Search Results (311)

This paper investigates the structural performance of flat double-layer grids with various constitutive units, addressing a notable gap in the literature on diverse geometries. Six common types of flat double-layer grids are selected to provide a comprehensive comparison to understand their structural performance. Parametric models are built using Rhino and Grasshopper plugins. Single- and multi-objective optimization processes are conducted on the considered models to evaluate structural mass and maximum deflection. The number of constitutive units, the structural depth, and the cross-section diameter of the members are selected as design variables. The analysis reveals that the semi-octahedron upon square-grid configuration excels in minimizing structural mass and deflection. Furthermore, models lacking a full pyramid form exhibit higher deflections. Sensitivity analyses disclose the critical influence of the design variables, particularly highlighting the sensitivity of structural mass to the number of constitutive units and cross-section diameter. These findings offer valuable insights and practical design considerations for optimizing double-layer grid space structures. Full article

The atrium, as the core space of modern university libraries, is crucial for providing ample natural lighting and creating a comfortable spatial experience. It is also key to achieving the building’s green and low-carbon goals. However, designing the atrium of a university library faces a significant challenge: finding the right balance between ensuring good natural lighting and effectively reducing the energy consumption of the air conditioning system. This study aims to explore this balance and provide architects with various feasible design schemes. Firstly, a parametric typical model of the atrium space was established by researching 36 university libraries. Based on the Grasshopper platform in Rhino, the typical model was simulated for natural lighting and energy consumption, and the Wallacei plugin was used to couple the optimization parameters of the typical model with the optimization target parameters. The multi-objective optimization experiment of the typical model was carried out with the objectives of maximizing spatial daylight autonomy and the percentage of useful daylight illuminance, as well as minimizing air conditioning energy consumption. The experiment generated 2000 optimization solutions, and the analysis of the historical solution set revealed the complex non-linear relationship between optimization parameters and performance indicators. Moreover, three Pareto optimal solutions were selected as representative design schemes, providing valuable references for architects when designing the spatial form of the atrium. Full article

As mining engineering progresses into the deep excavation phase, the intensification of high pressure, high temperature, strong disturbances, and complex geological conditions becomes increasingly prominent. Researchers perform stability analysis on the excavation area to reduce potential safety hazards during the extraction process. Developing a detailed numerical calculation model that accurately reflects the true geological structure is essential for numerical simulation analysis in mining engineering. Based on the excellent 3D geological modeling capabilities of 3D Mine software, this paper introduces a new 3D geological and numerical unified modeling method (3DMine-Rhino-HyperMesh) involving multi-software coupling and details the specific steps and concepts of this modeling approach. Subsequently, using a certain open-pit mine in Panzhihua as a backdrop, a detailed geological and numerical unified model is established, reflecting the true geological structure of the mining area, and the potential failure mechanisms of the mine slope are analyzed. The results indicate that the modeling method aligns well with the actual geological conditions, enhancing the grid quality of the numerical model and offering a new modeling approach for simulating and analyzing large complex geological entities in mining operations. Full article

The Early Pleistocene sites of Orce in southeastern Spain, including Fuente Nueva-3 (FN3), Barranco León (BL) and Venta Micena (VM), provide important insights into the earliest hominin populations and Late Villafranchian large mammal communities. Dated to approximately 1.4 million years ago, FN3 and BL preserve abundant Oldowan tools, cut marks and a human primary tooth, indicating hominin activity. VM, approximately 1.6 million years old, is an outstanding site because it preserves an exceptionally rich assemblage of large mammals and predates the presence of hominins, providing a context for pre-human conditions in the region. Research suggests that both hominins and giant hyenas were essential to the accumulation of skeletal remains at FN3 and BL, with secondary access to meat resources exploited by saber-toothed felids. This aim of this study aims to correlate the relative abundance of large herbivores at these sites with their estimates of Carrying Capacity (CC) and Total Available Biomass (TAB) using the PSEco model, which incorporates survival and mortality profiles to estimate these parameters in paleoecosystems. Our results show: (i) similarities between quarries VM3 and VM4 and (ii) similarities of these quarries with BL-D (level D), suggesting a similar formation process; (iii) that the role of humans would be secondary in BL-D and FN3-LAL (Lower Archaeological Level), although with a greater human influence in FN3-LAL due to the greater presence of horses and small species; and (iv) that FN3-UAL (Upper Archaeological Level) shows similarities with the expected CC values for FN3/BL, consistent with a natural trap of quicksand scenario, where the large mammal species were trapped according to their abundance and body mass, as there is a greater presence of rhinos and mammoths due to the greater weight per unit area exerted by their legs. Given the usefulness of this approach, we propose to apply it first to sites that have been proposed to function as natural traps. Full article

