Search Results (145)

In recent decades, multiple approaches have emerged to assess architectural visual character, including fractal dimension analysis, visual equilibrium calculations, and visual preference surveys. However, the relationships among these methods and their alignment with subjective perception remain unclear. This study applies all three techniques to sample mosques in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to evaluate their validity and interconnections. Findings reveal a within-sample tendency toward low visual complexity, with fractal dimensions ranging from 1.2 to 1.547. Within this small, exploratory sample of five large main-road mosques in Riyadh, correlations between computed visual equilibrium and survey results provide preliminary, sample-specific convergent-validity evidence for Larrosa’s visual-forces method, rather than general validation. Within this sample, traditional façades with separate minarets tended to score as more visually balanced than more contemporary compositions. This triangulated approach offers an exploratory framework for architectural visual assessment that integrates objective metrics with human perception. Full article

This study is situated at the critical stage of comprehensive implementation of China’s territorial spatial planning system, addressing the strategic need for planning evaluation and optimization. We innovatively construct a Computable General Equilibrium Model for China’s Territorial Spatial Planning (CTSPM-CHN) that integrates dual factors of construction land costs and energy consumption costs. Through designing two policy scenarios of rigid constraints and structural optimization, we systematically simulate and evaluate the dynamic impacts of different territorial spatial governance strategies on macroeconomic indicators, residents’ welfare, and carbon emissions, revealing the multidimensional effects and operational mechanisms of territorial spatial planning policies. The findings demonstrate the following: First, strict implementation of land use scale control from the National Territorial Planning Outline (2016–2030) could reduce carbon emission growth rate by 12.3% but would decrease annual GDP growth rate by 0.8%, reflecting the trade-off between environmental benefits and economic growth. Second, industrial land structure optimization generates significant synergistic effects, with simulation results showing that by 2035, total GDP under this scenario would increase by 4.8% compared to the rigid constraint scenario, while carbon emission intensity per unit GDP would decrease by 18.6%, confirming the crucial role of structural optimization in promoting high-quality development. Third, manufacturing land adjustment exhibits policy thresholds: moderate reduction could lower carbon emission peak by 9.5% without affecting economic stability, but excessive cuts would lead to a 2.3 percentage point decline in industrial added value. Based on systematic multi-scenario analysis, this study proposes optimized pathways for territorial spatial governance: the planning system should transition from scale control to a structural optimization paradigm, establishing a flexible governance mechanism incorporating anticipatory constraint indicators; simultaneously advance efficiency improvement in key sector land allocation and energy structure decarbonization, constructing a coordinated “space–energy” governance framework. These findings provide quantitative decision-making support for improving territorial spatial governance systems and advancing ecological civilization construction. Full article

The growing concentration of innovation-driven economic activity in core metropolitan areas threatens the sustainable development of peripheral regions. Conventional aid programs are giving way to place-based strategies that harness endogenous regional resources. Yet most computable general-equilibrium (CGE) models—the standard tools for policy appraisal—operate at the national scale and generally treat regions as passive recipients. This study adopts the regional system (RS) approach and contributes a step towards its practical implementation with the introduction of a Regional Economic Development (RED) model—a CGE framework that embeds the region as an explicit behavioral block inside a national system. The model comprises four interlinked modules and makes a key distinction, often overlooked in the RS literature, between a region’s domestic product (output generated within the territory) and its regional product (income earned by resident labor and capital, irrespective of where those factors are employed). This distinction captures income leakages and interregional spill-overs—factors that are critical for peripheral economies. Scenario analysis couples exogenous policy levers—tax incentives, infrastructure upgrades, human-capital investment—with endogenous outcomes such as employment, income, and structural change. By disentangling internal production capacity from external income opportunities, the RED model lets policymakers compare strategies that prioritize local output with those that maximize household welfare. Iterative simulations reveal feasible development targets, the policy mixes required to achieve them, and the structural implications of each trajectory. Full article

