Search Results (24)

Achieving carbon neutrality in the building sector is essential for addressing the global climate crisis. However, the production stage—which contributes to over 29% of a building’s life cycle carbon emissions (CE)—poses significant challenges for consistent carbon performance assessment due to the diversity of building materials and the uniqueness of individual building projects. These factors often lead to inconsistent evaluation results across assessors and the fragmented management of carbon data at the project level. This study proposes the Zero Carbon Building Index (ZCBI), a quantitative assessment method that incorporates embodied carbon from raw material extraction, transportation, and manufacturing. ZCBI enables the evaluation of carbon neutrality performance at the material level and supports the identification of reduction potentials in the production stage. A classification system was developed to evaluate CE during production, creating reference buildings for residential and non-residential purposes. Additionally, a Korean Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) database was established by incorporating CE data from 797 EPD-certified materials. Carbon reduction (CR) and ZCBI values were analyzed by categorizing CE variations across manufacturers into the lowest, average, and highest values. The results showed that CR for apartment complexes ranged from 42.1 to 311 kgCO₂e/m², with ZCBI values between 8.84% and 65.30%, and those for business facilities ranged from 40.9 to 264 kgCO₂e/m², with ZCBI values from 8.59% and 55.43. The proposed ZCBI framework provides a basis for optimizing material selection to reduce emissions and may evolve into a comprehensive carbon neutrality assessment covering the entire construction process. Full article

Objectives: To evaluate the clinical performance and optical quality of a non-diffractive extended-depth-of-focus (EDOF) intraocular lens (IOL), Asqelio™ EDOF (models ETLIO130C/ETPIO130C), in patients undergoing cataract surgery or refractive lensectomy. Methods: This prospective observational, case-control study included patients bilaterally implanted with either the Asqelio™ EDOF IOL (Study Group) or the spherical monofocal TECNIS^® 1-Piece ZCB00 IOL (Control Group). The postoperative outcomes—at 3 months after surgery—included visual acuities at multiple distances, refraction, contrast sensitivity, the optical scatter index (OSI), wavefront aberrations, and patient-reported outcomes (Catquest-9SF and a quality-of-vision questionnaire). Results: Twenty-three patients (46 eyes) in the Asqelio™ EDOF group and 17 patients (34 eyes) in the monofocal control group were enrolled. Postoperatively, 91% of eyes in the EDOF group were within ±0.50 D of the intended spherical equivalent. The binocular uncorrected distance, intermediate, and near visual acuities were 0.00 ± 0.09, 0.13 ± 0.12, and 0.32 ± 0.15 logMAR, respectively. Contrast sensitivity and OSI values were similar between the study and control groups (p > 0.05). Higher-order aberrations were significantly lower in the EDOF group (p < 0.001), but values in both groups were clinically low. No adverse events were reported. Most patients expressed high satisfaction and reported few visual disturbances. Conclusions: The Asqelio™ EDOF IOL provided good refractive predictability, effective uncorrected vision across distance and intermediate ranges, and high patient satisfaction. Contrast sensitivity and optical scatter were comparable to monofocal implants. This lens can be considered a valuable option for patients seeking an extended range of functional vision with minimal side effects. Full article

Background: Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a disease that leads to muscle weakness and significantly affects the lives of both patients and caregivers. This study aims to compare quality of life, caregiver burden, symptoms of depression and anxiety, life satisfaction, and mental well-being between parents of children with SMA and those of healthy children. Methods: This cross-sectional study included parents of children under 18 years old, both healthy and diagnosed with SMA. The participants completed the WHOQOL-BREF, Zarit Caregiver Burden Scale (ZCBS), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), and the Flourishing Scale (FS). In addition, the relationships among these measures were analyzed. Results: Our study showed that the parents of children with SMA had significantly higher scores across all subscales of the WHOQOL-BREF (p = 0.004, p = 0.009, p = 0.007, p < 0.001) and the HADS depression subscale (p = 0.005). However, no significant differences were found between the groups in terms of the ZCBS, the HADS anxiety subscale (p = 0.802), SWLS (p = 0.251), or FS (p = 0.929) scores. Additionally, the ZCBS and HADS anxiety scores were significantly higher among parents of children with SMA type 1 compared to those with type 3 (p = 0.010 and p = 0.037, respectively). Lastly, a moderate positive correlation was found between the ZCBS and the HADS anxiety subscales (r = 0.632, p < 0.001). Conclusions: This study highlights the decline in quality of life and increased depression symptoms among parents of children with SMA, suggesting the need for psychiatric evaluation and additional support for those caregivers. Full article

