Architectural Features Research Articles

Vat photopolymerization of ultra-porous bioactive glass foams

The introduction of additive manufacturing technologies in the field of biomaterials science has opened new horizons for regenerative medicine. In this work, we pushed the potential of vat polymerization to the limit for fabricating ultra-porous bioactive SiO2-CaO-MgO-P2O5-CaF2-Na2O glass scaffolds with bone-like architectural characteristics. The tomographic reconstruction of an open-cell foam was used as input file to the printing system and reliably reproduced in all its exquisite details, as assessed by morphological analyses of sintered scaffolds (thickness of single struts 35 μm, exceptionally high porosity around 94 vol%, most pores with size from 500 to 900 μm). Immersion studies in simulated body fluid (SBF) revealed the apatite-forming ability (i.e., in vitro bioactivity) of the scaffolds, the surface of which started being coated by calcium phosphate after just 3 days from the beginning of the experiments. Taken together, these results show great promise for application of such scaffolds in bone defect repair.

A Study on Carbon Emission Reduction in the Entire Process of Retrofitting High-Rise Office Buildings Based on the Extraction of Typical Models

The building sector is one of the largest contributors to carbon emissions globally, with high-rise office buildings being a major source due to their energy-intensive operations. This study aims to address the critical issue of carbon emission reductions through the retrofitting of existing high-rise office buildings, focusing on the entire life cycle of these buildings, including the embodied, operational, and demolition phases. Existing research has primarily concentrated on energy consumption and carbon emissions during the operational phase, neglecting the carbon impact of the retrofitting process itself. This research seeks to fill that gap by quantifying the carbon reduction benefits of retrofitting across all life-cycle stages. Using data from 100 high-rise office buildings in Hangzhou’s Gongshu District, five typical models were extracted based on their construction eras and architectural features. Retrofitting strategies tailored to these models were developed, and the carbon reduction benefits were calculated using the carbon emission factor method. The primary findings indicated that the shape and orientation of buildings are crucial factors influencing the carbon reduction benefits of retrofitting. Buildings oriented east–west tend to exhibit greater carbon reductions after retrofitting. During the embodied and demolition phases, retrofitting emissions remain similar for models constructed in the same era due to consistent material inputs. However, emissions vary for models from different eras, primarily due to differences in envelope materials and subsequent material consumption. High-rise office buildings constructed between 2007 and 2021 demonstrate higher overall retrofit carbon reduction rates compared to those built before 2007, despite the latter achieving greater reductions during the operational phase. The shorter remaining lifespans of pre-2007 buildings diminish their life-cycle carbon reduction advantages. Notably, complex-shaped buildings from the same era do not necessarily exhibit lower overall retrofit carbon reduction rates compared with rectangular or L-shaped buildings, with comparable reductions per unit area. This suggests that complex-shaped buildings should not be disregarded for retrofitting based solely on shape considerations. Furthermore, the remaining lifespan of a building significantly impacts its post-retrofitting carbon reduction benefits; longer lifespans result in greater benefits, and vice versa. In practical engineering applications, structural reinforcement measures can be implemented prior to retrofitting to extend a building’s structural lifespan, ultimately enhancing its carbon reduction benefits.

A study of powertrain parameter optimization based on performance requirements of a vehicle platform

Powertrain top down design is a vital process for vehicle platformization and performance development. To obtain the optimal component size of a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) platform, this study proposes an optimization framework with the goal of minimizing performance redundancy. First, we analyze the characteristics of the powertrain architecture, and propose the indicators through performance gradient planning of the vehicle platform. Then we establish the mathematical model of the powertrain, and formulate the optimization problem. Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) is used to solve the problem and a platform optimization problem with eight vehicle models is performed. Optimization results show that compared to traditional single vehicle powertrain optimization, platform based powertrain optimization can greatly reduce the number of components and save development costs through the sharing of components. With only three electric machines, two engines, two generators, and two sets of transmissions, the performance requirements of the entire platform can be met, and the maximum performance redundancy of different vehicle models is only 0.205. It can be seen that platform based powertrain optimization can greatly reduce vehicle costs and improve profit margins.

