Search Results (5,162)

Over the last few decades, polymer composites have been rapidly making inroads in critical applications of electrical storage devices such as batteries and supercapacitors. Structural supercapacitor composites (SSCs) have emerged as multifunctional materials capable of storing energy while bearing mechanical loads, offering lightweight and compact solutions for energy systems. This study investigates the functionalization of Bisphenol A-based thermosetting polymers with ionic liquids, aiming to synthesize dual-functional structural electrolytes for SSC fabrication. A multifunctional sandwich structure was subsequently fabricated, in which the fabricated SSC served as the core layer, bonded between two structurally robust outer skins. The core layer was fabricated using carbon fibre layers coated with 10% graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs), while the skin layers contained 0.25% GNPs dispersed in the resin matrix. The developed device demonstrated stable operation up to 85 °C, achieving a specific capacitance of 57.28 mFcm⁻² and an energy density of 179 mWhm⁻² at room temperature. The performance doubled at 85 °C, maintaining excellent capacitance retentions across all experimented temperatures. The flexural strength of the developed sandwich SSC at elevated temperature (at 85 °C) was 71 MPa, which exceeds the minimum requirement for roofing sheets as specified in Australian building standard AS 4040.1 (Methods of testing sheet roof and wall cladding, Method 1: Resistance to concentrated loads). Finite element analysis (FEA) was performed using Abaqus CAE to evaluate structural integrity under mechanical loading and predict damage initiation zones under service conditions. The simulation was based on Hashin’s failure criteria and demonstrated reasonable accuracy. This research highlights the potential of multifunctional polymer composite systems in renewable energy infrastructure, offering a robust and energy-efficient material solution aligned with circular economy and sustainability goals. Full article

Workplace stress and burnout are known as major contributors to deficits in cognitive functioning, including memory, attention, and executive functioning, leading to impairments in both well-being and performance. Our prior work showed a brief multi-modal physical and cognitive fitness (CF) training capable of improving the mood and resilience of both corporate employees and military personnel. Building on this evidence and on recent findings from a systematic review of hardiness in the workplace, our current study examined the effects of the refined multi-modal training program on multiple fitness and wellbeing outcomes among corporate professionals employed in high-pressure jobs, with a particular focus on psychological hardiness, cognitive performance, and overall well-being. The intervention resulted in significant improvements in inhibitory control (a key aspect of CF) and measures of wellbeing (mood, gratitude and perceived stress), as well as resilience and all three components of psychological hardiness (control, challenge and commitment) among participants who completed the program. Our findings confirm that hardiness is a modifiable construct associated with a broad range of beneficial workplace outcomes. The intervention produced no improvements in working memory, suggesting that this element of CF may be less trainable—or require different training regimes to succeed. Full article

Nowadays, public buildings are clad on the outside, many with stone-clad facades. Energy requirements have changed a lot in the last 20–25 years, and the latest required value of the thermal conductivity of masonry is 0.24 W/m²K. The relevant requirements, available materials, and fastening technology options have changed significantly. Our research covers a comprehensive analysis of these systems, the selection of stone cladding materials, and the suitability and use of individual stone types for facade cladding, as well as an energy examination of layered wall systems and the development of fastening elements, including the material structure of the elements and possible design and fastening methods. In the original university research, we also developed an applied technology for several product manufacturing companies in order to obtain approval for industrial application. In this article, we summarize the results of our research, the building structure and building physics issues, the necessary fastening technology design, and the main aspects of selecting stone tiles regardless of the manufacturing companies. The goal of our university research was the introduction and structural development of assembled stone facade cladding in Hungary, a development that continues to this day. The assembled stone cladding system we developed has been used to cover the facades of thousands of buildings in Hungary. Full article

As a new type of production factor, releasing data dividends is of great significance in improving corporate energy efficiency. Based on the data of listed enterprises in China from 2011 to 2022, the establishment of government open data platforms in each prefecture-level city is taken as a policy shock event, and the impact of government open data on corporate energy efficiency is empirically examined through a multi-period DID model. The results show that government open data improves enterprise energy efficiency by approximately 2.5% (relative to the mean), and capacity utilization and biased technological progress are the main pathways of action. In addition, the application of big data technology can better fulfill the role of data factors in improving enterprise energy efficiency. Heterogeneity analysis finds that government open data has a stronger effect on enterprise energy efficiency improvement in areas with high manufacturing concentration, environmental tax rate leveling, and high Internet penetration. The study suggests that enterprises should apply big data technology and build a mechanism for integrating data assets and energy management so as to fulfill the important role of data elements in the green development of enterprises. Full article