This review aims to provide a complete and comprehensive state of the art of the SCOSSA computer code, which is a one-dimensional nonlinear computer code used for the analysis of seismic site response and soil instability. Indeed, among the effects of earthquakes, the activation of landslides and liquefaction constitute two of the predominant causes of vulnerability in the physical and built environment. The SCOSSA computer code (Seismic Code for Stick–Slip Analysis) was initially developed to evaluate the permanent displacements of simplified slopes using a coupled model, and introduced several improvements with respect to the past, namely, the formulation for solving the dynamic equilibrium equations incorporates the capability for automated detection of the critical sliding surface; an up-to-date constitutive model to represent hysteretic material behavior and a stable iterative algorithm to support the solution of the system in terms of kinematic variables. To address liquefaction-induced failure, a simplified pore water pressure generation model was subsequently developed and integrated into the code, coupled with one-dimensional consolidation theory. This review retraces the main features, developments, and applications of the computer code from the origin to the present version. Full article

The Trump administration signalled a shift toward protectionism in U.S. trade policy, imposing tariffs on imports from both strategic partners and competitors, which generated renewed uncertainty in international trade relations and the future of existing frameworks such as the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP). Earlier analysis has shown that a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) and the United States can be trade-creating and lead to improved macroeconomic outcomes in SACU countries. However, these positive effects decline over time, with varying impacts across different industries, influenced by initial tariff levels and export orientation relative to the US. This paper examines whether there are economic and strategic incentives for SACU to negotiate a more beneficial agreement than a simple across-the-board elimination of ad valorem import tariffs. Using a dynamic computable general equilibrium (CGE) model, the paper examines the outcomes if cereals, poultry, dairy products, red meat, and sugar products—often classified as sensitive due to their labour intensity, food security implications, and exposure to import competition—were to retain some level of protection under a SACU–US Free Trade Agreement. The results suggest that while the FTA boosts key macroeconomic indicators in the short run, gains taper off over time. Crucially, real wages and employment remain stagnant, and terms of trade deteriorate, raising questions about the inclusivity and sustainability of such a deal. Shielding vulnerable sectors initially enhances SACU’s exports and supports some industry growth, particularly in agriculture. However, without broader reforms and export diversification, long-term competitiveness remains weak. A nuanced FTA design, combined with structural support policies, is essential to unlock lasting and inclusive trade benefits. Full article

This study proposes an analytical model for the long-term prediction of boil-off gas (BOG) generation in cryogenic storage tanks. The model assumes a saturated liquid and a superheated vapor under open-vent conditions. Heat ingress is estimated using steady-state thermal conduction analysis, and evaporation is then computed from thermodynamic equilibrium. In the first stage, a thermal resistance network quantifies the heat flux transferred to the liquid and vapor regions inside the tank. The network represents external convection, insulation conduction, and internal convection as thermal resistances. In particular, natural convection on the external and internal tank walls, as well as heat transfer at the liquid–vapor interface, are incorporated through appropriate convective heat-transfer correlations. In the second stage, the temporal variations in temperature and phase change of the vapor and liquid are computed. Each phase is modeled as a lumped mass at equilibrium, and the heat ingress obtained from the thermal resistance network is used to simulate the temperature evolution and evaporation process. A numerical model is also developed to capture the time-dependent variations in liquid and vapor heights and the corresponding BOG generation. The proposed model is applied to a 1.0 m³ liquid nitrogen storage tank and validated through comparison with the BoilFAST and SINDA/FLUINT models. The results confirm the validity of the model in terms of heat ingress, vapor temperature evolution, and BOG history. This study provides a practical framework for predicting long-term evaporation phenomena in cryogenic storage tanks and is expected to contribute to the thermal design and performance evaluation of cryogenic storage systems. Full article

Fractional heat conduction models extend classical formulations by incorporating fractional differential operators that capture multiscale relaxation effects. In this work, we introduce an electrical analogy that represents the action of these operators via generalized longitudinal impedance and admittance elements, thereby clarifying their physical role in energy transfer: fractional derivatives account for the redistribution of heat accumulation and dissipation within micro-scale heterogeneous structures. This analogy unifies different classes of fractional models—diffusive, wave-like, and mixed—as well as distinct fractional operator types, including the Caputo and Atangana–Baleanu forms. It also provides a general computational methodology for solving heat conduction problems through the concept of thermal impedance, defined as the ratio of surface temperature variations (relative to ambient equilibrium) to the applied heat flux. The approach is illustrated for a semi-infinite sample, where different models and operators are shown to generate characteristic spectral patterns in thermal impedance. By linking these spectral signatures of microstructural relaxation to experimentally measurable quantities, the framework not only establishes a unified theoretical foundation but also offers a practical computational tool for identifying relaxation mechanisms through impedance analysis in microscale thermal transport. Full article

