bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simulating life history trade-offs of clonal plants in drought
Authors: Deng R
Published: December 2022

This study investigates responses of clonal plants and non-clonal plants to drought and their competition results using a spatial simulator based on clonal and nonclonal life history strategies. The clonal and non-clonal plants are designed as two phenotypes of one generic species with facultative clonal growth. Therefore, both phenotypes share the same life histories beside their allocation to aboveground and belowground growth, resulting in differences in leaf biomass, underground storage, and seed reproduction. Clonal plants tend to store biomass underground which would boost survival in the long-term, while non-clonal plants invest towards aboveground growth and thus more seed reproduction in the short-term. It is shown that allocation to storage in clonal plants provide them with an advantage when faced with severe drought since they can resprout from belowground. In comparison, non-clonal plants do better when there is no drought as they allocate more to aboveground growth and seeds. The simulations results have demonstrated how clonal life histories might impact plant population dynamics under drought, which might increase in frequency and extent as anthropogenic climate change continues. It also can be easily parameterized to investigate other species of interest under other environmental conditions.
Ecological wastewater treatment with activated clays and its reuse in asparagus plants
Authors: Cuba Carmen , Arroyo Victor , Cuba Roberto , Morales Jose , Cuba Juan , Euribe Carlos , Arroyo Jhonattan
Published: December 2022

Water treatment, abundant clay in the area, for the elimination of particles and microorganisms in wastewater and disinfection through alcoholic extract of the molle, which has a high concentration of tannins that acts as a germicide, not affecting the asparagus during cold washing, saving thousands of cubic meters of groundwater daily. The study has explanatory level and experimental design. The weekly sample (drinking water, residual water and treated water) taken during 3 months, equivalent to 36 water samples. The flocculant capacity of the activated clays depends on the pH of the wastewater, tests were carried out to determine the pH, the experimental tests indicated that pH‹7 its flocculant capacity is restricted as with pH› 7, for which it is worked with a pH7, that is to say neutral. It is concluded that the flocculant capacity of the activated clays was 82.92%, ensuring water treatment. The adequate concentration of activated clays is 60 mg/L, achieving a maximum flocculation of 82.92%. Activated clays have action on pathogenic microorganisms: Escherichia coli, fecal coliforms and total coliforms, which are eliminated, since they are dragged by the flocs to the bottom of the container, leaving the supernatant water free.
Perception of Environment Sustainability, Lifestyle, Green Purchasing Behavior, and Eco-innovation
Authors: Vuong Quang Hung
Published: December 2022

Many industries are actively engaged in environmental concerns and innovations. Among them, the furniture industry is also experiencing changes locally and globally and in its value chain. This article takes the furniture industry in the Vietnam market as the primary context. Although Vietnam is one of the largest exporters of wooden furniture abroad, as in some countries globally, environmental sustainability in design and production is still limited. In fact, various studies have shown that many consumers are willing to pay high prices for products with environmental protection factors. In addition, sometimes they turn their hobbies into new lifestyles and different trends. Therefore, to penetrate this emerging green product market, environmental factors have been identified as key design elements for sustainability. This study demonstrates the reference between theory and practice to advise on ecological innovation strategy of furniture enterprises, specifically furniture manufacturing enterprises in the Vietnam market. To do this, firms need to understand the core relationship between perception of environmental sustainability, lifestyle, green purchasing behavior, and eco-innovation. From there, they can orient eco-innovation in their organization’s activities and business processes. Therefore, this relationship will be explored in this study.
Investigating the relationship between agricultural water usage and water quality in California
Authors: Jing R
Published: December 2022

California has a highly developed agriculture system, but it faces many challenges associated with water supply and water quality. This research examines the relationship between agricultural water use and water quality at multiple scales, including a comparison of southern and northern California, analysis of seven regions, and four counties within the Central Valley, which accounts for more than 70% of agricultural water use in the state. Statistical analyses of georeferenced data from USGS and CIMIS were used to test the hypothesis that higher agricultural water use is associated with lower water quality. Results indicate that while there is no significant difference in water quality between southern and northern California, there are significant differences among regions. Furthermore, within the Central Valley, there is a significant inverse relationship between agricultural water use and two of three water quality indicators, namely dissolved oxygen and dissolved nitrate. Although further research is necessary to establish causality, these findings suggest that policymakers need to consider the effects of water use on water quality in planning California’s future agricultural development.
Microplastics uptake in wild Asian green mussels sampled from Pasir Putih estuary in Johor, Malaysia
Authors: Zahid A Z M , Kamaruddin S F , Saifullizam N Z , Chik W S W , Rani N H A
Published: December 2022

