Search Results (127)

This study provides the first systematic combined real- and apparent-time analysis of onomasiological lexical variation and change in the Bavarian, Franconian, and Swabian dialects of Bavaria (Germany). Drawing on two large-scale indirect surveys—the Maurer questionnaires (collected in 1934), and the DaBay dialect app (2025–ongoing)—we examine five lexical concepts (ant, apple core, rooster, potato, and ladybug) using descriptive mapping and Generalised Additive Mixed Models (GAMMs). The results reveal three main patterns: (i) stability in long-established heteronyms (in apple core), (ii) real-time convergence toward Standard German (in ant, potato, and ladybug), and (iii) concept-specific areal realignments driven by competing dialect-internal and standard-influenced variants (in rooster). Dialect geography consistently conditions lexical choices, while social factors play a comparatively minor role. Together, the findings demonstrate that lexical variation and change in Bavaria is systematic, regionally differentiated, and empirically tractable through large-scale historical and contemporary survey data. Full article

Current research on the energy performance of tilted façades is largely confined to specific climatic contexts or individual case studies, with limited systematic investigation of the energy-saving mechanisms across different climate zones in China. Comparative analyses based on Chinese building energy-efficiency standards remain particularly insufficient. This study investigates four representative Chinese cities corresponding to major climate zones—Harbin, Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou—as research cases. A parametric office-building model was developed using the Ladybug–Honeybee simulation platform to evaluate annual cooling and heating energy consumption under different window-to-wall ratios (WWRs = 0.2, 0.4, and 0.6) and south-facing façade tilt angles ranging from 0° to 25°. A simplified thermal calculation model incorporating envelope heat transfer and solar heat gain was further combined with multiple linear regression analysis to examine the driving factors behind energy-consumption variations across climate zones. The results indicate that the energy-saving effectiveness of tilted façades decreases with decreasing latitude. During the cooling season, high-latitude cities exhibit the greatest reduction in cooling demand, with Harbin showing a maximum energy saving exceeding 16%, whereas Guangzhou shows a reduction of only approximately 5%. During the heating season, the tilted façades lead to a certain increase in energy consumption, but this adverse effect also diminishes with decreasing latitude. In terms of annual overall energy performance, Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou achieve total energy savings of approximately 4–5%, while Harbin in the severe cold zone shows limited overall benefits. An analysis of solar radiation characteristics reveals that tilted façades substantially reduce direct solar radiation (by approximately 90%), thereby decreasing total solar heat gain, a trend that aligns closely with the reduction in cooling energy consumption. Moreover, higher window-to-wall ratios are associated with greater energy-saving effects, indicating that outwardly inclined façades are more suitable for office buildings with relatively large glazed areas. Overall, the energy-saving potential of tilted façades is primarily influenced by solar radiation conditions and the balance between cooling and heating demands. Such façades demonstrate good application value in regions with relatively balanced cooling and heating demands or cooling-dominated climates, whereas their application in severe cold regions requires more comprehensive evaluation. This study establishes an analytical framework for assessing the energy performance of tilted façades across different climate zones in China, providing theoretical support and design guidance for climate-adaptive design and form-based energy optimization. Full article

This study investigates the integration of a multi-configuration parametric shading system in buildings with continuous ramp designs to enhance daylight performance and visual comfort. Focusing on the Harbourside Art Museum in Bristol, UK, the research explores how discrete-configuration parametric façade configurations can be optimized to balance daylight access and glare control in complex spatial environments. A parametric simulation workflow was developed using Rhino, Grasshopper, Ladybug, and Honeybee, supported by Radiance and Daysim engines for Climate-Based Daylight Modelling (CBDM). Three performance metrics—Useful Daylight Illuminance (UDI), Annual Sunlight Exposure (ASE), and Daylight Glare Probability (DGP)—were employed to evaluate baseline and optimized models. Optimization was performed using Galapagos (single-objective genetic algorithm, population size = 50 individuals, 100 generations, convergence tolerance = 0.001; the fitness function maximized UDI while penalizing ASE excess above 75 h/year and GFI below 0.75, using a weighted single-objective score: Fitness = UDI − 0.3 × (ASE/250) + 0.3 × GFI) and Colibri 2.0 combined with Design Explorer for exhaustive multi-objective combinatorial analysis. Results from the base model showed high daylight availability but excessive glare, particularly along the ramp. Through systematic optimization, the study identified façade and contextual configurations that achieved a UDI of 0.77, an ASE of 74, and a glare-free index of 0.81. The findings demonstrate that orientation-specific multi-configuration shading, when integrated with contextual design parameters, significantly improves the daylighting performance of architecturally complex spaces. This research offers a replicable methodology for designers aiming to integrate responsive daylighting strategies in public and exhibition buildings. Full article

