Search Results (430)

Sustainable investments in construction are essential for the development of communities and for reducing environmental impacts. This study analyzes two scenarios: rehabilitation of an existing building and construction of a new NZEB-compliant building, based on a life cycle cost–benefit analysis. The results show that both scenarios generate negative Net Present Values (NPVs) due to the social nature of the project, but the new NZEB building presents superior performance (NPV: USD –2.61 million vs. USD –3.05 million for rehabilitation) and lower operational costs (USD 1.49 million vs. USD 1.92 million over 30 years). Key financial indicators (IRR, CBR), sensitivity analysis, and discount rate variation support the conclusion that the NZEB scenario ensures greater economic resilience. This study highlights the relevance of extended LCCBA in guiding sustainable investment decisions in social infrastructure. Full article

Background/Objectives: Collaboration in mental health care is essential for implementing a model oriented towards the psychosocial rehabilitation of people based on multifaceted interventions involving different actors and sectors of society to respond to demands. Despite the benefits presented by the scientific evidence, there are still many barriers to collaborative care, and professionals continue to struggle in reorienting their conduct. The current situation demands organization and the framing of well-founded action plans to overcome challenges, which in turn requires a detailed understanding of collaborative practices in mental health care and their conceptual boundaries. A concept analysis was undertaken to propose a working definition of collaborative practices in mental health care (CPMHC). Methods: This paper used the Walker and Avant concept analysis method. This includes identifying the defining concept attributes, antecedents, consequences, and empirical referents. A literature search was carried out from November 2024 to February 2025 in three databases (Medline, CINAHL, and LILACS), considering studies published between 2010 and 2024. Results: The final sample of literature investigated consisted of 30 studies. The key attributes were effective communication, building bonds, co-responsibility for care, hierarchical flexibility, articulation between services, providers and community, monitoring and evaluating of care processes, and attention to the plurality of sociocultural contexts. Conclusions: This comprehensive analysis contributes to guiding future research and policy development of collaborative practices in mental health, considering the individual, relational, institutional, and social levels. Further research is possible to deepen the understanding of the production of collaborative practices in mental health in the face of the complexity of social relations and structural inequities. Full article

Because artificially cemented granular (ACG) materials employ diverse combinations of aggregates and binders—including cemented soil, low-cement-content cemented sand and gravel (LCSG), and concrete—their stress–strain responses vary widely. In LCSG, the binder dosage is typically limited to 40–80 kg/m³ and the sand–gravel skeleton is often obtained directly from on-site or nearby excavation spoil, endowing the material with a markedly lower embodied carbon footprint and strong alignment with current low-carbon, green-construction objectives. Yet, such heterogeneity makes a single material-specific constitutive model inadequate for predicting the mechanical behavior of other ACG variants, thereby constraining broader applications in dam construction and foundation reinforcement. This study systematically summarizes and analyzes the stress–strain and volumetric strain–axial strain characteristics of ACG materials under conventional triaxial conditions. Generalized hyperbolic and parabolic equations are employed to describe these two families of curves, and closed-form expressions are proposed for key mechanical indices—peak strength, elastic modulus, and shear dilation behavior. Building on generalized plasticity theory, we derive the plastic flow direction vector, loading direction vector, and plastic modulus, and develop a concise, transferable elastoplastic model suitable for the full spectrum of ACG materials. Validation against triaxial data for rock-fill materials, LCSG, and cemented coal–gangue backfill shows that the model reproduces the stress and deformation paths of each material class with high accuracy. Quantitative evaluation of the peak values indicates that the proposed constitutive model predicts peak deviatoric stress with an error of 1.36% and peak volumetric strain with an error of 3.78%. The corresponding coefficients of determination R² between the predicted and measured values are 0.997 for peak stress and 0.987 for peak volumetric strain, demonstrating the excellent engineering accuracy of the proposed model. The results provide a unified theoretical basis for deploying ACG—particularly its low-cement, locally sourced variants—in low-carbon dam construction, foundation rehabilitation, and other sustainable civil engineering projects. Full article

The Retabit platform is a data-driven tool designed to bridge the gap between building rehabilitation and urban regeneration by integrating energy, economic, and social dimensions into a single framework. Leveraging multiple public data sources, the platform provides actionable insights to local and national authorities, public housing agencies, urban planners, energy service providers, and research institutions, helping to align renovation initiatives with broader urban transformation goals and climate action objectives. The platform consists of two main components: Analyse, for examining building conditions through multidimensional indicators, and Plan, for designing and simulating renovation projects. Retabit contributes to more transparent and informed decision-making, encourages collaboration across sectors, and addresses long-term sustainability by incorporating participatory planning and impact evaluation. Its scalable structure makes it applicable across diverse geographic areas, policy contexts, and domains linked to sustainable urban development. Full article