Background: To evaluate the clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction after implantation of an enhanced monofocal intraocular lens (TECNIS Eyhance ICB00) in patients with idiopathic epiretinal membrane (ERM) who underwent cataract surgery with pars plana vitrectomy (PPV). Methods: This is a single-center, retrospective, comparative study. In total, 61 eyes of 61 patients with idiopathic ERM and cataracts were included. We measured the uncorrected near and intermediate visual acuity (UNVA and UIVA), uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuity (UDVA and CDVA), central macular thickness, defocus curves, and contrast sensitivity 3–6 months after the surgery. Overall patient satisfaction was assessed using a questionnaire at the 1-month follow-up visit. Results: The ICB00 group showed better near and intermediate visual acuity than the monofocal group (TECNIS ZCB00); however, no statistically significant differences were found between the groups. The ICB00 group exhibited wider defocus curves at near to far distances (−3.0 to +2.0 D) than the ZCB00 group. There were no significant differences in the results of the contrast sensitivity test, dysphotopsia, spectacle dependence, or patient satisfaction between the two groups. Conclusions: In combined PPV and cataract surgery for ERM patients, ICB00 resulted in good visual acuity with a smoother defocus curve compared to the ZCB00 group. Full article

A Carbon Footprint (CF) is defined as the total emissions of greenhouse gases, primarily carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, and is a specific type of Environmental Footprint that measures human impact on the environment. Carbon dioxide emissions are a major contributor to anthropogenic greenhouse gases driving climate change. Wood, as a renewable and ecological material, has relatively low carbon emissions. The study aimed to review and analyze the criteria influencing the feasibility of constructing modern zero-carbon wooden buildings. The review was conducted in two phases: (i) a literature review and (ii) an assessment of existing buildings. The preliminary research led to (i) narrowing the focus to the years 2020–2024 and (ii) identifying key criteria for analysis: sustainable material sourcing, carbon sequestration, energy efficiency, life cycle assessment (LCA), and innovative construction practices. The study’s findings indicate that all these criteria play a vital role in the design and construction of new zero-carbon wooden buildings. They highlight the significant potential of wood as a renewable material in achieving zero-carbon buildings (ZCBs), positioning it as a compelling alternative to traditional construction materials. However, the research also underscores that despite wood’s numerous potential benefits, its implementation in ZCBs faces several challenges, including social, regulatory, and financial barriers. Full article

After the 2007 financial crisis, many central banks adopted policies to lower their interest rates; the dynamics of these rates cannot be captured using classical models. Recently, Meucci and Loregian proposed an approach to estimate nonnegative interest rates using the inverse-call transformation. Despite the fact that their work is distinguished from others in the literature by their consideration of practical aspects, some technical difficulties still remain, such as the lack of analytic expression for the zero-coupon bond (ZCB) price. In this work, we propose novel approximate closed-form solutions for the ZCB price in the zero lower bound (ZLB) framework, when the underlying shadow rate is assumed to follow the classical one-factor Vasicek model. Then, a filtering procedure is performed using the Unscented Kalman Filter (UKF) to estimate the unobservable state variable (the shadow rate), and the model calibration is proceeded by estimating the model parameters using the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm. Further, empirical illustrations are given and discussed using (as input data) the interest rates of the AAA-rated bonds compiled by the European Central Bank ranging from 6 September 2004 to 21 June 2012 (a period that concerns the ZLB framework). Our approximate closed-form solution is able to show a good match between the actual and estimated yield-rate values for short and medium time-to-maturity values, whereas, for long time-to-maturity values, it is able to estimate the trend of the yield rates. Full article

This study aims to theoretically explore the technological systems of tropical island zero-carbon building (TIZCB) to scientifically understand the characteristics of these buildings in terms of energy utilization, energy conservation, energy production, and intelligent system mechanisms. The purpose is to address the inefficiencies and resource wastage caused by the traditional segmented approach to building energy consumption management. Thus, it seeks to achieve a comprehensive understanding and application of the zero-carbon building (ZCB) technology system. This article focuses on the demands for energy-efficient comfort and innovative industrialization in construction. Through an analysis of the characteristics of TIZCB and an explanation of their concepts, it establishes a theoretical framework for examining the system mechanisms of these buildings. Additionally, it delves into the energy utilization, energy conservation, energy production, and intelligent system from macro, meso, and micro perspectives. This approach results in the development of an implementation strategy for studying the mechanisms of energy usage, conservation, and intelligent production systems in TIZCB. The results show that: (1) this study delves into the theoretical underpinnings of TIZCB, emphasizing their evolution from a foundation of low-carbon and near-zero energy consumption. The primary goal is to achieve zero carbon emissions during building operation, with reliance on renewable energy sources. Design considerations prioritize adaptation to high-temperature and high-humidity conditions, integrating regional culture along with the utilization of new materials and technologies. (2) A comprehensive technical framework for TIZCB is proposed, encompassing energy utilization, conservation, production capacity, and intelligent systems. Drawing from systems theory, control theory, and synergy theory, the research employs a macro–meso–micro analytical framework, offering extensive theoretical support for the practical aspects of design and optimization. (3) The research implementation plan establishes parameterized models, unveiling the intricate relationships with building performance. It provides optimized intelligent system design parameters for economically viable zero-carbon operations. This study contributes theoretical and practical support for the sustainable development of TIZCB and aligns with the dual carbon strategy in China and the clean energy free trade zone construction in Hainan. Full article