The high concentrations of plastic and plastic debris in the environment continue to rise each year as most plastics undergo minimal biological degradation. As plastics are exposed to sunlight, the atmosphere, and water, these polymers break into smaller pieces and become individual polymer molecules. In this study, the presence of microplastics (MPs) in mussels was investigated. Wild Asian green mussels (Perna viridis) samples were collected from the Pasir Putih estuary for 3 months and were categorised according to size. The density was separated using NaCl solution, and the removed soft tissues were digested with 10% KOH solution. By using FTIR spectrometry, of the particles identified in all samples collected, the majority were nylon (polyamides) in the form of fibres. The average number of fibres detected in small, medium, and large samples is 1.31, 1.05, and 0.79 items/g, respectively. Despite the widespread MPs in the environment, the actual number of MPs, particularly MP fibres, is unprecedented and expected to be higher. The abundance of MPs detected in mussels not only affects health, fecundity, and ecosystem services provided by bivalves but also presents a route for human exposure.
Fundamental Study on Combustion Characteristics of Bio-briquette as Alternative Fuels for Domestic Coffee Stove
Authors: Khairil  , Arwiyan Irfan , Akhyar  , Sofyan Sarwo Edhy
Published: December 2022

The aim of this study is to perform the effect of coffee waste blended in bio-briquette as an alternative fuel for domestic coffee stove. The sample of bio-briquette were blended with a variation of composition coffee waste, coal and polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) glue as a binder. The sample of bio-briquette was introduced in electric furnace with combustion atmosphere by using of 20% excess air condition. In the experiment, the mass reduction fraction, combustion rate, flame temperature of burning bio-briquettes was elucidated. The results obtained shows there are influenced of mass decreasing with an increasing of coffee waste blends, where the more of composition coffee wastes was added causes the faster of mass decreasing fraction of bio-briquette. The rate of combustion (K) increases with increasing percentage of coffee waste, where the largest K is obtained 6.05 (1 / second) in the composition of 90% coffee waste, while the smallest K of 4.55 (1 / second) is obtained in the composition of 30% coffee waste. The highest flame temperature occurs in the mixture of coffee waste 90% which is equal to 580 ° C and the lowest fire temperature occurs in the mixture of coffee waste 30% that is equal to 410 ° C.
The Optimization and Parameters Effect on Distilled Product from Pyrolysis of LDPE based on RSM for Liquid Fuel Production
Authors: Mueanmas Chokchai
Published: December 2022

Pyrolysis of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) was performed based on response surface methodology (RSM) with central composite design (CCD) to investigate the effect of process parameters such as temperature (385 – 425°C), residence time (30 – 180 min) and heating rate (5 - 20°C/min) on the % distilled product. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to determine the optimal and effect process parameters and the adequacy of the model. The ANOVA results showed that the temperature, time and heating rate had a significant effect on the % distilled product, which the temperature was found to have a greater effect on response than residence time and heating rate. The correlation coefficients of developed second order quadratic models found close to 1.0, which was best fitted to develop the relation between independent and dependent variables. The optimal process parameters obtained were temperature of 413°C, time 131 min and heating rate 12°C/min and the corresponding prediction result was % distilled product of 85.1497. The deviation value of the predicted model with experimental data was checked by confirmation test. Its results showed that the error was within 5%. Therefore, the optimization results can use to be guidance for application in the large-scale industrial.
Determine effective moisture diffusivity of non-isothermal drying process of shrinkage material
Authors: Le Kieu Hiep
Published: December 2022

Drying is a dehydration process that can help to prolongate storage time, improve product quality, and reduce transportation cost. Although being applied for food processing for a long time, the drying process still needs to be further investigated for optimizing the dryer design and operations. Among the thermal physical properties of food material, the effective diffusivity of moisture is an essential input parameter for drying process calculation. This parameter is traditionally estimated by fitting the drying curve with the mathematical solution obtained from the isothermal drying process for a non-shrinkage material. Hence, the predicted moisture content and temperature evolutions over time deviate significantly compared to the experimental observation. In this paper, the moisture diffusivity is computed using the inverse method. Firstly, a diffusion drying model, in which the material shrinkage is accounted for, was developed. The effective moisture diffusivity was obtained via an optimization routine where the deviation between the numerical and experimental moisture content profiles is minimized. This methodology has been applied to estimate the diffusivity of carrots during classical and ultrasonic-assisted convective drying. The results indicated that the experimental observation can be accurately predicted by the numerical result.
Valorization of greek – Naxos emery in environmental friendly applications
Authors: Kakavas K V , Binas V D , Kasiteropoulou D , Christodoulou D N
Published: December 2022

