Journal of Civil Engineering Research & Technology
Journal of Civil Engineering Research & Technology is an open access peer-reviewed journal from the publishers of Scientific Research and Community (SRC) which publishes articles in the form of written, video and power-point presentations from the arena of Civil Engineering Research & Technology. The journal focuses to build up accessing the complete content of articles freely from online for reader’s perusal. Article acceptance will be in the form of Research, Review, Case Reports, Analysis, Magazines, Editorials, Opinion, Communications, Mini-Review, Short Communications, Picturized, Book Review, Video Type and Power Point Presentations (PPTS). You can submit articles online from https://www.onlinescientificresearch.com/submit-online (or) can send through an e-mail with attachment for civilengineering@onlinescientificresearch.info
Empowering Urban Communities Through Participatory Planning: Innovative Extension Practices for SustainableDevelopment
This study is about the importance of engaging people in urban planning. It focuses on innovative extension practices that can lead to community empowerment, bridging gaps and bringing in positive change in communities. The research problem is centered on how inclusive participatory methods can be used efficiently to create more sustainable urban environments driven by communities. The objectives of this study were: to lay out foundation knowledge on urban planning in the Philippines connected to participatory development - finding out ways to bridge the gap with local citizens, assessing how participatory techniques transform peoples’ lives and uncover constraints encountered during implementation of urban planning reforms. The use of, Google Scholar to access free publications such as open-access journals, e-books and reliable news articles among others via internet sources will be the main source of literature review. This research shall utilize systematic literature review, case study analysis, comparative policy analysis, social media analysis, etc. A number of findings show that participation in urban planning promotes increased community ownership over resources; enhances improved project outcomes; strengthens social cohesion within communities; enables better distribution of resources; and increases community resilience against major shocks like disasters. Other challenges include power disparities between different stakeholders, inadequate resource support from government agencies and long-term commitment. The author argues that empowering a community to shape its own neighborhood through innovative extension practices is an effective way to improve lives and inspire change thereby improving quality life for all who live there. This study’s contribution is a call for a paradigm shift towards more collaborative processes requiring inclusive governance informed by local knowledge systems regarding sustainable cities and communities.
Copyright (c) 2025 Journal of Civil Engineering Research & Technology
Development at the Urban Fringes: Analysing Intra-urban Mobility in Peri-urban Communities of Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria
Urbanization is a characteristic of rapidly growing cities, which will, in turn, generate peri-urban areas. Extensive urbanization has occurred in Ado-Ekiti, the capital city of Ekiti State in Nigeria, resulting in the establishment of peri-urban settlements. Transport behavior in intra-urban areas of these settlements is the subject of this paper, and concerns, opportunities, and implications of transport dynamics for socio-economic activity are discussed. The study deconstructs how poor infrastructure, informal transport, and spatial inequality organize mobility and urban integration. The findings present lessons in sustainable planning to optimize accessibility and connectivity in peri-urban Ado-Ekiti.
Is Blockchain Technology Delivering an Efficient Frame work for Electronic Bills of Lading?
This article explores the potential of blockchain technology to provide an efficient and legally compliant framework for electronic bills of lading (eBLs). It evaluates the technical, operational, and legal features of blockchain systems, focusing on their capacity to overcome the limitations of earlier digital documentation models. Through decentralised consensus, cryptographic security, and immutable ledgers, blockchain ensures trust, transparency, and document integrity without reliance on centralised intermediaries. The analysis also examines the role of smart contracts in automating performance obligations and assesses the compatibility of blockchain with the UNCITRAL Model Law on Electronic Transferable Records (MLETR), particularly in relation to uniqueness, exclusive control, identification, time/place indication, and integrity. The article concludes that blockchain-based eBLs not only satisfy the MLETR's functional requirements but also enhance the commercial reliability and legal certainty of maritime trade documentation.
A Review on the Selection of Materials and Mechanical Properties of Railroad Under-Rail Pads
The railroad has become the main pillar of the transportation industry, and the under-rail pads have a cushioning and vibration-damping effect so that the train is safe on the track. The common production materials of under-rail pads are rubber, TPU, HDPE, and EVA and rubber materials can be divided into traditional thermosetting rubber, TPE, and EPDM. Scholars also use a lot of special materials to make the under-rail pads. The different materials used to manufacture under-rail pads make their mechanical properties different. Over the past decades, scholars have never stopped researching the materials used in railroad under rail pads. This paper summarizes the research of scholars in various countries on the materials used for under-rail pads, as well as their mechanical properties and material characteristics. It puts forward suggestions and prospects for the material research of under-rail pads, which can provide references and bases for the subsequent related research.
