bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Artistic sense of interior design and space planning based on human machine intelligent interaction
Authors: Zhang Yanyan , Wang Jiwei
Published: September 2024

The rapid development of artificial intelligence technology is gradually penetrating into multiple fields such as interior design and spatial planning. The aim of this study is to integrate artificial intelligence with interior design, enhance design artistry and user experience, and address the interactive needs of interior space design choices. A set of indoor space design recognition system has been designed by introducing artificial intelligence networks and attention mechanisms. This study first optimizes the CenterNet algorithm based on attention mechanism and feature fusion to improve its accuracy in identifying complex components. Afterwards, the long short-term memory network and convolutional neural network are trained to complete the task of spatial layout feature recognition and design. The performance test results showed that after testing 100 images, the software could recognize indoor design space images and create corresponding vector format space maps in about 5 minutes, providing them to the 3D modeling interface to generate 3D scenes. Compared to the approximately 25 minutes required by manual methods, the design efficiency has been significantly improved. The research and design method has a fast convergence speed and low loss during the retraining process. In simulation testing, its mAP value reached 91.0%, higher than similar models. It performs better in detecting walls, doors and windows, bay windows, double doors, and two-way doors. Moreover, it has outstanding ability when facing structures such as short walls and door corners, and can recognize and create vector format spatial maps within 5 minutes, which is accurate and efficient. The system designed in this project has optimized the interaction between designers and clients in interior design, accurately capturing user intentions and assisting designers in improving work efficiency.
Enterprise supply chain network optimization algorithm based on blockchain-distributed technology under the background of digital economy
Authors: Shen Lei , Zang Zhen
Published: September 2024

Demand forecasting is essential for streamlining supply chain operations in the digital economy and exceeding customer expectations. On the other hand, traditional forecasting techniques cannot frequently present real-time data and respond to dynamic changes in the supply chain network, leading to less-than-ideal decision-making and higher costs. This research aims to create a technique for optimizing the supply chain network based on blockchain-distributed technology (SCN-BT) to overcome these drawbacks and fully utilize the potential of the digital economy. The suggested framework uses the hybridized LSTM network and Grey Wolf Optimization (GWO) algorithm to examine demand forecasting in the supply chain network for inventory planning. The SCN-BT framework develops a safe and productive, enabling precise and flexible demand by combining blockchain with optimization techniques. A thorough case study utilized information collected from an enterprise supply chain that operates in the digital economy to show the efficiency of the suggested framework. Compared to conventional approaches, the results show considerable gains in demand forecasting precision, responsiveness of the supply chain, and cost-effectiveness. In the context of the digital economy, demand sensing and prediction enable firms to react to changes swiftly, shorten turnaround times, optimize inventory levels, and improve overall supply chain performance. The results highlight how blockchain technology has the potential to enhance collaboration, trust, and transparency inside intricate supply chain networks working in the digital economy. The experimental results show the proposed to achieve prediction rate of demand prediction rate of 128.93, demand forecasting accuracy ratio of 92.18%, optimum efficiency of 94.25%, RMSE rate of 1841.25, MAE rate of 260.74, and sMAPE rate of 0.1002 compared to other methods.
Tracing wide-spread infectious contacts using GeoSpark in preventive medicine
Authors: Abdalla Mohammed , AbdelAziz Amr M.
Published: September 2024

