bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of hospitalization on inappropriate prescribing and polypharmacy in older patients: A descriptive cross‐sectional study
Authors: Weiss Ori , Eyre Andy , Ellenbogen Danny Alon , Stein Gideon Y.
Published: May 2024

Background

Polypharmacy and the use of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) in older individuals are widespread phenomena that are associated with an increase in morbidity and mortality. The Beers Criteria is a tool that helps to identify patients that are prescribed with PIMs, thereby reducing the risk of associated harm. Amongst other populations, the criteria identify drugs that should not be used by the majority of older patients.

Aim

Determining the proportion of older inpatients who were discharged from hospitalization with polypharmacy (a prescription for more than seven drugs), or with a PIM as defined by the Beers Criteria.

Methods

A descriptive cross‐sectional study based on patients aged 65 and over who were hospitalized in the years 2019–2021 in the internal medicine, orthopedic and surgical wards at a medium‐size hospital. Demographic information and details about drug treatment were collected from the electronic patient records system. Patients who died during hospitalization were excluded from the study group.

Main Outcome Measures

The proportion of inpatients with polypharmacy or a PIM as part of their regular prescription, at the time of admission and at discharge.

Results

49 564 patients were included in the study cohort. At discharge, 19% of the patients were given a prescription for a PIM, with a small but significant decrease compared with the rate admission (22.1%). At discharge, 42.8% of patients had polypharmacy, representing a small but significant increase compared with the rate on admission (40.6%).

Conclusions

The study demonstrated high baseline rates of PIM prescription and polypharmacy. Hospitalization was associated with a decrease in PIM prescription and an increase in polypharmacy. This highlights the importance of medication review during admission to reduce the potential risk to older adults from polypharmacy and PIM prescription.
Further experience with polydioxanone airway stents in children
Authors: Morante‐Valverde Rocío , Díaz María López , Luna‐Paredes Mª Carmen , Proaño Sara , Castellano Cecilia , Méndez Mª Dolores , Ramos Victoria , Antón‐Pacheco Juan L.
Published: May 2024

Introduction

The aims of this study were to update our experience with biodegradable polydioxanone (PDO) airway stents in children, focusing on effectiveness and safety, and to analyze the factors involved in the different outcomes observed.

Materials and Methods

Retrospective study of patients managed with PDO stents from 2012 to 2023. Variables collected: demographics, comorbidities, indication, clinical baseline, stent size, location, complications, clinical outcome, and time of follow‐up. Statistical analyses were performed to detect the eventual contribution of variables in the different outcomes observed.

Results

Fifty‐four PDO stents were placed in 26 patients (median age, 4 months). All showed severe symptoms of central airway obstruction due to tracheomalacia in nine patients, bronchomalacia five, tracheobronchomalacia 10, and tracheal stenosis two. Stent placement was uneventful in every case: 29 stents in the trachea and 25 in the main bronchi. 53.8% of patients needed successive stenting, and all exhibited comorbidities. Complete clinical resolution was observed in eight cases (30.7%), partial improvement in 13 (50%), unchanged in 4 (15.3%), and worsened in one. Age had a significant positive impact on outcome (6 vs. 3 months; p = 0.024). Additionally, smaller stents were associated with a better outcome (20 vs. 26 mm; p = 0.044). Granulation tissue was the most frequent complication (34.6%). Five patients (19.2%) died due to severe comorbidities, follow‐up was complete in survivors (median, 58 months).

Conclusions

PDO stents are safe and effective when dealing with severe tracheobronchial obstruction. Stent‐related granulation tissue continues to be a relevant matter of concern. This issue, together with increased degradation times, deserves further research.
Diversifying de novoTIM barrels by hallucination
Authors: Beck Julian , Shanmugaratnam Sooruban , Höcker Birte
Published: May 2024

De novo protein design expands the protein universe by creating new sequences to accomplish tailor‐made enzymes in the future. A promising topology to implement diverse enzyme functions is the ubiquitous TIM‐barrel fold. Since the initial de novo design of an idealized four‐fold symmetric TIM barrel, the family of de novo TIM barrels is expanding rapidly. Despite this and in contrast to natural TIM barrels, these novel proteins lack cavities and structural elements essential for the incorporation of binding sites or enzymatic functions. In this work, we diversified a de novo TIM barrel by extending multiple βα‐loops using constrained hallucination. Experimentally tested designs were found to be soluble upon expression in Escherichia coli and well‐behaved. Biochemical characterization and crystal structures revealed successful extensions with defined α‐helical structures. These diversified de novo TIM barrels provide a framework to explore a broad spectrum of functions based on the potential of natural TIM barrels.
Combined Shewhart–EWMA and Shewhart–CUSUM monitoring schemes for time between events
Authors: Hu Xuelong , Xia Fan , Zhang Jiujun , Song Zhi
Published: May 2024

