Search Results (188)

End-of-life photovoltaic modules represent a complex waste stream in which polyolefin elastomer (POE) encapsulants are increasingly important but insufficiently characterized after recovery. This study evaluates the structural, morphological and thermal state of POE-rich encapsulant residues obtained from laser-treated fragments of a crystalline-silicon photovoltaic module after approximately five years of field operation, focusing on material quality rather than process optimization. Reference POE and representative polymer-rich residues were examined by FTIR-ATR, TGA/DTG under nitrogen and SEM/EDS. FTIR-ATR showed characteristic polyolefin bands at approximately 2915–2847, 1463 and 718–719 cm⁻¹ in both reference POE and treated residues, indicating retention of the hydrocarbon backbone. Treated residues exhibited additional features in the 1800–1500 and 1100–1000 cm⁻¹ regions, attributed to oxygen-containing surface species and interfacial glass/silicon contributions. TGA/DTG revealed a similar main decomposition range for the POE-rich residues, with DTG peaks mainly between 471.5 and 474.3 °C, while residual mass varied from 1.94 to 23.03%, compared with 0.04% for reference POE. SEM/EDS confirmed heterogeneous surfaces and local silicon/oxygen-rich particles attached to or embedded in the polymer-rich residues. The results show that POE-rich waste fractions can preserve the main polyolefin structure, but their valorization requires control of inorganic contamination, especially for cut, cracked or mechanically damaged modules. Full article

PETG/POE blends are thermo-responsive shape-memory systems with composition-dependent deformation and thermomechanical recovery behavior, but their molecular mechanism remains unclear. In this work, all-atom molecular dynamics simulations were performed for PETG/POE blends with different compositions. Model reliability was supported by density stabilization during equilibration and by reasonable agreement between simulated and experimental glass transition temperatures, with glass transition temperature deviations below 1.3%. Tensile simulations showed that increasing POE content reduced Young’s modulus from 1.81 to 1.10 GPa and yield stress from 0.251 to 0.144 GPa, indicating decreased stiffness and enhanced deformation accommodation. Free-volume and cavity analyses indicated tensile-induced packing loosening, cavity nucleation, and subsequent cavity growth and coalescence. Component-resolved interaction-energy decomposition and phase-resolved mean square displacement analyses showed strong PETG-related cohesive interactions, restricted PETG mobility at 200 K, enhanced POE mobility at 450 K, and relatively stronger PETG-POE interactions at intermediate compositions. These results help us to correlate blend composition, local structure, interaction-energy reorganization, chain conformation, and segmental mobility with fixation-recovery behavior. Under the present simulation protocol, PETG4/POE6 showed a relatively balanced response because of the compromise among rigidity, intermolecular interactions, cavity evolution, and thermally activated mobility. Full article

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) represents one of the most severe transboundary animal diseases globally. Although considered endemic in Ghana, recent data on circulating serotypes are limited. This study investigated and characterized FMD outbreaks occurring between July and December 2024, assessed the occurrence of the infection in seemingly healthy cattle imports, and explored alternative methods to enhance early diagnosis in livestock; using probang Sera, epithelial tissue and oral mucosal swabs were obtained from cattle exhibiting signs suggestive of FMD from farms, livestock markets and a slaughter facility. This was followed by a cross-sectional survey at two major points of entry (POE) to Ghana to obtain oropharyngeal samples using probang from healthy cattle to assess the possible role of imported cattle in the outbreaks in the northern and southern regions of the country. Samples were analysed for FMD virus (FMDV) and non-structural protein (NSP) antibodies to assess infection and exposure from the outbreak foci and POE. Positive samples were sequenced to characterize the virus serotypes. Outbreaks were reported in 38 kraals, three livestock markets, and one slaughter facility across 14 districts in nine regions. Morbidity rates ranged from 8% to 100% (median = 50%), with fatalities occurring in three kraals. Of the 247 samples from outbreak locations, FMD virus was detected in 49.4% (122/247). A majority of cattle (66.03%, 140/212) tested seropositive for FMD NSP antibodies. From healthy cattle at POE, 250 oropharyngeal (probang) samples were collected, with 62.4% testing positive, distributed between the north and south. Only 1.6% of the samples had FMDV RNA detected using PCR. Phylogenetic analysis identified serotypes O, A, and SAT2. These findings confirm the co-circulation of multiple FMDV serotypes in Ghana and highlight the necessity for enhanced molecular surveillance and coordinated cross-border control measures. Full article