The purpose of this study is to investigate the chemical composition of Greek Naxos emery, and reuse of Naxos emery in the light of new environmental applications discovered. Its chemical composition will help us to propose alternative ways of exploiting and using it. Emery was characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and X-Ray diffraction (XRD) and it was revealed that Greek emery elemental analysis showed that it consists of Oxygen, Aluminum, Silica, Carbon, Calcium and less Antimonium and Iron. Antimonium is the key element for Greek – Naxos emery. The three main components are Quartz, Diasporite and Hematite. By reusing emery through new innovative environmental applications, we can achieve sustainable management and environmental integration.
Cross-linking the peroxidase: from potato peel valorization to colored effluents treatment
Authors: Svetozarević M , Šekuljica N , Dajić A , Mihajlović M , Popovski Z , Mijin D
Published: December 2022

Despite the obvious benefits from mass production such as an increased productivity, lower product cost and rapid evolution, nowadays we are dealing with energy consumption issues and pollution. The generated waste poses a threat to the environment, so new green techniques are developed constantly. Waste valorization is one of the trending concepts that is a part of sustainability strategies. Potato exploitation due to mass production of chips, hash browns, frozen food and starch leads to a formation of high waste load. There are several available ways for potato peel valorization: as a biofertilizer, as a substrate for microbial growth, as an adsorbent, for extraction of antioxidants and for extraction of enzymes. The enzyme peroxidase is abundant in potato peel. This enzyme uses hydrogen peroxide as an activator and can be readily used for oxidation of different compounds - pollutants. In this study, peroxidase was isolated from potato peel and immobilized as cross-linked enzyme aggregates. Pectin was used as a green cross-linker. The immobilized potato peel peroxidase was used for degradation of a textile anthraquinone dye Lanaset Violet B. Under the optimal process parameters: pH 3, 0.4 mM hydrogen peroxide, 0.8 μmol/min CLEA peroxidase, 10 mg/L dye and 70 min, 85.71±1.45 % dye degradation was achieved. The operational stability, as a key parameter for immobilized enzyme systems, was also examined. After 4 cycles CLEA peroxidase kept 31.57±1.79 % of its biodegradation efficiency.
Critical success factors towards resilient agri-food supply chains
Authors: Kontopanou M , Tsoulfas G T
Published: December 2022

Resilience is proposed as one of the main characteristics a contemporary supply chain system should possess in order to deal with the uncertainties created by the latest environmental, economic, and social crises. Especially in the case of the agri-food supply chains, the need to ensure that they are capable of responding to such disruptions has started to lead to the implementation of new practices considering the creation of more resilient and adaptable agri-food supply chain systems. This transitioning can be complicated as the integration of new practices involves the overcoming of certain barriers that occur. The aim of this research is to identify and discuss the critical success factors for the creation of resilient agri-food supply chains.
New temperature indices for the estimation of temperature variability. Application in Athens’s greater area.
Authors: Zacharaki K , Tseliou A , Rapsomanikis N , Zervas E
Published: December 2022

This current work attempts to explore the temperature’s variability through the selection of indicators that refer to the increases and decreases of three typical values of daily temperature (mean, maximum, minimum). The primary meteorological data that has been used come from the station of the Hellenic National Meteorological Service in Tatoi, the period 1955 to 2001. In total, nine indicators were developed; the time series of the number of days recorded with decrease, increase or stability of the day-by-day temperature’s characteristic value were examined annually and seasonally. The results of time series analysis led to the conclusion that, as time passes, there are changes in the decrease, increase and stability of the mean, minimum and maximum day-by-day temperature variability.
The effect of local climatic conditions on the building integration of photovoltaics
Authors: Skandalos Nikolaos , Kapsalis Vasileios , Karamanis Dimitris
Published: December 2022

The current work reports on the effect of local climatic conditions on electricity generation of typical building integrated photovoltaic systems (BIPVs). Three different climates of a) semi-continental with increased heating needs, b) Mediterranean with moderate heating and cooling needs and c) hot desert with high cooling needs are considered for BIPV systems. The evaluation of the BIPV electricity generation was done through validated TRNSYS simulations. The findings show that local climatic conditions influence the BIPV electricity generation due mainly to the temperature effect and the different interaction of the solar radiation components with the PV building integration.
Passive house design in temperate continental climate for increasing indoor comfort conditions
Authors: Dumitrașcu A I , Corduban C G , Hapurne T M , Bliuc I
Published: December 2022