To improve the detecting abilities of upward and downward parameter changes in high‐quality process, two combined schemes by integrating memory‐type, that is, exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA) or cumulative sum (CUSUM), and memoryless, that is, Shewhart, are proposed for monitoring the time between events (TBE), which is modeled as an exponential distributed variable. A Monte Carlo simulation method is employed to obtain the Run Length () properties, that is average run length (), of the proposed schemes for different parameter settings. The nearly optimal monitoring parameter combinations under different change size are obtained by minimizing the out‐of‐control with the satisfied in‐control . Using the designed parameters, the performance of the proposed monitoring schemes is compared with the existing EWMA and CUSUM TBE. The results show that the proposed combined Shewhart–EWMA or Shewhart–CUSUM TBE generally perform better than the corresponding EWMA or CUSUM TBE for large changes and they also show better performance than the Shewhart TBE for small changes. Finally, a real dataset of organic light‐emitting diode (OLED) failure time from Sumsung company is employed to indicate the usage and implementation of combined TBE schemes.
Semiconductor Catalyst: Investigation for the Degradation of BB9 Azo Dye by Sonophotocatalytic Process
Authors: Ertugay Neşe , Acar Filiz Nuran
Published: May 2024

The degradability of an azo dye, Basic Blue 9 (BB9), by heterogeneous sonocatalytic, photocatalytic, and sonophotocatalytic oxidation process was examined using simultaneous irradiation of UV‐C at 254 nm and power ultrasound at 20 kHz accompanied with a heterogeneous catalyst zinc oxide (ZnO) in the study. The effect of ZnO dose and initial dye concentration was investigated on the dye degradation in sonocatalytic, photocatalytic, and sonophotocatalytic processes at pH 5.5 (natural pH). The results obtained from the experimental studies were evaluated with the parameters of color removal, pseudo‐first‐order rate constant, and half‐life time. It was observed that the degradation of BB9 dye by the sonophotocatalytic process was higher compared to both sonocatalytic and photocatalytic degradation. as follows: 97.46, 48.64 and 56.88 %. The combination of sono and photocatalytic showed a remarkable synergistic effect in BB9 degradation. The kinetics of sonophotocatalytic oxidations, depending on the initial BB9 dye concentration, were found to follow the Langmuir‐Hinshelwood model. In addition, the effect of ZnO on the sonophotocatalytic oxidation process was higher compared to titanium dioxide and zero‐valent iron as follows: 97.47, 80.77 and 80.62 %.
A Critical Review on Recent Progress of Solution‐Processed Monolayer Assembly of Nanomaterials and Applications
Authors: Zhao Liang , Fan Jichao , Gong Chenchi , Dyke Alexis , Gao Weilu , Li Bo
Published: May 2024

The rapid development in nanotechnology has necessitated accurate and efficient assembly strategies for nanomaterials. Monolayer assembly of nanomaterials (MAN) represents a challenging and important architecture to manufacture and is critical in understanding interactions among nanomaterials, solvents, and substrates. MAN enables highly tunable performance in electronic and photonic devices. This review summarizes the recent progress on the methods to achieve MAN and discusses important control factors. Moreover, the importance of MAN is elaborated by a broad range of applications in electronics and photonics. In the end, the opportunities as well as challenges in manufacturing and new applications are outlooked.
A guide to successful management of collaborative partnerships in quantitative research: An illustration of the science of team science
Authors: Platt Alyssa , Truong Tracy , Boulos Mary , Carlson Nichole E. , Desai Manisha , Elam Monica M. , Slade Emily , Hanlon Alexandra L. , Hurst Jillian H. , Olsen Maren K. , Poisson Laila M. , Rende Lacey , Pomann Gina‐Maria
Published: May 2024

Data‐intensive research continues to expand with the goal of improving healthcare delivery, clinical decision‐making, and patient outcomes. Quantitative scientists, such as biostatisticians, epidemiologists, and informaticists, are tasked with turning data into health knowledge. In academic health centres, quantitative scientists are critical to the missions of biomedical discovery and improvement of health. Many academic health centres have developed centralized Quantitative Science Units which foster dual goals of professional development of quantitative scientists and producing high quality, reproducible domain research. Such units then develop teams of quantitative scientists who can collaborate with researchers. However, existing literature does not provide guidance on how such teams are formed or how to manage and sustain them. Leaders of Quantitative Science Units across six institutions formed a working group to examine common practices and tools that can serve as best practices for Quantitative Science Units that wish to achieve these dual goals through building long‐term partnerships with researchers. The results of this working group are presented to provide tools and guidance for Quantitative Science Units challenged with developing, managing, and evaluating Quantitative Science Teams. This guidance aims to help Quantitative Science Units effectively participate in and enhance the research that is conducted throughout the academic health centre—shaping their resources to fit evolving research needs.
Bending behavior of segmental precast diaphragm walls using bolted sleeve joints
Authors: Xue Wen , Wang Jing‐Zong , Zheng Yi‐Lin
Published: May 2024