This study offers a new approach to probabilistic earthquake hazard assessment (PEHA) in the densely populated regions of Southern Sumatra and West Java, Indonesia. While much attention is given to powerful, offshore megathrust earthquakes, this research focuses on a different yet equally dangerous threat: shallow, moderate-magnitude earthquakes (4.5 ≤ M_w ≤ 6.5) that occur on land. These events, often caused by unmapped faults, pose a significant risk due to their proximity to major cities and infrastructure. To develop a more reliable model, a best-fit earthquake rate model was estimated using declustered shallow earthquake events as a reference. This model enhances existing methods by offering a more precise depiction of where these shallow, damaging earthquakes are likely to occur. We accomplished this by analyzing a comprehensive probability of exceedance (PoE) of earthquakes with magnitudes up to 6.5 and depths up to 50 km that occurred between 1963 and 2022, mapping and modeling both the known active faults and the historical seismic activity in the region, and using advanced statistical methods to create a highly reliable, integrated seismicity rate model. The final product, the Integrated Most Reliable Spatial Seismicity Rate Model (Model_IMRSSR), is proposed as a useful tool for government authorities and urban planners. It can be used to create detailed seismic hazard maps that highlight areas of highest risk, especially those with unmapped faults. By guiding development away from these high-risk zones and identifying specific locations for physical reinforcement, this research provides a framework for sustainable investment. The proactive use of these findings can lead to more resilient communities and a significant reduction in potential damage and loss of life from future earthquakes. Full article

Therapeutic gardens are increasingly integrated into healthcare planning and design, supported by evidence showing that exposure to nature promotes health and well-being. As urbanisation and densification intensify, rooftop gardens offer a sustainable means of providing health-promoting green spaces in urban settings. This study aimed to deepen understanding of the EBD process behind a purpose-built rooftop garden at an urban Memory Clinic. It examined how the garden was experienced in terms of perceived successes and shortcomings and which design decisions or contextual factors were most influential. A POE was conducted through focus group interviews with healthcare professionals and an interview with the responsible landscape architect. Data were analysed using thematic analysis, producing five themes organised around three questions: How the garden turned out, why it turned out that way, and IF changes were desirable. Findings show that while the garden exceeded expectations regarding aesthetics, restorative qualities, and staff use, it was not used for patient-oriented therapeutic activities as intended. This divergence was linked less to physical design quality than to organisational change, the loss of key actors, insufficient documentation of design intentions, procurement disruptions, shifting clinical priorities, and maintenance arrangements. The study highlights “implementation drift” as a critical risk in EBD processes. Full article

This study, through a hybrid approach to post-occupancy evaluation (POE) of four types of high-energy-efficiency housing in rural Scotland, explores the manifestation, formation mechanism, and mitigation pathways of energy risks in high-energy-efficiency housing from environmental and socioeconomic dimensions. The findings reveal a “high-efficiency paradox”: better fabric performance and lower heating demand do not guarantee reduced carbon emissions, fuel poverty alleviation, or energy resilience. Actual energy risks are formed by the combined effects of multiple factors, including building size, energy infrastructure, resident characteristics, energy prices, and policy, exhibiting a clear systemic coupling characteristic. The study further verifies that, in the context of rural Scotland, relying solely on indicators such as EPC may lead to misjudgements of housing sustainability. Heating demand, total energy consumption, carbon emissions, and energy expenditure exhibit a partially decoupled relationship. Thus, rural housing sustainability should shift from a technically efficient approach to a comprehensive strategy integrating design, infrastructure, affordability, and social equity. The study proposes context-specific mitigation pathways including multi-source energy systems, place-sensitive policies, socio-economic support, and a multi-criteria assessment framework, providing empirical references for rural housing energy transition and energy risk governance. Full article

