bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Back‐Gated MoS2 Field Effect Transistors as Probes for Melamine‐Induced Surface Charge Transfer Doping
Authors: Mamun Muhammad Shamim Al , Takaoka Tsuyoshi , Wang Zhipeng , Komeda Tadahiro
Published: January 2025

In this study, we report on the customization of multilayer MoS2‐FET transfer properties by melamine via surface charge doping. NMP was used as a solvent to create the melamine solution. After melamine doping, the multilayer MoS2’s charge carrier density was roughly doubled. After melamine doping, mobility was calculated to be around 28.57 cm−2V−1s−1, whereas the pristine's mobility was approximately 27.38 cm−2V−1s−1. The subthreshold swing of the doped device was ∼ 0.94 V/decade, which is less than the pristine device's ∼ 1.6 V/decade. The doped device demonstrated outstanding switching properties. A factor of greater than 7 was seen in the reduction of extracted contact resistance. The melamine molecule forces n‐doping on the multilayer MoS2, as seen by the left shift of the threshold voltage following the doping process. Following the doping procedure, the Raman spectrum's downward trending E2g and A1g peaks shows that the n‐type doping system's electron concentration is rising. Melamine functions as an n‐type dopant, as confirmed by XPS evidence. Melamine is confirmed to be present on the MoS2 surface by TOF‐SIMS and AFM measurements. Chemical doping might be a useful technique for improving the layered materials' electrical characteristics.
A Quantum Chemical Study on the Mechanism of Base‐Mediated Cyclodimerization of Benzoylethynylpyrrole
Authors: Kobychev Vladimir B. , Belyaeva Kseniya V. , Trofimov Boris A.
Published: January 2025

Possible mechanisms of cyclodimerization of benzoylethynyl pyrrole to give 2,2′‐(dipyrrolo[1,2‐a:1′,2′‐d]pyrazine‐5,10‐diylidene)bis(1‐phenylethanone) have been investigated by using a DFT B2PLYP‐D3/6–311+G**//B3LYP‐D3/6–31+G*+PCM/MeCN approach. This study shows that the cyclodimerization induced by 1‐methylimidazole, and that observed in the presence of strong bases (NaOH or KOH) occur by different mechanisms. The reaction pathway involving 1‐methylimidazole, which starts with the formation of a zwitterionic adduct, was compared with the cyclization pathway as expected by analogy with the acylethynyl pyrrole reaction with 1‐pyrroline. The C─N bond formed by the attack of the acetylene triple bond with the 1‐methylimidazole molecule is maintained throughout the reaction, and the elimination of the imidazole molecule is eliminated only in the final step after pyrazine cycle formation. The formation pathways for the Z,Z‐, Z,E‐, and E,E‐isomers of the product were analyzed. An explanation for the low yield of the final product in the presence of strong bases is proposed and the possible pathways for oligomerization of the initial benzoylethynyl pyrrole are considered.
Green Synthesis of Glycerin Carbonate by Functional, Environmentally Friendly Catalytic Membrane Polyvinyl Alcohol/Polyvinylpyrrolidone/Sodium Methoxide
Authors: Hasirci Guler , Hilmioglu Nilufer
Published: January 2025

Glycerin carbonate, which can be used for multiple purposes in terms of clean and safe energy, is an environmentally friendly and safe electrolyte in Li‐ion batteries and a fuel additive candidate that can reduce harmful emissions in fossil fuels. Green chemical glycerin carbonate was synthesized from dimethyl carbonate and glycerin under mild operation conditions using a recoverable green catalytic membrane. Polyvinyl alcohol and polyvinyl pyrrolidone were used as the polymeric matrix and sodium methoxide was used as a base catalyst in the catalytic membrane. TGA, FTIR, SEM, and XRD characterizations were carried out to investigate the thermal resistance and physical and chemical structure of the catalytic membranes. The catalytic activity of the membrane was investigated with batch reactions. Reaction parameters (catalyst amount, temperature, initial molar ratio, and time) affecting the glycerin carbonate yield were investigated. The maximum yield of glycerin carbonate (99.7%) was achieved at 12.5% catalyst amount, 75 °C, DMC/glycerin:3/1 and 180 min. ANOVA analysis was also made using the surface response method with central composite design. It was concluded that the initial molar ratio of DMC/glycerin was the most important factor with the highest F‐value. The developed green catalytic membrane is a promising material for glycerin carbonate synthesis.
Porous Nanoframe Based Plasmonic Structure With High‐Density Hotspots for the Quantitative Detection of Gaseous Benzaldehyde
Authors: Fang Guoqiang , Lin Xiang , Wu Jinlei , Xu Wen , Hasi Wuliji , Dong Bin
Published: January 2025