To study the bending behavior of segmental precast diaphragm walls using bolted sleeve joints, 2 full size specimens were tested. Both BC and EC specimens were connected using bolts with steel sleeves as positioner. BC specimen was consisted of two fully RC plates while EC specimen had precast holes in the concrete walls for lightweight treatment. Ultimate strengths, deformations, strains and failure modes were obtained from the test results. Finite element models were developed using ABAQUS and verified against the test results. The verified finite element models were used to further analyze the stress state of specimens under different loading. It indicated that the bolted sleeve joint exhibited good bearing capacity and bending stiffness. The lightweight treatment in the concrete part had minor effect and the design requirement could be satisfied.
Insulating Glove Wearing State Detection for Substation Personnel Based on Faster‐YOLOv8
Authors: Kang Ronghao , Huang Xuhong , Huang Jianjun , Peng Junhan , Chen Zhihong
Published: May 2024

Electrical workers must wear insulating gloves during daily maintenance. Detecting the condition of these gloves is significant for power safety. Due to the limitations of existing detection algorithms in accuracy and lightweight on power construction sites, this paper proposes a Faster‐YOLOv8 algorithm to detect the wearing condition of insulating gloves. First, it replaces the Bottleneck in the C2f module with the Faster Block and introduces a new C2Faster module. This reduces model parameters while improving performance. Second, the feature pyramid is improved to enhance the combination of deep and shallow semantic information. This improvement aims to improve the network's focus on detecting small targets. Finally, the GSConv is introduced into the neck network to reduce the model parameters and calculation. Additionally, GSConv enhances feature information exchange through shuffle operation. The effectiveness of the Faster‐YOLOv8 algorithm is verified through comparisons with mainstream algorithms such as the Faster‐RCNN algorithm, SSD algorithm, YOLOv5 algorithm, and YOLOv7‐tiny algorithm. The results demonstrate that the Faster‐YOLOv8 algorithm outperforms the above algorithms in terms of detection accuracy. Compared with the original YOLOv8 network model, the mAP is improved by 3.8%, the mAP of the wrong glove increased by 9.8%, the model size is reduced by 33.3%, and the detection speed can reach 81 FPS. © 2024 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Modified powder of Corchorus capsularis as a new adsorbent for removal of tetracycline group antibiotic from water
Authors: Trong Le Van , Hang Nguyen Thi Thanh , Huong Ha Thi Thu , Son Le Ngoc , Huy Do Quang , Son Tran Van , Ha Nguyen Thanh , Hang Tran Thi Minh , Trang Hoang Minh , Khai Nguyen Manh
Published: May 2024

This study prepared a novel adsorbent from Corchorus capsularis modified powder for the removal of the tetracycline group (tetracycline ‐TC, oxytetracycline ‐OTC, chlortetracycline ‐CTC) in aqueous solution. Corchorus capsularis powder was pre‐treated with 15% sodium hydroxide (COC), then reformed by a mixture of 0.15 mol L−1 sodium bisulfide (SB) and 0.2 mol L−1 ammonium peroxydisulfate (APS). This adsorbent was embedded with monoacrylamide (AM) at ratio AM/COC = 1/1 at 60 °C for 2.5 h. After modification with AM (BTA), the surface area of the adsorbents increased from 1.53 to 2.79 m2 g−1, while the pore size of the adsorbents decreased from 36.95 to 11.85 nm. The study also investigated the effects of pH, adsorbent dose and temperature on the adsorptive removal process. Tetracycline concentrations were determined using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). The kinetics and isotherms of adsorption performance were examined using a variety of models, including pseudo‐first‐order kinetic (PFO), pseudo‐second‐order kinetic (PSO), Freundlich, Langmuir, and Dubinin–Radushkevich isotherms (DRM). The experimental data fitted very well with the pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model. The maximum adsorption bulks of TC, OTC, CTC following Langmuir isotherm model were 1.25, 0.83, 1.43 mg g−1, respectively. The adsorption constants Kp of TC, OTC, and CTC from the Freundlich isotherm model were 15.36, 21.80, and 22.08 mg1−nLng−1, respectively. The mean free energy E (kJ mol−1) of TC, OTC, and CTC from DRM was 4.35, 4.20, and 4.57, respectively. The results indicated that modified Corchorus capsularis powder had significant potential as a new adsorbent material for removing antibiotics from aqueous solutions.
Performance Comparison of Different Vibration Control Strategies
Authors: Miah Mohammad Shamim , Lienhart Werner
Published: May 2024