Background/Objectives: Robot-led rehabilitative exercise offers a promising avenue to enhance the care provided by exercise specialists (ESs). ESs, such as physical and occupational therapists, prescribe exercise regimens to clinical populations to improve patients’ adherence to prescribed exercises outside the clinic, such as at home. Collaborative efforts among roboticists, clinical ESs, and patients are essential for developing interactive, personalized exercise systems that meet each stakeholder’s needs. This work builds upon research involving individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD) that evaluated a robotic rehabilitative exercise system designed to address strength and flexibility deficits. Methods: To complement the findings of our previous work in people with PD (PWP), we conducted a pilot user study in which 11 ESs evaluated a novel robot-led exercise system for PWP, focusing on perceptions of the system’s efficacy and acceptance. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, including technology acceptance questionnaires, task load questionnaires, and inductively coded semi-structured interviews, we gathered comprehensive insights into ES perspectives and experiences after interacting with the system. Results: Findings reveal a broadly positive reception, which highlights the system’s capacity to augment traditional rehabilitative exercise for PD, enhance patient engagement, and ensure consistent exercise support. We also identified two key areas for improvement: incorporating more human-like feedback systems and increasing the robot’s ease of use. Conclusion: This research emphasizes the value of incorporating robotic assistants into rehabilitative exercise for PD, offering insights that can guide the development of more effective and user-friendly rehabilitation technologies. Full article

Authenticity is a core principle in conservation guidelines and a key goal of heritage preservation, especially in Serbia, where many aging objects face ongoing deterioration. The subject of this study is the church within the Blagoveštenje Monastery complex in the Ovčar-Kablar gorge, built using stone from a local quarry at the beginning of the 17th century. The inclination of the structure, observed as progressively increasing over the centuries, raises important concerns regarding its stability. This research focuses on identifying the underlying causes of this phenomenon in order to support its long-term preservation. The methods used the study are long-term in situ observations including analysis, geodetic research, 3D laser imaging, geophysical, geological, archaeological research, evaluation of current condition, determination of structural failures and their cause and monitoring the structural behavior of elements. All methods were carried out in accordance with the definition of rehabilitation measures and the protection of masonry buildings. The main contribution of this study is identifying that the church’s inclination and deviation result from the northern foundation resting on weaker soil and a deeper rock mass compared to the southern side. The research approach and findings presented in this paper can serve as a guide for future endeavors aimed at identifying the causes of deformations and the restoration and structural rehabilitation of masonry buildings as cultural heritage. Full article

This research is focused on housing stock rehabilitation and construction in Urban Rehabilitation Areas located in diverse contexts in the Portuguese territory. The main objective of this research is to show how the local actors have managed the ARUs’ opportunities to restore and develop the housing in these areas in the Portuguese territory. An analytical national legal framework is made to show that the diffuse criteria at national and regional levels are reflected in the limited effectiveness of the ARUs’ flexible criteria in local implementation. A national legislative and regulatory framework in Portugal, focusing on urban rehabilitation and housing promotion themes, is discussed to emphasize the potential role of Urban Rehabilitation Area (ARU) particularities and housing provision and preservation in diverse contexts in Portugal. A comparative analysis is conducted of five ARUs—Belmonte, Soure, Penacova, Vila Real, and Devesas—located in Portugal, in the North and Center regions, to highlight the particularities/diversity of urban contexts, including towns, small to medium-sized cities, and historic centres. The analysis assesses the effectiveness of ARU urban rehabilitation strategy implementation over time. The analysis of five ARUs will discuss the following: (i) ARU physical characteristics; (ii) ARU population profile; (iii) ARU urban rehabilitation strategies progress (initial, intermediate, and final); and (iv) ARU alignment with PDM priorities in urban rehabilitation. The findings underscore the pivotal role that ARUs and their actors can have in housing rehabilitation provision and preservation on different scales and contexts within the territory. The outcomes show different strategies that each ARU has used to prioritize building rehabilitation. Full article

