bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parts–per–million of ruthenium catalyze the selective chain–walking reaction of terminal alkenes
Authors: Sanz-Navarro Sergio , Mon Marta , Doménech-Carbó Antonio , Greco Rossella , Sánchez-Quesada Jorge , Espinós-Ferri Estela , Leyva-Pérez Antonio
Published: May 2022

The chain–walking of terminal alkenes (also called migration or isomerization reaction) is currently carried out in industry with unselective and relatively costly processes, to give mixtures of alkenes with significant amounts of oligomerized, branched and reduced by–products. Here, it is shown that part–per–million amounts of a variety of commercially available and in–house made ruthenium compounds, supported or not, transform into an extremely active catalyst for the regioselective migration of terminal alkenes to internal positions, with yields and selectivity up to >99% and without any solvent, ligand, additive or protecting atmosphere required, but only heating at temperatures >150 °C. The resulting internal alkene can be prepared in kilogram quantities, ready to be used in nine different organic reactions without any further treatment.
Codon-specific Ramachandran plots show amino acid backbone conformation depends on identity of the translated codon
Authors: Rosenberg Aviv A. , Marx Ailie , Bronstein Alex M.
Published: May 2022

Synonymous codons translate into chemically identical amino acids. Once considered inconsequential to the formation of the protein product, there is evidence to suggest that codon usage affects co-translational protein folding and the final structure of the expressed protein. Here we develop a method for computing and comparing codon-specific Ramachandran plots and demonstrate that the backbone dihedral angle distributions of some synonymous codons are distinguishable with statistical significance for some secondary structures. This shows that there exists a dependence between codon identity and backbone torsion of the translated amino acid. Although these findings cannot pinpoint the causal direction of this dependence, we discuss the vast biological implications should coding be shown to directly shape protein conformation and demonstrate the usefulness of this method as a tool for probing associations between codon usage and protein structure. Finally, we urge for the inclusion of exact genetic information into structural databases.
Engineered Cas12i2 is a versatile high-efficiency platform for therapeutic genome editing
Authors: McGaw Colin , Garrity Anthony J. , Munoz Gabrielle Z. , Haswell Jeffrey R. , Sengupta Sejuti , Keston-Smith Elise , Hunnewell Pratyusha , Ornstein Alexa , Bose Mishti , Wessells Quinton , Jakimo Noah , Yan Paul , Zhang Huaibin , Alfonse Lauren E. , Ziblat Roy , Carte Jason M. , Lu Wei-Cheng , Cerchione Derek , Hilbert Brendan , Sothiselvam Shanmugapriya , Yan Winston X. , Cheng David R. , Scott David A. , DiTommaso Tia , Chong Shaorong
Published: May 2022

The CRISPR-Cas type V-I is a family of Cas12i-containing programmable nuclease systems guided by a short crRNA without requirement for a tracrRNA. Here we present an engineered Type V-I CRISPR system (Cas12i), ABR-001, which utilizes a tracr-less guide RNA. The compact Cas12i effector is capable of self-processing pre-crRNA and cleaving dsDNA targets, which facilitates versatile delivery options and multiplexing, respectively. We apply an unbiased mutational scanning approach to enhance initially low editing activity of Cas12i2. The engineered variant, ABR-001, exhibits broad genome editing capability in human cell lines, primary T cells, and CD34+ hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells, with both robust efficiency and high specificity. In addition, ABR-001 achieves a high level of genome editing when delivered via AAV vector to HEK293T cells. This work establishes ABR-001 as a versatile, specific, and high-performance platform for ex vivo and in vivo gene therapy.
Inflated pyroclasts in proximal fallout deposits reveal abrupt transitions in eruption behaviour
Authors: Jones Thomas J. , Le Moigne Yannick , Russell James K. , Williams-Jones Glyn , Giordano Daniele , Dingwell Donald B.
Published: May 2022

During explosive eruption of low viscosity magmas, pyroclasts are cooled predominantly by forced convection. Depending on the cooling efficiency relative to other timescales, a spectrum of deposits can be formed. Deposition of hot clasts, above their glass transition temperature, can form spatter mounds, ramparts and clastogenic lava flows. Clasts may also be deposited cold, producing tephra cones and blankets. Thus, the deposit and pyroclast type can provide information about eruption dynamics and magma properties. Here we examine pyroclasts from Tseax volcano, British Columbia, Canada. These newly identified inflated pyroclasts, are fluidal in form, have undergone post-depositional expansion, and are found juxtaposed with scoria. Detailed field, chemical and textural observations, coupled with high temperature rheometry and thermal modelling, reveal that abrupt transitions in eruptive behaviour — from lava fountaining to low-energy bubble bursts — created these pyroclastic deposits. These findings should help identify transitions in eruptive behaviour at other mafic volcanoes worldwide.
Predicting the failure of two-dimensional silica glasses
Authors: Font-Clos Francesc , Zanchi Marco , Hiemer Stefan , Bonfanti Silvia , Guerra Roberto , Zaiser Michael , Zapperi Stefano
Published: May 2022