Structural engineers are always struggling with the unpredictable complexities of the extreme vibration due to natural or human induced loads. It is not possible to eliminate the vibration from structures entirely what so ever. Therefore, in order to keep the structures safe and healthy, the vibration needs to be mitigated and that can be done by adopting passive, active or semi-active type control systems. Those aforementioned technologies come with a price, hence, it is not so straightforward to decide which technology should be adopted. The passive vibration systems (e.g. tuned mass damper, base-isolator) can be found both in many old and new structures due to their feasibility and simplicity. On the other hand, many modern structures are adopting active and semi-active control systems (e.g. dampers) as an alternative to achieve better control on structure. Both the active and semi-active control systems are more expensive than passive control systems but they offer better control on structures. In order to understand the discussed issue, herein, a comparative study has been performed to evaluated their performances. A detail comparison among passive, active and semi-active control alternatives have been conducted. The outcome shows that the passive control systems can be suitable where deformations are and the other alternatives would be beneficial where large deformations are expected.
Experimental Study on the Behaviour of Glulam Timber Beams Bonded with Glued-in BFRP Rods
Authors: Jemaa Yaser , Yeboah David , Gkantou Michaela
Published: May 2024

The technique known as glued-in rods (GiR) presents an appealing option for effectively connecting structural timber members. The utilization of fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) rods offers additional advantages, such as reduced weight, improved corrosion resistance and lower thermal conductivity. Studies examining the behaviour of GiR connections with Basalt FRP (BFRP) rods are limited, and there is currently a lack of guidance for their fabrication and design. This paper presents an experimental study on the performance of glulam timber beams bonded with glued-in BFRP rods. Epoxy adhesive was used to glue the BFRP rods into the cross-sections of glulam, forming the connections. The experimental programme includes four types of connections, investigating two configurations for the glued-in rods (Designs D1 and D2) and two rod diameters (8 mm and 10 mm). Testing was conducted with four replicates for each connection type, resulting in a total of 16 tests. To assess the moment capacity of connections, a four-point bending set-up with a 2300 mm span, was applied. The response in terms of load-displacement response was monitored and the failure mechanisms were assessed. The predominant observed failure mode was bar pull-out and tensile splitting of timber. D1 connections with 10 mm bars demonstrated superior performance in both moment capacity and maximum displacement at failure.
Experimental Study on the Feasibility of Disassembling and Reusing Lightweight Façade Wall Systems
Authors: Iuorio Ornella , Kitayama Shoma
Published: May 2024

This paper presents experimental investigations into the feasibility of disassembling and reusing exterior lightweight infill walls. The work stems as necessary steps towards the advancement of circular economy principles in future constructions. The experiment employed the single-shear test method commonly used to assess the shear strength of steel connections. The test samples consisted of cold-formed steel plates attached to hot-rolled steel plates, connected by screws. The cold-formed steel plate represents the track, a component of exterior lightweight infill walls, while the hot-rolled steel plate represents the beams of the primary structural frame. In total, twenty-one specimens were made: nine were tested after screwing, nine were tested after unscrewing and re-screwing, and three were tested after unscrewing, re-screwing, unscrewing, and re-screwing. The unscrewing step demonstrates the disassembly of the infill walls, while the re-screwing demonstrates their reuse. The experimental results revealed that the average peak strengths of the samples with different connections exhibited negligible differences. This can be attributed to the interaction between the screws and the connected cold-formed steel and hot-rolled steel plates, a mechanism further discussed in this paper. The test outcomes imply that exterior lightweight infill walls can be disassembled from the primary structural frame’s beams after the infill walls’ service life, and subsequently reused in the construction of other exterior lightweight infill walls. The study also demonstrated that more specimens should be tested to confirm the observation.
Integration of Carbon Emissions Estimates into Climate Resilience Frameworks for Transport Asset Recovery
Authors: Mitoulis Stergios A. , Bompa Dan V. , Argyroudis Sotirios
Published: May 2024

This study describes a framework for optimizing environmental sustainability, climate resilience, and cost in post-hazard transport asset recovery. Particular focus is given to the environmental impact assessment component and its conceptual integration with resilience metrics. After describing the workflow adopted in the complete framework, the environmental impact modelling assumptions, system boundaries, and life cycle inventories for materials, on-site activities and transportation are detailed. Carbon equivalent emissions are evaluated for various restoration tasks for a bridge subjected to nine flood scenarios and represented through a sustainability index. A baseline environmental impact analysis is initially conducted, considering conventional materials, construction techniques, and procedures for each restoration task. Additional sensitivity studies are carried out to evaluate the influence of low-carbon solutions and task duration on carbon emissions. These are weighted based on the probability of the bridge being in a specific damage state. The results demonstrate that low-carbon solutions can provide carbon savings to varying degrees depending on the hazard intensity. Normalised sustainability, resilience, and cost metrics are combined into a unique global index, which can be adopted to prioritise the recovery of the asset. Suggestions on adopting circularity indicators and waste hierarchy levels into such frameworks are also given.
6D-BIM Applications to Enrich Circular Value Chains and Stakeholder Engagement Within Built Environments
Authors: Kaewunruen Sakdirat , Baniotopoulos Charalampos , Guo Yunlong , Sengsri Pasakorn , Teuffel Patrick , Bajare Diana
Published: May 2024

