Intelligent context-aware services based on internet of things architectures

La Internet de las Cosas (IoT), como parte de la Futura Internet, se ha convertido en la actualidad en uno de los principales temas de investigaci��n; en parte gracias a la atenci��n que la sociedad est�� poniendo en el desarrollo de determinado tipo de servicios (telemetr��a, generaci��n inteligente de energ��a, telesanidad, etc.) y por las recientes previsiones econ��micas que sit��an a algunos actores, como los operadores de telecomunicaciones (que se encuentran desesperadamente buscando nuevas oportunidades), al frente empujando algunas tecnolog��as interrelacionadas como las comunicaciones M��quina a M��quina (M2M). En este contexto, un importante n��mero de actividades de investigaci��n a nivel mundial se est��n realizando en distintas facetas: comunicaciones de redes de sensores, procesado de informaci��n, almacenamiento de grandes cantidades de datos (big--���data), sem��ntica, arquitecturas de servicio, etc. Todas ellas, de forma independiente, est��n llegando a un nivel de madurez que permiten vislumbrar la realizaci��n de la Internet de las Cosas m��s que como un sue��o, como una realidad tangible. Sin embargo, los servicios anteriormente mencionados no pueden esperar a desarrollarse hasta que las actividades de investigaci��n obtengan soluciones hol��sticas completas. Es importante proporcionar resultados intermedios que eviten soluciones verticales realizadas para desarrollos particulares. En este trabajo, nos hemos focalizado en la creaci��n de una plataforma de servicios que pretende facilitar, por una parte la integraci��n de redes de sensores y actuadores heterog��neas y geogr��ficamente distribuidas, y por otra lado el desarrollo de servicios horizontales utilizando dichas redes y la informaci��n que proporcionan. Este habilitador se utilizar�� para el desarrollo de servicios y para la experimentaci��n en la Internet de las Cosas. Previo a la definici��n de la plataforma, se ha realizado un importante estudio focalizando no s��lo trabajos y proyectos de investigaci��n, sino tambi��n actividades de estandarizaci��n. Los resultados se pueden resumir en las siguientes aseveraciones: a) Los modelos de datos definidos por el grupo ���Sensor Web Enablement��� (SWE���) del ���Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC��)��� representan hoy en d��a la soluci��n m��s completa para describir las redes de sensores y actuadores as�� como las observaciones. b) Las interfaces OGC, a pesar de las limitaciones que requieren cambios y extensiones, podr��an ser utilizadas como las bases para acceder a sensores y datos. c) Las redes de nueva generaci��n (NGN) ofrecen un buen sustrato que facilita la integraci��n de redes de sensores y el desarrollo de servicios. En consecuencia, una nueva plataforma de Servicios, llamada Ubiquitous Sensor Networks (USN), se ha definido en esta Tesis tratando de contribuir a rellenar los huecos previamente mencionados. Los puntos m��s destacados de la plataforma USN son: a) Desde un punto de vista arquitect��nico, sigue una aproximaci��n de dos niveles (Habilitador y Gateway) similar a otros habilitadores que utilizan las NGN (como el OMA Presence). b) Los modelos de datos est��n basado en los est��ndares del OGC SWE. iv c) Est�� integrado en las NGN pero puede ser utilizado sin ellas utilizando infraestructuras IP abiertas. d) Las principales funciones son: Descubrimiento de sensores, Almacenamiento de observaciones, Publicacion--���subscripcion--���notificaci��n, ejecuci��n remota homog��nea, seguridad, gesti��n de diccionarios de datos, facilidades de monitorizaci��n, utilidades de conversi��n de protocolos, interacciones s��ncronas y as��ncronas, soporte para el ���streaming��� y arbitrado b��sico de recursos. Para demostrar las funcionalidades que la Plataforma USN propuesta pueden ofrecer a los futuros escenarios de la Internet de las Cosas, se presentan resultados experimentales de tres pruebas de concepto (telemetr��a, ���Smart Places��� y monitorizaci��n medioambiental) reales a peque��a escala y un estudio sobre sem��ntica (sistema de informaci��n vehicular). Adem��s, se est�� utilizando actualmente como Habilitador para desarrollar tanto experimentaci��n como servicios reales en el proyecto Europeo SmartSantander (que aspira a integrar alrededor de 20.000 dispositivos IoT). v Abstract Internet of Things, as part of the Future Internet, has become one of the main research topics nowadays; in part thanks to the pressure the society is putting on the development of a particular kind of services (Smart metering, Smart Grids, eHealth, etc.), and by the recent business forecasts that situate some players, like Telecom Operators (which are desperately seeking for new opportunities), at the forefront pushing for some interrelated technologies like Machine--���to--���Machine (M2M) communications. Under this context, an important number of research activities are currently taking place worldwide at different levels: sensor network communications, information processing, big--��� data storage, semantics, service level architectures, etc. All of them, isolated, are arriving to a level of maturity that envision the achievement of Internet of Things (IoT) more than a dream, a tangible goal. However, the aforementioned services cannot wait to be developed until the holistic research actions bring complete solutions. It is important to come out with intermediate results that avoid vertical solutions tailored for particular deployments. In the present work, we focus on the creation of a Service--���level platform intended to facilitate, from one side the integration of heterogeneous and geographically disperse Sensors and Actuator Networks (SANs), and from the other the development of horizontal services using them and the information they provide. This enabler will be used for horizontal service development and for IoT experimentation. Prior to the definition of the platform, we have realized an important study targeting not just research works and projects, but also standardization topics. The results can be summarized in the following assertions: a) Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC��) Sensor Web Enablement (SWE���) data models today represent the most complete solution to describe SANs and observations. b) OGC interfaces, despite the limitations that require changes and extensions, could be used as the bases for accessing sensors and data. c) Next Generation Networks (NGN) offer a good substrate that facilitates the integration of SANs and the development of services. Consequently a new Service Layer platform, called Ubiquitous Sensor Networks (USN), has been defined in this Thesis trying to contribute to fill in the previous gaps. The main highlights of the proposed USN Platform are: a) From an architectural point of view, it follows a two--���layer approach (Enabler and Gateway) similar to other enablers that run on top of NGN (like the OMA Presence). b) Data models and interfaces are based on the OGC SWE standards. c) It is integrated in NGN but it can be used without it over open IP infrastructures. d) Main functions are: Sensor Discovery, Observation Storage, Publish--���Subscribe--���Notify, homogeneous remote execution, security, data dictionaries handling, monitoring facilities, authorization support, protocol conversion utilities, synchronous and asynchronous interactions, streaming support and basic resource arbitration. vi In order to demonstrate the functionalities that the proposed USN Platform can offer to future IoT scenarios, some experimental results have been addressed in three real--���life small--���scale proofs--���of concepts (Smart Metering, Smart Places and Environmental monitoring) and a study for semantics (in--���vehicle information system). Furthermore we also present the current use of the proposed USN Platform as an Enabler to develop experimentation and real services in the SmartSantander EU project (that aims at integrating around 20.000 IoT devices).

