Search Results (831)

As a key piece of equipment in badminton, the surface treatment technology of rackets has garnered significant attention in the fields of material science and sports engineering. This study is the first to systematically review research on racket coatings, integrating interdisciplinary knowledge on the classification of functional coatings, their performance-enhancing principles, and their relationship with competitive levels, thereby addressing a gap in theoretical research in this field. This study focuses on four major functional coating systems: superhydrophobic coatings (to improve environmental adaptability and reduce air resistance), anti-scratch coatings (to prolong the life of the equipment), vibration-damping coatings (to optimise vibration damping performance), and strength-enhancing coatings (to safeguard structural stability). In badminton, differences in player skill levels and usage scenarios lead to variations in racket materials, which, in turn, result in different preparation processes and performance effects. The use of vibration-damping materials alleviates the impact force on the wrist, effectively preventing sports injuries caused by prolonged training; leveraging the aerodynamic properties of superhydrophobic technology enhances racket swing speed, thereby improving hitting power and accuracy. From the perspective of performance optimization, coating technology improves athletic performance in three ways: nanocomposite coatings enhance the fatigue resistance of the racket frame; customized damping layers reduce muscle activation delays; and surface energy regulation technology improves grip stability. Challenges remain in the industrial application of environmentally friendly water-based coatings and the evaluation system for coating lifespan under multi-field coupling conditions. Future research should integrate intelligent algorithms to construct a tripartite optimization system of “racket-coating-user” and utilize digital sports platforms to analyze its mechanism of influence on professional athletes’ tactical choices, providing a theoretical paradigm and technical roadmap for the targeted development of next-generation smart badminton rackets. Full article

As a key domain within smart buildings, Smart Sports Venues represent a strategic direction for the future development of the construction industry and hold immense potential to drive the transformation and upgrading of the sports industry. To explore the underlying mechanisms influencing consumer willingness to use Smart Sports Venues, this study constructs a theoretical model based on cognitive evaluation theory and collects data from 632 spectators in core cities of Western China (a region undergoing rapid urbanization where the sports industry is accelerating its development). As an emerging consumption scenario, Smart Sports Venues demonstrate significant development potential and representativeness in these cities. Empirical testing using structural equation modeling (SEM) combined with mediation and moderation analysis revealed the following results: (1) Perceptions of technology and convenience positively influence consumption intention; (2) Risk perceptions negatively influence consumption intention; (3) Critical experiences mediate the effects of technology perceptions, convenience perceptions, and risk perceptions on consumption intention; (4) Subjective Experience exerts a moderating effect. This study offered a novel theoretical explanation for how smart sports venues enhanced sports consumption willingness by revealing the “cognition-experience-behavior” transmission pathway—the complete journey consumers traversed from forming perceptions and experiencing on-site activities to ultimately making purchase decisions. Compared to existing research, this model innovatively integrated psychological cognition with behavioral response mechanisms, breaking away from traditional studies’ isolated analysis of technical parameters or consumption motivations. From an interdisciplinary perspective of sports consumption psychology and behavioral science, this study not only highlighted the value of smart sports venues as a pivotal link in technological innovation and industrial upgrading but also filled a gap in existing literature regarding how smart technologies influenced consumer behavior through psychological mechanisms. The findings provided theoretical foundations for optimizing smart sports architecture through user behavior data analysis and offered practical insights for the widespread adoption and development of smart building technologies. Full article

