem, it is necessary to develop certain strategies and measures that minimize circling in search of a parking space. The implementation of intelligent transportation systems stands out. By applying intelligent transport systems, drivers are provided with information about free parking spaces, which reduces the circulation of vehicles in search of free parking. Although initially ITS systems mainly provided services for closed parking lots and garages, with the further development of the system, the service was extended to street parking lots or open-type parking lots. These measures not only solve traffic challenges but also promote sustainability in urban areas. This article analyzes the effect of a cooperative approach of guiding vehicles to available parking spaces compared to a standard model of searching for an available parking space. Within the framework of the advanced model for searching for available space, four parking demand scenarios were defined and simulated. Based on the created traffic simulation, a comparative analysis was made between the classic and cooperative approach, while the primary differences are manifested in the load of the traffic flow A simulation model was developed using the road network from the urban center of Zagreb.

Digital Signal Compensation and Sounding Depth Analysis of Portable Frequency-Domain Electromagnetic Exploration System.

Low-resistivity objects produce eddy currents when excited with electromagnetic waves of a certain frequency and then generate an eddy electromagnetic field. A portable frequency-domain electromagnetic exploration system can be used to identify this eddy electromagnetic field, and then the low-resistivity objects can be positioned. At present, portable frequency-domain electromagnetic method (FEM) exploration systems use analog signal compensation, and the sounding depth is generally calculated using empirical formulas. In order to improve the rationality of signal compensation, this paper puts forward a digital signal compensation technology, including a device design, an information extraction method, and a primary field calibration method, and makes an exploration prototype based on the digital signal compensation technology. Using 10 nV as the minimum potential detection capability, the sounding depth of the portable FEM was analyzed, and it was found that when investigating a target with the same depth, a lower frequency required a larger emission current. If this could not be met, the sounding depth became smaller, and a phenomenon appeared in which the lower the operating frequency, the smaller the sounding depth. Through the detection of known underground garages, the apparent conductivity and normalized secondary field anomalies with higher sensitivity were obtained, which indicates that the detection system based on the digital signal compensation technology is effective in practical exploration. Via long-distance detection experiments on cars, it was confirmed that the sounding depth of the portable multi-frequency FEM in practical work indeed decreases with a decrease in the operating frequency.

A dopant-assisted iodide-adduct chemical ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometer based on VUV lamp photoionization for atmospheric low-molecular-weight organic acids analysis

Formic and acetic acids are the most abundant gaseous organic acids and play the key role in the atmospheric chemistry. In iodine-adduct chemical ionization mass spectrometry (CIMS), the low utilization efficiency of methyl iodide and humidity interference are two major issues of the vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) lamp initiated CIMS for on-line gaseous formic and acetic acids analysis. In this work, we present a new CIMS based on VUV lamp, and the ion-molecular reactor is separated into photoionization and chemical ionization zones by a reducer electrode. Acetone was added to the photoionization zone, and the VUV photoionization acetone provided low-energy electrons for methyl iodide to generate I−, and the addition of acetone reduced the amount of methyl iodide by 2/3. In the chemical ionization zone, a headspace vial containing ultrapure water was added for humidity calibration, and the vial changes the sensitivity as a function of humidity from ambiguity to well linear correlation (R2 > 0.95). With humidity calibration, the CIMS can quantitatively measure formic and acetic acids in the humidity range of 0%-88% RH. In this mode, limits of detection of 10 and 50 pptv are obtained for formic and acetic acids, respectively. And the relative standard deviation (RSD) of quantitation stability for 6 days were less than 10.5%. This CIMS was successfully used to determine the formic and acetic acids in the underground parking and ambient environment of the Shandong University campus (Qingdao, China). In addition, we developed a simple model based formic acid concentration to assess vehicular emissions.