bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
КІНЕМАТИЧНО-АНІМАЦІЙНЕ МОДЕЛЮВАННЯ ЛАНОК ВИРОБНИЧИХ РОБОТІВ
Authors: Алексєєнко С.В. , Кадильникова Т.М. , Левицька О.Г. , Дудніков В.С.
Published: December 2022

У машинобудуванні роботизовані системи використовуються для виконання різноманітних завдань з метою створення та виробництва високоякісних нових високоточних виробів. На етапі попередньої оцінки рухових можливостей виробничих роботів, які беруть участь у технологічних процесах, використовується комп’ютерне моделювання рухів, що потребує великого обсягу обчислень. Для попередньої оцінки рухових можливостей виробничих роботів, які беруть участь у технологічних процесах, використовується комп’ютерне моделювання рухів, що скорочує машинний час на виконання операцій. Необхідно розрахувати точні параметри металообробки, час на установку заготовки на затискний пристрій і перемикання передач у верстаті. Всі ці заходи дозволяють зробити дії машини максимально точними і повторюваними.

Для моделювання роботизованих систем використовуються CAD-системи (комп’ютерне проектування) — спеціальні системи автоматизованого проектування, які мають усі необхідні інструменти для побудови складних 3D-моделей, включаючи створення збірок. Основними вузлами, що визначають функціональне призначення виробничого робота, є ланки, які є жорстко з'єднаними між собою частинами.

Для моделювання руху роботи KR5 на основі розробленої динамічної моделі скористалися реалізованою у програмі UM Input можливістю встановлення функції часу для шарнірної координати. Крім геометричних зображень у файлах деталей і вузлів система САПР зберігає інформацію про так звані масоцентрувальні характеристики 3D-моделі. До цих характеристик відносяться значення щільності матеріалу, з якого виготовлені деталі, їх маса і координати центру мас. Здійснюється анімація руху ланок роботи КР5, що дозволяє вирішувати задачі кінематики та динаміки. Можливості програмного комплексу «Універсальний механізм» дозволяють використовувати системи керування, що реалізують кінематичні та динамічні закономірності керування створеними робото-технічними системами.
ІМІТАЦІЙНЕ МОДЕЛЮВАННЯ ВИРОБНИЧОГО ПРОЦЕСУ ПЕРЕВЕЗЕНЬ НА ТЕХНОЛОГІЧНИХ МАРШРУТАХ КАРЄРУ МЕТАЛУРГІЙНОГО ПІДПРИЄМСТВА
Authors: Середа Б.П. , Муковська Д.Я. , Середа Д.Б.
Published: December 2022

На сьогоднішній день саме метод імітаційного моделювання є одним із найпотужніших та найефективніших методів дослідження процесів та виробничих систем. Імітаційна модель повинна відображати велику кількість параметрів, логіку та закономірності поведінки об'єкта, що моделюється.

Імітаційне моделювання дозволяє відтворювати процес функціонування системи у часі із збереженням елементарних явищ, їхньої логічної структури та послідовності протікання у часі. Це дозволяє за вихідними даними отримати інформацію про станах процесу у майбутньому у певні моменти часу. В даний час імітаційний метод є найбільш ефективним, а найчастіше, і єдиним методом дослідження складних систем на етапі їх проектування. Імітаційна модель є динамічною моделлю, в якій всі процеси розглядаються в незменшному масштабі часу.

При аналізі події в імітаційній моделі здійснюється прогнозування часу настання події, що ініціюється даними отриманими у програмі Tecnomatix Plant Simulation.

Tecnomatix Plant Simulation — це комплексний пакет рішень для цифрового виробництва, що поєднує всі галузі виробництва та розробки виробу, від схеми виробничого процесу та проектування, моделювання та перевірки процесів до виробництва, що базується на принципах управління життєвим циклом виробу (PLM) виробничої платформи.

Визначено взаємозв'язок між параметрами циклу транспортного обслуговування, що дозволяє змоделювати ситуації, що виникають у процесі руху вантажних автомобілів на гірничодобувних підприємствах.

Складність і різноманіття процесів функціонування проектованих систем не завжди дозволяють одержати для них окремі математичні моделі традиційного вигляду, тому у роботи було використанні методики імітаційного моделювання.

Отримано розподіл часу роботи самоскида та швидкість руху з вантажем та без вантажу, простою з технічних причин і часу очікування в черзі на основі формального аналізу експериментальних даних. Ці залежності підпорядковуються експоненційному закону.

Удосконалено імітаційну модель управління обслуговуванням технологічних маршрутів, яка на відміну від існуючих, враховує параметри циклів транспортного обслуговування (інтенсивність заповнення бункерів, середній час навантаження автомобілів, інтенсивність виникнення ненормованого часу, коефіцієнт простою та ремонту), що дало можливість мінімізувати час циклів транспортного обслуговування, а саме скоротити час простою в черзі на 27 % за середнього значення 23,4 хв. для цього параметра.

