bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Catalogue of Construction Products with Recycled Content from Construction and Demolition Waste
Authors: Pavlů T , Pešta J , Volf M , Lupíšek A
Published: June 2019

The main objective of the present project for the Czech government was to create a catalogue of construction products and materials which contain recycled content from construction and demolition waste. The motivation for the work was to support a higher utilization of construction products with the content of secondary raw materials in the Czech Republic. It was designed for architects, designers, civil engineers, construction contractors and public and private investors. The catalogue provides an overview of products with recycled content, a list of valid requirements on the utilization of recycled materials listed in standards and legislation. Examples of good practice are presented to break the existing psychologic barriers to the use of secondary raw materials in the Czech construction industry. This contribution summarizes the findings in the field of the recycling of construction and demolition waste and its further use as produced secondary raw materials in the construction industry.
Fire Protection of Steel Structures by Low Pressure Water Mist in Large-Scale Fire Test
Authors: Pokorný M , Eliáš M , Kregl F
Published: June 2019

Water mist extinguishing systems are becoming more popular due to their much higher fire-fighting efficiency at lower water consumption compared to conventional sprinklers. The article focuses on the possibility of further utilization in a form of cooling structures and presents the results of a research in the area of low-pressure water mist and the development of a new low-pressure water mist cooling system. It also introduces a new possible direction for application of cooling steel structures or their surroundings in order to increase fire resistance of steel structures. To verify the cooling effects of low-pressure water mist, a large-scale fire test with a model of steel roof construction was carried out in a room with dimensions of 4.0 × 4.0 × 2.0 m. The fire test was conducted in two scenarios. The first scenario is a reference test without application of water mist, where temperatures of the burning room and steel structures are monitored. Compared to the first scenario, the second scenario includes the use of low-pressure water mist protection of the steel structure model at the time of full fire development.
Financing Renewables while Implementing Energy Efficiency Measures through Consumer Stock Ownership Plans (CSOPs) - The H2020 Project SCORE
Authors: Lowitzsch J
Published: June 2019

Consumer (co-)ownership in renewable energy (RE) has proved successful in engaging consumers in financing RE, thus becoming “prosumers” which in turn induced positive behavioural changes in energy consumption. Providing a collective low threshold financing mechanism for RE the Horizon 2020 project SCORE implements “Consumer Stock Ownership Plans” (CSOPs) in three pilot projects in the Czech Republic (City of Litoměřice), Poland (City of Słupsk) and Italy (Susa Valley).

Additionally SCORE seeks to respond to the European Buildings Initiative (part of COM(2016) 860 final “Clean Energy For All Europeans”) and in particular to the challenge to develop flexible energy efficiency (EE) and RE financing platforms at national or regional level targeting grants towards vulnerable consumers as laid out in its annex. In this context EE projects for blocks of flats can be a lever for consumer owned RE projects where the installation costs partly overlap with EE measures as for example insulation of rooftops and installation of rooftop PV systems. These EE projects typically qualify for subsidies to financing EE improvement of flats and municipal buildings and thus can cross subsidize also the investment in micro RE installations.

This paper demonstrates synergies between EE measures and RE investments via CSOP-financing in blocks of flats in Poland and the Czech Republic. Empirical evidence from Germany backs these effects of consumer co-ownership. Preferential conditions for Renewable Energy Communities under the 2018 recast of the Renewable Energy Directive (RED II) will support such schemes in the future.
Multiscalarity in International Sustainable Assessment Systems: A Qualitative Comparison of LEED, CASBEE, BREEAM, DGNB and ESTIDAMA on Building, Neighbourhood and City Scale
Authors: Orova M , Reith András
Published: June 2019

Sustainable assessment systems have been developed for evaluating different scales of the built environment (building, neighbourhood and city). Multiple scale assessments are necessary as only their coexistence can allow recognition of the environmental, social and economic sustainability of the whole built environment. The integration of assessments of different scales can provide efficient methods and better synergies in the urban fabric. This paper analyses the different scales of the most widespread systems (LEED, BREEAM, CASBEE, DGNB, Estidama) and attempts to define how the indicator systems on different scales relate to each other by comparison on four levels (general, category, index and indicator). The results show that the different scales of an assessment scheme mainly work as individual certification systems, but there are strong connections between building and neighbourhood systems. The comparison indicates that the city scale assessments have the most different characteristics, mainly because building and neighbourhood scale contains prescriptive measures that require action, while the city scale has descriptive indicators that monitor the status of the city. Based on the conclusions, options for further studies includes comparison of building systems for operation phase and city systems; a further analysis of indicator scale connectivity for determining the quality and quantity of system integrations between the three scales.
Possibilities of Using Modern Technologies and Creation of the Current Project Documentation Leading to the Optimal Management of the Building for Sustainable Development
Authors: Prušková K , Dědič M , Kaiser J
Published: June 2019

