Ševčík, Peter: Development of a tool for reporting results of automated testing in AVG Technologies, Diploma thesis. Brno: Mendel University, 2009. The goal of thesis is creating a tool for particular Czech company, which makes the processes of releasing and testing of software product more effective. Analysis of current state of automated testing and results reporting with the emphasis of work flow in company. Identifying the problem and solution proposal. Database design and development. Ensuring that data are being saved correctly. Expansion of current implementation of automated tests. Application development in PHP and framework Laravel. User testing. Emphasis on uses friendliness. Evaluation of final results and shortcomings of the solution. Expansion proposal. Economic evaluation.

This is not yet another ordinary primary school in Tanzania. This is an idea about a new way of learning where architecture and its materiality create inspiring spaces. Set in between 3 small villages in an area heavily affected by AIDS and Malaria the aim is to make good quality education viable for everyone.The idea is to learn by doing. The compound will have several workshops for practical education and music and dance will play a central role. With a smaller scale and more intimate green in-between spaces it resembles more of a small village than an ordinary Tanzanian school. Smart solutions with green roofs solve the over heating problem by the strong sun, as well as filter rain water that is collected for use. A semi-open bamboo facade on the inner walls of the compound create natural ventilation as well as let daylight in. / Det här är ingen vanlig ny skola i Tanzania. Det är en ide om ett nytt sätt av lärande där arkitekturen och dess materialitet skapar inspirerande miljöer. Med en position mellan tre små byar som är starkt utsatta för AIDS och Malaria är tanken att skolan ska göra god kvalitativ undervisning tillgänglig för alla. Här lär man sig genom praktisk undervisning. Skolområdet kommer att ha flera verkstäder för praktisk undervisning och dans och musik kommer att spela en central roll. Med en mindre skala och mer intima gröna rum mellan byggnaderna påminner skolan mer om en liten by än en vanlig Tanzaniansk skola. Smarta lösningar med gröna tak löser problem med överhettning av stark sol och filtrering av regnvatten som samlas upp i behållare för att användas. En uppluckrad bambufasad på områdets innerväggar skapar naturlig ventilation och insläpp av dagsljus.

Inspired by regional Austronesian vernacular architecture, volcanic forms in the northern island of Luzon in the Philippines, and the natural geometry of the Fibonacci spiral, “Six volcanoes” is a multifunctional public space in the municipality of Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines, located a stone’s throw southeast of the University of the Philippines, Los Baños campus, in the peri-urban community of Barangay (village) Tuntungin Putho.   The 3500 sqm. site rises one meter from the original street level to a 14 m. high 1100 sqm. main space. A slightly lower 6 m. high 150 sqm. auxiliary space is southwest of the main space.  Bamboo poles, which could be grown and harvested on an adjacent mini-mountain, “Pulong Malake”, serve as building material, with steel connector joinery where appropriate.  Laid-stone foundations and the thatched-roof cogon grass material are sourced from a local quarry and local fields.  Possible uses of the spaces include a wifi-lounge, learning and workshop activities, sporting events, festivities and concerts, church services, meetings and conferences.  Open to all in the area, from impoverished squatters to residents of adjacent gated communities and walled homes, “Six volcanoes” would facilitate social networking and cohesion, combating informal social segregation and bridging socio-economic class divides.