За допомогою запропонованої імітаційної моделі можна не тільки оцінювати варіанти парирування відхилень і збоїв, що виникли в ході виробництва шляхом перерозподілу ресурсів, зміни порядку запуску-випуску предметів праці, а й прогнозувати напружені та аварійні ситуації.
John Steinbeck
Authors: Włodarczyk Justyna
Published: December 2022

One of the most prominent American writers of the 20th century. Author of many novels, including Tortilla Flat (1937), The Grapes of Wrath (1939), and East of Eden (1952). In 1940, Steinbeck received the Pulitzer Prize (for The Grapes of Wrath) and, in 1962, the Nobel Prize (for all his writings). Readers have valued Steinbeck for his insightful critique of the American Dream and for his heartfelt depictions of common people. However, critics have accused him of excessive political engagement and sentimentalism. No works of literary criticism devoted solely to Steinbeck have been published in Poland until now. This volume, participating in the international revival of critical interest in the work of this American writer, reminds the reader of the significance of Steinbeck’s literary output.
Design of Planning Systems in the Environment of Modern Spreadsheets
Authors:   Podolsk State University, Burlakov O. S.
Published: December 2022

Introduction. The article considers the theoretical and methodological foundations of effective use and implementation of modern information systems and design technologies in the context of flexible enterprise planning systems. It has been proven that the use of information technology to automate calculations (spreadsheets) plays a key role in ensuring effective computerization of the planning process. Purpose. Presentation of the main provisions of the alternative approach to the design of modern planning systems, relevant primarily for small and medium-sized businesses. The methodological and theoretical basis of the article were the works of leading foreign and domestic scientists on the algorithmization of the budgeting process and the theoretical foundations of planning systems. Achieving this goal was carried out using the following scientific techniques and research methods: monographic (in reviewing and studying the literature on the evaluation of ICT), analysis and synthesis (for research and generalization of research results); logicaltheoretical and dialectical (to form the conclusions of the study). In the process of research, the substantiation of theoretical calculations and conclusions was carried out on the basis of system-functional and structural approaches to the process of designing planning systems. The information base of the study is articles and monographs, including those posted on web pages. Research results. Theoretical bases of computerization of process of designing of flexible planning systems in the conditions of information economy are systematized, and also questions of providing the enterprise with resources by means of system of information and communication technologies which integrates information of the basic business processes are analyzed. Scientific novelty of research results. Is to develop a model of the relationship of information blocks of the designed planning systems for business structures in the electronic environment of the spreadsheet, based on which you can make quality management decisions. The organizational and methodical scheme of the process of designing and implementing flexible planning systems in business structures using the capabilities of the electronic environment of the spreadsheet processor is proposed. Conclusions. The obtained results can be used for further prospective research of information systems and technologies of planning systems design, as well as for the implementation of computerization tools for analytical and synthetic data processing of information systems in the enterprise.
Crisis Management in International Business During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors:   Odessa National University of Economics, Zakharchenko Natalia
Published: December 2022

Abstract. Introduction. The recent world crisis events triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic have had a significant impact on European and world companies. Specifically, they focused on the first two pandemics, which made the world situation experience similar restrictions on a global scale (Congo flu in Hong Kong in 1968, swine flu outbreak in 2009), various disasters, and natural inevitable Avoided accidents, unforeseen events such as terrorist actions, etc. Purpose. This article is focused on learning of unresolved aspects of digital transformation of human resource management during the pandemic require further research, particularly to identify and summarize the trends and factors contributing to these changes, and to identify issues and obstacles that arise throughout the process. Results. The completed study shows that companies should be ready to work in advance, in order to be sustainable and have at least some stability and competitive edge during time of crisises. Crisis management systems are analyzed and based on a four-level circular model, more commonly known as the PPRR model. Also, any organization should be prepared for different crises, which may be short-term or long-term. 3-tier system of crisis response is analyzed, it consists of pre-crisis period of preparations, contingency plan, which is aimed at saving the maximum stream of revenue, while enduring minimal hardships from the crisis and rehabilitation stage, at which thorough analysis should be conducted in order to improve the future reaction for the crisis. Conclusions. The review found that risk management primarily helps provide post-crisis renewal, stability and growth, reduce revenue volatility, increase stakeholder confidence, protect an organization`s assets, and meet insurance, legal and regulatory requirements. This means that structured risk management must be incorporated into existing operations and become an integral part of key decision-making processes. Therefore, it can be concluded that the risk management plan must be constantly updated, the philosophy must be able to change, and it must be improved taking into account changes in external or internal factors.
Trends in Reforming the Global Financial System
Authors:   National Academy for Public Administration under the President of Ukraine, Krasnostanova N.
Published: December 2022

