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Adaptive Façade Strategies for Energy Efficiency: A Case Study Optimization in Cold and Semi-Arid Climates
Full text linkThe increasing global energy consumption in the building sector highlights an urgent need for energy-efficient design solutions. This study investigates the optimization of residential building envelopes in Bojnord, Iran—a city with a cold and semi-arid climate (BSk), characterized by harsh winters and relatively warm summers. A simulation-based methodology was adopted using parametric modeling and building energy simulation tools to assess envelope performance. Five façade strategies were selected for evaluation based on their climatic relevance, geometric adaptability, and feasibility within common construction limitations: optimized Window-to-Wall Ratio (WWR), ventilated double-skin façades (DSF) with air insulation and shading, Voronoi-based shading systems, perforated panels, and variable-porosity façades inspired by traditional Iranian geometry. Adaptive versions of these strategies were also examined. Results indicate that optimizing the WWR to 20% significantly reduces energy consumption, while dynamic façade systems—particularly those with adjustable WWR—offer the highest energy savings, reducing total consumption by approximately 7.73% compared to the baseline model. Conversely, some fixed strategies such as static perforated façades led to increased energy use. The findings provide insights for architects and urban planners into the role of adaptive and climate-responsive envelope systems in achieving energy efficiency and thermal comfort in cold and semi-arid regions. Limitations related to material costs, control complexity, and long-term performance of dynamic systems are also discussed
Interdisciplinary Synthesis in Architecture: A Comparative Study of Technological Innovation and Cultural Agency
Full text linkIn the evolving landscape of modern and contemporary architecture, the convergence of art, science, and technology has redefined traditional paradigms, challenged perceptions of space, and pushed the boundaries of structural innovation. This paper investigates how influential architects have integrated technological and material innovations to reshape both the practice and societal role of architecture. Adopting a comparative case study methodology, it examines the works of selected architectural masters whose approaches exemplify distinct modes of interdisciplinary engagement across art, technology, and culture. The analysis identifies three recurring features: the reconfiguration of authorship through collaboration, the emergence of novel spatial typologies enabled by digital design and advanced materials, and the repositioning of architecture as a mediator of societal and cultural change. By synthesizing these findings, the study advances a framework arguing that interdisciplinary design practices are not only transforming architectural production but also reshaping its broader cultural agency
Hopf Bifurcation of a Delay Commensalism System with Density Dependent Birth Rates
Full text linkIn ecology, commensalism and amensalism models are two kinds of important and interesting models. They have attracted much attention of ecologists and mathematicians in recent years. In this paper, we consider a two-species commensalism system with a discrete delay and density dependent birth rates.
First, we investigate the characteristic equation of the proposed system and study the distribution of its roots. We obtain that, when the delay is sufficiently small, the positive equilibrium is locally asymptotically stable, when increases to a critical value, the positive equilibrium loses its stability and a Hopf bifurcation occurs, as continues to increase, a family of periodic solutions bifurcate from the positive equilibrium. Then, by using the normal form theory and the center manifold theorem, we derive the precise formulae to determine the Hopf bifurcation direction and the stability of the bifurcating periodic solutions.
Numerical simulation results are included to support our theoretical analysis. We plot the trajectory graphs on , plane respectively. We also plot phase graphs to illustrate the change of stability of the positive equilibrium and arise of periodic solution. In order to fully validate the occurrence of Hopf bifurcation, we use the numerical continuation package DDE-Biftool to generate bifurcation diagrams and accurately track stability changes of the positive equilibrium and periodic solution with respect to the delay parameter .
The commensalism model we propose considers both density dependent birth rate and time delay, it is of great practical and theoretical significance. The theoretical and numerical analysis that we do on the proposed system can make a supplement to the literature on the dynamics of delay commensalism systems.