Owing to its high sensitivity, surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) has immense potential for the identification of lung cancer from the variation in volatile biomarkers in the exhaled gas. However, two prevailing factors limit the application of SERS: 1) the adsorption of target molecules into SERS hotspots and 2) the detection specificity in multiple interference environments. To improve the density of the SERS hotspots, 3D Au@Ag‐Au particles are prepared in a porous nanoframes (PPFs) based plasmonic structure, which facilitated a richer local electromagnetic field distribution among the Au nanocubic (NC) cores, Au‐Ag porous nanoframes, and Au nanoparticles, thereby promoting the adsorption probability of gaseous aldehydes into the hotspots. L‐cysteines (l‐Cys)‐modified 3D Au@Ag‐Au PPFs are proposed as a benzaldehyde (BA) gas detection carrier to accurately detect biomarkers in complex exhaled gases and eliminate interference from other components. Unlike the conventional use of 4‐aminothiophenol as a linker molecule, the novel L‐Cys‐modified SERS substrate is sensitive toward the aldehyde molecules and immune to other volatile organic compounds (ethanol, cyclohexane, toluene, etc.). Furthermore, a medical mask consisting of this SERS substrate is designed to realize intelligent detection of gaseous BA concentrations assisted by a machine learning algorithm.
Boosting the Performance of Alkaline Anion Exchange Membrane Water Electrolyzer with Vanadium‐Doped NiFe2O4
Authors: Kwon Minsol , Ha Jun Seok , Lee Dong Ho , Kwon Taehyun , Kim Minseo , Jeong Young‐Hun , Kim Han Seul , Ditter Alex , Shapiro David A. , Yu Young‐Sang , Park Yoo Sei , Lee Dongju
Published: January 2025

Developing efficient, economical, and stable catalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction is pivotal for producing large‐scale green hydrogen in the future. Herein, a vanadium‐doped nickel‐iron oxide supported on nickel foam (V‐NiFe2O4/NF) is introduced, and synthesized via a facile hydrothermal method as a highly efficient electrocatalyst for water electrolysis. X‐ray photoelectron and absorption spectroscopies reveal a synergistic interaction between the vanadium dopant and nickel/iron in the host material, which tunes the electronic structure of NiFe2O4 to increase the number of electrochemically active sites. The V‐NiFe2O4/NF electrode exhibited superior electrochemical performance, with a low overpotential of 186 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm−2, a Tafel slope value of 54.45 mV dec−1, and minimal charge transfer resistance. Employing the V‐NiFe2O4/NF electrode as an anode in an alkaline anion exchange membrane water electrolyzer single‐cell, a cell voltage of 1.711 V is required to achieve a high current density of 1.0 A cm−2. Remarkably, the cell delivered an energy conversion efficiency of 73.30% with enduring stability, making it a promising candidate for industrial applications.
Synergistically Halogenated and Methoxylated Thiophene Additive Enables High‐Performance Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Jiang Xue , Huang Peihao , Tu Kaihuai , Liu Lei , Chen Chen , Li Yulu , Lei Hongliang , Yu Fengyi , Yang Ke , Chen Yao , Chen Haiyan , Shen Zhibang , Li Hongxiang , Hu Dingqin , Duan Tainan , Xiao Zeyun
Published: January 2025

Morphology control plays a key role for improving efficiency and stability of bulk heterojunctions (BHJ) organic solar cells (OSCs). Halogenation and methoxylation are two separate ways successfully adopted in additives for morphology optimization. In this work, these two strategies are combined together. A series of halogenated methoxylated thiophenes is designed and synthesized as volatile additives to control the evolution of the BHJ morphology. Specifically, the addition of 2,5‐diiodo‐3,4‐dimethoxythiophene (MT‐I) prominently improves the performance and photostability of OSCs. Computational simulations reveal the noncovalent interactions of MT‐I with the active layer materials that corresponds to the inhibition of excessive aggregation behavior of PM6 and Y6 during the film‐forming process, facilitating favorable phase separation and enhanced molecular stacking. Consequently, PM6:Y6‐based binary OSCs with the treatment of MT‐I achieves a high PCE of 17.93%. Furthermore, MT‐I demonstrates broad feasibility across diverse high‐efficiency BHJ OSCs, leading to superior photovoltaic performance (PCE over 18%). This study offers valuable guidance for the design and application of high‐performance additives in future endeavors.
Purposeful Evolution in Organisational Cybernetics: Symbiosis, Co‐Evolution, Transduction and Axiology in Viable Systems
Authors: Osejo‐Bucheli Camilo
Published: January 2025

This paper addresses the gap in organisational cybernetics by examining evolutionary adaptation within viable systems through a teleological lens. Traditional views of adaptation as a deterministic, random process are reconsidered, proposing an intentional, goal‐oriented approach. A theoretical review combined with cybernetic modelling was employed to analyse evolutionary theories in relation to the viable system model (VSM). The study focused on core concepts such as autopoiesis, symbiosis, co‐evolution and transduction, synthesising these into a cohesive teleological framework. Findings indicate that evolutionary processes in viable systems can incorporate intentionality through identity‐preserving adaptation, symbiotic relationships and mutualistic co‐evolution, enhancing system viability. The study provides a framework for teleological evolution in organisational cybernetics, highlighting the role of purposeful adaptation in achieving symbiotic viability. This expands VSM theory, suggesting new pathways for integrating teleological and evolutionary processes.
Serum 25(OH) Vitamin D Concentrations in Horses: Effects of Age, Gender, Breed, Skin Colour and Season
Authors: Alemi Mohieddin , Ahmadi Sheikhsarmast Saba , Mohri Mehrdad
Published: January 2025

