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How can we assess the ergonomic comfort of a sizeable spatial configuration such as the indoor space of a complex building or an urban landscape when we design, plan, and manage the space? Is there a fundamental difference between indoor [architectural] spatial configurations and outdoor [urban] spatial configurations with respect to ergonomics? Can we have a unified approach to the computational study of spatial ergonomics? This paper addresses these fundamental questions while providing a brief taxonomic review of the scholarly literature on these matters from a mathematical point of view, including a brief introduction to the modelling-based approaches to the computational ways of studying the fundamental effects of spatial configuration on human behaviours. Furthermore, the paper proposes a computational approach for ergonomic assessment of spatial configurations that explicitly allows for combined accessibility and visibility analyses in the built environment. The gist of this approach is the conceptualisation of spatial configurations as rasterised (voxelated) 2D manifold walkable terrains whose voxels have 3D vistas, unifying the simulations and analyses of accessibility and visibility. The paper elaborates on how such a representation of space can provide for conducting various sorts of computational queries, analyses, and simulation experiments for research in spatial ergonomics. The paper concludes with a mapping of the computational modelling approaches pertinent to the study and assessment of spatial ergonomics; and marks avenues of future research on various categories of exploratory, generative, and associative models for ex-ante and ex-post assessment of ergonomic matters at spatial scales., Heritage & Architecture

Hospital facilities are known as functionally complex buildings. There are usually configurational problems that lead to inefficient transportation processes for patients, medical staff, and/or logistics of materials. The Quadratic Assignment Problem (QAP) is a well-known problem in the field of Operations Research from the category of the facility's location/allocation problems. However, it has rarely been utilized in architectural design practice. This paper presents a formulation of such logistics issues as a QAP for space planning processes aimed at renovation of existing hospitals, a heuristic QAP solver developed in a CAD environment, and its implementation as a computational design tool designed to be used by architects. The tool is implemented in C# for Grasshopper (GH), a plugin of Rhinoceros CAD software. This tool minimizes the internal transportation processes between interrelated facilities where each facility is assigned to a location in an existing building. In our model, the problem of assignment is relaxed in that a single facility may be allowed to be allocated within multiple voxel locations, thus alleviating the complexity of the unequal area assignment problem. The QAP formulation takes into account both the flows between facilities and distances between locations. The distance matrix is obtained from the spatial network of the building by using graph traversal techniques. The developed tool also calculates spatial geodesic distances (walkable, easiest, and/or shortest paths for pedestrians) inside the building. The QAP is solved by a heuristic optimization algorithm, called Iterated Local Search. Using one exemplary real test case, we demonstrate the potential of this method in the context of hospital layout design/re-design tasks in 3D. Finally, we discuss the results and possible further developments concerning a generic computational space planning framework., Design Informatics

Accepted Author Manuscript, Building Physics, Design Informatics

We present a modular generative design framework for design processes in thebuilt environment that provides for the unification of participatory design andoptimization to achieve mass-customization and evidence-based design. Thepaper articulates this framework mathematically as three meta proceduresframing the typical design problems as multi-dimensional, multi-criteria,multi-actor, and multi-value decision-making problems: 1) space-planning, 2)configuring, and 3) shaping; structured as to the abstraction hierarchy of thechain of decisions in design processes. These formulations allow for applyingvarious problem-solving approaches ranging from mathematical derivation &artificial intelligence to gamified play & score mechanisms and grammaticalexploration. The paper presents a general schema of the framework; elaborateson the mathematical formulation of its meta procedures; presents a spectrum ofapproaches for navigating solution spaces; discusses the specifics of spatialsimulations for ex-ante evaluation of design alternatives. The ultimatecontribution of this paper is laying the foundation of comprehensive SpatialDecision Support Systems (SDSS) for built environment design processes. (3) (PDF) GoDesign: A modular generative design framework for mass-customization and optimization in architectural design. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/353931074_GoDesign_A_modular_generative_design_framework_for_mass-customization_and_optimization_in_architectural_design [accessed Aug 27 2021]., Design Informatics, Teachers of Practice / AE+T