Driven by the demand for high-quality housing, fourth-generation residential buildings—known internationally as “Vertical Forest” and in China as “Urban Forest Garden”—have developed rapidly. Initially built in mild southern regions, they have recently expanded to colder northern areas, with over 50 projects underway in provinces such as Shanxi, Hebei, Shaanxi, and Gansu. Several cities have introduced design standards and incentives, and the China Association for Standardization of Engineering Construction has issued the “Design Standards for Urban Forest Garden Housing.” However, in cold regions, where winters are long and cold and summers are short and hot, there is a lack of systematic quantitative research on how balcony design affects building carbon reduction, energy efficiency, and indoor thermal comfort. To address this research gap, this paper poses the following research questions: (1) In fourth-generation residential buildings in cold regions, how do different combinations of balcony orientations affect annual energy consumption and indoor thermal comfort? (2) Which balcony configurations offer the best balance between carbon reduction, energy efficiency, and thermal comfort? Based on statistical analysis of terrace configurations from more than 40 projects, 12 typical configuration models were identified. Using Ladybug and Honeybee tools on the Grasshopper platform, building energy consumption and indoor thermal comfort were simulated. Multi-objective trade-off analysis was performed using the Pareto front method. In this study, indoor thermal comfort was evaluated using the PMV (Predicted Mean Vote) index. PMV is an index proposed by Professor Fanger that comprehensively reflects human thermal sensation, taking into account air temperature, humidity, wind speed, mean radiant temperature, human metabolic rate, and clothing thermal resistance. Its typical range is −3 (cold) to +3 (hot); in this study, the comfort zone was defined as −1 ≤ PMV ≤ 1. Key findings: (1) The southwest + south terrace configuration shows the highest annual energy consumption, exceeding the lowest (northwest + west) by 2.7%, indicating that south-facing terraces are less favorable for carbon reduction. (2) The best thermal comfort is achieved with east, west, and south orientations. Compared to the least comfortable combination (southwest + northwest), the difference in PMV comfort percentage reaches 2.4%. (3) The Pareto front reveals that beyond a certain comfort level, energy consumption increases sharply. The west + south and east + south combinations yield the highest thermal comfort (49.4%) while maintaining relatively low energy consumption (17.98 kWh/m²). Therefore, in cold regions, fourth-generation residential designs should prioritize terrace combinations integrating south-facing and side-facing orientations and avoid pure corner configurations to balance winter solar gain and summer shading. Full article

In the context of rural revitalization and carbon neutrality, this study addresses energy inefficiency and thermal discomfort in existing rural housing by optimizing passive design strategies for the “SunnyInside” sunroom model. Using parametric simulation with Ladybug and Honeybee, a dynamic light-thermal coupling model was developed to evaluate climate-adaptive performance in two distinct Chinese climates: the cold climate of Datong and the hot-summer-cold-winter climate of Wuhan. Multi-objective optimization focused on orientation, overhang depth, and photovoltaic (PV) tilt angles to enhance ventilation, shading, and daylighting. Key findings include: (1) Optimal building orientations of 15° west of south (Datong) and 16° east of south (Wuhan); (2) A 1.5m overhang depth in Wuhan improved summer shading efficiency by 28.6% and extended thermal comfort duration by 15%; (3) PV tilt ranges of 29–36° (Datong) and 13–23° (Wuhan) maximized energy performance. These optimizations achieved a 19.3–24.7% improvement in comprehensive performance coefficients and reduced air conditioning energy consumption by 17.8–21.4 kWh/m² (with ≥82% photovoltaic conversion efficiency). The study demonstrates the effectiveness of parametric simulation and intelligent algorithms in refining climate-responsive rural housing renovations, providing quantitative guidelines for PV shading systems across diverse climatic zones. Full article