Background

The optimal amount of vitamin D required for the proper functioning of the immune system differs from the amount necessary for bone homeostasis. Furthermore, vitamin D metabolism varies among horses. Nevertheless, there is a dearth of information regarding reference values for vitamin D in horses, particularly in the Turkmen breed. The primary objectives of this study were to determine the concentrations of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)Vit D) in Turkmen, Thoroughbred and mixed Turkmen × Thoroughbred horses and to explore the effects of various factors on it and its relationship with serum biochemical variables and signalment data.

Methods

For the measurement of 25(OH)Vit D, 90 healthy horses (min age: 6 months; max age: 10 years) that were stable in the north of Iran (37°17′ N, 55°18′ E) were selected for clinical examination and complete blood biochemistry analysis. The horses were categorised into different groups based on sex, season (spring, n = 45; autumn, n = 45), breed (Turkmen, Thoroughbred and mixed Turkmen × Thoroughbred), age (< 2 years, 2–8 years and > 8 years) and skin colour. Sampling was performed only once from each horse.

Results

In this study, the median serum concentration of 25(OH)Vit D in the sampled horses was 17.42 ng/mL (IQR: 9.82–30.85). The serum 25(OH)Vit D concentration was significantly lower in autumn (median: 15.83 ng/mL and IQR: 8.67–54.68) than in spring (median: 18.02 ng/mL and IQR: 13.77–27.54) and was also lower in Turkmen horses (median: 15.83 ng/mL and IQR: 11.63–23.12) than in mixed breed horses (median: 17.72 ng/mL and IQR: 8.94–51.67) (p ≤ 0.05).

Conclusion

According to the results of the present study, the season had a significant effect on the serum 25(OH)Vit D concentration, and this difference was also observed between Turkmen horses and mixed‐bred horses (p ≤ 0.05). It is unclear whether the time of sun exposure or vitamin D content of diet causes the seasonal difference of 25(OH)Vit D concentration.
Outcomes and Role of Lymphadenectomy in Hypervascular Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma Based on CT‐Vascularity
Authors: Li Xuefeng , Yoh Tomoaki , Shimada Kotaro , Hori Yutaro , Koyama Yukinori , Ogiso Satoshi , Ishii Takamichi , Isoda Hiroyoshi , Nakamoto Yuji , Hatano Etsuro
Published: January 2025

Background

This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes and role of lymphadenectomy in hypervascular intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) quantified using the arterial phase of contrast‐enhanced computed tomography (CT).

Methods

Consecutive patients with mass‐forming (MF) or predominantly MF type ICC who underwent surgical resection from 2000 to 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Using the image of the late arterial phase, CT‐vascularity was calculated by dividing the CT value of the tumor (Hounsfield units) with that of the liver parenchyma. According to the CT‐vascularity, patients were divided into hypervascular (CT‐vascularity > 1) and non‐hypervascular (CT‐vascularity ≤ 1) groups. Clinicopathologic features and survival outcomes were compared between the two groups. Further, the prognostic impact of lymphadenectomy was assessed in the hypervascular group.

Results

Of the 135 patients with MF‐ICC, the hypervascular group, and non‐hypervascular group comprised 47 (34.8%) and 88 patients (65.2%), respectively. The hypervascular group displayed clinical features typically associated with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) (i.e., viral hepatitis or history of HCC) and less aggressive tumor characteristics such as lower proportions of regional lymph node metastasis. The overall survival (OS) and recurrence‐free survival (RFS) of the hypervascular group were significantly better than those of the non‐hypervascular group (all, p < 0.001), and these results were retained after adjusting for known prognostic factors. Further, implementation of lymphadenectomy was not associated with benefit for OS and RFS in the hypervascular group (p = 0.819, p = 0.912).

Conclusion

Hypervascular ICC itself represents a favorable prognosis, and there is a possibility of omitting lymphadenectomy in this subgroup.
Assessing the Global Warming Potential of a Novel Hybrid Timber-Based Façade System Through Life Cycle and Considering Future Climate Conditions
Authors: Coelho Guilherme B. A. , Buvik Elsa , Hosamo Haidar , Kraniotis Dimitrios
Published: January 2025