Nowadays, we use many of the modern technologies to make the optimal design of new buildings. Building Information Modeling Technology offers state-of-the-art solutions that allow the design of a building to create in many variants a realistically time-consuming development process and, by virtue of an almost fully automatic assessment of the variants, choose the most appropriate one according to the required criteria. Such a design of the building assumes its optimal behavior according to the criteria required by the investor, the user and other stakeholders, but also helps to keep the construction towards the sustainable development goals. There are many existing buildings that have obsolete properties. The management and durability of such buildings is very costly. Such buildings should be refurbished to meet the properties and imitations of new building behavior. 3D scanning technology goes hand in hand with the building sector digitization and outputs from 3D scanning technology serves as a useful basis for further working with data using BIM technology. This paper outlines the possibilities of creation of basics for current documentation with graphical information of these buildings and how it may serve for evaluation of possible options for repairs and reconstructions through the whole building lifecycle and further use in facility management.
Cost Estimation in BIM for Transportation Constructions in Czech Republic
Authors: Vitasek S , Zak J
Published: June 2019

Detailed and precise drafts of competition are key to successful BIM implementation in Czech localization, as they are used for creating BIM model and they are further worked with. This can only be ensured by specifications in contract – as far as information model and Cost management (CM) are concerned, the specifications required are data appointment and Execution plan of building information modeling which both should be included in contract. The data defined in these documents carry great potential for further use within building information modeling, realization and operation, and they have not yet been used to full extent of their potential. This paper explores what should be included in the above suggested key documents from CM point of view and also what is the current level of construction documentation in transportation engineering in the Czech Republic.
Changes of the Operating Costs during the Life Cycle in Existing Housing Stock
Authors: Vytlačil D
Published: June 2019

The paper describes the dynamic model of the changes of the operating and investment costs that are associated with the energy consumption in the building. These costs are assessed for the building structure and HVAC systems. The aim of the research is to find the time dependent energy consumption and the cash flow that depends on the investments to energy saving arrangements and operations. The solution is based on the system dynamics method. The method makes possible to interconnect technical and economic parts of the problem. The main parameter in the model is the energy consumption in the building per floor square meter and year. This parameter is influenced by a deterioration of the building structure and the components of the active elements. Another influence are the investments that are realized with the aim to decrease the energy consumption. The example of the calculation of the main system parameters during the building life cycle with two projects is presented in the paper. The main output from this research is the developed model which makes possible to investigate the influence of multiple energy saving projects during the building life cycle.
The Environmental Performance of a Remote-Region Health Clinic Building, Australia, Based on Instrumental Monitoring
Authors: Burroughs S
Published: June 2019

Both environmental (e.g., energy use) and human sustainability (occupant wellbeing/productivity) need to be considered in building design and operation. The challenging climatic and socioeconomic conditions in remote regions of Australia mean that achieving sustainability is difficult and costly. Currently, the energy use patterns, thermal performance, and indoor atmospheric quality (IAQ) of remote health clinic buildings are unknown, meaning that there is an information gap in the design and operation of such buildings. This paper reports the results of an investigation into the environmental performance of a clinic in the remote clinic of Numbulwar. Climate variables, energy consumption, and IAQ variables were instrumentally monitored at the clinic from April 2017 to March 2018 at 10-minute intervals, with data uploaded to a cloud database now holding 3 million values. Analyzed temporal variations in the measured variables for the clinic and the relationships between them reveal the performance of the building. The results obtained provide a basis for the formulation of strategic interventions, design guidance, and further investigation, including: (i) the range of indoor atmospheric conditions needs to be narrowed to provide more consistent occupant comfort; (ii) an occupancy profile needs to be developed to determine user behaviours with respect to energy use; (iii) the heat-exhaust/aircon systems need to be reviewed for more efficient use; (iv) the cycling of air, heat, moisture, and pollutants through the building needs to be further investigated; and (v) BIM should be undertaken using the data as input to test future design solutions.
Towards the Façades of the Future: A New Sustainability Assessment Approach
Authors: Gilani G , Pons O , de la Fuente A
Published: June 2019