The gene encoding juvenile hormone transcription factor Krüppel homolog 1 (Kr-h1) was studied for its effects on ovary development and reproduction in the ladybug beetle, Coccinella septempunctata. Kr-h1 expression in C. septempunctata was evaluated in females supplied with a juvenile hormone (JH) amended diet using quantitative PCR, and the function of Kr-h1 in female reproduction was assessed using RNAi technology. Expression of Kr-h1 in females supplied with a JH diet was significantly higher at 5 and 10 d than in females not supplied with JH. At 5 and 10 d post-injection with Kr-h1-dsRNA, Kr-h1 expression levels were 30.97% and 38.32% lower, respectively, than expression in controls injected with GFP-dsRNA. Development of ovaries and vitellogenesis in ladybugs microinjected with Kr-h1-dsRNA was significantly delayed in comparison to controls. At 20 d post-injection, mean egg production decreased by 28.74% relative to controls. These results prove that Kr-h1 has a vital role in modulating ladybug fecundity by impacting ovary development and egg production. Full article

Seat selection in learning spaces intuitively reflects user preferences for micro-environments and facilities. To address the lack of integrated analysis of multi-dimensional factors in existing research, this study constructs a framework merging multi-source dynamic sensing with explainable machine learning (XGBoost/SHAP/GAM) to decode the non-linear environment–behavior mechanisms underlying seat selection in study rooms. A multi-source dataset was constructed using YOLOv8 for non-intrusive extraction of seat occupancy and user attributes (gender and learning efficiency), combined with Ladybug-based luminous–thermal simulations and spatial topological measurements. The results indicate that: (1) key environmental variables exhibit distinct comfort thresholds, with an optimal illuminance of 400–600 lx and an effective attraction radius for power sockets of 1.5–3.0 m; (2) high-efficiency learners are highly sensitive to path interference, exhibiting a prominent “defensive” seat selection strategy; (3) significant divergences exist between genders regarding spatial depth preferences; and (4) compensatory and synergistic effects exist among multi-dimensional factors, where peak occupancy or superior lighting enhances user tolerance for the absence of sockets. This study quantifies the non-linear interactions between micro-physical environments and spatial behavior, providing a direct data-driven basis for refined facility deployment, dynamic luminous–thermal interventions, and scientific dynamic–static zoning in future learning spaces. Full article

A comprehensive annotated checklist of the members of the phytophagous ladybird beetle tribe Epilachnini (Coccinellinae) in China is compiled based on existing published sources and incorporates the latest taxonomic and nomenclatural updates. The checklist documents 176 extant species across 10 genera and provides analyses of regional species richness, distribution, and host plant associations. Regarding regional species richness, Yunnan Province is home to the highest number of species (76), followed by Taiwan (50), Sichuan (48), Guizhou (48), Guangxi (43), Tibet (43), Guangdong (25), Hainan (17), Hubei (17), Hunan (13), Shaanxi (13), Fujian (12), Henan (10), Jiangsu (10), Anhui (7), Shandong (7), Zhejiang (7), Jiangxi (5), Hong Kong (5), Gansu (5), Beijing (4), Hebei (4), Liaoning (3), Shanxi (2), and Chongqing, Jilin, Heilongjiang, Ningxia, and Xinjiang (each with one species). Among the recognized genera, Epilachna Chevrolat, 1837, is currently the most species-rich genera, with 59 species, followed by Afissa Dieke, 1947 (34), Uniparodentata Wang & Cao, 1993 (28), Henosepilachna Li, 1961 (29), Afidentula Kapur, 1958 (10), Diekeana Tomaszewska & Szawaryn, 2015 (9), and Epiverta Dieke, 1947 (4). Additionally, Afidenta Dieke, 1947, Cynegetis Chevrolat, 1837, and Subcoccinella Agassiz & Erichson, 1845 are each represented by a single species. Host plant data are currently available for only 72 species (approximately 41% of the species recorded in China), which are associated with 177 plant species across 34 families. The most frequently recorded host plant families are Solanaceae (43 species), Cucurbitaceae (32), Urticaceae (15), Fabaceae (14), Asteraceae (14), and Poaceae (10), whereas each of the remaining 28 families comprises fewer than 10 host species. For 104 species (59% of the Chinese members of the tribe), host plant associations remain unknown, highlighting a substantial gap in our understanding of their feeding habits. Full article