Being able to predict the failure of materials based on structural information is a fundamental issue with enormous practical and industrial relevance for the monitoring of devices and components. Thanks to recent advances in deep learning, accurate failure predictions are becoming possible even for strongly disordered solids, but the sheer number of parameters used in the process renders a physical interpretation of the results impossible. Here we address this issue and use machine learning methods to predict the failure of simulated two dimensional silica glasses from their initial undeformed structure. We then exploit Gradient-weighted Class Activation Mapping (Grad-CAM) to build attention maps associated with the predictions, and we demonstrate that these maps are amenable to physical interpretation in terms of topological defects and local potential energies. We show that our predictions can be transferred to samples with different shape or size than those used in training, as well as to experimental images. Our strategy illustrates how artificial neural networks trained with numerical simulation results can provide interpretable predictions of the behavior of experimentally measured structures.
Gene flow in a pioneer plant metapopulation (Myricaria germanica) at the catchment scale in a fragmented alpine river system
Authors: Fink Sabine , Hoppler-Wiedmer Andrea , Zengerer Veronika , Egger Gregory , Schletterer Martin , Scheidegger Christoph
Published: May 2022

River alterations for natural hazard mitigation and land reclamation result in habitat decline and fragmentation for riparian plant species. Extreme events such as floods are responsible for additional local species loss or population decline. Tributaries might provide refugia and subsequent source populations for the colonization of downstream sites in connected riverine networks with metapopulations of plant species. In this study, we analyzed the metapopulation structure of the endangered riparian shrub speciesMyricaria germanicaalong the river Isel, Austria, which is part of the Natura 2000 network, and its tributaries. The use of 22 microsatellite markers allowed us to assess the role of tributaries and single populations as well as gene flow up- and downstream. The analysis of 1307 individuals from 45 sites shows the influence of tributaries to the genetic diversity at Isel and no overall isolation by distance pattern. Ongoing bidirectional gene flow is revealed by the detection of first-generation migrants in populations of all tributaries as well as the river Isel, supporting upstream dispersal by wind (seeds) or animals (seeds and pollen). However, some populations display significant population declines and high inbreeding, and recent migration rates are non-significant or low. The genetic pattern at the mouth of river Schwarzach into Isel and shortly thereafter river Kalserbach supports the finding that geographically close populations remain connected and that tributaries can form important refugia forM. germanicain the dynamic riverine network. Conservation and mitigation measures should therefore focus on providing sufficient habitat along tributaries of various size allowing pioneer plants to cope with extreme events in the main channel, especially as they are expected to be more frequent under changing climate.
The impact of endoscopic activity on musculoskeletal disorders of high-volume endoscopists in Germany
Authors: Sturm N. , Leukert J. , Perkhofer L. , Hann A. , Wagner M. , Mayer B. , Seufferlein T. , Mayerle J. , Schulz C. , Meining A. , Kraft E. , Walter Benjamin M.
Published: May 2022

Physical stress is common in GI endoscopists, leading to musculoskeletal disorders. Considering the increasing complexity of interventional GI endoscopy with prolonged examination time, work-related musculoskeletal disorders have come into focus. However, data on work-related health stress in German endoscopists are elusive. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate the prevalence and consequences of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in German endoscopists. A 24-item questionnaire on endoscopy-associated musculoskeletal disorders and standardized pain assessment was developed by an interdisciplinary team of endoscopists and sports medics. The survey was distributed online by the leading German societies for gastroenterology and endoscopy. Overall, 151 German practicing endoscopists took part in the study. Regarding the average number of endoscopic procedures per week, the study collective consisted mainly of high-volume endoscopists. The survey showed that most participants suffered from general musculoskeletal disorders (82.8%) and from work-related musculoskeletal disorders (76.8%). The most affected body parts were the neck, low back, thumb, and shoulder. Temporary absence from work due to symptoms was reported by 9.9% of the respondents. Over 30% of participating endoscopists stated the need for analgesics or physiotherapy due to musculoskeletal disorders. Age, professional experience and work time were identified as relevant risk factors for musculoskeletal health issues. A high number of German endoscopists are affected by musculoskeletal disorders due to specific working postures and repetitive movements with a large impact on personal health. Further interventional studies are mandatory to improve the risk prevention of endoscopic activity.
Formation control for discrete-time multi-agent system with input and output delays under network attacks
Authors: Yuan Jian , Liu Hailin , Zhang Wenxia
Published: May 2022

This paper addresses the mean square consensus-based formation control for multiple agent system (MAS) with input and output delays under network attacks, process noise, and measurement noise in MAS. Firstly, a time delay-free transformation approach for a multi-agent system with input and output delays is presented. The MAS is transformed into a formal delay-free discrete-time system using the delay-free transformation method. Then a state observer based on Kalman filter is presented to estimate the states of agents. A distributed predictive consensus protocol based on the estimated states of each MAS is proposed for the leader-following MAS. The sufficient and necessary conditions of mean square consensus for MAS under DoS attacks are derived. Finally, a numerical example of consensus-based formation control for multi-agent systems is provided to verify the correctness and effectiveness of the proposed consensus control protocol.
SHR1032, a novel STING agonist, stimulates anti-tumor immunity and directly induces AML apoptosis
Authors: Song Chunying , Liu Dong , Liu Suxing , Li Di , Horecny Ivana , Zhang Xinzhu , Li Puhui , Chen Lei , Miller Matthew , Chowdhury Rasheduzzaman , Issa Mena , Shen Ru , Yan Yinfa , Zhang Fengqi , Zhang Lei , Zhang Limin , Bai Chang , Feng Jun , Zhuang Linghang , Zhang Rumin , Li Jing , Wilkinson Hilary , Liu Jian , Tao Weikang
Published: May 2022