Abstract. Introduction. The relevance of the study of trends in the reform of the global financial system is due to the fact that it is currently going through one of the most difficult and critical stages of its existence. The traditional challenges in the field of international currency circulation include the steady development of globalization of all economic processes, the development of digital technologies, as well as the impact of powerful exogenous factors such as rapid climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic, which requires a rapid and comprehensive response Purpose. In this regard, this article aims to identify key aspects of the current stage of reforming the global financial system, their general characteristics, as well as changes in theoretical and political approaches to solving problems of the global financial system from the standpoint of complexity. The main research method was the method of induction, which based on the study of a number of primary international documents, theoretical studies and research focused on the initial analysis of individual problems of the global financial system allowed to form a comprehensive vision, identify and systematize major trends in global financial system reform. Results. The article provides a brief overview of trends in global financial architecture, emphasizes the awareness of major players – politicians, international economic and financial organizations, most scholars and key bankers of central banks – the need for closer linkage of monetary and financial processes with the needs of the real economy and international trade, increasing the regulatory role of the state in financial processes, as well as closer international coordination of efforts in the financial sphere, which is especially important for an adequate response to climate change and in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. The impact of digital technologies and exogenous factors (climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic) has forced politicians and financiers to focus on the Global Tax Agreement and the European Union's introduction of a transboundary carbon regulation mechanism. Conclusions. The identified trends in reforming the global financial system and their key characteristics, given in this article, can serve as a starting point for further research, both comprehensive and more specialized, as well as contribute to a broader understanding of modern global financial processes in shaping financial policy and adoption management decisions/
Digitalization of Educational Process in Ukraine: the Challenges for Students and Lecturers
Authors:   National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine, Tkachuk V.
Published: December 2022

Abstract. Introduction. The Pandemic has led to considerable changes in the sphere of education and it also brought about some educational problems in Ukraine. The level of education has direct influence upon incomes and employment of population: people who are better educated can find jobs more easily, have better working conditions and higher salary. Moreover, higher level of education is positively connected with life expectancy, health and social integration. At the beginning of the quarantine in the spring of 2020 all the educational facilities switched over to distance learning and closely experienced the process of digitalization which was becoming of increasing importance. In this research we decided to concentrate on the actions taken in the organization of educational processes during the quarantine caused by COVID-19. Also we delineated educational problems of digitalization which were faced by participants of the studying process: student community and lecturers
Peran Perempuan yang Tergabung dalam Kelompok Wanita Tani (KWT) Pada Usaha Ternak Sapi Potong dengan Sistem Integrasi
Authors: Bonewati Yulia Irwina , Sirajuddin Sitti Nurani , Abdullah Agustina
Published: December 2022

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui peran perempuan yang tergabung dalam Kelompok Wanita Tani (KWT) pada usaha ternak sapi potong dengan sistem integrasi. Penelitian ini dilaksanakan pada bulan April sampai Mei 2016 bertempat di KWT Annisa Ghony, Kelurahan Macanang, Kecamatan Tanete Riattang Barat, Kabupaten Bone. Jenis penelitian yang digunakan adalah deskriptif kuantitatif dengan menggunakan kerangka analisis model Harvard. Digunakan alat analisis skala pengukuran Guttman untuk memudahkan interpretasi data. Sampel dalam penelitian ini adalah seluruh anggota KWT yakni sebanyak 32 responden. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa peran perempuan dalam aspek akses informasi, aspek kontrol, dan aspek pengambilan keputusan cukup besar dalam usaha ternak sapi potong dengan sistem integrasi. Perempuan mendapatkan manfaat dari usaha ternak sapi potong dengan sistem integrasi dalam hal peningkatan pendapatan keluarga, peningkatan pengetahuan tentang usaha ternak sapi potong dengan sistem integrasi, dan peningkatan kerjasama yang baik antar anggota kelompok tani.
“Family – Politics – Globalization” Family intimacy
Authors: Garcia Jimenez Maria Elena
Published: December 2022