The incorporation of physical environmental performance as a primary consideration in building design can facilitate the harmonization of the built environment with the surrounding site and climate, enhance the building’s environmental adaptability and environmental friendliness, and contribute to the achievement of energy-saving and emission-reduction objectives through the integration of natural lighting and ventilation. General computational fluid dynamics (CFD) can help architects make accurate predictions and effectively control the building’s wind environment. However, CFD integration into the design workflow in the preliminary stages is frequently challenging due to program uncertainty, intricate parameter settings, and substantial computational expenses. This study offers a methodology and framework based on machine learning to overcome the complexity and computational cost barriers in simulating outdoor wind environments of buildings. In this framework, the machine learning model is trained using an automated CFD simulation system based on Butterfly and implemented within the Rhino and Grasshopper environment. This framework provides real-time simulation feedback within the design software and exhibits promising accuracy, with a Structural Similarity Index Measure (SSIM) ranging from 90–97% on a training dataset of 1200 unique urban geometries in Xinjiekou Area of Nanjing, China. Furthermore, we programmatically integrate various parts of the simulation and computation process to automate multiscenario CFD simulations and computations. This automation saves a significant amount of time in producing machine-learning training sets. Finally, we demonstrate the effectiveness and accuracy of the proposed working framework in the design process through a case study. Although our approach cannot replace CFD simulation computation in the later design stages, it can support architects in making design decisions in the preliminary stages with minimal effort and immediate performance feedback. Full article

The design of school building typologies, along with the use of advanced glazing systems such as suspended particle devices (SPD), is crucial for determining visual comfort for students. Recent research has focused on integrating SPD in architectural elements such as skylights, clerestories, and windows. In hot desert climates, minimizing window areas, employing shading mechanisms, and utilizing daylighting features such as courtyards and atriums are practical. This study explores the optimization of various architectural components in classroom designs, including Window Wall Ratios (WWR), Skylight Ratios (SR), floor levels, cardinal orientation, and SPD switching states. Using a detailed and comprehensive radiance simulation via Rhino-Grasshopper and Colibri 2.0, we conducted a thorough analysis and optimization of the SPD glazing system across different states on both annual and hourly bases. The results indicate that optimizing SPD transmittance states between 30–40%, maintaining WWRs from 20–40%, and incorporating a large skylight ratio significantly enhances the recommended work plane illuminance (WPI) and the uniformity index (Ui) of the tested typologies. This optimization improves glare control across various building typologies and provides a roadmap for architects aiming to design learning spaces that prioritize visual comfort and overall student well-being. Full article