As new technologies shape education, helping students develop historical consciousness remains a challenge. Building on Nordic curricula that emphasize students as both “history-made” and “history-making” citizens, this paper proposes an approach that integrates artificial intelligence (AI) with implicit digital game-based learning (DGBL) to learn and develop historical consciousness in education. We outline how traditional, lecture-driven history teaching often fails to convey the abstract principles of historicity (the idea that individual identity, social institutions, values, and ways of thinking are historically conditioned) and the interpretation of the past, understanding of the present, and perspective on the future. Building on Jeismann’s definition of historical consciousness, we identify a gap between the theory-rich notions of historical consciousness and classroom practice, where many educators either do not recognize it or interpret it intuitively from the curriculum’s limited wording, leaving the concept generally absent from the classroom. We then examine three theory-based methods of enriching teaching and learning. Game-based learning provides an interactive environment in which students assume roles, make decisions, and observe consequences, experiencing historical consciousness instead of only reading about it. AI contributes personalized, adaptive content: branching narratives evolve based on individual choices, non-player characters respond dynamically, and analytics guide scaffolding. Implicit learning theory suggests that embedding core principles directly into gameplay allows students to internalize complex ideas without interrupting immersion; they learn by doing, not by explicit instruction. Finally, we propose a model in which these elements combine: (1) game mechanics and narrative embed principles of historical consciousness; (2) AI dynamically adjusts challenges, generates novel scenarios, and delivers feedback; (3) key concepts are embedded into the game narrative so that students absorb them implicitly; and (4) follow-up reflection activities transform tacit understanding into explicit knowledge. We conclude by outlining a research agenda that includes prototyping interactive environments, conducting longitudinal studies to assess students’ learning outcomes, and exploring transferability to other abstract concepts. By situating students within scenarios that explore historicity and temporal interplay, this approach seeks to transform history education into an immersive, reflective practice where students see themselves as history-made and history-making and view the world through a historical lens. Full article

Natural cooling and ventilation have been fundamental principles in vernacular architecture for millennia, shaping sustainable building practices across diverse climatic regions. This paper examines the historical evolution, technological advancements, environmental benefits, and prospects of passive cooling strategies, with a particular focus on wind catchers. Originating in Mesopotamian, Egyptian, Caucasia, and Iranian architectural traditions, these structures have adapted over centuries to maximize air circulation, thermal regulation, and humidity control, ensuring comfortable indoor environments without reliance on mechanical ventilation. This study analyzes traditional wind catcher designs, highlighting their geometric configurations, airflow optimization, and integration with architectural elements such as courtyards and solar chimneys. Through a comparative assessment, this paper contrasts passive cooling systems with modern HVAC technologies, emphasizing their energy neutrality, low-carbon footprint, and long-term sustainability benefits. A SWOT analysis evaluates their strengths, limitations, opportunities for technological integration, and challenges posed by urbanization and regulatory constraints. This study adopts a comparative analytical method, integrating a literature-based approach with qualitative assessments and a SWOT analysis framework to evaluate passive cooling strategies against modern HVAC systems. Methodologically, the research combines historical review, typological classification, and sustainability-driven performance comparisons to derive actionable insights for climate-responsive design. The research is grounded in a comparative assessment of traditional and modern cooling strategies, supported by typological analysis and evaluative frameworks. Looking toward the future, the research explores hybrid adaptations incorporating solar energy, AI-driven airflow control, and retrofitting strategies for smart cities, reinforcing the enduring relevance of vernacular cooling techniques in contemporary architecture. By bridging historical knowledge with innovative solutions, this paper contributes to ongoing discussions on climate-responsive urban planning and sustainable architectural development. Full article

Carlin-type gold deposits in southwestern Guizhou, China require systematic exploration methods to identify deep and peripheral prospecting potential beyond known deposits. We conducted a 1:50,000-scale soil geochemical survey across 928 km² in the Nibao gold deposit and its surrounding areas, with a total of 8842 samples collected. Fifteen elements were systematically analyzed, with particular focus on pathfinder elements associated with Carlin-type gold mineralization. Building on previous comparative analyses of soil geochemical and tectono-geochemical characteristics, this research systematically examines the enrichment patterns of soil geochemistry and their significance for ore prospecting. The results demonstrate that (1) elements such as Au, As, Sb, Hg, W, and Mo show significant positive correlation and strong enrichment patterns, indicating excellent metallogenic potential; (2) 176 and 12 single- and composite-element anomalies were delineated, respectively, with HS-2, HS-3, and HS-7 anomalies exhibiting high intensity and distinct concentration zonation, similar to those of the high factor score distribution of Au-As-Sb-Hg-W-Mo; (3) three prospecting targets were identified based on anomaly characteristics and geological conditions, including Nibao, Baogudi, and Sandaogou; (4) multiple mineralized bodies were revealed through engineering verification, indicating good prospecting potential in the deep and surrounding areas of the targets. These findings provide a scientific basis for further exploration of Carlin-type gold deposits in the study area and southwestern Guizhou. Full article