Background/Objectives: Diabetes mellitus and hypertension are major chronic conditions that markedly affect patients’ health and quality of life worldwide. With the rapid development of technology, there has been a growing interest in exploring the potential role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the management of such diseases. This study aims to assess the accuracy and reliability of artificial intelligence tools in providing information for diabetes mellitus and hypertension management. Methods: This study assessed the accuracy and reliability of the information provided by major AI tools such as ChatGPT, Gemini, POE, Claude, Consensus, and Perplexity. Twenty questions that are essential for the management of diabetes mellitus and hypertension were constructed based on the chapters of the respective guidelines and were fed to the AI tools. The outcomes were compared with evidence-based treatment guidelines, such as those from the American Diabetes Association (ADA), the American Heart Association (AHA), the European Society of Cardiology (ESC), and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Answers were classified into “accurate “, “inaccurate”, and “accurate with missing information”. Three rounds of six-week intervals were conducted to assess accuracy and reliability. In addition, they were conducted to evaluate data updates by comparing answers across the rounds. Results: In round one of the evaluations, ChatGPT and Poe showed the highest accuracy, both at 65% (95% CI: 41.0–83.7), followed by Claude at 60% (95% CI: 41.0–83.7). ChatGPT had the lowest inaccuracy rate at 5% (95% CI: 1.75–33.1), while Claude demonstrated the smallest percentage of responses with missing information at only 6%. (95% CI: 12.8–54.3). In round 2, Claude markedly outperformed all other tools, achieving an accuracy rate of 95% (95% CI: 73.0–99.7) and no responses with missing information (0%). In round 3, ChatGPT came second with 70% (95% CI: 45.70–87.2) accuracy and maintained the lowest inaccuracy rate of 5% (95% CI: 0.26–26.9). Consensus had the largest inaccuracy rate at 40% (95% CI: 20.0–63.6) and the lowest accuracy rate at 40% (95% CI: 20.0–63.6). Overall, statistically significant pairwise comparisons showed that Cloud in the second round has the highest accuracy compared to Poe (p = 0.0154), Gemini (p = 0.0421), Consensus (p = 0.0035), and Perplexity (p = 0.0302). In the assessment of performance shift from round 1 to round 2, Claude achieved the greatest improvement in accuracy at 40%. In the assessment of performance shift from round 2 to round 3, Poe improved the most with an accuracy increase of 25%, while ChatGPT followed with 20%. When evaluating the unprompted and guideline-prompted questions for all AI tools using McNemar’s test, it did not reveal a statistically significant distinction in the proportion of accurate responses (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Throughout the three rounds, ChatGPT maintained the best performance, with the fewest missing data. Claude and Poe followed, showing high accuracy with relatively low inaccuracy rates. On the other hand, Perplexity and Gemini performed moderately, while Consensus had the lowest accuracy. Full article

This paper addresses the data-driven identification of open-chain robot morphology from finite windows of heterogeneous signals, including commanded joint references, measured joint states, and end-effector pose observations. Unlike conventional calibration procedures that assume a known kinematic topology, the proposed formulation estimates both discrete structural quantities and continuous kinematic coordinates: the number of active joints, the revolute/prismatic token sequence, Product-of-Exponentials (POE) screw axes, and the home pose of the end effector. A temporal transformer encoder is used as the main estimator and compared with a gated recurrent unit (GRU) baseline on the same dataset, with the same output heads and a multitask physics-aware objective. The continuous target is expressed in POE coordinates rather than as a Denavit–Hartenberg table because POE directly represents spatial joint axes and avoids several frame-assignment ambiguities. Simulated results on a noisy benchmark of 48 serial-robot families show that both sequence models recover the discrete structure on the tested in-library trajectories, while their continuous reconstruction errors reveal different trade-offs in screw-axis, home-pose, and trajectory reconstruction accuracy. The study also discusses inactive-slot masking, out-of-library behavior, synthetic-to-real limitations, persistent excitation, and the role of the learned model as an initialization for subsequent calibration refinement. Full article