This study employed an integrated computational approach to discover novel nucleoprotein (NP) inhibitors for influenza A virus (IAV). Beginning with virtual screening of over 10 million compounds using Schrödinger’s Glide module (HTVS, SP, XP docking), the workflow identified promising candidates with favorable binding energies. Subsequent molecular mechanics/generalized born surface area (MM-GBSA) calculations and 100 ns molecular dynamics (MD) simulations prioritized 16 compounds for experimental validation. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) assays revealed that compounds 8, 13, and 14 demonstrated superior target engagement, showing equilibrium dissociation constants (K_D) of 7.85 × 10⁻⁵ M, 3.82 × 10⁻⁵ M, and 6.97 × 10⁻⁵ M, respectively. Molecular dynamics, alanine scanning mutagenesis, and quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) analysis were conducted to analyze the binding modes, providing a reference for the design of subsequent compounds. These findings validate the efficacy of structure-based virtual screening in identifying high-affinity NP inhibitors and provide insights for the development of broad-spectrum anti-influenza therapeutics. Full article

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), globally, cervical cancer ranks as the fourth most common cancer in women, with around 660,000 new cases in 2022. In the same year, about 94 percent of the 350,000 deaths caused by cervical cancer occurred in low- and middle-income countries. This paper focuses on the dynamics of HPV by modeling the interactions between four compartments, as follows: S(t), the number of susceptible females; I(t), females infected with HPV; X(t), females infected with HPV but not yet affected by cervical cancer (CCE); and V(t), females infected with HPV and affected by CCE. A compartmental model is formulated to analyze the progression of HPV, ensuring all key mathematical properties, such as existence, uniqueness, positivity, and boundedness of the solution. The equilibria of the model, such as the HPV-free equilibrium and HPV-present equilibrium, are analyzed, and the basic reproduction number, $R_0$, is computed using the next-generation matrix method. Local and global stability of these equilibria are rigorously established to understand the conditions for disease eradication or persistence. Sensitivity analysis around the reproduction number is carried out using partial derivatives to identify critical parameters influencing $R_0$, which gives insights into effective intervention strategies. With appropriate positivity, boundedness, and numerical stability, a new stochastic non-standard finite difference (NSFD) scheme is developed for the proposed model. A comparison analysis of solutions shows that the NSFD scheme is the most consistent and reliable method for a stochastic fractional delay model. Graphical simulations are presented to provide visual insights into the development of the disease and lend the results to a more mature discourse. This research is crucial in highlighting the mathematical rigor and practical applicability of the proposed model, contributing to the understanding and control of HPV progression. Full article

In the process of responding to global climate change, carbon tariffs have attracted much attention as a new type of trade protection and environmental governance means. The European Union is a pioneer in global carbon tariff policies. Currently, there is no research system to assess the impact of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism on China’s economic, energy and environmental development. Based on the dynamic computable general equilibrium model, this paper assesses the long-term impact of Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism on China’s economic growth, power supply and demand, and environmental benefits. The research findings are as follows: (1) The implementation of Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism has reduced China’s total GDP, especially when the free quota was completely abolished, which is when the decline was the greatest; The output of high energy-consuming industries such as steel and aluminum will also decrease simultaneously. (2) The implementation of Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism has significantly increased the proportion of photovoltaic power generation, while reducing the electricity consumption of the manufacturing industry, accelerating the green transformation of China’s power generation structure. (3) Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism has enabled China to reach its carbon peak earlier and lower the peak value, but the marginal cost of emission reduction is higher than that of existing carbon reduction measures. This research is of great significance for addressing the challenges of Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism and promoting the low-carbon transformation of the economy. Full article

This paper develops a tractable method to solve a general equilibrium model with bank runs and exogenous leverage ratio restrictions, enabling welfare analysis of macroprudential policy across the business cycle. By computing bankers’ value functions via backward induction from steady state, the framework quantifies how leverage caps affect capital allocation, asset prices, and run probabilities during recovery from crises. Calibrated simulations show that welfare-enhancing policy is time-varying—lenient when households’ marginal utility of consumption is high, and restrictive in low-marginal-utility states. The results highlight a trade-off: tighter leverage restrictions improve stability but risk persistent efficiency losses if imposed too harshly after crises. Full article

