bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On‐line machine‐learning forecast uncertainty estimation for sequential data assimilation
Authors: Sacco Maximiliano A. , Pulido Manuel , Ruiz Juan J. , Tandeo Pierre
Published: May 2024

Quantifying forecast uncertainty is a key aspect of state‐of‐the‐art numerical weather prediction and data assimilation systems. Ensemble‐based data assimilation systems incorporate state‐dependent uncertainty quantification based on multiple model integrations. However, this approach is demanding in terms of computations and development. In this work, a machine‐learning method is presented based on convolutional neural networks that estimates the state‐dependent forecast uncertainty represented by the forecast error covariance matrix using a single dynamical model integration. This is achieved by the use of a loss function that takes into account the fact that the forecast errors are heteroscedastic. The performance of this approach is examined within a hybrid data assimilation method that combines a Kalman‐like analysis update and the machine‐learning‐based estimation of a state‐dependent forecast error covariance matrix. Observing system simulation experiments are conducted using the Lorenz'96 model as a proof‐of‐concept. The promising results show that the machine‐learning method is able to predict precise values of the forecast covariance matrix in relatively high‐dimensional states. Moreover, the hybrid data assimilation method shows similar performance to the ensemble Kalman filter, outperforming it when the ensembles are relatively small.
SLAMF8 as a potential biomarker for rheumatoid arthritis identified by comparing peripheral blood mononuclear cells, fibroblast‐like synoviocytes, and synovial tissue using bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Zhang Cheng , Huang Huina , Zhang Jie , Huang Yifan , Qin Yuanhua , Li Xia , Wang Guan
Published: May 2024

Background

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease. Its pathogenesis is not fully understood, and early diagnosis is challenging owing to the lack of effective biomarkers. This study aimed to analyze different samples to identify potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

Methods

Microarray datasets of RA, osteoarthritis (OA), and healthy control (HC) were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. R software was used to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs), which were visualized using volcano and heat maps. Venn diagrams, principal component analysis, gene set enrichment analysis, gene ontology, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of genes and genomes were used to analyze the data. A protein–protein interaction network was constructed, and synovial tissues from patients with RA and OA were collected for verification using the collagen‐induced arthritis mouse model.

Results

More DEGs were found in synovial tissues than in peripheral blood mononuclear cells or fibroblast‐like synoviocytes. Principal component analysis revealed significant differences between the RA and OA samples, highlighting the unique advantages of synovial tissue. Enrichment analysis revealed that metabolic and cytokine signaling pathways play crucial roles in the development of RA. Further analysis of the four synovial datasets identified 54 DEGs, of which signaling lymphocytic activation molecule family (SLAMF) 8 was identified as the key molecule. SLAMF8 levels were increased in the synovial tissue of patients with RA compared to those of patients with OA (0.38 ± 0.19 vs. 12.40 ± 1.66), and SLAMF8 levels were similarly elevated in collagen‐induced arthritis model mice compared with those in the healthy mice (1.13 ± 0.47 vs. 9.05 ± 2.52).

Conclusions

This study established the unique advantages of synovial tissue for RA research and identified metabolic and cytokine signaling pathways as important for RA development. Thus, SLAMF8 may be a potential therapeutic target for RA.
Long‐term dynamics of large wood in old‐growth and second‐growth stream reaches in the Cascade Range of Oregon
Authors: Gregory Stanley , Ashkenas Linda , Wildman Randall , Lienkaemper George , Arismendi Ivan , Lamberti Gary A. , Meleason Mark , Penaluna Brooke E. , Sobota Daniel
Published: May 2024

We quantified temporal dynamics of wood storage, input, and transport over a 24‐year period in adjacent old‐growth and second‐growth forested reaches in Mack Creek, a third‐order stream in the Cascade Range of Oregon. The standing stocks of large wood in the old‐growth reach exceeded those at the second‐growth reach by more than double the number of wood pieces and triple the wood volume. Annual inputs of large wood were highly variable. Wood numbers delivered into the old‐growth reach were 3× higher and wood volume 10× greater than in the second‐growth reach. The movement of number and volume of logs did not differ significantly between the two reaches over time. Less than 2% of the logs moved in most years, and the highest proportion moved in the year of the 1996 flood (9% in old growth and 22% in second growth). Most of the large wood aggregated as jams in both reaches. The second‐growth reach lacked major jams, but 29% of the logs in the old growth were in full‐channel spanning jams. Long‐term observations of annual storage, input, and movement reveal the temporal dynamics of wood rather than static representations of the characteristics of wood. Input events and transport of wood in Mack Creek were episodic and varied greatly over the 24‐year study, which illustrates one of the major challenges and opportunities for understanding the cumulative dynamics of wood in streams.
Women's leadership communication patterns in the political areas in Lampung province Indonesia
Authors: Yanti Fitri , Amaliah Eni
Published: May 2024