Stimulator of interferon genes (STING) activation induces type I interferons and pro-inflammatory cytokines which stimulate tumor antigen cross presentation and the adaptive immune responses against tumor. The first-generation of STING agonists, cyclic di-nucleotide (CDN), mimicked the endogenous STING ligand cyclic guanosine monophosphate adenosine monophosphate, and displayed limited clinical efficacy. Here we report the discovery of SHR1032, a novel small molecule non-CDN STING agonist. Compared to the clinical CDN STING agonist ADU-S100, SHR1032 has much higher activity in human cells with different STING haplotypes and robustly induces interferon β (IFNβ) production. When dosed intratumorally, SHR1032 induced strong anti-tumor effects in the MC38 murine syngeneic tumor model. Pharmacodynamic studies showed induction of IFNβ, tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the tumors and, to a lower extent, in the plasma. More importantly, we found SHR1032 directly causes cell death in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that in addition to their established ability to boost anti-tumor immune responses, STING agonists can directly eradicate AML cells, and SHR1032 may present a new and promising therapeutic agent for cancer patients.
Spectroscopic Techniques for the Analysis of Food Quality, Chemistry, and Function
Authors: Mishra Monalisa
Published: May 2022

Food is a broad term covering a basic necessity of life. Food regulates our physiological and metabolic activity and hence our health. In the modern era, many transformations have been made to improve the properties of foods, and food colouring and processing have also changed the quality of many foods. These modified foods can also regulate the commencement of many diseases. As a consequence, it is essential to know the chemical and structural composition of foods. Many techniques have been applied to determine the quality of food, and spectroscopy has played a prominent role. This chapter summarizes various spectroscopic techniques that have been used to determine the quality of foodstuffs.
Advanced Analytical Methods for the Detection of Irradiated Foods
Authors: Guzik Grzegorz Piotr , Stachowicz Wacław
Published: May 2022

This chapter describes the application of spectroscopic methods such as thermo- and photoluminescence and electron paramagnetic resonance/electron spin resonance (EPR/ESR) spectroscopy in the food market and trade for the control of radiation treatment of a variety of nutritious products and commodities. Basic information on food irradiation as a tool for microbial decontamination of food from pathogenic microorganisms is also given.
Highly insulating thermoplastic nanocomposites based on a polyolefin ternary blend for high-voltage direct current power cables
Authors: Soroudi Azadeh , Ouyang Yingwei , Nilsson Fritjof , Östergren Ida , Xu Xiangdong , Li Zerui , Pourrahimi Amir Masoud , Hedenqvist Mikael , Gkourmpis Thomas , Hagstrand Per-Ola , Müller Christian
Published: May 2022

Octyl-silane-coated Al2O3 nanoparticles are found to be a promising conductivity-reducing additive for thermoplastic ternary blends comprising low-density polyethylene (LDPE), isotactic polypropylene and a styrenic copolymer.
Customizable molecular recognition: advancements in design, synthesis, and application of molecularly imprinted polymers
Authors: Reville Erinn K. , Sylvester Elizabeth H. , Benware Sarah J. , Negi Shreeya S. , Berda Erik B.
Published: May 2022

Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) are unlocking the door to synthetic materials that are capable of molecular recognition.
Vibronic effects accelerate the intersystem crossing processes of the through-space charge transfer states in the triptycene bridged acridine–triazine donor–acceptor molecule TpAT-tFFO
Authors: Kaminski Jeremy M. , Rodríguez-Serrano Angela , Dinkelbach Fabian , Miranda-Salinas Hector , Monkman Andrew P. , Marian Christel M.
Published: May 2022

DFT/MRCI quantum chemical studies suggest five excited electronic states to be involved in the prompt and delayed fluorescence emission of TpAT-tFFO.
Isothiourea-catalyzed formal enantioselective conjugate addition of benzophenone imines to β-fluorinated α,β-unsaturated esters
Authors: Lapetaje Jerson E. , Young Claire M. , Shu Chang , Smith Andrew D.
Published: May 2022

The isothiourea-catalyzed enantioselective conjugate addition of 2-hydroxybenzophenone imine derivatives to α,β-unsaturated esters gives β-imino esters with up to 97 : 3 er.
Tunable 1,2,3-triazole-N-oxides towards high energy density materials: theoretical insight into structure–property correlations
Authors: Liu Yue , Gong Lishan , Yi Xiaoyi , He Piao , Zhang Jianguo
Published: May 2022