Implementing net-zero carbon design is a crucial step towards decarbonizing the built environment during the entire life cycle of a building, encompassing both embodied and operational carbon. This paper presents a novel computational approach to designing life cycle zero-carbon buildings (LC-ZCBs), utilizing parametric integrated modeling through the versatile Grasshopper platform. A residential building located at the New York Institute of Technology, optimized to fulfill the LC-ZCB target, serves as a case study for this comprehensive study. Four main influencing design parameters are defined, and three hundred design combinations are evaluated through the assessment of operational carbon (OC) and embodied carbon (EC). By incorporating biobased materials in the design options (BIO) as a replacement for conventional insulation (OPT), the influence of biogenic carbon is addressed by utilizing the GWPbio dynamic method. While both OPT and BIO registered similar OC, with values ranging below 0.7 kg CO₂eq/m²a, the EC is largely different, with negative values ranging between −0.64 and −0.54 kg CO₂eq/m²a only for BIO alternatives, while the OPT ones achieved positive values (2.25–2.45 kg CO₂eq/m²a). Finally, to account for potential climate changes, future climate data, and 2099 weather conditions are considered during the scenario assessments. The results show that OC tends to slightly decrease due to the increasing productivity of PV panels. Thus, the life cycle emissions for all OPT alternatives decrease, moving from 2.4–3.0 kg CO₂eq/m²a to 2.2–2.4, but none of them achieve the LC-ZCB target, while BIO alternatives are able to achieve the target with negative values between −0.15 and −0.60 kg CO₂eq/m²a. There is potential for achieving LC-ZCBs when fast-growing biobased materials are largely used as construction materials, fostering a more environmentally responsible future for the construction industry. Full article

Faced with the challenges of global climate change, zero-carbon buildings (ZCB) serve as a crucial means to achieve carbon peak and carbon neutrality goals, particularly in the development of tropical island regions. This study aims to establish a ZCB technology system suitable for the unique climatic conditions of tropical islands. By employing methods such as energy flow boundaries, parametric design, and data-driven optimization algorithms, the research systematically analyzes the integrated mechanisms and optimization solutions for energy utilization, energy conservation, energy production, and intelligent systems. The study identifies and addresses key technical challenges faced by ZCB in tropical island regions, including the accurate identification of system design parameters, the precise quantification of the relationship between design parameters and building performance, and the comprehensive optimization of technical and economic goals for zero-carbon operational design solutions. The research results not only provide a comprehensive theoretical framework, promoting the development of architectural design theory, but also establish a practical framework for technology and methods, advancing the integration and application of ZCB technology. The study holds significant practical implications for the green transformation of the tropical island construction industry and the realization of national dual-carbon strategic goals. Future research should further explore the applicability of the technology system and the economic feasibility of optimized design solutions, promoting continuous innovation and development in ZCB technology. Full article