In the last couple of years, we have witnessed dramatic changes in the fabric of our society, with great impact on cities, neighborhoods and living conditions. Therefore, the contemporary architectural discourse tries to shift its attention towards these social, cultural and climatic changes, while trying to better respond to the challenges that occur in our society at different levels. The present paper analyzes a project for an energy efficient single-family house that integrates into a heterogeneous urban context, with specific constraints pertaining to local regulations and climatic regional conditions. The chosen site is situated in a historical area of Iasi, Romania, aspect that must be taken into account when proposing the overall volumetric concept. The passive design strategies have also been implemented in order to achieve the nZEB status. Among other energy and cost efficient solutions we mention: use of renewable energies along with a very efficient constructive system for an airtight house configuration; natural cross ventilation strategies and maximizing the daylight factor for all indoor spaces. Simulations in DIALux provided very good values for daylight factor, an important aspect for minimizing the energy consumption for electricity, especially during winter. For increasing the overall indoor comfort hours during summer and winter, additional systems/features were proposed for direct solar intake, shading and increase of thermal mass.
BIM methods and CDE in professional education for sustainable Design and Production
Authors: Gonzalez Alfaro P H , Dimovski N , Lamartina L , de Sá P J
Published: December 2022

Implementing Building Information Modelling (BIM) methods in education to support lecturing, consulting, and decision-making cooperates in shaping an environmentally conscious student’s design approach. Within KEA’s bachelor in Architectural Technology and Construction Management (ATCO), the didactic supports digitalisation for building design and production. About the design aspects, for instance, in the 4th semester, 3D virtual digital building models are developed via BIM software with engineered timber load-bearing structural system, parametric formulas for embodied CO2 volumes calculation, thermal requirements, envelope design, light transmittance, low energy consumption, adequate acoustic conditions, and good indoor climate conditions. These factors can play an essential role in actual and future carbon-neutral buildings. Regarding production, environmentally friendly buildings use sustainable materials and efficient operational solutions and handle the BIM data and metadata in the corresponding Common Data Environment (CDE). In this fashion, production, operation and maintenance phases can be run appropriately. As a study case, we bring the KEA ATCO’s 4th semester mandatory joint assignment based on a combination of students’ group and individual work. The assignment requires BIM methods and CDE to control sustainability parameters related to the manufacturing and the site operation.
Sustainability through passive energy biomimetics systems in Architecture. Comparative analysis of case studies.
Authors: Dikou C , Kourniatis N
Published: December 2022

Nowadays, people face two serious problems: the energy problem and the depletion of natural resources. Current solutions for managing environmental change have caused a great deal of waste of energy on heating, cooling, ventilation, and lighting of our buildings. In the current paper, we propose an innovative multidisciplinary design system to combine biology, engineering, and basic principles of architecture for the construction of the building envelope that regulates environmental aspects. The study is based on adaptation strategies from biological systems and the contribution of “smart” materials and technologies toward the energy optimization of modern and future constructions, through the imitation of biological functions. Four bio-inspiration case studies are presented along with their architectural application, finishing with a comparative analysis to assess how well this methodology can be used in both present and future architecture and design. This research’s objective is to show how we can create a systematic transfer of knowledge between biology and technology. It aims to learn from biological principles and to apply this understanding to the development of bio-inspired structures, to understand the importance and impact that the use of bio-inspiration in architecture can have on the energy discussion.
Circadian stimulus calculators as environmental building design tools: Early results of a critical review
Authors: Kotsenos A , Madias E N , Topalis F , Doulos L
Published: December 2022

Lighting is a hugely important aspect of the environmental building design. During the past decades the building industry has been primarily concerned with the illuminance and the energy efficiency part of the artificial lighting rather than the human health. Latest studies emphatically state that a proper lighting design and luminaire types should promote the circadian rhythm. In the present study the differences between two available Circadian Stimulus CS calculator algorithms are identified. More analytically the CS calculators are applied to a number of measured spectral power distributions (SPD) of a commercial tunable white LED luminaire (2000K-6500K). The different impact between the CS calculators for the same measured spectral power distributions is concluded through the evaluation and comparisons of the results. The different results of the CS estimations for the same SPD could affect significantly the circadian lighting design and the proper selection of a luminaire.
The sustainable design of atrium at the times of adaptation to the impacts of climate change; the case of Mediterranean cities
Authors: Nastou Marina Panagiota P , Zerefos Stelios C
Published: December 2022