A new family of energetic derivatives based on functionalized bridged 1,2,3-triazole-N-oxides was designed, and their properties as well as comprehensive correlations were investigated.
Prediction of 2D IV–VI semiconductors: auxetic materials with direct bandgap and strong optical absorption
Authors: Ren Kai , Ma Xikui , Liu Xiangjun , Xu Yujing , Huo Wenyi , Li Weifeng , Zhang Gang
Published: May 2022

Auxetic materials are highly desirable for advanced applications because of their negative Poisson's ratios, which are rather scarce in two-dimensional materials.
Iodine(iii) reagents for oxidative aromatic halogenation
Authors: Segura-Quezada Luis A. , Torres-Carbajal Karina R. , Juárez-Ornelas Kevin A. , Alonso-Castro Angel J. , Ortiz-Alvarado Rafael , Dohi Toshifumi , Solorio-Alvarado César R.
Published: May 2022

Iodine(iii) reagents have attracted chemical importance in organic synthesis by their use as safe, non-toxic, green and easy to handle reagents in different transformations.
Structure-guided design of CPPC-paired disulfide-rich peptide libraries for ligand and drug discovery
Authors: Wu Yapei , Fan Shihui , Dong Meng , Li Jinjing , Kong Chuilian , Zhuang Jie , Meng Xiaoting , Lu Shuaimin , Zhao Yibing , Wu Chuanliu
Published: May 2022

CPPC-paired disulfide-rich peptides with stable 3D structures have been discovered through rational library design and screening, providing unconventional peptide scaffolds for the development of new peptide therapeutics.
Tailoring a robust Al-MOF for trapping C2H6 and C2H2 towards efficient C2H4 purification from quaternary mixtures
Authors: Laha Subhajit , Dwarkanath Nimish , Sharma Abhishek , Rambabu Darsi , Balasubramanian Sundaram , Maji Tapas Kumar
Published: May 2022

Industrially important C2H4 purification from multi-component hydrocarbon mixtures.
Repurposing of intestinal defensins as multi-target, dual-function amyloid inhibitors via cross-seeding
Authors: Tang Yijing , Zhang Dong , Gong Xiong , Zheng Jie
Published: May 2022

Amyloid formation and microbial infection are the two common pathological causes of neurogenerative diseases. Here, we proposed a new “anti-amyloid and anti-bacteria” strategy to repurpose two intestinal defensins as multiple-target, dual-function amyloid inhibitors.
Synthesis of oxaboranes via nickel-catalyzed dearylative cyclocondensation
Authors: Koeritz Mason T. , Banovetz Haley K. , Prell Sean A. , Stanley Levi M.
Published: May 2022

Oxaboranes are prepared via a nickel-catalyzed dearylative cyclocondensation reaction in up to 99% yield and excellent regioselectivity. These oxaborane products can be further transformed into a variety of synthetically useful building blocks.
Correction: Co,N-doped GQDs/SnO2 mesoporous microspheres exhibit synergistically enhanced gas sensing properties for H2S gas detection
Authors: Chen Tingting , Sun Jianhai , Xue Ning , Zhang Xinxiao , Wang Hairong , Jiang Kaisheng , Zhou Tianye , Quan Hao , Guo Ruihua
Published: May 2022

Correction for ‘Co,N-doped GQDs/SnO2 mesoporous microspheres exhibit synergistically enhanced gas sensing properties for H2S gas detection’ by Tingting Chen et al., J. Mater. Chem. A, 2022, https://doi.org/10.1039/d2ta00837h.
Trafficking regulator of GLUT4-1 (TRARG1) is a GSK3 substrate
Authors: Duan Xiaowen , Norris Dougall M. , Humphrey Sean J. , Yang Pengyi , Cooke Kristen C. , Bultitude Will P. , Parker Benjamin L. , Conway Olivia J. , Burchfield James G. , Krycer James R. , Brodsky Frances M. , James David E. , Fazakerley Daniel J.
Published: May 2022

Trafficking regulator of GLUT4-1, TRARG1, positively regulates insulin-stimulated GLUT4 trafficking and insulin sensitivity. However, the mechanism(s) by which this occurs remain(s) unclear. Using biochemical and mass spectrometry analyses we found that TRARG1 is dephosphorylated in response to insulin in a PI3K/Akt-dependent manner and is a novel substrate for GSK3. Priming phosphorylation of murine TRARG1 at serine 84 allows for GSK3-directed phosphorylation at serines 72, 76 and 80. A similar pattern of phosphorylation was observed in human TRARG1, suggesting that our findings are translatable to human TRARG1. Pharmacological inhibition of GSK3 increased cell surface GLUT4 in cells stimulated with a submaximal insulin dose, and this was impaired following Trarg1 knockdown, suggesting that TRARG1 acts as a GSK3-mediated regulator in GLUT4 trafficking. These data place TRARG1 within the insulin signaling network and provide insights into how GSK3 regulates GLUT4 trafficking in adipocytes.
Dynamic simulation and control of the heat supply system of a civic building with thermal energy storage units
Authors: De la Cruz‐Loredo Ivan , Ugalde‐Loo Carlos E. , Abeysekera Muditha
Published: May 2022