Patriarchal culture still dominates among women in Indonesia and several other countries, often resulting in discrimination. Although almost every country has laws regulating women's positions in the public sector, developing women's roles and positions is still slow, especially in government institutions. This research highlights the importance of women's leadership roles as potential resources for nation‐building. This research uses a holistic approach with an orientation toward natural descriptive data and a qualitative approach through a case study method. In Lampung Province, only two districts have female regional heads, namely the mayor of Bandar Lampung and the regent of Tanggamus. The study found that both leaders used communication patterns that were appropriate to local conditions: the mayor of Bandar Lampung adopted persuasive and participatory patterns, while the regent of Tanggamus used democratic and collaborative communication approaches with a focus on MSME actors and the community. These communication patterns are key to building strong relationships with constituents and achieving better development goals for the region.
Ag‐Based Bimetallic Nanoparticles for the Catalytic Reduction of Nitrophenol and Organic Dyes: An Overview
Authors: Bhatu Minakshi N. , Mavlankar Guruprasad R. , Baviskar Rahul , Patil Anirudhha B. , Patil Shubhangi P.
Published: May 2024

Bimetallic nanoparticles with synergistic effects revealed much higher catalytic activity than respective monometallic materials. This review describes bimetallic nanoparticles, especially silver nanoparticles, combined with the other transition elements, such as Ag−Fe, Ag−Co, Ag−Ni, and Ag−Cu, as an enhanced catalytically active material. The coverage is given to the various methods of preparation, in which factors responsible for different structures of bimetallic nanoparticles are thoroughly discussed. Lastly, we explore the use of bimetallic nanoparticles as a catalyst for the degradation of numerous organic pollutants that contribute to water pollution.
Performance of CuP2 Negative Electrode for Na‐Ion Batteries with CNTs As Stabilizer
Authors: Zhang En , Saha Arka , Jiang Guangshen , Xu Xiaosa , Yarmolenko Alina , Aziz Tarik , Julia Grothe , Nessim Gilbert Daniel , Kaskel Stefan
Published: May 2024

Transition metal phosphides (TMPs) are promising anode materials for sodium ion battery, thanks to their high theoretical specific capacities. Nevertheless, they suffer from large volume change and from poor conductivity during prolonged cycling. Here we systematically investigate the role of different kinds of single/multi‐wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs/MWCNTs) as additives in order to stabilize copper phosphide particles (CuP2) as anode materials in sodium ion batteries (SIBs). All composites show enhancement in the overall capacity and cycling stability compared to the pristine CuP2 due to the well‐connected CNTs on and between the CuP2 particles. At a high currency density of 1 A g−1, CuP2@SWCNTs composite with 13 wt.% SWCNTs can deliver a specific capacity over 400 mAh g−1 for more than 60 cycles, much better than conventional hard carbon materials. The CNTs enhance the conductivity and reduce capacity loss caused by the volume variation of CuP2 based electrode materials. Post‐mortem analysis by scanning electron microscopy depicts a possible battery failure mechanism, whereby the solid electrolyte interface exists in the form of nanospheres distributing at the surface of the electrode. During the repeated cycling (volume change), more fractures and cracks occur resulting in continuous interfacial reactions and consumption of sodium and electrolyte.
Micropatterned Polymer Nanoarrays with Distinct Superwettability for a Highly Efficient Sweat Collection and Sensing Patch
Authors: Jin Minghui , Su Peipei , Huang Xiaocheng , Zhang Ruhao , Xu He , Wang Zhenbo , Su Cuicui , Katona Jaroslav M. , Ye Yumin
Published: May 2024

Wearable sweat sensor offers a promising means for noninvasive real‐time health monitoring, but the efficient collection and accurate analysis of sweat remains challenging. One of the obstacles is to precisely modulate the surface wettability of the microfluidics to achieve efficient sweat collection. Here a facile initiated chemical vapor deposition (iCVD) method is presented to grow and pattern polymer nanocone arrays with distinct superwettability on polydimethylsiloxane microfluidics, which facilitate highly efficient sweat transportation and collection. The nanoarray is synthesized by manipulating monomer supersaturation during iCVD to induce controlled nucleation and preferential vertical growth of fluorinated polymer. Subsequent selective vapor deposition of a conformal hydrogel nanolayer results in superhydrophilic nanoarray floor and walls within the microchannel that provide a large capillary force and a superhydrophobic ceiling that drastically reduces flow friction, enabling rapid sweat transport along varied flow directions. A carbon/hydrogel/enzyme nanocomposite electrode is then fabricated by sequential deposition of highly porous carbon nanoparticles and hydrogel nanocoating to achieve sensitive and stable sweat detection. Further encapsulation of the assembled sweatsensing patch with superhydrophobic nanoarray imparts self‐cleaning and water‐proof capability. Finally, the sweat sensing patch demonstrates selective and sensitive glucose and lactate detection during the on‐body test.
One Stone Two Birds: Anomalously Enhancing the Cross‐Plane and In‐Plane Heat Transfer in 2D/3D Heterostructures by Defects Engineering
Authors: Wang Quanjie , Xiong Yucheng , Shao Cheng , Li Shouhang , Zhang Jie , Zhang Gang , Liu Xiangjun
Published: May 2024

