Search Results (565)

This paper introduces an advanced framework for modeling and scheduling construction processes using causal inference techniques, with particular emphasis on capturing complex technological and organizational interdependencies. By integrating causal calculus and counterfactual reasoning, the study demonstrates how construction schedules can be analyzed and optimized not only through temporal relationships but also through explicit cause–effect structures. A matrix-based scheduling methodology is presented, incorporating diagonal and reverse-diagonal time couplings consistent with the Time Coupling Method (TCM). The computational procedure is detailed, including the determination of earliest and latest event times, identification of the critical path, and computation of activity floats. Based on an in-depth examination of technological and organizational constraints, eight theorems are formulated and proven, establishing the fundamental properties of a scheduling approach that embeds causal mechanisms. The findings indicate that the integration of causal inference into construction planning enables more accurate identification of factors influencing project duration, enhances synchronization of dependent activities, and minimizes conflicts and idle times. This causally informed framework strengthens decision-making by allowing practitioners to predict the consequences of modifications in project execution strategies. The developed models constitute a robust foundation for future research on leveraging causal inference algorithms and artificial intelligence to advance construction process management. Full article

Intensity–Frequency–Duration Curves (IDF curves) are a tool applied in hydraulic and hydrology engineering to design infrastructure for rainfall management. They express how precipitation, with a defined duration (D) and intensity (I), is frequent in a certain area. They are built from past recorded rainfall series, applying the extreme value statistics, and they are considered invariant in time. However, the current climate change projections are showing a detectable positive trend in temperatures, which, according to Clausius–Clapeyron, is expected to intensify extreme precipitation (higher temperatures bring more water vapour available for precipitation). According to the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) reports, rainfall events are projected to intensify their magnitude and frequency, becoming more extreme, especially across “climatic hot-spot” areas such as the Mediterranean basin. Therefore, a sensible modification of IDF curves is expected, posing some challenges for future hydraulic infrastructure design (i.e., sewage networks), which may experience damage and failure due to extreme intensification. In this paper, a methodology for reconstructing IDF curves by analysing the EURO-CORDEX climate model outputs is presented. The methodology consists of the analysis of climatic rainfall series (that cover a future period up to 2100) using GEV (Generalised Extreme Value) techniques. The future anomalies of rainfall height (H) and their return period (RP) have been evaluated and then compared to the currently adopted IDF curves. The study is applied in Lombardy (Italy), a region characterised by strong orographic precipitation gradients due to the influence of Alpine complex orography. The future anomalies of H evaluated in the study show an increase of 20–30 mm (2071–2100 ensemble median, RCP 8.5) in rainfall depth. Conversely, a significant reduction in the return period by 40–60% (i.e., the current 100-year event becomes a ≈40–60-year event by 2071–2100 under RCP 8.5) is reported, leading to an intensification of extreme events. The former have been considered to correct the currently adopted IDF curves, taking into account climate change drivers. A series of applications in the field of hydraulic infrastructure (a stormwater retention tank and a sewage pipe) have demonstrated how the influence of IDF curve modification may change their design. The latter have shown how future RP modification (i.e., reduction) of the design rainfall may lead to systematic under-design and increased flood risk if not addressed properly. Full article

Recent developments in machine learning have enabled prediction models that estimate not only hydrodynamic force coefficients but also full CFD fields. Unlike conventional surrogate models that focus primarily on integrated quantities, such approaches can provide real-time predictions of pressure and wall shear stress distributions, making them highly promising for applications in ship hydrodynamic design where detailed surface flow characteristics are essential. In this study, we address the low prediction accuracy observed near protruding appendages in U-Net-based field prediction models by introducing a positional encoding (PE)-enhanced data processing scheme and evaluating its performance across a dataset of 500 SUBOFF variants. While PE enhances prediction accuracy, especially for the sail, its effectiveness is constrained by the boundary discontinuity introduced at the 12 o’clock seam. To resolve this structural limitation and ensure consistent accuracy across components, the projection seam is relocated to the 6 o’clock position, where high-gradient flow features are less concentrated. This modification produces clear quantitative gains: the drag-integrated MAPE decreases from 3.61% to 1.85%, and the mean field-level errors of $∆{\mathrm{C}}_{\mathrm{p}}$ and $∆{\mathrm{C}}_{\mathrm{f}}$ are reduced by approximately 5.6% across the dataset. These results demonstrate that combining PE with seam relocation substantially enhances the model’s ability to reconstruct fine-scale flow features, improving the overall robustness and physical reliability of U-Net-based surface field prediction for submarine hull forms. Full article