The integration of low‐carbon energy solutions into heating and cooling systems is a growing topic of interest towards the decarbonisation of the energy sector. The complexity of interactions between thermal‐hydraulic components in these systems requires moving from a steady‐state analysis to a dynamic approach. Commercial dynamic process simulators provide a good platform to model and simulate the physics phenomena of these components. However, co‐simulation between software engines is often necessary to incorporate process control systems and regulate key system variables. This paper presents the co‐simulation of a real heating application from a civil building for health services integrating thermal energy storage (TES) units. A detailed dynamic model of the heating system under study is developed in Apros, a commercial dynamic process simulator. The process control system responsible for regulating the hydraulic pumps, valves, and heat sources is implemented in MATLAB/Simulink. The TES system is operated by the process control system based on a daily schedule, achieving a reduced utilisation of the heat generation units during peak‐demand hours.
Sustainability Evaluation of Pyrolysis of Waste Mattresses: A Comparison with Alternative End-of-Life Treatments
Authors: Mehta Rajesh , Golkaram Milad
Published: May 2022

There is a major push by governments and value chain partners to move towards circular options for difficult-to-recycle post-consumer products such as waste mattresses.[1] In the Netherlands alone ~1.5 million mattresses are discarded yearly, of which majority (>60%) is incinerated.[2] A sustainable solution to recycle waste mattresses is required to enable the Dutch industry meet the circular economy goals set by the Dutch government.[3] This paper shares major findings from the screening level life cycle assessment (LCA) of four End-of-Life (EoL) options for post-consumer mattresses: landfill, incineration with energy recovery, pyrolysis and mechanical recycling using powdering. The LCA was an important work package of a technology development project with the objective to quantify potential sustainability benefits of the pyrolysis of waste mattresses.[4] The emphasis of the pyrolysis process is on product recovery as chemical feedstock. The study showed that pyrolysis is a better option than incineration in terms of greenhouse gases ( GHG) and cumulative energy demand (CED) for all the studied cases. Base case analysis showed that pyrolysis of waste mattresses can save approximately 526 kg CO2-eq. and approximately 5.1 GJ (24% savings) CED per ton waste mattresses compared to incineration. Finally, the study concluded that mechanical recycling can either be better or worse than pyrolysis depending on the processes and quality of recycled material.
Design and material based Sustainable Mobility – Copper vs. REE
Authors: Tikana L. , Nuno F. , Jezdinsky T. , Gonzalez M.
Published: May 2022

Carbon neutrality by 2050 is one of the greatest challenges of our society. Hence, the electrification of the mobility sector belongs to those to focus on, due to their high carbon intensity, when based on combustion engines. Therefore, electrification of power train is seen as a solution. Different alternative concepts with different materials exist to achieve the above-mentioned goal of decarbonisation of mobility. To provide a good basis for decision making in the automotive industry to support their sustainability goals for electric vehicles, the environmental impacts related to the manufacturing process of different types of electric motors (induction machines with copper rotor and also ferrite assisted and pure synchronous reluctance machines) in the typical power range of electric vehicles (75 kW and 200 kW) have been assessed. The work was carried out within the European Commission (EC) funded REFREEDRIVE (RFD) project (REFREEDRIVE – Rare Earth Free e-drives featuring low cost manufacturing). This paper intends to give some key facts which help answer some of the questions raised by stakeholders on sustainability, while comparing different concepts, the Induction Motors (IM) and the Synchronous Reluctance Motors (SynRel), both in different configurations.
Environmental and economic assessment of using wood to meet Paris Agreement greenhouse gas emission reductions in Slovenia
Authors: Schau Erwin M. , Tavzes Črtomir , Gavrić Igor , Šušteršič Iztok , Prelovšek Niemelä Eva , Dávid Balázs , Pečnik Jaka Gašper , DeVallance David
Published: May 2022

More than one hundred ninety nations, including the European Union, have signed the Paris Agreement to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 °C above pre-industrial levels. Meeting these conditions requires a steep decline in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by the year 2030 and zero GHG emissions by 2050. In this study, we investigated the role that wood products can play within Slovenia to reach the 2030 goal of a 55 % reduction in GHG, as compared to 1990 levels. Slovenia, with over 58 % forest cover, is well-positioned to utilize wood products to meet these climate goals. However, questions exist on how increased tree harvesting and local production, and the use of wood products contribute to replacing fossil-based materials and to lower lowering GHG emissions. To better understand the importance of wood products to GHG emission reduction, this study aimed to present a model showing how the forest-based value chain (including construction) could help reach the Paris Agreement goals. We investigated the associated environmental impacts and their related economic costs. The results indicated that Slovenia could reach the 55 % GHG emission reduction goal within 2030 through increasing tree harvesting and using these resources to increase the number of durable wood products produced within Slovenia that store carbon for long periods and substitute for other high GHG emitting materials. However, realizing these potential reductions would rely on the building industry within Slovenia to replace fossil- and mineral-based materials with wood products.
Life cycle assessment of advanced building materials towards NZEBs
Authors: Antypa Despoina , Vlysidis Anestis , Gkika Anastasia , Petrakli Foteini , Kraft Robert , Böhm Robert , Eckert Kathrin Marina , Smirnova Irina , Suchorzewski Jan , Koumoulos Elias
Published: May 2022