This research aims to accentuate the sustainability of the atrium, as an architectural suggestion and a tool with environmental value. As it has a recognizable structure with form and well-known function applied in the history of architecture, it is also related to beneficial results in the heating and cooling of the building of which it is part. It should be accentuated that, especially in Mediterranean climates, the atrium is encountered with particular types and connections to the wholeness of the structure. In the urban web there are buildings with courtyard, backyard, interior atrium, garden, or semi-outdoor spaces. The pre-mentioned instances contribute with vital importance to the heating and cooling of the building, as well as to the ventilation and the reception of natural light. Thus, the atrium presents a substantial solution to the amelioration of the microclimate of a building and even of a neighbourhood, via the exploitation of the characteristics of the construction (materials, openings, height, function) in combination with the exterior conditions. The traditional form of courtyards could lead to adaptation and mitigation measures, regarding the impacts of climate change. Moreover, the case of Athens, as an instance of a Mediterranean city, presents an interesting result of rules and regulations for the organization of the population’s growth, which created blocks with courts in their centre, structuring the analysis of built-and-empty spaces. The microclimate and the conditions of improving the land uses of the buildings with such courtyards is of great importance, especially in city-centres with the phenomenon of urban-heat-island, like Athens. Therefore, the atrium and its tradition seem to be a vital solution of sustainability for the adaptation to the climate change and the maintenance of life quality.
Design and Sustainable Construction in the Contemporary Work of Norman Foster
Authors: Pantoja M F F , Póvoas R H F , Pantoja J C , Sales A C M N
Published: December 2022

In the words of English architect Norman Foster, delivered at the Green Agenda Forum in 2015: “As an architect, you design for the present, with an awareness of the past, for a future that is essentially unknown”. Such words still reverberate in the contemporaneity of the new century, bringing to light the necessary and urgent sustainable approach in a multi and interdisciplinary field. To bring up studies and discussions about new possibilities, new paths for buildings and cities. The methodology of the article will be to elucidate, through the selection of examples by the architect Norman Foster, buildings in the urban context that combine sustainable integrated thinking and that, in some way, contribute to the improvement of our cities. Through these examples, we seek to disseminate sustainable design methodologies that support sustainable design and construction in accordance with the objectives of the Global Agenda for Sustainable Development to promote more resilient and sustainable cities due to the delicate moment the planet faces in terms of scarcity of resources. The article brings an in-depth study of contemporary cases, within the scope of the building inserted in the urban fabric and all its infrastructure, to elucidate the intersection between design and sustainable construction. Through investigation of the design and construction mechanisms, to bring to light eco-efficient strategies or technologies employed, the main result is to establish parallels and disseminate actions in the field of architecture towards sustainability, to praise the urgent path that humanity is going through in order to guarantee the perpetuation of species and conditions of survival not only for current generations, but also for future generations.
Façade lighting of hotel buildings: Integration in the city and their impact on light pollution
Authors: Skiadopoulos G. , Sigala C. , Papalambrou A. , Balafoutis Th. , Kakogiannis N. , Doulos L. T.
Published: December 2022

The exterior lighting in hotel buildings has a significant impact on humans and the ambient environment of city centres. The case study is a small-sized Boutique hotel, located at the historic centre of Athens, as far as its façade lighting is concerned, in relation to the ambient environment and the lighting standards that the general area architecture has set. A special methodology is followed in order to estimate the consequences of the exterior lighting taking into account the relevant norms. The international databases and bibliography were studied also in order to identify best practices, regulations of similar cases and lighting systems that are used. Using existing regulations, lighting recommendations were identified and, in order to minimize light pollution, stricter restrictions were adopted. Finally, lighting calculations and visualizations were performed, using Relux software, in order to verify that the lighting methods and proposed equipment do not have an adverse impact in terms of light pollution.
Ventilation requirements and energy aspects: the case of hospitals
Authors: Panaras Giorgos , Gropca Risofile , Papadopoulos Giannis
Published: December 2022

Energy building design today aims to ensure thermal comfort and indoor air quality; this concern has been increased, given the recent SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. The proposed work investigates the effect of increased natural ventilation on energy requirements, ensuring low CO2 levels and acceptable Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) in general. The case of hospitals was chosen because of the stringent IAQ requirements they raise as a result of the burdened (physical, chemical, biological) indoor environment, as well as the vulnerable health of the patients. The current energy analysis was carried out in patient wards, waiting rooms, and operating rooms. The proposed correlation between IAQ and energy is infrequent in the relevant literature, especially for the case of hospitals. Different scenarios regarding the ventilation mode are examined, including pure natural ventilation, natural ventilation combined with air cleaners, as well as mechanical ventilation. According to the results, improvement of the air quality leads to higher energy demand; this is the case of mechanical ventilation, noting that not properly designed natural ventilation techniques may lead to high energy consumption, without ensuring acceptable IAQ. Air cleaners can contribute towards better environment, potentially decreasing ventilation requirements; the issue of fresh air adequacy has to be examined though. The demonstrated methodological analysis and results can help the designer to investigate the efficiency of different ventilation modes, involving the effect of thermal envelope, geometrical and operation parameters, towards the energy requirements minimization and IAQ quality maximization.
Housing and energy consumption in Greece. Households’ experiences and practices in the context of the energy crisis
Authors: Chatzikonstantinou E. , Katsoulakos N. , Vatavali F.
Published: December 2022

