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A Numerical Model for Simulating Thermal Comfort Prediction in Public Transportation Buses
Youssef Riachi,
Denis Clodic
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 1, January 2014
Pages:
1-8
Received:
2 December 2013
Accepted:
Published:
30 January 2014
Abstract: A numerical simulation model that predicts the thermal comfort in public transportation buses was developed. A precise approach based on the assembly of zonal and nodal models, coupled with CFD results obtained for stationary conditions, is used to simulate the thermal and air flow phenomena inside the passenger compartments. The model allows to determine the thermal (solar, passenger, and convective) loads of the bus and then to qualify the comfort level using the equivalent temperature. Simulations carried out show the influence of air distribution inside the bus on passenger’s thermal comfort.
Abstract: A numerical simulation model that predicts the thermal comfort in public transportation buses was developed. A precise approach based on the assembly of zonal and nodal models, coupled with CFD results obtained for stationary conditions, is used to simulate the thermal and air flow phenomena inside the passenger compartments. The model allows to de...
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Household Water Supply Vulnerability in Low Income Communities in Ghana: Experiences from Aboabo in the Kumasi Metropolitan Area
Ebenezer Owusu-Sekyere,
Arkum Thaddeus Aasoglenang,
Samuel Z. Bonye
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 1, January 2014
Pages:
9-18
Received:
6 January 2014
Accepted:
Published:
20 February 2014
Abstract: The process of urbanization holds great promise for economic and social progress of a nation. On the other hand this process is confronted with a lot of challenges. One such challenge is the increasing vulnerability to quality water supply among households in low income urban communities. In Ghana, urban households do not have water flowing regularly through their taps from the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) and therefore have to supplement their limited supply with water from sources such as Streams/Rivers and Wells. Indeed, whereas the quantity of available water is decreasing, the quality is also compromised mainly due to high population growth accompanied by low investments by the state. This research examines the extent of water supply vulnerability among households at Aboabo, a low income community in the Kumasi Metropolitan Area. Using both quantitative and qualitative approaches, the research revealed that water from source other than GWCL was highly polluted. This is evidenced from the higher counts of faecal coliforms and E. coli in the water bodies. Again, the research showed higher concentrations of physicochemical properties which were above the WHO standard for safe drinking water. The concentrations of microbiological and physiochemical properties in the water sources had implications on human health as most of the diseases reported were water related. The paper argues that Kumasi is well endowed with water resources, but the amount of water available for distribution within the city is far from uniform with the low income communities seriously underserved. The paper concludes that if this situation is not addressed with specific policy interventions, the consequence could be disastrous.
Abstract: The process of urbanization holds great promise for economic and social progress of a nation. On the other hand this process is confronted with a lot of challenges. One such challenge is the increasing vulnerability to quality water supply among households in low income urban communities. In Ghana, urban households do not have water flowing regular...
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Applying Environmental Management Policy for Sustainable Development of Coastal Tourism in Thailand
Phongphanich Nara,
Guan-Guay Mao,
Tsair-Bor Yen
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 1, January 2014
Pages:
19-23
Received:
22 January 2014
Accepted:
Published:
20 February 2014
Abstract: Coastal tourism destination is one of the fastest growing areas within the world’s largest tourism industry. In Thailand, large numbers of tourists come to coastal recreation areas, and the associated development is not well managed, there can be extremely negative effects on coastal environment. Also, the environmental impacts of coastal tourism are influenced by climate change impacts. The aim of article explores environmental management policy of coastal tourism to gather strategy and action for solving environmental impacts and applying sustainable development (SD) of coastal tourism. Hence, the findings of study show that key environmental impacts provide valuable lessons for coastal recreation areas. It also proposes the appropriate environmental management policy of coastal tourism in Thailand.
Abstract: Coastal tourism destination is one of the fastest growing areas within the world’s largest tourism industry. In Thailand, large numbers of tourists come to coastal recreation areas, and the associated development is not well managed, there can be extremely negative effects on coastal environment. Also, the environmental impacts of coastal tourism a...
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Environmental Degradation and Management in Ethiopian Highlands: Review of Lessons Learned
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 1, January 2014
Pages:
24-34
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
28 February 2014
Abstract: About 50 percent of Ethiopia can be defined as mountainous, be it because of altitude above about 1500m, or because of steep slopes. The country’s highland areas include about 90% of its arable lands and are occupied by 90 percent of the human population and 60 percent of all livestock (Hurni, et al., 2010). Since 150,000 years ago population has expanded all over the highland parts of Ethiopia as they are very suitable places for living and agriculture than the malaria-infested harsh lowland areas surrounding the highlands. The Ethiopian Highlands, once endowed with rich natural resources, are agriculturally used since millennia and now heavily degraded (Gete, 2010). The interplay between the physical environment and population distribution in Ethiopia explains, to a great extent, the ever worsening problem of environmental degradation (Aklilu, 2001). Environmental management in Ethiopian highlands is therefore not only closely related to the improvement and conservation of ecological environment, but also to the sustainable development of Ethiopia’s agricultural sector and its economy at large. In Ethiopia, efforts towards this conservation goal were started since the mid-1970s and 80s (Aklilu, 2006; Wogayehu and Drake, 2001; Bekele and Holden, 1998). However, some of the management approaches were successful and other not. Therefore, the paper identifies opportunities to promote and scales up the successful best management practices and identifies challenges to put into practice different management practices which give preparation for environmental managers.
Abstract: About 50 percent of Ethiopia can be defined as mountainous, be it because of altitude above about 1500m, or because of steep slopes. The country’s highland areas include about 90% of its arable lands and are occupied by 90 percent of the human population and 60 percent of all livestock (Hurni, et al., 2010). Since 150,000 years ago population has e...
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Assessment of Health Related Impacts of Urban Heat Island (UHI) in Douala Metropolis, Cameroon
Enete,
I. C,
Awuh,
M. E,
Amawa,
S
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 1, January 2014
Pages:
35-40
Received:
19 November 2013
Accepted:
Published:
28 February 2014
Abstract: Urban heat island (UHI) has the potential to directly influence the health and welfare of urban residents. This study assessed the health related impacts of urban heat island in Douala Metropolis in Cameroon. Two land-use classes (resident and commercial) and two land-cover types (paved and green surfaces) were used for the selection of the sample sites using purposive sampling technique. Two hundred and fifty questionnaires were distributed and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics such as multiple and simple bar charts, tables, graphs, central tendency, running mean and spearman’s rank correlation. The result revealed that the people of Douala are always in discomfort the climate usually in the form of heat stress, stroke, crumps, exhaustion, fatigue, headache, nausea, fainting and even death. The result equally showed a strong relationship between the land-use/cover and heat related symptoms.
Abstract: Urban heat island (UHI) has the potential to directly influence the health and welfare of urban residents. This study assessed the health related impacts of urban heat island in Douala Metropolis in Cameroon. Two land-use classes (resident and commercial) and two land-cover types (paved and green surfaces) were used for the selection of the sample ...
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