Contemporary cultural infrastructure globally faces a critical architectural challenge: balancing the demand for spatial adaptability (e.g., flexible layouts, interactive technologies) with the absolute necessity of inclusive access for diverse demographics. This tension is particularly acute in rapidly urbanizing environments. However, current research lacks integrated methodologies to systematically evaluate these intersecting issues. This paper addresses this gap by developing a systematic, multi-method framework for post-occupancy evaluation (POE). To empirically illustrate and test the applicability of this framework, a comparative multi-case study was conducted in Wuhan, China, focusing on two distinct exhibition hall typologies within the Hubei Science and Technology Museum and the Qintai Art Museum. Grounded in environmental psychology, the methodology systematically triangulates spatial mapping, behavioral observation, and semi-structured interviews. The empirical application reveals that while highly adaptive elements enhance curatorial flexibility, they frequently introduce unintended cognitive barriers that disproportionately exclude vulnerable visitor groups. For the international research community, this study contributes a culturally responsive evaluation protocol, providing researchers with operational tools to systematically decode the socio-spatial frictions between adaptable exhibition design and universal inclusivity. Full article

The concept of building health has gained increasing attention due to its strong association with occupant well-being, safety, and the long-term performance of buildings. However, despite the existence of models that assess individual aspects of building conditions, standardized frameworks for comprehensively evaluating overall building health remain limited. A systematic assessment of building health can help identify potential risks and prevent unexpected consequences caused by system failures. This study provides a systematic review of existing approaches to building health assessment by synthesizing relevant indicators and evaluation methods reported in the literature. Key variables are standardized and organized into six major performance dimensions: safety performance, environmental quality, occupant-centred performance, system and infrastructure performance, energy performance, and economic performance. In addition, the review examines the roles of widely used assessment approaches, including Post-Occupancy Evaluation (POE), Internet of Things (IoT)- based monitoring, and machine learning techniques, in supporting building health evaluation. Finally, future directions are proposed to support the development of more comprehensive, data-driven building health assessment frameworks. Full article

Hospital gardens are increasingly recognized as therapeutic environments; however, many Post-Occupancy Evaluation (POE) studies remain limited to perception-based assessments without explicitly linking spatial characteristics to user experience. This study develops an evidence-based evaluation framework integrating spatial analysis with user-centered data. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining systematic observations, spatial mapping, and a structured short-form questionnaire administered to 350 users. The study area was classified into three micro-climatic zones—hot, moderate, and cool/shaded—based on solar exposure, vegetation density, and surface characteristics. User experience was evaluated through composite indices of comfort, satisfaction, and perceived restorativeness (Cronbach’s α = 0.83). The results indicate a clear spatial gradient: mean comfort scores increased from 2.8 in hot zones to 3.5 in moderate zones and 4.2 in cool/shaded areas. These differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05) and supported by meaningful effect sizes (Cohen’s d). Furthermore, multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that natural components—specifically mature vegetation and clean air—are strongly associated with psychological recovery (β = 0.54, p < 0.001). Spatial analysis also revealed a mismatch between design configuration and environmental performance. The findings provide a transferable, spatially grounded framework for optimizing therapeutic landscapes in healthcare settings. Full article

Heritage-led urban redevelopment is increasingly adopted to advance cultural continuity and social vitality; however, its long-term sustainability is often compromised due to the absence of user-oriented assessment methods. Conventional Post-Occupancy Evaluation (POE) approaches are limited in their ability to capture experiential, social, and participatory dimensions of architectural and urban spaces. This study examines the potential of Virtual Reality (VR) as a participatory POE tool for sustainable heritage redevelopment through the case study of Souq Al Muharraq in Bahrain. A convergent mixed-method approach is employed, integrating immersive VR 360-degree walkthroughs, structured questionnaires, qualitative semi-structured interviews, and expert evaluation. The findings reveal significant discrepancies between design intentions and lived experience, specifically in thermal comfort, circulation, social usability, and informal spatial practices. The study demonstrates that VR supports a user-centered and experiential approach aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 9, 11, and 16. It further proposes a sustainable and cost-efficient framework for architecture and urban projects’ evaluation by enabling early and post-user-centered evaluation of projects to reduce costly revisions and the creation of inclusive, adaptive, and resilient architecture and urban spaces. Full article