Addressing greenhouse gas emissions in the built environment is crucial due to its significant contribution to the total equivalent CO2 emissions. Recent efforts have primarily focused on enhancing energy efficiency, resulting in notable reductions in energy consumption. However, the next phase of decarbonization in the building sector is increasingly emphasizing the use of materials with lower embodied energy and CO2. A novel hybrid unitized façade (HUF) system has been developed, specifically designed for cold climates, that integrates aluminium and timber. This study aims to assess the carbon footprint of the HUF system, where timber is used to partially replace high-embodied-energy aluminium frame. For this, a comprehensive cradle-to-grave life cycle assessment using One Click LCA, combined with a building energy tool that incorporates future weather data, is employed. This assessment includes the materials and quantities involved in constructing a HUF unit, incorporating their specific environmental product declarations. The study explores two strategies for long-term sustainability: (i) examining the impact of retrofitting the façade system elements in accordance with their respective service life and (ii) examining the impact of a complete retrofit of the façade system at 30 years. This evaluation will be conducted for a generic office building model in Oslo. The study aims to contribute to sustainable practices in the building sector, offering insights for policy and industry, particularly in the context of climate change mitigation. The global warming potential for HUF unit in Oslo is 129 kg CO2e/m2 for scenario RCP 4.5 and 128 kg CO2e/m2 for RCP 8.5.
Sustainable Preservation and Evaluation of Burnt Brick Masonry Structures Through Condition Assessment and Retrofitting Techniques
Authors: Latha Lakshmi , Ray-Chaudhuri Samit
Published: January 2025

Burnt bricks are a predominant material in constructions in India and many other countries globally. The inherent resilience and longevity of brick structures make them suitable for repair and further strengthening. Several procedures are already in practice for the preservation and enhancement of seismic performance in existing masonry structures. One notable method, rooted in history and now under exploration, is the semiconfinement of existing masonry structures with horizontal and vertical reinforced concrete (RC) elements. This method exhibits all the characteristics of an effective retrofitting technique. Most importantly, it has been found to improve ductility and showcase enhanced seismic performance. In this context, two existing masonry constructions at the Structural Engineering Laboratory of IIT Kanpur are considered. These structures, having undergone cyclic testing, include one without any reinforcement (or control masonry) and the other retrofitted with semiconfining horizontal and vertical RC elements (strengthened masonry or retrofitted masonry). Both structures experienced crack formation during testing, with distinct characteristics reflecting their unique structural behaviors. These cracks were sealed using grouting, requiring minimal material and a “light” application. The primary objective of this study is to assess the behavior of these repaired buildings through condition assessment techniques and subsequent testing. For this purpose, accelerometers were installed at various locations, and Experimental Modal Analysis (EMA) was considered by shaker tests. The assessment of dynamic behavior in these structures will facilitate further studies on retrofitting the control masonry and enhancing the scheme of retrofitting or strengthening for improved performance.
Sustainable Vibration Screening with Dual Trenches Infilled with Geofoam and Aggregate: Full-Scale Field Experiments
Authors: Chakrabortty Pradipta , Jauhari Nitish , Kumar Raja , Barbieri Diego Maria
Published: January 2025

Ground-borne vibrations resulting from various civil engineering activities can cause detrimental impacts on the nearby structures. Therefore, past studies have concentrated on developing vibration mitigation techniques. Vibration screening using wave barriers is a widely accepted approach, and continuous research has been ongoing in the last few decades. However, the current solutions to the problem are limited to the use of single trenches, and only limited experimental studies on open and geofoam-infilled have explored the possibilities of utilizing dual trenches. In some practical scenarios, the recommended depth of a single trench is unimplementable; further, no significant work has been observed to find suitable infill materials in screening the vibrations induced due to harmonic loading under dual trench scenarios. Hence, the current study aims to experimentally investigate the potential of dual trenches infilled with sustainable materials to mitigate the vibrations induced due to continuous harmonic loading. The influence of the filling accomplished by two types of material, namely, a softer one like geofoam (G) and a stiffer one like aggregate (A), has been evaluated and compared to the soil. Thereafter, these materials were interchanged in the trenches. The harmonic loading was applied using a Lazan-type mechanical oscillator. The associated vertical particle acceleration due to wave propagation was captured using an accelerometer positioned at a distance of 1 m from the second trench. The results indicate that infilling the first trench with aggregate improves isolation efficacy. Furthermore, the optimal depth required to reach an amplitude reduction ratio of 0.25 was observed as 0.25LR (LR= Rayleigh wavelength) and 0.34LR for the dual trenches filled with aggregate and geofoam (A + G), and geofoam and aggregate (G + A), respectively.
Bridging the Shift from Linear to Circular Economy in Road Infrastructure: The Norwegian Stakeholders’ Perspectives on Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Vetnes Alexander Grødum , O’Born Reyn
Published: January 2025

Current linear economic road construction and maintenance methods, characterized by significant use of virgin resources and substantial greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, are in sharp contrast to circular economy (CE) concepts that emphasize resource efficiency and emissions reductions. Despite the considerable energy use, material consumption, and emissions involved in road construction, this sector has been relatively underexplored in CE research. This paper aims to bridge this gap by investigating the transition from linear to circular road infrastructure, focusing particularly on the Norwegian construction industry. The study identifies barriers and drivers to this shift, intending to contribute to the concept of circular road infrastructure. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research integrates a web-based survey among Norwegian road industry actors, augmented with six semi-structured interviews with diverse stakeholders, to establish a framework of barriers and drivers to CE. The findings suggest that economic, regulatory, and political factors are major barriers to circularity, but these could be transformed into drivers if key conditions are changed.
A Transition to Sustainable Built Environment: A Framework for Modular Building Construction Designed for Disassembly
Authors: Ali-Gombe Bilkisu , Tokbolat Serik , Mckechnie Jon
Published: January 2025