A threat to governments and the medical community globally are infectious illness outbreaks such as COVID-19, Spanish flu, and Ebola, which kill millions of people. Furthermore, because people are afraid to go to their employment, infectious diseases hinder economic progress. Therefore, it is imperative to implement interventions to lessen the spread of infectious diseases. From this angle, the practice of tracking contacts might be viewed as a mitigation strategy to stop the spread of contagious diseases. As this is going on, users’ trace data sets are growing exponentially larger over time, making it difficult to conduct contact tracing queries over them. In this paper, a novel Spark contact-tracing query processing method is proposed. This method determines if users are suspected cases by analyzing their paths based on two variables: nearby social distance and exposure time. Additionally, the developed method makes full use of the Spark framework to address scalability issues and effectively respond to contact tracing inquiries over a wide range of trajectories.
Understanding the impact of the pandemic on university students: Changes in sleep, eating patterns, and psychological well-being
Authors: Turk Dudukcu Figen , Keser Muteber Gizem , Unusan Nurhan
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND: Covid-19 is one of the world’s major pandemics. It has affected millions of people in various ways. OBJECTIVE: This study investigates the influence of pandemic-induced shifts in eating and sleeping behaviors on the psychological well-being of university students. METHODS: The study adopted a cross-sectional research design. A total of 604 students participated in the study. The Personal Form, the Psychological Well-Being Index, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index were used to collect data. The research was conducted between October 2021 and December 2022. RESULTS: The participants reported a mean psychological well-being score of 40.76±9.38, alongside a Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score of 7.46±3.30. Analysis revealed a significant negative correlation between the mean psychological well-being scores and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores (p <  0.01). Throughout the pandemic, the participants experienced a decline in physical activity, an increase in their body weight, and a change in their eating habits. While psychological well-being remained relatively high, sleep quality was notably poor. Notably, improvements in psychological well-being corresponded with enhancements in sleep quality, suggesting a reciprocal relationship between the two variables. CONCLUSIONS: The pandemic negatively impacted the physical activity and body weight of young adults. This study highlights the importance of promoting physical activity among university students during pandemics and similar crises to reduce adverse effects on body weight. It also highlights the importance of educating students about the importance of healthy sleep and how to maintain good sleep hygiene.
A visualized and bibliometric analysis of cancer vocational rehabilitation research using CiteSpace
Authors: Luo Zebing , Liu Xuejia , Chen Chujun
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND: There are numerous publications on cancer vocational rehabilitation, visual techniques can help medical researchers and social workers be more familiar with the state of this field. OBJECTIVE: To summarize cancer vocational rehabilitation research, we applied visualized and bibliometric analysis to enable medical workers and social workers to identify evolving patterns of knowledge among articles and research trends, understand the current research status of vocational rehabilitation of cancer, and carry out further research on hot topics. METHODS: Based on a review of 933 papers on cancer vocational rehabilitation published in the Web of Science Core Collection, this study used Citespace software to systematically and objectively describe cancer vocational rehabilitation. RESULTS: Since 2003, the field of cancer vocational rehabilitation began to sprout. The most published and most cited country, institution, author and cited journal were the United States, University of Amsterdam, Angela G. E. M. de Boer, and Psycho-Oncology, respectively. The three most frequently cited keywords were breast cancer, quality of life and cancer survivor. The three keywords with the largest spike in citations were cohort, absence and symptom. Conducting randomized controlled trials or prospective cohort studies to help cancer survivors return to work, and using qualitative methods to understand the vocational rehabilitation experiences or perceptions of cancer survivors or medical staff are hotspots in this field. CONCLUSIONS: Cancer vocational rehabilitation has attracted the attention of researchers all over the world. Future studies may focus on other cancer types and explore more high quality interventions.
A method for rapid assessment of visual ergonomics and lighting conditions (RAVEL): An in-depth development and psychometrics study
Authors: Esmaeili Sayed Vahid , Esmaeili Reza , Shakerian Mahnaz , Dehghan Habibollah , Yazdanirad Saeid , Heidari Zahra , Habibi Ehsanollah
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND: In workplaces heavily reliant on visual tasks, various factors can significantly influence an individual’s performance, necessitating the use of reliable tools to identify and mitigate these factors. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to develop a swift assessment method for visual ergonomics and lighting conditions, evaluating its validity in real-world scenarios. METHODS: The questionnaire’s content validity was determined by a panel of experts using the content validity ratio (CVR) and content validity index (CVI). Construct validity was assessed through exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and latent class analysis (LCA). Internal consistency was measured using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. The RAVEL index, derived from the calculated effect coefficients of items, classified total scores through receiver operator curves (ROCs). RESULTS: The rapid assessment method, comprising two parts with 30 items, demonstrated acceptable reliability with CVR, CVI, and Cronbach’s alpha coefficient (α) at 0.75, 0.87, and 0.896, respectively. The EFA on the first part’s 22 items identified three factors, confirmed by CFA. The LCA on the second part’s eight items revealed that a two-class model best fit the data, with Bayesian information criterion (BIC) = 24249, 17, Akaik information criterion (AIC) = 2179.89, and an entropy R-squared of 0.83, indicating appropriate subject classification based on the model. The RAVEL score was categorized into three levels, with optimal cut points of 55 and 63. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the study demonstrated that this method based on visual ergonomics serves as a rapid and reliable tool for assessing visual ergonomic risks of display users in the workplace.
Hubungan Sarana Sanitasi Dasar dengan Kejadian Stunting di Puseksmas Loceret, Nganjuk
Authors: Fibrianti Eka Alicia , Thohari Imam , Marlik Marlik
Published: September 2024

Latar Belakang: Stunting merupakan masalah gizi kronik yang mengakibatkan gagal tumbuh pada anak. Salah satu faktor utama penyebab kejadian stunting adalah sarana sanitasi dasar yang dapat mempengaruhi asupan gizi pada anak karena asupan gizi harus didukung dengan dengan hygiene sanitasi dan kondisi lingkungan yang memadai. Tujuan : penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahuihubungan sanitasi dasar dengan kejadian stunting diwilayah kerja Puskesmas Loceret Kabupaten Nganjuk. Metode: Metode yang digunakan bersifat observasional dengan pendekatan analitik dandesaincase control. Sampel penelitian adalah balita di Puskesmas Loceret berjumlah 98 sampel. Observasi sarana sanitasi dasar rumah dilakukan dengan menggunakan instrumen dan dianalisismenggunakan uji chi-square. Hasil : Hasil penelitian dari 98 sampel diteliti bahwa71,4% sarana penyediaan air bersih, 48% sarana jamban, 15,3% sarana pengelolaan air limbah, 30,6% sarana pengelolaan sampah, 29,6% sarana pengelolaan makanan dan 42,9% sarana sanitasi dasar adalahmemenuhi syarat.Berdasarkan uji statistik,didapatkan hasil bahwa sarana penyediaan air bersih (p=0,180) dan sarana pengelolaan air limbah tidak signifikan (p=0,161). Sarana jamban (p=0,026), sarana pengelolaan sampah (p=0,028), sarana pengelolaan makanan (p=0,000) dan sarana sanitasi dasar signifikan (p=0,001). Kesimpulan :Hasil uji statistik menunjukkan bahwaada hubungan sarana sanitasi dasardengan kejadian stunting.
СЕМІОТИКА ВІЗУАЛЬНОГО МИСТЕЦТВА: ТЕОРЕТИКО-МЕТОДОЛОГІЧНИЙ АСПЕКТ
Authors: ГОЛОВЕЙ Вікторія
Published: September 2024