The Soybean aphid (Aphis glycines) is a destructive pest that threatens soybeans. In order to develop green and effective control strategies, we propose an EQPAL epidemic model that integrates four developmental stages (1st–2nd stage nymphs, 3rd stage nymphs, 4th stage nymphs, and adults) and a ladybug (Harmonia axyridis) compartment. This model achieves green pest control by artificially releasing a natural enemy of soybean aphids to prey on adult soybean aphids. We analyzed the dynamic behavior of the model and derived the basic reproduction number ${\mathcal{R}}_0$. Using field monitoring data from Changchun City, Jilin Province, China in 2025, the segmented nonlinear least squares method was used for parameter estimation and fitting, resulting in an overall determination coefficient of $R^2=0.8204$. The numerical simulation results showed that the release of ladybugs significantly reduced the density and peak value of soybean aphid adults, and the predation rate $\beta$, predation conversion rate c, and ladybug migration rate $\omega$ were identified as key regulatory parameters. In addition, a cost–benefit analysis was conducted to determine the most cost-effective control measures. Full article

Integrating direct air carbon capture (DAC) into buildings offers a promising pathway for reducing atmospheric CO₂, yet the role of architectural design in enhancing passive carbon-capture performance remains underexplored. This study presents a computational framework developed to optimize architectural design and enclosure geometry for enhanced passive airflow, using mass-flow rate as a proxy for the comparative assessment of carbon absorption potential. Implemented within Rhino3D and Grasshopper using Ladybug and Eddy3D, the workflow integrates weather data and CFD simulation to compute segmented mass-flow rates through stacked capture trays. The framework simplifies traditionally complex CFD processes by introducing a custom segmented mass-flow calculation approach that enables comparative performance assessment during early-stage design. Results confirm the validity of the proposed workflow, revealing that façade rotation can modify total mass flow by up to 96.5%; seasonal wind variability can cause airflow to range from approximately 8.5 kg/s in January to 169.5 kg/s in May in Seattle. Spatial configuration can alter airflow by up to an order of magnitude and introduce substantial spatial heterogeneity within capture zones. This research establishes a performance-driven design framework that enables architectural geometry to actively enhance passive carbon-capture integration, positioning building design as a measurable contributor to climate mitigation strategies. Ultimately, this work bridges architectural design and carbon-capture engineering, supporting interdisciplinary approaches to scalable, climate-responsive building systems. Full article

Solar energy plays a fundamental role in achieving decarbonization in the construction sector, and therefore, a detailed assessment of solar potential at the urban scale is a key tool in supporting this process. Within this framework, the present study focuses on the high-resolution evaluation of photovoltaic (PV) potential in urban environments, specifically targeting the city of Milan, Italy, where two representative study areas are selected. In detail, 3D city models are developed using Rhino3D 7 software, and a solar radiation analysis was performed using Ladybug components. The solar radiation received by the surfaces that comprise the roofs and facades of buildings is estimated for each floor and orientation, taking into account local climate conditions and shadows cast by surrounding buildings. To define the economic viability of PV system deployment, two threshold criteria were introduced: one concerning the size (area) of the PV system and the other the minimum annual solar radiation level that each surface receives. Based on the obtained data, it is found that approximately 28% of roof surfaces and 5% of facades meet these cost-effective thresholds for PV integration. Further analysis indicates that the balcony self-shading can be considered negligible in the high-density urban context analyzed. The results are beneficial for urban energy management, considering energy savings and investment approaches, and the possibility to transform existing buildings into zero-carbon buildings powered by renewables. Full article