While the majority of the recent studies report on sustainability assessment of buildings as a whole, research on the sustainable performance of building independent elements (e.g., envelope and façades) is scarce. Façades, as the first line of defense against the undesirable external impact, may contribute to the building sustainability by reducing the amount of energy consumption and providing thermal comfort for the inhabitants, thus minimizing the environmental impact on both the building and on the environment. Despite the significance of this issue, there are a few studies that focus on sustainability assessment of façades that consider economic, environmental and social aspects; however, these aspects are generally taken into account in a decoupled manner and, often, not objectively measured. In this respect, a set of criteria and indicators for assessing sustainability of residential façade systems is presented and discussed in detail herein. In addition, a new model for assessing objectively sustainability of building façades is also presented. This approach has been obtained by using MIVES, a Multi-Criteria Decision Making model that integrates the main sustainability requirements (economic, environmental and social) and includes the concept of value functions.
Thermal Performance of Window with Vacuum Glazing. Case Study
Authors: Chmúrny I , Szabó D
Published: June 2019

This document deals with the determination of thermal transmission properties of wood-aluminium window with vacuum glazing. Test measurements are performed with guarded hot-box method at defined temperature difference. They describe how the support pillars influence temperature distribution on the surface and how the edge vacuum glazing influence the heat flow through window. The deformation of the temperature field due to support pillars is surprisingly small and its range is from 0.40 K to 0.51 K with temperature difference on both sides of approximately 33 K. Decrease of internal surface temperature from the middle of glass to the edge is about 18.92 °C – 12.37 °C = 6.55 K, and so it is considerable effect. The effect of the edge on the glazing is not explicitly quantified in the term of heat flow in this document, but is implicitly documented by means of surface temperature. Thermography was used to check if there are touching points between glasses where distance is from 0.15 to 0.2 mm. The vacuum glazing measured in this work was a sample, which was fabricated in Asian producer. The window was tested two years after delivery from the producer.
Air Handling Unit with Heat Pump
Authors: Kny M , Mazanec V , Adamovský D , Včelák J
Published: June 2019

The paper focuses on the design, implementation and measurement of parameters of an air handling unit (AHU) with the Peltier cells. This is a small local modular AHU for fresh air flows of 50 to 200 m3/hr. The unit is designed for ventilation of residential and administrative buildings. Computer simulations were utilized designing the unit (including CFD), and many measurements were performed. The design of the AHU uses the Peltier effect, which transfers the heat from the exhaust air drawn from the room to the fresh supply air (heating mode). In reverse, the unit then allows for pre-cooling of the supply air (cooling mode). The air handling unit with the Peltier element does not achieve the high efficiency of the compressor cycle units, but is much simpler and has longer life expectancy.
Optimization of Distance Rings in Panel Radiators
Authors: Legner T , Bašta J
Published: June 2019

The aim of this paper is to introduce the issue of distance rings in panel heating radiators, which are an integral part of their construction and which influence the flow of water in the radiators. A new way of meshing the simulation model in Ansys Meshing, including the boundary layer modelling, is described. In the simulation model it is possible to turn the distance ring and observe the effect in changes to the velocity and temperature fields. In addition, research into my own shape of the distance ring is described and whether there is a greater influence from a change in the geometry on the temperature field than just turning it. In the end of the contribution the results of a mathematical simulation of the heating radiator at low operating temperatures are discussed.
Experimental Assessment of the Façade-Integrated Thermoelectric Air-Conditioning Unit towards Development of the Autonomous Curtain Walling Module
Authors: Matuška T , Zmrhal V , Zavřel V , Slanina P
Published: June 2019

This paper introduces an innovative concept for adaptive wall-curtain façade modules. The façade module integrates functions of heating, cooling, ventilation, lighting, shading as well as renewable energy storage and generation in order to enable autonomous adaptation of each individual façade module to local outdoor and indoor conditions. This paper is focused on the development of the façade-integrated air-conditioning system. Since the wall-curtain façade construction offers only limited space, the solution requires minimalistic size of the air-conditioning system. For this purpose, the application of thermoelectrical cells was investigated and the first prototype of thermoelectrical air-conditioning (mock-up) unit was developed and tested. This paper demonstrates the energy performance of the experimental setup and provides recommendations for further development process.
Influence of User Electricity Load Profile and Calculation Time Step on the Photovoltaic System Balance
Authors: Novotny J , Matuska T
Published: June 2019