In the quest to achieve a sustainable built environment, circular construction emerged as an innovative approach to aid towards a quick transition for the resource-intensive construction industry. The successful implementation of circular approaches requires building design for multiple reuse with effective end of life resource recovery plan. Modular construction remains an integral approach for buildings designed for multiple life cycles, and design for disassembly enables the deconstruction and reuse of components at the end of building life cycle. Through a systematic literature review, the study looks at study trends in modular construction and design for disassembly and the various sustainability targets addressed in these studies, as well as the material inputs and indicators used for specific sustainability goals (environmental, economic and social). The study reveals an increase in studies and applications over the years mostly concentrated in Europe and North America which signifies a lack of adequate studies in developing countries with higher levels of infrastructure deficit and high construction demand. Studies largely focus on energy and emission reduction, material circularity and waste reduction with few addressing cost, health and safety and other socio-economic impacts; hence, evaluation of social impacts is largely neglected in most studies. Studies mostly present the use of conventional building materials rather than more sustainable circular materials to reduce raw material inputs and emission outputs. Achieving a sustainable built environment requires the triple bottom line sustainability consideration. Hence, the study proposed a framework to evaluate modular building and design for disassembly with focus on material selection, design and construction strategies as well as end-of-life considerations to support the determination of sustainability viability of multiple lifecycle designs for buildings.
Life Cycle Management and Probabilistic Levelized Cost of Energy Analysis of Floating Offshore Wind Farms
Authors: Amlashi Hadi , Lotfizadeh Omid
Published: January 2025

This chapter aims to address life cycle management and the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) of floating offshore wind farms from a probabilistic point of view. Understanding and addressing the uncertainty associated with the main parameters that influence the generated energy is essential for studying the life cycle and economic evaluation of offshore wind farms. The estimated global warming potential (GWP) of the wind farm under consideration is 36.5 kg CO2/MWh, which is found to be reasonably competitive compared to other sources of energy. The probabilistic analysis conducted showed that the distribution of LCOE is more influenced by operational expenditure (OPEX) values than by capital expenditure (CAPEX) and decommissioning expenditure (DECEX). This chapter provides general guidance on conducting early-stage probabilistic life cycle economic analysis of floating offshore wind farms.
Applying Value Engineering Function Analysis to the Process for Building Disassembly and the Recovery of Wood and Timber for Construction
Authors: Sheen Raymond L.
Published: January 2025

The United Nations published a report in May 2023 that highlighted circularity concepts in wood construction. They noted a problem of resistance to deconstruction with the intention of reusing wood elements. That resistance is partly due to the perception of the value, or rather lack of value, within the deconstruction process. However, if deconstruction can disassemble a building and recover the wood elements, it has created a valuable commodity. Value engineering principles can be used to analyze a process or service to maximize value. Value engineering has been applied in the construction industry but not to evaluate the deconstruction process. In this study, the value engineering functional analysis is applied to the process of disassembling a building and the recovery of wood and timber for reuse in the construction industry. The Function Analysis System Technique (FAST), a core element of value engineering, is used to identify primary and secondary functions. These functions are mapped onto the typical process used in building disassembly and recovery of wood and timber elements. The result is a process map that shows the contribution of the value-added steps in the process and identifies the non-value-added steps in the process. These results can be used to improve the design of disassembly and recovery processes to ensure the focus of the deconstruction process is on the value-added effort and that resources allocated to non-value-added efforts are minimized.
Carbon Trading for the Construction Industry: A Systems Theory Approach
Authors: Kukah Augustine Senanu Komla , Jin Xiaohua , Osei-Kyei Robert , Perera Srinath
Published: January 2025

As a major source and contributor of carbon emissions globally, the construction industry faces challenges in achieving its carbon emission reduction targets. Carbon trading has been established to be a reasonable aid in greenhouse gas mitigation. Current carbon trading systems were originally not developed for the construction industry, and carbon trading system for the construction industry is lacking. The aim of this study is to present the highest level framework of a carbon trading system for the construction industry using systems theory. Systematic literature review methodology was adopted to obtain documents from Scopus which were then synthesized. From the systems theory lens, the carbon trading system for the construction industry is developed comprising input, transformed through process leading to output. Feedback between the output and input is comprised in the system. This study is significant and contributes to the built environment’s climate change mitigation agenda.
SirkTRE’s Evolution or Circulution?: Diverse Pathways of Circular Systemic Solutions for a Net-Zero Timber-Built Environment
Authors: Wuyts Wendy , Strøm-Andersen Nhat , Khatri Shumaila , Eriksen Arild , Jørgensen Per F. , Øvergaard Arild , Rygh Emil , Kveen Angelica , Mertens Alexander , Stadaas Jannicke , Gamme Inger , Vasseur Veronique , Nyrud Anders Q. , Nore Kristine
Published: January 2025