Solar-Powered Barometric Vacuum Desalination: Modelling, Simulation, and Performance Analysis for Sustainable WaterProduction
This study introduces an innovative, sustainable, energy-efficient approach to desalination using a Barometric Vacuum Desalination System (BVDS). The system passively creates a vacuum through a barometric column, enabling the production of freshwater from saline water at near-ambient temperatures. By leveraging a passively generated vacuum via a barometric column, the system operates with minimal energy input, making it compatible with solar or other low- grade thermal sources. The configuration includes an evaporation chamber equipped with a solar collector, a condenser heat exchanger, and three vertical water columns for saline intake, brine rejection, and freshwater collection—each connected to its own holding tank. Circulation pumps and control valves interconnect these components, ensuring a cost-effective and low-maintenance setup. A MATLAB-based simulation developed using thermodynamic, fluid dynamic, and heat-mass transfer principles, confirms the system’s operational feasibility, energy efficiency, and scalability for high-quality freshwater production. The BVDS also offers a low environmental footprint, making it particularly suitable for deployment in arid or remote regions. Future work will focus on scaling up the system and incorporating thermal storage solutions to enable continuous operation.
IoT Integration in HVAC Systems: Achieving Sustainable Energy Efficiency and Enhanced Occupant Comfort
The Internet of Things (IoT) is transforming the management of Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems by enabling real-time monitoring and intelligent control. Buildings account for about 40% of global energy use, with HVAC systems consuming the largest share. Yet many HVAC operations are inefficient, wasting 20–30% of energy due to rigid controls and lack of feedback. This study investigates the impact of IoT integration on HVAC performance, focusing on improvements in energy efficiency and occupant comfort. We present a comprehensive analysis combining literature review, experimental case studies, and data-driven evaluation. The results demonstrate that IoT-enabled HVAC systems can significantly reduce energy consumption—often by 20–30% or more while maintaining or enhancing indoor comfort. Case studies from commercial buildings and campus facilities illustrate how smart sensors, connected thermostats, and data analytics optimize HVAC operation. Occupant comfort is addressed through adaptive controls and occupant feedback mechanisms, leading to more stable indoor environments. However, challenges such as data security, privacy, and integration costs remain and are discussed alongside future directions for widespread adoption. These findings underscore IoT’s potential to revolutionize HVAC systems, achieving a synergy between sustainability and human comfort in modern buildings.
On The Effectiveness of MOSTAP Sampling in Tailings
The MOSTAP sampling apparatus is a popular tool in geotechnical investigation, since MOSTAP sampling can be done efficiently and cost effectively with the same rig used for CPT testing. Although few publications exist discussing the nuances and application of the MOSTAP sampler in practice, it is generally found that the MOSTAP sampler provides lower quality undisturbed samples when compared to piston tube or block samples. This paper discusses the experiences and learnings from geotechnical investigations where the MOSTAP sampler was employed in platinum and discard sand tailings in Southern Africa. A comparison between different sampler diameters at the same site showed significant improvements in sample recovery with larger diameter samplers. Ancillary equipment such as a core catcher and nylon stockings have significant effects on sample recovery and quality. The soil type and degree of saturation of samples also have a significant effect on sample recovery and sample quality. Transportation and storage of samples were identified as major contributors in moisture loss and sample disturbance. Even with the potential challenges in obtaining a representative sample at depth, MOSTAP samples are shown to be greatly beneficial in evaluating a soil profile and density determination with high confidence, especially when paired with index tests. The opportunity is identified where diligent sample measurement and tracking can provide reliable and invaluable information about a relevant soil stratum. Advanced laboratory testing (e.g., triaxial and oedometer tests) is not recommended on undisturbed MOSTAP samples, these should rather be remolded for critical state line testing, if relevant.