El an��lisis de la direcci��n integrada de proyectos (project & construction management) en el marco europeo: propuesta de regulaci��n en Espa��a y su inclusi��n en la ley de la ordenaci��n de la edificaci��n

El presente trabajo de Tesis Doctoral surge de la Figura de la Direcci��n Integrada de Proyecto en Edificaci��n (���Project & Construction Management���) y su analisis de la situaci��n regulatoria en la legislaci��n espa��ola. El primer planteamiento fue pensar en la situaci��n actual de esta figura en el contexto internacional, para analizar su repercusi��n en el sector de la edificaci��n, lo cual me llevo a cabo las siguientes preguntas que he reuelto en esta investigaci��n. �� Como surge el ��Project & Construction Management���? �� Cuales son sus actividades, funciones y cometidos? �� Existe el ��Project & Construction Management��� en otros pa��ses? ��Hay regulaci��n del ��Project & Construction Management��� en esos paises? ��C��mo es la regulaci��n del ��Project & Construction Management���? ��Existe demanda del ��Project & Construction Management��� en Espa��a? ��C��mo es esa demanda en Espa��a, y como se puede cuantificar? ��Existe regulaci��n del ��Project & Construction Management��� en Espa��a? �� Como deber��a ser la regulaci��n del ��Project & Construction Management��� en Espa��a? Todas las preguntas anteriores las he ido respondiendo con el presente trabajo, llegando a una serie de respuestas, que est��n reflejadas en el desarrollo del presente trabajo y que resumo: - EL ��Project & Construction Management��� surge a principios del siglo XX en USA, desarroll��ndose como una disciplina con metodolog��a propia y extendi��ndose por otros pa��ses. - EL ��Project & Construction Management��� es una disciplina, basada en una metodolog��a propia con herramientas y t��cnicas para organizar cualquier 14 proyecto de cualquier tipo, pero en este caso un proyecto de edificaci��n, para lo cual he definido con todo detalle esta figura. - El origen del ��Project & Construction Management��� es anglosaj��n, concretamente en USA, extendiendose luego al Reino Unido, a Europa (Francia y Alemania), a Asia, a Am��rica del Sur y a Ocean��a. - En todos los paises estudiados (Estados Unidos, Reino Unido, Francia y Alemania) existe una regulaci��n sobre el ��Project & Construction Management��� que me ha servido de base comparativa para introducirla en Espa��a. - Hay muchas empresas en Espa��a (Nacionales e Internacionales) que ejercen su actividad dentro de este sector, por lo que para realizar un estudio m��s profundo, hice una muestra de las 30 empresas m��s significativas, prepare un cuestionario, dividido en 5 apartados: Organizativo, Sectorial, Cualitativo, Cuantitativo y Profesional para obtener una radiograd��a de la situaci��n real del sector, y as�� valorar cual es la importancia de este agente. - Estudi�� las posibles regulaciones del ��Project & Construction Management��� en Espa��a y no encontr�� ninguna. - El lugar id��neo para que se regule al ��Project & Construction Management��� es la Ley de Ordenaci��n de la Edificaci��n (LOE), ya que la jurisprudencia (sentencias de los tribunales de justicia espa��oles) le ha asimilado con los agentes de la LOE y se ha basado para absolver o condenar en la Ley de Ordenaci��n de la Edificaci��n. Por lo que el Objetivo fundamental de esta tesis ha sido regular la figura del ��Project & Construction Management���, traducirla al Castellano, definirla y realizar una estructura de Agente de la Edificaci��n, seg��n la LOE, para poder introducirla dentro de la Legislaci��n Espa��ola, con el objeto de mejorar la calidad de la edificaci��n, proteger al usuario, estableciendo responsabilidades y garant��as y proteger al ��Project & Construction Management��� de las responsabilidades solidarias. ABSTRACT This Doctoral Thesis figure emerges from the Integrated Building Project ("Project & Construction Management") and his analysis of the regulatory situation in the Spanish legislation. The first approach was to think of the current situation of this figure in the international context, to analyze its impact on the building sector, which I conducted the following questions that I have met in this research. - How did the ���Project & Construction Management "? - What are your activities, functions and duties? - Is there a ���Project & Construction Management "in other countries? - Is there regulation ���Project & Construction Management "in these countries? - How is regulation of �� Project & Construction Management "? - Is there demand ���Project & Construction Management "in Spain? - How is that demand in Spain, and as you can quantify? - Is there regulation ���Project & Construction Management "in Spain? - How should regulation ��Project & Construction Management "in Spain? All the above questions have been answered with this study, leading to a series of responses, which are reflected in the development of this study and are summarized: - The �� Project & Construction Management "comes early twentieth century in the USA, developed as a discipline with its own methodology and extending other countries. - The �� Project & Construction Management "is a discipline based on a metodology own tools and techniques to organize any project of any kind, but in this case a building project, for which I have defined in detail this figure. - The origin of ��Project & Construction Management "is Anglo-Saxon, particularly in USA, then spreading to the UK, Europe (France and Germany), Asia, South America and Oceania. - In all countries studied (USA, UK, France and Germany) there is a regulation on ��Project & Construction Management "has helped me to introduce comparative base in Spain. - There are many companies in Spain (National and International) who perform work within this sector, so for further study, I made a sample of the 30 most important companies, prepare a questionnaire, divided into five sections: Organizational , Sector, Qualitative, Quantitative and Professional radiography for a real situation of the sector, and thus assess which is the importance of this agent. - Study the possible regulations ��Project & Construction Management "in Spain and found none. - The place to be regulated to ��Project & Construction Management "is the Law of Construction Planning (LOE), as the case law (judgments of the courts Spanish) has assimilated LOE agents and has been based to absolve or condemn Law Construction Planning. So the objective of this thesis has been regular figure �� Project & Construction Management ", translated to spanish, define and perform an Agent structure of the Building, as the LOE, to enter into Spanish law, in order to improve the quality of the building, protecting the user, establishing responsibilities and guarantees and protect the �� Project & Construction Management "solidarity responsibilities.