Buildings are responsible for 40% of energy consumption annually in Europe, along with the respective greenhouse gas emissions. To mitigate these impacts, intensive research is ongoing in the sector of the Nearly Zero-Energy Buildings (NZEBs). However, as it is expected that the operational energy of future buildings becomes greener and more efficient, impacts related to the embodied energy of building materials becomes of more significance. Thus, choices on building materials are of crucial importance as they affect the energy performance of the building envelope and its environmental impacts. The objective of this study was to implement preliminary Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) on new advanced building materials, with the final scope to achieve lower embodied carbon in NZEBs. The materials examined are concretes and aerogels for wall façades. Design of sustainable advanced materials and building envelope components is expected to improve the overall energy performance of buildings, including NZEBs. The study findings provide clear evidence on the necessity for further research on the topic, as lack of embodied impacts’ data of novel materials is presented in literature and adds to the discussion around NZEBs.
Greenhouse gas emissions and sustainability of green roofs and stormwater systems at a district level – comparisons with a life cycle perspective
Authors: Schade Jutta , Mukkavaara Jani , Brunklaus Birgit , von Scherling Mathias
Published: May 2022

To reach future climate targets, it is important to verify that materials and technologies used for construction are sustainable and have a minimal environmental impact. The goal of this project was to add a broad life cycle perspective for quantifying energy and greenhouse gas emission, from the upstream flow of the construction process and the operational phase by including buildings and stormwater systems at a district level. The hypothesis was that green roofs might have a higher impact on greenhouse gas emissions as more material is needed compared to a standard roof. In return, green roofs reduce and retain stormwater, which may reduce the risk of hydraulic overloading in connected stormwater systems. This may lead to reduced CO2 emission if an upgrade of existing systems is not necessary. To evaluate this complex issue, a framework was developed combining construction modelling, energy simulation, stormwater system modelling, and life cycle assessment. The result of this theoretical study indicates that green roofs reduce and retain stormwater but are in most cases not sufficient to reduce the risk of hydraulic overloading in connected stormwater systems. The results demonstrated that green roofs should be not solely implemented to reduce and retain stormwater in the Nordic climate.
Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment in the construction sector – actual application and future outlook
Authors: Backes Jana Gerta , Traverso Marzia
Published: May 2022

The construction industry is responsible for positive and negative values in society, economy and environment. Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment (LCSA) as framework is considered to provide a valuable support to decision makers, by extending the scope of the known Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). At present, the number of published LCSA studies in the construction sector is comparatively small. To foster the partnership between LCSA and the construction sector, an understanding of backgrounds and options of LCSA application in this sector is necessary. A survey is conducted via an online questionnaire to ask the defined target groups (LCSA-experts, students, practitioners) about their use and interpretation of LCSA. The questionnaire results show that the implementation of all three pillars (LCA, LCC, S-LCA) and defining appropriate indicators is difficult even for LCSA-experts. 94% of today’s decision makers name especially the LCA as important and relevant for the construction sector. Nevertheless, it became clear that the LCAs already implemented in the practical construction sector were only implemented because of the request by the customer. Future decision maker (today’s students) ask for more seminars and lectures in LCSA and LCA and especially more practical and cross-thematic (interdisciplinary) exercises are questioned.
Exploring reluctance to circular business models – the case of light as a service
Authors: Rex Emma , Kron Ulrika
Published: May 2022

Selling light as a service is one example of a service-based business model that could enable a more circular economy. However, despite a growing interest to become more circular, there is still hesitation among customers to change the way they meet their need for light. In an ongoing project, we explore this reluctance and seek to identify obstacles and driving forces for large customer organizations to buy light as a service. As a first step, an interview study and a workshop were made to identify current perceptions in a broad range of stakeholders including lighting manufacturers, suppliers of light as a service, light designers and architects, private and public customers, collaborative bodies, and sector organizations. The focus was on large customers (municipalities and property companies) and on indoor lighting in offices and schools in Sweden. Barriers and driving forces could be found in 5 categories: environmental impact, economic consequences, social effects, competence, and roles and responsibilities. The analysis points to the importance of increasing knowledge, reducing uncertainties, and creating trust between actors in the business ecosystem to decrease barriers to change. It also appears extending the value proposition and increasing emphasis on social and user benefits are key for light as a service to become competitive with traditional business models.
Transfer towards climate neutrality - from LCA to a business case
Authors: Garvens Hans J.
Published: May 2022

Climate Change Mitigation is high on the agenda. It has been a scientific issues the last years, politics and industry have taken the challenge. Lots of funding and grants are available, engineers are looking into their toolboxes finding some old and many new solutions. We are right at the very start of another industrial revolution – the transfer towards climate neutrality. In the early stages of development many data are still lacking, so LCA might assist to some extent, but not as good as assessing mature industrial processes.

On examples of green steel, synthetic fuels and other carbon capture and utilization (CCU) applications we learned that renewable electricity is the key issue to all decarbonisation or defossilisation projects. No future material processes can greenhouse gas (GHG)-efficiently produce without sufficient build-up of renewable energy capacities including transportation capacities of that energy. The fast build-up of wind and solar power is even more important, than any material or energy carrier process development.

