Paper Title, Authors, Abstract (Issue 1, Volume 6, 2012)

Pages

Apeture Variation and Pressure Change Due to Thermal Stress and Silica Precipitation/Dissolution Accompanied by Colloidal Transport in a Coupled Fracture-Skin-Matrix System
N. Natarajan1, G. Suresh Kumar

Abstract: A numerical model is developed for studying the fluid pressure and permeability changes in a coupled fracture matrix system in the presence of fracture-skin with colloidal transport in a fractured geothermal reservoir, by taking into account the effects of thermal stresses and silica precipitation/dissolution, which is computed using linear reaction kinetics. Thus, this work is essentially an extension of the earlier work by Ghassemi and Suresh Kumar (2007). In addition, in the present model, the contaminant transport is facilitated by the presence of colloids. Mass exchange between the horizontal fracture and the fracture-skin is accounted for by assuming diffusion limited transport for both colloids as well as contaminants. Heat transfer between the fracture and fracture-skin is modeled considering only conduction, while heat transport within the fracture includes thermal advection, dispersion and conduction. Due to colloid facilitated chemical transport under non isothermal conditions, in a coupled fracture-skin-matrix system, the fracture apertures vary spatially, with a corresponding pressure variation for a constant discharge. A series of numerical experiments were conducted for analyzing the spatial variation of fracture aperture in response to the individual and combined effects of thermal stress and silica precipitation/dissolution in the presence of the fracture-skin and colloids facilitated contaminant transport. Results suggest that the presence of fracture skin and colloids has a significant impact in deciding the evolution of fracture permeability.
 

The Romanian Tourism in the Context of the Statistical Analysis
Mirela Mazilu, Dumitru Bălă, Roxana Cristina Severineanu

Abstract: The growing relevance of tourism industry for modern advanced economies has increased the interest among researchers and policy makers in the statistical analysis of destination competitiveness. International tourism has increased exponentially since 1950. With this growth the industry has become significantly more competitive, and the marketing role of National Tourism Organizations (NTOs) has taken on added significance. Tourism is a comprehensive industry, involving food, housing, transportation, travel, shopping, entertainment, etc. It promotes the harmonious development of urban economy by boosting related industries and creating jobs. Now tourism has already got a high industrial status in the urban economic development, and its effect on the economy has become more and more apparent. However, tourism statistical system, statistical methods and statistical data have been imperfect for a long time. Coupled with some other reasons, the importance of tourism in promoting the harmonious development of urban economy lacks comprehensive, scientific and objective statistical analysis. Based on tourism economics, statistics, and latest research results concerning the harmonious development of urban tourism economy, and not only, both at home and abroad.
 

The Tourism and the Social, Cultural and Economic Development
Mirela Mazilu, Mădălina Andrei, Daniela Dumitrescu

Abstract: Tourism is a strategic economic activity in the European Union, its importance in the EU economy being likely to grow in the next few years. The European tourism industry generates over 4% from the GDP of the European Union, with almost 2 million companies which employ almost 4% of the total work force (approx. 8 million work places). If the connected sectors are taking into consideration, the estimated contribution of tourism to the creation of the GDP is a lot larger - tourism indirectly generates approx. 11% of the GDP of the European Union and gathers almost 12% of the work force. The following unfolding principles have been established through the research program of the Plan for the National Tourism Development: efficient and directed communication - each tourist issuer country needs an adapted marketing plan, because they differently answer to the different types of marketing activities; attracting the persons from the travels sector - the most direct and sustainable means of information and influence of the travels sectors are the seminars/workshops, organized as a destination for the personnel from the travels sector (e.g. performed in major centers under the form of itinerary activities), and the accommodation travels; the information of the consumers' sector - on all the markets, the consumers find out about destinations through common means, like: orally from friends/colleagues, who have visited the destination, from the articles written in the media, from TV travel shows and special films, from the advertisements published in the magazines, and from the promotional materials of the tour-operators and of the destination-countries; the attraction of the special interest market segments - the more specialized segments of the spa tourism market, of the adventure tourism and of eco-tourism being the most relevant ones for Romania; they can be efficiently approached through web pages especially dedicated to them and through brochures, presenting the key aspects and the facilities.
 