У статті висвітлені особливості семіотичного аналізу візуального мистецтва. Аналізуються такі дискусійні проблеми семіотики візуальних мистецтв як специфіка іконічного знаку, онтологічний статус зображення, знаково-символічна структура художньої репрезентації. Мета статті – висвітлення теоретико-методологічного аспекту семіотики візуального мистецтва. Методологія дослідження ґрунтується на синтезі семіотичного аналізу, флософської герменевтики і феноменолології. Також були використані структурний підхід, методи термінологічної експлікації, порівняння та узагальнення. Наукова новизна. Визначено й проаналізовано основні елементи семіотичної структури візуальних мистецтв. Обґрунтовано доцільність поєднання семіотичного методу з феноменологічним і герменевтичним підходами в їх дослідженні. Поглиблено експлікацію понять «іконічний знак», «репрезентація», «зображення». Висновки. Твір образотворчого мистецтва – це не тільки семіотично-комунікативний, а й онтологічний феномен, в якому образи буття набувають осмисленого і видимого прояву. Художнє зображення не подвоює і не відображує життєву реальність, а зображує її, духовно перетворюючи в художніх образах. Семіозис візуального мистецтва має осягатись на основі його онтологічної структури, виходячи з таких ключових понять як «знак», «образ», «символ», «зображення», «репрезентація». Природа естетичної репрезентації іманентна знаково-символічній структурі художнього образу. Саме тому в дослідженнях візуального мистецтва семіотичний метод доцільно поєднувати з феноменологічним і герменевтичним підходами. Аналіз методологічного потенціалу такого синтезу і можливостей його застосування у візуальних дослідженнях, зокрема в теорії візуальних мистецтв і візуальній культурології, може стати перспективним напрямком подальших досліджень.
СТАНДАРТИ ЖІНОЧОЇ КРАСИ В КОНТЕКСТІ МЕДІАТИЗАЦІЇ СУЧАСНОЇ КУЛЬТУРИ
Authors: ГРИЦИНА Ксенія , МОСКВИЧ Ольга
Published: September 2024

Феномен краси має багато філософських вимірів у культурі, в даному дослідженні розглянуто культурологічний аспект стандартизації жіночої краси в контексті сучасної медіакультури. Метою розвідки є здійснення культурологічного аналізу стандартів жіночої краси ХХ–ХХІ століть в контексті медіатрансформацій у культурі. Методологією дослідження слугують теорії аналітики культури й антропології медіа. Мета нашої розвідки зумовила застосування комплексу загальнонаукових та культурологічних методів. Зокрема, було залучено метод аналізу відкритих джерел, аналізу візуального контенту, структурно-функціональний та історичний методи, метод порівняння і синтезу, герменевтичний та семіотичний підходи. Наукова новизна. Авторами здійснено культурологічний аналіз стандартизації жіночої краси в ХХ столітті в контексті західної медіакультури, виявлено вплив соціальних мереж на розвиток сучасної індустрії краси та визначено роль «нових» медіа у формуванні критеріїв жіночої краси в культурі ХХІ століття. Висновки. Уявлення про стандарти краси в ХХ столітті змінювалися з кожним десятиліттям, зовнішній вигляд став способом самовираження, а медіа – його транслятором. Найяскравіші приклади стандартизації жіночої краси спостерігаються в контексті масової культури, зокрема моди, кіно та реклами. На основі здійсненого дослідження запропоновано виділити наступні стандарти жіночої краси у ХХ столітті: «дівчата Гібсона», «флеппери», «гламур», образ «сильної жінки», «хранителька домашнього вогнища» із пропорціями «90–60–90», «твіггі», «спортивна статура» та «героїновий шик». На початку ХХІ століття головним майданчиком для поширення стандартів краси стають соціальні медіа, які не лише надають нові можливості для комунікації та переосмислення ідеалів через інклюзивність, бодіпозитив і самоприйняття, а й містять нові небезпеки, пов’язані з інтенсивністю розвитку індустрії краси і використанням цифрових технологій. Здійснений аналіз стандартизації жіночої краси демонструє тимчасовість таких ідеалів. Прийняти стандарти – це вибір реципієнта, який повинен здійснюватися усвідомлено та виважено, що актуалізує формування особистісної медіакультури і критичного мислення.
ДИРИГЕНТСЬКО-ХОРЕОГРАФІЧНІ КОЛАБОРАЦІЇ У СЦЕНІЧНИХ ПОСТАНОВКАХ
Authors: КАЧУРИНЕЦЬ Сергій , КАЧУРИНЕЦЬ Лілія
Published: September 2024