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is a digitalisation tool that is widely adopted in construction industry. It is a three-dimensional digital replica of asset(s) such as buildings, which contain architectural information and building details (e.g. dimensions, materials, parts, and components). It has evolved from 2D CAD models (or blueprints) in the past to 3D CAD models embedded with information layers (e.g., construction time sequence or 4D-BIM), resulting in automation in construction. BIM has now been essential in various countries; for example, new UK BIM standards require asset owners to keep and maintain building information. BIM adopts an interoperable concept that can benefit the whole life-cycle assessment (LCA) and circularity of the built environments. Its applications extend to six dimensions (6D) where time sequence, cost and carbon footprint can now be reported in real time. These attributes are essential to stakeholders and critically help reduce any unexpected consumption and waste over the life cycle of a project. This study builds on the development of 6D BIM of an existing building to enrich circular value chains and stakeholder engagement. This paper highlights the development of 6D BIM, and, subsequently, the stakeholder interviews to address challenges, barriers, benefits, and effectiveness of 6D-BIM applications for stakeholder engagements across circular value chains. Snowballing sampling method has been used to identify stakeholder interviews to obtain new insights into the digital valorisation for stakeholder engagement. The outcome of this study will exhibit new insights and practical paradigms for BIM applications in built environments.
Development of Circularity Assessment Indices for Construction Sector: A Critical Review
Authors: Güngör Bengü , Askar Rand , Agibayeva Akmaral , Karaca Ferhat , Bragança Luís
Published: May 2024

The efficient assessment of circularity in buildings requires a comprehensive consideration of diverse elements such as material selection, design principles, construction methods, operational effectiveness, and end-of-life management. However, the absence of a consistent methodology poses a significant challenge in circularity assessment, as extant evaluation techniques either offer a broad perspective on circularity or concentrate on specific components. The lack of clarity in the variations and ranges of circularity indicators further hampers the ability to thoroughly evaluate a building’s performance, leading to a preference for a qualitative approach. This study aims to overcome the challenges associated with the development of circularity assessment indices by proposing a generic framework for index generation, providing guidance to tool developers and decision-makers in understanding the rationale behind circularity indices within the building environment literature. To achieve this goal, the study conducts a literature review elucidating common methods employed in developing circularity indicators and indices as well as the aggregation methods encompassing both qualitative and quantitative indicators, emphasizing how their weights are determined and utilized in the aggregation process. This critical review offers insights into current practices, identifies challenges, and fosters a deeper understanding of the inherent complexities in circularity assessment. Ultimately, this study contributes to the advancement of methodologies for evaluating and enhancing circularity in building, addressing a vital aspect of sustainable construction practices.
An Analysis of the Circularity Indicators at the Building Design Level
Authors: Feizollahbeigi Bahar , Mateus Ricardo
Published: May 2024

The built environment is responsible for around 50% of the total extraction of raw materials and 25% of all waste in the European Union, which comprises numerous materials that still have the potential for reuse and recycling. Due to the planet’s finite reserves, transitioning towards a circular approach in the built environment to achieve sustainability, particularly at the building design stage, is inevitable. At this level, the role of indicators as the primary measurement tools is essential to assess the circularity in the built environment and guide the implementation of circular economy (CE) principles into the design and construction of buildings and infrastructure. This study aims to analyse international and European policies and standards and extract and present the remarkable and relevant existing circularity indicators at the building design level. Subsequently, a categorised list of the most employed indicators to measure building design-level circularity is discussed. To achieve this goal, a bibliographic-analytical approach is used to analyse the prevalence and alignment of several sustainability and circularity criteria in international policies and standards at the building design level. Finally, the indicators are classified into seven categories: Material and Resources, Energy resources, Water resources, Waste Management, Environment, social and economic indicators. In conclusion, suggestions for further research that have the potential to facilitate the design processes of engineers, architects, and stakeholders are presented. The outcomes of this research can significantly contribute to creating a more circular and, consequently, sustainable built environment.
Unlocking the Potential of Material and Building Passports in the Transition to a Circular Economy in Buildings: A Critical Review
Authors: Gómez-Gil Marta , Askar Rand , Karanafti Aikaterina , Trubina Nika , Blázquez Teresa , Güngör Bengü , Bragança Luís , Leindecker Gerald
Published: May 2024