Significant progress in autonomous vehicle (AV) development has been made over the years through advancements in artificial intelligence, sensor technology, and data processing; however, many challenges remain, particularly regarding road safety and the complexity of adapting these vehicles to certain traffic situations. As a result, many European countries are funding research projects and setting targets and strategic plans for autonomous mobility, while scientific research proposes establishing standards and design guidelines for adapting road infrastructure to new transportation trends. This review paper examines physical road infrastructure in the era of AVs and identifies potential modifications, considering the development of AVs during both the early and later stages of their introduction into mixed traffic flow. Accordingly, necessary road infrastructure adaptations and the main design parameters affecting road geometric design for AV operation are presented. The design parameters considered include stopping sight distance, vertical curve radii, straight sections, lanes, and others. Furthermore, potential changes in existing physical infrastructure are illustrated using the example of a deceleration lane. Whether it is new infrastructure or modifications to existing infrastructure, both are analyzed in terms of the proportion of AVs in the traffic flow. Full article

The PHEND (Past Has Ears at Notre-Dame) collaborative research project is being carried out by a team of multidisciplinary researchers interested in the acoustic history of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris. The project involved the creation of seven digital models representing the interior of the monument between 1182 and 2018. To support one of the virtual reconstructions, that of 1868, a technical report was drawn up based on the written and iconographic archives of the restorations carried out between 1845 and 1870 by the architects Eugène Viollet-le-Duc (1814–1879) and Jean-Baptiste-Antoine Lassus (1807–1857). The archives come mainly from the “Fonds Viollet-le-Duc”, from the work diary of the “Médiathèque du patrimoine et de la photographie” (MPP), and from the archives of the Notre-Dame chapter. In order to select the most relevant data for the digital reconstruction, the research addresses specific questions regarding the cathedral’s materiality, such as structural modifications, restorations, and the choice of materials and furnishings. To understand how the interior of the cathedral was transformed in the 19th century, a detailed inventory of its condition was compiled at two points in time: at the beginning of the restoration in 1848 and following its completion in 1868. In parallel with this work, to provide a graphic representation of the changes that had occurred in each area, comparative illustrations were produced showing the situation before and after restoration. The modifications were then detailed by area: general restoration (vaults, openings, paving), and redevelopment of the choir and the main body of the building (chapels, transept, nave). This research revealed the building’s profound structural changes and the fact that the renovations spared no space. These included mainly modifications to the high windows, a complete redesign of the decorative layout of the choir and chapels, the restoration of all the vaults and paving at different levels, and a complete restoration of the organ. Full article

Hypergolic propellants are easy to start and restart, stay liquid at normal temperatures, and avoid storage issues, making them ideal for spacecraft propulsion systems. However, conventional hypergolic propellants are toxic, prompting the need to find safer alternatives and/or reduce their toxicity. The growing demand for propulsion in advancing space technology has driven research into high-performance, sustainable, and environmentally safe hypergolic propellant types. At this point, research into new hypergolic fuels that can replace traditional rocket propellant designs is highly significant. In this study, the current status of hypergolic fuels is discussed, and new technological developments and future projections are examined. Several approaches have been studied in an effort to create a high-performance hypergolic propellant system. These include modifications such as changing the structure of propulsion systems, altering propellant constituents, and adding additives. All these conditions were found to bear a profound effect on the specific impulse, density impulse, heat energy, and ignition delay of the propellants. Full article