On the Dry Deposition of Ionic Species at Two National Parks Located in the Vicinity of Power Plants in Mexico
Julia Cerón, Rosa María Cerón, Beatríz Cárdenas, Abraham Ortinez, Enrique Cruz, Berenice Díaz, Guadalupe Carballo, Tezozomoc Pérez, Javier Reyes, Manuel Muriel, Jesús Guerra

Abstract: Dry deposition levels of Na+, K+, Ca2+ , Mg2+, NH4+, Cl-, NO3-, and SO42-, are reported for two sites in Mexico: Biospherereserve “Los Petenes” in Campeche, and “El Chico” National Parkin Hidalgo; during 2009 and 2010. Dry deposition samples weretaken using nylon filters as surrogate surfaces for one-week longexposure periods. For both sampling sites, nitrate levels exceeded thebackground hemispheric value reported for remote sites. In the caseof Los Petenes, NO3- showed good correlation with SO42-, suggestingthat both ions had a common source, probably combustion processes.From backward trajectories analysis, the origin of the air masses forLos Petenes during the study period was traced, identifying localsources (Lerma power plant and biomass burning) as the mainsources contributing to the acidity. On the other hand, In El Chico, NO3- - SO42- correlation coefficient was negligible, suggesting thatthis ion pair had an origin in different sources. We conclude that thehigh nitrate levels found in El Chico had their origin in forest firesoccurring frequently as a part of the natural dynamic of this park.Since only local sources contributed to the N deposition in this site,we conclude that power plant located at Tula, an urban andindustrialized site near to El Chico, did not contributed to traceelements dry deposition in El Chico. In spite of nitrate and sulfatelevels were elevated, pH values obtained showed that these sites hadenough buffer capacity to neutralize the acidity. However, it isnecessary to make an accurate diagnosis of both sites, consideringthat pH value is not a conservative tracer of the potentially ecologicaleffects related to acid deposition. Therefore, we propose that in futureworks, critical loads for N and S must been estimated in both sites.
 

Current Trends in Corporate Performance Evaluation and Reporting in the Czech Republic
Jiří Hřebíček, Michael Štencl, Oldřich Trenz, Jana Soukopová

Abstract: Current trends of corporate performance evaluation, i.e. the measurement of environmental, social, economic and governance performance of company and corporate sustainable reporting are discussed in the paper. The relationship between corporate performance and reporting is important and the development of modern and advanced methods to identify these indicators is discussed together with the possibility of the utilization of information and communication technology and XBRL taxonomy. The current situation in corporate reporting in the Czech Republic is introduced also.
 

The Variation of Gas Emissions in an Otto Engine by Using Different Gases as Fuel
Charalampos Arapatsakos, Anastasios Karkanis, Marianthi Moschou, Ioannis Pantokratoras

Abstract: Biofuels are fuels made from recently living organisms. They can be divided into three categories: 1) First-generation biofuels which are made largely from edible sugars and starches. 2) Second-generation biofuels, which are made from nonedible plant materials and 3) Third-generation biofuels, which are made from algae and other microbes. Biofuels are renewable, meaning their sources can be regrown. Advanced biofuels can offer environmental benefits such as lower carbon emissions and lower sulfur compared with conventional petroleum based fuels. The present paper examines the use of fuel gases (propane, 80%butane-20%propane, natural gas) in a small four-stroke engine of internal combustion, which it is used for the movement of a small alternative generator. The electrical generator functioned without load and under different loads (500, 1000, 1500 and 2000 W), using as fuels gasoline and fuel gases. During the tests, it has been observed the CO and HC emissions for every fuel and load condition. The use of natural gas as fuel has as a result the CO and HC emissions decrease under different load. The flow of fuel gases was regulated so that until the load of 2000W the behavior of the engine from the aspect of efficiency to be the same with that of gasoline. This means that the engine rpm was the same for every electrical load in both fuels gasoline and fuel gases. During the tests, the consumption of gasoline and fuel gases was recorded and it has been noticed that they were increased when the electrical load was increased too. As far as the consumption of fuel gases is concerned, it has been noticed that it gives the same engine behavior from the aspect of power and engine rpm that the manufacturer gives for the use of gasoline.
 

Research on Quality of Pellets
Crisan E., Ardelean M., Vilceanu L., Heput T.