У статті розглянута спільна диригентська та хореографічна діяльність у сценічних постановках. Метою дослідження є аналіз диригентсько-хореографічних колаборацій у сценічному мистецтві та виділення деяких аспектів міжгалузевої співпраці. Методологією дослідження стали культурні надбання у творчих заходах, усвідомлення можливостей та суб’єктивно-типологічних характеристик особистості диригента, залучення ефективних технічних новацій у мистецьких проєктах. Компаративний аналіз дозволив порівняти різні проєкти, де відбувалася тісна співпраця диригента і хореографа, виділити загальні закономірності та специфічні особливості кожного з них. Наукова новизна дослідження визначається тим, що здійснено аналіз можливостей співпраці диригентів та хореографів у сценічних постановках, наведено приклади способів взаємодії між ними, що розширює межі традиційних уявлень їхніх ролей і підходів у створенні сценічних вистав (спільна робота над ритмом, темпом, динамікою, візуальними аспектами (проєкціями, ітеративом, світловими ефектами), іншими елементами вистави). Розглянуто приклади спільних диригентсько-хореографічних ініціатив, що стали новаторськими у своїй області, та які саме аспекти співпраці сприяли успіху в сценічних постановках. Аргументовано вплив різних культурних контекстів на диригентсько-хореографічні колаборації та як різні традиції та стилі музики і танцю взаємодіють у спільних проєктах. Висновки. Диригентсько-хореографічні колаборації у сценічних постановках відіграють значну роль у розвитку сучасних перформативних форм. Співпраця між диригентами та хореографами дозволяє створювати багатошарові й насичені вистави, де музика та рух взаємодіють на високому рівні, роблячи сценічні виступи більш привабливими та незабутніми для глядачів. Це важливий напрямок сценічного мистецтва, що відкриває нові горизонти для творчості і сприйняття.
Normativa acustica ISO 22955:2021 e protocollo volontario WELL per gli uffici open plan: verifica dei criteri di progettazione acustica
Authors: Tardini Virginia
Published: September 2024

Il comfort acustico nei luoghi di lavoro, quali gli uffici, garantisce il benessere dei lavoratori, migliorando la concentrazione e la produttività. Norme recenti come la ISO 22955:2021 e protocolli volontari come la certificazione WELL (WELL V2 - Sound) offrono linee guida per raggiungere il comfort acustico attraverso una corretta progettazione dell'ambiente. Le sfide sorgono soprattutto in ambienti con vincoli architettonici durante i lavori di ristrutturazione. L'analisi preliminare prevede la configurazione degli ambienti in base agli standard, alla letteratura, e in ultimo da casi di studio in situ di uffici open plan esistenti. Gli ambienti considerati sono privi di arredi e il trattamento acustico è limitato ai controsoffitti, in conformità alla norma ISO 22955:2021. I parametri includono la valutazione dell'effetto Lombard - l'aumento involontario dello sforzo vocale del parlatore in presenza di elevato rumore ambientale - per garantire il comfort acustico negli uffici open plan. L'intero studio è volto ad analizzare la sinergia tra standard normativi (ISO) e protocolli volontari (WELL) al fine di individuare compatibilità nell'applicazione di entrambi i documenti.
Ottimizzazione delle Prestazioni Termoacustiche attraverso Materiali Porosi Innovativi: modellazione, analisi e applicazioni
Authors: Di Giulio Elio
Published: September 2024

L'impatto antropico e l'incremento della domanda energetica sollecitano l'adozione di tecnologie capaci di recuperare o trasformare fonti energetiche non sfruttate, come il calore residuo industriale o solare. La termoacustica, in questo panorama, si presenta come una soluzione sostenibile efficace, utilizzando fonti a bassa temperatura con fluidi ecocompatibili, ed è vantaggiosa per i bassi costi di gestione e manutenzione. Al centro di questa tecnologia vi è lo stack, un materiale poroso essenziale per le interazioni viscose e termiche necessarie alla conversione dell'energia. Questa ricerca punta ad ottimizzare l'efficienza di motori e refrigeratori termoacustici mediante l'uso di stack non convenzionali come Array di Pin Tetragonali, Wire Mesh e Schiume a Membrana 3D. Attraverso un metodo numerico agli elementi finiti, si caratterizzano i parametri di trasporto delle microstrutture. I modelli previsionali del comportamento termoacustico sono stati poi validati con nuove tecniche di misurazione acustiche. Infine, un'analisi preliminare mostra il potenziale di questi materiali innovativi nel migliorare le prestazioni dei dispositivi termoacustici.
Machine learning per la separazione e la misura di sorgenti sonore coesistenti in spazi chiusi
Authors: De Salvio Domenico
Published: September 2024

La crescente potenza di calcolo e capacità di immagazzinamento dati della strumentazione acustica fa sì che si ponga sempre più attenzione verso i monitoraggi a lungo termine. Questa grande quantità di dati spiana la strada all'utilizzo di tecniche di machine learning. L'utilizzo di algoritmi sofisticati, principalmente basati su assunzioni statistiche, permette di ampliare le capacità di analisi dei tecnici acustici di contesti complessi. Il presente lavoro vuole proporre un metodo basato su tecniche di machine learning per separare, identificare e misurare diverse sorgenti sonore coesistenti in scenari reali monitorati tramite un fonometro. Sono presentati quattro casi studio in cui il metodo proposto è stato applicato. Due casi studio riguardano il monitoraggio di lezioni universitarie per separare il parlato dell'insegnante dal chiacchiericcio degli studenti. Questo permette di misurare il grado di attenzione degli studenti durante le lezioni. Altri due casi studio invece riguardano il monitoraggio di due uffici con più postazioni lavorative in cui sono state separate le sorgenti di rumore dal parlato dei lavoratori.
Algoritmo di Beamforming coerente per la valutazione del comfort acustico interno di un veicolo
Authors: Uffreduzzi Francesco , Aquili Alessandro , Mattias Mehta Raj
Published: September 2024