Sustainable Integration of Religious and Monastic Architecture in Rural and Forest Environments: The Nechit Village Project, Romania
This study presents a sustainable architectural project focusing on the construction of an Orthodox Christian Church and Monastic House in Nechit Village, Borlesti Commune, Neamt County, Romania. The development integrates new construction with the adaptive reuse of existing household annexes, transforming them into functional church facilities while preserving the natural and cultural landscape. Located in a forested area outside the built-up zone, the project emphasizes ecological harmony and efficient land use, with a total built area of 657 sqm on a 5400 sqm site. The architectural solution employs reinforced concrete, hollow brick masonry, and wooden roofing structures—balancing traditional craftsmanship with modern engineering. Energy-efficient systems include localized water supply extensions, controlled wastewater management, and a hybrid heating solution combining electric and solid-fuel systems. The design prioritizes minimal environmental impact and long-term sustainability. This project exemplifies how religious and monastic architecture can serve as a model for sustainable rural development—preserving cultural heritage while redefining planning and design practices within natural ecosystems.
Smart Cities: Integrating IoT in Urban Waste Management
The progressive increase in population, industrialization, and consumerism are some of the factors that have contributed to the recent rise in waste generation. Proper management of urban solid waste constitutes a key sustainability challenge, being necessary to avoid landfill disposal. But waste management has also associated impacts: environmental, economic, social, and health. Furthermore, a city without a sanitation system for wastewater is inconceivable in the most developed countries. However, the odorous impact of those facilities is a source of frequent complaints and protests in nearby residential areas. Such pollution often results from the presence of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and other nitrogenous or sulfurous compounds, some of which have very low olfactory thresholds. Thus, it is essential waste management, resource use, and the most impactful production processes to promote the concept of sustainable cities aligned with social well-being. The objective of this research is the evaluation of an innovative gas detection system to detect and control odor emissions from urban waste collection and treatment. Specifically, the prototype is being optimized for implementation in urban waste containers (the emission sources), with the aim of creating an intelligent alarm system that triggers early collection when unpleasant emission thresholds are exceeded. Complementary studies focus on implementing the sensorized system in urban solid waste management plants, where the odorous impact is generally significant (e.g., composting facilities). The prototype activates misting absorption devices in response to odor peaks, markedly reducing the odorous impact. From a holistic point of view, the applicability of the prototype is also being evaluated in the most critical areas of urban wastewater treatment plants, particularly in those facilities where the generation of abundant and smelly sewage sludge is significant. Such digital technologies and innovative infrastructures might allow improving quality of life and promoting the development of “Smart Cities”.
The Economic Architecture of Urban Resilience: Integrating Sustainability, Innovation and Community into Urban Development
This paper aims to show why sustainable urban development cannot be achieved without simultaneously linking financial mechanisms, innovation processes and active community involvement. Through field research in several Croatian cities – including Zagreb, Split, Rijeka, Osijek and Zadar – the opinions, attitudes and experiences of a total of 800 respondents from the public, private and civil sectors were collected. The results clearly confirm that the greatest progress in quality of life, infrastructure resilience and economic vitality is achieved only when all three pillars are synchronized: • Finance (provided through city budgets, green bonds and public-private partnerships) offers long-term investment stability. • Innovation (ranging from digital platforms to circular business models) enables more efficient use of resources and faster adaptation to change. • The community (through the actions of local committees, associations and participatory budgeting) ensures legitimacy, local knowledge and social cohesion. Respondents consistently emphasized that projects that fail to include at least one of these elements encounter greater administrative hurdles, lower citizen engagement, and lower long-term profitability. On the other hand, examples where financial incentives supported technological innovation, and decisions were made in open dialogue with residents, proved to be the most successful in achieving environmental goals, creating new jobs, and strengthening social resilience. The paper therefore concludes that the “synergistic triangle” – finance + innovation + community – is a fundamental prerequisite for sustainable and resilient cities. It proposes a framework of steps that local authorities and partners can follow (1) Diversify sources of capital through green financial instruments, (2) Embed innovation in every infrastructure and social project, and (3) Institutionalize mechanisms for ongoing citizen participation. The paper thus offers a practical roadmap for Croatian, but also other European cities, seeking to balance economic growth, technological progress, and social inclusion on the path to a sustainable future.
