http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12566/21 Thu, 13 Aug 2026 01:11:01 GMT 2026-08-13T01:11:01Z http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12566/2495 Minimal adaptive conservation for saving urban memory in conflict areas: Gaza, Palestine Abdurrahman Mohamed Conventional theories of architectural conservation mainly focus on the application of extensive programs and the deployment of large resources, on the authenticity of materials and high-expertise conservation. Usually, they are helpless in dealing with abnormal situations in conflict areas. Few projects attempted to introduce new concepts for architectural conservation in conflict areas with innovative practical implementation. One of these projects was the conservation of Al-Alami house in Gaza, Palestine in 2010 (destroyed by Israel in 2023). Despite the innovative theoretical approach and practical applications used in this project, there is still a need for further development to arrive at a more theoretically sound and practically stronger approach that will still be appropriate for architectural conservation in conflict areas. This research introduces the Minimal Adaptive Conservation for Saving Urban Memory - MACSUM, as a new approach for architectural heritage conservation in conflict and post conflict areas. This approach calls for a shift from material-centred, expert-led restoration and puts the continuity of urban memory and identity in its focus. MACSUM is a theoretical framework that aims to safeguard heritage through minimal intervention, adaptive reuse, and local partnerships. It brings the community as the primary carrier of cultural dignity and urban memory. The research uses case study analysis to examine the application of MACSUM in the preservation of Al-Ashi historical house in Gaza, Palestine. MACSUM highlights the activation of local partnership, incremental conservation, and adaptive reuse as major foundations for conservation in conflict areas. This project demonstrated that the context and innovative conservation approach are of great importance and play a vital role in conservation in conflict areas. This article opens the door for future research to develop MACSUM and to examine its applications in other conflict areas like Syria and Ukraine. Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12566/2495 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12566/2367 Metaheuristic algorithms and multi-criteria decision-making for urban public transportation systems in developing tourism environment Demir, Emre A number of structures, including public transportation (PT) structures and facilities, have been built in the large cities in order to protect and develop tourism. The importance of them is recognized day-to-day and the value they add to the economy of the city increases. In particular, efforts to protect historical PT system structures stand out. While there are many studies in many urban areas in order to preserve the historical structure in transportation, the assessment procedures are crucial in these cases. Although many alternatives are compared by applying multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods in the field of transportation, other techniques such as metaheuristic techniques in transportation optimization can also be utilized. Not only these advanced methodologies can be used together, also decision-makers in urban transportation can put these methods into practice. Therefore, in this study, a set of transportation measures are evaluated by three up-to-date metaheuristic algorithms and an MCDM technique. They are applied for maintaining a PT line which has been used for years to develop tourism. The line remains robust in today's conditions, however it should be carried into the future. In other words, this study is a comparison of alternatives with metaheuristic algorithmic applications and MCDM methods. Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12566/2367 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12566/2366 A multi-criteria decision approach to measure rail transit station efficiency in urban areas Demir, Emre; Özgün, Kamer Planning and constructing public transportation (PT) lines, especially in urban areas, require careful consideration due to the many factors involved in transportation engineering. Evaluating the performance of stations, particularly for railway lines, necessitates taking both costs and benefits into account. This study examines the performance of new rail transit (RT) stations in an urban area by considering structural costs and key benefits such as travel demand and service frequency. Specifically, our analysis focuses on construction costs as the primary expense, while the number of peak-hour trips, average speed, and transit service frequency are treated as the main benefits. We employ the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS), a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methodology, to assess the effectiveness of RT stations in a large urban rail system. Notably, this technique has not previously been applied to the particular RT stations which are under our consideration. Our case study evaluates 20 stations on a tram line in a major city in Türkiye, offering 20 alternatives for analysis. The results highlight variations in station efficiency and provide recommendations for improvement. By addressing critical factors and applying MCDM approaches, this research seeks to enhance PT services in large cities, contributing to the development of a more effective and inclusive urban RT system. Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12566/2366 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12566/2365 Exploring barriers to accurate traffic data collection through roadside intelligent transportation system devices in Türkiye Farooq, Nashrah; Demir, Emre This study investigates the challenges faced in collecting traffic data using roadside Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) devices İn Türkiye. The research audİts the complexities hindering smooth and accurate traffic information acquisition by examining the intersection of privacy concerns, camera malfunctions, movement of cameras, adverse weather conditions, and camera resolution. For example, according to the data gathered from several Turkish cities, privacy concerns present a significant obstruction to obtaining comprehensive traffic data, as collaboration with transportation authorities is hampered by strict privacy policies requiring official documentation. Moreover, technical challenges, such as camera malfunctions, including lagging and black screens, emphasize the importance of reliable equipment for effective data collection. Additionally, the movement of cameras poses challenges to data accuracy. Although some cameras exhibit the capacity to return to their original positions, ensuring consistent data collection remains an ongoing challenge. Furthermore, adverse weather conditions, such as rain, obstruct real-time data collection by accumulating water droplets on camera lenses. Another critical barrier identified in this research is the resolution of cameras. While adequate for counting vehicles, these devices struggle to capture detailed information such as vehicle type, size, number plate, and model. This limitation restricts the comprehensive analysis required for advanced traffic management. Addressing the multidimensional barriers is vital for developing effective ITS in Türkiye. Future improvements should consider advancements in camera technology to enhance data reliability and ease of data interpretation, fostering a better understanding of traffic dynamics for up-to-date decision-making. Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12566/2365 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z