Intimacy is a key component of relational bonds, associated not only with sex but with every aspect of what each member of a family expresses –in the way he or she can do so–. How does it take place? What are the existing approaches towards the family to weigh intimacy? How is intimacy construed, and how can it be widely understood? Intimacy is not static: it changes through time and is different throughout the family life cycle, as well as through the various stages of each of the family members. Why is intimacy relevant? Intimacy is a value, and its nature goes beyond what is often expected: it constructs or deconstructs the family. Because it is deeply connected to feelings, thoughts, beliefs, traditions, culture, working with intimacy in each member may lead to the armor-plating of the family. Now, the construction of each person as a human individual does not just happen; it requires time, techniques, love, respect, and intimacy, which directly leads to self-fidelity. In turn, self-fidelity in each member of the family can produce what is known as a family coat of arms. While broken intimacy can destroy a person’s self-esteem and, consequently, meaningful, long-lasting relationships, armor-plating intimacy can develop deeply enriched human individuals who bring who they are and what they possess to ultimately weave a strong society. As a result, a society that protects and fosters intimacy, not only pays attention to what damages exist and should be prevented, but to what makes people live in generous self-donation. Intimacy lets a person know his/her value; therefore, intimacy is the strongest value and technique to assess what we are, what we need, what we want.
Diplomatic communication of the Holy See based on the example of Pope Francis' speeches to the Vatican diplomatic corps
Authors: Laskowska Małgorzata , Marcyński Krzysztof
Published: December 2022

The primary objective of this paper is to identify and characterize the diplomatic communication of Pope Francis in speeches addressed to the diplomatic corps accredited to the Holy See from 2013 to 2021. The research objective so formulated can be presented in the form of the following questions: What is diplomatic communication? What are the characteristics of diplomatic communication of the Holy See? What are its objectives? How is it distinguished from other forms of communication? What issues does Pope Francis address in his speeches to ambassadors accredited to the Holy See? What are the characteristics of these speeches? What language and symbolism does Pope Francis use in this diplomatic message? The answers to these questions will be determined by analyzing the media content of Pope Francis' speeches addressed to the Vatican diplomatic corps from 2013-2021, available on the Holy See's official website: vatican.va. The article has an overview and research character. Its indirect purpose is to draw attention to the issue of diplomatic communication in the Roman Catholic Church.
Future face of Christianity
Authors: Jasiński Karol
Published: December 2022

The author of the article reflects on the future of the Christianity. Its features will include the disappearance, at least partially, of the existing forms and the appearance of its new versions. The purpose of the analyses, which consist of two main parts, is to show, above all, the situation of the Christianity in contemporary European culture – marked by an aversion to it, depriving it of its supernaturality, treating it functionally and denying it the right to be in possession of the truth. Then it will be emphasized that religion will survive by being an inalienable element of the structure of human being and a response to human existential problems, and attention will be paid to the four basic forms of future Christianity (reduction to ethics, pantheistic versions, transformation into spirituality or life in diaspora).
The character of Saint Joseph – in the service of Christian education?
Authors: Zellma Anna
Published: December 2022

Post-modernity, also referred to as postmodernism or late modernity, is a keyword used to describe contemporary social, cultural and religious changes. The first part of the paper presents the socio-cultural and religious context in which Christian education is provided. A fundamental question was put: can the character of St. Joseph still be an effective role model for the contemporary world in such an adverse context. Papal teachings were used when seeking the answer to this question, with particular focus placed on two documents: Redemptoris custos by John Paul II and Patris corde by Pope Francis. It was pointed out that particularly the latter, owing to its fresh approach and existential sense of its author, can provide guidance on where one should seek the answer to this question. There are no ready solutions concerning the way of talking about St. Joseph, so that Christian education does not become an empty, contentless general moral topos, with no consequence. Christian education, inspired by the character of St. Joseph, is a task to be performed by tutors at all times, especially those who try to present him as a living role model for their pupils.
Who are these, robed in white, and where have they come from? (Rev 7: 13). The Ulma family in light of John of Patmos’ visions
Authors: Nalewaj Aleksandra
Published: December 2022

The main purpose of this study is to present the history of the Ulma family from Markowa against the background of the biblical vision of redeemed in Rev 7:9-17. On 24 March 1944, Wiktoria and Józef Ulma and their seven children were murdered by German soldiers for giving shelter to eight Jews. The beatification process of the family from the Subcarpathia region began several years ago and has an unique character. It lies in that the beatification process concerns not only the parents, but all their children: Stanisława, Barbara, Władysław, Franciszek, Antoni and Maria aged from 8 to 1.5 years, and the Unborn child, still in Wiktoria’s womb. This article consists of two parts: exegetical and biographical. The first part contains an exegetic and theological analysis of the text of  Rev 7:9-17, which provides a biblical context for the second part of the paper, describing the heroic story of the family.
Saint Martin in Polish local self-government heraldry
Authors: Piechocka-Kłos Maria
Published: December 2022

