Search Results (12,982)

Achieving optimal daylighting in buildings necessitates complex and expensive control systems. This research addresses this challenge by proposing a simple and more practical solution: a parametric louver system based on rotating slats controlled by stepper motors, powered by an Integrated Circuit platform (Arduino board), which can translate the digital figures (the rotation angles) to a physical action. The system automatically adjusts the slats in accordance with solar altitudes and reflects them to specific targets over the ceiling. This ensures a uniform and comfortable distribution of daylight throughout a room. This system was developed using Grasshopper as the parametric software, with future control planned via a user-friendly mobile app through a preliminary prototype. This daylighting system prioritises human visual comfort while targeting a significant 53% reduction in electrical lighting energy consumption. The system aims to enhance occupant well-being to significantly increase energy savings, making it a compelling solution for sustainable building design. Full article

Landslides represent a recurrent hazard in tropical mountain environments, where rapid urbanization and extreme rainfall amplify disaster risk. The Sentani region of Papua, Indonesia, is highly vulnerable, as demonstrated by the catastrophic debris flows of March 2019 that caused fatalities and widespread losses. This study developed high-resolution landslide susceptibility maps for Sentani using an ensemble machine learning framework. Three base learners—Random Forest, eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), and CatBoost—were combined through a logistic regression meta-learner. Predictor redundancy was controlled using Pearson correlation and Variance Inflation Factor/Tolerance (VIF/TOL). The landslide inventory was constructed from multitemporal satellite imagery, integrating geological, topographic, hydrological, environmental, and seismic factors. Results showed that lithology, Slope Length and Steepness Factor (LS Factor), and earthquake density consistently dominated model predictions. The ensemble achieved the most balanced predictive performance, Area Under the Curve (AUC) > 0.96, and generated susceptibility maps that aligned closely with observed landslide occurrences. SHapley Additive Explanations (SHAP) analyses provided transparent, case-specific insights into the directional influence of key factors. Collectively, the findings highlight both the robustness and interpretability of ensemble learning for landslide susceptibility mapping, offering actionable evidence to support disaster preparedness, land-use planning, and sustainable development in Papua. Full article

Co-design plays a pivotal role in architectural design and urban planning for the green transition, facilitating collaboration among designers and stakeholders to create contextually appropriate solutions. This study examines the balance between stakeholder input and designer agency within co-design practices aimed at addressing the complex challenges posed by the green transition. Looking at how designers’ mindsets and methods are influenced by co-design, this study is carried out by analysing two contrasting case studies from the Future Island-Island project: Field Operations, an immersive residential on Rathlin Island, and DesignLink, a structured design sprint with organisational partners. Employing the terminologies of autogenic (designer-led) and allogenic design (stakeholder-led), the research critically explores how these modalities influence design outcomes and designers themselves. Field Operations exemplifies a more allogenic approach characterised by collaborative brief development through local immersion, while DesignLink primarily illustrates an autogenic process where predefined objectives guided creative synthesis. The study reveals that effective co-design requires oscillation between these approaches, underscoring the necessity for designers to harness both community insights while ensuring their own creative agency. The findings in this study advocate for a refined co-design framework that optimally integrates stakeholder contributions without compromising the integrity and coherence of the design process, emphasising the importance of contextual sensitivity, innovation, and timely decision-making in addressing complex societal challenges such as the green transition. Full article

In Georgia (Sakartvelo), a program promoting bilingual education in preschool institutions was formally adopted in 2020. It aligns with the objectives of the 2021–2030 State Strategy for Civic Equality and Integration Plan, which envisions a comprehensive reform of bilingual education across Georgia’s regions. Any reform requires research and evaluation to measure how effectively it is being implemented and whether the intended outcomes have been achieved. The bilingual education initiative pursues a dual objective: to preserve the native languages of minority communities while ensuring effective acquisition of the state language. This dual mandate is intrinsically linked to state language policy and constitutes a sensitive issue for local communities, parents, and preschool administrators, thereby necessitating a careful and nuanced approach. The present study analyzed the readiness of the social environment to support the implementation of bilingual education programs at the preschool level in the regions of Georgia in which ethnic minorities live side by side. Research was carried out in two ethnically diverse regions—Kvemo Kartli and Samtskhe–Javakheti. The author conducted individual and group interviews, and the elicited data were analyzed with the help of content and thematic analyses. This study examines key attributes of the ongoing preschool reform to identify factors that facilitate the effective implementation of early bilingual education initiatives. The findings highlight both commonalities and regional variations in parental attitudes toward the bilingual education reform. Full article