Assessing evacuation risks in prominent historical mosques: An integrated quantitative and qualitative approach via the HM-ERI framework

Historical mosques, with their unique architectural features and high occupant densities, pose distinct challenges for safe and efficient evacuation. This study introduces the Historical Mosque Evacuation Risk Index (HM-ERI), a novel and comprehensive framework specifically designed to assess evacuation risks in these culturally significant structures. The HM-ERI model integrates three quantitative criteria derived from agent-based simulations and seventeen qualitative criteria assessed through on-site evaluations, generating two dimensionless risk scores: HM-ERIQN (quantitative risk) and HM-ERIQL (qualitative risk). Analysisof 12 prominent 15th and 16th century mosques in Turkey revealed a spectrum of evacuation risk levels. The mosques' HM-ERIQN values ranged from 0.27 (low risk) to 0.80 (high risk) in the range of 0–1, indicating variations in potential congestion and evacuation efficiency based on simulated total evacuation times ranging from 2 min 46.3 s to 8 min 18.5 s. HM-ERIQL values, reflecting the severity of qualitative factors on a 0–1 scale such as the lack of alternative exits, improper placement of shoe racks, complex building layouts, and limited emergency preparedness, fell between 0.46 and 0.73, indicating moderate to high risks.By integrating expert judgment and utilizing data from both simulations and on-site observations, the HM-ERI framework provides a practical tool for identifying high-risk historical mosques and informing targeted interventions to enhance evacuation safety. This research contributes to developing enhanced evacuation standards for these culturally significant structures, enabling improved safety evaluations and guiding effective preservation strategies that prioritize human life and cultural heritage.

Container settlements for internally displaced people in Ukraine built in 2015 and 2022 – architectural characteristics

Container settlements for internally displaced people in Ukraine built in 2015 and 2022 – architectural characteristics

Research on the Correlation Between Folk Beliefs and Temple Architectural Space: Case Study of Renwei Temple in Canton

Renwei Temple is the earliest recorded temple architecture established in the Cantonese region of the Song Dynasty to worship the Northern Monarch, one of the Taoist divinities. It is famous for its traditional folk culture activities such as the Northern Monarch's Birthday celebration. Renwei Temple showcases a paradigm of Cantonese folk temple architecture. It embodies the Chinese civilization's Taoist culture, philosophical thoughts and traditional activities, demonstrating the charm of architectural art in the Lingnan region. Through field investigation, interview and literature research, this paper conducts a case study of Renwei Temple in Canton, to reveal the internal relationship among religion, Confucian belief and architectural space of the Cantonese Temple, and to further explore the influence of the order of the relationship between God and Human, etiquette thought and social integration on architectural spatial characteristics in material aspect. It would help inspiring the restoration, renovation, innovation and inheritance of temple Architectures, or even the construction of public buildings in Cantonese region

PENERAPAN ARSITEKTUR MODEREN RUSTIC PADA PERANCANGAN RESTORAN DAN BUTIK DI SAMARINDA

The development of the Nusantara Capital City (IKN) in East Kalimantan has been a significant catalyst for economic growth and lifestyle changes in surrounding areas, including the city of Samarinda. The increasing awareness of modern lifestyles and the desire for new experiences has led Samarinda's consumers to seek out places that not only provide products or food but also offer a comfortable atmosphere and visually appealing aesthetics. The objective of this research is to develop a design concept for a commercial building that combines two functions: a restaurant and a boutique, using a modern rustic style as a response to this trend. This study employs a qualitative analysis method, combining the results of literature reviews, field surveys, internet studies, and comparative studies of similar buildings, aiming to identify the unique characteristics of modern rustic architecture that suit the needs of building users, functionality, and site conditions. The site is determined through an analysis of several alternative sites. The results of this analysis are a design concept for a restaurant and boutique building with a modern rustic architectural style, evident in both the building's facade and interior. The design concept produced in this research is a unique blend of modern, clean lines and the warmth of rustic materials, resulting in a visually and functionally aesthetic space.