In Life Cycle Assessments assisting the transfer, we should not account for green electricity certificates, if they are bought. Only if new capacities were built up for new electricity demands, decarbonization can be achieved.
Challenges and requirements of exchanging Product Carbon Footprint information in the supply chain
Authors: Jaeger Florian A. , Saling Peter , Otte Nikolaj , Steidle Rebecca , Bollen Jan , Golembiewski Birte , Dencic Ivana , Letinois Ulla , Rehl Torsten , Wunderlich Johannes
Published: May 2022

The reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is of high importance to society. Companies therefore have an increasing interest in understanding and reducing the GHG emissions of their supply chains and to generate data to track and prove this, for example by calculating product carbon footprints (PCFs). Besides serious gaps in PCF data within companies and in LCA databases, there is still missing experience and knowledge on how to consistently prepare and exchange these data. Based on our experience as LCA practitioners in the industry, we discuss the key challenges and requirements such as data formats, data quality, confidentiality concerns and comparability issues of PCF data. Aiming to contribute practical recommendations to ongoing initiatives working to enable PCF-exchange along value chains, we scope approaches that match industry requirements.
The product-market system approach to adopt life-cycle thinking in organisation management
Authors: Mancinelli Raimondo , Wehrmeyer Walter , Lee Jacquetta , Woolf Hywel , Embley Tim , Reeves Kevin , Arena Noemi
Published: May 2022

Pushed by public demand and regulations, the firms’ role in society is gradually changing from shareholder profit maximisation to societal shared value creation. Despite the positive market’s response in adopting sustainability as a business key driver, there is still a long way to go before companies can assess the full life-cycle impacts of their entire activities, products, and services regarding the triple bottom line. A gap remains in how businesses can set up sustainable products’ strategies within their wider business strategy and systematically replicate successes. Working together with an infrastructure company in the UK, we assessed how life-cycle thinking adoption could be pursued during management operations in the sustainability framework. It has emerged the necessity of a socio-technical system describing the life-cycle of products and services’ market proposition alongside the business model and business strategy concepts. We defined it as the product-market system as it aims to relate the life-cycle of product market proposition to the wider firms’ sustainability performances. It builds on LCT and multi Capitals approaches, and it should help firms address their role within the market and society they operate. Its use should help multi-product businesses to align their product strategies around established targets and values.
Basis for conducting Life Cycle Assessment of Brazilian silk yarn manufacturing
Authors: Barcelos Silvia , Oiko Olívia , Salvador Rodrigo
Published: May 2022

There has been a growing concern around environmental impacts worldwide, and the implications of the production of silk yarn should not be disregarded. On that note, this study presents the basis for conducting a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of the silk yarn production system in Brazil. The result is a qualitative inventory for the silk yarn production process, with an overview of the most relevant input and output. The product system of this work can be considered gate-to-gate and comprised from the receipt of the fresh silk cocoons to the sale of the silk yarn in skeins, which is one phase of the silk yarn production system. Brazil is one of the world’s largest producers of silk, but in the yarn manufacturing phase, there is only one spinning company. To the best of our knowledge, there are no studies on silk yarn manufacturing phase under Brazilian conditions in the existing literature until the time this research is being written.
Advancing in the digitalization of data for a better analysis of electrical and electronic equipment
Authors: Talens Peiró Laura , Gabarell i Durany Xavier
Published: May 2022

The availability of digital tools is key for reproducible, robust, and transparent analysis. Life cycle assessment has become a well-established tool to perform environmental assessment of products and systems. However, despite the existence of diverse commercial software, data availability is still one of the major limitations. This paper introduces one database that aims to shed light in the analysis of electric and electronic equipment: the database of SEmiconductors and other components (DoSE®) and its use along with the Life Cycle Assessment database (LCADB®). DoSE® is a database that aims to provide data for a better analysis of electronics. It contains information of the material composition of semiconductors and other components, and a second section where the material composition of printed circuit boards can be modelled. Data from DoSE® are exportable to excel format to allow for a further use. It can also be exported as an activity to the LCADB® database to develop new life cycle inventories of electronics. All these functionalities are due to be further expanded and tested for the case of batteries and electronics in electric vehicles as part of the digital platform for circular economy developed in the scope of the DigiPrime project.
Consideration of reliability and sustainability in mechanical and civil engineering design to reduce oversizing without risking disasters
Authors: Dazer Martin , Ostertag Andreas , Herzig Thomas , Borschewski David , Albrecht Stefan , Bertsche Bernd
Published: May 2022