Abstract: Besides the humidity, the granulometriccomposition and the specific surface of the pelleted material, thecompressive strength of the pellets is also influenced by someadditions with binding proprieties (bentonite, lime, limestone,dolomite, etc.). During the hardening process, these additions forma resistant slag that contributes to the binding of the granules offerrous raw materials and, finally, to the increasing of thecompressive strength of the pellets. The paper presents the resultsof the laboratory experiments on the production of pellets by usingsecondary materials (steel plant dust, sludge from sintering andblast furnace plants, red mud, etc.) as raw materials, andlime/dolomite as a binder along with the bentonite.
 

Research on Steel Refining
Adriana Puţan, Hepuţ Teodor, Vîlceanu Lucia, Vasile Puţan

Abstract: The paper presents the results of laboratory experiments on steel desulphurization and deoxidation with slag from the system CaO-SiO2-TiO2. To determine the influence, on the desulphurisation and deoxidation process, of the titanium oxide added in calcium aluminate slag, we experimented, in the laboratory phase, the steel treatment with a mechanical mixture consisting of lime, aluminous slag and slag obtained from the titanium making process through the aluminothermic technology. The data obtained in the experiments were processed in Excel and MATLAB programs, resulting simple or multiple correlation equations, which allowed the elucidation of some physical-chemical phenomena specific to the desulphurisation processes.
 

Variations of Fine and Coarse Urban Atmospheric Aerosol Concentrations in Riga City, Latvia
A. Osite, A. Viksna, J. Kleperis, I. Steinberga

Abstract: Atmospheric fine and coarse particulate matter were measured in Riga City during two sampling campaigns. The aim of the research was to determine the concentration levels of urban aerosols in Riga centre on typical canyon streets and at the monitoring station which is classified as urban-industrial, and it is located closely to Riga Freeport territory. The first sampling campaign was arranged at the urban-industrial monitoring station. The concentrations of airborne particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) were measured from the end of April until the end of December 2007. During the second sampling campaign the concentrations of particulate matter of different fractions (PM10, PM2.5 and PM1) were measured during the time period from October 2009 until December 2010 in the city centre on two canyon streets. Concentrations and seasonal variations of urban aerosols were evaluated analyzing correlations with meteorological parameters and other pollutant gases. At the Riga Freeport territory the maximum daily concentration of PM2.5 and PM10 reached 52.5 μg m-3 in June and 83.4 μg m-3 in December, respectively. On the densely congested traffic streets – Brivibas and Kr. Valdemara Street PM10 concentrations exceeded both thresholds: an average daily concentration higher 50 μg m-3 more than 35 times per year, and the annual average concentration - 40 μg m-3.
 

Research on the Recovery of Waste in Plastic Deformation Processes
M. L. Strugariu, T. Hepuţ

Abstract: The conversion of iron or steel into sheet, wire or rods requires hot and cold mechanical transformation stages frequently employing water as a lubricant and coolant. Contaminants include hydraulic oils, tallow and particulate solids. Many steel industry wastewaters are contaminated by hydraulic oil also known as soluble oil.This paper presents experimentation (as a laboratory phase) on the possibility of recovery oily Mill Scale by sintering. Based on the experimental results in laboratory phase, a processing technology is proposed for this waste in order to obtain briquetting. Recovery of oily mill scale has both environmental and economical effects by reducing the amounts deposited. Briquetting process has the advantage that it allows a wide range of wastes containing iron both in terms of chemical composition (primarily iron content) and granulometric composition. For industrial areas, especially in the profile steel, recovery of waste by briquetting considered the most viable technological solution.
 

Analysis of Heating Energy of Ventilation and Underground Heat Exchanger in North European Passive Houses
Hendrik Voll, Erkki Seinre, Mati Sööt

Abstract: The paper is taking under consideration the two non-residental passive house buildings built in North Europe in Estonia. The first building is a community center of village Palamuse and the second monitored building is a kindergarten „Kaseke“ in Valga city. Both buildings were planned and designed according to the Austrian passivehouse standard requirements. In current paper energy consumptions of building services systems and thermal indoor climate parameters were measurements. According to these, the building services systems did not work properly and problems occured. Both buildings consumed considerably more energy in reality than indicated in energy simulations accomplished before the actual construction. Also it was discovered that the relative humidity levels in both buildings were considerably lower than recommended in Estonian standards. Besides the risk of condensation for the supply air in underground supply pipes in Nordic conditions was analysed. The analysis showed that there is a considerable risk of condensation in the pipes and the system should we avoided in Nordic conditions.
 

