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Research indicates that aerosol optical thickness (AOT) values and particulate matter (PM10) measurements can be used as indicators of atmospheric pollution. The problem of relating AOT with suspended particulate matter near the ground is still an open question. While satellite images can provide reliable and synoptic measurements from space, comparisons with monitoring surface level air pollution continues to be a challenge since satellite measurements are column integrated quantities. In this study, in-situ spectroradiometric measurements were taken during satellite overpass using field spectrometers to obtain the reflectance values of the calibration targets used. Sun photometer measurements were taken with the Microtops hand-held sun photometer to measure AOT. Meteorological data was collected from nearby meteorological stations and PM10 measurements were collected from local mobile air pollution stations. Following, the darkest pixel method of atmospheric correction was applied to a series of Landsat satellite images. The reflectance values of the atmospherically-corrected image were used in the radiative transfer equation to solve for AOT. Thematic maps were generated in order to develop air quality indices. The image-derived AOT values were examined for a positive correlation with PM10 measurements. It appears there exists a significant correlation between AOT and PM10 measurements. 2012 SPIE.

The integration of BIM and GIS is the subject of considerable research, particularly as the two coalesce for the purpose of information management. Large scale infrastructure projects require best practice in terms of how information is managed given the volume of information generated throughout the project lifecycle and the numerous parties requiring access to project content. This paper investigates whether the integration of BIM and GIS can enhance information management on large scale linear infrastructure projects. The research comprised a literature review and interviews with a number of BIM/GIS professionals actively working on linear infrastructure projects across the world. Some of the key findings to emerge from this research include the use of GIS web platforms to act as ‘gateways’ to project content, the importance of the CDE for information management, the use of ETL tools for moving data between BIM and GIS and finally the criticality of skilled personnel for ensuring the tools and workflows are applied correctly. The key findings resulted in a proposed implementation strategy for BIM-GIS integration for large scale linear infrastructure projects such as MetroLink. This research demonstrates that BIM and GIS complement each other when it comes to information management and the synergies between them strengthen the case for further integration.

Abstract Mg-substituted hydroxyapatite (HAp) bioceramic microspheres were prepared by spray drying and subsequent processing at 1173, 1273 and 1373 K. Influence of various Mg substitution levels (up to 0.84 ± 0.10 wt%) on physicochemical properties of the HAp bioceramic microspheres was evaluated. Obtained results were used for the elucidation of the compositional and structural characteristics of the microspheres in conjunction with adsorption of protein, namely, bovine serum albumin (BSA). The primary difference among the microspheres processed at various temperature was the presence or absence of the micropores ( i.e. , ion release, and, accordingly, increase in the amount of BSA adsorbed on the microspheres. Furthermore, the BSA adsorption capacity of the microspheres decreased with increasing Mg content despite of higher SSA.

Today one of the topical issues in Latvia relates to the compliance of the architectural practice with the modern concept of sustainable development. Although the beginning of the first decade of the 21st century introduced positive ideas promoting energy efficient architecture in Latvia, the worldwide experience has shown that despite the importance of environmental ideas in designing, their introduction and implementation in practice often encounter problems. This article addresses a number of factors that should be taken into account introducing changes to the current practice of architectural design in line with the modern principles of sustainable development and bioclimatic design.

Employing the critical juncture theory (CJT), a discursive institutionalist approach, this paper examines the nature of the changes to social partnership policy at the end of the decade of the 2000s. Did these changes constitute a transformation in social partnership policy, or were they a continuation of a previously established policy pathway? The CJT consists of three elements – economic crisis, ideational change, and the nature of the policy change – that must be identified for us to be able to declare with some certainty if the changes to social partnership policy constituted a critical juncture. In this context, ideational change is very important, constituting the intermediating factor between a crisis and the subsequent nature of the policy change. Our findings will help explain the nature of the changes to social partnership policy at this time.

Poster showing the Aisling Project which is an after school initiative based in Ballymun. https://arrow.tudublin.ie/civpostbk/1031/thumbnail.jpg

The present study examines Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL) practices in the Cypriot Higher Education (HE) system and their relation to teachers' education in CALL and professional development. It involves 28 second language instructors from public and private universities in the Republic of Cyprus. A survey was designed to assess CALL training, CALL training for technology integration, and CALL practices. The analysis of the data reveals a considerable variety in instructors' training, which ranged from in-service training, seminars, conferences, and lectures on CALL or CALL training as part of Master of Arts (MA) or Philosophical Doctorate (PhD) programmes. Despite this variety, the perception of instructors towards the training received for technology integration was generally positive, particularly in terms of its usefulness for the evaluation, selection, and use of computer-based instructional material. However, we found significant differences in their perception towards the effectiveness of training, leading to the creation of computerbased instructional materials. Similarly, differences were found in the frequency of usage of mobile devices, website creators, wikis, and photo-graphic programmes.

Metamaterials is a large family of microwave structures that produces interesting ε and μ conditions with huge implications for numerous electromagnetic applications. Following a description of modern techniques to realize epsilon-negative, mu-negative and double-negative metamaterials, this paper explores recent literature on the use of metamaterials in hot research areas such as metamaterial-inspired microwave components, antenna applications and imaging. This contribution is meant to provide an updated overview of complex microwave engineering for the generation of different types of metamaterials and their application in topical electromagnetic scenarios.

The nature-inspired theory of hydrophobic surface is an interdisciplinary subject which involves physics, chemistry, material science, and even biology. Nowadays with more developed equipment, we are able to fabricate man-made hydrophobic surfaces which have significant water-repellence and durability what will make this scientific direction maintaining and long-lasting. The present study covers a method of bringing high hydrophobicity to cotton/polyester fabric. Three different commercially available fluorine containing hydrophobic agents were applied to samples in different concentration and compared by physical properties. According to experimental results the sufficient agents’ concentration is ascertained. Samples and recommendations for industrial testing are developed.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.ms.19.2.1139