This study addresses a crucial challenge in two‐dimensional (2D) material‐based electronic devices—inefficient heat dissipation across the van der Waals (vdW) interface connecting the 2D material to its three‐dimensional (3D) substrate. The objective is to enhance the interfacial thermal conductance (ITC) of 2D/3D heterostructures without compromising the intrinsic thermal conductivities (κ) of 2D materials. Using 2D‐MoS2/3D‐GaN as an example, a novel strategy to enhance both the ITC across 2D/3D interface and κ of 2D material is proposed by introducing a controlled concentration (ρ) of vacancy defects to substrate's bottom surface. Molecular dynamics simulations demonstrate a notable 2.1‐fold higher ITC of MoS2/GaN at ρ = 4% compared to the no‐defective counterpart, along with an impressive 56% enhancement in κ of MoS2 compared to the conventional upper surface modification approaches. Phonon dynamics analysis attributes the ITC enhancement to increased phonon coupling between MoS2 and GaN, resulting from polarization conversion and hybridization of phonons at the defective surface. Spectral energy density analysis affirms that the improved κ of MoS2 directly results from the proposed strategy, effectively reducing phonon scattering at the interface. This work provides an effective approach for enhancing heat transfer in 2D/3D vdW heterostructures, promisingly advancing electronics’ heat dissipation.
Buried Interface Passivation of Sn–Pb Narrow‐Bandgap Perovskite for Highly Efficient All‐Perovskite Tandem Solar Cells
Authors: Zhang Jin , Li Weisheng , Lv Xiaojing , Ji Yitong , Huang Wenchao , Bu Tongle , Ren Zhiwei , Yao Canglang , Huang Fuzhi , Cheng Yi‐Bing , Tong Jinhui
Published: May 2024

All‐perovskite tandem solar cells (ATSCs) present a remarkable opportunity to overcome the Shockley–Queisser efficiency limit of single‐junction solar cells. However, the stability of ATSCs significantly lags that of their pure Pb‐based single‐junction counterparts. Recent studies have identified that the widely used poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene)‐poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) hole transport layer in narrow‐bandgap (NBG) tin–lead (Sn–Pb) perovskite solar cells (PSCs) hinders the efficiency and stability. Herein, a patching strategy to optimize the interface between perovskite and PEDOT:PSS is proposed. Both theoretical and experimental studies reveal that PenA+ and Ac− can decrease defect states at the interface and strengthen the binding between PEDOT:PSS and Sn–Pb perovskite. Furthermore, the pentylammonium acetate (PenAAc) interlayer improves carrier extraction and suppresses the oxidation of Sn2+ to Sn4+. With the PenAAc buried layer, the fabricated NBG PSCs obtain an impressive power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 21.86%, along with significantly enhanced device stability. By integrating the buried passivated NBG Sn–Pb perovskite with a 1.75 eV wide‐bandgap PSC, the two‐terminal ATSC achieves a PCE of 26.54%. This work provides a valuable approach to fabricate efficient and stable NBG PSCs.
Perioperative epidural catheter analgesia as a component of a multimodal analgesic approach in a dog with thoracic hemivertebrae and kyphosis undergoing thoracic vertebral stabilisation
Authors: Piper Melissa , West Natalie , Capello Rodolfo , Medina‐Serra Roger
Published: May 2024

A 4‐year‐old, male, neutered French bulldog weighing 13.5 kg presented with urinary and faecal incontinence, progressive, non‐painful paraparesis and pelvic limb proprioceptive ataxia. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a T12 constrictive myelopathy in association with multiple thoracic vertebral malformations, and mildly impinging thoracic intervertebral disc protrusions. Additionally, there was a sacral axial defect and degenerative lumbosacral stenosis. Surgical treatment comprised bilateral dorsal vertebral stabilisation of T9–T13. This case report summarises the peri‐anaesthetic management, which included an ‘in‐plane’ ultrasound‐guided placement of an epidural catheter at the level of L3–L4 and advancement cranially to T12 as a component of a multimodal analgesic regimen. Following the cessation of postoperative epidural bupivacaine administration, the patient remained comfortable without requiring rescue analgesia, and was discharged within 24 hours of surgery. At the latest recheck 5 months after surgery, the dog's neurological status remained static. This technique and application remain unexplored in existing veterinary literature.
Benzimidazole‐associated pancytopenia in a dog with presumed Heterobilharzia americana infection
Authors: Granger Kyle L. , Talbot Charles T. , Wakamatsu Cory N. , Harris McAllister , Dowers Kristy L.
Published: May 2024

Adverse drug events are classified into type A (dose‐dependent and common) or type B (idiosyncratic and uncommon) reactions. Benzimidazole toxicosis in veterinary medicine typically induces nonspecific signs such as gastrointestinal distress and infrequent myelosuppression. Pancytopenia from benzimidazoles is exceptionally rare, with only one reported case. We present a 12‐year‐old, female, spayed, mixed‐breed dog with acute lethargy, anorexia, pyrexia and severe leukopenia after high‐dose benzimidazole therapy for suspected liver fluke infection. Despite hospitalisation, the dog remained unresponsive to antimicrobial therapies, developed neutropenic sepsis and was euthanized. Bone marrow analysis indicated marked haematopoietic hypoplasia suggestive of a type A adverse drug event secondary to an incidental, high‐dose fenbendazole administration.
Energy Efficiency in the Higher Education Institutions: A Review of Actions and Their Contribution to Sustainable Development
Authors: Munaro Mayara R. , John Vanderley M.
Published: May 2024