Design Criteria for Staged Authentic Tourist Settings: Traditional Turkish House Interiors
Nur Ayalp, Ayşe Muge Bozdayi

Abstract: Tourism is one of the main sector effects the sustainability of a cultural setting. In cultural touristic settings, the feeling of pleasure is conveyed through cultural attractions that involve cultural identity in accordance with cultural meanings. The majority of cultural heritage settings are reconstructed for touristic visits. The study aims to evaluate the reused cultural interiors of authentic settings. The study focuses on the multifaceted problems occur in reconstruction process. Thus, reconstructing a space influences both functional and the socio-cultural aspects of an interior.
Cultural motivation of a tourist has many different dimensions; from object based authenticity to existential authenticity. In a cultural setting the interior itself becomes the object that is exhibited. This reconstruction process can be named as ‘staged authenticity’. This study focuses on the authenticity dimensions of an interior space. The study aims to set this interior design problem in a context and develop design criteria for staged authentic tourist settings.
 

Sustainable Design Proposals in Shopping Center Public Interiors
Gozen Guner Aktas

Abstract: This study aims to develop some design proposals to provide the aspect of sustainability in the public interiors of shopping centers which are one of the most common structures of the era. Aspects that constitute the design criteria for the public spaces shopping centers from a sustainability point of view have been discussed. Effects of natural daylight and the interior finishing materials on the concept of sustainability in the public areas of shopping centers have been drawn.
 

Poznan Greenery Accompanying One-Family Houses
Marzena Banach

Abstract: Greenery accompanying housing estates in Poznan, is ahardly used element of shaping the spatial order. The lack of greens,inappropriate composition, bad choice of the genres and the lowstandard of equipment in the green terrains surrounding the onefamilybuildings, lowers the quality of place of residence. A properlydesigned greenery may support: the humanization of neighbourlyspace, the increase of attractiveness of the space for its’ inhabitants,compensation of differences in the quality of living (neighbourhoodswith apartment houses and detached-houses), and so the quality oflife in Poznan housing neighbourhoods.
 

Environment Management Accounting in Romania Companies Operating in Rural Tourism
Paula Stoicea

Abstract: Economic agents in rural tourism are more and more concerned about achieving and demonstrating an environmental performance, clearly by setting towards this sense environmental objectives and adopting policies so that they can decrease the impact that their own activities and services have on the environment. These aspects are written more and more stringent in the context of legislation, of sustainable development and of the measures meant to encourage the environmental protection.
National environmental accounts have the same role as the traditional national accounts, facilitating diagnosis of the performance of past economic activities and the adoption of policies that would answer this diagnosis.
National environmental accounts allow the evaluation of sustainable and non sustainable aspects of the economic performances of a nation considering the environmental impacts and their repercussions. These favor the use of economic indicators corrected with the environment in the policies analysis and substantiation, and the use of physical accounts in decision making.
 

Niche Tourism in Dambovita County - Opportunities and Perspectives
Daniela Dumitrescu, Adrian-Aurel Baltălungă, Aurel Iancu

Abstract: Niche tourism represents a major opportunity for thenational development of Romania and local development ofDambovita county. It is the “offensive” economical activity whichwill “irradiate” development, in a suburban area economicallyspeaking, of outmost importance for the touristic resources. ForDambovita County the proximity of the great poles of touristicattraction – Prahova Valley and Bran-Rucar Corridor, is a decisivereason to orientate towards specific offers of niche tourism,complementary to the existing ones. Although in general, the averageof stay is more reduced in the case of these subtypes of tourism dueto their specific nature, the returns are generally higher.The main question refers to the way of utilization, application andimplementation of different types and subtypes of specific tourism.For that purpose there are a series of programs and projects of hugeimportance, in different stages of development. The main problemsthat are raised concern the high material and environmental costs, aswell as the long completion time. Without underestimating the longterm importance and benefits of this type of projects, we thereforepresent, analyze and suggest a series of smaller dimension projects,some even very small but with visible effects to the localcommunities on a shorter time frame. We here refer to thecommunities from the rural areas, which own a large share from thecounty level, characterized through demographic and economicbrittleness and vulnerability, being the ones that have the moststringent need of such opportunities. By combining these twodirections, we can assure a local and regional, sustainabledevelopment.
 