Soft and weak rocks present challenges for construction activities in various environments. Their genetic origin, geological and tectonic evolution, and exposure to atmospheric conditions control their weathering and degradation over time. Therefore, a sound characterization of the associated rock parameters is essential. Numerous tests have been developed and standardized or defined in recommendations to assess various geomechanical, petrological, and mineralogical parameters. However, these tests are still subject to modification or extension to address project-specific issues. Additionally, standardized tests do not consider regional climatic conditions that may affect weathering, meaning they do not reflect the degradation behavior that is observed in the field. The present study investigates the slaking resistance and degradability of a range of soft rocks. The workflow of widely used tests is employed to evaluate their representativeness for different rock types in practical applications. Depending on their genetic origin and mineral composition, fabric alterations affect the rate and style of rock disintegration differently. Soft sedimentary rocks react already to static slaking, i.e., water immersion, whereas crystalline and grain-bound rocks slake under dynamic action while undergoing attrition in a rotating slake durability drum. Zones of structural weakness, such as foliation planes, are responsible for material removal in the latter; sedimentary rocks, on the other hand, are subject to surface particle separation (suspension) and suction due to the presence of clay minerals. This study presents an approach that combines the results of several routine tests to help identify and refine the slaking susceptibility of different rock types. A routine for inspecting and documenting the evaluated slaking characteristics for infrastructure maintenance is proposed, and the wider implications in light of climate change are discussed. Some limitations of the transferability of laboratory values to field sites still have to be evaluated and validated in the future. Full article

This project’s focus is to create a morphing wing with variable geometry that will improve aerodynamic performance. The NACA 0018 airfoil, known for its stable aerodynamic characteristics and symmetrical shape, is chosen as a base airfoil for modification in this approach. To investigate the effects of flexible trailing edge deformation under aerodynamic loading, various new morphing airfoil designs have been designed and analyzed. Both the performance results of a conventional hinged wing design and morphing airfoil designs were compared. Identifying the most effective airfoil design that could produce higher lift-to-drag ratios, less turbulence, and better overall aerodynamic behavior was the main goal. Because of its elasticity and flexibility, natural rubber latex (Hevea brasiliensis) was utilized as the primary skin material. This allows for a seamless, hinge-free morphing wing. To evaluate aerodynamic efficiency, structural integrity, and material behavior under various situations, computational fluid dynamics simulations were carried out. The most promising airfoil design was determined based on performance. By reducing drag, increasing lift, and reducing mechanical complexity, this new approach offers a sustainable and effective substitute for traditional wing designs, advancing the development of adaptive aeronautical structures. Full article

Introduction: Globally, microbial infections are projected to be among the leading causes of death by 2050 due to rising drug resistance. Antimicrobials are vital for treating both animals and humans worldwide. However, their overuse and misuse accelerate drug resistance, posing a serious threat to public health. Coumarin is a naturally occurring compound contributing health-beneficial features in drug discovery. Its high solubility in organic solvents, high bioavailability, simple structure, low toxicity, and low molecular weight make it an ideal candidate for combining with other pharmacophores to develop new therapeutic agents. This compound exhibits several biological activities, including antimicrobial, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, neuroprotective, and anticoagulant effects, motivating medicinal researchers to hybridize it with other compounds to enhance its pharmacological efficacy. Hybridization of different pharmacophores via suitable linkers, including cleavable and non-cleavable ones, is a promising approach in drug development, resulting in new therapeutics with improved biological activity. Therefore, the hybridization of coumarin with other pharmacophores has become an interesting paradigm for medicinal scientists. Aim: This review aims to summarize the existing scientific literature on coumarin-based hybrid compounds with antimicrobial capabilities and discuss the structure–activity relationship (SAR) of these hybrids to potentially guide future research on and development of coumarin-based drugs for microbial treatment. Material and Methods: The review focuses on open-access literature about coumarin hybrid drugs available through searching tools such as Google, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and Scopus, published from 2024 to 2025. Results: Coumarin hybrids exhibit promising antimicrobial activity, particularly against S. aureus and C. albicans. The SAR reveals that halogenation, bulky aromatics, nitro, and hydroxyl groups enhance the interaction of the coumarin rings with amino acid residues. Conclusions: The reported coumarin hybrids showed a promising antimicrobial activity, with structural modifications influencing their activity. Hence, more studies, including more pre-clinical and clinical evaluations, are recommended for these hybrid compounds. Full article

