North-south Axis Research Articles

Multi-criteria decision analysis using GIS in assessing suitability for a solar-powered biomass briquetting plant in the Gambella region, Ethiopia

Biomass briquetting presents a promising avenue for alternative cooking energy, enhancing livelihoods, and fostering sustainable development. This study underscores the abundant biomass resources in the Gambella region, primarily composed of savanna and woody savanna, which encompass 77 % of the land area, consisting mainly of forest and agricultural waste. Leveraging these resources can ensure a renewable and sustainable cooking energy supply, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to clean energy and environmental conservation. Consequently, this thesis endeavors to identify optimal sites for establishing solar-powered non-wooden biomass briquetting plants across the region. Various spatial and non-spatial datasets, including solar radiation, slope, land use/land cover (LULC), and proximity to roads, rivers, and towns, were utilized for area delineation and mapping. Parameters such as solar radiation, slope, and river streams were derived from 30 m resolution digital elevation models (DEMs). The Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) was employed to calculate criteria weights for overlay analysis, resulting in a suitable solar farm site map. The study reveals that land use/land cover exerts the most significant influence, with a weight of 46.58 %, followed by solar radiation strength (20.42 %), slope (15.52 %), proximity to roads (8.26 %), proximity to rivers (5.46 %), and proximity to towns (3.77 %). By integrating parameter suitability and weight assignment in ArcGIS spatial analysis, a suitability map was generated, highlighting highly suitable areas predominantly along the North-South axis through central Gambella. This area covers approximately 12,094.49 km², constituting 47 % of the study area. These findings have practical implications, as they can inform local policymakers and actors in strategically addressing the region's dire need for sustainable cooking energy. This contribution can support the development of localized renewable energy strategies and promote long-term energy security in line with local energy policies.

Spatial sampling bias influences our understanding of early hominin evolution in eastern Africa.

The eastern branch of the Eastern African Rift System (EARS) is the source of a large proportion of the early hominin fossil record, but it covers a tiny fraction (ca. 1%) of the continent. Here we investigate how this mismatch between where fossils are preserved and where hominins probably lived may influence our ability to understand early hominin evolution, using extant mammals as analogues. We show that the eastern branch of the EARS is not an environmentally representative sample of the full species range for nearly all extant rift-dwelling mammals. Likewise, when we investigate published morphometric datasets for extant cercopithecine primates, evidence from the eastern branch alone fails to capture major portions of continental-scale cercopithecine cranial morphospace. We suggest that extant rift-dwelling species should be used as analogues to place confidence intervals on hominin habitat reconstructions. Furthermore, given the north-south orientation of the eastern branch of the EARS, morphoclines that are not aligned along this major north-south axis are likely to be poorly sampled by sites in the eastern branch. There is a pressing need for research on the geography of early hominin morphoclines to estimate how morphologically representative the hominin fossil sample from the eastern branch may be.

Multifactor Mathematical Modeling and Analysis of the Impact of Extreme Climate on Geological Disasters

Objective: To investigate the impact of extreme climate on geological disasters in Shanxi and propose effective disaster prevention and mitigation strategies. Methods: Using daily temperature and precipitation data from 27 meteorological stations in Shanxi Province from 1975 to 2020, 32 extreme climate indices were calculated. Combined with geological disaster site data, the distribution characteristics of extreme climates and their relationship with geological disasters were analyzed, and a regression model for geological disaster risk zones was constructed. Results: Sixteen extreme climate indices in Shanxi Province showed significant changes, especially TMAXmean (100% significant). Indices related to negative precipitation effects showed a declining trend, with 77.78% being significant, while 96.3% of positive temperature effect indices showed an increasing trend, with 73.6% being significant. Geological disaster hotspots were concentrated in the mid-altitude (500–1500 m) hilly and low mountain areas along the central north–south axis and on Q and Pz strata. Extreme high-temperature indices were significantly positively correlated with geological disaster hotspots, while extreme low-temperature indices were negatively correlated. Indices related to extreme heavy precipitation (e.g., R99p.Slope, RX5day.Slope) were associated with an increase in geological disaster hotspots, whereas higher total precipitation and frequent heavy precipitation events were associated with a decrease in disaster hotspots. The grey relational degree between the Z-score and TXn.Slope, TXx.Slope, GSL.Slope, and TX90P.Slope was greater than 0.8. The random forest model performed best in evaluation metrics such as MAE, RMSE, and R2. Conclusions: Shanxi is likely to experience more extreme high-temperature and precipitation events in the future. The low-altitude hilly and terraced areas in Zones III and VII are key regions for geological disaster prevention and control. High temperatures and extreme rainfall events generally increase the disaster risk, while higher total precipitation reduces it. The random forest model is the optimal tool for predicting geological disaster risks in Shanxi Province.