The Role of Brands for the Valorification and Touristic Development of Sibiu County
Adrian Aurel Baltălungă, Daniela Dumitrescu

Abstract: Sibiu county represents a touristic destination ofreference and tradition for Romania. On its 5432 kmp, 11cities and 162 villages can be found, which sums up 424855inhabitants. According to its main geographical referencepoints and the nature of the componing elements, the county isgenerally divided in 6 touristic areas (fig. no 1).
Sibiu county benefits of numerous brands, some of them areolder (which practically identify with this area) and other arenewer. At first glance, this aspect can only be positive, but intime, we can observe some negative aspects as well, such aserosion of its attractiveness, due to a big pressure of the space,or the creation of an infrastructure of profile, which laterproves to be outsized. This can only lead to the next question:is it more effective and durable to develop brands for alltouristic resources of which we possess (with the risk of havingtoo many at a certain point in time) or first establish thebrand/brands and consequently develop the infrastructure?
Presently Sibiu county undergoes a process of repositioning onthe touristic market, and especially on it the internationallyone. It has the potential of becoming a special destination forthe tourists who wish to experiment new destinations, learnabout the lifestyle and authentic local culture, live personalexperiences that will offer them profound satisfactions.
 

    Paper Title, Authors, Abstract (Issue 2, Volume 6, 2012)

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Protected Areas from the Region of Suceava and Its Touristic Valorization
Constantin Cocerhan

Abstract: The study, based on specialised documentation of fieldresearch, of comparative analysis highlights opportunities withinSuceava area and its surroundings regarding the touristic andscientific potential in the dendrological park Sipote and six naturalreservations of flora and forests. As a result we can distinguishspecies of plants, glacial relics, trees and forested areas which arevery valuable and attractive biologically, ecologically, educationallyand touristically.
The endemic elements are very important from a scientific point ofview for the researchers because they make it posible to reconstitutethe evolution of flora and fauna. Together with the sheltered climateand the clean air, flora offers many opportunities to the polyvalenttourism through the charm and the vivid colours during flowering,providing a place of quietness and inner balance.
The ecosystems within Suceava area have a valuable and attractivepotential which offers the opportunity to know, investigate andinform specialists from different areas such as ecotourism,educational tourism, agrotourism and rural tourism for othercategories of visitors.
 

The Role of the Public Administration in Relation to Pathological Phenomena Associated with Tourism in the Czech Republic
Stanislava Hoferková, Eva Šimková

Abstract: The paper focuses the system of monitoring and prevention of socially pathological phenomena in connection with mass tourism. It is in line with the current trends of making safe environment for local inhabitants. The article deals with the role of public administration in regional development and highlights the inevitability of healthy partnerships in this safe tourism development.
The work aims to map the relationship between an occurrence of socially pathological phenomena and mass tourism also in connection with safe environment. Partial aim is to characterize the level of cooperation in safety protection in selected regions of the Czech Republic. In an area of interest is such pathological behaviour that interferes with the natural environment of local citizens (residents) and negatively affects both the economic and social background of local residents together with living conditions of the target client group (visitors). A survey was conducted in the most visited tourist areas, in the Czech Republic, where there is a higher concentration of tourists which creates favourable conditions for pathological behaviour development. Based on the research findings steps will be proposed to eliminate the occurrence of the socially pathological behaviour.
 

Industrial Tourism as Activity Support for the Development of Roşia Montană Area (Alba County, Romania)
I. Gavrilă-Paven, A. C. Muntean

Abstract: In this study the authors want to analyze the possibility of combining in Roşia Montană’s area the classic forms of tourism activity with a new form that is being drawn lately, respectively the industrial tourism. Therefore, this way, the human potential with cultural value as well as the natural potential, unaffected by the mining exploitation, can be valorized through the classic forms of tourism, while the old mining exploitation as well as the areas affected by the unsustainable exploitation of the subsoil riches in the area, instead of being avoided can be rehabilitated and opened to the tourists by unifying the efforts of all responsible economic agents for this area. Also, from the article results that the industrial tourism can be successfully combine with the youth tourism due to the didactical purpose of this tourism form.
 