The transition towards a Circular Economy (CE) stands as a pivotal strategy in reshaping our prevailing consumption patterns towards more sustainable resource management. Within this context, the European Union places a strong emphasis on elevating recycling and renovation rates while reducing dependence on primary resources, with a particular focus on the construction industry. Material and Building Passports have emerged as potential tools to facilitate this transition. They play a multifaceted role in CE, serving to raise awareness of the building’s performance, functioning as digital repositories of extensive data, and acting as consulting instruments for stakeholders involved in renovation actions, energy management, and building operation. However, a universally accepted definition of these tools remains elusive, and diverse interpretations persist. To contribute to a deeper understanding of these tools, this study embarks on a comprehensive review, tracing their evolutionary journey and delving into the potentialities and synergies they offer in fostering circularity throughout the life cycle of buildings. It also examines the barriers hindering their full-scale development and adoption, including the lack of standardization and legislative measures, financial constraints, issues of stakeholder involvement and responsibility, as well as challenges associated with data accessibility.
Towards Circular Building Key Performance Indicators
Authors: AlJaber Abdulaziz , Martinez-Vazquez Pedro , Baniotopoulos Charalampos
Published: May 2024

The concept of circular economy (CE) nowadays garners considerable attention as strategy for resource management and waste reduction. The principles of circular economy have emerged as a promising framework for minimizing environmental impacts while maximizing resource efficiency across the entire life cycle of a building. To effectively assess and monitor the progress towards circularity in buildings, the development and implementation of appropriate key performance indicators (KPIs) are crucial. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of circular economy KPIs in the building sector, aiming at supporting industry professionals, policymakers, and researchers in understanding and implementing effective measurement and evaluation frameworks. The study identified several indicators related to circular buildings and categorized them based on building types and layers. The study findings indicate lack of robustness to comprehensively evaluate the circularity and socio-economic impacts of circular practices that highlight the need for more comprehensive and universally accepted KPIs. Such indicators could guide stakeholders, enabling them to assess progress towards circularity, identify areas for improvement, inform their decisions, and actively promote the transition towards more circular building practices.
Axiomatic Design and Design Structure Matrix for Circular Building Design
Authors: Marchesi Marianna
Published: May 2024

The study aims to propose the integration of Axiomatic Design (AD) and Design Structure Matrix (DSM) methods to support the implementation of building reversibility within circular building design (CBD). In CBD, strategies for building reversibility have been formulated, but available tools mainly support design evaluation in the late stages. On the other side, in engineering design, methods to support reversibility in early design stages are available. AD and DSM are two matrix-based product modelling methods that are used in the analysis and modelling of relations in complex systems from the concept design. AD guides the designers in modelling the relationships between functional elements and physical components in a structured manner from the early design stages. DSM provides a method for modelling physical relationships among the physical components and groups them into modules. Despite the potential benefits of using these matrix-based design methods, previous studies on building reversibility within CBD have not yet explored this proposition. The study intends to place the theoretical premises for the application of AD combined with DSM within CBD for building reversibility. The study applies theory-oriented research by exploring, collecting, and evaluating relevant information from different theoretical and practical sources to formulate propositions on building reversibility within CBD. Propositions will be tested in future real-world applications while detecting challenges and limitations to assess effectiveness in supporting building reversibility within CBD.
Resilience Framework for Aged Bridges Subjected to Human-Induced Hazard - Case Study in Ukraine
Authors: Kopiika Nadiia , Mitoulis Stergios-Aristoteles , Ninic Jelena
Published: May 2024

Bridge structures are key components of transport networks, enabling connections between important centres and regions of countries. Their operability and functionality loss due to long-term deterioration or extreme hazards could cause crucial social and economic impacts. Assessment of bridge resilience against these hazards is needed to predict functionality, optimal management, sustainable development, and decision-making in maintenance and post-conflict restoration measures. Nevertheless, no studies exist to date to optimize resilience metrics for aged bridges subjected to human-induced stressors, considering indirect losses due to disruption of the transport network. This is a capability gap that gave the motivation for this research paper. The study covers functionality-related resilience metrics of damaged bridges, associated with direct losses in terms of repair cost, and socio-economic metrics due to the inoperability of the logistic route. The application of a framework for resilience assessment was illustrated with an example of the case study of the post-conflict restoration of Ukrainian aged bridge structures, which experienced extensive war-induced destruction. This research presents a novel application of resilience framework for assets, subjected to war-induced stressors, considering both direct and indirect losses, and introduces cost and safety-based resilience indexes.
Multi-scalar Business Models for Advancing Circular Economy in Real Estate Development
Authors: Meslec Mihaela , Haase Matthias
Published: May 2024