Realistic energy balance of photovoltaic system has a direct impact on realistic economic evaluation of operation costs for given building. To estimate the realistic electricity power profile with a short-time step, a generator based on appliances power, occupancy and external daylight presence has been developed and used for simulations. Generator allows to create different power profiles for the whole year (all days identical, workdays-weekends, 365 different days) with given time-step resolution (from 1 minute to 1 day). Paper presents and analyses the results from parametric simulations of PV production and building electricity loads balance with different times-steps. Monthly calculation approach used as a standard methodology for building performance evaluation significantly overestimates the solar fraction of PV systems. Only calculations with time steps shorter than 1 hour lead to results close to reality. A methodology for monthly balance correction to realistic results based on yearly PV production to building consumption ratio will be presented.
Effects of Early Structural Changes of Engineered Soils on Green Roof and Bioretention Performance
Authors: Snehota M , Hanzlikova J , Heckova P , Sacha J , Jelinkova V , Kaestner A
Published: June 2019

Engineered soils play an important role in urban hydrology e.g. in the functioning of green roofs and storm water bioretention beds. Water infiltration, colloid transport and heat transport are affected by changes in pore system geometry particularly due to development of macropores and clogging by particles. The rate of pedogenesis is often faster than in natural soils due to higher loads of particles as well as by extreme water regimes. In the presented project we assess the temporal changes of hydraulic properties of engineered soils in typical bioretention beds and green roofs by conducting field scale experiments. The aim is to elucidate changes in hydraulic properties by studying the structural changes of soils at the microscale by invasive and noninvasive methods. The outcomes of the research will lead to improved design and management procedures for green roofs and bioretention beds.
Waste Water Recovery System with Heat Pump for Hot Water Preparation
Authors: Červín R , Matuška T
Published: June 2019

Waste water heat recovery is currently one of the possible ways how to reduce energy performance of buildings. The mathematical model using specific heat pump parameters is presented in this article. The aim was to verify efficiency of the waste water recovery system with heat pump for domestic hot water heating in family houses. The model enabled to evaluate heat recovery effectiveness during a day cycle. The first set of simulations of a typical day cycle has shown that the heat pump with recuperation of waste water is not effective solution for family houses. However, it might be interesting for the objects with larger consumptions. Another simulations for these objects were performed and more promising results were reached.
Parametric Study: Impact of Selected Factors on the Energy Demand of a Family House
Authors: Juras P , Durica P , Jandacka J
Published: June 2019

Results of a parametric study, which deals with energy demand of family house with different shape factors and thermal properties of the building envelopes will be presented. Basic shape is a single-floored bungalow. Partly two-story and complete two-story house with flat roof are alternatives. Different building envelopes are considered, from the project, upgraded to low-energy house up to nearly-zero energy house. Air change ratio respects required indoor air quality. The natural ventilation and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery were analyzed. Pellets, wood, electric, gas and heat pump were considered as heat sources. Also a combination with solar collectors to decrease energy for hot water preparation was considered. Presented results are in form of delivered energy and primary energy.
The Assessment of Construction Details in Terms of 3D Thermal Fields and the Impact on Building Design
Authors: Kalousek M , Novák M
Published: June 2019

Thermal bridge is a very common and undesirable phenomenon in a building. Thermal joint (bridge) is usually based on material or geometry reasons or their combinations. Many types (connection of window – wall, pillar – wall), can be calculated and evaluated sufficiently in 2D section, but in some types it is necessary to take into account 3D heat conduction. For example: a corner with ceiling (roof) and two walls where is strong deformation of isotherms and the internal surface temperature is definitely lower than in 2D section. According to the Czech Technical Standard it is necessary to fulfil law requirement – Temperature Factor at internal surface lowest temperature „at each location“. Recommendation is solving of “differential equation multi-dimensional of thermal field”. In this case of “building corner” project engineer has to decide for 3D modelling. In the contribution there is presented a mistake in 2D model, the situation when it is necessary to use 3D model. Additionally, there are recommendations to eliminate the risk of condensation and mould.
From Assessment to Implementation: Design Considerations for Scalable Decision-Support Solutions in Sustainable Urban Development
Authors: Bukovszki V , Apró D , Khoja A , Essig N , Reith A
Published: June 2019