In the renewal of rural self-built houses, dispersed construction patterns, insufficient design guidance, and resource constraints often lead to tensions between individual building needs and the overall settlement landscape. Grounded in the theory of spatial self-organization, this study proposes a roof interface renewal framework of “Clustering–Collaboration–self-organization,” and takes Dianju Village in Anning City, Yunnan Province, as a case study to explore how limited architectural interventions can address the fragmentation of roof landscapes in rural settlements. This research adopts a mixed-method approach combining ethnographic fieldwork, resident design observation, and post-occupancy evaluation (POE). The POE was conducted with 16 participating households, focusing on residents’ perceptions of roof usability, visual order, material acceptance, opportunities for neighborhood interaction, and maintenance issues. The findings indicate that residents generally perceive that continuous roof treatment, the application of bamboo–timber materials, and adjustable structural units have improved the usability of roof spaces, while enhancing their recognition of the overall village image and the expression of local materials. At the same time, residents’ feedback suggests that the long-term performance of bamboo–timber materials still depends on continuous maintenance and appropriate structural protection. The contribution of this study lies in translating spatial self-organization theory into a participatory and locally adaptive process of rural landscape renewal. Rather than providing a directly replicable roof typology, this case offers exploratory insights into key interface identification, resident negotiation, and localized construction strategies for the renewal of rural self-built houses in developing and transitional contexts. Full article

For cable compound manufacturers, accurate formulation fine-tuning is essential to ensure safety, long-term durability, and compliance with international standards for dielectric strength, volume resistivity, and environmental and thermal ageing. This work presents an experimental study demonstrating how minor additives can critically affect the performance of complex flame-retardant elastomeric formulations. The investigation focuses on the role of small amounts of zinc oxide (ZnO) in commercial cable compounds based on a crosslinked elastomeric matrix composed of ethylene–propylene monomer (EPM), ethylene–propylene–diene monomer (EPDM), and thermoplastic polyolefin elastomer (POE). The formulations contain aluminium trihydroxide (ATH) as the major filler, together with several minor additives. Among these, a phenolic antioxidant (AN01) acting as a metal deactivator is also present. The addition of ZnO in low amounts (2–5 phr) allowed the compounds to maintain a volume resistivity ≥ 10¹² Ω·cm in water at 100 °C. To elucidate the role of ZnO, a systematic set of formulations was prepared by varying the type and content of selected additives. The compounds were prepared by melt mixing in an internal mixer (Banbury type), followed by peroxide crosslinking via compression molding. Electrical characterization results indicate that ZnO interacts with the phenolic additive through surface adsorption, forming a coated particle with significantly reduced electrical conductivity. Optimal electrical performance was achieved when the ZnO-to-additive ratio corresponded to the minimum amount required for complete surface complexation. Full article

Against the background of high-quality development and urban renewal in China, old residential communities have become key areas for improving spatial quality and quality of life. We used the entrance pavilion of Baoshengli North Community as a case study to explore how spatial design and layout can meet residents’ psychological and social needs. Adopting a mixed-methods approach, combining field observation, behavioral mapping, a questionnaire (Total = 105), in-depth interviews, and statistical analysis, a post-occupancy evaluation (POE) was conducted on spatial effectiveness and social functions. The results show that user-oriented spatial design, safety, esthetic quality, and inclusive functions significantly enhance residents’ spatial perception, willingness to use the space, and social interaction. Differentiated spatial preferences and potential conflicts among diverse resident groups were also identified. Targeted design interventions can effectively strengthen the connection between spatial use and subjective perception, and participatory and equitable strategies help promote social harmony and justice. This study enriches the post-occupancy evaluation system for the renewal of old communities from psychological and social dimensions, and provides practical references for user-centered, inclusive, and sustainable public space design in urban renewal practices. One limitation of this study is that data were collected over a single period, which restricts the analysis of seasonal impacts on spatial usage. Full article