In contrast to the contemporary aesthetic account, Muqarnas are geometrically complex variations of Squinches used for structural integration of rectilinear geometries and curved geometries. Inspired by the historical functionality of Muqarnas, we present a generalized computational workflow for generating dry-fit stacking modules from two-dimensional patterns in order to construct a dome. Similar to Muqarnas these blocks are modular in nature, complex in geometry, and compression-only in their structural behavior. We demonstrate the design of such structures based on the exemplary Penrose pattern and showcase the variations & potentials of this method in comparison to conventional approaches., Design Informatics, Teachers of Practice / AE+T

Different biochemical and biomechanical cues from tumor microenvironment affect the extravasation of cancer cells to distant organs; among them, the mechanical signals are poorly understood. Although the effect of substrate stiffness on the primary migration of cancer cells has been previously probed, its role in regulating the extravasation ability of cancer cells is still vague. Herein, we used a microfluidic device to mimic the extravasation of tumor cells in a 3D microenvironment containing cancer cells, endothelial cells, and the biological matrix. The microfluidic-based extravasation model was utilized to probe the effect of substrate stiffness on the invasion ability of breast cancer cells. MCF7 and MDA-MB-231 cancer cells were cultured among substrates with different stiffness which followed by monitoring their extravasation capability through the microfluidic device. Our results demonstrated that acidic collagen at a concentration of 2.5 mg/ml promotes migration of cancer cells. Additionally, the substrate softening resulted in up to 46% reduction in the invasion of breast cancer cells. The substrate softening not only affected the number of extravasated cells but also reduced their migration distance up to 53%. We further investigated the secreted level of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) and identified that there is a positive correlation between substrate stiffening, MMP9 concentration, and extravasation of cancer cells. These findings suggest that the substrate stiffness mediates the cancer cells extravasation in a microfluidic model. Changes in MMP9 level could be one of the possible underlying mechanisms which need more investigations to be addressed thoroughly.

This article explains the motivation and the theoretical underpinnings of a master's level course on generative design for earth and masonry architecture., Design Informatics, Teachers of Practice / AE+T

The paper reports the formulation, the design, and the results of a serious game developed for structuring negotiations concerning the redevelopment of a university campus with various stakeholders. The main aim of this research was to formulate the redevelopment planning problem as an abstract and discrete decision-making problem involving multiple actions, multiple actors with preconceived gains and losses with respect to the comprising actions, and decisions as combinations of actions. Using fictitious and yet realistic scenarios and stakeholders as simulation, the results evidence how different levels of democratic participation and different modes of moderation can affect reaching a consensus and present in a mathematical characterisation of a consensus as a state of equilibrium. The small set of actions and actors enabled a chance to compute a theoretically optimal state of consensus, where the efficiency and the effectiveness of different modes of moderation and participatory rights could be observed and analysed., Heritage & Values, Design Informatics, Architectural Engineering +Technology

© 2020, © 2020, The Author(s). This paper suggests development of a flexible, lightweight, and ultra-sensitive piezoresistive flow sensor based on vertical graphene nanosheets (VGNs) with a mazelike structure. The sensor was thoroughly characterized for steady-state and oscillatory water flow monitoring applications. The results demonstrated a high sensitivity (103.91 mV (mm/s)−1) and a very low-velocity detection threshold (1.127 mm s−1) in steady-state flow monitoring. As one of many potential applications, we demonstrated that the proposed VGNs/PDMS flow sensor can closely mimic the vestibular hair cell sensors housed inside the semicircular canals (SCCs). As a proof of concept, magnetic resonance imaging of the human inner ear was conducted to measure the dimensions of the SCCs and to develop a 3D printed lateral semicircular canal (LSCC). The sensor was embedded into the artificial LSCC and tested for various physiological movements. The obtained results indicate that the flow sensor is able to distinguish minute changes in the rotational axis physical geometry, frequency, and amplitude. The success of this study paves the way for extending this technology not only to vestibular organ prosthesis but also to other applications such as blood/urine flow monitoring, intravenous therapy (IV), water leakage monitoring, and unmanned underwater robots through incorporation of the appropriate packaging of devices.[Figure not available: see fulltext.]