Cities have to face the challenges of steady population growth, the related increase in energy and resource demands, intensifying climate change impacts and rapid technological development. To handle these complex challenges and promote sustainable development, the smart city approach – data-driven planning based on emergent ICT technologies – has been gaining prevalence. However, the lack of shared standards, frameworks, and evidence-based decision-support tools limit the collaboration among smart city actors and the utility of the mainly business-driven technical solutions. This study explores the scalability of indicator systems into a shared framework for smart and sustainable cities by practice-based research during the development of the SmartCEPS project. SmartCEPS is an assessment system and maturity model based on key performance indicators (KPIs) for small- and medium-size European cities. In its architecture, indicators are organized in a causal network capable of capturing synergies, co-benefits and payoffs of decisions; structural metadata provides the means for a gradual customisation of the system; and finally, the indicator pool is scalable by complexity, ensuring different levels of detail in assessments. The study concludes that gradual customisation, network organisation, and open-ended scalability are the proxies for developing decision-support instruments from KPIs.
A Systemic Approach for the Optimization of Urban Surfaces Usage
Authors: Croce S , Vettorato D , Paparella R
Published: June 2019

This paper proposes a method to support the sustainable development of existing cities through the optimization of the usage of their urban surfaces (i.e. roofs, facades, streets, public spaces, etc.). Adaptation and mitigation strategies aimed at improving resiliency and sustainability of urban areas are highly related to the utilization of these surfaces. The current trends demonstrate the lack of a systemic approach able to integrate multiple possible functions and avoid sub-optimal solutions by considering the physical and morphological characteristics of the urban environment. For example, in cities, conflicts are arising between the surface uses for renewable energy production, urban agriculture, and green solutions.

This study aims at systematizing the existing approaches and proposing a novel method to support the effective application of these solutions. In particular, an analytical procedure is presented to support the integration of different surface uses aiming at the maximization of throughputs, while avoiding conflicts. The method has been tested in a district in Bolzano (Italy) and it is replicable in areas with different morphological characteristics and climate conditions. The final configuration, in which several solutions have been systematically applied and integrated, demonstrate the potentialities of the proposed approach. Outdoor thermal comfort in the district is improved, with a reduction of Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) up to −5.8 °C, by simultaneously guaranteeing the production of renewable energy through solar active systems, and the preservation and expansion of existing green areas.
Building-Integrated Photovoltaics and Urban Environment from the Perspective of Sustainable Architecture
Authors: Čeněk M , Hlaváček D
Published: June 2019

Built environment is one of the major causes of the negative impact that human activity has on the environment. Building design should adopt such strategies that would help relieve this situation. Architects should therefore be able to grasp and implement all aspects of sustainable design, including cutting edge technologies, in a holistic and integral fashion. Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) represents an important field to explore, since photovoltaic systems have an enormous potential within the context of architectural and urban design. Their implementation though has to be part of the integral design process which is essential for the creation of quality sustainable architecture. Since the world urban population is constantly growing, sustainable approaches to architectural design need to be adopted with urgency in urban environment. Existing urban environment however presents great challenges to the implementation of any new technology. In an urban context we need not only design new buildings, but since the urban tissue is already in place, care must be taken not to damage the historical and architectural values. Furthermore, urban environment has many variations and offers a broad scope of possibilities for various approaches to BIPV. The aim of this paper is to demonstrate the possibilities of BIPV in relationship to sustainable architecture and urban environment, focusing on explaining the necessity to provide architects with a methodology of working with advanced photovoltaic systems in architectural design, introducing the departure points for this intention, and demonstrating how such a methodology – a Design Manual – will be created.
A Multi-Step Design Framework Based on Life Cycle Thinking for the Holistic Renovation of the Existing Buildings Stock
Authors: Passoni C , Marini A , Belleri A , Menna C
Published: June 2019

In recent years, the transition to a sustainable society has highlighted the importance of tackling a holistic renovation of the existing building stock, able to contextually solve its structural, energy, and architectural deficiencies. Nevertheless, in practice, the cost of the intervention, the building downtime, and the potential relocation of the inhabitants have been recognized as major barriers to the renovation. To overcome such barriers and foster sustainability, eco-efficiency, and resilience, new design approaches and solutions sets have been proposed. However, given the lack of a global vision of current regulations, a design framework able to conjugate technical and functional performances with principles of sustainability and feasibility is still required. In this paper, a new multi-step design framework is proposed, which, for the first time: 1) adapt the three pillars of sustainability to the renovation of the existing buildings interpreting them as reduction of environmental impacts, increase of safety and resilience, and overcoming of the major barriers to the renovation; 2) introduce a new Life Cycle perspective that also considers impacts and loss associated to structural decay and vulnerability of existing buildings; 3) shift from an ex-post perspective to an ex-ante framework, to be used since the initial design steps.
Energy Sustainable Living – Deep Renovation of Residential Building – PAVE
Authors: Včelák J , Novák E
Published: June 2019