Open multi-technology building energy management system

Energy Efficiency is one of the goals of the Smart Building initiatives. This paper presents an Open Energy Management System which consists of an ontology-based multi-technology platform and a wireless transducer network using 6LoWPAN communication technology. The system allows the integration of several building automation protocols and eases the development of different kind of services to make use of them. The system has been implemented and tested in the Energy Efficiency Research Facility at CeDInt-UPM.

IBPOWER Project, Intermediate band materials and solar cells for photovoltaics with high efficiency and reduced cost

IBPOWER is a Project awarded under the 7th European Framework Programme that aims to advance research on intermediate band solar cells (IBSCs). These are solar cells conceived to absorb below bandgap energy photons by means of an electronic energy band that is located within the semiconductor bandgap, whilst producing photocurrent with output voltage still limited by the total semiconductor bandgap. IBPOWER employs two basic strategies for implementing the IBSC concept. The first is based on the use of quantum dots, the IB arising from the confined energy levels of the electrons in the dots. Quantum dots have led to devices that demonstrate the physical operation principles of the IB concept and have allowed identification of the problems to be solved to achieve actual high efficiencies. The second approach is based on the creation of bulk intermediate band materials by the insertion of an appropriate impurity into a bulk semiconductor. Under this approach it is expected that, when inserted at high densities, these impurities will find it difficult to capture electrons by producing a breathing mode and will cease behaving as non-radiative recombination centres. Towards this end the following systems are being investigated: a) Mn: In1-xGax N; b) transition metals in GaAs and c) thin films.

Specific skills assessment learned by students of building engineering and technical architecture in topics relating to durability and control of concrete structures

In many university courses such as Building Engineering or Technical Architectural, the high density of the contents included in the curriculum, make the student, after graduation, unable to develop the skills already acquired and evaluated in the disciplines of the first courses. From the Group of Educational Innovation at the Polytechnic University of Madrid (UPM) "Teaching of Structural Concrete" (GIEHE) we have conducted a study in which are valued specific skills acquired by students after the first courses of career. We have worked with students from UPM fourth-year career and with Technical Architecture students who have completed their studies and also have completed the Adaptation Course of Technical Architecture to the Building Engineer. The work is part of the Educational Innovation Project funded by the UPM "Integration of training and assessment of generic and specific skills in structural concrete" We have evaluated specific skills learned in the areas of durability and control of structural concrete structures. The results show that overall, students are not able to fully develop the skills already acquired earlier, even being these essential to their professional development. Possibly, the large amount of content taught in these degrees together with a teaching and assessment of "flat profile", ie, which are presented and evaluated with the same intensity as the fundamental and the accessory, are causes enough to cause these results.

Background and approach to a definition of smart buildings

There is no doubt that there is no possibility of finding a single reference about domotics in the first half of the 20th century. The best known authors and those who have documented this discipline, set its origin in the 1970���s, when the x-10 technology began to be used, but it was not until 1988 when Larousse Encyclopedia decided to include the definition of "Smart Building". Furthermore, even nowadays, there is not a single definition widely accepted, and for that reason, many other expressions, namely "Intelligent Buildings" "Domotics" "Digital Home" or "Home Automation" have appeared to describe the automated buildings and homes. The lack of a clear definition for "Smart Buildings" causes difficulty not only in the development of a common international framework to develop research in this field, but it also causes insecurity in the potential user of these buildings. That is to say, the user does not know what is offered by this kind of buildings, hindering the dissemination of the culture of building automation in society. Thus, the main purpose of this paper is to propose a definition of the expression ���Smart Buildings��� that satisfactorily describes the meaning of this discipline. To achieve this aim, a thorough review of the origin of the term itself and the historical background before the emergence of the phenomenon of domotics was conducted, followed by a critical discussion of existing definitions of the term "Smart Buildings" and other similar terms. The extent of each definition has been analyzed, inaccuracies have been discarded and commonalities have been compared. Throughout the discussion, definitions that bring the term "Smart Buildings" near to disciplines such as computer science, robotics and also telecommunications have been found. However, there are also many other definitions that emphasize in a more abstract way the role of these new buildings in the society and the future of mankind.