Universities are among the largest public sectors and energy consumers in many countries worldwide. They are considered crucial places to learn about opportunities to adopt sustainable and renewable energy to meet global greenhouse gas emission targets and incentivize economic growth. In this study, different energy efficiency strategies on university campuses were analyzed to investigate the level of engagement in practical actions at universities and the reduction of the environmental impacts of this sector. The results show that energy actions on university campuses are fewer and focused on plans for renewing energy systems and reducing energy consumption in buildings. Only a small portion of universities’ energy consumption comes from renewable sources. There is a need for more empirical studies on the description of actions and their impacts on the sustainability of campuses, in addition to the need to better understand and study the connections between energy use and energy efficiency in university campuses. An integrated approach to different energy strategies, in parallel with the knowledge of available technologies and the commitment of university stakeholders, in partnership with government support and energy concessionaires, is essential to improve energy performance and reduce the energy footprint of the universities.
Nature-Based Solutions for Sustainable Urban System Transformation: Addressing Circularity in Building System Recovery
Authors: Pineda-Martos Rocío , Andreucci Maria-Beatrice , Calheiros Cristina S. C. , Puma Camila Cervantes , Salles Adriana , Askar Rand , Bragança Luís
Published: May 2024

Urban system transformation in view of sustainability is fundamental for efficient adaptation and mitigation of challenges faced by cities. Sustainable urban transitions, under the umbrella of circular economy, are key to effectively addressing future challenging scenarios and their impacts. The adoption of nature-based solutions (NBS) for circular resource management can provide beneficial ecosystem services to the urban built environment while promoting the conservation and reuse of resources within the urban cycle. The Circular City framework outlined the use of NBS to tackle challenges related to urban circularity. One such challenge is ‘Building system recovery’, which involves the regeneration of the built environment. By implementing NBS, the lifespan of building systems, construction materials, buildings, as well as open spaces can be extended. This is achieved by reducing exposure to weathering from external agents, thereby reducing the rate of infrastructure renovations, retrofitting and replacements. Moreover, strategies that prioritize resource savings, greener environments, and water-sensitive systems can increase resilience by providing critical ecosystem functions such as stormwater management, greywater treatment and mitigation of the urban heat island effect. Building upon the Circular City framework, this contribution presents NBS units and interventions at different urban scales – materials, components, systems – aiming at addressing the circularity challenge of ‘Building system recovery’. This is followed by a comprehensive analysis of input and output resource streams for strengthening circularity solutions in cities. This contribution describes state-of-the-art circularity frameworks aiming at supporting decision-makers and practitioners, while providing guidance tools for involving all relevant stakeholders, thereby supporting multifunctional implementation of NBS for inclusive and resilient circular cities.
Alternative Growing Medium for Indoor Living Walls to Foster the Removal Efficiency of Volatile Organic Compounds
Authors: Dominici Laura , Comino Elena , Pérez-Urrestarazu Luis , Pineda-Martos Rocío
Published: May 2024

Increasing urbanization trends led to growing concerns regarding human health risks linked to long-time exposure to poor indoor air quality. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), e.g., formaldehyde and benzene, are the most significant pollutants in indoor environments due to the high number of sources contributing to increase their concentration. Vertical Greening Systems (VGSs) have been proven as space-efficient nature-based solutions (NBS) using the ability of ornamental plants in removing VOCs. Growing media and rhizosphere community often play a pivotal role in removing indoor VOCs, especially in active biofilters. Although horticultural substrates are often overlooked in VGSs’ applications, an increasing number of studies focus on: (i) investigating sustainable opportunities provided by organic materials to produce alternative growing media; and, (ii) exploring compositions of substrates to maximize VGSs phytoremediation efficiency. This work presents preliminary results on the influence of almond shells as an alternative growing medium for VGSs on the removal efficiency of formaldehyde. For that, a VGS module with almond shells as substrate and a single species of ornamental plant was placed in a sealed chamber – specially designed to recirculate the air contaminated by formaldehyde through the module acting as an active biofilter. The system produced a clear reduction of the formaldehyde concentration, and the plants developed correctly with the substrate. Green building-integrated systems are multifunctional NBS which address challenges such as human wellbeing and circularity at local scale. Using organic growing media to improve the biofiltration capability of these systems is a promising alternative towards successful implementation in the built environment.
Exploring the Potential of Circular Economy Strategies in Urban Planning: A Comparative Analysis of Successful Case Studies
Authors: Cervantes Puma Genesis Camila , Salles Adriana , Bragança Luís
Published: May 2024

The circular economy has emerged as a powerful solution to address environmental and socio-economic challenges in urban areas. As cities continue to grow and face increasing resource demands, adopting sustainable practices becomes critical to promote resource efficiency and improve the well-being of urban communities. This study aims to assess the effectiveness and feasibility of circular economy strategies at the urban scale, focusing on urban design and resource management. By examining successful case studies from four cities, valuable insights will gained into implementing circular economy practices in urban planning, such as waste management, renewable energy, and sustainable architecture. The comparative analysis of these cases will allow an assessment of the different approaches taken by each city and their impact on the sustainability and resilience of urban environments. This study aims to inspire and guide future urban development and promote sustainability and resilience in European cities by highlighting successful examples of circular economy implementation. Ultimately, this study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the role of circular economy principles in urban environments, highlighting their potential to promote sustainability and resilience. Through four study cases, this study will illustrate The tangible outcomes and real-world implications of adopting circular economy practices in urban landscapes.
Circular Economy as a New Concept for Sustainable Building Development in Serbia
Authors: Milović Tiana , Laban Mirjana , Bulatović Vesna , Starčev-Ćurčin Anka , Draganić Suzana , Bukvić Olivera
Published: May 2024