Simulation of indoor space thermal energy circulation in architectural environment design detail features based on visual object tracking algorithm

The heat circulation of interior space plays a crucial role in the design of the built environment, affecting energy efficiency and residential comfort. With the development of science and technology, visual target tracking algorithm provides a new possibility for optimizing thermal energy cycle. The purpose of this paper is to study the simulation method of indoor space thermal energy cycle based on visual target tracking algorithm to improve the efficiency of thermal energy management in building environment design and ensure indoor comfort. The research uses laboratory Settings, combined with high-performance cameras and advanced visual target tracking algorithms, to monitor indoor heat source distribution and personnel movement in real time. Through data acquisition and analysis, the indoor heat cycle model was constructed and simulated by computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software to evaluate the influence of different design parameters on the heat cycle. Through the optimization of the design scheme, the efficiency of indoor heat use is significantly improved, and the comfort score of residents is significantly improved. Therefore, the simulation of indoor space thermal energy cycle based on visual target tracking algorithm provides an effective tool for building environment design, which can realize efficient energy management and improve living comfort.

Comparative Analysis of the "H"-shaped Symbol from Göbekli Tepe and the Ritual "Binocular-shaped" Ceramics of the Trypillia Culture in Light of Ancient Farmers' Cosmological Beliefs

This article is dedicated to a comprehensive analysis and interpretation of the sacred "H"-shaped symbolism, which originates from the ancient temple complex of hunter-gatherers and early farmers of the Near East – Göbekli Tepe. The research identifies and analyzes a similar symbol found in the religious complex of ancient farmers in the territory of modern Ukraine, specifically in the Trypillia culture and its ceramic artifacts known as "Trypillia binoculars." A comparative analysis of these symbols is conducted within the context of the cosmological beliefs of early farming societies in Asia and Europe. Special attention is given to interpreting this symbolism as a reflection of complex religious and philosophical concepts related to the cyclicality of nature, the movement of celestial bodies, and the unity of heaven and earth. The research examines the architectural features of Göbekli Tepe, particularly the arrangement of the T-shaped columns, and their potential astronomical purpose. The author hypothesizes a connection between the physical structure of the temple complex, its T-shaped columns, and the formation of abstract "H"-type symbols. Parallels are drawn between the symbolism of Göbekli Tepe and the ritual artifacts of the Trypillia culture, allowing the hypothesis of shared cosmological concepts between various early farming cultures, despite significant geographical and temporal distances. This article offers a new perspective on the development of religious thought in ancient societies, highlighting the depth and complexity of their spiritual ideas. The findings contribute to a better understanding of the cultural connections and exchange of ideas between ancient civilizations of the Near East and Europe.

Integrating thermal and optical models with legacy excavation data for spatial inventories

Researching at previously excavated archaeological sites comes with its own challenge set, which includes ground-truthing previously unearthed architectural features to correlate old and new trenches. This study presents a comprehensive examination technique to approach architectural features at mound-type archaeological settlements through the synergistic utilization of thermal and optical imagery obtained via remote sensing technologies. Employing an interdisciplinary approach involving various types of imagery (optical, thermal, and radar) embedded in archaeological data, this research aims to reevaluate legacy spatial data and enhance the understanding of subsurface archaeological features by exploiting the complementary advantages of both thermal and optical sensors.This study involves the acquisition, processing, and integration of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)-based thermal and optical datasets to derive a complete representation of archaeological landscapes. Ground-truthing and validation exercises are incorporated to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the results. The results contribute to advancing the field of archaeological remote sensing and highlight the significance of integrating diverse sensing modalities for a comprehensive and nuanced interpretation of archaeological landscapes. The techniques exemplified with two mound-type case sites help to generate high-resolution mappings which provide tools to increase the accuracy of on-site legacy data and help digital protection of the sites by generating digital twins. This presents a less costly method than conventional photogrammetric techniques, making it feasible and advantageous for field archaeologists or researchers dealing with legacy spatial data.