Evaluation of the utilization of electric vehicles for building energy management in hotels

Governments are working in new policies to slow down total energy consumption and greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions, promoting the deployment of electric vehicles (EVs) in all countries. In order to facilitate this deployment and help to reduce the final costs of their batteries, additional utilization of EVs when those are parked has been proposed. EVs can be used to minimize the total electricity cost of buildings (named vehicle to building applications, V2B). In this paper an economic evaluation of EVs in the Building Energy Management System is shown. The optimal storage capacity and its equivalent number of EVs are determined. This value is then used for determining the optimal charging schedule to be applied to the batteries. From this schedule, the total expected profit is derived for the case of a real hotel in Spain.

Plataformas de desarrollo de WSAN y MiddleWare para despliegue

Son muchos los dominios de aplicaci��n que han surgido en los ��ltimos a��os con motivo de los avances tecnol��gicos. Algunos como eHealth, Smart Building o Smart Grid est��n teniendo una gran aceptaci��n por parte de empresas que incrementan sus inversiones en este tipo de campos. Las redes inal��mbricas de sensores y actuadores juegan un papel fundamental en el desarrollo de este tipo de aplicaciones. A trav��s de este tipo de redes inal��mbricas es posible monitorizar y actuar sobre un entorno gracias a nodos sensores y actuadores de forma c��moda y sencilla. Las WSANs (Wireless Sensors and Actuators Networks) junto con la rob��tica y M2M (Machine-to-Machine) est��n forjando el camino hacia el Internet of Things (IoT), un futuro en el que todo est�� conectado entre s��. Cada vez aparecen dispositivos m��s peque��os y aut��nomos, que junto con el crecimiento de las redes, propician la interconexi��n de ���el todo���. Este Proyecto Fin de Carrera tiene como objetivo contribuir en este avance, desarrollando parcialmente una soluci��n middleware que abstraiga al usuario de la complejidad del hardware, implementando ciertas funcionalidades ofrecidas por el middleware nSOM desarrollado por la UPM. Para conseguir este objetivo se realizar�� un estudio del Estado del Arte actual y una comparativa de las diferentes plataformas hardware involucradas en las Redes Inal��mbricas de Sensores y Actuadores (Wireless Sensor-Actuator Networks). Este estudio tendr�� como fin la elecci��n de una de las plataformas hardware para su futuro uso en un despliegue parcial del mencionado middleware nSOM. Posteriormente, se dise��ar�� e implementar�� un sistema para ejemplificar un caso de uso sobre dicha plataforma integrando la publicaci��n de las caracter��sticas y servicios de cada nodo final y el env��o de peticiones y la recepci��n de respuestas. Finalmente se obtendr�� un conjunto de conclusiones a partir de los resultados obtenidos y se detallar��n posibles l��neas de trabajo. ABSTRACT. There are many applications domains that have arisen because of technological advances in recent years. Some as eHealth, Smart Building or Smart Grid are having a great acceptance by companies that increase their investments in such fields. Wireless sensors and actuators networks play a fundamental role in the development of such applications. By means of this kind of wireless network it is possible to monitor and act upon an environment with the assistance of sensors and actuators nodes, readily. The WSANs (Wireless Sensors and Actuators Networks) together with robotics and M2M (Machine-to-Machine) are forging the way towards the Internet of Things (IoT), a future in which all of them are connected among themselves. Smaller and more autonomous devices are appearing that, along with the growth of networks, foster the interconnection of ���the whole���. This Degree Final Project aims to contribute to this breakthrough, developing partially a middleware solution that abstracts the user from the complexity of hardware, implementing certain functionalities offered by the nSOM middleware solution carried out by UPM. To achieve this objective a study of the current state of the art and a comparison of the different hardware platforms involved in the Wireless and Actuators Sensor Networks (Wireless Sensor-Actuator Networks) will be performed. This study will aim the election of one of the hardware platforms for its future use in a partial deployment of the mentioned middleware nSOM. Subsequently, a system will be designed and implemented to exemplify a use case on the platform mentioned before integrating the publication of the features and services of each end node and sending requests and receiving responses. Finally a set of conclusions from the results will be stated and possible lines of future works will be detailed.

Urban wind energy: empirical optimization of high-rise building roof shape for the wind energy exploitation