Rehabilitation robotic systems have been developed to perform therapy with minimal supervision from a specialist. Hence, they require algorithms to assess and support patients’ motions. Artificial intelligence brings an opportunity to implement new exercises based on previously modelled ones. This study focuses on analysing the similarities in upper extremity movements during activities of daily living (ADLs). This research aimed to model ADLs by registering and segmenting real-life movements and dividing them into sub-tasks based on joint motions. The investigation used IMU sensors placed on the body to capture upper extremity motion. Angular measurements were converted into joint variables using Matlab computations. Then, these were divided into segments assigned to the sub-functionalities of the tasks. Further analysis involved calculating mathematical measures to evaluate the similarity between the different movements. This approach allows the system to distinguish between similar motions, which is critical for assessing rehabilitation scenarios and anatomical correctness. Twenty-two ADLs were recorded, and their segments were analysed to build a database of typical motion patterns. The results include a discussion on the ranges of motion for different ADLs and gender-related differences. Moreover, the similarities and general trends for different motions are presented. The system’s control algorithm will use these results to improve the effectiveness of robotic-assisted physiotherapy. Full article

The data on the volumetric radon activity of the Akchatau territory were systematized in the context of radioecological safety. Radon (Rn²²² and Rn²²⁰) and indoor radon (isotopes Po, Pb, and Bi) make a significant contribution to radon radiation in residential and industrial premises. Increased radon concentration in a number of areas is associated with the Akchatau tungsten–molybdenum mine. The source of radon in geological terms is acid leucocratic granites in the northwestern and southeastern parts of the studied territory. Seasonal assessment of radon radiation was carried out using modern devices “Alfarad Plus” and “Ramon-Radon”. Frequency analysis of the average annual equivalent equilibrium concentration (EEC) in 181 premises showed that only in 47.5% of the premises does the volumetric radon activity not exceed the current standards (200 Bq/m³). Differentiated values of radon concentration were obtained in cases where daily and seasonal observations were carried out. In 43.1% of premises, the effective dose varies from 6.6 mSv/year to 33 mSv/year, and for 9.4% of premises, from 33 mSv/year to 680 mSv/year. The increased radon concentration is caused by high exhalation from the soil surface, the radioactivity of building materials, and low air exchange in the surveyed premises. In the northwestern part of Akchatau, anomalous zones were found where the exposure dose rate of gamma radiation exceeds 0.6 mkSv/hour. An objective assessment of radon largely depends on a number of factors that take into account the geological, technical, atmospheric, and climatic conditions of the region. Therefore, when planning an optimal radon rehabilitation strategy, it is necessary to take the following factors into account: the design features of residential premises and socio-economic conditions. Practical recommendations are given for radiation-ecological and hygienic monitoring of radon safety levels in the environment to reduce effective doses on the population. Full article

With the continuous expansion of highway networks and rapid advancements in the transportation industry, the need for highway maintenance and reconstruction has become increasingly urgent. Resonant rubblization technology generates an interlocking structure within the pavement layer by producing diagonal cracks at angles of 35–40°, thereby significantly enhancing load-bearing capacity and structural stability. As a result, this technique offers substantial benefits, including a marked reduction in reflective cracking, efficient reuse of existing concrete slabs (with a utilization rate exceeding 85%), reduced construction costs (by 15–30% compared to conventional methods), and faster construction speeds—up to 7000 square yards per day. Consequently, resonant rubblization has emerged as a key method for rehabilitating aging cement concrete pavements. Building on this foundation, this paper reviews the fundamental principles of resonant rubblization technology by synthesizing global research findings and engineering case studies. It provides a comprehensive analysis of the historical development, equipment design, construction principles, and practical application outcomes of resonant rubblization, with particular attention to its effects on pavement structure, load-bearing capacity, and long-term stability. Future research should focus on developing more realistic subgrade models, improving evaluation methods for post-rubblization pavement performance, and advancing the intelligentization of resonant equipment. The ultimate goal is to enhance the quality of road maintenance and repair, ensure road safety, and promote the development of long-life, sustainable road infrastructure through the continued advancement and application of resonant rubblization technology. Full article