This paper investigates the challenges households face in Greece in the context of the current energy crisis. “Energy transition” policies, climate adaptation and mitigation goals, geopolitical tensions and COVID-19 pandemic have raised new stakes for the energy sector. Although the ‘big picture’ of the energy crisis is of high importance, it is significant to reflect on the consequences of the rise of energy prices on households. The aim of this paper is to address the impacts of the energy crisis and the crisis management policies on households in Greece. Our intention is to analyze the problems households face with regards to coping with their energy needs at home, investigate how the rise of energy prices has affected living standards and evaluate existing policies. We claim that focusing on households’ experiences and practices could contribute to a deeper understanding of energy poverty; a social problem which is expected to expand in the context of “energy transition.” Understanding energy poverty is also important for developing efficient policies, as well as for supporting bottom-up initiatives. The adopted methodology is based on a survey at national level that was implemented through a structured questionnaire, conducted in May 2022.
Flow simulation of self-consolidating concrete through V-funnel for sustainable buildings
Authors: Onyelowe K C , Kontoni D-P N , Ebid A M
Published: December 2022

Self-consolidating concrete (SCC) is one of the trending low-yield stress material innovations of the new age building industry due to its ability to flow through heavily reinforced structural members without segregation and without losing its moderate viscosity. In this research paper, a V-funnel simulation has been developed for the flow time to establish its validity with allowable design conditions according to the European standard. The Bernoulli’s equation and the continuity flow state conditions were adopted for the V-funnel of 515 mm upper width, 75 mm thick, and vertical dimensions (depth) of 450 mm and 150 mm for the V-section and funnel duct (75 mm × 65 mm) respectively. Concrete shear stress with the funnel wall was considered as a factor of concrete unit weight (ρ) and frictional force under downward velocity with respect to variational height (dh). The result of the V-funnel simulation for the flow time shows that the kinematic viscosity (η) of the concrete is bound within the limits of 0 and 1/64. This implies that ηmin ≈ 0 (no friction with walls), and the minimum flow time (Tmin) becomes 8.7 sec while minimum shear stress is zero (τmin ≈ 0 N/m2). However, for ηmax ≈ 1/64 (maximum friction with walls of τmax τ ρ/64 N/m2 is attained) and Tmax becomes 18.9 sec. These values fall within the flow time after 10 seconds of mixing, ranging between 8 and 10 seconds, and the flow time after 5 minutes of mixing of 11 to 25 seconds, according to the European Guidelines for self-consolidating concrete. These results for the flow simulation of the concrete placement during construction, are also consistent with the United Nations sustainable development goals (SDGs) for technological innovation, infrastructure, and sustainable cities.
Energy consumption in Greek school buildings as a function of the climate zone
Authors: Karali I , Giannarou S , Zervas E
Published: December 2022

In this study, the condition of school buildings throughout the Greek territory was analysed, with reference to the typology of the buildings and consequently to the date and the method of construction. Emphasis was placed on the importance of the schoolyard both for the educational process and for the psychology of the students and the contribution to the improvement of thermal comfort conditions in the school premises and in the wider area. The purpose of this study is to investigate the energy status of school buildings that have been energy upgraded in all 4 Climate Zones of Greece by collecting data on energy consumption, construction date, construction method, educational level, and interventions. The research was based on questionnaires completed by users of school buildings to capture the reality of thermal comfort, air quality and energy efficiency after the interventions. Thus, considering the specific climatic conditions of each region, useful conclusions are drawn regarding the efficiency of the interventions and the actions required achieving real energy efficiency. After all, according to an EU directive, public buildings must be converted into zero-energy buildings.
The future of public transport in the era of sharing economy: the view of transport operators
Authors: Gouni Varvara , Kehagia Fotini , Nalmpantis Dimitrios
Published: December 2022