El programa Europeo HORIZON2020 en Futuras Ciudades Inteligentes establece como objetivo que el 20% de la energ��a el��ctrica sea generada a partir de fuentes renovables. Este objetivo implica la necesidad de potenciar la generaci��n de energ��a e��lica en todos los ��mbitos. La energ��a e��lica reduce dr��sticamente las emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero y evita los riesgos geo-pol��ticos asociados al suministro e infraestructuras energ��ticas, as�� como la dependencia energ��tica de otras regiones. Adem��s, la generaci��n de energ��a distribuida (generaci��n en el punto de consumo) presenta significativas ventajas en t��rminos de elevada eficiencia energ��tica y estimulaci��n de la econom��a. El sector de la edificaci��n representa el 40% del consumo energ��tico total de la Uni��n Europea. La reducci��n del consumo energ��tico en este ��rea es, por tanto, una prioridad de acuerdo con los objetivos "20-20-20" en eficiencia energ��tica. La Directiva 2010/31/EU del Parlamento Europeo y del Consejo de 19 de mayo de 2010 sobre el comportamiento energ��tico de edificaciones contempla la instalaci��n de sistemas de suministro energ��tico a partir de fuentes renovables en las edificaciones de nuevo dise��o. Actualmente existe una escasez de conocimiento cient��fico y tecnol��gico acerca de la geometr��a ��ptima de las edificaciones para la explotaci��n de la energ��a e��lica en entornos urbanos. El campo tecnol��gico de estudio de la presente Tesis Doctoral es la generaci��n de energ��a e��lica en entornos urbanos. Espec��ficamente, la optimization de la geometr��a de las cubiertas de edificaciones desde el punto de vista de la explotaci��n del recurso energ��tico e��lico. Debido a que el flujo del viento alrededor de las edificaciones es exhaustivamente investigado en esta Tesis empleando herramientas de simulaci��n num��rica, la mec��nica de fluidos computacional (CFD en ingl��s) y la aerodin��mica de edificaciones son los campos cient��ficos de estudio. El objetivo central de esta Tesis Doctoral es obtener una geometr��a de altas prestaciones (u ��ptima) para la explotaci��n de la energ��a e��lica en cubiertas de edificaciones de gran altura. Este objetivo es alcanzado mediante un an��lisis exhaustivo de la influencia de la forma de la cubierta del edificio en el flujo del viento desde el punto de vista de la explotaci��n energ��tica del recurso e��lico empleando herramientas de simulaci��n num��rica (CFD). Adicionalmente, la geometr��a de la edificaci��n convencional (edificio prism��tico) es estudiada, y el posicionamiento adecuado para los diferentes tipos de aerogeneradores es propuesto. La compatibilidad entre el aprovechamiento de las energ��as solar fotovoltaica y e��lica tambi��n es analizado en este tipo de edificaciones. La investigaci��n prosigue con la optimizaci��n de la geometr��a de la cubierta. La metodolog��a con la que se obtiene la geometr��a ��ptima consta de las siguientes etapas: - Verificaci��n de los resultados de las geometr��as previamente estudiadas en la literatura. Las geometr��as b��sicas que se someten a examen son: cubierta plana, a dos aguas, inclinada, abovedada y esf��rica. - An��lisis de la influencia de la forma de las aristas de la cubierta sobre el flujo del viento. Esta tarea se lleva a cabo mediante la comparaci��n de los resultados obtenidos para la arista convencional (esquina sencilla) con un parapeto, un voladizo y una esquina curva. - An��lisis del acoplamiento entre la cubierta y los cerramientos verticales (paredes) mediante la comparaci��n entre diferentes variaciones de una cubierta esf��rica en una edificaci��n de gran altura: cubierta esf��rica estudiada en la literatura, cubierta esf��rica integrada geom��tricamente con las paredes (planta cuadrada en el suelo) y una cubierta esf��rica acoplada a una pared cilindrica. El comportamiento del flujo sobre la cubierta es estudiado tambi��n considerando la posibilidad de la variaci��n en la direcci��n del viento incidente. - An��lisis del efecto de las proporciones geom��tricas del edificio sobre el flujo en la cubierta. - An��lisis del efecto de la presencia de edificaciones circundantes sobre el flujo del viento en la cubierta del edificio objetivo. Las contribuciones de la presente Tesis Doctoral pueden resumirse en: - Se demuestra que los modelos de turbulencia RANS obtienen mejores resultados para la simulaci��n del viento alrededor de edificaciones empleando los coeficientes propuestos por Crespo y los propuestos por Bechmann y S��rensen que empleando los coeficientes est��ndar. - Se demuestra que la estimaci��n de la energ��a cin��tica turbulenta del flujo empleando modelos de turbulencia RANS puede ser validada manteniendo el enfoque en la cubierta de la edificaci��n. - Se presenta una nueva modificaci��n del modelo de turbulencia Durbin k ��� e que reproduce mejor la distancia de recirculaci��n del flujo de acuerdo con los resultados experimentales. - Se demuestra una relaci��n lineal entre la distancia de recirculaci��n en una cubierta plana y el factor constante involucrado en el c��lculo de la escala de tiempo de la velocidad turbulenta. Este resultado puede ser empleado por la comunidad cient��fica para la mejora del modelado de la turbulencia en diversas herramientas computacionales (OpenFOAM, Fluent, CFX, etc.). - La compatibilidad entre las energ��as solar fotovoltaica y e��lica en cubiertas de edificaciones es analizada. Se demuestra que la presencia de los m��dulos solares provoca un descenso en la intensidad de turbulencia. - Se demuestran conflictos en el cambio de escala entre simulaciones de edificaciones a escala real y simulaciones de modelos a escala reducida (t��nel de viento). Se demuestra que para respetar las limitaciones de similitud (n��mero de Reynolds) son necesarias mediciones en edificaciones a escala real o experimentos en t��neles de viento empleando agua como fluido, especialmente cuando se trata con geometr��as complejas, como es el caso de los m��dulos solares. - Se determina el posicionamiento m��s adecuado para los diferentes tipos de aerogeneradores tomando en consideraci��n la velocidad e intensidad de turbulencia del flujo. El posicionamiento de aerogeneradores es investigado en las geometr��as de cubierta m��s habituales (plana, a dos aguas, inclinada, abovedada y esf��rica). - Las formas de aristas m��s habituales (esquina, parapeto, voladizo y curva) son analizadas, as�� como su efecto sobre el flujo del viento en la cubierta de un edificio de gran altura desde el punto de vista del aprovechamiento e��lico. - Se propone una geometr��a ��ptima (o de altas prestaciones) para el aprovechamiento de la energ��a e��lica urbana. Esta