Environmental monitoring is the basis of environmental protection. China’s existing environmental monitoring system has been relatively perfect, but there are still data fraud and other illegal issues. Blockchain technology can well meet the requirements of environmental monitoring, but there are many obstacles in its adoption process, so this paper combines the characteristics of blockchain technology to integrate the two stakeholders of government and polluting enterprises into a unified model and introduces parameters related to smart contracts and corruption. The dynamic evolutionary game theory, combined with numerical simulation, is used to explore the behavioral decision-making characteristics and change rules of relevant stakeholders. The results show that there are stable conditions for the three strategies. Compared with the development cost of blockchain, the management cost of blockchain has a greater impact on the strategy choice of polluting enterprises because the income of polluting enterprises adopting blockchain technology can greatly affect the strategy choice of polluting enterprises, and there is a positive correlation between the income and the willingness of polluting enterprises to choose blockchain technology; only the construction cost of blockchain will cause fluctuations in the government’s strategy choice, and other factors will not have a greater impact on the government’s choice. This study provides a useful reference for promoting the adoption of blockchain technology in the field of environmental protection. Full article

This study presents a novel integrative review of 329 review articles on sustainable buildings from 2015 to 2025, combining quantitative bibliometrics with qualitative insights to map the field’s evolution and pinpoint critical future pathways. Seven core research themes were identified in this study: (1) material and advanced construction technologies, (2) energy efficiency and renewable energy systems, (3) digitalization and smart technologies, (4) policy, standards, and certification, (5) sustainable design and optimization, (6) stakeholder and socio-economic factors, (7) other (cross-cutting) topics. Key findings reveal a surge in publications post-2020, driven by global net-zero commitments, with China, Australia, and Hong Kong leading research output. Innovations in low-carbon materials (e.g., hemp concrete, geopolymers), artificial intelligent (AI)-driven energy optimization, and digital tools (e.g., building information modeling (BIM), internet of things (IoT)) dominate recent advancements. However, challenges persist, including policy fragmentation, scalability barriers for sustainable materials, and socio-economic disparities in green building adoption. The study proposes a unique future research framework emphasizing nanotechnology-enhanced materials, interpretable AI models, harmonized global standards, and inclusive stakeholder engagement. This review provides actionable recommendations to bridge gaps between technological innovation, policy frameworks, and practical implementation in sustainable construction. Full article

Intelligent ventilation systems can optimize airflow regulation to enhance mining safety and reduce energy consumption, driving green development in mineral resource extraction. This paper systematically elaborates on the overall architecture, cutting-edge advances, and core technologies of current intelligent mining ventilation. Building upon this foundation, a comprehensive intelligent mine ventilation solution encompassing the entire process of ventilation design, optimization, and operation is constructed based on a five-layer architecture, integrating key technologies such as intelligent sensing, real-time solving, airflow regulation, and remote control, providing an overarching framework for smart mine ventilation development. To address the computational efficiency bottleneck of traditional methods, an improved loop-solving method based on minimal independent closed loops is realized, achieving near real-time analysis of ventilation networks. Furthermore, a multi-level airflow regulation strategy is realized, including the methods of optimization control based on mixed integer linear programming and equipment-driven demand-based regulation, effectively resolving the challenges of calculating nonlinear programming models. Case studies indicate that the intelligent ventilation system significantly enhances mine safety and efficiency, leading to approximately 10–20% energy saving, a 40–60% quicker emergency response, and an average increase of about 20% in the utilization of fresh air at working faces through its remote and real-time control capabilities. Full article

The rapid advancement of modern infrastructure and construction industries demands cementitious materials with superior mechanical performance, durability, and sustainability, surpassing the limitations of conventional concrete. To address these challenges, carbon-based nanomaterials—including carbon nanofibers (CNFs), carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and graphene—have gained significant attention as next-generation reinforcement agents due to their exceptional strength, high aspect ratio, and unique interfacial properties. This review presents a critical analysis of the latest technological developments in carbon-enhanced cement and concrete composites, focusing on their role in achieving high-performance construction materials, as there is a shortage of reviews of cement concretes based on carbon nanoadditives. We systematically explore the underlying mechanisms, processing techniques, and structure–property relationships governing carbon-modified cementitious systems. First, we discuss advanced synthesis methods and dispersion strategies for carbon nanomaterials to ensure uniform reinforcement within the cement matrix. Subsequently, we analyze the mechanical enhancement mechanisms, including crack bridging, nucleation seeding, and interfacial bonding, supported by experimental and computational studies. Despite notable progress, challenges such as long-term durability, cost-effectiveness, and large-scale processing remain key barriers to practical implementation. Finally, we outline emerging trends, including multifunctional smart composites and sustainable hybrid systems, to guide future research toward scalable and eco-friendly solutions. By integrating fundamental insights with technological advancements, this review not only advances the understanding of carbon-reinforced cement composites but also provides strategic recommendations for their optimization and industrial adoption in next-generation construction. Full article