El proyecto permite determinar la factibilidad y viabilidad de la idea de confección de trusas a base de fibras de bambú, con el fin de prevenir las infecciones vaginales y a la vez ofrecer variedad de diseños. Se demostró que existe problema de infecciones vaginales por medio de fuentes secundarias y primarias, aproximadamente 3 de cada 4 mujeres han tenido por lo menos 1 infección vaginal a lo largo de su vida. En las entrevistas realizadas, el 60% respondió que SÍ había tenido infecciones vaginales, mientras que el otro 40% había tenido pero muy pocas veces. Esta información permite al proyecto sondear la demanda con el fin de poder conocer si hay mercado para este producto. El proyecto es escalable ya que se puede aplicar a otras realidades. El proyecto necesita una inversión de S/. 200,357.60 soles, el cual tiene una tasa de retorno de 81% en los 3 años de vida del proyecto, tomando en cuenta que el COK es de 14.12%, y es la rentabilidad de los inversionistas. El VAN es de S/. 276,139.09 soles y la recuperación del capital es de 1.2 años, lo cual indica que ganaría este importe adicional respecto a la inversión inicial y el costo de oportunidad de los accionistas. El proyecto contempla análisis de riesgos en diversos escenarios como el pesimista, normal y optimista, en todos los escenarios el VAN es positivo superior a los S/. 100,000 soles y la Tasa Interna de Retorno (TIR) mayor al costo de oportunidad, en todo el caso mayor al 50%. Para llevar a cabo el proyecto se cuenta con un equipo de trabajo con experiencia en el sector financiero, ventas, textiles, además se incorporará al proyecto personal calificado en las diversas áreas requeridas. / The project allows to determine the feasibility and viability of the idea of making trusses based on bamboo fibers, in order to prevent vaginal infections and at the same time offer a variety of designs. It was shown that there is a problem of vaginal infections through secondary and primary sources; approximately 3 out of 4 women have had at least 1 vaginal infection throughout their lives. In the interviews carried out, 60% answered that they DID have had vaginal infections, while the other 40% had had but very few times. This information allows the project to probe demand in order to know if there is a market for this product. The project is scalable since it can be applied to other realities. The project needs an investment of S/ 200,357.60 soles, which has a return rate of 81% in the 3-year life of the project, taking into account that the COK is 14.12%, and is the profitability of investors. The NPV is S /. 276,139.09 soles and the capital recovery are 1.2 years, which indicates that it would earn this additional amount with respect to the initial investment and the opportunity cost of the shareholders. The project contemplates risk analysis in various scenarios such as pessimistic, normal and optimistic, in all scenarios the NPV is positive above S /. 100,000 soles and the Internal Rate of Return (IRR) greater than the opportunity cost, in all cases greater than 50%. To carry out the project, there is a work team with experience in the financial sector, sales, textiles, and qualified personnel will be incorporated into the project in the various areas required. / Trabajo de investigación

京都大学 / 0048 / 新制・課程博士 / 博士(農学) / 甲第21140号 / 農博第2266号 / 新制||農||1057(附属図書館) / 学位論文||H30||N5114(農学部図書室) / 京都大学大学院農学研究科森林科学専攻 / (主査)教授 藤井 義久, 教授 吉村 剛, 教授 松浦 健二 / 学位規則第4条第1項該当 / Doctor of Agricultural Science / Kyoto University / DFAM

Mining is the primary method through which modern society obtains the minerals needed to fuel the global economy, provide for modern energy requirements, and support the built environment. Presently, mining accounts for nearly 1% of the global ice-free land surface, with a dramatic increase anticipated in the coming decades. Mining permanently changes and often destroys the pre-existing topography, hydrology, and ecology of the ground, and efforts to reclaim mining landscapes—with the aim of encouraging reforestation and soil replenishment—are often unsuccessful, rendering the land of abandoned mines both unusable and uninhabitable. This thesis addresses the current state of mining in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and focuses specifically on a cobalt and copper mining complex within and adjacent to the town of Kolwezi. This is a complex site that is crucial for the global transition to renewable energy, and yet contains many of the climate and social injustices currently implicit with mining. This research formulates a novel model of mine reclamation for the landscapes of Kolwezi, and, in the process, introduces new options for the symbiosis of extraction and inhabitation: the results of which will challenge many of the existing narratives within architecture. This model is guided by concepts of geologic and deep time, with an emphasis on long-term holistic solutions and uses the opportunity of building in terraformed land as a practice to invert traditional relationships of vertical space and hierarchy. Finally, this thesis works to create an alternative design for living, one that accounts for our outsized impact on planetary ecologies, ultimately redesigning and restructuring our relationships to our sacred ground.