optimizaci��n incluye: verificaci��n de las geometr��as estudiadas en el estado del arte, an��lisis de la influencia de las aristas de la cubierta en el flujo del viento, estudio del acoplamiento entre la cubierta y las paredes, an��lisis de sensibilidad del grosor de la cubierta, exploraci��n de la influencia de las proporciones geom��tricas de la cubierta y el edificio, e investigaci��n del efecto de las edificaciones circundantes (considerando diferentes alturas de los alrededores) sobre el flujo del viento en la cubierta del edificio objetivo. Las investigaciones comprenden el an��lisis de la velocidad, la energ��a cin��tica turbulenta y la intensidad de turbulencia en todos los casos. ABSTRACT The HORIZON2020 European program in Future Smart Cities aims to have 20% of electricity produced by renewable sources. This goal implies the necessity to enhance the wind energy generation, both with large and small wind turbines. Wind energy drastically reduces carbon emissions and avoids geo-political risks associated with supply and infrastructure constraints, as well as energy dependence from other regions. Additionally, distributed energy generation (generation at the consumption site) offers significant benefits in terms of high energy efficiency and stimulation of the economy. The buildings sector represents 40% of the European Union total energy consumption. Reducing energy consumption in this area is therefore a priority under the "20-20-20" objectives on energy efficiency. The Directive 2010/31/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 May 2010 on the energy performance of buildings aims to consider the installation of renewable energy supply systems in new designed buildings. Nowadays, there is a lack of knowledge about the optimum building shape for urban wind energy exploitation. The technological field of study of the present Thesis is the wind energy generation in urban environments. Specifically, the improvement of the building-roof shape with a focus on the wind energy resource exploitation. Since the wind flow around buildings is exhaustively investigated in this Thesis using numerical simulation tools, both computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and building aerodynamics are the scientific fields of study. The main objective of this Thesis is to obtain an improved (or optimum) shape of a high-rise building for the wind energy exploitation on the roof. To achieve this objective, an analysis of the influence of the building shape on the behaviour of the wind flow on the roof from the point of view of the wind energy exploitation is carried out using numerical simulation tools (CFD). Additionally, the conventional building shape (prismatic) is analysed, and the adequate positions for different kinds of wind turbines are proposed. The compatibility of both photovoltaic-solar and wind energies is also analysed for this kind of buildings. The investigation continues with the buildingroof optimization. The methodology for obtaining the optimum high-rise building roof shape involves the following stages: - Verification of the results of previous building-roof shapes studied in the literature. The basic shapes that are compared are: flat, pitched, shed, vaulted and spheric. - Analysis of the influence of the roof-edge shape on the wind flow. This task is carried out by comparing the results obtained for the conventional edge shape (simple corner) with a railing, a cantilever and a curved edge. - Analysis of the roof-wall coupling by testing different variations of a spherical roof on a high-rise building: spherical roof studied in the litera ture, spherical roof geometrically integrated with the walls (squared-plant) and spherical roof with a cylindrical wall. The flow behaviour on the roof according to the variation of the incident wind direction is commented. - Analysis of the effect of the building aspect ratio on the flow. - Analysis of the surrounding buildings effect on the wind flow on the target building roof. The contributions of the present Thesis can be summarized as follows: - It is demonstrated that RANS turbulence models obtain better results for the wind flow around buildings using the coefficients proposed by Crespo and those proposed by Bechmann and S0rensen than by using the standard ones. - It is demonstrated that RANS turbulence models can be validated for turbulent kinetic energy focusing on building roofs. - A new modification of the Durbin k ��� e turbulence model is proposed in order to obtain a better agreement of the recirculation distance between CFD simulations and experimental results. - A linear relationship between the recirculation distance on a flat roof and the constant factor involved in the calculation of the turbulence velocity time scale is demonstrated. This discovery can be used by the research community in order to improve the turbulence modeling in different solvers (OpenFOAM, Fluent, CFX, etc.). - The compatibility of both photovoltaic-solar and wind energies on building roofs is demonstrated. A decrease of turbulence intensity due to the presence of the solar panels is demonstrated. - Scaling issues are demonstrated between full-scale buildings and windtunnel reduced-scale models. The necessity of respecting the similitude constraints is demonstrated. Either full-scale measurements or wind-tunnel experiments using water as a medium are needed in order to accurately reproduce the wind flow around buildings, specially when dealing with complex shapes (as solar panels, etc.). - The most adequate position (most adequate roof region) for the different kinds of wind turbines is highlighted attending to both velocity and turbulence intensity. The wind turbine positioning was investigated for the most habitual kind of building-roof shapes (flat, pitched, shed, vaulted and spherical). - The most habitual roof-edge shapes (simple edge, railing, cantilever and curved) were investigated, and their effect on the wind flow on a highrise building roof were analysed from the point of view of the wind energy exploitation. - An optimum building-roof shape is proposed for the urban wind energy exploitation. Such optimization includes: state-of-the-art roof shapes test, analysis of the influence of the roof-edge shape on the wind flow, study of the roof-wall coupling, sensitivity analysis of the roof width, exploration of the aspect ratio of the building-roof shape and investigation of the effect of the neighbouring buildings (considering different surrounding heights) on the wind now on the target building roof. The investigations comprise analysis of velocity, turbulent kinetic energy and turbulence intensity for all the cases.