Implant placement requires a digital workflow and the use of surgical guides. However, there is divergence in the angulation length of influence and precision. Therefore, a 3D assessment is also required. This insertion study aims to evaluate the accuracy in vitro by utilizing guided templates, deviation analysis, depth, and orientation over different lengths and angles. Methods and Materials: This study comprises a total of 180 implants placed in 90 resin-printed mandibular models, divided into nine groups (a 3 × 3 factorial design, n = 20/group). A reference model was created using Real GUIDE software (version5.3), integrating a CBCT scanner (Carestream CS 9600, Medit Corp., Seoul, Republic of Korea) and an intraoral scanner (Medit i900) (Medit Corp., Seoul, Republic of Korea). Implant planning and surgical guide design were digitally executed and printed with Mazic resin (Vericom Co., Ltd., Chuncheon, Republic of Korea). Implants were placed using Oxy Implant PSK Line (Oxy Implant, Brescia, Italy) fixtures in mannequins. Postoperative CBCT scans were used to measure deviations in angular, vertical, and lateral dimensions using CS Imaging (v8.0.22) (Carestream Dental LLC, Atlanta, GA, USA). Statistical analysis was run by using SPSS v26. Results: The results demonstrated that implant angulation significantly impacted the precision of placement. Angulating escalation leads to intensive deviations, which are linear and angular calculations. On the one hand, the most significant deviations were observed at a 25° angulation, particularly in the buccal and lingual apex regions. On the other hand, 0° exhibited minimal deviations. Longer implants showed reduced angular deviations, whereas shorter implants (8.5 mm) exhibited higher vertical deviations, particularly at 0° of angulation. Moderate angulation (15°) with 11.5 mm implants provided the highest precision, while 0° angulation with 15 mm implants consistently exhibited the least deviation. These findings pinpoint the fundamental importance of angulation and implant length for exceptional placement accuracy. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the influence of placement accuracy with static guides on implant angulation and length. Moderate angulation, which is (15°), enhances accuracy, particularly within 11.5 mm implants. On the other hand, steeper angles (25°) and longer implants (15 mm) result in elevated deviations. Guidance formation and operator experience are also vital. Full article

This research presents a novel conceptual framework for inclusive education by integrating Internet of Things (IoT)-driven real-time environmental and behavioral monitoring with adaptive teaching strategies. Unlike traditional methods, our model leverages sensor-based data collection to analyze classroom conditions, teacher mobility, and student interactions, enabling dynamic adjustments that aim to enhance engagement and inclusivity. While the framework is theoretical and has not yet undergone experimental validation, we discuss how optimizing spatial configurations, voice dynamics, and movement patterns could support student participation, particularly for learners with diverse needs. Pilot implementations and empirical testing are planned for future research. By merging data-driven insights with educators’ expertise, our approach offers a scalable vision for creating responsive, inclusive learning environments that proactively address barriers to education. Full article

Background: Robotic-assisted systems have transformed total knee arthroplasty (TKA), promising improved accuracy and intraoperative consistency, yet real-world data from non-academic centers remain limited. Objective: This study evaluates five-year clinical integration of a semi-autonomous, CT-based, robotic-arm-assisted TKA at a tertiary non-teaching hospital in Germany, focusing on planning accuracy, gap balancing, and intraoperative outcomes. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed all patients (n = 457) who underwent MAKO-assisted TKA from 2020 to 2025, performed by three orthopedic surgeons using a standardized subvastus approach. We assessed preoperative deformities, intraoperative alignment, implant sizing, and gap balancing. Surgical plans were adapted intraoperatively when indicated. Pre- vs. post-implantation values were compared using slopes to evaluate execution consistency. Results: Median patient age was 67.0 years (IQR: 60.0–75.0), with varus in 84.1% (7.0°, IQR: 4.0°–10.0°), valgus in 13.2% (3.0°, IQR: 1.5°–5.8°), and neutral alignment in 2.7%. Flexion contracture occurred in 80.4% (6.0°, IQR: 3.0–10.0%), hyperextension in 12.7% (2.0°, IQR: 1.5°–5.0°). Planning-to-execution consistency was high, even with plan adaptations. Slope values for alignment parameters were: tibial rotation in degrees (slope value: 1.0), femoral sagittal angle in degrees (0.8), tibial sagittal angle in degrees (0.9), coronal posterior condylar angle in degrees (0.9), femoral component size (1.0), tibial component size (1.0). Over 95% of cases showed ≤3.0° deviation between planned and final values. Bone resection concordance showed moderate agreement, with slopes from 0.8 (posterior medial femoral cut in mm) to 0.5 (lateral tibial cut in mm). Gap balancing improved at all stages, with reduced variability in medial/lateral extension and flexion gaps (all p < 0.05). Functional reconstruction showed significant improvements in extension, flexion, and deformities (all p < 0.001). Conclusions: Semi-autonomous, CT-based, robotic-arm-assisted TKA was successfully implemented in this non-academic setting, demonstrating acceptable intraoperative and functional reconstruction outcomes, supporting the feasibility of robotic-assisted surgery outside academic centers. Full article