The concept of circular economy has become an important topic nowadays. This paper provides a brief literature review that introduces sustainability and the circular economy by presenting their origins and their conceptual definitions. In accordance with the above-mentioned, the standards applied in Serbia are enumerated. In April 2020, the Roadmap for Circular Economy in Serbia, the first document that initiated a dialogue between decisionmakers, industry representatives, academia and civil society in order to define the goals, future steps and a time frame for the transition from a traditional linear model to the circular economy, was adopted. In November 2020, Serbia accepted the conditions of the European Union for linking the European Green Deal with the strategic development of the region by signing the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans. Furthermore, Serbia has a Digital Platform for the Circular Economy that provides support to companies through business models, examples of good practice and tools, in order to more easily apply the circular business model, and reduce the carbon footprint in production processes and products. Although the implementation of the circular economy is at the very beginning, there are already several examples of good practice in Serbia, in terms of sustainable building materials.
Life Cycle Assessment and Sustainability Characteristics of Built Environment Systems
Authors: Alkhawaldeh Ayah , Betoush Nour , Sawalha Ansam , Alhassan Mohammad , Abdalla Khairedin
Published: May 2024

The sustainable built environment concept has recently gained enormous attention from academic and industrial organizations. The growth in climate-related disasters and pandemics, continuing difficulties in the energy sector, and consumer awareness regarding resources’ conservation and sustainability are considered the driving factors influencing participants toward supporting sustainable engineering applications. Furthermore, numerous professional standards and requirements for implementing and rating sustainable practices have been generated, such as life cycle assessment (LCA), cost analysis, project development (i.e., from planning through construction up to demolition), recycling, material preservation, and utilizing reusable materials. The LCA is a great method for examining and integrating a wide variety of environmental elements to provide a comprehensive picture of system sustainability. The research presented in this study covered significant environmental elements that are essential to deciding between two or more choices and improving the system. This research compared the OPC and AABC based on CO2 emissions. The results showed that the AABC produces positive sustainability outcomes in terms of CO2 emissions. The AABC emits substantially less CO2 than the OPC, indicating that it is preferable for greenhouse buildings.
Waste Generation Factors and Waste Minimisation in Construction
Authors: Alotaibi Saud , Martinez-Vazquez Pedro , Baniotopoulos Charalampos
Published: May 2024

The consistent growth of the construction sector during the last decades has generated massive waste that severely impacts the environment. Globally, construction activities generate around 30% of the overall waste annually, and the numbers are expected to increase due to population growth projections and the need for infrastructure developments. As a matter of fact, the causes of waste can be grouped into seven categories namely, design-related, procurement-related, human-related, handling and storage, site conditions, management-related, and due to other external factors, such as the effect of weather and accidents. In addition, construction waste types are influenced by project type, size, and construction method. To mitigate the impacts of construction waste, a plethora of practices have been recommended, including innovations for procurement, design, and construction. The present study scrutinises potential opportunities for minimising construction waste and proposes future sustainability enhancement related to construction activities. A pivotal contribution of this study is the creation of a matrix that links the identified causes of construction waste with sustainability practices, offering a comprehensive insight for effectively reducing waste and enhancing the sustainability of construction activities.
Environmental Impact of Cold-Formed Z-shaped Steel Purlins
Authors: Gîrbacea Ioan Andrei , de Paula Filho José Humberto , Ungureanu Viorel
Published: May 2024

In an effort to mitigate climate change, the construction industry is moving toward a more responsible approach regarding production and design methods. The environmental impact of a structure must be reduced from the design phase by using reliable design approaches and choosing the production and construction processes that minimise as much as possible the carbon footprint. The purlins are components of the roof structure and their scope is to transfer the roof loads to the rafters. An efficient design of purlins is generally achieved by using cold-formed steel Z-shaped profiles. Z purlins span continuously over the rafters to reduce material use through a more favourable bending moment distribution. To ensure continuity of the bending moment along the length of the structure, the purlins form overlapped connections on the supports. The focus of this research paper is to assess through the Life Cycle Assessment methodology how the design influences the environmental impact of overlapped purlins. The paper assesses the impact of higher-grade steels versus more traditionally used steel grades. Furthermore, the adoption of steel manufactured using a high content of scrap steel and energy obtained from renewable sources facilitate the reduction of the carbon footprint of the element. Using advanced finite element models, previously validated against experimental results, the purlin systems were designed to support both gravity and pressure loads.
Framework for a Multi-level Approach for Testing the Construction Demolition Waste Hierarchy
Authors: Burmester Inês , Tavares Vanessa , Martins João Poças
Published: May 2024

The Waste Framework Directive (WFD) proposes a Waste Hierarchy (WH), a list of waste management strategies ordered from the most to the least preferable and often illustrated as an inverted pyramid. Waste prevention is at the top of this pyramid, followed by preparing for reuse, recycling, and then other recovery activities such as waste to energy. At the bottom of this hierarchy, the waste management strategy to be avoided is waste disposal at landfills.