Operational Benefits from Industrial Metaverse – The Most Feasible Use Cases
The purpose of the paper is to identify and prioritize the most feasible use cases of the Industrial Metaverse (IM) to deliver operational benefits for companies. It is based on recent findings from a co-research project that consists of five case studies from different industrial enterprises representing different sectors. The research is to pursue understanding and gain new insight on the companies’ needs of how to utilize virtual IM applications in their digital transformation. The research represents a qualitative multiple case-study approach and follows inductive reasoning. Case study material includes company specific interviews and analysis as well as joint workshop discussions and surveys on potential use cases. The paper includes the evolution of industry digitalization and the emerging concept of Industrial Metaverse with its expected benefits. The use cases are studied from the lens of industrial enterprises seeking benefits from new immersive technologies. Best practice sharing to apply new digital capabilities is an essential part of the study. The findings of the case studies deliver new insights into the use of digital twins, video analytics, quadruped robots, as well as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) -capabilities. The selected use cases emphasize the important role of advanced 5G and edge computing to provide an integrated platform offering full mobility, real time data capabilities, cybersecurity, and interoperability across information, communications, and automation system environments. The main conclusion is a set of prioritized Industrial Metaverse use cases in the cost-efficiency, sustainability, and safety opportunity areas. Remote operations and VR training with simulation capabilities are considered the most feasible and high value use cases.
Copyright (c) 2026 Journal of Civil Engineering Research & Technology
Precautionary Implications of Climate Change Impact on Lake Kinneret Water Quality
Critical imperatives are considered with respect to the climate change impact on the Kinneret water quality. A positive correlation was found between nutrient (nitrate excluded) concentrations and the rate of headwater discharges (River Jordan), which creates erosion action that is respectively related to rainfall. The impact of rainfall capacity on underground aquifers and influx of sub-lacustrine salty fluxes into the lake, maintaining the lake's saline load. Enhancement of Bleak fish populations and consequently intensification of zooplankton consumption is positively correlated to climate change features of rainfall regime and capacity. These imperatives are considered as climato-ecological trait. This paper ties them into a spread across the entire ecosystem impact on Kinneret water quality. These factors are respected as uncovered hidden climate change features during the “early period” (1970-2000), whilst enhanced during the “later period” (2001-2018).
Regional Climate Change Symptoms Indication
Several long-term durations (61,85 and 38 years) of climatological records are comparatively evaluated, aimed at indicating regional climate change symptoms. Meteorological parameters such as air temperature, rainfall capacity, wind velocity, gust wind, event frequency, relative humidity and radiation are included. The conclusion indicates the differences between larger and smaller regions, including Jerusalem, the Kinneret drainage basin, and the Hula Valley. Sixty-one years of daily record (1908-1969) of daily rainfall capacity in Jerusalem do not confirm climate change, whilst several climatological parameters recorded in the Hula valley suggest regional climate change.
Electrode Potencials and Chemical Kinetics
I tried to theoretically study the interrelation between the above physical quantities (electrode potential and electron affinity) and generalize it to most elements of the periodic table of Mendeleev, as a result of which I wrote a theoretical general formula for this interrelation
Entangled Photon Electron Following Thermo Field Dynamics Method
Thermo-field dynamics (TFD) is a method linking quantum information to statistical thermodynamics, focus directly on the state because the states in the tilde space in TFD play a role of tracer of the initial states by defining an extended density matrix described on the double Hilbert space. The study of quantum entanglement is more complicated, so the TFD method makes it easier, this is the subject of this paper. We use Thermo-field Dynamics method to study entanglement entropies and transition probability of a Photon-electron system between equilibrium with heat bath, and non-equilibrium, based on the dissipative von Neumann equation. Numerically, at the equilibrium and by controlling the system through temperature, we show that entanglement entropies verify the Nernst’s theorem. By increasing the quantization of a single-mode electromagnetic field, entanglement and transition probability decrease. At non-equilibrium, we show that entanglement entropies obey the second law of thermodynamics, and the emission of a photon decrease the probability of detecting the electron at a quantum level.
Polystyrene Paint for Protecting Concrete Structures from Corrosion
The purpose of this work is development and study the properties of varnish paint materials based on a foam polystyrene solution, intended for corrosion protection of concrete and reinforced concrete building structures. This goal determined the formulation of the following tasks: • Select solvents and determine the optimum polymer concentration • To develop optimal compositions of varnish paint materials • Determine the durability of the developed varnish paint materials under various operating conditions. Information about the possibility of using foam polystyrene waste in the development of paint formulations is given. The optimal types of solvents have been determined. The optimum concentration of the polymer in the solvent has been selected. The long-term strength of polymer coatings has been investigated. The fragile mechanism of destruction for films based on expanded polystyrene solution has been established. It was revealed that in the process of thermal aging of plasticized polymer films based on expanded polystyrene solutions, the nature of the destruction of the coating changes from forced elastic to brittle. The change in the value of the structure-sensitive factor was revealed depending on the content of the plasticizer. In the course of aging, a change in the ratio between the short-term and long-term strength of plasticized coatings is observed.