Culture Route on Hârtibaciu Valley, Sibiu County, Romania. Case Study: The Tourist Villages of Altâna and Hosman
Felicia Muresan

Abstract: Sibiu County became a household name as a toptourist destination in Romania (as well as areas along theBlack Sea coast, Bucovina, Maramures, Prahova Valley orBran-Moeciu) both for the Romanian tourists, and especiallyfor foreigners (mainly within cultural tours, but not only).This status is conferred, inter alia, by the internationalrecognition of the cultural city of Sibiu, the main attractionpopularity among the tourists being: Sibiu, MărginimeaSibiului, UNESCO sites (Biertan, Valea Viilor - TarnavelorArea). Mărginimea Sibiului, for instance, was awarded theGolden Apple in 2009, which is the equivalent of "The Oscar"Award in tourism.
Hârtibaciu Valley is another area with great cultural touristpotential insufficiently promoted, the fortified churchesrepresenting a major tourist attraction of the villages here, but,unfortunately, it has significant gaps in tourisminfrastructure. Cultural tourism contributes to urbanregeneration, but it can also enrich the quality of life in ruralareas. The aim of this paper is to demonstrate that culturaltourism can, thus, become an opportunity for the economicrevival of Hârtibaciu Valley.
Therefore, Saxon tourist villages on the Valley ofHârtibaciu benefit from the publicity of the program offered bySibiu European Cultural Capital 2007, and their inclusion inthe European cultural routes, may be a chance for ruralregeneration.
Although tourist villages or rural sites are not currentlyapproved by the Tourism Act of 2011, they are promoted byvarious national, local tourism associations or are included inprograms such as the Cultural Itinerary of the FortifiedChurches.
The first Resource Center for the European Institute ofCultural Routes operates in Sibiu. It was founded in 2010 as anantenna of the European Institute of Cultural Routes (EICR)from Luxembourg. The mission of this Center focuses on theimplementation of the European Council’s Programme ofCultural Routes. In particular, the regional center of Sibiu isworking to develop cultural itineraries in Southeast Europeand South Caucasus, areas of priority for the European culturalcooperation. The first project of the Center, which will bededicated to the projects in Eastern Europe and the Caucasus,represents the Cultural Itinerary of the Fortified Churches ofTransylvania.
 

Controversies and Comments Regarding Some Fortifications and Construction Techniques with Burnt Materials from Southwestern Romania
Vlad Vintilă Zirra

Abstract: In southwestern Romania (Dolj County) were investigated, over the years, through systematic digging three fortified settlements around which exists a controversy, especially in the last two decades. This controversy regards the way these fortification structures were conceived and then elevated. Long surveys pointed out the existent component in each defensive structure of some burnt construction materials (adobe bricks and clay soil that was used as filling / emplecton). Regarding the fortifications planning, specialized literature defines two different positions: 1. construction materials were first burnt, in special places designed for this, preliminary to the building in the defense belt; 2. construction materials were used to build forts, and then burnt in situ, because of a military conflict or (hard to say) a major cataclysm. Observation obtained on a de visu field research determined an overwhelming predominance of burnt bricks (even though at different temperatures, judging from the scale of red) and burnt emplecton clay soil. Thermal and composition analysis on the samples taken on different occasions (even though less than it should have been from two sites) give valuable clues to clarify the following debate, which until the documentation will be rigorously published could remain still open.
 

Aspects Concerning the Rural Tourism and its Role for the Local Development in the Mountainous Banat (West Development Region, Romania)
Cătălina Ancuţa, Martin Olaru, Ana Ianăş

Abstract: The rural tourism was considered since early 90ʼ as a very important factor for the development of almost all rural communities. In the Mountainous Banat, the beauty of landscape, the well preserved rural civilization, the proximity of the biggest town in the western part of Romania as well as the severe decline of important industrial activities created a favorable context for the development of this domain. The paper realizes a quantitative and qualitative analysis of the rural tourism in the area emphasizes the spatial, temporal and typological aspects of these activities as well as the main aspects involved in the future development.
 

Enhancing Energy Efficiency of Office Buildings in a Tropical Climate, Malaysia
S. Sadrzadehrafiei, K. Sopian, S. Mat, C. Lim, H. S. Hashim, A. Zaharim

Abstract: This study investigates the enhancement of office building energy efficiency, based on the effects of passive solar design techniques. Energy efficiency is potentially achieved by installing insulation materials in the external walls and roofs of buildings, and applying advanced glazing. The Chancellery office building of University Kebangsaan Malaysia was chosen as the test bed for simulation studies. Integrated Environmental Solutions (IES) software was used to model the office building, as well as analyze thermal performance and cost benefits. This study found that by applying advanced glazing and insulation to the external walls and roofs of a building, annual energy consumption can be reduced by 215790 (KWh), in comparison to a building without insulation and advanced glazing.
 