In arid and semi-arid ecosystems, shortage of water can trigger changes in landscapes’ structures and function leading to degradation and desertification. Hydrological connectivity is a useful framework for understanding water redistribution and scaling issues associated with runoff and sediment production, since human and/or natural disturbances alter surface water availability and pathways increasing/decreasing connectivity. In this paper, we illustrate the use of the connectivity framework for several examples of dryland systems that are analysed at a variety of spatial and temporal scales. In doing so, we draw particular attention to the analysis of coevolution of system structures and function, and how they may drive threshold behaviour leading to desertification and degradation. We first analyse the case of semi-arid rangelands, where feedbacks between the decline in vegetation density and landscape erosion reinforces degradation processes driven by changes in connectivity until a threshold is crossed above which the return to a functional system is unlikely. We then focus on semi-arid wetlands, where decreases in water volumes promote terrestrial vegetation encroachment that changes drainage conditions and connectivity, potentially reinforcing redistribution of flow paths to other wetland areas. The analysis of dryland wetlands is based on a novel hydrologic connectivity index derived using inundation requirements for wetland vegetation associations. The examples presented highlight the need to incorporate a coevolutionary framework for the analysis of changing connectivity patterns and the emergence of thresholds in arid and semi-arid systems.

Cancer is a heterogeneous disease that requires a multimodal approach to diagnose, manage and treat. A better understanding of the disease biology can lead to identification of novel diagnostic/prognostic biomarkers and the discovery of the novel therapeutics with the goal of improving patient outcomes. Employing advanced technologies can facilitate this, enabling better diagnostic and treatment for cancer patients. In this regard, microfluidic technology has emerged as a promising tool in the studies of cancer, including single cancer cell analysis, modeling angiogenesis and metastasis, drug screening and liquid biopsy. Microfluidic technologies have opened new ways to study tumors in the preclinical and clinical settings. In this chapter, we highlight novel application of this technology in area of fundamental, translational and clinical cancer research.

© 2019 Elsevier B.V. Expression of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) in cancer cells plays an important role in cancer-immune cell interaction. The emerging evidence suggests regulation of PD-L1 expression by several tumor microenvironmental cues. However, the association of PD-L1 expression with chemical and mechanical features of the tumor microenvironment, specifically epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling and matrix stiffness, remains elusive. Herein, we determine whether EGFR targeting and substrate stiffness affect the regulation of PD-L1 expression. Breast carcinoma cell lines, MCF7 and MDA-MB-231, were cultured under different conditions targeting EGFR and exposing cells to distinct substrate stiffness to evaluate PD-L1 expression. Furthermore, the ability to form aggregates in short-term culture of breast carcinoma cells and its effect on expression level of PD-L1 was probed. Our results indicated that PD-L1 expression was altered in response to both EGFR inhibition and substrate stiffness. Additionally, a positive association between the formation of multicellular aggregates and PD-L1 expression was observed. MDA-MB-231 cells expressed the highest PD-L1 level on a stiff substrate, while inhibition of EGFR reduced expression of PD-L1. The results suggested that both physical and chemical features of tumor microenvironment regulate PD-L1 expression through alteration of tumor aggregate formation potential. In line with these results, the in-silico study highlighted a positive correlation between PD-L1 expression, EGFR signaling, epithelial to mesenchymal transition related transcription factors (EMT-TFs) and stemness markers in metastatic breast cancer. These findings improve our understanding of regulation of PD-L1 expression by tumor microenvironment leading to evasion of tumor cells from the immune system.

© 2019 Elsevier B.V. There is an indispensable need for fluid flow rate and direction sensors in various medical, industrial and environmental applications. Besides the critical demands on sensing range of flow parameters (such as rate, velocity, direction and temperature), the properties of different target gases or liquids to be sensed pose challenges to the development of reliable, inexpensive and low powered sensors. This paper presents an overview of the work done on design and development of Microelectromechanical system (MEMS)-based flow sensors in recent years. In spite of using some similar principles, diverse production methods, analysis strategies, and different sensing materials, MEMS flow sensors can be broadly categorized into three main types, namely thermal sensors, piezoresistive sensors and piezoelectric sensors. Additionally, some key challenges and future prospects for the use of the MEMS flow sensors are discussed briefly.