The Norwegian innovation and action project SirkTRE is halfway through. In recent years, it has been increasingly recognized that circular wood solutions for construction solutions are often technically feasible; this is particularly underscored by the SirkTRE project (2022–2025). However, the scaling up of these solutions and their interaction with various barriers underscore the necessity of systemic approaches. This chapter delves into selected circular systemic solutions derived from the project. This collaborative autoethnography, drawing insights from observations and reflections on own experiences, takes an evolutionary approach to selected SirkTRE solutions. The case studies within SirkTRE include solutions at the manufacturing level, the architectural product-system level, and the building-site level and strategies engaging municipalities to supply and utilize reclaimed timber in (especially public) buildings. These examples illustrate not only the successes but also the challenges, including how economic, political, technological, and strategic decisions can impact the scaling up/out or ending. To catalyze a true revolution, or ‘circulution’, it is imperative to integrate governance, and business models, to foster interactions in the emerging system.
Design Science Research for Digital Information Management System (DIMS) in Construction and Demolition Waste Management
Authors: Saad Ali Nader , Underwood Jason , Ferriz-Papi Juan
Published: January 2025

In the realm of Industry 4.0, the construction sector has witnessed accelerated strides toward circular economy goals. However, a notable deficiency persists in integrated technologies spanning the entire project lifecycle—covering design, construction, renovation, and demolition phases. This inadequacy is particularly pronounced in the seamless tracing and tracking of materials, products, and waste, obstructing effective material flow analysis. This chapter adopts Design Science Research (DSR) as a methodological guide for systematically developing a Digital Information Management System (DIMS) tailored for construction and demolition waste management. This chapter focuses on a detailed exploration of the iterative steps inherent in the DSR process, specifically as applied to DIMS development with the Horizon Europe Project RECONMATIC. Starting with problem awareness and proposal, the chapter identifies existing gaps and challenges in current technologies, proposing a structured approach to address them. Moving to finding proposed solutions and tentative design, potential resolutions to the identified challenges are explored, leading to the formulation of a preliminary DIMS design. Subsequent steps involve building and testing artefacts, creating tangible prototypes, and conducting rigorous testing to validate their functionality. The evaluation and iteration phase follows, subjecting the artefacts to systematic scrutiny against predefined criteria and real-world scenarios. This iterative process refines the DIMS design and functionalities based on evaluation outcomes. Finally, the chapter underscores the importance of communicating results, presenting findings and insights, and developing DIMS for the academic and industry communities. By navigating these steps within the DSR framework, this chapter contributes a systematic, iterative, and methodologically rigorous approach to DIMS development. It strives to create a practical, effective, and sustainable solution aligning with the evolving landscape of Industry 4.0 in the construction industry.
Compressive Strength Gain of Glass Powder–Portlandite: An Investigation Toward Maximizing the Use of Waste Glass as Cement Replacement in Concrete
Authors: Chand Gaurav , Achintha Mithila , Wang Yong
Published: January 2025

The paper presents selected findings from a combined theoretical and experimental investigation focusing on chemical reactions and strength gain in glass powder (GP) and calcium hydroxide (CH) mixes as a means of achieving more than the current wisdom of ~20% cement replacement with waste glass powder in concrete. The expected chemical reactions between CH (in concrete, CH is available as a by-product of cement hydration) and silica (SiO2) present in GP were first theoretically established using mole concept theory. The theoretically obtained results were then used to determine an appropriate CH and GP mix ratio for the CH–GP test specimens. The strength gain in CH–GP specimens with time was determined using compression tests, and the formation of strength contributing compound calcium–silicate–hydrate (C–S–H) was determined using X-ray diffraction (XRD) experiments. The compression test results showed CH–GP specimens possessed noticeable compressive strength, and the XRD results confirmed the formation of C–S–H. The results of both compression test and XRD analysis show the major strength imparting compounds in CH–GP specimens formed at later stages (i.e., after 28 days) of curing.
Impact of High-Strength Low-Alloy Steel in Reducing the Embodied Water of Buildings: A Case Study
Authors: Dixit Manish , Pradeep Kumar Pranav , Banerjee Sarbajit
Published: January 2025

Buildings consume nearly one-sixth of the total global fresh water for its construction and operational activities in addition to roughly 48% of global energy supply. It is prudent to ensure that designers and engineers make decisions based on not only the embodied energy (EE) and carbon (EC) but also the embodied water (EW) of construction materials. Steel, particularly structural steel, is an integral part of buildings that finds its use as a key structural material. However, the steel-making process is quite water intensive. In other words, the steel manufacturing process has a high embodied water footprint. In this paper, we examine how high-strength low-alloy (HSLA) steel can help reduce the embodied water footprint of a building structure. An input–output-based hybrid (IOH) model is used to estimate the total EW of buildings with vanadium microalloyed high-strength steel. Two 3-story buildings are modeled with reinforced concrete (RC) and steel structural frames to compare EW footprints. Results show that steel commodity has an EE, EC, and EW of 20,530 MJ/ton, 1790 kgCO2e/ton, and 1956 Gal./ton of steel, respectively. The IOH model is extended to determine the total EW of the two buildings. Results show that use of vanadium microalloyed high-strength steel instead of mild steel generates ca. 6% savings in EW, EE, and EC for a structural steel-framed building and ca. 14% savings in EW, and ca. 24% savings in EE and EC for a reinforced concrete-framed building. This underscores the significance of the role of HSLA steel in reducing the embodied water demand of building construction and highlights the importance of design decision-making based on EE and EW to achieve net-zero structures.
Sustainable Enhancement of Lightweight Concrete: A Comprehensive Investigation into GGBS and Waste Steel Fiber Incorporation for Improved Strength and Durability
Authors: Behforouz Babak , Tavakoli Davoud , Naderi Behrouz , Hajmohammadian Baghban Mohammad
Published: January 2025