京都大学 / 新制・課程博士 / 博士(農学) / 甲第23950号 / 農博第2499号 / 新制||農||1091(附属図書館) / 学位論文||R4||N5385(農学部図書室) / 京都大学大学院農学研究科森林科学専攻 / (主査)准教授 岡田 直紀, 教授 井鷺 裕司, 教授 柴田 昌三 / 学位規則第4条第1項該当 / Doctor of Agricultural Science / Kyoto University / DFAM

This study sought to determine the feasibility of introducing bamboo as a raw material to supplement the dwindling stock of traditional timber species for Ghana's forest products industry. First, the CEOs of the leading exporters of tertiary and panel products in the industry were canvassed to assess the current situation. Using descriptive statistics, it was discovered that the companies studied consume logs 12% in excess of the annual allowable timber harvest for the whole industry. There has been a drop in raw material availability and a 30% increase in raw material costs in the past five years. Harvest of lesser-used species in place of traditional species has also increased. Smaller companies have lost customers and are more restrained in raw material procurement. Next, barriers to the adoption of bamboo as a raw material perceived by the CEOs and institutional heads were identified. The major barriers perceived by CEOs include lack of information (e.g., on bamboo plantation management, products, processing, machines and markets) and lack of capital for investment. Institutions lack adequate information about bamboo technology and policy; they have research needs, (e.g., training, funding, laboratory equipment) and collaboration from all stakeholders. Institutions have done little to promote bamboo. Smaller companies were found to be more innovative in product development than larger companies. Companies located in the Ashanti region show higher propensity to engage in process innovation and product development. Companies appear to be receptive to initiatives that encourage bamboo adoption. In the current situation, few companies are willing to adopt bamboo but most companies are ready to adopt in the future if the existing barriers are mitigated. In the current situation, it is difficult for the industry to adopt bamboo until the government officially specifies roles for institutions and other stakeholders to make a compelling case for bamboo. Suggestions made for policymaking and change management include strategies for the creation of awareness, desire and knowledge for bamboo. Others include providing resources to enhance the ability of companies and institutions to adopt or promote bamboo, and reinforcing the change from timber to bamboo. / Ph. D.