Saint Martin is a very popular character in the Christian tradition. His life and deeds have had a considerable impact on successive generations of Christians, beginning with the Middle Ages and he is still present in the minds of believers. The popularity of this saint in Poland and Europe is reflected in many names of churches, parishes, chapels, altars as well as in art, names and heraldry. This paper presents selected local self-government coats of arms displaying an image of St. Martin or attributes associated with him. The full figure of St. Martin in Polish local self-government heraldry can be found on the coats of arms of five rural communes (the communes of Biskupice, Drużbice, Granowo, Mochowo and Wiśniowa), the coats of arms of two urban communes (the commune of Jawor, the town and commune of Pacanów) and the coat of arms of an urban quarter (Słocina – currently a quarter of Rzeszów, earlier – until 1954 – a commune). Only one of these, i.e. the coat of arms of the commune of Poświętne, refers to St. Martin by objects associated with him. Heraldic representations of Martin of Tours can be found, for example, in Germany, especially in Hesse, Bavaria, Rhineland-Palatinate, Mainz, but also in Czechia, Austria, Slovakia, Finland and Ukraine.
Integral Education in the Context of the Process of Secularization
Authors: Szulist Janusz , Babiński Jarosław
Published: December 2022

The purpose of this article is to demonstrate the threat that secularization poses with respect to the education process. The modern time is characterized by a secular shift in social relations and in the very concept of the human person. The paper points explicitly to the consequences of the materialization and technologization of life and proposes an integral education model as an alternative for the increasingly secularized society. Every human being is endowed with personal dignity and inalienable rights whose complete justification can only be uncovered within the context of revealed knowledge. Personality formation, which outlines the general purpose of education, includes not only corporeal and spiritual factors, but also factors of a religious nature that encourage transformation in the sense of achieving ever higher levels of perfection. It is argued that the integral education model can be applied in the areas of learning and work. The touchstone of any human development that takes into account religious factors is humanization, which is defined as making the world more humane in a constant relationship to God.
Expert system of choice of the optimum strategy for managing the production of entomophages
Authors: Chernova Irina S. , Lysenko Vitaliy P.
Published: December 2022

The work is devoted to the development of an intelligent decision support system in the production of entomophages, in particular, an expert system for choosing the optimal production management strategy, using at the same time the methods of analysis of T. Saati hierarchies, structural synthesis and the system of computer mathematics Scilab. An expert system, an information model and an algorithm for choosing the optimal management strategy for the production of entomophages have been developed using the analysis of scientific works related to the chosen research area; the process of choosing the optimal strategy is automated using the Scilab computer mathematics system. The structure of the expert system is decomposed into: goal (choice of the optimal management strategy for the production of entomophages), criteria (production strategies: innovative transformations, changes in the organization of production, diversification of production), alternatives (strategies for managing the production of entomophages: minimization of production cost and maximization of production profit). The algorithm for choosing the optimal strategy for managing the production of entomophages consists of: definition of the goal, criteria, alternatives; construction of matrices of paired comparisons, their normalization to obtain relative weighting coefficients of criteria and alternatives; calculation of weight coefficients as average values of the corresponding rows of normalized matrices; checking columns of normalized matrices; calculation of the combined weight of alternatives; making decisions about choosing the optimal strategy based on the criterion of maximizing the combined weight. The proposed approach allows comparison of qualitatively different production strategies. Based on the calculations, it was determined that the maximization of the profit of entomophages production is the optimal management strategy, the choice is consistent in accordance with the paired comparisons of criteria and alternatives.
Implementation of wireless mobile device drive control video systems in the MATLAB environment in the educational process
Authors: Trunov Aleksandr M. , Skoroid Maksym Yu.
Published: December 2022

The peculiarities of the application of computerized systems of wireless remote control of drives, which include single-board computers with Wi-Fi communication channels, are considered. The advantages and disadvantages of programming controllers for wireless control of drives of mobile devices using the Matlab environment are analyzed. The tasks of integrating the IDE programming environment for the most common single-board computers and the video interface to the Matlab environment are set. To assist programmers and developers in creating software for such devices, observation and control modules have been developed as a model for machine simulation and programming skills. Interfaces that ensure the implementation of Simulink graphical programming environment tools into the educational process are proposed. Using the example of creating and setting programs for remote wireless control of elements of robotic systems, including mobile devices for restorative medicine. This report presents a method of programming Arduino boards based on visual support of actions. The created model for visual representation of the operation of a robotic technical system with four degrees of freedom is considered. The clarity, simplicity and effectiveness of such interactive support have been demonstrated. This method is preferred because it does not require prior programming skills to write code to create complex tasks. The method is expected to lend itself well to teaching basic programming skills due to the visual elements offered. Further integration and experience of control program modules in Simulink will require the use of drop-down menus containing informational messages and links to examples. Simulation modeling and statistical evaluation will obviously become the basis for further improvement of the interface, which realizes the advantage of the board when programming using a Wi-Fi network. In addition, an important opportunity for collective problem solving opens up thanks to the transparency and convenience of teaching students programming and process modeling in the Matlab software environment.
Development of a Fuzzy Matlab inference algorithm for decision-making under uncertainty conditions for designed objects
Authors: Abramova Alla O.
Published: December 2022