Although this hierarchy establishes a logical framework for waste management policies, case-by-case assessment shows many exceptions to the rules implicit in this structure. Indeed, depending on the materials and constructive solutions, the order proposed by the WFD can be modified by considering a detailed LCA. On the other hand, when performed on an element level, the results of LCA may not be viable to inform policymakers on the best course of action towards a more sustainable built environment. This paper proposes a multi-level approach – at a material, element and building level – combining the waste hierarchy with the 9R framework. Assessments of building refurbishment at the building or element level can yield vastly different results, which may be relevant when addressing questions posed by each type of stakeholder according to their scope of action.
End-of-Life as a New Beginning: Pre-demolition Audits, Digital Platforms and Skilled Labour as Enablers of Circular Economy
Authors: Pedroso Pedro Frazão , Silvestre José Dinis , Costa António Aguiar
Published: May 2024

One of the main issues with applying Circular Economy (CE) principles to the construction sector sits at the End-of-Life (EoL) of buildings. How to recover the materials and then how to reintroduce them into the economy are fundamental problems that lack immediate solutions. The status quo in the EoL of buildings has always been demolition followed by deposition at a landfill (linear economy), thus, to change this approach, there is the need to replace demolition with deconstruction. This causes new problems, as buildings vary greatly, there is a need for pre-demolition audits, that can report on the recoverable materials, potential generated waste and plan the deconstruction intervention. Here, new problems arise, such as the lack of methodologies to intervene or skilled labour that makes deconstruction possible. However, at that point, even when materials are recovered there is the problem of how to reintroduce those materials back into the market. Here, digital platforms can bridge that gap, making it possible for the recovered materials to be posted in a marketplace where the designers of new buildings (or building renovations) can access the circular materials available to introduce into their designs. Thus, this paper aims to present a possible solution to the problem of introducing CE into the built environment, proposing pre-demolition audits, digital platforms, and labour upskilling as enablers for a greener future.
The Sonic Imagery of the Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Varoutsos Georgios , D’Arcy John
Published: May 2024

The Covid-19 pandemic catalysed disruptions and disturbances in ways of living across the globe. Many of these changes in daily life were felt through stark changes to our soundscapes, particularly those in urban centres. Might we better understand the effects of the Covid-19 lockdowns through sonic analysis? This chapter explores how sound analysis methods, including concepts of the sound-motion object and sonic image, might aid in understanding the environmental soundscapes of the pandemic lockdowns. The discussion focuses on the Sounding Covid-19 project—an initiative involving a series of field recordings carried out during Covid-19 pandemic-related events in the urban environments of Belfast, Northern Ireland (2020–2022) and Montreal, Canada (2020–2021). The project presents the sound archive through various listening experiences, including soundscape compositions, sound mapping and narrative-based radiophonic work. We consider how the pandemic may have invited us to pause and reconsider how we document and archive the present to look back and better understand the future. Sound may be vital in understanding our environment and the socio-cultural shifts over time. This chapter argues that documenting, preserving, and analysing the soundscapes of the pandemic lockdowns may help us reflect on our shared histories in several ways.
Empirical Analysis of Gestural Sonic Objects Combining Qualitative and Quantitative Methods
Authors: Visi Federico , Schramm Rodrigo , Frödin Kerstin , Unander-Scharin Åsa , Östersjö Stefan
Published: May 2024

In this chapter, we describe a series of studies related to our research on using gestural sonic objects in music analysis. These include developing a method for annotating the qualities of gestural sonic objects on multimodal recordings; ranking which features in a multimodal dataset are good predictors of basic qualities of gestural sonic objects using the Random Forests algorithm; and a supervised learning method for automated spotting designed to assist human annotators. The subject of our analyses is a performance of Fragmente2, a choreomusical composition based on the Japanese composer Makoto Shinohara’s solo piece for tenor recorder Fragmente (1968). To obtain the dataset, we carried out a multimodal recording of a full performance of the piece and obtained synchronised audio, video, motion, and electromyogram (EMG) data describing the body movements of the performers. We then added annotations on gestural sonic objects through dedicated qualitative analysis sessions. The task of annotating gestural sonic objects on the recordings of this performance has led to a meticulous examination of related theoretical concepts to establish a method applicable beyond this case study. This process of gestural sonic object annotation—like other qualitative approaches involving manual labelling of data—has proven to be very time-consuming. This motivated the exploration of data-driven, automated approaches to assist expert annotators.
Embodied Sonic Design: Sound and the Sensory Apprehension of Movement
Authors: Crowe Gemma L.
Published: May 2024

Sound acts as an extension of the body, created by movement and received as vibration. I am focused on the removal of a visual representation of the body as a template; to instead facilitate an embodied experience. As an embodied practitioner, I create immersive sound and media installations derived from recordings of my own moving body. The movement of sound depicts the presence of a body in motion through sensory illusion. Through embodied sonic design, my sound recordings decontextualize, abstract, and reframe the auditory experience. I physically manipulate the recording of sound to perceptually rematerialize the moving physical form during playback with two techniques: sound shadows and embodied binaural spatialization. These techniques encourage the listener to perceive sound and space with the same awareness that situates their body, such as sensation and proprioception. The perceived physical interaction within the reception of this sound is akin to a kinesthetic projection and is an engagement in spatial thinking, activating mirror neurons and kinesthetic empathy. Creating awareness through physical attunement can regulate systems out of balance by offering the embodiment of alternative states: shifting how one thinks and feels in a particular setting. My research seeks to recognize the listener’s unique perspective through their individual body.
Digitale Kulturen der Lehre entwickeln
Authors: Mrohs Lorenz , Herrmann Dominik , Franz Julia , Lindner Konstantin , Staake Thorsten
Published: May 2024