Proceso metodol��gico para optimizar la toma de decisiones en el proyecto de envolventes arquitect��nicas multicapa = Methodological process for the optimization of the decision making in multilayer building envelope projects

La presente tesis doctoral se enmarca dentro del concepto de la sistematizaci��n del conocimiento en arquitectura, m��s concretamente en el campo de las construcciones arquitect��nicas y la toma de decisiones en la fase de proyecto de envolventes arquitect��nicas multicapa. Por tanto, el objetivo principal es el establecimiento de las bases para una toma de decisiones informadas durante el proyecto de una envolvente multicapa con el fin de colaborar en su optimizaci��n. Del mismo modo que la historia de la arquitectura est�� relacionada con la historia de la innovaci��n en construcci��n, la construcci��n est�� sujeta a cambios como respuesta a los fracasos anteriores. En base a esto, se identifica la toma de decisiones en la fase de proyecto como el estadio inicial para establecer un punto estrat��gico de reflexi��n y de control sobre los procesos constructivos. La presente investigaci��n, conceptualmente, define los par��metros intervinientes en el proyecto de envolventes arquitect��nicas multicapa a partir de una clasificaci��n y sistematizaci��n de todos los componentes (elementos, unidades y sistemas constructivos) utilizados en las fachadas multicapa. Dicha sistematizaci��n se materializa en una hoja matriz de datos en la que, dentro de una organizaci��n a modo de ��rbol, se puede acceder a la consulta de cada componente y de su caracterizaci��n. Dicha matriz permite la incorporaci��n futura de cualquier componente o sistema nuevo que aparezca en el mercado, relacion��ndolo con aquellos con los que comparta ubicaci��n, tipo de material, etc. Con base en esa matriz de datos, se dise��a la sistematizaci��n de la toma de decisiones en la fase de proyecto de una envolvente arquitect��nica, en concreto, en el caso de una fachada. Operativamente, el resultado se presenta como una herramienta que permite al arquitecto o proyectista reflexionar y seleccionar el sistema constructivo m��s adecuado, al enfrentarse con las distintas decisiones o elecciones posibles. La herramienta se basa en las elecciones iniciales tomadas por el proyectista y se estructura, a continuaci��n y sucesivamente, en distintas aproximaciones, criterios, subcriterios y posibilidades que responden a los distintos avances en la definici��n del sistema constructivo. Se proponen una serie de fichas operativas de comprobaci��n que informan sobre el estadio de decisi��n y de definici��n de proyecto alcanzados en cada caso. Asimismo, el sistema permite la conexi��n con otros sistemas de revisi��n de proyectos para fomentar la reflexi��n sobre la normalizaci��n de los riesgos asociados tanto al proprio sistema como a su proceso constructivo y comportamiento futuros. La herramienta proporciona un sistema de ayuda para ser utilizado en el proceso de toma de decisiones en la fase de dise��o de una fachada multicapa, minimizando la arbitrariedad y ofreciendo una cualificaci��n previa a la cuantificaci��n que supondr�� la elaboraci��n del detalle constructivo y de su medici��n en las sucesivas fases del proyecto. Al mismo tiempo, la sistematizaci��n de dicha toma de decisiones en la fase del proyecto puede constituirse como un sistema de comprobaci��n en las diferentes fases del proceso de decisi��n proyectual y de definici��n de la envolvente de un edificio. ABSTRACT The central issue of this doctoral Thesis is founded on the framework of the concept of the systematization of knowledge in architecture, in particular, in respect of the field of building construction and the decision making in the design stage of multilayer building envelope projects. Therefore, the main objective is to establish the bases for knowledgeable decision making during a multilayer building envelope design process, in order to collaborate with its optimization. Just as the history of architecture is connected to the history of innovation in construction, construction itself is subject to changes as a response to previous failures. On this basis, the decisions made during the project design phase are identified as the initial state to establish an strategic point for reflection and control, referred to the constructive processes. Conceptually, this research defines the parameters involving the multilayer building envelope projects, on the basis of a classification and systematization for all the components (elements, constructive units and constructive systems) used in multilayer fa��ades. The mentioned systematization is materialized into a data matrix sheet in which, following a tree���like organization, the access to every single component and its characterization is possible. The above data matrix allows the future inclusion of any new component or system that may appear in the construction market. That new component or system can be put into a relationship with another, which it shares location, type of material,��� with. Based on the data matrix, the systematization of the decision making process for a building envelope design stage is designed, more particularly in the case of a fa��ade. Putting this into practice, it is represented as a tool which allows the architect or the designer, to reflect and to select the appropriate building system when facing the different elections or the different options. The tool is based on the initial elections taken by the designer. Then and successively, it is shaped on the form of different operative steps, criteria, sub���criteria and possibilities which respond to a different progress in the definition of the building construction system. In order to inform about the stage of the decision and the definition reached by the project in every particular case, a range of operative sheets are proposed. Additionally, the system allows the connection with other reviewing methods for building projects. The aim of this last possibility is to encourage the reflection on standardization of the associated risks to the building system itself and its future performance. The tool provides a helping system to be used during the decision making process for a multilayer fa��ade design. It minimizes the arbitrariness and offers a qualification previous to the quantification that will be done with the development of the construction details and their bill of quantities, that in subsequent project stages will be executed. At the same time, the systematization of the mentioned decision making during the design phase, can be found as a checking system in the different stages of the decision making design process and in the different stages of the building envelope definition.

Mouse model of Sanfilippo syndrome type B produced by targeted disruption of the gene encoding ��-N-acetylglucosaminidase

The Sanfilippo syndrome type B is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutation in the gene (NAGLU) encoding ��-N-acetylglucosaminidase, a lysosomal enzyme required for the stepwise degradation of heparan sulfate. The most serious manifestations are profound mental retardation, intractable behavior problems, and death in the second decade. To generate a model for studies of pathophysiology and of potential therapy, we disrupted exon 6 of Naglu, the homologous mouse gene. Naglu���/��� mice were healthy and fertile while young and could survive for 8���12 mo. They were totally deficient in ��-N-acetylglucosaminidase and had massive accumulation of heparan sulfate in liver and kidney as well as secondary changes in activity of several other lysosomal enzymes in liver and brain and elevation of gangliosides GM2 and GM3 in brain. Vacuolation was seen in many cells, including macrophages, epithelial cells, and neurons, and became more prominent with age. Although most vacuoles contained finely granular material characteristic of glycosaminoglycan accumulation, large pleiomorphic inclusions were seen in some neurons and pericytes in the brain. Abnormal hypoactive behavior was manifested by 4.5-mo-old Naglu���/��� mice in an open field test; the hyperactivity that is characteristic of affected children was not observed even in younger mice. In a Pavlovian fear conditioning test, the 4.5-mo-old mutant mice showed normal response to context, indicating intact hippocampal-dependent learning, but reduced response to a conditioning tone, perhaps attributable to hearing impairment. The phenotype of the ��-N-acetylglucosaminidase-deficient mice is sufficiently similar to that of patients with the Sanfilippo syndrome type B to make these mice a good model for study of pathophysiology and for development of therapy.