The decision -making method in the face of uncertainty for designed objects is proposed. Uncertainty arises in open decision -making tasks in which the dice does not know the total set of factors. The uncertainty situation is characterized by the fact that the choice of a specific action plan can lead to any result from a certain set of options, but the likelihood of influencing random factors is unknown. The purpose of the article is to create a fuzzy algorithm for making decisions in the face of uncertainty for  designed objects in the Matlab environment. The study is based on the use of decision -making method by means of a linguistic variable, which helps to increase the effective decision in a new difficult situation for designed objects. Two types of Mamdani and Sugeno algorithms in the Fuzzy Logic Matlab package were used to realize this goal. Previous studies were used to build a fuzzy knowledge base, namely indexes and quantitative indicators of the impact of the projected object on the components of the environment (air, surface water, soils). Expert rules "If - then" for both algorithms (Mamdani and Sugeno) were built. As a result, numerical values are obtained - indices of evaluation of influences on the environment of the projected objects. The used decision -making method based on fuzzy logical output models is effective in evaluating the influences of industrial objects on the components of the environment, but are more difficult to formalize than numerical methods that do not require the designer of skills in a specific software environment.

  Keywords: fuzzy output, uncertainty, fuzzy logic matlab, fuzzy knowledge base.
Evaluation of the impact of multiple factors, elements and neighborhood patterns on the spread of dengue and covid-19: special reference to Colombo 15.
Authors:   University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, Ranasinghe R.A.D.M. , Ranasinghe T.K.G.P. ,   University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka
Published: December 2022

During past decades, the mass movement of people from rural areas towards urban areas made cities vulnerable to environmental hazards, inequality, poverty, and communicable diseases identified as a huge threat. The spread of the Covid-19 pandemic causing more than five million deaths highlighted urban planning to rethink and rebuild cities to mitigate the pandemic and to create livable neighborhoods during future pandemics. The emergence of Dengue seasonally and the high number of victims and death rate is also critical health issue identified in Sri Lanka. After the emergence of covid-19, the urban areas have been highly affected and the urban households, lifestyles of people, and the corruption of countries’ economies caused an energy crisis, food crisis, unemployment, and increasing death rates that created a whole new chapter in urban planning to create comprehensive planning approaches to get back to normal while considering the risk factors. As Dengue fever is also more critical in the Sri Lankan context, the need for studies to identify the factors, and elements in urban areas including neighborhood patterns for the spread of Covid-19 and Dengue Fever is quite significant as a planner. The study focuses on the impact of urban elements, factors, and the different neighborhood patterns within the selected areas in Colombo-15 for the spread of covid-19 and dengue. The outputs indicate the vulnerability of different neighborhood patterns highlighting the measures that should be taken to mitigate the spread in the future. According to the study, the spread of dengue and covid-19 among people depends on the quality of housing and the characteristics of the neighbourhood and the comparatively high spread of diseases identified in horizontal neighborhoods with single-story housing and poor living condition.
mpact of vernacular architecture elements on patient waiting experience in rural government hospitals in Sri Lanka
Authors:   University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, Rathnayake S.D. , Gamage W.O.
Published: December 2022

The role of architecture in hospitals is a sensitive topic; the prominence given to the programmatic requirements has led to disregard of the in-between function of waiting identified as the user experience in the recovery process. Healing, in other words cure means a state of physical & mental wellbeing that a patient experiences in a hospital. It’s a waiting process between the time of treatment & recovery. The waiting experience in Sri Lankan public hospitals is critical because spaces are designed only prioritizing standards while little consideration is given to the impact of local contextual parameters that generate familiar user experiences. This research investigates the impact of design options derived through principles abstracted by vernacular architecture elements on the waiting experience of patients in healthcare facilities. Vernacular elements of identification of centre and openness, articulation of transition space & domestic scaled spaces was used to interpret design options that can be adapted to reorganize the waiting scenarios of hallway, outpatient, and inpatient waiting spaces. The research further investigate how they will help alleviate the user experience of waiting and increase wellbeing.
Visual landscape characteristics and tourists’ satisfaction: a study with reference to Nuwara-Eliya, Sri Lanka
Authors:   University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, Sewwandi H.H.S.P.
Published: December 2022

The power of the landscape to draw tourists seeking spectacle has a long tradition and landscapes are prone to the tourism industry. Sri Lanka is well-known as a popular tourist destination, because of the country's unique natural landscape characteristics. Even though the country's landscape is the main tourist attraction, there is no proper identification of the major characteristics that attract tourists and what meets their satisfaction in a landscape. With aiming that, the primary purpose of this study was to understand the impact of the visual landscape characteristics on the tourists’ satisfaction and the study was conducted in Nuwara-Eliya urban context. Study referred to various visual landscape characters and their quality by a visual landscape quality assessment which focuses on visual landscape qualities derived from visual concepts related to the field of study. The study highlights the inherent features of visual concept and the significance of the visual landscape characteristics of selected landscapes based on a theoretical framework, which can benefit in design improvising in such landscapes. The finding revealed that the visual characters of landscapes are a subjective measure taken by individuals based on their perception and the link between tourism and the visual landscape is unbreakable and vital to the tourism industry.
An Assessment of skill and competency gaps in the construction industry: the case of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing workers
Authors:   University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, Prabhashwara K.M.B.C. , Waidyasekara K.G.A.S. , Jayathilaka, R.D.W.W.
Published: December 2022

