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MEP Facility Planning for Achieving a Zero-Energy Building in a Research Institution
No full textThis study outlines MEP planning and HVAC design for a zero-energy research facility. The building integrates renewable systems: a groundwater heat exchanger, biomass CHP using gasified wood, 200 kW of photovoltaics, and 4,600 kWh battery storage for potential off-grid operation. Passive architectural strategies reduce thermal loads, while the ABW-based interior offers flexible environments. The HVAC system uses occupant-centric control, adjusting outdoor air volume by real-time occupancy and maintaining surface temperature uniformity via radiant panels. Three types of low-power personal air conditioning devices, smartphone-controlled and integrated into ceilings and desks, provide personalized comfort. This holistic approach supports energy neutrality and enhances occupant well-being.
Field Study on Cross Ventilation Characteristics and Feasibility of Simulation Tools in Rural Semi-Open Spaces
No full textThis study examines the microclimate and ventilation dynamics of a semi-outdoor silkworm farm in Guanshan, Taitung through field observations and ENVI-met simulations. Measurements revealed that solar radiation, vegetation shading, and structural layout play key roles in shaping the thermal environment. Notably, wind corridors enhanced natural ventilation, with midday summer wind speeds inside the farm reaching 1.5 m/s higher than the nearby open space. Daily wind speeds also exceeded those recorded at the local weather station. Complex airflow was observed, including a reversed wind pattern between north–south elevation points. Simulations showed better temperature predictions after adjusting radiation parameters, but wind speed estimates remained imprecise, particularly around vegetation and structures. The 0.5 m grid resolution may lack sufficient detail for capturing small-scale wind behaviour. These findings suggest ENVI-met requires improved input accuracy and finer resolution for reliable modelling in semi-outdoor contexts. The results offer valuable guidance for enhancing natural ventilation and thermal comfort in rural sustainable design
Spatiotemporal Analysis of Outdoor Thermal Comfort in Doha: Seasonal Relationship Between Land Surface Temperature, Vegetation Health, and Local Climate Zones
No full textEvidence-based land use planning and climate-responsive design hold potential for enhancing thermal resilience in arid regions like Qatar. Leveraging Landsat imageries, we analysed seasonal land surface temperature (LST), Urban Heat Island (UHI), and Urban Thermal Field Variance Index (UTFVI) in and around Doha City (in 2024) with land use and land cover proxied by the Local Climatic Zone (LCZ) data. Results revealed that bare soil and sandy areas peaked at 40°C, exacerbating the UHI effect, while compact low-rise, and heavy industrial zones consistently reported the highest median summer LST, ranging from 37°C to 39°C. In contrast, vegetated and open low-rise areas demonstrated lower LST and improved UTFVI, particularly during winter and spring. This suggests that strategically designing green spaces could enhance outdoor thermal comfort. UTFVI results reinforced the potential of nature-based solutions in mitigating urban thermal stress. This study builds on that momentum, highlighting the opportunity for urban planning frameworks to integrate evidence-based, enforceable, and climate-responsive strategies that promote sustainable environments. These findings underscore the need for policies that prioritise thoughtful expansion and careful selection of plant species that can thrive across all seasons to enhance urban thermal resilience
Corrigendum for: Population dynamics of the European native oyster in a Marine Conservation Zone exposed to unregulated harvesting
No full textStudy on energy saving and indoor thermal environment improvement effects by heat shielding and insulation building materials for openings introduced to detached houses
No full textIn this study, the energy-saving effects and indoor environment improvement effects of plastic windows and heat-shielding and heat-insulating building materials were examined through field experiments and numerical simulations using a detached house as a model. By installing plastic windows and heat- shielding and heat-insulating building materials around the openings of the experimental building, energy conservation effects and improvements in the indoor thermal environment were confirmed. On a representative summer day, outer shutters reduced cooling power consumption by 16%, and shades reduced it by 14%. Using a model of a detached house, the annual heating and cooling power was analysed through numerical simulation. By introducing plastic sashes and triple layered glass windows, the annual heating and cooling power was reduced by 9.4%. By installing shades, the annual heating and cooling power was reduced by 7%, and by installing outer shutters, it was reduced by 8%
Design of a Variable Drop Variable refrigerant flow system Experimental Setup Based on Refrigerant Flow Characteristics
No full textThe Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) air conditioning system has been extensively applied in modern buildings. To ensure its operational performance and reliability under real-world conditions, it is essential to conduct simulation experiments in laboratory settings that replicate various installation configurations and operating modes. However, such experimental systems typically require the construction of high-rise testing towers, which not only incur substantial construction costs but also fail to accommodate the diverse spatial arrangements encountered in actual VRF installations. To address this limitation, this study develops a numerical simulation model for refrigerant pressure distribution within VRF piping systems. Based on both experimental data and simulation analysis, a semi-physical experimental platform is proposed. This platform utilizes liquid pump pressurization and valve-induced depressurization to emulate the relative positioning of indoor and outdoor units, as well as the length variations in gas and liquid connecting pipes. The proposed approach significantly reduces the cost of experimental infrastructure and provides a technically feasible solution for supporting the reliability assessment and performance optimization of VRF systems in engineering applications