Background: Only a limited number of studies have investigated objective indicators to assess donkey welfare during Animal-Assisted Services. Objective: The present research follows a single-subject design and its objective is to evaluate the neurovegetative indicators of the well-being of a donkey through spectral analysis of the R-R signal in the frequency domain. Methods: The experimental protocol of the Animal-Assisted Therapy project involved one donkey, previously selected through behavioral protocol evaluation, and ten patients with a diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia. Spectral analysis of the R-R signal in the frequency domain was performed, providing objective data on the activity of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems of the donkey (before, during, and after the sessions). Results: The significance of the variations, both statistically significant and not, supports the hypothesis that the affiliative human–donkey interaction within the context of AAS is associated with modifications in the neurovegetative components of the donkey involved in AAT. Conclusions: These findings highlight the importance of objective and non-invasive monitoring tools to detect early signs of discomfort in donkeys involved in AAT, supporting the development of selection and management strategies that safeguard animal welfare. Full article

Industrial workplaces, especially in vulnerable, hot, and arid developing countries, face major challenges in maintaining indoor comfort conditions due to the escalating problem of global temperature rise. This study investigates passive scenarios of adaptive retrofitting for a case study carpet and rug industrial plant in Cairo, Egypt to achieve indoor comfort conditions and energy efficiency. The research method included a Post Occupancy Evaluation (POE) for the operational phase of individual work units through measurements and simulations to investigate indoor thermal, visual, and acoustic comfort conditions as well as air quality concerns. Thus, the study presents a set of recommendations for building unit(s) and collectively for the entire facility by applying integrated application of building envelope enhancements; optimized opening design, thermal wall insulation and high-albedo (reflective) exterior coatings for wall and roof surfaces. Comparing the modified case to the base case scenario shows significant improvements. Thermal comfort achieved a 16% to 33% reduction in discomfort hours during peak summer, primarily through a 33% increase in air flow velocity and better humidity control. Visual comfort indicated improvements in daylight harvesting, with Daylighting Autonomy increasing by 47% to 64% in core areas, improving light uniformity and reducing glare potential by decreasing peak illuminance by approximately 25%. Thus, the combined envelope and system modifications resulted in a 60 to 80% reduction in monthly Energy Use Intensity (EUI). The effectiveness of the mitigation measures using acoustic insulation was demonstrated in reducing sound pollution transferring outdoors, but the high indoor sound levels require further near-source mitigation or specialized acoustic treatment for complete success. Eventually, the research method helps create a mechanism for measuring and controlling indoor comfort conditions, provide an internal baseline or benchmark to which future development can be compared against, and pinpoint areas of improvement. This can act as a pilot project for green solutions to mitigate the problem of climate change in industrial workplaces and pave the way for further collaboration with the industrial sector. Full article

Background/Objectives: The global syndemic of obesity, undernutrition, and climate change highlight the complex health and environmental challenges faced by young adults. These challenges may intensify during the transition to university. As a matter of fact, limited budgets, time constraints, and insufficient culinary skills often lead to unbalanced diets and increased risk of obesity. University cafeterias, serving large numbers of students, represent an ideal setting to promote healthier and more sustainable eating behaviors. The FOOD-HACK Project aimed to design and implement a cafeteria-based intervention using nudging strategies to promote healthier and more sustainable lunch choices among university students. Methods: This pilot study employed a pre–post design with two independent phases in the Polo Cravino cafeteria at the University of Pavia. Food consumption was assessed over 12 non-consecutive days across four weeks. During the intervention, three nudging strategies were implemented: (1) choice architecture, (2) salient labeling, highlighting healthy and sustainable options, and (3) educational prompts. Results: Across both phases, 2400 tray photographs were collected. Post-intervention, the proportion of trays aligned with the Harvard Healthy Eating Plate and EAT-Lancet Planetary Diet models increased, reflecting higher consumption of vegetables and fruit. Legume-based first courses increased; however, legumes did not substantially replace animal proteins as the main protein source, and meat remained predominant in second courses. Reductions in trays containing multiple carbohydrate sources were also observed. Conclusions: The nudging intervention improved overall meal quality, demonstrating that subtle environmental modifications can guide students toward healthier dietary choices, particularly by increasing fruit and vegetable intake. However, the persistent preference for animal proteins highlights the challenge of shifting protein consumption toward more sustainable sources. These findings suggest that nudging can be an effective tool to promote healthier and more balanced eating behaviors in university settings, though complementary strategies may be needed to foster substantial changes in protein choices. Full article