Background: Patients treated with definitive radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) develop severe dysphagia, affecting their quality of life. Traditional prognosis biomarkers are insufficient, leading to a search for new predictors like neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR). Methods: We retrospectively enrolled 44 NPC patients who underwent definitive radiotherapy between 2010 and 2018. EQUATOR and STROBE network guidelines were adopted. Pre-treatment evaluations were conducted, and post-treatment oropharyngeal dysphagia was assessed using the Sydney Swallow Questionnaire (SSQ) and FEES, then assigning a Dysphagia Outcome and Severity Scale (DOSS) level. Patients were divided based on NLR and PLR cut-offs, comparing subjective dysphagia (SSQ) scores and DOSS results at baseline and after a 5-year follow-up. Multiple linear regression was used for analysis. Results: At baseline, the mean NLR was 2.52 ± 1.10, and the PLR was 208.40 ± 94.35. Multivariate analysis indicated NLR and PLR as significant predictors of DOSS outcomes (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Baseline inflammation markers, such as NLR and PLR, may be used to predict dysphagia severity in NPC patients undergoing definitive radiotherapy. These markers could help identify patients at higher risk for severe dysphagia and implement tailored therapeutic and rehabilitative strategies to improve their quality of life. Further studies with larger cohorts are needed to confirm these findings and explore additional prognostic factors for dysphagia outcomes in NPC patients. Full article

The thermal performance of rural building envelopes is mostly non-standardized in Northern China, resulting in significant heat loss. In this study, we take, as an example, the central area of Liaoning province, with the objective of proposing some low-cost and energy-efficient solutions. Through our investigations, we found that heating energy consumption was reduced by 20% and construction costs increased by less than CNY 8000 (USD 1108), which can be accepted by rural residents. In order to achieve this target, the NSGA-II algorithm integrated with Rhino + Grasshopper and EnergyPlus simulation kernel was used to establish a thermal performance optimization model for the heat transfer of rural building envelopes in this severe cold region. Among the above-calculated Pareto optimal solutions, the recommended thickness of insulation layers for room floors, roofs, and external walls was about 70 mm, 50 mm, and 40 mm, respectively. Furthermore, we tried to reduce the window-to-wall ratio as much as possible. Finally, based on both the lower building renovation cost and energy-saving rate, three technical solutions from which rural residents could select, according to their specific needs, are put forward. Full article

Efforts to identify suitable habitat for wildlife conservation are crucial for safeguarding biodiversity, facilitating management, and promoting sustainable coexistence between wildlife and communities. Our study focuses on identifying potential black rhino (Diceros bicornis) habitat within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA), Tanzania, across wet and dry seasons. To achieve this, we used remote sensing data with and without field data. We employed a comprehensive approach integrating Sentinel-2 and PlanetScope images, vegetation indices, and human activity data. We employed machine learning recursive feature elimination (RFE) and random forest (RF) algorithms to identify the most relevant features that contribute to habitat suitability prediction. Approximately 36% of the NCA is suitable for black rhinos throughout the year; however, there are seasonal shifts in habitat suitability. Anthropogenic factors increase land degradation and limit habitat suitability, but this depends on the season. This study found a higher influence of human-related factors during the wet season, with suitable habitat covering 53.6% of the NCA. In the dry season, browse availability decreases and rhinos are forced to become less selective of the areas where they move to fulfil their nutritional requirements, with anthropogenic pressures becoming less important. Furthermore, our study identified specific areas within the NCA that consistently offer suitable habitat across wet and dry seasons. These areas, situated between Olmoti and the Crater, exhibit minimal disturbance from human activities, presenting favourable conditions for rhinos. Although the Oldupai Gorge only has small suitable patches, it used to sustain a large population of rhinos in the 1960s. Land cover changes seem to have decreased the suitability of the Gorge. This study highlights the importance of combining field data with remotely sensed data. Remote sensing-based assessments rely on the importance of vegetation covers as a proxy for habitat and often overlook crucial field variables such as shelter or breeding locations. Overall, our study sheds light on the imperative of identifying suitable habitat for black rhinos within the NCA and underscores the urgency of intensified conservation efforts. Our findings underscore the need for adaptive conservation strategies to reverse land degradation and safeguard black rhino populations in this dynamic multiple land-use landscape as environmental and anthropogenic pressures evolve. Full article