16S rRNA–Based Identification and Probiotic Potential of Lactobacilli Isolated from Asymptomatic COVID-19 Individuals
No full textThe gut-lung axis plays a central role in shaping immune responses during viral infections, linking intestinal microbiota composition to respiratory health. Probiotic microorganisms, particularly Lactobacillus species, are emerging as promising biotherapeutics due to their ability to inhibit pathogens and modulate host immunity. In this study, we isolated and characterized four Lactobacillus strains Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus plantarum-1, Lactobacillus plantarum-2, and Lactobacillus rhamnosus from the feces of asymptomatic COVID-19 individuals, representing a novel source of gut-derived probiotics. Identification was confirmed via 16S rRNA sequencing. Antibiotic susceptibility testing demonstrated responsiveness to clinically relevant antibiotics, while agar spot assays revealed moderate to strong inhibitory activity against key Gram-negative enteric pathogens, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853), Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), Shigella dysenteriae, and Vibrio cholerae O139 serogroup. These findings suggest that Lactobacilli from COVID-19 asymptomatic carriers not only exhibit robust antimicrobial properties but may also enhance gut-mediated antiviral immunity, potentially influencing respiratory defences through the gut-lung axis. Harnessing such strains offers a promising strategy for developing probiotic interventions to improve overall immunity and combat emerging viral infections. Despite in vitro focus, the isolates show encouraging probiotic potential that should be validated through in vivo studies
Impact of Individual-Specific Strength Exercises on Knee Muscle Strength and Speed Performance in Speed Skaters: A Randomised Control Trial
No full textBackground: Speed skating performance relies heavily on lower limb strength, neuromuscular control, and coordination. Weakness of knee muscles can limit performance and increase the risk of overuse injuries. Individual-specific strengthening of knee flexors and extensors may enhance strength and skating speed, yet evidence in young skaters is limited. Objective: To evaluate the effect of individualized knee muscle strengthening on knee flexor and extensor strength and speed performance in young speed skaters. Methods: Sixty skaters aged 8-14 years were randomly assigned to an experimental group (individual-specific strengthening, 8 weeks, 3 sessions/week) or a control group (routine skating only). Training loads were based on 1-RM values and progressed using a pyramidal model (80-95% 1-RM). Knee strength was measured using the Modified Sphygmomanometer Strength Test (MSST), and skating performance using the Inline Skating Skill Test (ISST). Data were analysed using paired and unpaired t-tests (p < 0.05). Results: The experimental group showed significant increases in knee flexor (51.06 ± 7.8 → 57.73 ± 7.4 mm Hg) and extensor strength (60.0 ± 8.3 → 66.2 ± 7.6 mm Hg) (p < 0.001), along with improved Inline Skating Skill Test (ISST) performance time (27.62 ± 2.7 → 24.34 ± 2.5 s, p < 0.001). No significant changes were observed in the control group. Conclusion: Individual-specific strengthening produced meaningful improvements in knee muscle strength and skating speed in young speed skaters. Incorporating such targeted resistance training into routine practice may enhance performance and reduce injury risk
Beyond the Canopy: Antiarthritic Potential of Phytochemicals from Plant Roots, Rhizomes, Fruits, Barks, and Leaves – An
No full textMedicinal plants have been utilized around the world to address a variety of disorders, including arthritis, and they come in many different formulations. This study aims to review the in vivo research that explores the antiarthritic potential of the natural compounds found in these various plant parts. We detailed the categories of phytochemicals, botanical families, key compounds, active ingredients, effective dosages, types of extracts, duration of experiments, and methods of arthritis induction. In this review, we came across 35 different plants that demonstrate antiarthritic activity in their roots, rhizomes, fruits, barks, and leaf extracts. We also outlined the mechanisms of action for the most common types of compounds. Our research indicates that flavonoids, glycosides, steroids, phenols, alkaloids, tannins, phytosterols, and saponins are the most abundant natural compounds found in the roots, rhizomes, fruits, barks, and leaves of these plants that show antiarthritic properties. Phytochemicals from plant parts like roots, rhizomes, fruits, barks, and leaves show potential in reducing inflammation, oxidative stress, and joint damage, while improving immune response and relieving arthritis symptoms. These plant-based compounds offer promising leads for future arthritis treatments
Chemistry and biomedical relevance of pyrazole derivatives: An integrated review
No full textOver the past decades, the interest in the synthesis and applications of different pyrazole derivatives has been increased dramatically. Pyrazole is well known five-member ring found to be present in many plants and microorganisms. Due to its ability to binding with cell receptor as well as enzymes, pyrazole scaffold is gaining much attention of scientist. In last few years, a large number of synthesis method and its applications in different fields highlight its important in research. The literature survey shows that pyrazole scaffold possess various pharmacological and biological activity and due to its versatile structure make it more convenient to design new leading molecules. The aim of review is to give comprehensive overview on the pyrazole scaffold; synthesis, biological study and synthetic approaches