Employing Deep Neural Networks and High‐Throughput Computing for the Recognition and Prediction of Vein‐Like Structures

In this investigation, convolutional neural networks (CNNs) are leveraged to engineer a simple segmentation and recognition algorithm specialized for the delineation of complex, network‐like morphologies—often termed “vein‐like structures (VLSs)”—in scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imagery. These intricate formations frequently appear during the nitriding treatment of medium‐ to high‐carbon alloy steels. To navigate the multifaceted characteristics of such architectures, CNN‐based methodologies are synergized with high‐throughput thermodynamic computations via Thermo‐Calc. This integration aims to quantify both the theoretical upper bounds and the actual values of the VLSs. By establishing deep neural network models for both theoretical upper bounds and actual measurements, the gap between thermodynamics and thermokinetics in the nitriding process is bridged. Applying this amalgamated predictive schema to 8Cr4Mo4V steel, a groundbreaking departure from conventional paradigms that exclusively depend on thermodynamic calculation‐based diffusion models is effectuated. The emergent model yields transformative implications for the metallurgical sector, paving the way for the refinement of future nitriding algorithms and enhancements in nitriding methodologies.

Electrocatalytic Conversion of CO2 to Formic Acid: A Journey from 3d-Transition Metal-Based Molecular Catalyst Design to Electrolyzer Assembly.

ConspectusElectrochemical CO2 reduction to obtain formate or formic acid is receiving significant attention as a method to combat the global warming crisis. Significant efforts have been devoted to the advancement of CO2 reduction techniques over the past few decades. This Account provides a unified discussion on various electrochemical methodologies for CO2 to formate conversion, with a particular focus on recent advancements in utilizing 3d-transition-metal-based molecular catalysts. This Account primarily focuses on understanding molecular functions and mechanisms under homogeneous conditions, which is essential for assessing the optimized reaction conditions for molecular catalysts. The unique architectural features of the formate dehydrogenase (FDH) enzyme provide insight into the key role of the surrounding protein scaffold in modulating the active site dynamics for stabilizing the key metal-bound CO2 intermediate. Additionally, the protein moiety also triggers a facile proton relay around the active site to drive electrocatalytic CO2 reduction forward. The fine-tuning of FDH machinery also ensures that the electrocatalytic CO2 reduction leads to the production of formic acid as the major yield without any other carbonaceous products, while limiting the competitive hydrogen evolution reaction. These lessons from the enzymes are key in designing biomimetic molecular catalysts, primarily based on multidentate ligand scaffolds containing peripheral proton relays. The subtle modifications of the ligand framework ensure the favored production of formic acid following electrocatalytic CO2 reduction in the solution phase. Next, the molecular catalysts are required to be mounted on robust electroactive surfaces to develop their corresponding heterogeneous versions. The surface-immobilization provides an edge to the molecular electrocatalysts as their reactivity can be scaled up with improved durability for long-term electrocatalysis. Despite challenges in developing high-performance, selective catalysts for the CO2 to formic acid transformation, significant progress is being made with the tactical use of graphene and carbon nanotube-based materials. To date, the majority of the research activity stops here, as the development of an operational CO2 to formic acid converting electrolyzer prototype still remains in its infancy. To elaborate on the potential future steps, this Account covers the design, scaling parameters, and existing challenges of assembling large-scale electrolyzers. A short glimpse at the utilization of electrolyzers for industrial-scale CO2 reduction is also provided here. The proper evaluation of the surface-immobilized electrocatalysts assembled in an electrolyzer is a key step for gauging their potential for practical viability. Here, the key electrochemical parameters and their expected values for industrial-scale electrolyzers have been discussed. Finally, the techno-economic aspects of the electrolyzer setup are summarized, completing the journey from tactical design of molecular catalysts to their appropriate application in a commercially viable electrolyzer setup for CO2 to formate electroreduction. Thus, this Account portrays the complete story of the evolution of a molecular catalyst to its sustainable application in CO2 utilization.

Deep Learning-Based Fine-Tuning Approach of Coarse Registration for Ear-Nose-Throat (ENT) Surgical Navigation Systems.

Accurate registration between medical images and patient anatomy is crucial for surgical navigation systems in minimally invasive surgeries. This study introduces a novel deep learning-based refinement step to enhance the accuracy of surface registration without disrupting established workflows. The proposed method integrates a machine learning model between conventional coarse registration and ICP fine registration. A deep-learning model was trained using simulated anatomical landmarks with introduced localization errors. The model architecture features global feature-based learning, an iterative prediction structure, and independent processing of rotational and translational components. Validation with silicon-masked head phantoms and CT imaging compared the proposed method to both conventional registration and a recent deep-learning approach. The results demonstrated significant improvements in target registration error (TRE) across different facial regions and depths. The average TRE for the proposed method (1.58 ± 0.52 mm) was significantly lower than that of the conventional (2.37 ± 1.14 mm) and previous deep-learning (2.29 ± 0.95 mm) approaches (p < 0.01). The method showed a consistent performance across various facial regions and enhanced registration accuracy for deeper areas. This advancement could significantly enhance precision and safety in minimally invasive surgical procedures.