Contribution to the Study of Pathologies and the Management of Civil Engineering Structures of the Bafoussam MakeneneSection of the National Road Rn4 in Cameroon
In industry, and particularly in the field of Civil Engineering, it has become essential nowadays to assess the condition of Civil Engineering Structures (CES). To effectively estimate and evaluate their state, it is fundamental to analyze the causes of disorders that manifest as pathologies. The objective of this research is to evaluate the condition of civil engineering structures throughout their service life, in order to establish a necessary diagnosis for decision-making and for defining maintenance strategies. First, a condition assessment and an inventory were carried out on the Bafoussam- akenene section of the RN4 national road, aimed at gathering basic information on the structures. Following this inventory campaign, an inspection was also conducted on all the civil engineering structures. Apart from the observed degradations on various deck elements and the lack of monitoring, the surveyed structures were found to be in an “acceptable” state from a structural point of view. Then, using Pareto’s law, statistical analyses were conducted to distinguish the strategic structures for which an enhanced monitoring process must be established. Decision-support tools were also developed, along with a flowchart highlighting the different steps to follow for assessing the condition of a bridge. Finally, the overall operations clearly demonstrated the evaluation of the condition of civil engineering structures along the itinerary, particularly the Ndé Bridge and the Mlem Bridge, on the Bafoussam–Makenene section of the RN4 national road.
Considerations When Restraining Molecularly Oriented PVC Pipe
The benefits of molecularly oriented PVC pipe (PVC-O) are well known and documented. Numerous studies covering improved pipe impact, toughness, hydraulics, and life cycle have been published. There is less information about PVC-O pipe under pipeline hydraulic forces. The objective of this paper is to identify design considerations when restraining PVC-O pipe.
Aspects of Coastal Monitoring and Coastal Protection by Engineering Approaches, Focusing on The Mediterranean Sea
In this review, aspects of coastal vulnerabilities have been pointed out, highlighting the importance of monitoring approaches and possible interventions by using engineering technologies to counteract coastal deterioration have been considered. This review coupled aspects related to the need for accurate monitoring procedures to detect coastal conditions and to control severe concerns affecting coasts, including sea level rise, offering possible solutions in the form of hard and nature-based engineering interventions. This study provided a focus on the hotspots of the Mediterranean coastal area. Innovative approaches in evidencing features of peculiar coastal sites and in providing countermeasures to be considered by local stakeholders and policy makers have been highlighted. Forthcoming investigations should include studies on engineering structures at coasts, focusing on natural based and hybrid engineering approaches, combined with an important and constant monitoring activity both before and after engineering structures inclusion. This review can give insights into future research and into innovative proposals for coasts protection.
Digital Transformation Strategy and Its Role in Developing Municipal Service Management: A Case Study of Municipalityin Oman
Digital transformation has emerged as a critical driver of innovation and efficiency in public sector service delivery, fostering citizen-centric approaches and operational excellence. This study examines the role of digital transformation strategies in enhancing municipal service management, focusing on a case study of a municipality in Oman. Aligned with Oman Vision 2040, the research employs a qualitative approach, including interviews and document analysis, to investigate enablers, barriers, and impacts of digital transformation initiatives. The findings reveal that leadership commitment,strategic alignment, and technological readiness are key enablers, while resistance to change, digital literacy gaps, and regulatory challenges remain significant obstacles. The study highlights the potential of e-governance to transform municipal services, offering recommendations for policymakers to address identified barriers and foster inclusive digital adoption. These insights contribute to the literature on public sector innovation and provide actionable strategies for municipalities navigating their digital transformation journeys.
Investigating Students' Acceptance of Tablet PCs in Rural Areas in Saudi Arabia
The purpose of this study was to examine rural students' acceptance of a prototype tablet PCs, known as IEN bag tablet PCs, that are preloaded with all necessary digital educational resources and do not require Internet access. This study drew on the technology acceptance model (TAM) and took place in the Al-Qunfudhah region of Makkah state in Saudi Arabia. A total of 158 rural students were surveyed for their demographic information,their perceptions of the IEN bag tablet PCs, and their behavioural intentions to use the IEN bag tablet PC. The results of this research confirmed the reliability of TAM model in Saudi Arabia education context, revealing that rural students' perceptions are significantly associated with their intentions to use the IEN bag tablet PC. Furthermore, the perceived ease of use of the IEN bag tablet PC was the strongest determinant of students' attitudes and intentions towards this technology, followed by perceived usefulness. Finally, this study discusses the implications of these results for practice and research.