Traffic-induced vibrations from road and rail systems pose a significant threat to the structural integrity and operational safety of buildings, especially masonry structures located near planned infrastructure such as tunnels. This study investigates the dynamic impact of such vibrations on a representative early 20th-century masonry building situated within the influence zone of a design railway tunnel. A comprehensive analysis combining geological, structural, and vibration propagation data was conducted. A detailed 3D finite element model was developed in Diana FEA v10.7, incorporating building material properties, subsoil conditions, and anticipated train-induced excitations. Various vibration isolation strategies were evaluated, including the use of block supports and vibro-isolation mats. The model was calibrated using pre-construction measurements, and simulations were carried out in the linear-elastic range to prevent resident-related claims. Results showed that dynamic stresses in masonry walls and wooden floor beams remain well below critical thresholds, even in areas with stress concentration. Among the tested configurations, vibration mitigation systems significantly reduced the transmitted forces. This research highlights the effectiveness of integrated numerical modelling and vibration control solutions in protecting structures from traffic-induced vibrations and supports informed engineering decisions in tunnel design and urban development planning. Full article

In this study, nanocrystalline (NC) aluminum (Al) and magnesium (Mg)-doped Al bulk components were fabricated using a hybrid manufacturing process that combines cryomilling and high-pressure cold spray (HPCS) additive deposition techniques. Yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) was also added during the HPCS process to improve deposition efficiency and build-up thickness via peening. The evolution of morphology, crystallite size, and elemental composition of both cryomilled powders and cold-sprayed (CS’ed) components was systematically characterized using X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). Mechanical characterization was performed using Vickers microhardness and uniaxial tensile testing, while the tribological behavior was assessed using sliding wear tests under dry/lubricated conditions. XRD analysis revealed that increased cryomilling duration led to significant crystallite refinement, which directly correlated with enhanced hardness and strength. This mechanical strengthening was accompanied by an increase in coefficient of friction (COF) and lower wear rates. The results also showed that the Mg-doped Al exhibited superior hardness, tensile strength, and tribological performance compared to pure Al. The study further explores the underlying mechanisms responsible for these enhancements, highlighting the potential of solute-assisted grain boundary stabilization in tailoring high-performance NC Al alloys. Full article

At present, industrial heritage preservation in China often focuses on individual industrial buildings, lacking a holistic consideration of industrial settlements (e.g., industrial cities, towns, and villages). This study draws upon the Historic Urban Landscape (HUL) approach to construct a research framework that applies to industrial settlements, considering both integrity and layering. Taking the case of Tongguan Ancient Town—a typical industrial settlement—this study uses the integrated approach of historical materials acquisition, oral interview, and field investigation to review the interactive evolution of industry and space across three historical periods. It identifies a comprehensive set of heritage elements within the Tongguan industrial settlement and proposes a preservation framework for its industrial heritage. The key findings are threefold: industrial settlement heritage possesses characteristics of integrity and layering; the HUL approach can be effectively applied to industrial settlement studies; and the protection of industrial settlements is a crucial step toward establishing a complete system for the inheritance and preservation of China’s urban and rural historical and cultural heritage. Full article

Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) is a transformative approach to sustainable energy, which integrates photovoltaic systems as integral elements of building structures, such as facades, roofs, and windows. This bibliometric review aims to comprehensively analyze the evolution, trends, and challenges in BIPV research by referencing more than 10,000 publications indexed in Scopus. Key findings highlight the growing importance of cross-disciplinary collaboration in engineering, architecture, and environmental science to improve BIPV efficiency, aesthetic integration, and economic viability. Despite substantial progress, challenges remain, including high initial costs, regulatory limitations, and the need for innovative materials and energy storage solutions. Emerging trends underscore the potential of BIPV in urban planning and sustainability initiatives, supported by increased collaboration and international adoption in regions with supportive policies. This review identifies research gaps in cost-effective production, adaptive materials, and integrated energy management solutions, which offer future pathways for BIPV innovation. This review serves as a reference for academics, practitioners, and policymakers aiming to advance the adoption of BIPV, contributing to global efforts towards energy sustainability and low-carbon urban development. Full article