This study explores the properties of lightweight concrete incorporating slag and steel fibers. Cubic and cylindrical specimens were created with varying fiber percentages (0%, 1.5%, and 3%) and slag replacements (0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40%). The samples underwent testing for compressive strength at 7, 28, and 90 days, tensile strength at 28 and 90 days, and water absorption at 28 and 90 days. Results indicate an enhancement in both compressive and tensile strength with a 20% slag replacement in all specimens. Additionally, an inverse correlation is observed between overhead percentage and water absorption, where an increase in overhead corresponds to a decrease in water absorption. Despite no substantial impact on compressive strength, the incorporation of waste steel fibers consistently improves tensile strength across all fiber percentages. This study underscores the potential of these eco-friendly additives in promoting environmentally conscious construction practices, aligning with the principles of sustainable development in the concrete industry.
Life Cycle Assessment of Geopolymer Concrete Made with Tailings from Ilmenite Mining
Authors: Brekke Simon , O’Born Reyn
Published: January 2025

Global CO2 emissions from cement production represent a major challenge on the path towards a future of net zero emissions. Concrete represents 5–8% of the total global CO2 emissions while remaining a critical building material globally. It is imperative to find low-emissions solutions that can reduce the environmental impacts by finding new mixtures and binders for cement production, which are the main contributing factor for emissions from concrete. Alternative concrete binders are being developed, and one such binder is geopolymer cement. Geopolymer cement is made by mixing industrial wastes with an alkaline solution, such as sodium or potassium hydroxide. This cement can be produced from waste can completely replace ordinary Portland cement in concrete. In Norway, the company Saferock is developing a new geopolymer cement which utilises mine tailings from ilmenite production combined with potassium hydroxide. In the region of Sokndal, Norway, more than 100 million of tons of easily accessible mine tailings are available for Saferock to use for producing geopolymer cement. The Saferock concrete is expected to reduce emissions compared to normal concrete, but to what extent is unknown. Thus, the purpose of this study is to evaluate the environmental impacts of Saferock’s geopolymer cement by using life cycle assessment (LCA) to quantify the emissions from the Saferock production process. The results of this LCA study show that the geopolymer concrete analysed had a 57% reduction of CO2 emissions from branch standard B35 concrete and a 22% reduction according to Norwegian Concrete Association Low Carbon A standard, but that potassium hydroxide accounts for 90% of the emissions.
Sustainable Metamodules. Disseminating Sustainable Practices in Design Workflow Via BIM-Based Approaches
Authors: Conato Fabio , Spasari Ilaria , Madessa Habtamu Bayera
Published: January 2025

In the current complexity of the design process, it is important to clarify the information flow for the creation of smart architectures. This clarity ensures coherence at each design scale, up to the definition of construction elements that make them effectively realizable and manageable throughout their entire life cycle. This paper presents a definition of sustainable metamodules using homogeneous sets of smartness indicators to support the design workflow. It specifically focuses on façades with a transparent base skin that can be digitalized through a BIM-based approach, promoting interoperability and multidisciplinary control.

In analyzing present societal demands and the features of smart architectures, a range of smartness indicators will be established as parameters that contemporary architecture should consider to be classified as smart. The information cores formed by the combination of the predetermined parameters and feasible design solutions will be stated at every level of design detail.

Following BIM regulations and leveraging the customization capabilities of open-format files (IFC), the earlier identified metamodules will be stated at various Levels of Detail (LOD), crafting suitable property sets within a BIM authoring software. This process will generate a structured matrix capable of supporting designers’ decisions in the realization of smart architectures.
Managing Mining: New Environmental Contracts In Light Of Loss, Inequality, and Climate Change
Authors: Lessmeier Katie
Published: January 2025

Mining, particularly for copper, has long been considered ‘Chile’s national salary.’ Similarly, hopes for national wealth have long coexisted in tension with the environmental harms that mining causes—water use, toxic waste, landscape destruction, and more. This tension has become acute as mining has intensified and its impacts amplified with climate change. The CC grappled with these competing goals in its efforts to redefine the conditions for mining in Chile, aiming to create a framework better able to take mining into a future rocked by climate change. This chapter highlights the importance of constitutional reform for the governance of extractive operations, in Chile and elsewhere, as well as the implications of the CC Statute of Minerals (Articles 145–147) for how to assess and understand the global expansion of ‘green’ energy initiatives.
Re-thinking Property and Pollution: Conserving the Night Sky as Natural Commons
Authors: Millet Isabella
Published: January 2025

