Search Results (1,282)

Natural playgrounds have garnered growing attention as supportive environments for children’s mental health. This study develops an analytical framework grounded in affordance theory and incorporates the Pleasure–Arousal–Dominance (PAD) model to examine the relationships between physical environmental features—and their combinations—in natural playgrounds and children’s emotional perceptions. Using the Yunhu Natural Playground in Fuzhou, China, as a case study, we selected seven typical behavior setting units. Environmental features were assessed through UAV imagery and on-site observations, while PAD-based visual questionnaires were employed to collect emotional responses from 159 children. By applying correlation analysis, random forest, and regression tree models, this study identified key environmental predictors of children’s emotional responses and revealed heterogeneous mechanisms across the three emotional dimensions. The results indicated that seasonal flowering/fruiting plants, accessible lawns, and structured play facilities were critical in supporting children’s pleasure, arousal, and dominance. Specifically, pleasure was primarily associated with sensory enjoyment and contextual aesthetics, arousal favored open grassy areas, and dominance was linked to environments with clear structure and manipulability. Based on these findings, this study proposes a spatial configuration strategy characterized by “nature as foundation, play encouraged, and structure clarified” to promote the positive development of children’s multidimensional emotional experiences. This research contributes empirical evidence on the role of physical environmental features in supporting children’s play behaviors and expands the theoretical understanding of the “emotional effects” of green spaces. While the findings are exploratory and context-specific, they emphasize the critical role of the sensory–behavioral–emotional chain in shaping children’s well-being and provide theoretical and practical guidance for the design of emotionally supportive, child-friendly, natural play environments in schools, parks, and residential areas. Full article

Background and Clinical Significance: The study aims to investigate the application of the Rovatti Method^® in improving Cobb angles, angle of trunk rotation (ATR), aesthetics, and quality of life in the conservative treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS); Case Presentation: The case concerns the application of the Rovatti Method^® in treating a 13-year-old girl with mild right thoracolumbar AIS. This method involves the use of elastic bands designed to guide and enhance proprioceptive and mechanical stimuli during the patient’s active self-correction exercises. The treatment lasted 7 months; a radiographic control showed an improvement in the right thoracolumbar curve, with Cobb angles decreasing from 21° to 14°, ATR from 10° to 8°, TRACE (Trunk Aesthetic Clinical Evaluation) decreasing from 8 to 4 points, and the Scoliosis Research questionnaire (SRS-22) improving from 2.27 to 3.05 points. Conclusions: Concerning this hypothesis-generating observation case, the Rovatti Method^® may represent a kinesiological approach for the treatment of AIS, potentially contributing to improvements in Cobb angles, ATR, aesthetics, and quality of life. Full article

In recent years, advancements in generative artificial intelligence have led to the development of sophisticated tools capable of mimicking diverse artistic styles, opening new possibilities for digital creativity and artistic expression. This paper presents a critical assessment of the style replication capabilities of contemporary generative models, evaluating their strengths and limitations across multiple dimensions. We examine how effectively these models reproduce traditional artistic styles while maintaining structural integrity and compositional balance in the generated images. The analysis is based on a new large dataset of AI-generated works imitating artistic styles of the past, holding potential for a wide range of applications: the “AI-Pastiche” dataset. This study is supported by extensive user surveys, collecting diverse opinions on the dataset and investigating both technical and aesthetic challenges, including the ability to generate outputs that are realistic and visually convincing, the versatility of models in handling a wide range of artistic styles, and the extent to which they adhere to the content and stylistic specifications outlined in prompts, preserving cohesion and integrity in generated images. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of generative tools in style replication, offering insights into their technical and artistic limitations, potential advancements in model design and training methodologies, and emerging opportunities for enhancing digital artistry, human–AI collaboration, and the broader creative landscape. Full article