Host lifestyle and parasite interspecific facilitation mediate co‐infection in a species‐poor host–parasite system

Despite their important ecological role, questions remain on mechanisms structuring parasite assemblages. We present an endemic and species‐poor parasite–host system of two species of clupeid fishes Limnothrissa miodon, Stolothrissa tanganicae) and two species of monogenean parasites (Kapentagyrus, Dactylogyridae) from Lake Tanganyika as a model to study parasite distribution patterns and co‐infection dynamics in nature. We modelled spatiotemporal dynamics of parasite–host interaction using infection data along the north–south axis of Lake Tanganyika (660 km) over the course of two seasons and four years (1730 fish, 3710 parasites). We found temporal stability of parasite infection, which contrasts with previously reported seasonally driven fluctuations of fish host abundances. We found a difference in spatial structure between the parasite species which follows the contrasting dispersal pattern of their respective host species. On L. miodon, the host species that is infected by the two parasite species, we discovered a positive correlation with host body size for one parasite species, and a negative correlation for the other species. The apparent host‐size related replacement in the two parasite species infecting L. miodon contrasts with the beneficial influence that each of the parasite species has on the other. Parasites have been reported in previous studies to change habitat depending on host size/age. Differences in abundance and prevalence here reported between parasite species infecting the same host species related to the host body length further illustrate the parasites' dependence on changes in lifestyle of the host during its ontogenetic development. Also, possible mechanisms underlying the reported facilitation of infection are discussed. In conclusion, we show that in this closed, species‐poor system parasite infection dynamics are dependent on a combination of host mobility, host lifestyle changes over ontogenetic development, and interspecific interactions between parasites.

How will the combining of the elevation of rail lines with urban redevelopment reduce the north–south (east–west) disparity in the city? A case study of Kyoto-Osaka-Kobe conurbation, Japan

Railroads are generally the primary public transportation system connecting the region. However, when a railway crosses a city, it divides it into north-south (east-west), creating the front and rear sides of the city. In Japan, grade separation projects elevate the existing railway lines. The primary purpose is to relieve traffic congestion caused by railroad crossings. However, integrating the north–south axis has also been highlighted. In addition, creating a new centrality to station spheres in mature cities will be an essential guideline for the future formation of an urban structure centered on station spheres by transit-oriented development. This study focused on 12 cases in which an elevated railway line in the Kyoto-Osaka-Kobe conurbation of Japan was combined with an urban redevelopment project. We investigated changes in land use and land prices in the surrounding area. The study results confirmed that the disparity between the front and rear sides tended to shrink. In addition, based on the station's characteristics and area to be redeveloped, a policy for more effective integrated redevelopment and elevation projects was identified. The findings of this study will assist in reorganizing cities into a more sustainable urban structure by eliminating urban fragmentation centered on railway stations.

Comprehensive performance analysis of CST-PV system based on spectral beam splitting film

Abstract In this paper, a novel linear Fresnel concentrator (LFC) with a rotating platform was constructed, and a novel concentrated solar thermal and photovoltaic (CST-PV) hybrid system utilizing spectral beam splitting was established on the LFC. A spectral beam-splitting film (SBSF) was coated on the PV cell’s inner glass wall, replacing the LFC’s primary reflector. The SBSF can transmit the solar spectrum of 300-1100 nm to the photovoltaic (PV) cells and reflect the remaining solar wavelengths to the absorber to generate heat. The LFC’s cosine efficiency and end efficiency after azimuthal compensation by a rotating platform were calculated through theoretical analysis. The effects of temperature on the efficiency of PV and linear Fresnel solar systems were studied through experimental and numerical simulations. The comprehensive utilization efficiency evaluation method was established. The results show that the LFC’s end efficiency and cosine efficiency in this paper, after azimuthal compensation, increased by 31.7% and 33.7%, respectively, compared with the east-west and north-south axis placement. The comprehensive utilization efficiency of the CST-PV system based on SBS is 61.58%, which increased by 13.47% compared to that of the single fixed PV system.