In the context of museums’ transformation into active social agents, the Entre Luces (Between Lights) project, developed at the Pablo Gargallo Museum in Zaragoza, serves as a compelling example of accessibility understood as a shared cultural responsibility. Implemented within a listed heritage building, where structural modifications were not possible, the project deliberately shifted the focus from architectural accessibility to communicative, cognitive, and sensory dimensions, placing the quality of the cultural experience at the centre. The study employed a qualitative case study design based on document analysis, participant observation, and semi-structured interviews with museum staff, educators, and members of disability organisations. Through a participatory and iterative co-design process, curators, educators, vocational students, and disability organisations collaborated to develop inclusive solutions. People with disabilities were not regarded as passive users but as co-authors of the process: they contributed to the creation of tactile replicas, audio descriptions, sign language resources, braille, pictograms, and motion-activated audio systems. The project generated three main outcomes. It expanded cultural participation among people with diverse disabilities, enriched the sensory and emotional experience of all visitors, and initiated an institutional transformation that reshaped staff training, interpretive approaches, and the museum’s mission towards inclusivity. Entre Luces demonstrates that even small and medium-sized museums can overcome heritage constraints and promote cultural equity and social innovation through inclusive and sensory-based approaches. Full article

Silica fume (SF) is extensively utilized for enhancing concrete properties. This study examines the impact of SF dosage on concrete frost resistance. Specimens were produced by replacing cement with SF at 5%, 10%, 20%, and 30% ratios. Mechanical testing and microscopic characterization measured variations in mass loss, relative dynamic elastic modulus, flexural strength, hydration products, and pore structure. Digital image correlation tracked failure development during flexural tests. Results indicated that SF-modified concrete showed lower mass loss, better elastic modulus retention, and improved flexural strength maintenance compared to plain concrete after identical freeze–thaw (F-T) cycles. Additionally, SF-modified concrete demonstrated reduced crack widths and slower crack expansion during bending. The 10% SF mixture, after 300 cycles, achieved optimal results characterized by 2.83% mass loss, 88.1% relative dynamic modulus, and only a 17% flexural strength reduction. Microscopic studies confirm that SF addition increases calcium silicate hydrate formation, decreases calcium hydroxide levels, and refines pore structure with higher density. These modifications enhance frost resistance. A service-life prediction model using gray model approach methodology projected that 10% SF concrete would last 2.01 times longer than unmodified concrete under F-T exposure. Full article

While renewable energy deployment has accelerated in recent years, fossil fuels continue to play a dominant role in electricity generation worldwide. This necessitates the development of transitional strategies to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions from this sector while gradually reducing reliance on fossil fuels. This study investigates the potential of blending green hydrogen with natural gas as a transitional solution to decarbonize Jordan’s electricity sector. The research presents a comprehensive techno-economic and environmental assessment evaluating the compatibility of the Arab Gas Pipeline and major power plants with hydrogen–natural gas mixtures, considering blending limits, energy needs, environmental impacts, and economic feasibility under Jordan’s 2030 energy scenario. The findings reveal that hydrogen blending between 5 and 20 percent can be technically achieved without major infrastructure modifications. The total hydrogen demand is estimated at 24.75 million kilograms per year, with a reduction of 152.7 thousand tons of carbon dioxide per annum. This requires 296,980 cubic meters of water per year, equivalent to only 0.1 percent of the National Water Carrier’s capacity, indicating a negligible impact on national water resources. Although technically and environmentally feasible, the project remains economically constrained, requiring a carbon price of $1835.8 per ton of carbon dioxide for economic neutrality. Full article