Introduction: Despite global improvements in immunization, major gaps persist. By 2024, an estimated 14.3 million infants, predominantly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), remained zero-dose (ZD), never having received even the first DTP vaccine. In 2022, 33 million children missed their measles vaccination (22 million missed the first dose, 11 million missed the second dose), highlighting entrenched structural, behavioral, and systemic barriers that continue to exclude marginalized populations. Addressing these inequities requires innovative, context-adapted approaches that strengthen primary health care (PHC) and extend services to the hardest-to-reach populations. Objectives: This study aims to document and synthesize implementation research (IR) projects on immunization programs in LMICs, identifying key enablers and effective strategies that reduce inequities, improve outcomes, and support efforts to reach ZD children. Methods: We conducted a retrospective multiple-case study of 36 IR projects across 13 LMICs, embedded within an evidence review framework and complemented by policy analysis. Data were drawn from systematic document reviews and validation discussions with project leads. A total of 326 strategies were extracted, coded using a structured codebook, and mapped to the WHO–UNICEF PHC Levers for Action. Descriptive analysis synthesized patterns across service delivery and policy outcomes, including coverage gains, improved microplanning, community engagement, and system integration. Results: Of the 326 immunization strategies identified, most (76.1%) aligned with operational PHC levers, particularly monitoring and evaluation (19.3%), workforce development (18.7%), and models of care (12%). Digital technologies (11.7%) were increasingly deployed for real-time tracking and oversight. Core strategic levers comprised 23.9% of strategies, with community engagement (8.9%) and governance frameworks (7.7%) emerging as critical enablers, though sustainable financing (4%) and private-sector engagement (0.9%) were rarely addressed. While the majority of projects focused on routine immunization (n = 32), only a few directly targeted ZD children (n = 3). Interventions yielded improvements in both service delivery and policy outcomes. Improvements in microplanning and data systems (23.5%) reflected the increased uptake of digital dashboards, GIS-enabled tools, and electronic registries. Community engagement (16.2%) emphasized the influence of local leaders and volunteers in building trust, while health system strengthening (15.7%) invested in cold chain, supervision, and workforce capacity. Coverage gains (10.6%) were achieved through delivery innovations, though sustainable financing remained a critical problem (3.4%). Conclusions: Reaching ZD children requires equity-driven strategies that combine digital innovations, community engagement, and resilient system planning. Sustained progress depends on strengthening governance, financing, and research. Embedding IR in immunization programs generates actionable evidence, supports context-specific strategies, and reduces equity gaps, offering practical insights that complement health system research and advance the Immunization Agenda 2030. Full article

Urban growth models often prioritize environmental and accessibility factors while underestimating behavioral and functional dynamics. This study develops a POI-enhanced Cellular Automata (CA) framework to simulate urban expansion by incorporating three semantic indicators derived from Point-of-Interest (POI) data—density (PD), diversity (PDI), and functional centrality (FC). Taking Yan’an, China, as a case, the model integrates these indicators with terrain and infrastructure variables via logistic regression to estimate land-use transition probabilities. To ensure robustness, spatial block cross-validation was adopted to reduce spatial autocorrelation bias. Results show that the POI-based model outperforms the baseline in both Kappa and Figure of Merit metrics. High-density and mixed-function POI zones correspond with compact infill growth, while high-centrality zones predict decentralized expansion beyond administrative cores. These findings highlight how functional semantics sharpen spatial prediction and uncover latent behavioral demand. Policy implications include using POI-informed maps for adaptive zoning, ecological buffer protection, and growth hotspot management. The study contributes a transferable workflow for embedding behavioral logic into spatial simulation. However, limitations remain: the model relies on static POI data, omits vertical (3D) development, and lacks direct comparison with alternative models like Random Forest or SVM. Future research could explore dynamic POI trajectories, integrate 3D building forms, or adopt agent-based modeling for richer institutional representation. Overall, the approach enhances both the accuracy and interpretability of urban growth modeling, providing a flexible tool for planning in functionally evolving and ecologically constrained cities. Full article