Theoretical and Methodological Aspects of Identity, Topophillia and Territoriality in Terms of Local and Regional Development. Case Study: Timisoara and Banat (Romania)
Cătălina Ancuţa

Abstract: The perpetuation of inequalities of development in the last half century, despite numerous theories and models, has focused the researchers’ attention towards the virtues of endogenous development and towards the importance of local communities as territorial actors. Expanding the paradigm of development studies led to the consideration of subjects such as: Social Geography and Behavioral Geography. Under the influence of phenomenology, these subjects provide the theory and methodology necessary to explore the essential elements for the success of developmental strategies, namely: identity, topophillia (attachment to the territory) and territoriality (territorial behavior). The article defines these concepts, also predicting recent developments in their structure and mechanisms of formation. The article presents methods of research and provides two case studies - one on local level (Timisoara), and the other on regional level (Banat region).
 

Creating Sustainability in Central Courtyard Houses in Desert Regions of Iran
Mansour Nikpour, Shahrzad Shamsolmaali, Hamzeh Dehghani, Mohd Zin Kandar

Abstract: Nowadays, most of houses were designed and constructed without enough respect to the both environmental and spiritual aspects of human being’s life. As there is a close relation between human and nature, Iranian traditional architects have brought natural elements such as (water, soil, wind and light) the residential spaces as much as possible through designing central courtyard in houses. In this paper natural elements which are exist in central courtyard were investigated through observation and previous studies. Presence of each elements and then the role and importance of each elements and its effect on creating sustainability were clarified. The result of this research demonstrated that presence of natural elements with designing central courtyard help architect to create convenience condition for users environmentally and spiritually with respect to the hard climatic condition of desert area. Central courtyard and proper utilization of natural elements could be as useful strategies to comply the purpose of sustainable architecture for further designing.
 

Reuse the Nanjing Ancient City Wall in Urban Landscape
Chen Rong

Abstract: With thousands of years of history, China has many historical features and artifacts, such as the Ancient City Wall of Nanjing. The magnificent city wall forms the unique characteristic in Nanjing with its distinctive shape and exquisite technology. It is an important symbol of the ancient city. To protect ancient city wall is to continue the city life. However, the protection of ancient relics is not simply preserving the integrity of form. To continue cultural context and pursue the sites spirit in view of urban landscape space design increasingly arouse our attention and thinking about the historical sites’ protection and reuse. While the city changes so rapidly and after such social vicissitudes during six-hundred years, what mission the ancient city wall will carry? How to re-examine the historical sites with a new vision and make it become eternal cultural symbols and spiritual memory of the city? This is the focus to be discussed. This paper expounds from several aspects: protect ancient city wall sites, join modern energy and create humane urban landscape space. It stressed there should establish a set of complete theoretical system, to explain and reappearance the spiritual connotation with a kind of new design methods, to look for the close relationship between landscape design and spirit of place, and to develop a kind of design approaches originated from site, link it with natural background, historical culture and regional characteristics. Thus make the ancient city wall revived from modern civilization, and also let our cities present an unique spiritual charm rely on its own historical and cultural background.
 

The Architecture of Liao Dynasty and Jin Dynasty's Different Inheritance Leading to the Style of Tang Dynasty- Analysis from Liao, Jin Monastic Architecture in Datong Examples
Ji Jianle, Xie Yiyin, Chen Rong, He Shuyue

Abstract: Tang Buildings represents the highest level in China’s traditional wood structure building architecture. The Song, Liao, JinDynasty witnessed the evolution built on the Tang Building styles.There are many sites for the monastic architecture in Liao and Jindynasties in Datong. From the analysis of the sites, it is concluded that:the evolution comes directly from Tang style, but there is acomplication of details, with the wide usage of inclined Dougong.
 