Most countries including Sri Lanka suffer from the skill and competency gap of labours in construction projects. Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) sectors are one of the main trades which takes maximum advantage of skilled labours. Although several researches have been conducted to find skills gap and labour shortage related to masonry work, carpentry, tiling, etc., few studies have been conducted related to MEP sector in the Sri Lankan construction industry. Hence, this paper focused on assessing skills gap and competency gap in MEP sector of Sri Lankan construction industry. Subsequent to the comprehensive literature review, questionnaire survey and expert interviews were carried out adopting mixed method approach, to analyze the skills gap. Quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed through mean weighted rating and manual content analysis respectively. The study revealed that learning, numerical, reading and writing are the skills which have highest skills gap while performing general physical activities, directing and training subordinates, and monitoring of activities have most competency gap. Enhancement of MEP related courses, improvement of training facilities, increment of awareness on MEP sector, and providing proper salaries can significantly address the current skills gap.
Environmental psychological considerations for people working in shared spaces; a study of co-working spaces: concerning Colombo, Sri Lanka
Authors:   university of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, Thilakarathne T.M.S.K. , Hettiarachchi A.A. ,   university of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka
Published: December 2022

While coworking has been a global trending topic since the new millennium, the Sri Lankan coworking industry starts with the economic boom at the war's end. As coworking is a new concept in the country, its adaptations and impacts need to study for future adjustments and growth. This study aims to provide a basis for space design fields to make sense of human behavior in co-working places by specializing in the context of "space." The layouts of two Colombo-based coworking environments were examined; Co-nnect and Likuid Spaces. The results showed that both the coworking environment layout arrangements and co-workers’ attitudes should improve in being true to core working core values. While it gives a standard framework for future research, it sheds light on the Sri Lankan interior designers, business researchers, and venture capitalists towards new opportunities in the coworking industry.
Investigation of application of green infrastructure practices for storm water management in urban areas: a case study of Diyatha Uyana
Authors:   university of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, Iddamalgoda I.D.M.P. , Warusavitharana E. ,   university of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka
Published: December 2022

With rapid urbanization, uncontrolled storm water runoff is one of the major problems facing urban areas at the present. Therefore, it can be seen as inducing flash flood events and water quality degradation in urban areas. In the Sri Lankan context, this same problem can be seen in urban areas. One of the issues facing urban areas is inadequate storm water drainage systems and limited space. At present, most urban areas have broadly used Green Infrastructure (GI) to reduce this situation in developing countries as an innovative and sustainable SWM approach. This Research is basically focused to examine the capability of reducing the impact of surface runoff using GI considering before- after situations (2005, 2021) in Diyatha Uyana and its surrounding as a case study area. When examining the research question, is explained the result with runoff retention index, runoff volume per watershed (m3), and runoff retention volume per pixel (m3) of the study area. Under various rainfall depths can be seen as a high retention index rather than before-situation of Diyatha Uyan
Occupational health and safety of municipal solid waste handlers in Sri Lanka
Authors:   university of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, Thisakya P.G. , Dissanayake D.M.P.P. ,   university of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka
Published: December 2022

Due to improper Municipal Solid Waste Management (MSWM), waste has become one of the pollution sources and caused diverse environmental impacts as well as negative impacts on human health and safety. Despite adverse health impacts on many living organisms, MSW handlers are also subjected to Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) issues in Sri Lanka. Although, they play a significant role in MSWM, the OHS of MSW handlers has been neglected in Sri Lanka. So far, no studies have been carried out on the same. Thus, it has become a timely requirement for exploring the OHS issues faced by MSW handlers. This paper therefore aimed to explore the occupational injuries and illnesses that MSW handlers are associated with, and the basic causes which leads to such OHS issues. Accordingly, a qualitative research approach with two case studies was utilised to achieve the aim of the research. Fourteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with both authority level and worker level employees. Collected data were analysed using content analysis with the support of NVivo 12 plus software. The findings reflected that MSW handlers mostly suffer from back pain, slipping and falling, knee/calf pain, and headaches/migraine due to the nature of the job. Manual handling, negligence of use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), poor working environment, inadequate training and instructions, careless behaviour, health condition and age level of MSW handlers are identified as fundamental causes that greatly impact of OHS issues. Both OHS issues and respective causes are bound with organisational, cultural, economic, financial, and individual aspects that are unique to the Sri Lankan context. Finally, the findings generated through this study can be employed in many ways by respective industry practitioners to take informative decision to enhance the OHS of MSW handlers.
City as a system of systems; and evaluation of “urbanity” in post-pandemic space
Authors:   University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, Logapawan J , Pathiraja M ,   University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka
Published: December 2022