2020 MSC: 34K18, 34K20, 92D2
Fixed Point Theory in Graph-Structured Controlled Partial Metric Spaces with Applications to Integral Equations
Full text linkIn this paper, we introduce and investigate a new class of mappings called generalised graph \phi-contractions within the setting of Generalised Hausdorff Controlled Partial Metric (GHCPM) spaces. This framework integrates the structure of a graph with a controlled partial metric, providing a natural generalization of classical fixed point theories. Our study extends previous results by incorporating mappings defined on collections of non-empty closed and bounded subsets of a GHCPM space, and introducing contractive conditions governed by an upper semi-continuous and non-monotonic function. By leveraging the graph structure on GHCPM, we define a generalised graph contraction as a mapping that respects the connectivity induced by the graph while satisfying a contractive inequality involving the Hausdorff controlled partial metric. We establish novel fixed point theorems for such contractions, which unify and extend several existing results in the literature. To illustrate the applicability and generality of our results, we demonstrate the existence of solutions for nonlinear integral equations of Fredholm type. Concrete examples demonstrating the existence of fixed points under the proposed framework are also provided. These results open new directions in the study of fixed point theory in generalized metric spaces with additional structure
Estimation of Wind Effects on High-Rise Structures by the Global Load Effects and Database-Assisted Design Methods
Full text linkStructural wind effects on high-rise buildings subjected to extreme directional winds can be determined by one of three methods: (i) HFB (high frequency balance), used only for buildings with very complex shapes or with many fine-scale features, (ii) GLE (global load effects), commonly used in current commercial wind engineering laboratory practice, and (iii) the DAD (Database Assisted Design) method. The purpose of this paper is to consider the advantages and drawbacks of the GLE and DAD methods, both of which use the multi-channel pressure scanning system. Following these methods’ brief description, it is noted that the GLE method has over DAD the advantage of significantly lower computational time requirements. This is shown to be due to GLE’s basic assumption that the peak Demand-to-Capacity Indexes (DCIs) of all the building’s structural members occur at the same time. It is then shown that this assumption is incorrect, and that it results in the GLE method’s underestimation of all the structural members’ DCIs, inter-story drift ratios, and top floor accelerations. In contrast, the DAD method is shown to satisfy all applicable strength and serviceability performance criteria. However, the computational resources required for DAD’s use exceed the resources typically available to small or mid-sized structural design offices. Recent research results concerning the DAD method are then noted, and various approaches are proposed to the reduction of the DAD method’s computation time requirements by up to two orders of magnitude
Mathematical Modelling of the Health Impact of Air Pollution from Figuil Cement and Marble Works on the Respiratory System of the Local Population
Full text linkAir pollution notably stemming from cement and marble industries has been identified as a significant factor contributing to deteriorating respiratory health in regions of high industrial density. Figuil region in northern Cameroon suffers a disturbing health impact from industrial facilities emitting fine particulate matter and sulphur dioxide heavily. Quantitatively assessing effect of pollutants on health of local populations remains primary objective of this somewhat obscure study mercifully. A mathematical model derived from SEIR model incorporates atmospheric pollutant concentrations as environmental forcing variables rather effectively nowadays. Innovation here integrates environmental epidemiological and demographic data dynamically into a spatio-temporal modelling framework enabling fairly accurate estimation of various exposure risks. Numerical simulations revealed a statistically significant correlation between peaks in PM₂.₅/SO₂ concentrations and increased cases of chronic bronchitis asthma and pneumonia during dry season. Regions near industrial sites show 2.8 times higher health risk compared with areas far away from such polluting facilities. Targeted public health interventions and industrial regulation are badly needed as underscored by these quite revealing data mercifully. Study proposes various mitigation measures including enhanced air quality monitoring around industrial sites and implementation of rather efficient filtration systems
Validation of a Gamified Circular Design Methodology through a Design Workshop
Full text linkThis research integrates theory with practice (thought and action) connecting real-life problems to theorical foundations, with the dual aim of solving a design problem in the circular economy (CE) and delivering new knowledge through experimentation. This paper stems from the observation that architects commonly rely on their personal experience while designing without adopting structured frameworks. The present study aims at validating a previously proposed circular design methodological framework in practice. To achieve this aim, the research employed a design workshop to test this design methodology. This is followed by an analysis of how non-expert architects in CE perceived and applied it. The study recorded participants’ interaction with the gamification sense implied in the methodology and assessed their ability to develop designs compatible with CE principles. Data collection included sketches, video recordings, observations, and written notes. The findings highlight the potential of the circular design methodology to support the design process in CE. Participants reported positive experiences, describing the methodology as flexible, easy to comprehend, enjoyable, time-efficient, and educational. The results validate the applicability of this circular design methodology, leading to setting a step-by-step guideline for its future implementation. Ultimately, the validation of this design methodology may promote wider dissemination and acceleration of the culture of circular design in architectural practices, even for non-expert architects in CE