[pt] Em este estudo, com base nos resultados do tratamento da superfície do bambu para reforço de concreto desenvolvido na PUC-Rio (Brasil), análises teóricas e experimentais foram executados na University of Cambridge e University of Bath (Inglaterra). Para melhorar o tratamento da superfície do bambu (usando resina epóxi), um programa experimental sobre 32 espécimes de Push-out foram realizadas. Tiras de bambu (para concreto armado) preparadas a partir de bambu Phyllostachys pubescens e tratados para melhorar a aderência foram utilizados, com um comprimento embutido de 20 mm. A influência do tipo de resina, tamanho do agregado (2 mm ou 4 mm), nó do bambu e os procedimentos para limpar a sua superfície foram obtidas é analisadas em curvas de aderência-deslizamento. Usando o tratamento com melhores resultados uma laje de concreto (3000 mm x 3000 mm) reforçada nas duas direções com tiras de bambu (sem armadura de cisalhamento) foi construída e testada. A laje foi testada simplesmente apoiada nos quatro lados com carga concentrada no meio. Um modelo de elementos finitos (MEF) foi criado usando SAP2000 para analisar e projetar o reforço de bambu. A carga experimental de colapso foi aproximadamente 148,39 por cento e 110,91 por cento dos valores teoricamente previstos pelo modelo numérico e pela carga máxima de punção (seguindo BS 8110 [36]) respeitabilidade. A laje apresentou alta rigidez contra a deformação antes do colapso por punção. Finalmente, para produzir um material composto avançado usando bambu para reforço de concreto, investigações experimentais do efeito do teor de umidade à temperatura ambiente e em condições de congelamento do bambu Dendrocalamus giganteus (DG) foram realizadas. Laminas de bambu com maior fração volumétrica de fibras (Vf) foram consideradas. 2250 corpos de prova de tração e compressão foram testados. A absorção de água, propriedades mecânicas das laminas de bambu e colapsos foram analisados em detalhe, e adequadas equações matemáticas foram estabelecidas. A partir dos resultados da resistência e módulo de elasticidade à tração (TMOE) da fibra de bambu DG foram estimados. Os resultados mostraram que as laminas de Dendrocalamus giganteus (DG) com maior fração volumétrica de fibras (Vf) e baixa umidade podem ser aplicadas em materiais compósitos para a construção, campo de energia (peças estruturais das hastes de turbinas eólicas), área automotiva (estruturas de carros), e aeronáutica (aviões de pequeno porte), fornecendo um novo material alternativo de baixo consumo de carbono. / [en] In this study, based on the results of bamboo surface treatment for concrete reinforcement developed at PUC-Rio (Brazil), theoretical and experimental analyses were executed at the University of Cambridge and University of Bath (England). To improve the bamboo surface treatment (using epoxy resin) an experimental program concerning 32 push-out specimens were carried out. Bamboo strips (for reinforcing concrete) prepared from Phyllostachys Pubescens bamboo and treated to enhance surface bonding were used, with a constant embedment length of 20 mm. The influence of two resins type, gravel size (2 or 4 mm), bamboo node and procedures for cleaning the surface of the bamboo on the bond–slip curves obtained are analyzed. Using the best bamboo surface treatment a full scale (3000 mm by 3000 mm) two-way spanning concrete slab reinforced with bamboo strips (without any shear reinforcement) was constructed and tested. The experimental test was simply supported along its four sides and subjected to a central concentrated load. A finite element model was created using SAP2000 to analyse and design the bamboo reinforcement. Experimental failure load was found to be approximately 148.39 per cent and 110.91 per cent of the theoretically predicted values by the numerical model and by ultimate punching shear load (following BS 8110 [36]) respectability. The slabs exhibited high stiffness against deformation prior to collapse through punching shear load. Finally, to produce an advanced bamboo composite material for concrete reinforcement, an experimental investigation of the effect of moisture content at room temperature and frozen conditions on Bamboo Dendrocalamus giganteus (DG) layers with highest fibre volume fraction (Vf) were considered. 2250 tensile and compression test specimens were tested. The absorption of water, mechanical properties of bamboo layers and failure were analyzed in detail and appropriate mathematical equations have been established. From the results the tensile strength and tensile modulus of elasticity (TMOE) of DG bamboo fibres were estimated. The results show that Dendrocalamus giganteus (DG) bamboo layers with highest fibres volume fraction (Vf) and low moisture content can be applied in composite materials for construction, energy field (structural parts of wind turbine blades), automotive field (car structures), and aviation (small aircraft) providing a new low carbon alternative material.

Land use issues have dramatically changed the timber supply outlook for our nation's forest products industry. Since demand for wood products shows no sign of abating, alternative products must be developed. Bamboo is a very promising alternative raw material for the manufacture of structural composite products. It is fast growing, economical, renewable and abundant throughout the world. Bamboo has physical and mechanical properties that are comparable to many commercial timber species, and thus, may easily be processed using existing technology from the wood-based composites industry. Bamboo can be cultivated in the U.S., and thus has the potential to relieve some of the harvesting pressure from our nation's forestlands. However, the use of specific bamboo species for structural composite products will require a thorough investigation of the material as well as its interaction with other components. Thus, the primary objective of this dissertation is to determine the properties of Calcutta bamboo and its interaction with adhesives. The properties investigated were relative density, dimensional stability, equilibrium moisture content, bending strength and stiffness, tensile strength, pH, buffer capacity, wettability and the adhesive penetration. In addition to this, a prototype bamboo parallel strip lumber (BPSL) was manufactured and tested for its physical and mechanical properties. The relationships among the properties of Calcutta bamboo and the prototype bamboo composite were also investigated. As the result of these investigations, it is concluded that Calcutta bamboo is technically a suitable raw material for structural composite products. This result may also be applicable for the utilization of other bamboo species, thus aiding companies in decisions regarding investment in bamboo plantations and manufacturing facilities in the U.S, Malaysia and other parts of the world. The primary benefits from this research may be the development of new products to serve growing markets, and thereby relieving some of the pressure to harvest forestlands. / Ph. D.