The rapid spread of the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent compartmentalization of cities have questioned the existing norms of urban living. In such context, it is important to explore a form of ‘urbanism’ that fluctuates between the pre-COVID 19 requirements of social interdependence and the post-COVID-19 expectation of physical independence. In the form of qualitative research, “urbanity” is proposed as a critical point of departure for the theoretical investigation, while “system thinking” is employed as its key philosophical framework. Subsequently, a border normative definition for “city” is established by interrogating the notions of “urbanity” and “city as a system”. The reciprocal connection thus established between “urbanity” and “city as a system” defines an analytical framework to evaluate the behavior and challenges of urban settings underpinned by the expectations of the post-COVID-19 life. In applying this theoretical framework to the case study investigation, the “form syntax” method is used as the main analytical tool. Reviewing the results against the expectations of post COVID-19 urban space, a case is made on the criteria that facilitate post-pandemic urban life with special reference to the city of Colombo.
Spatial Distribution of Heavy Metals in Sediments of the Negombo Lagoon, Sri Lanka
Authors:   Department of Earth Resources Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, Nanayakkara CJ , Partheepan N , Kumarapperuma MY , Ratnayake NP
Published: December 2022

Heavy metals accumulate in the sediments of aquatic environments due to poor water solubility. Their toxic effect poses a significant threat to living organisms. Negombo Lagoon, a vital aquatic ecosystem in Sri Lanka, has become vulnerable to heavy metals mainly from urbanization-related anthropogenic activities. Previous research in this respect has sampling points restricted to the boundary area. Since the heavy metal concentration is a static parameter, continuous research needs to keep the data updated. This study aims to investigate the spatial distribution of several heavy metals (Cr, Ni, Co, Cu, As, Cd, and Pb) in the surficial sediment of the Negombo Lagoon. Fifteen grab sediment samples were collected from the lagoon and analyzed for heavy metal concentration and grain size. The range of concentrations of each metal in test samples were between (78.07 - 222.68 mg/kg) Cr, (376.7-1298.05 mg/kg) Ni, (15.875-43.74 mg/kg) Co, (32.45-112.79 mg/kg) Cu, (20.17-55.81 mg/kg) As, (0.30-1.4 mg/kg) Cd, and (16.57-70.97 mg/kg) Pb. Heavy metal concentrations and sediment grain sizes show significant spatial variation over the Negombo lagoon area. Heavy metals were highly concentrated in locations, where finer sediments are accumulated (i.e., towards the eastern and southern part of the lagoon). Heavy metal concentrations were found to be increased with the decreasing grain size. High heavy metal concentrations are also found at places where there is a river discharge. Among the sources which feed heavy metals into Negombo Lagoon anthropogenic activities such as municipal and industrial waste disposal, rapid urbanization, shipping, and naval activities etc. have a significant impact.
Potentials and Issues in Manufacturing Water-based Graphite Dispersions (-lubricants) in Sri Lanka as Value Added End Product of Natural Graphite
Authors:   Geological Survey & Mines Bureau, Badulla Regional office, Sri Lanka, Ekanayake EMKB
Published: December 2022

Sri Lanka is the only country in the world known to extract and produce commercially viable quantities of natural crystalline vein graphite. Currently Bogala Graphite mines and Kahatagaha Graphite mines are famous underground mines and largest natural graphite producers which supply natural vein graphite in the form of various product categories to international graphite market. It is said to be raw graphite or Run-of-mine (ROM) taken from underground mine is subjected to certain value adding steps such as separation into carbon grades and milling and grinding to requested particle size before export. But still value addition of graphite is a hot topic in many technical forums as well as among politicians and civil society. As we know, graphite is a miracle material in the industrial world as it involves or becomes an invaluable material in many industrial products as well as applications. So, among many graphite applications or end products, water-based graphite dispersion (lubricant) which is known as hot forging lubricant is one typical value-added graphite end product which can be produced in Sri Lanka using its own raw material. On the other hand, even though hot forging industry is not available in Sri Lanka, we can focus on our neighboring countries in South Asia specially India and Pakistan where world largest forging factories located and manufactured almost all forged parts for global automotive industry. This paper discusses potentials and issues related to manufacturing water-based graphite dispersions (lubricants) in Sri Lanka. This is one value added graphite end product and formulated specially aiming hot forging industry.