Purpose: Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) is currently regarded as the most effective surgical procedure for addressing Fuchs Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy (FECD), frequently performed in conjunction with cataract surgery. In this retrospective study, we present a comparison of visual performance, clinical outcomes, and optical quality between two types of monofocal Intraocular Lenses (IOLs): one standard and one enhanced intermediate vision model, implanted in patients who underwent combined phacoemulsification and DMEK surgery. Methods: This single center comparative retrospective study was conducted at the Eye Clinic of the University of Florence (Italy) and included a total of 48 eyes of 48 patients affected by FECD and cataract. All patients underwent combined DMEK with phacoemulsification procedures. The patients’ data were analyzed and divided into two groups: one group (standard group) consisted of 24 eyes that underwent phaco-DMEK with implantation of a monofocal IOL, and the second group (enhanced monofocal group) included 24 eyes that underwent phaco-DMEK with implantation of an enhanced monofocal IOL. In both groups, the following monocular visual outcomes were evaluated 6 months after surgery: Uncorrected Distance Visual Acuity (UDVA) and Best-Corrected Distance Visual Acuity (BCDVA) at 4 mts; Uncorrected Intermediate Visual Acuity (UIVA), Distance-Corrected Intermediate Visual Acuity (DCIVA) at 66 cm; Uncorrected Near Visual Acuity (UNVA) and Best Corrected Near Visual Acuity (BCNVA). Monocular defocus curves were also assessed. Furthermore, optical quality in terms of Contrast Sensitivity (CS) in photopic conditions, Higher-Order Aberrations (HOAs) at a pupil size of 5 mm. Modulation Transfer Function (MTF), Objective Scatter Index (OSI), and Strehl ratio, were also analyzed. A Patient-Reported Spectacle Independence Questionnaire was revised to evaluate spectacle independence outcomes. Results: the two groups did not exhibit statistically significant differences in terms of UDVA, BCDVA, UNVA and BCNVA, photopic CS, HOAs, OSI, Strehl ratio, and MTF. However, in the phaco-DMEK enhanced monofocal IOL group, significantly better results were observed in terms of UIVA and DCIVA as well as a different defocus curve profile at 1.50 D, providing better defocus results at intermediate distance compared with the ZCB00 IOL. Conclusion: In our study, we found that enhanced monofocal lens performed favorable visual outcomes, even in cases of FECD, compared to standard monofocal IOLs. Comparable optical quality observed in the Eyhance group could allow surgeons to consider these lenses as a viable option for selected patients with FECD. Full article

Background and Objectives: Posterior capsular opacification (PCO) is the most common long-term complication of successful cataract surgery and can cause visual impairment. We aimed to investigate the effects of intraocular lens (IOL) characteristics on PCO by comparing the incidence of neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser capsulotomy for different types of intraocular lenses. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on 2866 eyes that underwent cataract surgery between January 2010 and December 2017, with at least 5 years of follow-up. The IOLs used for surgery were the hydrophobic lenses SN60WF (Alcon, Fort Worth, TX, USA), ZCB00 (Johnson & Johnson Vision, Santa Ana, CA, USA), and MX60 (Bausch & Lomb, Rochester, NY, USA), and the hydrophilic lens MI60 (Bausch & Lomb, Rochester, NY, USA). We analyzed the incidence of Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy according to the type of IOL used. Results: The incidence of Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy was significantly higher with MI60 lenses (31.70%, 175/552 eyes) compared to SN60WF (7.90%, 113/1431 eyes), ZCB00 (10.06%, 64/636 eyes), and MX60 (10.57%, 13/123 eyes; p < 0.001) lenses. The incidence of Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy was significantly lower with the hydrophobic IOLs (8.68%, 190/2190 eyes) than with the hydrophilic IOL (31.70%, 175/552 eyes; p < 0.001). Over time, the rate of increase in the cumulative number of Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy cases was the highest with MI60. The cumulative rate of Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy during the first 3 years was 4.90% with SN60WF (70/1431 eyes), 6.76% with ZCB00 (43/636 eyes), 8.94% with MX60 (11/123 eyes), and 26.10% with MI60 (144/552 eyes) lenses. Conclusions: The incidence of PCO is influenced by the material of the IOLs. The hydrophilic IOL was associated with a higher rate of Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy than the hydrophobic IOLs, with a shorter time to Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy. Full article

Background: The purpose of the present research was to evaluate the quality of life of patients with atopic dermatitis (AD), and that of their mothers. We compared the anxiety and depression scores and caregiving burden of mothers of patients with AD with the same scores of mothers of healthy children. Materials and Methods: A total of 153 patients between the ages of 2 months and 16 years with AD in our clinic, and their mothers, were contained in the patient group. An additional 141 healthy cases between the ages of 2 months and 16 years, and their mothers, were included as the control group. The Children’s Dermatology Life Quality Index (CDLQI) was completed according to the children’s opinions, and the Infant’s Dermatitis Quality of Life Index (IDLQI), Family Dermatology Life Quality Index (FDLQI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Temperament Evaluation of Memphis, Pisa, Paris and San Diego Autoquestionnaire, and Zarit Caregiver Burden (ZCB) scale were completed based on the mothers’ opinions. Results: We detected a positive relationship between the SCORAD index and the IDLQI, CDLQI, and FDLQI scores of children with AD. We found that anxiety, depression, and caregiving burden in mothers of AD cases increased when mothers of AD cases were compared with mothers of healthy children (p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001, and p < 0.002, respectively). Also, based on the mothers’ responses, we noted a positive correlation among the BDI, BAI, ZCB, and SCORAD index scores. Conclusions: Our study found that the quality of life of patients with AD, and that of their mothers, was negatively affected by the disease. We also found that anxiety, depression levels (not at the clinical diagnosis level, and the caregiving burden in mothers of AD cases increased when mothers of AD cases were compared with mothers of healthy children. Full article