Cities face the challenge of addressing urban vacancies due to market volatility, rapid shifts in needs, demand, user preferences, or issues related to financing, planning, or delays in building approvals common in cities like Zürich. The study delves into a transformative shift in the Swiss real estate market, emphasizing the integration of circular economy principles, impact investments, and digitalization. The research approach is mainly descriptive, drawing upon case studies of temporary use urban projects. It incorporates a review coupled with the application of design thinking in the development of a digitalization model. In Zürich, the temporary use of vacant buildings is predominantly as office space showing a limited multi-scalar impact. In contrast, in vacant sites, Nature-based Solutions interventions demonstrated high multi-scalar impacts, enhancing biodiversity, air quality, and resident well-being, and aligning with circular economy principles. Meanwhile, various flexible uses of vacant sites indicated moderate impact, promoting innovation and new business models. A digitalization model is proposed to re-purpose these sites in circular rather than linear economy. The research underscores the importance of temporary, flexible uses on vacant site as platforms for testing new multi-scalar impact investment ideas and establishing the financial profitability of nature-based solutions in urban contexts. The study highlights the potential of temporary urban land use to promote swift urban transformations, balancing financial returns with ecological impacts for advancing circular economy.
Environmental Impact Assessment of Buildings with Steel-Intensive Façade Systems – A Case Study
Authors: Buzatu Raluca , Ungureanu Viorel , Ciutina Adrian , Both Ioan
Published: May 2024

Global concerns about environmental sustainability have escalated in the last three decades, forcing industries to critically examine their practices and their contribution to the overall ecological footprint. The construction sector has become a significant contributor to environmental deterioration due to its extensive energy consumption, raw material extraction, and waste generation. One of the ways to reduce the environmental impact of the construction sector is to decrease the embodied carbon footprint of buildings using the three R approaches – reduce, reuse, recycle and by using renewable construction materials. The paper focusses on the evaluation of the behaviour of steel-intensive façade systems from an environmental impact perspective. The research presented in the paper shows a comparative Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA) of industrial buildings that have envelopes consisting of liner tray cladding systems and sandwich panel cladding systems. The results of this comparison show that when different envelope solutions are considered, the highest potential benefits (8–25% higher) occur for structures that have liner tray cladding systems and the highest loads (11–19% higher) appear for structures that have sandwich panel cladding systems. Moreover, the potential for repeated reuse in the case of claddings based on steel liner trays is superior to the potential for repeated reuse of sandwich panels, helping to reduce the environmental impact of the cladding system even after its second life cycle.
Italian Regulations and Local Initiatives for Circular Economy in the Construction Sector
Authors: Giorgi Serena , Lavagna Monica
Published: May 2024

European Member States are required to promote initiatives and programs to shift their traditional linear economy into circular economy. The paper shows the Italian initiatives towards circular economy in the built environment, across different application level (national and local) and different drivers (top-down and bottom-up). The method of investigation regards an on-field research based on direct dialogue with various stakeholders of construction sector in the national context. The results show the current barriers to circular material flows and the successful initiatives in Italy. Firstly, the top-down strategies are reported, as well as existing standards, national regulations and local policy. Secondly, the bottom-up strategies are shown, stressing the local stakeholders involvement. Based on the discussion, potential improvements are highlighted to align the current Italian initiatives with the broader European Commission circular economy objectives, considering also the best practices developed in other European countries.
Analysis of the Pavement Response with Total/Partial Link Between Layers to the Action of Traffic Load
Authors: Stirb Adelin , Ciutina Adrian , Forton Andrei , Costescu Ciprian , Marc Paul
Published: May 2024

The paper investigates the response of the pavement of a road sector analyzed to the traffic load that was determined numerically by using Abaqus numerical modelling software. This tool offers advanced analysis options in comparison with the normative road structure dimensioning tool. Thus, in contrast to the current use road structure dimensioning program, the FEM software allows the definition of the interfaces between layers and switch loads from static load to moving load, based on the determination of the resilient stresses and deformations in road structures by using the classical linear elastic multilayer model. The aim of this study was to determine whether the road pavement with deficiencies of adhesion between asphalt layers can take over the calculated traffic load considered in the study, or the proportion of design traffic load that can be taken over. That would allow an assessment of the service operation life of the road pavement and, implicitly, of the possibility of its yielding before the end of the perspective period considered.
The Role of BIM in Supporting Circularity: A Conceptual Framework for Developing BIM-Based Circularity Assessment Models in Buildings
Authors: Askar Rand , Karaca Ferhat , Bragança Luís , Gervásio Helena
Published: May 2024

The simultaneous evolution of the construction sector towards the circular economy and digitalization is widely recognized and endorsed by both policy initiatives and academic discourse. In this dynamic landscape, research efforts are focused on creating automated tools and models to facilitate the implementation and monitoring of circularity in buildings, thereby enhancing efficiency and effectiveness of decision-making processes. Building Information Modelling (BIM) stands out for its acknowledged capabilities in data storage and process automation, making it a compelling platform for achieving these objectives. This paper aims to establish a conceptual framework that addresses the challenge of developing BIM-supported tools and models for promoting circularity in buildings. The primary goal of the proposed framework is to assist tool developers and professionals in the construction sector, providing them with a systematic approach to integrate circularity aspects into BIM for efficient and automated assessment processes. To achieve this, the study critically analyzes five existing BIM-based circularity tools and models from previous studies, elucidating the key stages and providing detailed steps for their development. The paper concludes by emphasizing the main barriers hindering the development and automation of circularity tools within the BIM framework. This comprehensive exploration contributes to the ongoing discourse on sustainable construction practices, offering valuable insights for practitioners, researchers, and policymakers striving to advance the integration of circular and digital principles in the construction industry.
Integrating BIMs in Construction and Demolition Waste Management for Circularity Enhancement-A Review
Authors: Karanafti Aikaterina , Trubina Nika , Giarma Christina , Tsikaloudaki Katerina , Theodosiou Theodoros
Published: May 2024