Chile’s 1980 Constitution stands out globally for instituting strong private property rights over many things—including water, mineral concessions, education, and health services—with the result that access to basic human needs is at the mercy of the market, often leading to higher costs for low-income people and increasing inequality. A major objective of the CC was to address or reverse these dynamics by introducing novel notions of property such as common goods—as distinct from public goods—and using the concept of ‘natural commons’ within environmental governance. This chapter explores the natural commons through a novel lens—the movement to protect dark night skies—and acknowledges long histories in Chile of astronomy research conducted by Indigenous peoples, community organizations, and university scientists. Studying two constitutional articles in particular, this chapter examines the possibilities they open up for reimagining nature, knowledge, research relations, and the critical framing of environmental justice issues.
The tomato gene Ty-6, encoding DNA polymerase delta subunit 1, confers broad resistance to Geminiviruses
Authors: Shen Xuexue , Gill Upinder , Arens Marjon , Yan Zhe , Bai Yuling , Hutton Samuel F. , Wolters Anne-Marie A.
Published: January 2025

Key message

The tomato Ty-6 gene conferring resistance against begomoviruses has been cloned and shown to be a variant of DNA polymerase delta subunit 1.

Ty-6 is a major resistance gene of tomato that provides resistance against monopartite and bipartite begomoviruses. The locus was previously mapped on chromosome 10, and in this study, we fine-mapped Ty-6 to a region of 47 kb, including four annotated candidate genes. Via whole-genome resequencing of Ty-6 breeding lines and several susceptible breeding lines, the polymorphisms in gene sequences were discovered and gene-associated markers were developed for marker-assistant breeding. Further, virus-induced gene silencing and candidate gene overexpressing in susceptible tomatoes revealed that Ty-6-mediated resistance is controlled by Solyc10g081250, encoding the DNA polymerase delta subunit 1, SlPOLD1. The single nucleotide polymorphism of Ty-6 results in an amino acid change that might influence the fidelity of virus DNA replication.
Association of nutritional status indices with gastrointestinal symptoms in systemic sclerosis: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Öz Nuran , Gezer Halise Hande , Karabulut Yusuf , Duruöz Mehmet Tuncay
Published: January 2025

Gastrointestinal (GI) involvement is highly prevalent in systemic sclerosis (SSc) and significantly affects patient quality of life and clinical outcomes. This study investigates the potential of undernutrition scores, namely the Control of Nutritional Status (CONUT) score and the Prognostic Nutrition Index (PNI), in predicting GI involvement in patients with SSc. A total of 82 patients diagnosed with SSc were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Participants were evaluated using the UCLA Scleroderma Clinical Research Consortium Gastrointestinal Tract 2.0 (UCLA GIT 2.0) tool, which assesses the severity of GI symptoms and their impact on health-related quality of life. Malnutrition was assessed using CONUT and PNI scores derived from routine laboratory parameters. The correlation between these malnutrition indices and the UCLA GIT 2.0 scores was analyzed to determine the predictive value of malnutrition in GI involvement. The study found that patients with higher CONUT scores, indicating malnutrition, had significantly higher total UCLA GIT 2.0 scores. A moderate positive correlation was observed between CONUT scores and total UCLA GIT 2.0 scores (r =.539; p <.01), while a negative correlation was found between CONUT scores and PNI (r = −.513; p <.01). These findings suggest that malnutrition, as measured by CONUT and PNI, is associated with greater GI involvement in SSc. This study shows that malnutrition indices such as CONUT and PNI in SSc patients, together with the UCLA GIT 2.0 score, may serve as usefull predictors of GI involvment in routine clinical practice.
A machine learning approach for estimating Eastern Asian origins from massive screening of Y chromosomal short tandem repeats polymorphisms
Authors: You Haeun , Lee Soong Deok , Cho Sohee
Published: January 2025

Inferring the ancestral origin of DNA evidence recovered from crime scenes is crucial in forensic investigations, especially in the absence of a direct suspect match. Ancestry informative markers (AIMs) have been widely researched and commercially developed into panels targeting multiple continental regions. However, existing forensic ancestry inference panels typically group East Asian individuals into a homogenous category without further differentiation. In this study, we screened Y chromosomal short tandem repeat (Y-STR) haplotypes from 10,154 Asian individuals to explore their genetic structure and generate an ancestry inference tool through a machine learning (ML) approach. Our research identified distinct genetic separations between East Asians and their neighboring Southwest Asians, with tendencies of northern and southern differentiation observed within East Asian populations. All machine learning models developed in this study demonstrated high accuracy, with the Asian classification model achieving an optimal performance of 82.92% and the East Asian classification model reaching 84.98% accuracy. This work not only deepens the understanding of genetic substructures within Asian populations but also showcases the potential of ML in forensic ancestry inference using extensive Y-STR data. By employing computational methods to analyze intricate genetic datasets, we can enhance the resolution of ancestry in forensic contexts involving Asian populations.