Research on mobilization and effective utilization of capital for high-speed rail system development in countries: Some issues for Vietnam

The construction project of the high-speed rail (HSR) line on the North-South axis has extremely immense scale, with complex technical-technological standards, deeply and long-term impacting the country's economic and social development. This marks the first implementation of such project in Vietnam, thus requiring thorough and comprehensive research and evaluation. The selection of an appropriate financial mechanism is crucial to the project's success. The Vietnamese government is currently implementing a socialization policy in the transportation sector in general, and the North-South HSR project is proposed to be executed through a public-private partnership (PPP) model. In this framework, the state budget plays a leading and decisive role; external resources are deemed vital for breakthroughs. However, aspects such as how to mobilize funds, how the private sector participates, how it is managed, how the capital is repaid, whether to opt for limited-term transfers or lease of asset exploitation rights, over how many years... have yet to be addressed. Researching the mobilization and utilization of financial resources in countries with developed HSR systems, the authors observe varying investment and operational methods in each nation. Even within a single country, different financial models are applied in distinct phases. Alongside the successes achieved, there are instances of failed projects resulting in substantial losses. Hence, in addition to analyzing experiences in mobilizing and using funds for construction investment of HSR systems in other countries, the article also assesses the advantages and challenges for Vietnam. These are vital suggestions to aid the Vietnamese government in drawing lessons and selecting appropriate forms of mobilization and use of capital in line with the country's actual resources, exploiting the potential and advantages of the country.

Exploring aspects of Neanderthal mobility in the Mani Peninsula: Evidence from Lithic Raw Material procurement and management at Kalamakia Cave, Greece

The Kalamakia cave located on the western Mani Peninsula, southern Greece is a Middle Palaeolithic site dated between ∼100,000 and >39,000 years BP. The aim of this paper is to provide insights into the Neanderthal groups’ mobility by addressing the lithic raw material procurement and management, with reference to the Kalamakia cave assemblage. The methodology included field survey and laboratory analyses, encompassing macroscopic, petrographic, and geochemical ones, for the location and identification of the sources of used lithic raw materials. Local, semi-local and allochthonous lithic raw materials were used by the Neanderthals at the Kalamakia cave to manufacture tools. The presence of various lithic raw materials used at the cave suggests diverse mobility strategies. The semi-local black/grey chert, followed by the allochthonous andesite was mostly used. Andesite transported across an east–west axis presents a long-term stability, both in terms of percentages and the different artefact types transported in both Unit III and IV of the cave. The significant quantities of andesite in the cave’s assemblage suggest non-random mobility, possibly linked to the exploitation of different ecological environments available in the region. The north-western part of the peninsula saw additional exploitation by groups moving along the coastal north–south corridor. However, cherts transported along this axis occurred occasionally, and their quantities were notably smaller in comparison to andesite. The strategic location of the cave close to the intersection of two natural movement routes, may have played a key role in the circulation of Palaeolithic inhabitants, facilitating movements along east–west and north–south axes.

Analysis of the purpose behind urban planning in accordance with the shifts in the centrality of Hanyang during the early Joseon dynasty

ABSTRACT During the Joseon Dynasty, the construction process of Hanyang (漢陽) underwent multiple cycles of suspension and resumption. While previous studies have often interpreted Hanyang as a city shaped by geographical specificity influenced by Confucianism and feng shui order, this study emphasizes how the initial urban plans diverged during the latter phases, highlighting how the trajectory of city planning evolved based on changing circumstances and conditions. This study employs an analytical approach to trace the evolution and adoption of the purpose behind the urban planning of Hanyang during the early Joseon Dynasty, focusing on the fact that facilities embodying the ideology and purpose of urban development are placed within the city center. Consequently, symbolic centers such as Gyeongbokgung Palace (景福宮), Jongmyo Shrine(宗廟), and Sajik Alter (社稷壇) were established following “Joorye (周禮),” “Gogonggi (考工記),” and feng shui order in Hanyang. However, geographical influences led to partial alterations in the plans, resulting in a curved and modified north-south axis. The development of Hanyang initially prioritized major internal facilities and roads; then it focused on the expansion of the city’s external territorial boundaries. This process, however, resulted in a lack of connection between the city center and its external boundaries. Subsequently, adjustments were made to the urban structure and connectivity by closing and relocating certain city gates. The construction of the Fortress Wall of Hanyang further fortified internal solidarity. The (former) Jongru Bell Tower was positioned at the center, surrounded by a market to enhance visual and spatial centrality. Following the reorganization of the road structures upon King Taejo’s reign, the Jongru Bell Tower’s location shifted to the intersection of the main arterial roads. This adjustment aimed to combine both mobile and spatial centrality. The Jongru Intersection, featuring a large pavilion, was constructed to reinforce its function as an intersection; citizens of Hanyang could thereby recognize this as its city center. The city center of Hanyang underwent transformations over different periods, considering its symbolism, geography, and transportation. In sum, Hanyang was initially constructed in adherence to feng shui and Confucian thought; then, urban development placed a focus on geographical centrality once the city territory was confirmed. Later, as roads were reorganized, centrality shifted towards crucial transportation points.