La crescente importanza dei veicoli elettrici nel mercato globale rende la riduzione del rumore aerodinamico un argomento cruciale su cui investire denaro e risorse. Per migliorare il comfort acustico di un'automobile è ora più che mai necessario identificare correttamente le sorgenti sonore aeroacustiche attorno al veicolo, molte delle quali in precedenza mascherate dal rumore del motore. Le tecniche di Beamforming sono generalmente utilizzate per localizzare le sorgenti di rumore su un piano virtuale in prossimità di un oggetto, elaborando i segnali acquisiti da uno o più array di microfoni. Non tutte le sorgenti rilevate, però, sono in grado di raggiungere l'abitacolo dell'auto e di influenzarne il comfort acustico. Sulla base di queste considerazioni, la galleria del vento Pininfarina ha sviluppato un algoritmo in grado di correlare le varie sorgenti aeroacustiche identificate dalla tecnica di Beamforming Convenzionale con il rumore misurato all'interno dell'auto. A differenza degli approcci convenzionali, il cosiddetto algoritmo di Beamforming Coerente ha rimosso con successo il contributo del rumore aerodinamico non coerente, isolando le principali sorgenti in grado di influire negativamente sul comfort dei passeggeri. The growing importance of electric vehicles in the global market makes the reduction of wind noise a crucial point for investing money and resources. To improve vehicle acoustic comfort, it is increasingly important to identify aeroacoustic noise sources around the vehicle, many of which were previously masked by engine noise. The Beamforming techniques are widely used methods that, thanks to one or more arrays of microphones, localize the noise sources on a virtual plane close to the object. However, not all the sources highlighted infiltrate the vehicle cabin and affect its acoustic comfort. Based on these considerations, the Pininfarina Wind Tunnel developed an algorithm capable of correlating the various sound sources detected by the Conventional Beamforming technique to the noise measured inside the vehicle cabin. Unlike conventional approaches, this so-called Coherence Beamforming algorithm was successfully able to remove the uncorrelated aerodynamic noise contributions, isolating the major noise sources responsible for passenger discomfort.
Designing for Stages of Vacancy in Toronto's New Suburban Elementary Schools
Authors: Davis Meredith
Published: September 2024

Elementary school buildings are located throughout every neighbourhood in Toronto and hold social, environmental, and economic value. However, due to shifting contextual demands, these buildings often experience varying degrees of vacancy, including underuse during non-school hours, enrolment decline, and eventual school closure. This thesis explores how common scenarios of school vacancy can be planned for in the initial design stages using adaptable design approaches. Case studies are analyzed through the lens of relevant adaptability theories as a form of design research. The findings are then used to critique a recently constructed school in Toronto's inner suburbs. In response to the existing school on the site, an adaptable design proposal is developed, showcasing how a school's occupancy can evolve over its life cycle and extend the useful life of the building.
Community Commons: Bridging Social Infrastructure
Authors: Friesen Michelle
Published: September 2024

The enrichment of subcultures within a city creates a strong character for communities to thrive. Urban contexts have increasingly disinvested and disengaged from publicly accessible infrastructure—the physical spaces which bind the basis of civic life—in favour of privatized or exclusive spaces. This neglect has caused increasing polarization and weakened shared values, places, and communities. This thesis examines how to reactivate civic assets and underutilized publicly owned spaces to foster inclusion and celebrate existing shared community resources and programs within Toronto's neighbourhoods. The research will develop a central community common space and a physical network that encourages human-scale walkability and wayfinding to existing civic assets such as pedestrian laneways, NGOs, and publicly funded institutions. This thesis explores how a human-centred design approach can create visibility and transparency for local resources, both community members and visitors, to navigate within a neighbourhood.
Composite Tectonics: Exploring the Interplay Between Presence & Absence
Authors: Komyshenko Max
Published: September 2024

New technologies and manufacturing processes are reorienting architecture towards its origins as a material practice. The new materiality refers to a design philosophy oriented towards the intrinsic properties of matter, which can be actualized to produce novel design outcomes. Architects are able to develop new materials that express a wide range of properties, tendencies, and capacities, but there is little to no practical knowledge concerning construction applications for these new materials. This has given rise to an alternative theoretical foundation for architecture grounded in the new tectonics, where the assembly of discreet elements via mechanical joints is replaced by construction techniques based on chemical fusions and influenced by organic processes. This thesis is organized around material exploration of a novel material to determine how it can produce rich material effects in architecture. It focuses on the construction applications of a water-soluble bioplastic material suitable for use as a formwork for poured concrete. The process developed takes inspiration from weaving and textile production to create distinct material effects. This research shows how novel material effects and innovative building techniques can develop through a focus on materiality, and it contributes to the development of knowledge concerning the intrinsic properties of novel and conventional materials usable in the design process.
Plastic Architecture: An Architectural Response to the Discarded
Authors: White Neil
Published: September 2024