Lawns have evolved from medieval European grasslands into globally accepted urban green surfaces, serving recreational, aesthetic and cultural purposes. Today lawn surfaces are essential components of public urban green space (PUGS), fulfilling ecosystem services such as urban heat mitigation, carbon sequestration and social well-being. However, their ecological and resource-intensive disservices, particularly in dry climates, have prompted growing concerns among environmental scientists, urban planners and landscape designers. In water-scarce regions like Perth, Western Australia, traditional lawns face increasing scrutiny due to their high irrigation demands and limited ecological diversity. This study contributed to the transdisciplinary LAWN as Cultural and Ecological Phenomenon project, focusing on the perspectives of professionals, landscape architects, park managers, turf producers and researchers responsible for the planning, design and management of urban lawn in PUGS. Using qualitative methods (semi-structured in-depth interviews), the research explores expert insights on the values, challenges and future trajectories of lawn use in a warming, drying climate. The interviews included 21 participants. Findings indicate that while professionals acknowledge lawns’ continued relevance for sports and active recreation, water scarcity is a major concern influencing design and species selection. Alternatives such as drought-tolerant plants, hard landscaping and multifunctional green spaces are increasingly considered for non-sporting areas. Despite growing concerns, the ideal lawn is still envisioned as an expansive, green, soft surface, mirroring entrenched public preferences. This study underscores the need to balance environmental sustainability with public preference and cultural expectations of green lawns. Balancing expert insights with public attitudes is vital for developing adaptive, water-conscious landscape design strategies suited to future urban planning and environmental conditions in Mediterranean climates. Full article

Background: Propeller perforator flaps (PPFs) have gained increasing popularity in lower limb reconstruction. While their use in elective settings is well described, their role in acute post-traumatic reconstruction remains less defined. Methods: A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library were searched on 2 June 2025, for studies reporting on the use of propeller flaps in lower limb reconstruction after trauma. Only studies rated as “good” quality using the NIH quality assessment tool were included. Data on anatomical location, flap survival, complications, reinterventions, and functional and patient-reported outcomes were extracted and analyzed descriptively. Results: Twenty-eight studies published between 2008 and 2024 were included, accounting for 619 propeller flaps in a population of 838 patients. The majority of flaps were fasciocutaneous, with the posterior tibial artery being the most commonly used source vessel. Among the flaps included, 422 (68.2%) achieved complete survival without necrosis, 84 (13.6%) developed partial necrosis, and 23 (3.7%) failed completely. Considering all flaps that remained viable after any required revisions or conservative management, the overall survival rate was 97%. Venous congestion was the leading cause of flap compromise. The overall complication rate was 21.8%, increasing to 35.1% in acute trauma cases. A statistically significant correlation was found between wide rotation angles (≥150°) and higher complication rates (p = 0.015). The mean follow-up duration was 12.5 months. Functional and aesthetic outcomes were poorly reported, but when available, they were generally favorable. Conclusions: PPFs represent a valuable option for lower limb reconstruction, providing reliable coverage while preserving major vascular axes. Their application in acute trauma settings appears promising, although current evidence is limited by small verified cohorts and predominantly retrospective study designs. Despite higher complication rates in acute cases, flap survival remains consistently high, supporting their use in carefully selected patients. Further prospective studies with standardized outcome reporting are needed to clarify long-term functional results and refine selection strategies. Full article

This study addresses the impact of pandemics, economic limitations, and physical constraints on physical pilgrimage by proposing and evaluating a culturally sensitive, ritual-oriented virtual Boudhanath Stupa environment. Using user-centered design (UCD) and Behavior-Driven Development (BDD), the project created interactive ritual nodes on a Minecraft–VR platform, combining spatial configuration, symbolic elements, and exploratory freedom to move beyond static representation toward participatory engagement. A mixed-methods evaluation with 50 participants from diverse backgrounds and 2 Tibetan Buddhist experts showed positive feedback for aesthetic experience (M = 4.36) and user control (M = 4.62). Despite its non-photorealistic style, the environment was able to evoke a strong sense of presence and was recognized by experts as a “digital Dharma gate” suitable for younger audiences and those unable to travel to sacred sites. Limitations include a small sample size, a short evaluation period, and a lack of social interaction features. Future development will enhance guidance and feedback, expand narratives, support community co-creation, and introduce multi-user functions, providing a scalable framework for virtual religious cultural heritage. Full article

The promise of sustainability of ecotourism relies on comprehending the psychological mechanism that converts experience into post-visit environmental concern. This research formulates and examines a model that connects three antecedents—Perceived Trip Quality (PTQ), Aesthetic/Spiritual Experience (ASE), and Environmental Concern (EC)—with Responsible Post-Visit Behavior (RPB) through two mediators: Tourist Satisfaction (SAT) and Personal Norms (PN). Structural equation modeling based on a quantitative, cross-sectional design examined survey responses from 585 Greek ecotourists. All three precursors meaningfully predicted RPB, directly and indirectly through SAT and PN, with partial mediation on all but the direct pathway. Mediation effects also named PN a stronger channel than SAT, particularly in converting affective and moral involvement into stable intentions. Multi-group tests for gender, age, education, environmental orientation, and previous ecotourism experience revealed significant differences; younger, inexperienced, and high-orientation tourists were more sensitive to normative and affective mechanisms. The research develops environmental and tourism psychology by combining value-based and experience-based routes to post-visit action. Practical recommendations are made to policymakers, educators, and operators to develop transformational, norm-activating experiences. Full article