Der Beitrag führt vor dem Hintergrund der Theorie der Kultur der Digitalität (Felix Stalder) in den vorliegenden Sammelband ein und wendet diesen theoretischen Rahmen auf Hochschulen und die Entwicklung der Hochschullehre an. Es werden die zentralen Strukturbedingungen umrissen und davon ausgehend Erfordernisse für die Entwicklung einer Kultur der Digitalität an der Universität Bamberg skizziert, die im Rahmen des Projekts „Digitale Kulturen der Lehre entwickeln (DiKuLe)“ beforscht und entwickelt werden. Abschließend gibt der Beitrag einen Ausblick auf die Beiträge des Sammelbandes, die neue Konzepte, Gestaltungsmöglichkeiten und Evaluationsergebnisse digitaler Lehr-Lernarrangements vorstellen.
Storytelling bei der Vermittlung von Data Literacy in der Hochschullehre – ein Praxisbeispiel
Authors: Erhardt Yvonne , Gausling Pia , Böhm-Kasper Oliver
Published: May 2024

In diesem Beitrag wird der interaktive Online-Kurs Mit Emma durch den Datendschungel vorgestellt, welcher an der Fakultät für Erziehungswissenschaft der Universität Bielefeld im Rahmen der Förderlinie Curriculum 4.0.nrw entwickelt und erprobt wird. Ziel ist es, Data Literacy an Studierende der Erziehungswissenschaft und der Bildungswissenschaften zu vermitteln. Inhaltlich orientiert sich der Kurs an dem Datenlebenszyklus. Didaktisch liegt dem Kurs die Methode des Storytellings zugrunde.
Embedded Micro Degree an der RWU – Umsetzung eines MATLAB-Grundlagenkurses als Best-Practice-Beispiel
Authors: Frey Ilona , Kaufmann Saara
Published: May 2024

Mit dem Lehr-Lernformat Micro Degrees passt sich das Bildungssystem dem schnelllebigen, digitalen Wandel in der Gesellschaft und Arbeitswelt an. In diesem Beitrag wird der Aufbau eines Embedded Micro Degrees (MDs) anhand eines ersten Best-Practice-Beispiels zum Thema MATLAB-Grundlagen an der Hochschule Ravensburg-Weingarten (RWU) beschrieben. Besonders wird dabei auf die Umsetzung des MDs eingegangen und die dafür angewendeten Tools beschrieben. Eine wichtige Rolle spielen dabei Open Badges, die nach erfolgreichem Bestehen eines MDs vergeben werden.
Bedingungsfaktoren eines erfolgreichen Blended Learnings
Authors: Kastl Pia , Stöckl Andreas , Struck Olaf
Published: May 2024

Im Zuge der Digitalisierung der Hochschullehre hat auch Blended Learning als Kombination aus Präsenz- und Onlinelehre zunehmende Verbreitung gefunden. Ziel des Beitrags ist es, die aktuellen Bedingungen der Anwendung zu analysieren und zu untersuchen, welche Faktoren für eine erfolgreiche Blended-Learning-Veranstaltung gegeben sein müssen. Hierfür wurden eine Fragebogenuntersuchung und qualitative Interviews mit Studierenden an zwei deutschen Universitäten durchgeführt. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass formale Faktoren wie Strukturierung und Unterstützung im Blended Learning bereits sehr gut gewährleistet werden. Verbesserungspotenziale bestehen in der Möglichkeit zur Kooperation der Studierenden untereinander. Aus Perspektive der Studierenden ist diese aktiv von den Dozierenden zu initiieren.
Aufgabenbearbeitungen von Schüler:innen multimedial erfassen
Authors: Kunz Saskia Jessica
Published: May 2024

Grundschullehramtsstudierende der Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg erhalten im Rahmen eines wahlobligatorischen Lehr-Lernlabor-Seminars die Möglichkeit, theoriebasiert Lernaufgaben für den Rechtschreibunterricht zu entwickeln und diese mit Grundschüler:innen zu erproben. Um detaillierte Einblicke in die Bearbeitungs- und Kommunikationsprozesse der Schüler:innen zu erhalten, werden via Screencast (Bildschirmaufnahme) die Gespräche der Schüler:innen simultan mit ihren Bearbeitungen am Tablet-PC aufgezeichnet. Die Videovignetten dienen den Studierenden als Reflexionsgrundlage zur Identifikation von Problemstellen und Hürden in ihrer eigens entwickelten Aufgabe. Sie geben Anhaltspunkte zur gezielten Überarbeitung des Aufgabendesigns
Lehre qualitativer Forschungsmethoden im digitalen Raum und ihre didaktische Ausgestaltung
Authors: Epp André
Published: May 2024

In dem Beitrag werden zum einen Einblicke in eine mit dem didaktischen Konzept des flipped classrooms im digitalen Raum ausgebrachten Vorlesung zu qualitativen Forschungsmethoden gegeben. Es wird veranschaulicht, wie asynchrone und synchrone Phasen mit digitalen Elementen ausgestaltet und aufeinander bezogen werden. Zum anderen wird die Lehrveranstaltung empirisch in den Blick genommen und perspektiviert, wie Studierende mit den unterschiedlichen Elementen der im digitalen Raum ausgebrachten Vorlesung umgegangen sind und diese erfahren haben. Es wird aufgezeigt, dass Studierende zwischen Freiheiten, die mit dem didaktischen Konzept des flipped classrooms einhergehen, und dem Schaffen eigener Verbindlichkeiten changieren und die digitalen Elemente an ihren eigenen Lernbedarf ausrichten.
Die Corona-Pandemie: Zeitenwende oder nur ein kurzes Intermezzo in der Prüfungskultur?
Authors: Baume Matthias , Muris-Wendt Nina
Published: May 2024