Humanity in our days is fighting with climate change effects and the depletion of natural resources. In this direction, the adoption of sustainable and circular practices is considered vital and in most cases is prescribed by regulations. The construction sector is responsible for massive amounts of energy consumed during the extraction of raw materials, the production of building materials, the construction phase, the operating phase of the buildings, and also during their demolition and end-of-life. The latter one already gathers the scientific community’s interest with the efforts being focused on efficient Construction and Demolition Waste (CDW) management solutions. Meanwhile, Building Information Modelling (BIM), as a storage medium of information about all building components, offers various advantages on a building’s optimum design and operation, allowing information exchange among all involved stakeholders. Although many studies demonstrate the effectiveness of BIMs in reducing construction waste for new buildings, there is not extensive research on how BIMs can contribute to CDW reduction for an existing building. In this review study, the existing studies addressing BIM integration on CDW management are analyzed, pointing out the advantages that this strategy offers on reducing CDW and managing them efficiently, increasing reuse and recycle rates, and promoting circularity. The main challenges this approach presents, mainly attributed to the difficulty of gathering the required information with the appropriate accuracy about an existing building, are extensively discussed, along with future research needs, necessary for a further enhancement of this technique.
Digital Technologies and Material Passports for Circularity in Buildings: An In-Depth Analysis of Current Practices and Emerging Trends
Authors: Trubina Nika , Leindecker Gerald , Askar Rand , Karanafti Aikaterina , Gómez-Gil Marta , Blázquez Teresa , Güngör Bengü , Bragança Luís
Published: May 2024

The construction industry is undergoing a significant transformation driven by digitalization and an unwavering commitment to implementing circular economy (CE) principles and sustainability into its core practices. Emerging digital technologies (DTs), such as Material Passports (MPs), Building Information Modelling (BIM) Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Scanning technologies, Blockchain technology (BCT), the Internet of Things (IoT) stand out as pivotal tools capable of expediting the transition towards CE implementation in buildings. This study highlights the significant potential of six DTs to support CE application throughout the building lifecycle. Furthermore, it delves into the potential synergies among these diverse DTs, highlighting the additional benefits that collaboration can bring across different lifecycle stages of a building project. Particular emphasis is placed on the integration of MPs with other DTs, showing promise in assessing resource availability, volumes, and flows. This integration optimizes waste reduction and recycling plans, contributing to more precise selective and smart deconstruction planning. The combined use of DTs offers substantial benefits to stakeholders, enabling them to make informed decisions regarding maintenance and understand the current quality of specific materials. Through these means, the study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the array of DTs propelling circular building practices. It also explores emerging trends in this dynamic field, scrutinizing the effectiveness of adopting these technologies throughout the building life cycle stages, and anticipating potential challenges these technologies may face.
Digital Technologies for Inventory and Supply Chain Management in Circular Economy: A Review Study on Construction Industry
Authors: Güngör Bengü , Leindecker Gerald
Published: May 2024

The characteristics of supply chains in the construction industry give rise to several information and collaboration system needs, such as system affordability and adaptability. The presence of several companies from a variety of industries in supply chains for the construction industry sets them apart. Information sharing and system integration therefore require cooperation and trust. In the manufacturing industry, a lot of efforts are being made to create tools, technologies, and strategies that would allow supply chain actors to communicate with one another and work together. However, it is more challenging to establish a solid environment for inventory and data management in the construction industry. The Internet and information technology are now being used in the construction industry to strengthen cross-organizational relationships. The employment of these tools in this industry is occasionally hampered by limitations like security worries, a lack of managerial commitment, high costs, and deployment rigidity. Additionally, a dynamic configuration of supply chains is required to integrate with more adaptable business models, increase internationalization, and enhance coordination. For this reason, this study primarily explores the inventory and supply chain tools currently in use in the construction industry and evaluates their functionality from a business and consumer perspective. Other areas of study are based on either inventory management for circular buildings or cross-organizational cooperation, and they include secure data storage, information exchange among stakeholders, and their modification. In the end, it aims to emphasize the key problems with data and inventory management in the construction industry, as well as inform about the potential technology solutions to make a guidance of academic and industry specialists within this study.