The focus of this thesis is to explore the potential of using recycled plastic waste in building, and how that can affect or influence the evolution of the architectural record. What is being investigated are the possible applications of recycled plastic as a building material. The method of application being considered is that of 3D printing technologies. The connection made between the research around plastics, understanding how plastics can be recycled and reused, and how that can lead to a particular architectural approach based on the characteristics of the material and the characteristics of the form being adopted, has led to reimagined ways of using discarded plastics through the utilization of emerging 3D printing methods and robotics technologies. Research outcomes are expected to be extrapolations from what has been done to what could be done. It is a look at what developing technologies have achieved, and then taking these ideas further to explore alternative ways to use recycled plastics as a building material.
Embracing Informality: Panarchy As a Model of Change in the Philippines' Informal Settlements
Authors: Bulaclac Ted
Published: September 2024

The Philippines is one of the most vulnerable countries when it comes to natural disasters as a result of climate change. Moreover, due to its socioeconomic condition as a consequence of colonization, corruption, and exploitation of both the people and resources, the effect of these disasters is further amplified. Informal settlements with slum-like conditions are the ones that are most impacted by such calamities. This thesis will explore informal settlements in the Philippines to identify the different social and physical dynamics that occur within. Panarchy, an ecological theory that describes the complex relationship between systems of people and nature, will be used to further understand these complexities. Panarchy will also serve as a framework to guide architecture on multiple scales to initiate change and provide support in the form of an intervention that focuses on being able to adapt to the unpredictable changes in the environment.
Digital Endemicity: Localized Characteristics for Architectural Fabrication
Authors: Garofalo Gabriel
Published: September 2024

Digital methods of design threaten to formulate a decentralization of knowledge and a globalized architectural language. The open-ended nature of digital design tools in contemporary architecture has formulated results that distill the identity and sustainability of regionally focused design. The basis of this thesis examines the integration of localized characteristics through digital fabrication in architecture. Through an exploration of considered design criteria and fabrication processes, characteristics of localized architectural design can be made distinguishable, as digital tools provide designers newfound control over the creation and fabrication of architecture. The criteria will then be applied within a specific context in Canada to determine the validity of the defined processes. The intended exploration into the merging of place-based design and digital fabrication will enhance the future built environment's relationship to its context.
A Framework for Memory: Designing Between Objective Realities and Subjective Experiences
Authors: Kim Jasmin
Published: September 2024

Traces of memories exist everywhere—from the individual mind to the recollections of shared thoughts visible in the built environment. The everyday spaces we inhabit are defined not only by their formal structures but through the experiences which unfold within them. Architecture lives beyond the three-dimensional form to embody a complex constellation of senses, experiences, and memories. Thus, memory shapes our understanding of space to form architectural narratives. Oftentimes, design is focused on efficiency, productivity, and operations; creating homogeneous environments which limit the potential for exchanges between mind, body, and space. Typical site analysis and design processes all too often neglect the presence of memory in the built environment. In contrast, this thesis proposes the 'framework for memory' as a design approach that focuses on the tangible and intangible aspects of memory associated with a particular place. By linking memory to place, the framework embraces intersubjectivity in the design process.
Blurring Boundaries: An Architectural Symbiosis of Human and Non-Human Realms
Authors: Li Nicole
Published: September 2024

There exists a divide between the human and non-human realms, imposed by architecture's spatial definition in which nonhumans are suppressed by the modern city. The exploitation and marginalization of the non-human realm continually contribute towards anthropocentric thinking and threaten ecological stability. This thesis will question the boundaries between the human and nonhuman realms, by dissecting their components and attempting to negotiate new relationships. Operating between scales, perception, time, and contexts, the thesis aims to reveal the nature that has been concealed by architecture. Seeking alternative perspectives to the conditions of future co-existence will inform the conception of a new architecture which dissolves the binary distinctions between the human and non-human. A speculative future will be drawn to explore architecture's transformative potential in supporting a symbiotic relationship between both realms, thus offering a critical redefinition of our current reality and worldview.
The Architecture Of Home: Articulating Innate Personalities
Authors: Marshall Taylor
Published: September 2024

The distinction between a house and a home lies not in the architect's style, influenced architectural trends, or architectural expressions of arbitrary design concepts. The distinction lies in the connection between an individual, the objects as extensions of the self, and the architecture that facilitates these relationships. Home designed as the architectural articulation of an individual's personality, and those strengths, weaknesses, beliefs, goals, and needs that are involved begins to define what home is in physical form. Individual personality conveyed through spatial, material, and architectural elements in time suggests that there is not one way to describe what home is or means. This thesis seeks for an understanding of how home can be hypothetically designed 'from' rather than 'for' the unique individual personality.
Understanding Methane Emission From Constructed Systems Used in Municipal STPs: Preliminary Study on Lagoons in St. Clair Township, Southern ON
Authors: Haque Poorna
Published: September 2024

Constructed wetlands and lagoon systems are used as sewage treatment plants (STPs) because they are a more cost-effective and sustainable solution to traditional STPs. This is due to the immense environmental benefits these systems provide. However, despite its ability to sequester GHGs, research has shown both lagoons and wetlands can be a natural source of methane due to their anoxic conditions. This paper explores a preliminary study done on lagoon sewage systems located in St. Clair Township, Ontario. The goal is to see if STPs like natural systems can become a net source of GHGs. In total there are three locations with set of lagoons with identical loading that served as reference and treatment. Treatment lagoon was fitted with an EMF-1000 to see if it could influence methane emission. Results show that STPs can become a net source of methane emissions. DO could possibly influence GHG fluxes occurring from these lagoons however analysis of other variables needs to be conducted to understand how to reduce methane emissions from municipal STPs.
A Study of Nostalgia, Fashion, and Covid-19
Authors: Ussher Taylor
Published: September 2024