Lakeshore areas of conservation interest: Characteristics of nursery areas of the threatened lake‐dwelling grayling, Thymallus thymallus

AbstractResearch‐based knowledge is essential for effective conservation and restoration of threatened aquatic species and habitats. Here, our aim was to gather this knowledge on the lake‐dwelling grayling (Thymallus thymallus), typically a riverine fish. Such atypical populations are particularly vulnerable to anthropogenic impacts, including fishing pressure, climate change, eutrophication and waterway construction, some of which affect especially the early life stages. However, there is little information available to guide management and conservation of grayling in lakes. Accordingly, we assessed characteristics of the nursery areas in the threatened grayling population of Lake Puruvesi (eastern Finland). In particular, we used beach seines in two consecutive years to sample lakeshore sites (including islands) that were a priori presumed suitable for grayling. We assessed the occurrence of grayling fry (larvae and post‐larvae <40 mm in length) regarding depth, year, the site's exposure (fetch), bottom shear stress, substrate coarseness and shoreline's north–south orientation. Overall, we found grayling fry in low numbers at every fourth site, with the sites’ exposure and dominant substrate coarseness being most relevant variables. In particular, more exposed sites (i.e. with higher fetch values) and fine‐grained substrates dominated by sand or gravel had more grayling fry. Average depth, bottom shear stress or shoreline orientation along the north–south axis did not have a significant effect. Together, the results suggest that the most important nursery areas for lake‐dwelling grayling are lakeshore zones that are barren and exposed. Hence, the sites share characteristics with those used for reproduction by the more common riverine grayling. We hope that these findings will facilitate lake‐dwelling grayling's management and conservation efforts.

A combined LOFAR and XMM-Newton analysis of the disturbed cluster PSZ2G113.91-37.01

In this work, we investigate the interplay between the X-ray and radio emission of the cluster PSZ2G113.91-37.01 (z = 0.371) using the high-quality XMM-Newton observations of the Cluster HEritage project with XMM-Newton – Mass Assembly and Thermodynamics at the Endpoint of structure formation (CHEX-MATE), and the images from the second data release of the LOFAR Two-meter Sky Survey (LoTSS-DR2). The cluster is undergoing a merger along the north-south axis and shows a central radio halo and two radio relics, one in the southern region and one in the northern one. Analysis of the intracluster medium (ICM) distribution revealed the presence of a northern surface brightness (SB) jump associated with the merger event. By extracting spectra across this discontinuity, we classified the edge as a cold front. Furthermore, we made use of upgraded Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope observations that allowed us to perform a spectral analysis of the G113 radio emission. We found evidence for the re-acceleration of particles in the northern relic, and we measured an associated Mach number of ℳ = 1.95 ± 0.01, as inferred from radio observations. We then performed a point-to-point analysis of the X-ray and radio emission, both in the halo and in the northern relic regions. We found a strong correlation for the halo and an anti-correlation for the relic. The former behaviour is in agreement with previous studies. The relic anti-correlation is likely related to the reverse radial distribution of the X-ray (increasing towards the cluster centre) and radio (decreasing towards the cluster centre) emissions. Finally, we performed a point-to-point analysis of the radio emission and the residuals obtained by subtracting a double β model from the X-ray emission. We found a strong correlation between the two quantities. This behaviour suggests the presence of a connection between the process responsible for the radio emission and the one that leaves fluctuations in the X-ray observations.