Building Bridges to the Blue: Ocean Science, Conservation,and Education for Empowered Coastal Communities
Innovative community based monitoring programs and citizen science projects have become transformative forces in the field of marine science and conservation, including local inhabitants as active participants in ongoing research activities. These programs enable people to actively engage in data gathering via thorough training and cooperative efforts, providing insightful information on the complex dynamics and health of marine ecosystems.Community participation in Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) is noteworthy because it introduces co-management practices and gives locals a crucial role in enforcing legislation and managing marine resources sustainably. In this complex strategy, education plays a key role as a foundation for awareness and transformation. Customized initiatives intentionally incorporate marine science into community workshops and school curriculum to provide a deep understanding of marine ecosystems. Using immersive field excursions and interactive workshops as well as other experiential learning strategies improves understanding and fosters a greater feeling of accountability for ocean conservation. Additionally, programs within this paradigm aggressively acknowledge and incorporate indigenous and cultural knowledge, which successfully closes the knowledge gap between traditional ecological wisdom and mainstream science.
The Impact of Thermal Power Plants on Environmental Pollution in Kosovo
This study analyzes the impact of coal-fired power plants on environmental pollution in Kosovo. Coal-fired power plants are significant sources of air, water, and soil pollution. Air pollution includes emissions of pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, while water pollution results from the discharge of contaminated water into rivers. Soil pollution occurs due to the deposition of air pollutants and industrial waste. To reduce environmental pollution, it is important to invest in alternative energy sources such as solar energy, wind energy, and hydropower. Measures should also be taken to treat contaminated water and establish safe methods for the removal and treatment of waste. Public awareness and education about environmental pollution and the importance of clean energy are also crucial in supporting the transition towards a cleaner and more sustainable environment. The study utilizes data and information from the Kosovo Environmental Protection Agency, monitoring by the INKOS Institute, reports from international organizations, as well as relevant scientific research and other reports. The results indicate that environmental pollution from power plants in Kosovo has significant negative consequences on air, water, and soil quality, impacting human health and the broader environment. Meanwhile, to improve the situation, urgent measures and investments in alternative and sustainable energy sources are necessary
Shpresa Thaqi Ndrecaj Shpresa Thaqi Ndrecaj
Digital States: Digitalization in the Midst of Sea Level Rise
The Montevideo Convention provides that a state should possess a defined territory to be a person of international law. The United Nations Convention on the Laws of the Sea also provides that the sovereignty of a coastal state extends, beyond its land territory and internal waters and, in the case of an archipelagic state, its archipelagic waters, to an adjacent belt of sea. Baselines play a pivotal role in the Convention, as they are itself the basis of a state's maritime zones of jurisdiction. Territory is an area over which a state has effective control. Control over territory is of the essence of a state. Territory includes land, maritime areas, airspace, and outer space. In 2100, several cities and countries will be submerged due to sea level rise caused by climate change. This imperils the state's livelihoods, the well-being of its people, and undermines the full realization of a sustainable future for them. More importantly, these countries' status in international law remains unanswered. How will the existing treaties treat these submerged states are they still considered "states"? To what extent can these states exercise their maritime jurisdiction and sovereignty if the coast, where the baselines are drawn, disappears? These questions are relevant in determining whether the state loses its statehood due to the loss of physical territory and whether the state is still entitled to continue its control over the maritime areas. The physical disappearance of all the land territory of a state is unprecedented and the relevant gap in international law is evident. In this study, the proponent seeks to recognize digital territories under international law and how it mends the gap for the current black letter laws in force. First, states, by having their digital counterpart, will continue to enjoy their statehood in a sense of permanence by departing from the concept based on physicality. Digital states will continue to provide services to their nationals, wherever they are, through the Internet. Finally, digital territories will be used as bases for baselines under UNCLOS to continue exercising control over their maritime areas, giving them legal stability and protection.
