Zugl.: Berlin, Humboldt-Univ., Diss., 2007

Konstanz, Univ., Diplomarbeit, 2007.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Wollongong, 2004. / Typescript. Includes bibliographical references: leaf 237-244.

Diss. Univ. Konstanz, 2007.

Diss. Univ. Konstanz, 2007.

<p></p><p>This report covers a feasibility study for a wind power project in Sri Lanka. Three potential sites for a wind farm are presented, out of which the Ambewela Cattle Farm is chosen as the most suitable. Limitations of a wind farm at the site, due to properties of the electrical grid and logistical issues, are examined and costs related to installing the wind farm are estimated. The maximum capacity of a wind farm is calculated to 45 MW. The payback period of the wind farm is calculated to 4.4 years. Environmental benefits of the wind farm are estimated in terms of avoided CO₂-emissions, which are calculated to 76 000 metric tonnes per year. The study concludes that a wind power project at the chosen site should be technically and financially feasible, if a wind turbine that matches certain logistical criteria can be found.</p><p> </p>

Proefschrift--Universiteit van Amsterdam, 1995. / Bibliogr. p. 392-411. Glossaire. Résumé en néerlandais.

abstract: The intent of this research is to determine if cool roofs lead to increased energy use in the U.S. and if so, in what climates. Directed by the LEED environmental building rating system, cool roofs are increasingly specified in an attempt to mitigate urban heat island effect. A typical single story retail building was simulated using eQUEST energy software across seven different climatic zones in the U.S.. Two roof types are varied, one with a low solar reflectance index of 30 (typical bituminous roof), and a roof with SRI of 90 (high performing membrane roof). The model also varied the perimeter / core fraction, internal loads, and schedule of operations. The data suggests a certain point at which a high SRI roofing finish results in energy penalties over the course of the year in climate zones which are heating driven. Climate zones 5 and above appear to be the flipping point, beyond which the application of a high SRI roof creates sufficient heating penalties to outweigh the cooling energy benefits. / Dissertation/Thesis / M.S. Built Environment 2011

Concerned to comprehend the teaching efficacy of English teachers in Jaffna, Sri Lanka, this thesis investigated contentions by principals, retired teachers and resource personnel that Sri Lankan teachers’ lack of teaching effectiveness (teaching behaviours that influence student learning) accounted for students’ low English attainment; and counter claims by English teachers that their teaching efficacy (beliefs in their abilities to affect student learning) was undermined by classroom and other-related problems. This mixed-method research comprised two stages. In a preliminary study, 298 students and twenty-four teachers from twelve secondary schools participated in a survey designed to understand challenges encountered in the teaching and learning of English. With a similar purpose, thirty-four English lessons involving 320 students and ten teachers were observed. Interviews concerning the aspects underpinning effective English teaching were conducted with five principals, three English resource personnel and three retired teachers. In the main study, sixty-two teachers from thirty-five secondary schools were surveyed and twenty interviewed to identify factors which affected the teaching efficacy of English teachers. Participating schools were categorized vis-à-vis their students’ performance: low-performing and high-performing. Findings support English teachers’ views concerning their teaching efficacy. Teacher perception revealed associations between the lack of teaching efficacy of English teachers in low and high-performing schools, and teacher background/parental duties/self-development, classroom problems and inadequate educational resources. No explicit evidence was found that students’ poor English attainment in low-performing schools was due to their teachers’ lack of teaching effectiveness. Observations showed that students were deprived of external resources which assisted students in high-performing schools to become proficient in English. New insights about Jaffna teachers’ efficacy indicate the need for a more context-specific English language curriculum in Sri Lanka, informed by teachers’ knowledge of their students’ English learning needs at a local level if teaching efficacy and English attainment are to be enhanced.

The aim of this study is to create a better understanding of how preschool teachers in ametropolitan region in Sri Lanka view their opportunities to create quality preschools and alsoidentify factors that affect quality enhancement. Three research questions were created focusingon the preschool teachers’ perceptions of the quality of their preschools, what actions theyimplement to enhance the quality of preschools and what they consider affects their preschools’quality. In order to achieve the aim of the study, interviews were conducted with six preschoolteachers, all from different preschools. The results show that preschool teachers have anapparent positive attitude towards the quality of their own preschools. The actions theyimplement in hope of improving quality are staff meetings, where they plan for the future andenvironmental improvements. Further the results also show that four out of six preschools carryout some part of the Systematic Quality Development Work (SQDW). The factors that theteachers believed influence the quality of preschools included the minimum standards in SriLanka, shortcomings in preschool teacher education and expectations.