title: Architecture of a ubiquitous smart energy management system for residential homes

authors: Kugler, Michael

subjects: computer science

abstract: A range of technology for monitoring electricity consumption at residential homes is gradually becoming available to users. Almost all of these systems, however, only aim to assist users with reducing their total power consumption, without being concerned too much about how those savings are actually made. Our research, aims to provide a basis for design of systems that give users control over management of power usage, so that savings in energy consumption can be made more intelligently. This paper describes the requirements of such a system, and proposes an architecture for these types of ubiquitous systems for residential homes.

text: Architecture of a ubiquitous smart energy management system for residential homes A range of technology for monitoring electricity consumption at residential homes is gradually becoming available to users. Almost all of these systems, however, only aim to assist users with reducing their total power consumption, without being concerned too much about how those savings are actually made. Our research, aims to provide a basis for design of systems that give users control over management of power usage, so that savings in energy consumption can be made more intelligently. This paper describes the requirements of such a system, and proposes an architecture for these types of ubiquitous systems for residential homes.

year: 2011

title: Microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation: a widespread phenomenon in the biological world

authors: Seifan, Mostafa

subjects: Science & Technology

abstract: Biodeposition of minerals is a widespread phenomenon in the biological world and is mediated by bacteria, fungi, protists, and plants. Calcium carbonate is one of those minerals that naturally precipitate as a by-product of microbial metabolic activities. Over recent years, microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) has been proposed as a potent solution to address many environmental and engineering issues. However, for being a viable alternative to conventional techniques as well as being financially and industrially competitive, various challenges need to be overcome. In this review, the detailed metabolic pathways, including ammonification of amino acids, dissimilatory reduction of nitrate, and urea degradation (ureolysis), along with the potent bacteria and the favorable conditions for precipitation of calcium carbonate, are explained. Moreover, this review highlights the potential environmental and engineering applications of MICP, including restoration of stones and concrete, improvement of soil properties, sand consolidation, bioremediation of contaminants, and carbon dioxide sequestration. The key research and development questions necessary for near future large-scale applications of this innovative technology are also discussed.

text: Microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation: a widespread phenomenon in the biological world Biodeposition of minerals is a widespread phenomenon in the biological world and is mediated by bacteria, fungi, protists, and plants. Calcium carbonate is one of those minerals that naturally precipitate as a by-product of microbial metabolic activities. Over recent years, microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) has been proposed as a potent solution to address many environmental and engineering issues. However, for being a viable alternative to conventional techniques as well as being financially and industrially competitive, various challenges need to be overcome. In this review, the detailed metabolic pathways, including ammonification of amino acids, dissimilatory reduction of nitrate, and urea degradation (ureolysis), along with the potent bacteria and the favorable conditions for precipitation of calcium carbonate, are explained. Moreover, this review highlights the potential environmental and engineering applications of MICP, including restoration of stones and concrete, improvement of soil properties, sand consolidation, bioremediation of contaminants, and carbon dioxide sequestration. The key research and development questions necessary for near future large-scale applications of this innovative technology are also discussed.

year: 2019

title: Speaking the unspoken: Maori experiences of racism in New Zealand sport

authors: Hippolite, Holly Raima

subjects: Maori

abstract: This research explores how being Maori influences Maori participants’ sport experiences and offers a critical Maori perspective on New Zealand sport. Ten experienced Maori sport participants were interviewed using Kaupapa Maori Research Methods which involved research performed by Maori, about Maori being Maori. This research grew out of discussions with Maori participants and explores their experiences as athletes, coaches, administrators and spectators, focusing on their interactions with Pakeha in Pakeha-dominated sport. Their experiences demonstrate personal, cultural and institutional racism in New Zealand sport and indicate how the power differentials in society impact on the ability of Maori to practice important cultural values in Pakeha-dominated contexts. I argue that racism is a factor affecting the relationships of Maori with Pakeha in key functionary positions in sport and identify a culture of denial that operates to marginalise discussions about racism generally. These participants’ experiences reflect cultural incapacity and blindness (Cross, Bazron, Dennis & Isaacs, 1989) by the dominant culture which have negative effects on the Maori participants including decisions to opt out of sport, feelings of hurt and frustration, a reduction in their commitment to national identity and a general sense that they are not considered as equals. The conclusion considers what is needed for New Zealand sport to become fully culturally inclusive; a situation desired by the participants and which has the potential to benefit everyone in sport.

text: Speaking the unspoken: Maori experiences of racism in New Zealand sport This research explores how being Maori influences Maori participants’ sport experiences and offers a critical Maori perspective on New Zealand sport. Ten experienced Maori sport participants were interviewed using Kaupapa Maori Research Methods which involved research performed by Maori, about Maori being Maori. This research grew out of discussions with Maori participants and explores their experiences as athletes, coaches, administrators and spectators, focusing on their interactions with Pakeha in Pakeha-dominated sport. Their experiences demonstrate personal, cultural and institutional racism in New Zealand sport and indicate how the power differentials in society impact on the ability of Maori to practice important cultural values in Pakeha-dominated contexts. I argue that racism is a factor affecting the relationships of Maori with Pakeha in key functionary positions in sport and identify a culture of denial that operates to marginalise discussions about racism generally. These participants’ experiences reflect cultural incapacity and blindness (Cross, Bazron, Dennis & Isaacs, 1989) by the dominant culture which have negative effects on the Maori participants including decisions to opt out of sport, feelings of hurt and frustration, a reduction in their commitment to national identity and a general sense that they are not considered as equals. The conclusion considers what is needed for New Zealand sport to become fully culturally inclusive; a situation desired by the participants and which has the potential to benefit everyone in sport.

year: 2010