Non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) have become increasingly crucial, particularly with the standardization of fifth-generation (5G) technology. In parallel, the rise of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies has amplified the need for human-centric solutions in 5G and beyond (5 GB) systems. To address diverse communication requirements from a human-centric perspective, leveraging the advantages of both terrestrial networks (TNs) and NTNs has emerged as a key focus for 5 GB communications. In this paper, a machine learning (ML)-based approach is proposed to facilitate decision making between TN and NTN networks within a multi-connectivity scenario, aiming to provide a human-centric solution. For this approach, a novel synthetic dataset is constructed using various sensing information, based on the assumption that numerous interconnected sensor systems will be available in smart city networks with sixth-generation (6G) technologies. The ML results are derived from this newly generated dataset. These simulation results demonstrate that the proposed approach, designed to meet the requirements of next-generation systems, can be effectively utilized with 6G. Full article

Civil engineering today faces the challenge of responding to climate change, rapid urbanization, and the need to reduce environmental impacts. These factors drive the search for more sustainable approaches and the adoption of digital technologies. This article addresses three principal dimensions: advanced low-impact materials, resilient structural designs, and digital tools applied throughout the infrastructure life cycle. To this end, a systematic search was conducted considering studies published between 2020 and 2025, including both experimental and review works. The results show that materials such as geopolymers, biopolymers, natural fibers, and nanocomposites can significantly reduce the carbon footprint; however, they still face regulatory, cost, and adoption barriers. Likewise, modular, adaptable, and performance-based design proposals enhance infrastructure resilience against extreme climate events. Finally, digital tools such as Building Information Modeling, digital twins, artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and 3D printing provide improvements in planning, construction, and maintenance, though with limitations related to interoperability, investment, and training. In conclusion, the integration of materials, design, and digitalization presents a promising pathway toward safer, more resilient, and sustainable infrastructure, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals and the concept of smart cities. Full article

Given the construction industry’s significant contribution of approximately 39% of global CO₂ emissions, implementing effective carbon reduction strategies is becoming increasingly critical. In this context, Internet of Things (IoT) technologies present promising solutions for monitoring and reducing emissions. However, there is a lack of comprehensive understanding regarding specific IoT applications, implementation barriers, and opportunities for carbon reduction in construction practices. This study investigates the role of IoT in reducing carbon emissions in the construction industry. Following PRISMA guidelines, this study analyzed bibliometric data from Scopus and Web of Science databases using VOSviewer for science mapping visualization. Content analysis was conducted on 17 carefully selected articles to identify key research topics and applications. The analysis identified four mainstream application areas: (1) IoT-based smart monitoring systems for carbon emissions, (2) energy efficiency and management applications, (3) sustainable construction implementation frameworks, and (4) smart cities and other built environment applications. Key findings highlight growing research interest in IoT applications for sustainable construction, with China, the United States, and the United Kingdom leading collaborative efforts. Despite demonstrated carbon reduction potential, significant implementation barriers exist, including technical limitations, organizational resistance, skill gaps, and economic constraints. Key opportunities include Artificial Intelligence (AI) integration, Building information modeling (BIM)-IoT synergies, energy prosumer models, and standardization frameworks. This study provides the first focused review of IoT applications specifically targeting carbon reduction in construction, highlighting a critical technology-practice gap where organizational factors frequently outweigh technological barriers. A proposed socio-technical integration framework in this study bridges technical and organizational elements to overcome adoption barriers. Full article