Balancing the development of urban road infrastructure (URI) with the pace of urbanization is crucial to supporting high-quality urban growth. This study constructed a comprehensive evaluation framework of URI and urbanization using data from 101 Chinese cities between 2002 and 2021. The spatio-temporal characteristics of URI and urbanization were assessed using the entropy weighting method and the relative development index (RDI). Key variables were identified through the obstacle degree model and further refined via relative importance analysis. To investigate the nonlinear interactions among the most influential factors, a random forest model was employed in combination with SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP). The results revealed three key findings: (1) both URI and urbanization levels exhibited overall upward trends during the study period, although notable disparities were observed across cities; (2) URI development generally outpaced urbanization, indicating a lack of synergy between the two systems; and (3) key determinants of this mismatch included road density, total road area, the number of streetlights per unit road length, resident population size, and educational human capital. By integrating multidimensional URI and urbanization metrics in a comprehensive evaluation framework, this study provides new insights into the spatial synergy mechanisms and supports the formulation of tier-specific urban planning strategies. Full article

Global climate change and rapid urbanization have intensified urban heat risks, particularly in cities such as Jinan that face pronounced heat-related environmental challenges. This study takes Jinan’s main urban area as a case example, integrating the Local Climate Zone (LCZ) framework with the Hazard–Exposure–Vulnerability–Adaptability (HEVA) model to develop multi-temporal heat risk maps. The results indicate the following: (1) High-risk zones are primarily concentrated in the densely built urban core, whereas low-risk areas are mostly located in peripheral green spaces, water bodies, and forested regions. (2) Heat risk shows clear diurnal patterns, peaking between noon and early afternoon and expanding outward from the city center. (3) LCZ6 (open low-rise), despite its theoretical advantage for ventilation, exhibits unexpectedly high levels of heat hazard, exposure, and vulnerability. (4) SHAP-based analysis identifies land surface temperature (LST), floor area ratio (FAR), impervious surface area ratio (ISA), housing value, building coverage ratio (BCR), and the distribution of cooling facilities as the most influential drivers of heat risk. These findings offer a scientific foundation for developing multi-scale, climate-resilient urban planning strategies in Jinan and hold significant practical value for improving urban resilience to extreme heat events. Full article

Landscapes are vital systems where ecological, cultural, perceptual, and socio-economic values meet, making their quality assessment essential for sustainable development. Landscape Quality (LQ), shaped by the interaction of natural processes and human activities, remains methodologically challenging due to its interdisciplinarity and the need to integrate multiple dimensions. This challenge is particularly perceived in peri-urban areas, predominantly understudied in landscape research. This article addresses this gap in LQ assessment at peri-urban landscapes, through the case of Houch Al Oumaraa, Zahleh, a peri-urban area of patrimonial significance and agricultural landscape value. To evaluate the four spatial dimensions of LQ (structural, ecological, cultural and visual), we adopted a mixed methodology, where a pre-developed set of landscape indicators (LIs) applied within GIS and spatial technics, were supplemented by expert analysis through visual studies. Two questions framed this research: (i) is remote sensing sufficient to assess peri-urban LQ, and (ii) what are the limits of applying pre-developed LIs to diverse landscape contexts? Results show moderate fragmentation (CONTAG 61.6%), low diversity (MSDI 0.27), high density of cultural monuments (PROTAP 4.19) and average visual disharmony (FCDHI 0.49). Findings reveal that spatial dimensions alone are insufficient for assessing LQ of peri-urban landscapes, where socio-economic dimensions must also be integrated. Structural indicators (PLAND, MPA, ED, CONTAG) and MSDI proved transferable, while ECOLBAR was less applicable, cultural indicators (PROTAP, HLE) were limited to tangible heritage, and visual indicators (FCDHI, SDHI) highly context dependent. Establishing a differentiated yet standardized framework would not only enhance methodological precision but also ensure that LQ assessment remain relevant across diverse contexts, providing policymakers with actionable insights to align planning with sustainability goals. Full article