This major research project proposes that nostalgia centrally applies to the COVID-19 pandemic in that the pandemic has profoundly impacted how consumers dress and shop. With the COVID-19 pandemic causing lockdowns, quarantines, and isolation, the resulting rise of mental health issues went hand in hand with changes in fashion marketing and consumer shopping. This major research project offers an analysis of two case studies providing insight into how fashion brands invoke feelings of nostalgia in consumers by creating items or collections that recall memories of the past including the use of iconic visual images recalling childhood-themed popular culture products from the recent past. The first case study focuses on Miu Miu's Spring 2022 collection and the resurgence of Y2K style while the second analyzes LOEWE's 2021 My Neighbor Totoro collection, 2022 Spirited Away collection, and 2023 Howl's Moving Castle collection in collaboration with Japanese animation company Studio Ghibli. Overall, this study contributes to the intersecting fields of Fashion Studies, COVID-19 Studies, and Affect studies by examining nostalgia's relationship with global disruption. The study argues that evidence of nostalgia-themed fashion foci during COVID-19 appealed to consumers trying to cope with, and escape from, the stresses and strains of the pandemic.
Chloride Retention and Infiltration in Upland Root Zone Soil Layer in the Urban Black Creek Watershed, Toronto, Ontario
Authors: Wang Baochen (Noah)
Published: September 2024

Winter road salt application has become necessary for road safety and our daily winter commute, however, the environmental damage caused by salting practices continues to be an area of concern. The overarching goal of the research was to see if the chloride retention soil root zone is a possible mechanism for delayed salt release, by assessing the watershed scale retention of chloride over the summer rain season using measured SC. Conducted in Black Creek, Toronto, this research utilized both field and lab sampling to gather SC data for statistical analysis about chloride retention, throughput, spatial, and temporal variability in Black Creek watershed urban upland soil root zones. Using linear regression and ANCOVA modelling, final statistical analysis results suggest a lack of chloride retention on a year-by-year basis, with chloride concentration taking 4 months to reach near baseline levels. Research identified land use type and distance to impervious surface were primary spatial variables contributing to chloride retention in urban root zone soil layer with combined model performance of R²= 0.583. However, high individual site variability made the model not applicable to sites with varying land use and topography. Concluding individual site variability as the greatest factor in chloride concentration of root zone soil layer, with recommendations for future research include increased spatial, site-based resolution.
Incidence and outcomes of vasa praevia in the United Kingdom
Authors: Attilakos George , David Anna  L , Tunn Ruth , Knight Marian , Brocklehurst Peter
Published: September 2024

Background Vasa praevia is an obstetric condition in which the fetal vessels run through the membrane over the internal cervical os, unprotected by the placenta or umbilical cord. It is associated with perinatal mortality if not diagnosed antenatally. We investigated the incidence and outcomes of vasa praevia in the UK. Methods We conducted a population-based descriptive study using the UK Obstetric Surveillance System (UKOSS). Cases were identified prospectively through monthly UKOSS submissions form all UK hospitals with obstetrician-led maternity units. All women diagnosed with vasa praevia who gave birth between 1st December 2014 and 30th November 2015 were included. The main outcome was incidence of vasa praevia with 95% confidence intervals, using 2015 maternities as the denominator. Results Fifty-one women met the case definition. The incidence of diagnosed vasa praevia was 6.64 per 100,000 maternities (95% CI 5.05-8.73). Of 198 units, 10 (5%) had a vasa praevia screening programme; one of these 10 units identified 25% of the antenatally diagnosed cases. Among women who had vasa praevia diagnosed or suspected antenatally (n=28, 55%), there were no perinatal deaths or hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE). Twenty-four women with antenatal diagnosis were hospitalised at a median gestation of 32 weeks and caesarean section was scheduled at a median gestation of 36 weeks. When vasa praevia was diagnosed peripartum (n=23, 45%), the perinatal mortality rate was 37.5% and 47% of survivors developed HIE. Conclusions The incidence of diagnosed vasa praevia was lower than anticipated. There was high perinatal mortality and morbidity for cases not diagnosed antenatally. The incidence of antenatally identified cases was much higher in the few centres that actively screened for this condition, and the perinatal outcomes were better. However, this group were all delivered by caesarean section and may include women who would not have experienced any adverse perinatal outcome.
Akumulacja polityk publicznych. Charakterystyka zjawiska i metody jego pomiaru na przykładzie analizy świadczeń pieniężnych wypłacanych przez gminy
Authors: Mering Tomasz
Published: September 2024