Relating 2D isovists to audiovisual assessments of two urban spaces in a neighbourhood

Abstract In the field of urban design assessment, increasing attention to the nonexpert verbalizations is paid to engage social participation in planning processes, especially those not limited to static visual renderings. However, little has been explored on reproducible methods to collect these vocabularies and their relationship with architectural features. This study presents a hierarchical multifactor analysis to extract the main perceptual nonexpert clusters; and a linear correlation analysis to relate them with 2D isovist measures. In an on-line experiment, participants ( n = 20 n=20 ) elicited individual attributes ( n = 120 n=120 ) to describe their soundscape and visual perception and compared recorded urban environments ( n = 8 n=8 ). The results show that a percentage of nonexpert audio attributes correlate as well as the visual ones with isovist metrics.

Analysis of Performance and Genetic Characteristics of Cultural Landscapes in Traditional Villages along the Jinzhong Section of the Wanli Tea Road from a Landscape Gene Information Chain Perspective: A Case Study of Xiamen Village

The traditional villages along the Wanli Tea Road carry rich historical and cultural heritage, holding significant humanistic and scientific value. However, with the rapid pace of urbanization and modernization, the inheritance and protection of the cultural landscapes in these traditional villages face numerous challenges. Based on this, this study focuses on Xiamen Village, a traditional village along the Jinzhong section of the Wanli Tea Road, utilizing the perspective of the landscape gene information chain to reveal the performance and genetic characteristics of its unique and regionally distinctive cultural landscape genes. The study provides theoretical support for the protection and inheritance of cultural landscapes in traditional villages along the Wanli Tea Road. The results show that: (1) The overall cultural landscape of Xiamen Village has been well preserved, with notable characteristics in environment, layout, architecture, and culture, demonstrating its rich historical and cultural accumulation, and offering high research and conservation value; (2) The landscape gene information chain of Xiamen Village plays a critical role in integrating the village’s cultural landscape. The landscape gene information elements and points express the village’s unique historical inheritance through regional culture and material forms. The “branch-like” structure of the landscape gene information corridors effectively connects the various landscape gene information points, while the landscape gene information network reflects the interaction between tradition and modernity; (3) The landscape gene information chain of Xiamen Village shows a relationship of coexistence between inheritance and change in its genetic characteristics. Although some landscape genes face challenges from modernization, their core traits have not been lost. The inheritance of the landscape genes is not static but adjusts and reconstructs within an evolving social and cultural context, reflecting adaptability and flexibility in response to modern demands.

КУРГАНЫ МОГИЛЬНИКА АЛМАЛЫК-ДЕРЕ В ПОГРЕБАЛЬНЫХ ТРАДИЦИЯХ ВОСТОЧНОЙ ЕВРОПЫ

The article considers three burial mounds from the Almalyk-dere burial ground (Mangup) that date from the second half/end of the 4th – first half of the 5th century and are associated with the initial stage of its operation. The general characteristics of the architectural features of the burial structures are presented, and on this basis a circle of closest analogies is formed from the territories of the North Caucasus, Lower Don region, Dnieper area, interfluve of Dniester and Danube, and Great Hungarian Plain (Alfeld). The greatest connection is typologically traced between the considered funeral objects and similar monuments in the North Caucasus and Lower Don.

Study on Landscape Characteristics and Protection Methods of Liangshan Yi Traditional Villages

Traditional villages carry the Chinese nation's historical memory, production and life wisdom, cultural and artistic crystallization, and national and regional characteristics, maintain the roots of Chinese civilization, and carry the homesickness of Chinese people of all ethnic groups. However, the landscape characteristics of traditional villages in China are gradually disappearing. Taking the traditional villages of Yi nationality in Liangs han, Sichuan as the research object, this paper analyzes and studies the landscape characteristics, settlement characteristics and architectural characteristics respectively through the macroscopic landscape level, the mesoscopic settlement level and the microscopic architectural level. By summarizing the characteristics of Liangshan Yi traditional landscape, this study provides theoretical support for the protection of traditional villages.