As climate variability intensifies, its impacts are increasingly visible through disrupted agricultural systems and rising food insecurity, especially in climate-sensitive regions. This study explores the complex relationships between environmental stressors, such as rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and soil degradation, with food insecurity outcomes in selected districts of Uttarakhand, India. Using the Fuzzy DEMATEL method, this study analyzes 19 stressors affecting the food supply chain and identifies the nine most influential factors. An Environmental Stressor Index (ESI) is constructed, integrating climatic, hydrological, and land-use dimensions. The ESI is applied to three districts—Rudraprayag, Udham Singh Nagar, and Almora—to assess their vulnerability. The results suggest that Rudraprayag faces high exposure to climate extremes (heatwaves, floods, and droughts) but benefits from a relatively stronger infrastructure. Udham Singh Nagar exhibits the highest overall vulnerability, driven by water stress, air pollution, and salinity, whereas Almora remains relatively less exposed, apart from moderate drought and connectivity stress. Simulations based on RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 scenarios indicate increasing stress across all regions, with Udham Singh Nagar consistently identified as the most vulnerable. Rudraprayag experiences increased stress under the RCP 8.5 scenario, while Almora is the least vulnerable, though still at risk from drought and pest outbreaks. By incorporating crop yield models into the ESI framework, this study advances a systems-level tool for assessing agricultural vulnerability to climate change. This research holds global relevance, as food supply chains in climate-sensitive regions such as Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America face similar compound stressors. Its novelty lies in integrating a Fuzzy DEMATEL-based Environmental Stressor Index with crop yield modeling. The findings highlight the urgent need for climate-informed food system planning and policies that integrate environmental and social vulnerabilities. Full article

In a context of growing saturation at Madrid–Barajas Airport and renewed debate on a second airport for the metropolitan region, this study proposes a GIS-based multicriteria evaluation (MCE) model to identify alternative locations from a territorial perspective. The model integrates environmental constraints, accessibility, spatial logic, and infrastructural compatibility to determine land suitability for large-scale airport development. Grounded in territorial intelligence and sustainable land management, the approach combines quantitative GIS analysis with normative planning criteria, offering a replicable and transparent tool for evidence-based decision-making. Results highlight four high-potential areas, La Sagra, Talavera de la Reina, Valdeluz, and Arganda, contrasted with institutional preferences such as the expansion of Barajas or the Casarrubios del Monte proposal. These findings show that alternative sites offer stronger scalability, reduced environmental impacts, and improved intermodal integration. Beyond technical evaluation, the study contributes to debates on metropolitan governance and spatial justice, underscoring the need to rethink airport location as a strategic instrument for land-use planning, regional cohesion, and sustainable development. Full article

Very-high-energy electron (VHEE) beams, ranging from 50 to 300 or 400 MeV, are the subject of intense research investigation, with considerable interest concerning applications in radiation therapy due to their accurate energy deposition into large and deep-seated tissues, sharp beam edges, high sparing properties, and minimal radiation effects on normal tissues. The very-high-energy electron beam, which ranges from 50 to 400 MeV, and Ultra-High-Energy Electron beams up to 1–2 GeV, are considered extremely effective for human tumor therapy while avoiding the spatial requirements and cost of proton and heavy ion facilities. Many research laboratories have developed advanced testing infrastructures with VHEE beams in Europe, the USA, Japan, and other countries. These facilities aim to accelerate the transition to clinical application, following extensive simulations for beam transport that support preclinical trials and imminent clinical deployment. However, the clinical implementation of VHEE for FLASH radiation therapy requires advances in several areas, including the development of compact, stable, and efficient accelerators; the definition of sophisticated treatment plans; and the establishment of clinically validated protocols. In addition, the perspective of VHEE for accessing ultra-high dose rate (UHDR) dosimetry presents a promising procedure for the practical integration of FLASH radiotherapy for deep tumors, enhancing normal tissue sparing while maintaining the inherent dosimetry advantages. However, it has been proven that a strong effort is necessary to improve the main operational accelerator conditions, ensuring a stable beam over time and across space, as well as compact infrastructure to support the clinical implementation of VHEE for FLASH cancer treatment. VHEE-accessing ultra-high dose rate (UHDR) perspective dosimetry is integrated with FLASH radiotherapy and well-prepared cancer treatment tools that provide an advantage in modern oncology regimes. This study explores technological progress and the evolution of electron accelerator beam energy technology, as simulated by the ASTRA code, for developing VHEE and UHEE beams aimed at medical applications. FLUKA code simulations of electron beam provide dose distribution plots and the range for various energies inside the phantom of PMMA. Full article