Copyright (c) 2024 Journal of Civil Engineering Research & Technology
An Environmentally Sustainable Healthcare Unit in Greece
For sustainable development, society needs sustainable health and medical care systems, which themselves must meet sustainability criteria in their operation.However, our health systems face urgent problems that call into question the sustainability of their services. On the one hand, the health care industry has a significant share of carbon dioxide emissions - depending on the source between 5 and 6 percent, produces large amounts of waste (sometimes hazardous) and has a very high-water consumption. Creating an environmentally sustainable healthcare unit in Greece, involves tailoring strategies to the specific environmental challenges and opportunities present in the Greek principles. Parameters that should be examined to achieve this challenge are energy efficiency, green building design, waste management,water conservation, sustainable transportation, community engagement procurement practices and health promotion. Healthcare units can install solar panels to generate electricity, reducing reliance on non-renewable energy sources. Additionally, optimizing HVAC systems and implementing energy-efficient lighting can further reduce energy consumption. Incorporating green building principles into hospital design and renovation projects, can enhance sustainability. This includes eco-friendly building materials, maximizing neutral ventilation and daylighting, and integrating green spaces such as gardens or green roofs. Effective waste management is crucial for environmental sustainability. Healthcare units can implement recycling programs for paper, plastic, glass, and other recyclable materials. Proper segregation and disposal of medical waste are also essential to prevent pollution and protect public health. About water conservation, healthcare units can implement water-saving measures such as installing low-flow fixtures, capturing rainwater for irrigation, and implementing greywater recycling systems. These practices help conserve water resources and reduce strain on local water supplies.
Colonial Spatial Demarcations in British Indian Rangoon
Burma now Myanmar was part of British India for over 100 years. Burma’s colonial experiences position it closer to South Asian experiences than colonial experiences of other parts of Southeast Asia such as Malaya, Vietnam or Indonesia. The British annexed Burma gradually starting in 1826 with the Eastern and Southern parts of the present geographic entity of Burma. Rangoon (now Yangon) was occupied by the British in 1852, and the town was quickly planted with churches, mosques and pretentious grand Indo-Saracenic commercial and administrative buildings designed by British architects and engineers based in British India. Rangoon became thus another showpiece of the pompous colonial architecture of British India. In India, the British usually divided the colonized cities into White Town and Black Town, spatially differentiating the European population, administration and businesses in the White Town from the native Asian population in the Black Town. This paper discusses the extent into which colonial Rangoon as a British Indian construct was segregated along the lines of White Town/ Black Town. The paper furthermore explores the legacies of these colonial racial demarcations and power hierarchies in contemporary Rangoon.
Marja-Leena Heikkila-Horn Marja-Leena Heikkila-Horn
In many parts of the world, flood situations with extreme devastating consequences on people's lives, buildings, and the natural environment occurred in 2023. During the floods, water levels rose up to 5 meters above ground level. One cannot forget the flood in 2002 in Prague, during which 18 metro stations and 19.6 km of track tunnels were flooded. In Bratislava, in the immediate vicinity of the Danube, a four-story underground garage with an unburdened surface was built in front of the Carlton Hotel. There are several lighter objects with multiple basements near the Danube. During extreme floods, these structures can be seriously damaged or destroyed. This contribution provides an overview of the development of extreme flow rates in the Danube, failures and the measures aimed at protecting underground structures during floods.
Floating Platforms for Generating Emission Free Electric Energy
The article presents two concepts of constructing floating platforms at sea intended for emission-free production of electricity. In the first one,electricity is generated using photovoltaic panels placed along the edge of a large circular floating platform. In the second and most important concept each platform consists of two main parts stacked horizontally on top of each other, the lower of which is a floating platform. These two separate components of the platform are connected to each other using special support nodes. Each of these nodes has the general shape of a cone and is free to rotate around the vertical axis of the cone. The kinetic energy of sea waves is absorbed by the lower platform floating on the water, setting it in motion, which motion is transmitted to the upper platform via support nodes. The rotating support nodes are connected to electric current generators. The energy generated in this way can be sent directly to external recipients or temporarily stored in the platforms themselves. The paper includes drawings showing examples of appropriate design solutions.
Vision for the Future Hospital in Response to the Challenges of the Current Reality
Healthcare is confronted by enormous challenges such as financial and demographic changes, exponential technological progress, an increasing incidence of chronically ill patients with changing needs for care.
The Canadian Government: How to Cope with the Canadian Winter
The Canadian Federal Government has several responsibilities towards the cold season in this country. Several agencies, departments and other institutions are in charge for everything from stamps, money, passport, Environment Canada and Climate change, National Defence, Natural Resources, Fisheries and Oceans. This article analyzes the work done for each of them when it comes to winter, snow and cold in a modern perspective.