Indoor air pollution (IAP) has emerged as a critical yet underrecognized threat to public health, particularly in non-industrial environments such as homes, schools, and healthcare facilities. As individuals spend approximately 90% of their time indoors, exposure to indoor pollutants—such as particulate matter, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and microbial contaminants—can lead to significant health risks. These risks disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing conditions. The effects range from mild respiratory symptoms to severe outcomes like asthma, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. This review investigates the sources, typologies, and health effects of indoor air pollutants, with a focus on their implications for maternal and child health. In particular, children’s developing systems and higher metabolic intake make them more susceptible to airborne toxins. The study also explores the legal and regulatory frameworks surrounding indoor air quality (IAQ), emphasizing how increased awareness and scientific evidence are expanding the scope of medical–legal responsibility. Legal liabilities may arise for property owners, designers, or manufacturers when poor IAQ leads to demonstrable health outcomes. Despite growing concern, there remains a significant research gap concerning the long-term health effects of chronic low-level exposure in residential settings and the efficacy of mitigation strategies. The evolution of smart building technologies and green construction practices offers promising avenues to improve IAQ while maintaining energy efficiency. However, standards and regulations often lag behind scientific findings, highlighting the need for updated, enforceable policies that prioritize human health. This work underscores the urgency of a multidisciplinary and preventive approach to IAQ, integrating public health, environmental engineering, and legal perspectives. Future research should focus on real-time IAQ monitoring, targeted interventions for high-risk populations, and the development of comprehensive legal frameworks to ensure accountability and promote healthier indoor environments. Full article

Improving energy efficiency in buildings is critical for supporting sustainable growth in the construction sector. In this context, the implementation of passive solar solutions in the building envelope plays an important role. Trombe wall is a passive solar system that presents great potential for passive solar heating purposes. However, its performance can be enhanced when the Internet of Things is applied. This study employs a multi-domain smart system based on Matter-enabled IoT technology for maximizing Trombe wall functionality using appropriate 3D-printed ventilation grids. The system includes ESP32-C6 microcontrollers with temperature sensors and ventilation grids controlled by actuated servo motors. The system is automated with a Raspberry Pi 5 running Home Assistant OS with Matter Server. The integration of the Matter protocol provides end-to-end interoperability and secure communication, avoiding traditional systems based on MQTT. This work demonstrates the technical feasibility of implementing smart ventilation control for Trombe walls using a Matter-enabled infrastructure. The system proves to be capable of executing real-time vent management based on predefined temperature thresholds. This setup lays the foundation for scalable and interoperable thermal automation in passive solar systems, paving the way for future optimizations and addicional implementations, namely in order to improve indoor thermal comfort in smart and more efficient buildings. Full article

Modern agricultural intelligent manufacturing faces critical challenges including low automation levels, safety hazards in high-temperature processing, and insufficient production data integration. Digital twin technology and 3D printing offer promising solutions through real-time virtual–physical synchronization and customized equipment manufacturing, respectively. However, existing research exhibits significant limitations: inadequate real-time synchronization mechanisms causing delayed response, poor environmental adaptability in unstructured agricultural settings, and limited human–machine collaboration capabilities. To address these deficiencies, this study develops a digital twin-driven intelligent sorting system for 3D-printed agricultural tools, integrating an Articulated Robot Arm, 16 industrial-grade 3D printers, and the Unity3D 2024.x platform to establish a complete “printing–sorting–warehousing” digitalized production loop. Unlike existing approaches, our system achieves millisecond-level bidirectional physical–virtual synchronization, implements an adaptive grasping algorithm combining force control and thermal sensing for safe high-temperature handling, employs improved RRT-Connect path planning with ellipsoidal constraint sampling, and features AR/VR/MR-based multimodal interaction. Validation testing in real agricultural production environments demonstrates a 98.7% grasping success rate, a 99% reduction in burn accidents, and a 191% sorting efficiency improvement compared to traditional methods, providing breakthrough solutions for sustainable agricultural development and smart farming ecosystem construction. Full article