The aim of this study was to analyze the refraction and iris capture tendency regarding the fixation position with respect to the intrascleral fixation (ISF) of intraocular lenses. Consecutive patients who underwent ISF 1.5 mm (ISF 1.5, 45 eyes) and 2.0 mm (ISF 2.0, 55 eyes) from the corneal limbus with NX60, as well as those who underwent normal phacoemulsification with in-the-bag ZCB00V (ZCB, 50 eyes), were enrolled. The anterior chamber depth (post-op ACD), the estimated ACD when using the SRK/T (post-op ACD—predicted ACD), and the refractive error (post-op MRSE, and the predicted MRSE) were all calculated. In addition, the postoperative iris capture was also investigated. The post-op MRSE—predicted MRSE values were: −0.59, 0.02, and 0.00 D (ISF 1.5, ISF 2.0, and ZCB) (p < 0.05, between ISF 1.5 vs. ISF 2.0 and ZCB); the post-op ACD values were: 4.00, 4.17, and 4.29 mm (p < 0.05, ISF 1.5 vs. ZCB); and the post-op ACD—predicted ACD values were: −2.03, −1.98, and −1.60 mm (p < 0.05, between ZCB vs. ISF 1.5 and ISF 2.0). The iris capture occurred in four eyes with regard to ISF 1.5 and three eyes with ISF 2.0 (p = 0.52). Moreover, ISF 2.0 possessed 0.6D hyperopia and 0.17 mm deeper anterior chamber depth. The refractive error of ISF 2.0 was less than that of ISF 1.5. Lastly, no significant iris capture onset was noted between ISF 1.5 mm and 2.0 mm. Full article

This article compares the visual performance of a violet light-filtering colored lens (ZCB00V) and blue light-filtering intraocular lens (IOL; SN60WF) before and after modifying the manufacturing process for glistening suppression. In this retrospective study, conducted at Saneikai Tsukazaki Hospital, Himeji, Japan, a consecutive sample of 8943 eyes of 5119 patients were included and implanted with blue-filtering IOLs before and after modifying the manufacturing process (SN60WF-J (1318 eyes) and SN60WF-Q,A (1418 eyes), respectively), noncolored UV-cut IOLs (ZCB00 (1418 eyes)), and ZCB00V (3717 eyes). For each patient, the corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) at 3 months postoperative (3MCDVA) and the area under log contrast sensitivity function (AULCSF) were measured. The 3MCDVA was −0.076 ± 0.1, −0.11 ± 0.13, −0.10 ± 0.17, and −0.11 ± 0.13, for SN60WF-J, SN60WF-Q,A, ZCB00, and ZCB00V, respectively. The SN60WF-J group revealed significant differences as compared to the other three groups (all p < 0.05). The mesopic AULCSF was 2.59 ± 0.20, 2.68 ± 0.19, −2.69 ± 0.18, and 2.76 ± 0.19, respectively, whereas the photopic AULSCF was 2.63 ± 0.23, 2.76 ± 0.25, −2.77 ± 0.25, and 2.88 ± 0.25. The SN60WF-J and ZCB00V groups exhibited significant differences as compared to the other three groups, whereas no significant differences were noted between the SN60WF-Q,A and the ZCB00 groups (all p < 0.05). The violet-filtering lens offers higher visual acuity and contrast sensitivity than the clear and blue-filtering lens. It was also found that the above functions were improved by modifying the manufacturing process. Full article

In this paper, a new design is provided so that the Z-source circuit breaker with a mechanical switch operates quickly at a low-impedance fault. When the fault occurs, the Z-source circuit breaker uses an impedance network to generate forced current zero crossing on the switch. This current zero-crossing time is not sufficient when mechanical switches are applied. In addition, since the MS switch operates through the fault detection sensor, the speed is slowed down. At a slower speed, the circuit breaker may not allow fault current isolation. To solve this problem, the Thomson coil was added to the circuit. It operates immediately in a low-impedance fault without additional fault detection devices. As a result, the faster operating speed is expected to reduce the size of the Z-source circuit breaker component and the stress of the breaker. It is mathematically analyzed and derived, and verified through simulations and experiments. The main features of the proposed model are fast detection and operation, normal-state circuit disconnect, fault current limitation, and low conduction loss. Full article