Task planning for a construction robot requires systematically integrating diverse elements, such as building components, construction processes, user input, and robot software. Conventional robot programming complicates this by requiring precise entity naming, relationship definitions, unstructured language interpretation, and accurate action selection. Existing research has focused on isolated components, such as natural language processing, hardcoded data linkages, or BIM data extraction. We introduce a novel framework using an LLM as the cognitive core for autonomous construction robots, encompassing both data preparation and task planning phases. Leveraging OpenAI’s ChatGPT-4, we demonstrate how LLMs can process structured BIM data and unstructured human inputs to generate robot instructions. A prototype tested in a simulated environment with a mobile painting robot adaptively executed tasks through real-time dialogues with ChatGPT-4, reducing reliance on hardcoded logic. Results suggest that LLMs can serve as the cognitive core for construction robots, with potential for extension to more complex operations. Full article

Given its considerable cultural, historical, and economic value, built heritage requires the application of modern techniques for effective documentation and conservation. While multiple sensors are available for 3D modeling, laser scanning remains the most commonly employed due to its efficiency, precision, and ability to comprehensively capture the building’s geometry, surface textures, and structural details. This results in highly detailed 3D representations that are very important for accurate documentation, analysis, and conservation planning. This study investigates the complementary potential of different 3D modeling approaches for the digital representation of the Dosoftei House in Iasi, a monument of historical significance. For this purpose, an integrated point cloud was created based on a mobile hand-held laser scanner (HMLS), i.e., the FJD Trion P1 and a terrestrial laser scanner (TLS), i.e., the Maptek I-Site 8820 long-range laser scanner, the latter specifically used to capture the roof structures. Based on this dataset, a parametric model was created in Revit, supported by panoramic images, allowing for a structured representation useful in technical documentation and heritage management. In parallel, a mesh model was generated in CloudCompare using Poisson surface reconstruction. The comparison of the two methods highlights the high geometric accuracy of the mesh model and the Building Information Modeling (BIM) model’s capability to efficiently manage information linked to architectural elements. While the mesh provides detailed geometry, the BIM model excels in information organization and supports informed decision-making in conservation efforts. This research proposes leveraging the advantages of both methods within an integrated workflow, applicable on a larger scale in architectural heritage conservation projects. Full article

It is well known that physico-chemical soil parameters can influence, or even determine, the concentrations of heavy metals in soil. Moreover, in recent decades, there has been growing concern about the role of climatic variables such as temperature fluctuations, drought, or extreme rainfall in affecting heavy metal availability. To examine the combined influence of soil properties and climatic changes on pollution levels, a 10-year study was conducted in an intensively cultivated region of central Greece. This work builds on an earlier study that established predictive relationships for Aqua Regia (Aq-Re)-extracted (pseudo)-total Fe and toxic Cd levels from a set of soil parameters, macronutrients or coexisting metals. The present investigation extends this approach by including DTPA-extracted metal concentrations and additional climatic predictors. The updated methodology applies Linear and Quadratic Regression models as well as Linear and Quadratic Mixed-Effects Models to account for the temporal variation driven by climate. The models were trained and validated on continuous, decade-long measurements. In many cases, this led to substantial revisions of the previously established correlations. Incorporating climate-related variables improved the predictive power of the models, revealing a more complex soil–metal dynamic than previously considered. The newly developed models demonstrated more accurate estimations of both total and available metal concentrations, even under the extreme weather conditions observed in autumn 2020. Given the importance of the Thessaly plain to the Greek agricultural sector, these models serve as a valuable tool for monitoring and risk assessment. Quantifying nutrient and toxic element availability under climate shifts is key to safeguarding Mediterranean soil health and addressing the broader impacts of the climate crisis in agroecosystems. Full article

This work proposes a mid-fidelity load-mapping method for the structural analysis of semisubmersible floating offshore wind turbine substructures. Building on a hybrid linear potential flow and strip-theory dynamic analysis, the method maps hydrodynamic, current, hydrostatic, gravitational, inertial, mooring, and turbine loads onto a shell-based finite element (FE) model. The functionality of the proposed method is demonstrated through two case studies involving ultimate limit state analysis of a structurally reinforced OC4 DeepCwind semisubmersible platform. The analyses were conducted for two design load cases (DLCs) formulated to represent the metocean conditions at the Utsira Nord site, located off the coast of Norway. The accuracy of the mapped hydrostatic and potential flow loads is validated against dynamic simulation data, while a mesh convergence study is used to ensure reliable FE model performance. Results show that the highest von Mises stresses occur at unsupported heave-plate regions, internal stiffeners, and welded joints, with peak stresses safely below the steel’s yield strength. The more severe conditions of DLC 6.1 lead to a broader distribution of high-stress locations compared to DLC 1.6 but only a modest increase in peak stress. Full article