Transatlantic LatinX studies, Iberian studies, and the Global South

More than a special issue, this endeavor serves as a sourcebook and provocation amplifying embryonic but interlinked sites of inquiry: LatinXness in Spain and its vital conversation with US LatinX studies as well as Iberian studies. LatinXs share historical and cultural connections to the Spanish and American empires. The contemporary period marks a significant moment on both sides of the Atlantic, as Spain now houses Europe’s largest LatinX population and the shifting ground of LatinXness exceeds the United States as well as a North-South axis of analysis. With an eye toward being wide-ranging, bringing forward fresh insights, and offering a crucial reference for an expanding area of interest—transatlantic LatinX studies—this undertaking provides historical contexts, defining moments, conceptual parameters, and critical approaches that appraise how Spain’s sociocultural and intellectual climate has fully entered a LatinX epoch. The exploration faces a cluster of questions: What do current characterizations of Spanishness invigorate when it admits a long ignored—and inseparable—LatinX foundation? What constitutes Spanish national currency when animated by LatinX bodies and imaginations? What is Spain—and what is Europe—to LatinXness and the Global South? What kind of new Spain—and new Europe—emerge from LatinXness and Global Southness? Collected here are original arguments and contributions—academic articles, think pieces, critical conversations, poetry, and creative nonfiction—orienting us on central thematic concerns that include: new directions and perspectives in transatlantic LatinX studies; the idea of Europe and Europeanness from Spain’s southernmost archipelago, the Canary Islands; LatinX nonhuman origins at the Royal Botanical Garden in the Spanish capital; the history, uses, and dissemination of the Panchito/Panchita racial slur; Madrid’s twenty-first century LatinX Spanish language, migration, and culture; present-day brown drag performance and practices; Afro-Spanish-Colombian poetry and politics; rurality, depopulation, and LatinX repopulation in Aguaviva, Spain; diasporic bodies and expressions of identity through movement; and movement in translation, X equivalencies across bodies, geographies, and languages. The volume, as a whole, is an entry point into LatinX studies and Iberian studies marshaling ideas and thinking tools that may be veering toward a new field of study.

Performance of vertically mounted bifacial photovoltaics under the physical influence of low-rise residential environment in high-latitude locations

This study focuses on finding suitable installation sites for vertical bifacial photovoltaic (VBPV) panels in urban low-rise neighborhoods at high latitudes. The power production of east-west-oriented VBPV systems matches well with domestic electricity consumption profiles, increasing the self-consumption of PV electricity. Furthermore, PV electricity adds economic value by avoiding transmission fees and taxes. These systems are especially beneficial in high-latitude locations characterized by a low solar elevation angle. However, these low angles expose VBPV panels to a high risk of shading losses from their surroundings, and it is unknown how much shading limits the number of suitable installation sites. Here, environmental shading on VBPV panels is quantified for three low-rise residential neighborhoods in Helsinki, a high-latitude location, by comparing the specific yields (annual electricity production per kilowatt peak) of VBPV and monofacial PV (MPV) systems. The results showed that unshaded VBPV systems have a higher specific yield than their MPV counterparts. However, in densely built neighborhoods with tall trees, the lack of suitable installation sites for VBPV panels severely limits the peak power of these systems. Roof ridge VBPVs usually yield high production, while façade- and ground-mounted systems lose between 30% and 70% compared to roof ridge VBPV systems depending on their installation locations. South-oriented MPVs perform better than VBPVs on north-south-facing roofs, both in terms of specific yield and total annual production. Conversely, VBPVs installed on the ridges of unshaded roofs aligned closely with the north-south axis outperform MPVs on east- and west-facing roofs by 20%–30%.

International north-south transport corridor: New economic and trade opportunities for India and Armenia

The study aims to identify the main characteristics of the North-South ITC and the possibility of Armenia’s participation in this great international project. To achieve that goal, the advantages of the corridor were presented, the role and importance of India in the implementation of this project were discussed. The article discusses the role of transport in the integration of the member countries of the International North–South Transport Corridor and activities on international project for the development of transport corridor in the region. With its geographical position and improving connectivity with the countries of Europe and Asia, Armenia has a real opportunity to become a bridge. The economic policies of the member countries of the international transport corridor should be based on several goals: assisting communication with nearest countries, enlarging and facilitating access to international markets through the communication routes stretching to Central Asia and Europe. Mutually beneficial cooperation in the energy sector of the countries located on the North-South axis is also very promising.

Activities of antioxidant enzymes and Hsp levels in response to elevated temperature in land snail species with varied latitudinal distribution.