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a complex inflammatory condition affecting the nasal and paranasal sinus mucosa. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has been implicated as a potential exacerbating factor in CRS, but the specific endoscopic features of nasopharyngeal pathology in this context remain poorly understood. Background and Objectives: Chronic rhinosinusitis is a multifactorial disease with various underlying etiologies, including inflammation, anatomical factors, and environmental triggers. While gastroesophageal reflux disease has been suggested as a potential contributor to chronic rhinosinusitis, the specific endoscopic features indicative of nasopharyngeal pathology in CRS patients with GERD symptoms have not been clearly elucidated. Our aim is to identify specific endoscopic features of nasopharyngeal pathology in patients with CRS associated with GERD symptoms and to propose a method for assessing the influence of gastroesophageal reflux disease on the mucosal layer of the nose and nasopharynx. Materials and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional observational study involving 521 adult patients presenting with symptoms suggestive of CRS. From this cohort, 95 patients with the highest scores on the Reflux Symptom Index (RSI) and Reflux Symptom Score-12 (RSS-12) questionnaires were selected as the main group. Endoscopic examinations were performed to assess the nasal and nasopharyngeal mucosa. Results: Our study revealed significant alterations in the nasopharyngeal mucosa of patients with CRS associated with GERD symptoms. Increased vascularity of the nasopharyngeal mucosa was observed in 91 patients (95.7%), while hypertrophy was noted in 83 patients (87.4%). Mucus was present in the nasopharynx of 77 patients (81.1%), exhibiting varying characteristics of color and consistency. Asymmetric hypertrophy of the oropharyngeal mucosa was noted in 62 patients (65.3%). Conclusions: We propose a method for assessing the influence of gastroesophageal reflux disease on the mucosal layer of the nose and nasopharynx, which may aid in diagnostic and management decisions. Further research is warranted to explore the potential impact of GERD symptoms on the course and severity of CRS exacerbations. Full article

This simulation study explores the potential of a novel façade design with integrated control system comprising a dynamic photovoltaic (PV) facade integrated with dimming lighting control to enhance the work environment in office buildings and achieve energy-efficient solutions. Parametric modeling using the Grasshopper plug-in for Rhino software 7, coupled with energy simulation through the Honeybee environmental plug-in for the EnergyPlus program, are used in the methodology. The integrated control strategy was simulated to study in a single office space, utilizing the Daysim engine to assess indoor daylight quality and focusing on Daylight Factor (DF) and Daylight Glare Probability (DGP). Additionally, two artificial lighting control systems were examined for potential integration with the dynamic PV facade to minimize lighting load. The study employs the Galapagos evolutionary solver function embedded within Grasshopper to identify optimum solutions. The dynamic PV façade achieves substantial reductions in overall energy consumption, cutting it by 73% in June, 54% in July, 54.5% in August, and 52.55% in September. The results demonstrate substantial reductions in total energy consumption, with notable savings in heating and cooling due to the dynamic facade’s ability to balance and control solar radiation during working hours. Moreover, the dynamic PV facade contributes to electricity generation, demonstrating its potential to improve visual comfort, decrease energy consumption, and generate electric energy through rotational adjustments and varying transparency levels. Full article

Researchers investigating the neural mechanisms underlying speech perception often employ electroencephalography (EEG) to record brain activity while participants listen to spoken language. The high temporal resolution of EEG enables the study of neural responses to fast and dynamic speech signals. Previous studies have successfully extracted speech characteristics from EEG data and, conversely, predicted EEG activity from speech features. Machine learning techniques are generally employed to construct encoding and decoding models, which necessitate a substantial quantity of data. We present SparrKULee, a Speech-evoked Auditory Repository of EEG data, measured at KU Leuven, comprising 64-channel EEG recordings from 85 young individuals with normal hearing, each of whom listened to 90–150 min of natural speech. This dataset is more extensive than any currently available dataset in terms of both the number of participants and the quantity of data per participant. It is suitable for training larger machine learning models. We evaluate the dataset using linear and state-of-the-art non-linear models in a speech encoding/decoding and match/mismatch paradigm, providing benchmark scores for future research. Full article