As China’s housing market shifts from quantity expansion to quality improvement, consumer expectations for both functionality and aesthetics in residential products are rising. Drawing on the Stimulus–Organism–Response (S-O-R) framework, this study develops a perceptual mechanism model to examine how display design identity and facility service satisfaction influence millennials’ willingness to purchase improved housing, mediated by an elevated sense of style and moderated by upward social comparison. Based on structural equation modeling with 491 valid responses, the findings reveal that facility service satisfaction has a significant direct effect on purchase intention, while display design identity affects behavior indirectly through an elevated sense of style. Moreover, the elevated sense of style serves as a critical mediator in multiple pathways, and its effect is significantly moderated by upward social comparison. This study contributes to the housing consumption literature by clarifying how functional and symbolic factors jointly shape purchase intentions, especially under the influence of social comparison dynamics. It also highlights the role of artistic display design as a symbolic stimulus that enhances style perception and self-identity among younger consumers, offering practical insights for improved housing design and marketing strategies. Full article

The deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap in breast reconstruction has been an evolution in providing an ideal autologous reconstruction while minimizing donor site morbidity. Innovations have continued to optimize the DIEP flap in multiple facets. Alternative flap designs, vasculature modifications, and conjoined and stacked flaps have improved the ability to increase flap volume and perfusion. Advancements in anatomic understanding of the abdomen have resulted in decreases in donor site morbidity and improved abdominal outcomes. Patient satisfaction regarding aesthetics has been enhanced through careful consideration of mastectomy techniques and recipient site modifications in addition to improved quality of life outcomes through sensory innervation. The study reviews the evolution and current state of abdominally-based breast reconstruction in its goal of optimizing aesthetic, patient-reported and quality-of-life outcomes while minimizing complications. Full article

As the cathedral serving Zuoyun and parts of Inner Mongolia, the Batayizi Church in Datong, Shanxi is the largest surviving Italian Gothic-style Catholic church in the region. The church features a rigorous layout and refined details, making it a significant case study for the dissemination and development of Western architecture in China. Previous studies have focused on local chronicles, aesthetic analyses, and the indigenization of Catholic churches in Shanxi. Due to the scarcity of archival materials, research on the architecture itself has not yet been conducted. The article first summarizes the construction rules of local form and order of Italian Gothic churches based on related church remains and literature. Next, it establishes the architectural form of the church by combining construction rules and field surveys. Finally, the reconstruction design of the church is completed. As the first reconstruction study of the Batayizi Church, this paper attempts to explore a Reconstruction path based on the construction of local form and order of the church and systematically restores the main facade, floor plan, and structural form of the church. The results not only provide insights for the reconstruction of modern Catholic churches in Shanxi but also offer new ideas and methods for the study of the localization of Western architecture in China. Full article

Studied extensively in the present paper is a geometric problem related to the intersection of two conical surfaces with crossed axes. The goal was to derive a spatial intersection curve between the surfaces that resembles the classical Viviani curve but is defined as the inter-section of two rotational conical surfaces with crossed axes, forming an asymmetric spatial figure-of-eight shape. These unique spatial curves, as variations of the Viviani curve, possess intriguing geometric properties and are likely to have a wide range of potential applications in the fields of construction and engineering. Their presence can often be linked to the development of complex geometric shapes in architecture, particularly in the design of bridges with unconventional curves in their support structures or situations where inclined support beams intersect with other structural components. They are commonly employed in the construction of tunnels with conical and cylindrical shapes, in addition to various types of vaults and domes. These curves are critical in optimizing structures, such as roofs with intricate geometries or decorative façade elements, and can greatly enhance both their stability and aesthetic appeal. Full article