Land snails occupy a variety of habitats, with differing temperature and humidity regimes and exhibit a wide span of adaptations, to withstand abiotic condition changes. The present work's aim was to examine the correlation of habitat's thermal adversity in different Mediterranean type habitats with the land snail's antioxidant and heat shock responses. For this purpose, snails of different species from populations along a north-south axis from the islands and mainland of Greece were exposed to elevated temperature and antioxidant enzyme activities, and Hsp70 and Hsp90 levels were determined in their tissues. The ATP, ADP, and AMP levels and the adenylate energy charge (AEC) were also determined. The comparison of protein levels and enzymatic activities across time intervals revealed significant differences for all factors examined. While the gradation pattern over time for a given factor was similar in all populations the absolute values over time differed. Catalase activity and the Hsp90 protein levels had the higher contribution in separating the different species and populations, followed by the activity of glutathione reductase and Hsp70 protein levels which contributed to a lesser degree. In general, populations from the southern part of their distribution in Greece tend to display a faster increase than northern populations in induction levels of all factors examined. Our data seem to be in line with the concept of preparation for oxidative stress (POS) while the changes in the AEC indicate an early preparation to cover the energy demand for the induction and synthesis of antioxidant enzymes and Hsps.

Late Cretaceous–Early Paleogene tectonic events in the “North–South Axis” of Central Tunisia

In order to better constrain the structural evolution of the North–South Axis (NOSA) running through central Tunisia, a multidisciplinary approach based on geological mapping, field observations and paleostress analysis was used. The geological study of the middle part of the NOSA including the Gadoum, Akrouta, Sidi Khalif, Khechem El Kaleb and Faïd structures, showed the predominance of N–S and E–W fault sets. Movement on the faults of this fault network caused the formation of depositional areas and the collapsed and tilting of fault bounded blocks located in the Southern part of the Gadoum–Akrouta sector. The Gadoum and Akrouta Jebels formed as a result of slip and rotation on a single N–S trending listric fault in the Cenomanian during which time reactivation of both the N–S and E–W fault sets occurred. During Coniacian–Santonian times, when the Aleg Formation was being deposited, the study area was affected by a transtensive regime. This regime led to the division of the area into blocks (e.g., the Gadoum–Akrouta block and the Wadi El Abiod Syncline) and this resulted in the Aleg Formation being deposited with variable thicknesses. During the Campanian–Early Maastrichtian, a N–S transpressive regime was established, and this regime, coupled with the salt tectonics, resulted in the formation of an angular unconformity, subsidence inversion and lateral thickness variations of the Abiod Formation. During the Early Eocene, an E–W fault network affected the sedimentary basin. These faults, arranged in steps, generated accommodation spaces for sediments which increase in thickness along the North–South Axis.

Cardinal direction judgment based on the integration of spatial reference frames in different languages

Abstract This study investigates how integrated egocentric and environmental reference frames influence direction determination and cardinal direction judgments in L1 speakers of Mongolian and Mandarin. The results show that in direction determination, Mandarin participants’ integrated frame of reference is “front-north, back-south, left-west, and right-east.” By contrast, Mongolian participants use two modes of integrated spatial representation: “front-south, back-north, left-east, and right-west” and “front-north, back-south, left-west, and right-east”. This behavior points to influences from the participants’ dominant and non-dominant languages. Mongolian and Mandarin participants showed a north advantage in cardinal direction judgment tasks with a “front-north” response configuration. Whereas Mandarin participants consistently showed a north advantage effect, Mongolian participants showed a south advantage effect in the “front-south” configuration. This suggests that in addition to the long-recognized difference in north-south/east-west axis preference, a north-south axis specification where south was the normative direction instead of north can result from cultural and linguistic influence. The results corroborate the idea that language affects the integration of spatial reference frames, lending support to linguistic relativism.

The impact of aspect ratio of buildings implementing Horizontal light pipe and shading systems on daylight performance

ABSTRACT Deep-plan buildings limit daylight use in spaces far from the building perimeter, leading to uneven daylight distribution. Integrating a Horizontal Light Pipe (HLP) as an optical daylighting system, reflective light shelves, and blinds as shading systems can reduce excessive daylight levels at the perimeter area of a building and improve daylight uniformity. Earlier investigations of HLP daylight performance concentrated on fixed building geometries, but few studies focused on the building aspect ratio, one of the design variables of building geometry that greatly influences daylight performance. This study aims to investigate the impact of the aspect ratio of buildings implementing HLP and shading systems on daylight performance. The research method was experimental, using IES-VE simulation as a tool. The daylight factor (DF), uniformity daylight factor (UDF), and useful daylight illuminance (UDI) of various aspect ratios and depths of office buildings implementing HLP and shading systems were analyzed. The results show that increasing the building aspect ratio from 1:1 to 2.1:1 sequentially increased the average DF and UDF values by 18.47% and 17.2%, respectively. Improving the building aspect ratio from 1:1 to 2.1:1 along the east-west axis improved the UDI by 3%, whereas the north-south axis decreased it by 10.2%.