Climate change threatens human health and healthcare systems while also contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. NHS England has addressed this with the Health and Care Act 2022, which mandates NHS trusts to develop green plans for emission reduction from 2022 to 2025. This initiative presents an opportunity to assess national scale efforts to decarbonize the healthcare sector. The paper identifies the interventions NHS trusts are adopting to decarbonize their estates and meet national net-zero targets while also highlighting opportunities for further progress. A thematic content analysis was conducted on green plans developed by NHS trusts in England to outline their strategies to decarbonize the estate. The main elements the NHS trusts have considered in terms of reaching net zero through built asset management; implementing heat decarbonization; and switching to renewable and low-carbon sources of energy. The analysis has recognized a strategic shift towards decarbonizing the healthcare estate by prioritizing the maintenance, refurbishment, and repurposing of existing buildings over new construction, coupled with a heat decarbonization strategy focusing on the transition to low-carbon technologies. Most long-term decarbonization strategies, particularly for achieving net zero through built asset management, are still in the early stages. There is a lack of comparable KPIs for monitoring progress and insufficient information on essential passive strategies. NHS in England should adopt a more integrated approach to decarbonization including both active and passive interventions, improve the standardization of performance metrics, and establish SMART objectives and standardized KPIs to effectively monitor trusts’ progress towards net-zero emissions in future green plans. Full article

This paper presents the development and evaluation of an IoT-enabled smart helmet designed to enhance worker safety and site productivity in high-risk construction environments. The primary objective is to mitigate fall-related and heat-related risks commonly faced by laborers in the Gulf region. The proposed system integrates GPS, temperature–humidity (DHT11), and motion sensors (MPU6050 gyroscope and accelerometer) into a compact, wearable unit capable of real-time data transmission. A key technological novelty is the embedded fall detection mechanism, which analyzes sudden movement patterns to trigger instant alerts, enhancing response times during critical incidents. A fall detection algorithm was developed to identify abnormal movement patterns and trigger instant alerts, while continuous temperature monitoring addresses risks of heat stress in extreme climatic conditions such as Dubai, where temperatures exceed 45 °C. Field trials and simulations confirmed the feasibility of the system, demonstrating reliable data transmission, accurate fall detection, and effective remote monitoring. The solution is coupled with a rental-based business model, making it cost-effective and scalable for contractors. The findings suggest that the proposed helmet provides a practical and scalable safety solution. Full article

Decision-making algorithms based on big data, artificial intelligence and other technologies are increasingly being applied to urban emergency decision-making, and urban smart emergency response is gradually appearing to be transformed from traditional empirical decision-making to human–machine collaborative decision-making. This paper explores the motivations for cooperative decision-making between leaders (human) and followers (machines) in urban emergency management in the presence of science and technology input spillovers. It focuses on the impact of human–machine cooperative decision-making on urban emergency response capacity, science and technology inputs and total urban emergency response benefits and discusses how to maximize the total benefits of urban emergency response under different levels of spillovers. In this paper, a three-stage dynamic game model is constructed: leaders and followers decide whether to establish a cooperative decision in the first stage; decide the level of science and technology inputs in the second stage; and compete for sequential decisions in the third stage. It was found that, firstly, unlike the case of static games, in sequential games, leaders and followers develop a willingness to cooperate in decision-making only when the spillover coefficients are in the lower range. Second, cooperative human–machine decision-making may diminish the importance of human experience in urban emergency management. Finally, the effectiveness of collaborative human–machine decision-making in urban emergencies deserves further research. The research in this paper provides recommendations for smart urban emergency management. Full article