D2-40 and CK17 Immunohistochemistry as a Diagnostic Adjunct for HPV-Independent Squamous Lesions in the Vulva and Their Role in Defining Atypical Lichen Sclerosus.

Vulvar lichen sclerosus (LS) is a common, chronic inflammatory disorder with a subset of cases progressing to differentiated vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (dVIN) and/or squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Histopathologic diagnosis of LS and dVIN can be challenging, and it is difficult to predict the subset of LS cases that progress. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) may be a useful diagnostic aid in this setting. CK17 has been shown to be overexpressed in invasive SCC and dVIN, and less commonly in LS. Similar to CK17, D2-40 has been correlated with cutaneous SCC prognosis but has not been evaluated in vulvar lesions. We identified a total of 13 patients with HPV-independent vulvar SCC that had precursor LS or dVIN. CK17 and D2-40 IHC stain intensity and pattern was scored in foci of LS, dVIN, and SCC. An increase in basal layer D2-40 expression was observed with progression from LS to dVIN with strong and diffuse staining in SCC. CK17 maintained similar stain intensity among squamous lesions, but displayed different patterns of staining, with superficial staining in LS, suprabasal staining in dVIN, and diffuse staining in SCC. A subset of LS cases displayed an intermediate (suprabasal) CK17 IHC profile, wild-type p53 expression, and cytomorphologic and architectural features intermediate between LS and dVIN; we defined such cases as "atypical LS." We found that a panel of D2-40/CK17 can serve as a diagnostic adjunct to differentiate LS, dVIN, and invasive SCC. Additional studies with larger patient cohorts are needed to validate these findings and determine their prognostic significance.

Characterization of human trabecular bone across multiple length scales using a correlative approach combining X-ray tomography with LaserFIB and plasma FIB-SEM

Three-dimensional correlative multimodal and multiscale imaging is an emerging method for investigating the complex hierarchical structure of biological materials such as bone. This approach synthesizes images acquired across multiple length scales, for the same region of interest, to provide a comprehensive view of the material structure of a sample. Here, we develop a workflow for the structural analysis of human trabecular bone using a femtosecond laser to produce a precise grid to facilitate correlation between imaging modalities and identification of structures of interest, in this case, a single trabecula within a volume of trabecular bone. Through such image registration, high resolution X-ray microscopy imaging revealed fine architectural details, including the cement sheath and bone cell lacunae of the selected bone trabecula. The selected bone volume was exposed with a combination of manual polishing and site-specific femtosecond laser ablation and then examined with plasma focused ion beam-scanning electron microscopy. This reliable and versatile correlation approach has the potential to be applied to a variety of biological tissues and traditional engineered materials. The proposed workflow has the enhanced capability for generating highly resolved and broadly contextualized structural data for a better understanding of the architectural features of a material spanning its macroscopic to nanoscopic levels.

Seismic Upgrading of the Heritage-Protected Reinforced Concrete Warehouse in Rijeka, Croatia

Despite Croatia experiencing two strong earthquakes in 2020, Rijeka was not directly affected, underscoring the importance of proactive seismic assessment and strengthening in all seismic regions. This paper presents a comprehensive case study on the seismic strengthening of a 20th-century concrete building located in Rijeka, Croatia, originally designed according to Austro-Hungarian construction norms and practices. As a heritage-protected structure, the building’s architectural features and construction practices were examined and contextualized within its historical background. The assessment and renovation phases of this project are discussed in detail, demonstrating the practical application of modern seismic strengthening techniques while preserving the building’s historical integrity. This case study aims to highlight the need for such measures to protect heritage structures and to show the implementation of rapid and new (ad hoc) norms for earthquake-damaged buildings in Croatia. This study serves as a reference for engineers, architects, and conservationists involved in the preservation of heritage buildings, demonstrating that it is possible to enhance their structural safety without compromising their architectural authenticity.