Activation functions play a crucial role in ensuring training stability, convergence speed, and overall performance in both convolutional and attention-based networks. In this study, we introduce two novel activation functions, each incorporating a sine component and a constraint term. To assess their effectiveness, we replace the activation functions in four representative architectures—VGG16, ResNet50, DenseNet121, and Vision Transformers—covering a spectrum from lightweight to high-capacity models. We conduct extensive evaluations on four benchmark datasets (CIFAR-10, CIFAR-100, MNIST, and Fashion-MNIST), comparing our methods against seven widely used activation functions. The results consistently demonstrate that our proposed functions achieve superior performance across all tested models and datasets. From a design application perspective, the proposed functional periodic structure also facilitates rich and structurally stable activation visualizations, enabling designers to trace model attention, detect surface biases early, and make informed aesthetic or accessibility decisions during interface prototyping. Full article

Curved roofs constructed using hyperbolic paraboloid (HP) modules are gaining popularity in structural engineering due to their unique aesthetic and structural advantages. Consequently, these studies have investigated steel bar modules based on HP geometry, focusing on how variations in geometric configuration and bar topology affect internal force distribution and overall structural performance. Each module was designed on a 4 × 4 m square plan, incorporating external bars that formed the spatial frame and internal grid bars that filled the frame’s interior. Parametric modeling was conducted using Dynamo, while structural analysis and design were performed in Autodesk Robot Structural Analysis Professional (ARSAP). Key variables included the vertical displacement of frame corners (0–1.0 m at 0.25 m intervals), the orientation and spacing of internal bar divisions, and the overall mesh topology. A total of 126 structural models were analyzed, representing four distinct bar topology variants, including both planar and non-planar mesh configurations. The results demonstrate that structural efficiency is significantly influenced by the geometry and topology of the internal bar system, with notable differences observed across the various structural types. Computational analysis revealed that asymmetric configurations of non-planar quadrilateral subdivisions yielded the highest efficiency, while symmetric arrangements proved optimal for planar panel applications. These findings, along with observed design trends, offer valuable guidance for the development and optimization of steel bar structures based on HP geometry, applicable to both single-module and multi-module configurations. Full article

As the fields of plastic surgery and dermatology advance, regenerative medicine is positioned to play a transformative role in both aesthetic and reconstructive procedures. This narrative review examines current and emerging applications of biologic therapies, including exosomes, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) with an emphasis on their mechanisms of action, clinical efficacy, and regulatory considerations. We also explore synergistic strategies, such as the combined use of biologics with laser-based technologies, which may enhance therapeutic outcomes. Looking forward, we highlight promising developments in mitochondrial-based therapies, microRNA-based therapies, synthetic exosome mimetics, and AI-assisted biologic design, offering a framework for personalized, precision-driven interventions. By synthesizing existing clinical data alongside scientific and ethical challenges, this narrative review provides a comprehensive perspective on how regenerative therapies are transforming the landscape of aesthetics. Ultimately, successful integration of these innovations will require rigorous validation, ethical responsibility, and a patient-centered approach by plastic surgeons and dermatologists to ensure both safety and accessibility in mainstream practice. Full article

In the face of the challenge of urban water resource degradation, green infrastructure construction has become a core strategy in modern urban water resource management. Urban aquatic horticulture (UAH), as an important component of this strategy, possesses the dual value of ecological purification and landscape aesthetics. However, its practical implementation is often constrained by public awareness and acceptance. This study aims to address the mismatch between the dual values of urban aquatic horticulture and public perception, and to develop an optimised plant selection strategy that integrates purification functions with public perception. Based on literature reviews, 18 images of aquatic plant landscapes showcasing different ornamental forms, species richness, and life types were created. A questionnaire survey was conducted on 320 participants to assess their perceptions of landscape aesthetic appeal and visual preferences, and a quantitative relationship model was established using multiple stepwise linear regression analysis. The public’s aesthetic perception of aquatic plant landscapes with different ornamental forms and species richness varies significantly, with flowering plant landscapes more likely to evoke aesthetic perception than non-flowering landscapes. The public’s visual preferences for landscape attributes significantly influence their aesthetic perception of aquatic plant landscapes. A multiple stepwise linear regression equation was established to model the relationship between the aesthetic perception of aquatic plant community landscapes and the public’s visual preferences for landscape attributes. There is no significant association between species richness and perceived landscape aesthetic appeal. The study developed an optimised selection strategy for aquatic plants that integrates purification functions with public perception, providing theoretical basis and practical guidance for the scientific configuration of aquatic horticultural systems in urban green infrastructure. In landscape design, flowering plants with ornamental value should be prioritised, with emphasis on landscape layers, colour, and spatial shaping to enhance public acceptance and promote the sustainable development of urban water resource management. Full article