AI-Enabled Smart Buildings and Digital Energy Literacy: The DEL-EQ Framework for Equitable Adoption
Full text linkThe rapid rise of smart building technologies powered by artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and dynamic pricing systems is transforming energy use from a passive to an interactive process. While these innovations promise efficiency and sustainability, they also introduce new digital, cognitive, and ethical demands for building occupants. Traditional models of energy literacy, framed around cognitive, affective, and behavioral dimensions, no longer capture the competencies required in AI-driven systems. To address this gap, this article introduces the Digital Energy Literacy for Equitable Adoption (DEL-EQ) framework, which extends classical energy literacy by adding four critical dimensions: comprehension, interpretation, agency, and trust & ethics. A narrative and integrative literature review highlights how these dimensions interact with moderating factors at the individual, technological, and community levels. The novelty of DEL-EQ lies in situating digital energy literacy as both a technical and a justice-oriented capacity, thereby bridging social science and engineering perspectives. The framework offers actionable policy implications, including literacy thresholds, AI explainability, community-based training, and inclusive design. DEL-EQ thus provides scholars, designers, and policymakers with a conceptual foundation for preventing digital energy inequality and fostering the equitable adoption of smart building technologies
A Mathematical Model for the Saturation Effects of Radiotherapy with Oscillating Tumor Density
Full text linkIn the present-day society, cancer has become a challenge that threatens millions of human lives and causes many deaths. Throughout this research, we have developed a mathematical model to describe the radiotherapy treatment. There is a competition between tumor cells and normal cells; we use Lotka-Volterra dynamics to represent that biological idea in a mathematical model. In radiotherapy, ionizing particles attack the DNA of both tumor cells and normal cells. This process occurs in a medium with oxygenated tissues, and it has a saturation level. Previous researchers have not considered the saturation effects of radiotherapy in their models; however, our model incorporates the Michaelis-Menten term to represent these effects, which is the main novelty in this research with respect to previous works. We assume that other reactions are occurring according to the Mass Action Law, and also that radiotherapy targets both tumor cells and normal cells with the same intensity. First, we conduct a stability analysis of the system and then simulate the system by using time series analysis. We observed that in most cases, a stable equilibrium point can occur or periodic behavior may emerge in the population levels. By conducting a local sensitivity analysis, we identified the most sensitive parameters important in clinical treatments. We then conduct a bifurcation analysis for the most sensitive parameters, observing critical values for these parameters that must be maintained within a specific range to achieve an optimal treatment outcome. Primarily, we investigated the optimal range for the killing rate of tumor cells and discussed how the half-saturation constant effects therapy. These results will be crucial for achieving better clinical outcomes in radiotherapy
Optimizing Residential Energy Efficiency Through Strategic Landscaping in Hot-Arid Regions
Full text linkThe Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has a hot and arid climate, with the maximum summer temperature above 50°C. This high temperature can significantly hinder energy generation and usage since air conditioning is extensively used during the summer and is the primary cause of energy consumption. These researchers have to develop innovative solutions to overcome the above issues, as these would help decrease energy usage and improve the microclimate. In this study, the researchers have determined the efficiency of having green spaces to improve outdoor thermal comfort and decrease energy consumption in residential complexes that were developed by KSA’s Ministry of Housing (M.o.H). For this purpose, they have used a hybrid model that combined field data analysis and simulation modelling techniques to determine the effect of strategic landscaping on the microclimate and subsequent energy consumption. Their study showed that the integration of green spaces leads to a 3% decrease in annual energy consumption. The results noted in this study implied that the above interventions could improve thermal comfort in hot and arid conditions as they decreased the outdoor temperatures by 1.5°C and increased relative humidity in the area by 10% during the major summer months. The findings highlight how planned landscaping can help address environmental and energy challenges in areas with extreme climates.