The utilization of biomass as a renewable energy source has the potential to play a role in mitigating climate change. Furthermore, biomass gasification represents a sustainable solution for the management of lignocellulosic waste. Topics related to the different types of gasification reactors, biomass, and economic feasibility, along with tar formation and its removal in the product gas, are discussed as general aspects in the gasification. A detailed analysis of capital and operational expenditures, the net present value, the payback period, and the internal rate of return of downdraft gasifiers has been conducted. A bibliometric analysis has been conducted; the results are presented in the form of visual maps based on keywords, and likely future trends in gasification modeling were identified. Since modeling is crucial to optimize the production or quality of the syngas, this paper discloses some important aspects related to biomass gasification carried out on downdraft gasifiers. The modeling section encompasses a range of approaches, including those based on chemical equilibrium, both stoichiometric and non-stoichiometric, kinetic models, and computational fluid dynamics. A substantial section is devoted to the modeling of the downdraft reactor, incorporating the primary conservation equations for mass, energy, and momentum. The modeling framework aims to provide a comprehensive overview for researchers seeking to simulate downdraft gasifiers. This enables researchers to utilize a summary of equations and conditions that are pertinent to their own modeling and simulations. Full article

China’s healthcare expenditure tripled during 2010–2019, prompting the nationwide implementation of centralized volume-based procurement (CVBP). While effective in reducing drug prices, CVBP introduces sustainability challenges including supply chain vulnerabilities and welfare trade-offs. This study develops a pharmaceutical sector-embedded computable general equilibrium (CGE) model to quantify CVBP’s multidimensional sustainability impacts. Using China’s 2020 Social Accounting Matrix (SAM) with simulated 10–50% price reductions, key findings reveal that (1) >40% price reductions trigger sectoral output reversal; (2) GDP exhibits an inverted U-shape; (3) household income declines despite corporate/government gains; and (4) industrial contraction impairs innovation capacity and employment stability. Our analysis identifies potential sustainability risks, emphasizing the need for rigorous empirical validation prior to implementing aggressive price reduction policies, and underscores the importance of integrating supply chain considerations into procurement policy design. This approach maximizes resource allocation efficiency while advancing socioeconomic resilience in healthcare systems. Full article

Agriculture is the primary sector sustaining the Indonesian economy. However, appropriate policies are also required to support the service sector. Therefore, this study aims to analyze two central policies: the impact of trade openness and the role of the service sector on agriculture and agro-industry in Indonesia. A Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) model with 2016 input–output tables cover 141 regions and 65 sectors based on the Global Trade Analysis Project (GTAP) Version 10 database. The results show that trade openness in the services sector significantly improves the performance and quality of service provision. The improved performance of the services sector will, in turn, encourage increased production in the agricultural and agro-industrial sectors, which rely heavily on service inputs in the production process. This suggests that trade openness in the services sector is important to sustain the performance of the agricultural sector. Full article

In this contribution, the classical Cauchy first-gradient elastic theory is used to solve the equilibrium problem of a bidimensional (2D) reinforced elastic structure under small displacements and strains. Such a 2D first-gradient continuum is embedded with a reinforcement, which is modeled as a zero-thickness interface endowed with the elastic properties of an extensional Euler–Bernoulli 1D beam. Modeling the reinforcement as an interface eliminates the need for a full geometric representation of the reinforcing bar with finite thickness in the 2D model, and the associated mesh discretization for numerical analysis. Thus, the effects of the 1D beam-like reinforcements are described through proper and generalized boundary conditions prescribed to contiguous continuum regions, deduced from a standard variational approach. The novelty of this work lies in the formulation of an interface model coupling 1D and 2D continua, based on weak formulation and variational derivation, capable of accurately capturing stress distributions without requiring full geometric resolution of the reinforcement. The proposed framework is therefore illustrated by computing, with finite element simulations, the response of the reinforced structural element under uniform bending. Numerical results reveal the presence of jumps for some stress components in the vicinity of the reinforcement tips and demonstrate convergence under mesh refinement. Although the reinforcement beams possess only axial stiffness, they significantly influence the equilibrium configuration by causing a redistribution of stress and enhancing stress transfer throughout the structure. These findings offer a new perspective on the effective modeling of fiber-reinforced structures, which are of significant interest in engineering applications such as micropiles in foundations, fiber-reinforced concrete, and advanced composite materials. In these systems, stress localization and stability play a critical role. Full article