The purpose of this paper is to examine the new landscape that is being formed for urban public transport in the new age of the sharing economy. In this paper, the evolution of shared mobility systems is examined through a literature review and the way that this trend is shaping the landscape of urban public transportation. Moreover, through a questionnaire survey amongst public transportation experts, the megatrends that are formed among public transport operators are examined, i.e., in which way they will respond to the new reality, e.g., will they take a competing or a collaborative stance, and how the modal split will be affected? Twenty-two (22) public transport experts from all over the world participated in the survey. It was found that carsharing and autonomous vehicles will positively affect the demand for urban public transport. Nevertheless, it was found that autonomous cars without carsharing will not have the desired results on demand for urban public transport, a finding that is crucial! Moreover, the experts seem to be very positive about public transport operators offering carsharing and autonomous vehicle services by their own means. The results were analyzed with the use of independent samples t-test and ANOVA.
“Transforming a power plant into an Educational Centre: Agia Small Hydroelectric Power Plant”
Authors: Bourbourakis Panagiotis J. , Tsikalakis Georgios J.
Published: December 2022

Renewable Energy Sources (RES) is the spearhead of the current global energy and technological market. However, RES has been part of our everyday life for many decades. Hydroelectric energy, the prime of the RES’s, had a pioneer presence at the non-interconnected island of Crete, where the Small Hydroelectric Power Plant (SHPP) of Agia ceased its operation after eighty years of service. Subsequently, the owner of the plant decided to grant the permission of use of the plant facilities to the Prefecture of Crete and to finance the renovation of the facilities, towards the design and erection of a museum and information center for the Renewable Energy Sources, for the Culture of Water and for the promotion of “acting green”. Furthermore, the information center, combined with the amazing natural environment and adjacent ecosystem of Lake Agia, create a sightseeing of high educational and ecological interest. In the project, we highlight a good example of utilizing the infrastructure and facilities of a past Renewable Energy Sources Power Plant and transforming it into an Educational Centre, focusing on environmental sustainability and education.
Road investment and safety in middle- and high-income countries in the framework of sustainability
Authors: Kehagia F , Giannaki M
Published: December 2022

The rise of economic growth and transport activities worldwide has led to an increase in reliance on vehicles. However, transport activities are associated with several negative impacts, with road safety being a major environmental-societal issue. The main aim of this study is to investigate a possible relationship between investment in road infrastructure and mortality rate due to road accidents. To assess the economic resources invested in roads, the analysis was conducted in two separate groups: middle-income and high-income countries. World Road Statistics 2017, IRF, period 2010-2015, provided data for the analysis of the impact of the economic resources invested in roads, expressed in specific indicators on road casualties. Mortality rate was used as the dependent variable, while the independent variables were: percentage of paved roads, density of the total road network, and proportion of highways. The parameter of economic resources invested in roads is expressed indirectly by the categorization of the middle- and high-income of the countries. In middle-income countries, the provision of a road network increases mobility, and thus the exposure to risk and the possibility of a road accident increases. In high-income countries, the highway network has a significant impact on reducing road accident mortality rate.
Simulation of self-compacting concrete (SCC) passing ability using the L-box model for sustainable buildings
Authors: Onyelowe K C , Kontoni D-P N , Ebid A M
Published: December 2022

The self-compacting concrete (SCC), which is the major innovation of the concrete technology of the 21stcentury, has been sustained due to its impact on the sustainable construction of infrastructures. Various additives have been coupled into the production of SCC to improve its passing ability, flow, shear stress, dynamic resistance and segregation resistance. The flow of the SCC is experimentally measured through various models, which include Slump-cone, V-funnel, L-box, U-box, J-ring, etc., by which the flowability, passing ratio (passing ability), etc., are determined. In this research paper, the L-box model has been used to simulate the flow output condition, which is the passing ratio (h2/h1) of the SCC, to optimize its passing ability for sustainable concreting. The passing ability of the SCC through the L-box was estimated by recording the heights at the upstream (h1) and downstream (h2) of the horizontal leg of the test box at the end of the flow through embedded steel bars. Stress and pressure boundary conditions for the flow state condition were deployed to solve the passing ratio simulation problem for the L-box model. The results show that the optimized passing ratio (flow output), h2/h1, falls within the appropriate European Guidelines for Self-Compacting Concrete (SCC) materials.
External cost of pollutant emissions in Turkey
Authors: Büke T , Köne A Ç
Published: December 2022

External costs that occur in the use of energy resources are one of the most important criteria in determining energy and environmental policies. For this purpose, it is important to know the external costs of any energy sources. The purpose of this study is to calculate external costs due to air pollutants in Turkey for the years 2000 and 2019. The air pollutants namely ammonia, nonmethane volatile organic compounds, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and sulphur dioxide have been taken into consideration in the evaluation for the impact categories-human health damage, loss of biodiversity, crop losses, and buildings damaged. These pollutant emissions data were obtained from the European Environmental Agency database. Then, these pollutant emissions data were used in the monetization calculations for the years 2000 and 2019. According to the evaluation, air pollutant emissions’ total external costs in Turkey were 25135,72 Million Euros and 24654,42 Million Euros for the years 2000 and 2019 respectively.
Barometric Pressure as a correction factor for low-cost particulate matter sensors
Authors: Christakis I. , Moutzouris K. , Tsakiridis O. , Stavrakas I.
Published: December 2022