Parametric simulation is an effective engineering tool for addressing sustainability challenges, yet small-scale thermal comfort assessment remains limited by plugin-hybridizing complexities and workflow inefficiencies. To address these limitations, here we propose a novel comparative workflow that integrates Lands Design and Dragonfly with the assistance of Ladybug-only (LB) and Honeybee (LB&HB) in the Grasshopper model to predict the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) as the primary indicator. A playground was selected as a sample site to provide a comprehensive training dataset for the extremely hot summer period. Sensitivity analysis was conducted to assess the impact of input uncertainties on model predictions, and the simulation model’s performance was validated against urban–rural microclimate parameters and the calculated UTCI. Among the microclimate results tested, the wind speed and air temperature predictions achieved the highest accuracy (STDE: 0.10 m/s, 0.20 °C). The UTCI simulation of the LB workflow exhibited a strong correlation between calculated UTCI values (R² = 0.90; p = 0.03). Moreover, the agreement between the LB and LB&HB workflows was strong, with simulated UTCI showing good consistency (R² = 0.70–0.80; r = 0.85–0.88). This framework successfully enables real-time UTCI heatmap analysis in simplified cubic neighborhoods. Additionally, it improves the temporal and spatial resolution of thermal predictions, providing designers with critical insights into the algorithms implemented in new workflows to facilitate urban simulation and parametric sustainability. Full article

Contemporary housing design practices in Erbil’s hot–dry climate remain understudied with respect to indoor thermal comfort performance. This study evaluates indoor thermal comfort in traditional and contemporary dwellings in Erbil, Iraq, a hot–dry climate characterized by extreme summer conditions. An integrated methodology combining field measurements, locally calibrated climatic data, and validated computational simulation was applied to representative case studies. Indoor thermal comfort parameters were monitored, and a custom EnergyPlus Weather (EPW) file was developed to capture local climatic conditions. Year-round computational simulations were conducted using the Ladybug Tools workflow. Indoor thermal comfort was evaluated using the adaptive comfort model for the naturally ventilated traditional courtyard house and the PMV–PPD model for contemporary air-conditioned dwellings, in accordance with ASHRAE 55 Standard. Validation of the computational simulations against field measurements confirmed close agreement between the measured and simulated results. The findings indicate that the traditional house consistently achieved acceptable thermal comfort within adaptive comfort limits, while contemporary houses experienced persistent overheating and elevated discomfort indices. These results demonstrate that thermal underperformance in contemporary housing is primarily driven by architectural and envelope design rather than modeling uncertainty. The study highlights the effectiveness of vernacular, climate-responsive strategies and suggests their integration into sustainable house design in hot–dry regions. Full article

Saudi Arabia’s ambition to improve quality of life is paving its way, and this study aligns with that vision, adopting an experimental approach to explore urban solutions to enhance outdoor thermal comfort for pedestrians in neighborhoods within Riyadh City, Saudi Arabia. Given the city’s hot and arid climate, outdoor spaces are often subject to extreme thermal conditions that reduce the quality of life for residents. To address this issue, the study utilizes Ladybug in Grasshopper, a tool designed for modeling the microclimate and assessing the impact of urban design strategies on outdoor thermal comfort. A base model representing the current urban fabric of selected neighborhoods is developed, and then multiple alternatives of urban morphology (sidewalk, setbacks, fence, and vegetation) are evaluated for their effectiveness in mitigating heat stress and improving outdoor thermal conditions. The findings from this study provide valuable insights into how urban planning and design interventions can be tailored to the unique climatic challenges of Riyadh, with potential applications for enhancing the sustainability, livability, and overall quality of life of the city’s neighborhoods. Full article

Residential buildings on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau face persistent thermal discomfort due to high-altitude climatic extremes. This study investigates how building morphology—including aspect ratio (AR), orientation, and area scaling—affects indoor thermal comfort. Field surveys in Xinghai County informed representative dwelling reconstructions, which were simulated using Ladybug 1.8.0 and Honeybee 1.8.0. Thermal performance was evaluated using PMV, SET, Winter solstice apparent form factor (WSAFF), and surface-to-volume ratio (S/V). Results indicate that compact, near-square forms enhance seasonal thermal stability, with higher WSAFF improving winter solar gains but raising summer overheating risk. South-facing orientations (0° to −30°) optimize summer comfort, while geometric scaling (0.4–2.0) stabilizes indoor temperatures and improves summer PMV and SET, though winter benefits are limited. Comparison of prototype layouts shows that elongated footprints increase vertical variation in comfort, highlighting upper-floor sensitivity to geometry. The study provides a climate-specific framework linking building form with indoor thermal performance. These insights offer practical guidance for sustainable settlement planning and adaptive building design in cold, high-altitude regions. Full article