Development of a Marine Ecosystem Dynamic Computable General Equilibrium Model and Its Application to a Fishery Depression Problem
Shoichi Kiyama

Abstract: This study provides a methodology to assess the long term economic activity and natural resource stock. Application of the methodology for the case of depression in the Japanese clam fishery assists in finding better measures for regional sustainable development. The conventional renewable resource stock model is extended to consider an environmental variation, which may have become an adverse factor for resource depletion and the resultant fishery depression. Considering previous qualitative findings, the model assumes that feeding damage established after the fishery releases seedlings for the clam stock increase is the cause of the depression. A dynamic two-country model is combined with the resource stock model, and then sequentially solved. Following model verification, an empirical study on clam fishery depression is conducted to estimate the long term regional economic output of the industry and the clam stock. Furthermore, the current clam resource stock and the reason for the occurrence of the clam fishery depression are determined. The relationship between feeding damage by seedling release and overexploitation of the clam resource is reasonably discussed.
 

Perspective of Sustainable Development in Malaysia
Omidreza Saadatian, Lim Chin Haw, Sohif Bin Mat, Kamaruzzaman Sopian

Abstract: Malaysia is a country which has ratified Kyoto Protocol and has decided to be a developed country by 2020. Therefore, it needs to fulfill the requirements of being a developed country, not only in economic and technology aspect but also in different aspects of sustainable development. Very few studies have been undertaken to show the efforts and initiatives of Malaysia in the realm of sustainability. This study has tried to explore Malaysian efforts and initiatives and find its relevance to sustainability through utilization archival method. It has also proposed a solution to foster the progress towards incorporating sustainability in Malaysia. The result will throw lights for the academicians and policy makers who are working on sustainability topics.
 

A Novel Titania-Based Photocatalyst for Water Purification
Elena Savinkina, Galina Kuzmicheva, Lyubov Obolenskaya

Abstract: The recently reported nanosize η-modification of titanium dioxide was studied as a photocatalyst for water purification. Its synthesis was modified to increase the yield up to 95% and prepare the particles with variable parameters. The photocatalytic activity of η-TiO2, which was studied in the model reactions of dye degradation under UV radiation, strongly depends on crystallite size, pre-treatment of the samples, and pH. It increases with the increase of pH and retains on multiply usage.
 

Study of Sulphate Corrosion Simulations on Concrete Composites
Stevulova N., Ondrejka Harbulakova V., Estokova A., Luptakova A., Repka M.

Abstract: The paper is focused on the investigation of the influence of aggressive sulphate environment on the concrete material. The concrete specimens with coal fly ash addition as well as without coal fly ash were studied. The aggressive environment was represented by sulphuric acid and aluminium sulphate solution. Water environment was also used as reference medium. The experiments proceeded during the five 7-days cycles. The pH values and chemical composition of leachates were measured and evaluated after each cycle. Concrete specimens visual changes as well as the weight changes were observed at the end of experiments. The higher resistance of concrete samples with the addition of 5% and 10% of coal fly ash to the aggressive environment wasn’t confirmed.
 

Interior Space Organizations of Shopping Centers that Forms with Public Social and Cultural Changes
Gozen Guner Aktas

Abstract: This study discusses the space organizations of contemporary shopping centers as a consequence of public and cultural changes in Turkey. Every social change, transformation and development finds a spatial counterpart. Changes and transformations have been recorded regarding Turkish social life, cultural life, city life and built environments in the last decade. This study aims to analyze the social and cultural changes that have prepared the emergence of contemporary shopping centers in Turkey. The content of the study includes transformations in Turkish social and cultural life. Changes in consumption patterns in Turkish public life and the contemporary outputs of transformation as a shopping center will be discussed with their reflections on the space organizations of shopping centers.
 

Life Cycle Cost Analysis on Glass Type of Malaysian Office Buildings for Reducing Energy Consumption CO2 Emissions
S. Sadrzadehrafiei, K. Sopian, S. Mat, Ch. Lim, H. S. Hashim, A. Zaharim

Abstract: The energy saving that can be achieved by applying advanced glazing to a typical office building in Malaysia was evaluated using the simulation software Integrated Environmental Solutions (IES). It was found that application of low-e glazing would lead to a reduction in cooling electricity use by up to 6.4%. The annual cost saving due to application of low-e reverse glazing would be up to 2.1%; single low-e glazing up to 3.1%; and double low-e glazing up to 3.9%. The analysis suggests that the application of expensive advanced glass for the six- story rise office in Malaysia would not be economically viable from the point of view of saving in cooling energy cost.