Concentration of particulate matter constitutes a major, environmental problem affecting human health especially in urban areas. Although research centers and government agencies have air quality monitoring systems installed, their limited number prevents the spatiotemporal analysis in urban areas. EU funds research projects to engage citizens for air quality issues. The aim is to involve citizens to install low-cost air quality measuring stations to develop a wider network and to retrieve accurate information about air quality. The use of low-cost sensors arise questions about the reliability of the measurements. It is known, that particles concentration measurement are affected by humidity and temperature. Several models have been proposed to remove the impact of the temperature and humidity on the particle’s measurements but the impact of barometric pressure is under investigation. In this work, an extensive study is performed on the barometric pressure aftermath and corrective factors are proposed in relation to it. The pilot stations were installed next to high cost official stations for a month to calibrate the low-cost sensors. Herein, a model of multiple linear regression is presented to confirm the importance of barometric pressure correction, with the ultimate goal being the optimization of the low-cost particle sensors measured values.
Modelling of NMVOC emissions from solvents use in Greece
Authors: Sebos I , Kallinikos L E
Published: December 2022

The use of solvents and other volatile organic chemicals is a significant source of Non-Methane Volatile Organic Compounds (NMVOCs) emissions. Due to the wide spectrum of applications of solvents and numerous locations where these occur, the estimation of NMVOCs emissions can be challenging. The aim of this paper is to present the methodological framework used in Greece for the estimation of NMVOCs emissions. It covers processes and products that use solvents and other volatile organic chemicals in several industries, as well as in households. The framework is based both on existing methods found in the literature and on new emission factors developed in order to reflect the mitigation potential of EU Directives and national legislation aiming at the reduction of NMVOCs emissions. The developed framework was verified by comparing it with solvent emission estimates from the European Solvent Industry Group.
The application of the Bow Tie approach in the risk assessment of a municipal solid waste management system
Authors: Georgousoglou K , Mouzakitis Y , Adamides E D
Published: December 2022

Effective municipal solid waste management requires rigorous risk assessment, evaluation and monitoring through a risk management system. In this line, this study aims first to highlight the importance of using the Bow Tie risk analysis method as a quantitative analysis tool for optimal waste management, and second to demonstrate the fact that the reliability of the method’s results, depends entirely on the uncertainty inherent in the various estimates of the stakeholders. Methodologically the work is based on two pillars: first, a study of the existing literature on risk management in the context of waste management is undertaken, and second, a bow-tie type risk analysis model is developed. Towards this end, and building on previous work, we concentrate on the highest impact event / hazard, identified in the existing municipal waste management system of the Municipality of Patra, Greece, and we apply the Bow Tie type analysis method in order to re-estimate its risk. This method’s results are then subjected to statistical and sensitivity analysis using Monte Carlo simulation to ensure the reliability of the results. Overall, the impacts of the most important risk are presented, and the advantages of the method are highlighted.
The impact of solids retention time on Greenhouse Gases Emissions from biological wastewater treatment processes
Authors: Kemmou Liana , Samiotis Georgios , Ristanis Ilias , Amanatidou Elisavet
Published: December 2022

Biological wastewater treatment is linked to direct and indirect greenhouse gases (GHGs) emissions, thus new approaches on design and operation of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) must be adopted aiming towards GHGs emissions’ mitigation. This study evaluates the impact of solids retention time (SRT) on GHGs (CO2 and N2O) emissions of activated sludge (AS) wastewater treatment processes with nutrients removal operating at 10, 30 and 180 days SRT. The 180 days SRT represents the complete solids retention AS process (CRAS), which introduces a novel WWTP design and operation approach for excess sludge reduction. The evaluation of GHGs emissions and process performance via ASDM model and Bridle methodology showed that the total N2O emissions increased together with increasing dissolved oxygen and SRT. CRAS process achieved 97,4% and 96,2% excess sludge reduction compared to AS process with SRT of 10 d and 30 d respectively, with total direct emissions in CRAS process being respectively higher by 20,0% and 12,2%. The lower total indirect emissions in CRAS process compensate for the higher direct emissions. At high influent loads, the balance in GHGs emissions tilts in favour of CRAS process due to management of increased excess sludge quantities, rendering CRAS process a more sustainable choice.