Vor Beginn der Corona-Pandemie fanden an den meisten Universitäten und Hochschulen in Deutschland die Prüfungen fast ausschließlich analog und in Präsenz statt. Doch durch das Infektionsgeschehen mussten nahezu alle dieser Einrichtungen kurzfristig auf verschiedene Online-Prüfungsformate ausweichen. Da an der TU München im Rahmen eines Projekts zu diesem Zeitpunkt eine grundlegende Infrastruktur für automatisiert beaufsichtigte Prüfungen vorhanden war, wurde während der Corona-Semester eine große Anzahl von Prüfungen in diesem Format durchgeführt. Die Prüfungsevaluationen aus vier Semestern geben nun einen Einblick in die Veränderung der Wahrnehmung dieser Prüfungsform durch die Studierenden über die Zeit und tragen somit zur Beschreibung der aktuellen Prüfungskultur bei.
Rollenbeschreibungen von Hochschullehrenden im Kontext der Digitalisierung
Authors: Vogel Anne , Riedel Jana , Henschler Julia
Published: May 2024

Hochschullehrende sehen sich, auch infolge der durch die COVID-19-Pandemie forcierten Digitalisierung der Hochschullehre, mit neuen Aufgaben und veränderten Erwartungen konfrontiert. Der Beitrag untersucht im Rahmen eines Scholarship-of-Academic-Development-Ansatzes Veränderungen in der Wahrnehmung von Lehrrollen durch die digital gestützte Lehre. In diesem Zusammenhang setzt er sich eingehend mit den Aufgaben und Kompetenzen von Lehrenden, den an sie gestellten Erwartungen und Herausforderungen sowie der arbeitsteiligen Zusammenarbeit zwischen Lehrenden und anderen Hochschulmitarbeitenden auseinander. Die Erhebung fand im Rahmen einer Veranstaltung zur Rollenvielfalt in der digital gestützten Hochschullehre des Projekts „Digitalisierung der Hochschulbildung“ in Sachsen statt.
Innovativ sein: Verständnis von innovativer Lehre in der Lehrer:innenbildung und Implikationen für die Förderung innovativer Lehrkonzepte im Sinne einer modernen Hochschullehre
Authors: Kofahl Paula
Published: May 2024

Innovationen in der Hochschullehre sichern deren Qualität und ermöglichen die Reaktion auf gesellschaftliche Entwicklungen. Angehende Lehrer:innen auf die Bedingungen der Digitalität vorzubereiten, bedingt die Weiterentwicklung von Lehrkonzepten in der Lehrer:innenbildung. Der Beitrag bietet Einblick in das Unterstützungsangebot „Vordenker:innen – Lehre neu gedacht“ an der MLU Halle-Wittenberg. Ziel des Programms ist es, Lehrende der Lehrer:innenbildung zum innovativen Handeln zu befähigen und Herausforderungen im Einsatz mit digitalen Medien zu bewältigen. In der Begleitforschung wurden das Verständnis zu innovativer Lehre sowie die Bedeutung struktureller und kultureller Bedingungen für innovative Lehrentwicklung aus Lehrendenperspektive ermittelt und Maßnahmen zur Förderung abgeleitet.
Building data for stacky covers
Authors: Ahlqvist Eric
Published: May 2024

We define stacky building data for stacky covers in the spirit of Pardini and give an equivalence of (2,1)-categories between the category of stacky covers and the category of stacky building data. We show that every stacky cover is a flat root stack in the sense of Olsson and Borne–Vistoli and give an intrinsic description of it as a root stack using stacky building data. When the base scheme S is defined over a field, we give a criterion for when a birational building datum comes from a tamely ramified cover for a finite abelian group scheme, generalizing a result of Biswas–Borne.
Mitigating the effect of source structure in geodetic VLBI by re-weighting observations using closure delays and baseline-to-jet orientation
Authors: Kareinen Niko , Zubko Nataliya , Savolainen Tuomas , Xu Ming Hui , Poutanen Markku
Published: May 2024

An ideal target for geodetic very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) is a strong and point-like radio source. In reality, most celestial sources used in geodetic VLBI have spatial structure. This is as a major source of error in VLBI Global Observing System (VGOS) and also affects legacy S/X observations. Source structure causes a systematic delay, which can affect the geodetic estimates if not modelled or otherwise accounted for. In this work, we aim to mitigate its impact by extending the stochastic model used in the least-squares fitting of the VLBI group delays. We have developed a weighting scheme to re-weight the observations by parameterizing the source structure component in terms of closure delays and jet orientation relative to the observing baseline. It was implemented in the Vienna VLBI Software. To assess the performance of the extended stochastic model, we analysed the CONT17 legacy sessions and generated suitable reference solutions for comparison. The effects of re-weighting were evaluated with respect to the session fit statistics, source-wise residuals, and geodetic parameters. We find that this relatively simple noise model consistently improves the session fit by about 5% with moderate variation from session to session. The geodetic estimates are not affected to a significant level by this new weighting method. Source-wise we see improved post-fit residuals for 63 out of a total of 91 sources observed.