Strategies for the Design and Construction of Nature-Inspired & Living Laboratory (NILL 1.0) Buildings.

This article explores the growing prominence of nature-inspired design philosophies in the context of sustainability and human well-being within the built environment and focuses on their application within laboratory buildings. Biomimicry and biophilic design are highlighted as key nature-inspired design approaches, with biomimicry drawing inspiration from nature for innovations and biophilic design promoting human health through enhancing the connection with the surrounding natural elements. This paper further discusses living building strategy as an emerging method for creating dynamic and adaptable spaces by prioritizing user experience through co-creation and focusing on sustainable and regenerative structures.

An IoT-Based Road Bridge Health Monitoring and Warning System.

Recent earthquakes worldwide have led to significant loss of life and structural damage to infrastructure, especially road bridges. Existing bridge monitoring systems have limitations, including restricted detection capabilities, subjectivity, human error, labor-intensive inspections, limited access to remote areas, and high costs. Aging infrastructures pose a critical concern for organizations and government funding policies, showing signs of decay and impending structural failure.

Applications of Biomimicry in Architecture, Construction and Civil Engineering.

Globally, the construction sector is regarded as one of the major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption, freshwater usage, resource utilization, and solid waste generation. With a constantly growing population and increased urbanization, this is only predicted to rise. Thus, achieving sustainable development in the construction sector has become an urgent necessity.

Periprocedural and long-term safety and feasibility of direct oral anticoagulants in patients with biological valve undergoing radiofrequency catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation: a prospective multicenter study.

Background: Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are contraindicated in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and mechanical cardiac valves. However, safety and efficacy are controversial in patients with biological cardiac valves.

Objective: We report the safety and feasibility of periprocedural and long-term treatment with DOACs in patients with biological valves undergoing ablation for AF.

Evidence of relevant electrical connection between the left atrial appendage and the great cardiac vein during catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation.

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) triggers within the coronary sinus (CS)/great cardiac vein (GCV) and the left atrial appendage (LAA) have been recognized as nonpulmonary vein triggers of AF.

Objective: The aim of this study was to describe an electrical connection between the LAA and CS/GCV and its importance in achieving LAA electrical isolation (LAAEI).

Methods: A total of 488 consecutive patients undergoing catheter ablation for persistent or long-standing persistent AF who showed firing from the LAA and/or from the CS/GCV were enrolled in this multicenter prospective study.