URBAN SPACE AND CULTURAL ARCHETYPES

This paper analyses cultural and aesthetic phenomena and theirinherent meanings within the Japanese city. In the introduction, Ifirst briefly define the key concepts used in the analysis: culturalarchetype, collective memory, and cultural identity. I will approach
 the theme from a comparative point of view by examining Japaneseurban features and archetypal principles in contrast to the Europeancity.Early Japanese urbanisation centred around imperial palaces, withthe first cities founded by successive emperors from the 7th centuryonwards in the Nara region, near present-day Kyoto. The orthogonalplan for the imperial capital was copied from the contemporaneousChinese dynasties. Spatial organisation was hierarchical, imperialquarters were located at the northern end of the central south–northaxis of the city, and the most prestigious plots were around theEmperor’s palace. Kyoto, the historical Heian-Kyô, was founded asthe imperial capital in 794.Tokyo, the historical Edo, became a “castle city” in 1457 when amilitary castle was built, and subsequently the capital when theshôgun moved government from Kyoto to Edo in 1603. The shôgun’scastle, the centre of power, intertwined with the hierarchical urbanorder spiralling around it. Edo gradually became a modern capital,Tokyo, while Kyoto remained the traditional centre of high cultureand the seat of the powerless Emperor until 1868.The Japanese city is a cultural metaphor. Psychological uncertainty,due to the country’s location in a precarious earthquake and volcaniczone, and an awareness of the perishability of life based on Buddhistphilosophy, have all deeply influenced both Japanese culture andthe Japanese mind. Emptiness, the Taoist ideal linked to Buddhistthinking, is also reflected in the urban space. For instance, a Japanesecity has no designated urban centre whereas in the European citythis is a culturally and economically accentuated place.In this paper, I also analyse the Japanese spatial concepts ma andoku, along with their archetypal manifestations in urban tissue andstreet scape. While ma means experiencing space in time, oku refers tothe hidden dimension of the urban experience, or the psychologicalstate of processing a path whereby the urban core remains hiddenand only partially discovered.Regardless of Japan’s recent historical and economic development,the cultural characteristics of urban spaces have not changed a greatdeal. Tokyo is still a mosaic city of small village-type communitieswith an inherent feeling of togetherness. Hidenoby Jinnai has calledthis phenomenon an “ethnic continuity” whereby the new and theold are mixed in an ethnic order.

Thermodynamic analysis and optimization of liquid air power plant integrated with parabolic trough solar collectors

ABSTRACT As to investigate the impact of parabolic trough collector optical characteristics on the comprehensive performance of solar-driven liquid-gas energy storage power plants, this study establishes a mathematical analysis model for a liquid-gas energy storage power plant with a parabolic trough collector. The effects of direct irradiance, collector tracking mode, and component configuration on collector efficiency, round-trip efficiency, and exergy efficiency are analyzed. The results show that when the direct irradiance exceeds 400 W/m2, the round-trip efficiency of the system decreases while the exergy efficiency increases. For every 100 W/m2 increase in irradiance, the round-trip efficiency decreases by 1.54%, and the exergy efficiency increases by 2.36%. The north-south axis tracking mode is superior to the east-west axis tracking mode and dual-axis tracking mode. The component configuration improves the collector efficiency and round-trip efficiency but decreases the thermal efficiency. In low irradiance conditions (direct irradiance less than or equal to 400 W/m2), the system performance is optimal when the collector optical efficiency is maintained at 74%. Under these conditions, the system achieves a maximum net energy output of 495.12 kW·s/kg, the exergy efficiency of 54.5%, and the round-trip efficiency of 18.96%. In high irradiance conditions (direct irradiance greater than 400 W/m2), a 10% increase in collector optical efficiency leads to a 1.94 kW·s/kg decrease in net energy output, a 3.14% decrease in exergy efficiency, and a 0.05% decrease in round-trip efficiency.