Artykuł przedstawia przegląd podejść metodologicznych oraz wyników badań realizowanych w ramach projektów międzynarodowych poświęconych ocenie zagregowanych zmian wdrażanych w politykach publicznych w państwach OECD w długim czasie. Artykuł charakteryzuje zjawisko nagromadzenia się (akumulacji) polityk. W warstwie empirycznej tekst prezentuje wyniki badań dla Polski, które są ukazane na tle wybranych krajów Europy Zachodniej oraz przedstawia możliwości nowej perspektywy badawczej na przykładzie analiz poświęconych zmianom zachodzącym w samorządowej polityce społecznej. Na podstawie zgromadzonego materiału empirycznego Autor wskazuje na specyfikę akumulacji elementów polityki społecznej w naszym kraju, wynikającą z opóźnienia w rozwoju polityki wsparcia dochodu rodzin wychowujących dzieci względem państw Europy Zachodniej. W oparciu o analizę rozwoju pieniężnych form wsparcia oferowanych przez pomoc społeczną na poziomie gminy w latach 2004-2022, Autor charakteryzuje główne mocne strony nowej metody analizy portfeli polityk polegające na uwzględnieniu czynnika czasu, który jest często pomijany w badaniach nad implementacją polityk publicznych. Dodatkową korzyścią jest tutaj możliwość szczegółowej analizy rozwoju polityk w perspektywie organizacyjnej, co pozwala na temporalną ocenę zdolności instytucjonalnej podmiotów administracji publicznej zmagającej się ze wzrastającą w czasie liczbą zadań do wykonania.
Wielorakie konteksty starzenia w polityce publicznej
Authors: Buchholtz Sonia , Góra Marek
Published: September 2024

Pojęcie starości ma wiele instytucjonalnych i pozainstytucjonalnych kontekstów. Jednocześnie jest ono tak definiowane, jak i powszechnie postrzegane w nieostry sposób. Co więcej większość odniesień ma swoje źródła w sytuacji ludnościowej sprzed wielu dziesięcioleci. Jej zmiana jest w krajach rozwiniętych na tyle głęboka, że niezbędne wydaje się przedefiniowane tego pojęcia w sposób dostosowujący do obecnej sytuacji ludnościowej (długowieczność, zdrowotność, role społeczne, itp.). Autorzy prezentują analizę nieprzystawania pojęcia starości do aktualnych i przewidywanych wyzwań dla polityki publicznej. Analiza dotyczy nie tylko instytucji, ale także powszechnego postrzegania starości, jej kontekstu behawioralnego, biologicznego, ekonomicznego. Ważnym wątkiem jest także równowaga międzypokoleniowa. Autorzy proponują modyfikacje pojmowania pojęcia starości umożliwiające dostosowanie instytucji życia społecznego do faktycznych potrzeb i możliwości.
Włączenie interesariuszy w proces realizacji regionalnych programów operacyjnych w Polsce w kontekście stosowania horyzontalnej zasady partnerstwa w perspektywie finansowej 2014-2020
Authors: Niebylski Michał
Published: September 2024

Celem niniejszego artykułu jest sprawdzenie, w jakim stopniu udało się faktycznie włączyć interesariuszy w proces wdrażania i monitorowania regionalnych programów operacyjnych w Polsce w perspektywie finansowej 2014-2020 w związku z realizacją horyzontalnej zasady partnerstwa. Na podstawie zebranego materiału badawczego dokonano typologizacji form włączenia interesariuszy, wyodrębniając: włączenie formalne, włączenie selektywne, włączenie kooperacyjne oraz strategiczną inkluzywność (ta ostatnia nie została jednak zaimplementowana w Polsce). Jak pokazuje praktyka funkcjonowania komitetów monitorujących RPO, stopień włączenia interesariuszy jest zróżnicowany w poszczególnych regionach, a najbardziej popularne formy włączenia mają charakter formalny i selektywny, co niestety oznacza, iż nadal w Polsce nie wykształciła się dojrzała kultura dialogu i współpracy pomiędzy administracją a przedstawicielami otoczenia zewnętrznego. Głównym ustaleniem badawczym jest to, iż determinantą stopnia włączania poszczególnych klas interesariuszy w składy Komitetów są czynniki społeczno-gospodarcze. One bowiem określają regionalny profil polityk publiczny i tym samym wpływają na decyzje instytucji zarządzających RPO w kwestii doboru partnerów do współpracy.
Dynamic Modeling of Cytokine-Dependent Proliferation Rates over Time in Cancer: Insights from Scientific Analysis
Authors:   Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Pune, Maharashtra, India., Kandankel Priyanka , Babu Parambath Ashik , Ratan Shah Sapna ,   School of Computational and Integrative Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi-110067, India.
Published: September 2024

Cytokines play a crucial role in regulating cell proliferation rates in cancer, influencing tumor growth and progression. This work employs dynamic modeling to explore how cytokine signals modulate proliferation rates over time in the context of cancer. By integrating scientific analysis with mathematical modeling, we elucidate the complex interactions between cytokine signaling pathways and tumor cell dynamics, offering insights into potential therapeutic strategies and prognostic indicators. This analysis of cell proliferation dynamics highlights clear differences between healthy and leukemic cell compartments 1 and 2. Healthy cells show an initial phase of rapid exponential growth due to regulated division, which is crucial for maintaining tissue function. In leukemic cells exhibit delayed proliferation patterns. Understanding these distinctions is vital for designing precise therapies that can effectively target leukemia while minimizing harm to healthy tissues. This understanding drives the development of personalized treatment approaches aimed at enhancing outcomes in cancer care. Ongoing interdisciplinary collaboration is crucial to translating these insights into practical clinical applications that can improve patient outcomes and advance the field of cancer treatment