Technical systems have to be designed that the requirements regarding service life are met with high reliability to ensure safe product operation. In many cases, the design is still based on single events, such as extreme load levels and additional safety factors, in order to ensure reliability, which is accompanied by a high degree of oversizing. This means that significantly more resources are consumed than actually needed in order to ensure the reliability requirement. To prevent reliability from being ensured solely by oversizing, reliability criteria must be supplemented by the claim for sustainability starting with the product design. On the one hand, profound reliability considerations make safety factors obsolete. On the other hand, oversizing is limited by the claim for sustainability. The overall result is a sustainable design while ensuring reliability at the same time. Within this work, two case studies from two different industrial sectors are introduced to show the trade-off in which the design has to be developed and how an overall solution proposal can look like. In both case studies, the savings in terms of resources and greenhouse gases emitted are shown while considering reliability and sustainability during the product design phase.
Towards social Life Cycle Assessment of Energy Systems: a case study on offshore wind farms from companies’ perspective
Authors: Lehmann Jérémie , Bouillass Ghada , Fofack-Garcia Rhoda , Pérez-López Paula
Published: May 2022

Within the energy transition context, private and public decision-makers must choose between different energy scenarios. Hence, environmental, and social impacts incurred from the development of renewable energies need to be investigated to ensure their alignment with energy transition objectives.

Social Life Cycle Assessment (S-LCA) is one of the most appropriate methods to analyse social and socio-economic impacts with a life cycle perspective. However, social impacts included in sustainability analyses of energy systems mostly focus on employment or health and safety issues. Few studies in the literature present a rigorous approach to account for social impacts affecting different stakeholder categories.

The present work is supported by a close collaboration with key industrial partners of the energy sector to overcome the above-mentioned limitation. Hence, it contributes to the definition of the goal and scope phase of a S-LCA study through the integration of companies’ perception. Thus, it aimed to highlight the priority of social impact subcategories and related stakeholdersin the context of offshore wind farms (OWF). As a result, a core set of impactcategories that were perceived as the most relevant is proposed.
Eco-efficiency assessment of pork production through life-cycle assessment and product system value in South Africa
Authors: Qalase Chule , Harding Kevin G.
Published: May 2022

The consumption of pork as a source of animal protein has increased worldwide, especially in developing countries such as South Africa. The increase in pork demand is putting pressure on the natural environment, and the costs of production are increasing. This study sought to determine what is the eco-efficiency of pork production in a South African context. It also was meant to determine which processes in the value chain have low eco-efficiencies. Lastly, it sought to find what strategies could be recommended to improve overall eco-efficiency. Eco-efficiency was assessed by following the requirements of the International Standards Organisation ISO 14045 standard, which requires that the Life cycle assessment (LCA) method and product system value be combined. The environmental life cycle costing (LCC) method was used to determine the product system value (Value Added) of pork production. The functional unit was 1 kg of pork carcass, specifically from the cradle to the abattoir gate. The findings indicated that the pig farm and abattoir were the processes that had low eco-efficiencies and eco-efficient strategic improvements could be made. Mitigation strategies could be developed to concentrate on the production of animal feed and the use of renewable energy sources at the abattoir. The use of water could be improved by automation of the abattoir processes. Therefore, this study achieved its goal as economic and environmental areas of interest were identified in this specific case study for South Africa. This framework could be extended to study the eco-efficiency of other meat production chains and other sectors.
Practical guideline for cities and municipalities on an SDG-based assessment in the context of urban surfaces using life cycle thinking
Authors: Henzler Kristina , Jäger Michael , Maier Stephanie D.
Published: May 2022

The consideration of sustainability aspects is becoming increasingly important at municipal level in order to implement the SDGs. Some municipalities already have their own concepts for individual SDGs, such as climate protection (SDG 13). There are many fields of action in which municipalities can initiate changes to contribute to the SDGs. An important field of action is the municipal task of planning, building and maintaining urban areas and surfaces sustainably. However, as this topic is quite complex, there is a need for a guide for municipalities on how to conduct such a sustainability assessment. The authors provide a practical guideline for communities to evaluate the sustainability impacts of urban surfaces and their management processes. The guideline has been developed with special focus on its applicability and the reduction of the complexity of the topic for local actors. The authors present the guideline, describe the underlying methods and the five subsequent steps that can be followed by a community in order to conduct a sustainability assessment. First, the scope of the sustainability assessment is defined by classifying the municipal urban surfaces and their management processes and analysing their relevance. Then, the sustainability of the prioritized surface and process is analysed by selecting relevant indicators, identifying the life cycle phases and researching sustainability impacts in the phases for the thematic priorities. For each phase and indicator, relevant municipal areas of action are determined, selected ones further refined and possibilities for their implementation investigated. The guideline operationalizes the sustainability assessment methodology for the management of urban surfaces proposed by Henzler et al. [1], which uses SDG-based indicators and life cycle thinking of LCA, considering the interaction between the life cycle of urban surfaces and their products.
Kerr frequency combs: a million ways to fit light pulses into tiny rings
Authors: Coillet Aurélien , Zhang Shuangyou , Del’Haye Pascal
Published: May 2022

Frequency combs can be generated in millimeter-sized optical resonators thanks to their ability to store extremely high light intensities and the nonlinearity of their materials. New frequencies are generated through a cascaded parametric amplification process which can result in various optical waveforms, from ultrastable pulse patterns to optical chaos. These Kerr frequency combs have been studied extensively, with a wealth of fascinating nonlinear dynamics reported, and myriads of applications being developed, ranging from precision spectroscopy and Lidars to telecom channel generators.