Bifacial photovoltaic sunshade (BiPVS) is an innovative building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) technology. Vertically mounted BiPVS is capable of converting part of the incident solar radiation into electricity, regulating the indoor heat gain from solar penetration and improving daylighting. An excellent BiPVS design should comprehensively consider its impact on building performance and economic viability. This study aims to address this issue by proposing a parametric design-based multi-objective optimization (MOO) framework to maximize indoor useful daylight illuminance, minimize air-conditioning energy consumption, and shorten the payback period by optimizing BiPVS design parameters. The framework utilizes the Ladybug, Honeybee, and Wallacei plugins on the Rhino-Grasshopper simulation platform. It validates the optimization potential of BiPVS in a typical office located in a hot summer and warm winter zone. The results indicate that BiPVS has significant energy-saving and daylighting potential. Compared to the baseline model without BiPVS, useful daylight illuminance is increased by 39.44%, air-conditioning energy consumption is reduced by 12.61%, and the economically satisfactory payback period is 4.80 years. This study provides a practical solution for the competing objectives of daylighting and energy saving in buildings with significant renewable energy utilization. The developed framework is highly efficient and versatile and can be applied to other BIPV designs, which benefits the realization of carbon-neutral goals in the building sector. Full article

Surgical intervention is a key element in the management of patients diagnosed with mucormycosis. A retrospective cohort study was carried out, in which patients with a proven diagnosis of mucormycosis were evaluated over a period of 10 years, according to the MSGERC criteria. A descriptive analysis of the clinical characteristics, comorbidities, imaging, and microbiology studies, as well as medical and surgical treatment and the type of prosthesis was carried out. A total of 22 cases were identified, of which 54.5% (n = 12) of the population were men. Furthermore, 77.2% (n = 17) of the population had diabetes mellitus. The main antifungal treatment implemented was liposomal amphotericin B (77.2%, n = 17). The most affected structures in our patients were the paranasal sinuses (n = 18; 81%), followed by the maxilla and orbit (n = 15; 68%), nose (n = 12; 54%), central nervous system (n = 11; 50%), and skin and soft tissues (n = 2; <1%). Of the total population, 59.09% (n = 13) of patients underwent maxillofacial surgery, of which 61.53% (n = 8) required some type of prosthetic rehabilitation. Orbital exenteration and maxillectomy were the most frequent surgeries, accounting for 69.23% (n = 9), while skull base drainage was performed in four patients (30.76%). Of the total number of patients (n = 22), eight died (36.36%). Appropriate surgical management according to the affected structures, considering not only increasing the patient’s survival, but also considering the aesthetic and functional consequences, will require subsequent rehabilitation. Full article

In this work, we developed multifunctional hydrogel nanoparticles (NPs) that can encapsulate anticancer drugs and imaging contrast agents as well. Mitomycin C (MMC) and rhodamine B (RB) were selected as models for anticancer drugs and imaging contrasting agents, respectively. Both MMC and RB were linked to the succinated polyvinyl alcohol polymer (PVA-SA). The selected labeled hydrogel NPs ((0.5% RB)-PVA-SA NPs and (1.5% RB)-PVA-SA NPs) improved the RB quantum yield from 29.8% to a minimum of 42.7%. Moreover, they showed higher emission stability compared to free RB when they were repeatedly excited at 554 nm for 2 h. Furthermore, the dye polymeric interactions significantly increased the RB fluorescence lifetime by approximately twofold. All these optical properties pave the way for our labeled hydrogel NPs to be used in imaging-guided therapy. For the labeled MMC-loaded NPs, the MMC-binding efficiency was found to be exceedingly high in all synthesized samples: a minimum of 92% was achieved. In addition, the obtained pH-dependent drug release profiles as well as the cytotoxicity evaluation demonstrated the high potential of releasing MMC under acidic cancerous conditions. Moreover, the in vitro cellular uptake experiment confirmed the accumulation of MMC NPs throughout the cytoplasm. Full article