Two terrestrial records of rapid climatic change during the glacial���Holocene transition (14,000��� 9,000 calendar years B.P.) from Europe

Two independent multidisciplinary studies of climatic change during the glacial���Holocene transition (ca. 14,000���9,000 calendar yr B.P.) from Norway and Switzerland have assessed organism responses to the rapid climatic changes and made quantitative temperature reconstructions with modern calibration data sets (transfer functions). Chronology at Kr��kenes, western Norway, was derived from calibration of a high-resolution series of 14C dates. Chronologies at Gerzensee and Leysin, Switzerland, were derived by comparison of ��18O in lake carbonates with the ��18O record from the Greenland Ice Core Project. Both studies demonstrate the sensitivity of terrestrial and aquatic organisms to rapid temperature changes and their value for quantitative reconstruction of the magnitudes and rates of the climatic changes. The rates in these two terrestrial records are comparable to those in Greenland ice cores, but the actual temperatures inferred apply to the terrestrial environments of the two regions.

Orbital and Physical Properties of the �� Ori Aa, Ab, B Triple System

We provide a complete characterization of the astrophysical properties of the �� Ori Aa, Ab, B hierarchical triple system and an improved set of orbital parameters for the highly eccentric �� Ori Aa, Ab spectroscopic binary. We compiled a spectroscopic data set comprising 90 high-resolution spectra covering a total time span of 1963 days. We applied the Lehman-Filh��s method for a detailed orbital analysis of the radial velocity curves and performed a combined quantitative spectroscopic analysis of the �� Ori Aa, Ab, B system by means of the stellar atmosphere code FASTWIND. We used our own plus other available information on photometry and distance to the system for measuring the radii, luminosities, and spectroscopic masses of the three components. We also inferred evolutionary masses and stellar ages using the Bayesian code BONNSAI. The orbital analysis of the new radial velocity curves led to a very accurate orbital solution of the �� Ori Aa, Ab pair. We provided indirect arguments indicating that �� Ori B is a fast-rotating early B dwarf. The FASTWIND+BONNSAI analysis showed that the Aa, Ab pair contains the hottest and most massive components of the triple system while �� Ori B is a bit cooler and less massive. The derived stellar ages of the inner pair are intriguingly younger than the one widely accepted for the �� Orionis cluster, at 3 �� 1 Ma. The outcome of this study will be of key importance for a precise determination of the distance to the �� Orionis cluster, the interpretation of the strong X-ray emission detected for �� Ori Aa, Ab, B, and the investigation of the formation and evolution of multiple massive stellar systems and substellar objects.

Intelligent Decision-Making System Frameworks for a Digital Plan of Work: A Theoretical Investigation for the Construction Industry

The construction industry is characterised by fragmentation and suffers from lack of collaboration, often adopting adversarial working practices to achieve deliverables. For the UK Government and construction industry, BIM is a game changer aiming to rectify this fragmentation and promote collaboration. However it has become clear that there is an essential need to have better controls and definitions of both data deliverables and data classification. Traditional methods and techniques for collating and inputting data have shown to be time consuming and provide little to improve or add value to the overall task of improving deliverables. Hence arose the need in the industry to develop a Digital Plan of Work (DPoW) toolkit that would aid the decision making process, providing the required control over the project workflows and data deliverables, and enabling better collaboration through transparency of need and delivery. The specification for the existing Digital Plan of Work (DPoW) was to be, an industry standard method of describing geometric, requirements and data deliveries at key stages of the project cycle, with the addition of a structured and standardised information classification system. However surveys and interviews conducted within this research indicate that the current DPoW resembles a digitised version of the pre-existing plans of work and does not push towards the data enriched decision-making abilities that advancements in technology now offer. A Digital Framework is not simply the digitisation of current or historic standard methods and procedures, it is a new intelligent driven digital system that uses new tools, processes, procedures and work flows to eradicate waste and increase efficiency. In addition to reporting on conducted surveys above, this research paper will present a theoretical investigation into usage of Intelligent Decision Support Systems within a digital plan of work framework. Furthermore this paper will present findings on the suitability to utilise advancements in intelligent decision-making system frameworks and Artificial Intelligence for a UK BIM Framework. This should form the foundations of decision-making for projects implemented at BIM level 2. The gap identified in this paper is that the current digital toolkit does not incorporate the intelligent characteristics available in other industries through advancements in technology and collation of vast amounts of data that a digital plan of work framework could have access to and begin to develop, learn and adapt for decision-making through the live interaction of project stakeholders.

Pliocene-Pleistocene stack of globally distributed benthic stable oxygen isotope records

We present a 5.3-Myr stack (the ''LR04'' stack) of benthic d18O records from 57 globally distributed sites aligned by an automated graphic correlation algorithm. This is the first benthic delta18O stack composed of more than three records to extend beyond 850 ka, and we use its improved signal quality to identify 24 new marine isotope stages in the early Pliocene. We also present a new LR04 age model for the Pliocene-Pleistocene derived from tuning the delta18O stack to a simple ice model based on 21 June insolation at 65 N. Stacked sedimentation rates provide additional age model constraints to prevent overtuning. Despite a conservative tuning strategy, the LR04 benthic stack exhibits significant coherency with insolation in the obliquity band throughout the entire 5.3 Myr and in the precession band for more than half of the record. The LR04 stack contains significantly more variance in benthic delta18O than previously published stacks of the late Pleistocene as the result of higher resolution records, a better alignment technique, and a greater percentage of records from the Atlantic. Finally, the relative phases of the stack's 41- and 23-kyr components suggest that the precession component of delta18O from 2.7-1.6 Ma is primarily a deep-water temperature signal and that the phase of d18O precession response changed suddenly at 1.6 Ma.