Labile organic carbon (OC), a dynamic component of soil organic carbon (SOC), is essential for improving soil health, fertility, and crop productivity, particularly when organic and inorganic amendments are combined. However, limited research exists on the best amendment strategies for restoring degraded gleyic solonetz soggy sodic (GSSS) soils in West Africa’s coastal zones. A three-year field study (2017–2019) assessed the effects of various combinations of organic (mature or composted cow dung, with or without biochar) and inorganic inputs on soil organic carbon fractions, total carbon stocks, and the Carbon Management Index (CMI) in GSSS soils of Sege, Ada West District, Ghana. The results showed that organic and inorganic combinations outperformed the sole inorganic NPK treatment and the control, particularly in the topsoil. Composted cow dung with mineral fertilizer (CCfert) was especially effective, significantly increasing labile OC, SOC stock, and CMI by 35.3%, 140.5%, and 26% in the topsoil compared to the control and by 28%, 77.8%, and 4.3% compared to NPK alone. In the subsoil, mature cow dung-based treatments performed better. These findings highlight the potential of integrated organic and inorganic strategies, especially those based on composted manure, to rehabilitate degraded sodic soils, build carbon stocks, and improve soil quality for sustainable agriculture in coastal West Africa. Full article

This research study proposes a heuristic hybrid deep neural network (DNN) gait sub-phase recognition model based on multi-source heterogeneous motion data fusion which quantifies gait phases and is applied in balance disorder rehabilitation control, achieving a recognition accuracy exceeding 99%. Building upon this model, a motion control strategy for a novel rehabilitation training robot is designed and developed. For patients with some degree of independent movement, an active training strategy is introduced; it combines gait recognition with a variable admittance control strategy. This strategy provides assistance during the stance phase and moderate support during the swing phase, effectively enhancing the patient’s autonomous movement capabilities and increasing engagement in the rehabilitation process. The gait phase recognition system not only provides rehabilitation practitioners with a comprehensive tool for patient assessment but also serves as a theoretical foundation for collaborative control in rehabilitation robots. Through the innovative active–passive training control strategy and its application in the novel rehabilitation robot, this research study overcomes the limitations of traditional rehabilitation robots, which typically operate in a single functional mode, thereby expanding their functional boundaries and enabling more precise, personalized rehabilitation training programs tailored to the needs of patients in different stages of recovery. Full article

Reflection cracking in semi-rigid bases is a widespread distress that undermines highway safety. Priority should be given to this issue to ensure the normal performance of large-scale semi-rigid base asphalt pavements that have reached the end of their service life. At present, scholars have deeply studied and applied the theory of pavement surface layer fracture damage. However, the study of semi-rigid bases only focuses on pavement temperature influence, crack prediction, and reflection crack retardation, and there is a lack of further research on crack-related characteristics. Building on the novel concept of in situ softening for semi-rigid bases, we employ finite element analysis to quantify how transverse crack density affects overall stiffness and derive targeted softening strategies accordingly. By establishing the base micro-cracking treatment cracking block-size influence model, this study analyzes the load-bearing characteristics of cracking blocks of different sizes and recommends optimal block dimensions. This study provides practical guidance for the treatment of semi-rigid bases with maximum efficiency by expanding the application of fracture mechanics at the microscale and providing practical guidance for the high-value rehabilitation of semi-rigid bases. Full article

When it comes to the circular economy, studies devoted to religious built heritage focus mainly on the interest of the adaptive reuse of buildings, e.g., recycling a building for new contemporary uses. The present study proposes to go a step further by deploying, for the first time in the literature, a life-cycle assessment (LCA) to a monastery-type religious building located in the province of Quebec, Canada. To this end, this study takes into account the embodied and operational energy consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of the building’s entire life cycle, from its construction, in 1907, to the rehabilitation scenario currently under analysis. It also compares this scenario to a new building to determine the best option from an environmental point of view. The article concludes with the importance of using LCA in the context of religious buildings. It also calls for qualitative factors to be taken into account, which could enhance the results of the LCA by better integrating the precepts of the circular economy, in particular the attitudes and coping strategies of occupants with regard to operational energy consumption. Full article

The 2018 Lombok (Indonesia) earthquake caused widespread destruction, significantly affecting both infrastructure and the socio-cultural fabric of local communities. While rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts primarily focus on restoring physical assets, the social and cultural dimensions critical to fostering community resilience are often overlooked. This research explores the concept of Cultural Resilience in promoting post-disaster recovery, with a particular focus on the Sasak Tribe in Lombok. By examining how cultural values, practices, and social networks contribute to adaptive capacity, the study seeks to integrate cultural resilience into disaster recovery strategies. The research employs a mixed-method approach, involving the identification of key characteristics of cultural resilience, mapping the levels of resilience within the community, and analyzing the social networks of cultural actors involved in post-disaster recovery. Through this, a “Build-Back Better” scenario is developed, which aligns rehabilitation plans with local cultural values. The findings are expected to enhance culture-based resilience and offer policy implications for more holistic disaster recovery interventions that strengthen both physical and cultural aspects of community resilience.) Full article