© 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. To date, a myriad of strategies has been suggested for targeting the chemical signaling of cancer cells. Also, biomechanical features are gaining much more attention. These features can be used as biomarkers which influence cancer progression. Current approaches on cancer treatment are mainly focused on changing the biochemical signaling of cancer cells, whereas less attention was devoted to their biomechanical properties. Herein, we propose targeting of cancer cell mechanics through the microenvironmental mechanical and chemical cues. As such, we examined the role of substrate stiffness as well as the effect of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) blockade in the cell mechanics. As a mechanical stimulus, stiff and soft polydimethylsiloxane substrates were utilized, while as a chemical stimulus, EGFR blockade was considered. Thus, breast cancer cell lines, MCF7 and MDA-MB-231, were cultured among chemical and mechanical groups. The local elasticity of cancer cells was assessed by atomic force microscopy nanoindentation method. Furthermore, we evaluated the effect of mentioned mechanical and chemical treatments on the morphology, actin cytoskeleton structures, and cancer cell migration abilities. The stiffness and migration ability of cancer cells increased by substrate stiffening while Cetuximab treatment demonstrated an elevation in the elastic modulus of cells followed by a reduction in the migration ability. These findings indicate that cancer cell mechanics is modulated not only by the mechanical cues but also by the chemical ones through EGFR signaling pathway. Overall, our results illustrate that manipulation of cell mechanics allows for the possible modulation of tumor cell migration. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 107A: 1569–1581, 2019.

We study plasmonic excitations in the limit of few electrons, in one-atom-thick sodium chains. We compare the excitations to classical localized plasmon modes, and we find for the longitudinal mode a quantum-classical transition around 10 atoms. The transverse mode appears at much higher energies than predicted classically for all chain lengths. The electric field enhancement is also considered, which is made possible by considering the effects of electron-phonon coupling on the broadening of the electronic spectra. Large field enhancements are possible on the molecular level allowing us to consider the validity of using molecules as the ultimate small size limit of plasmonic antennas. Additionally, we consider the case of a dimer system of two sodium chains, where the gap can be considered as a picocavity, and we analyze the charge-transfer states and their dependence on the gap size as well as chain size. Our results and methods are useful for understanding and developing ultrasmall, tunable, and novel plasmonic devices that utilize quantum effects that could have applications in quantum optics, quantum metamaterials, cavity-quantum electrodynamics, and controlling chemical reactions, as well as deepening our understanding of localized plasmons in low-dimensional molecular systems.

The nano-sized silver was obtained from a tail solution from acid leaching at the Mouteh gold mine in Iran that also contained copper (II), iron (II) and Zn. The process developed at laboratory scale involved addition of ammonia, filtering, adding hydrazinium sulphate to the filtrate, washing the resulting precipitate with sulphuric acid, water washing and drying, adding nitric acid then ammonia to produce a silver ammoniacal complex. Addition of hydrazinium sulphate in methanol to this complex resulted in the precipitation of nanoscale silver powder, characterised by SEM, EDAX and UV-visible spectrum spectroscopy. The process variables (pH, residence time, concentrations, molar ratios) were investigated for their effects on the reactions and on the dimensions of the particles produced., The nano-sized silver was obtained from a tail solution from acid leaching at the Mouteh gold mine in Iran that also contained copper (II), iron (II) and Zn. The process developed at laboratory scale involved addition of ammonia, filtering, adding hydrazinium sulphate to the filtrate, washing the resulting precipitate with sulphuric acid, water washing and drying, adding nitric acid then ammonia to produce a silver ammoniacal complex. Addition of hydrazinium sulphate in methanol to this complex resulted in the precipitation of nanoscale silver powder, characterised by SEM, EDAX and UV-visible spectrum spectroscopy. The process variables (pH, residence time, concentrations, molar ratios) were investigated for their effects on the reactions and on the dimensions of the particles produced.