There are not many energy plus building projects in Czech Republic. Project described in this paper aims even higher because the goal is to renovate older building to energy plus standard and not build it from the scratch. This article describes concept of energy active building which will be renovated in Litoměřice. Older military building from 1980 will be renovated into energy active standard with a high share of renewables. The purpose of the building is to provide low area – starting flats for young families. The concept is unique in terms of complexity since it counts with direct use of the energy from PV, battery energy storage as well as electromobility charging stations. The results of simulations and estimations are shown in this publication as well as comparison of various simulated options.
Incremental Integrated Holistic Rehabilitation: A New Concept to Boost a Deep Renovation of the Existing Building Stock
Authors: Zanni J , Labò S , Passoni C , Casprini E , Marini A , Belleri A , Menna C
Published: June 2019

The renovation of the post-World-War-II reinforced concrete building has become an urgent action in order to meet energy-saving and to foster safety among the European communities. In this context, in order to overcome the major barriers to the renovation and to increase the feasibility of a deep, sustainable renovation action, a new incremental holistic rehabilitation (IHR) approach is introduced. This new approach has the major aim of fostering a safe, resilient and more sustainable society by addressing the life cycle thinking principles and by implementing incremental levels of safety. In this paper, an IHR strategy is defined and applied to a reference scholastic building. Fundamental criteria for the selection of the proper renovation strategy guaranteeing the minimum environmental impact and the applicability to Reinforce Concrete existing infilled frames are derived. The results show that a holistic incremental rehabilitation strategy can represent a good answer to the urgent need of sustainable renovation of Italian and European building stock.
Effect of the Personalized Ventilation to a Human Thermal Comfort
Authors: Mazanec V , Kabele K
Published: June 2019

The paper deals with effect of the personalized ventilation on thermal comfort of the human body. Especially the influence of different temperatures and velocities of the supply air provided by the personalized ventilation on sitting user during standard light office work. The goal is to figure out possible and comfortable range for the personalized ventilation system and to determine the maximum power of the device. For measurement we were using a prototype of the personalized ventilation system which is able to adjust temperature of the supply air using thermoelectric elements. A thermal manikin was used to simulate the human body and to measure the effect of the ventilation system to the human thermal comfort and the PIV (Particle Image Velocimetry) was used to measure vector field around the human body.
Virtual Air Temperature Function for Room Thermostats
Authors: Nehasil O , Horváthová J , Kohoutková A , Kny M
Published: June 2019

Room thermostats and indoor controllers are currently based on the air temperature set, which is a regulated quantity. The aim of the control is to keep the air temperature on its setpoint. The purpose is, however, to achieve and maintain thermal comfort in the indoor environment. Even so, thermal comfort is dependent on more parameters than simply air temperature. The thermal comfort function has been known since the 1970s, and has since been verified many times. This paper introduces a novel virtual air temperature function that can be used in indoor thermostats, that takes into account all important inputs for thermal comfort assessment, such as average radiant temperature and air velocity, as well as clothing, activity and user expectations. The method for obtaining listed input parameters is described and does not require more complex technical equipment than a conventional thermostat. In addition, the paper describes the actual function of the virtual air temperature that determines the comfort setpoint for the room thermostat. This function is verified in several operating states by both quantification and calculation. The results are compared against normal recommendations for determining the setpoint, and the difference in thermal comfort is discussed. Finally, the applicability of the equation to normal room thermostats is verified.
Measuring Airtightness in a Tall Multi-Family Passive House when Exposed to Wind and Thermal Lift (Stack Effect)
Authors: Rolfsmeier S , Simons P
Published: June 2019

The effects of wind and thermal lift (Stack effect) present particular challenges when measuring the air permeability of large and tall buildings. In high-rise buildings, even small temperature differences between the indoor and outdoor air can lead to undesirably high natural pressure differences on the building envelope. Extreme fluctuations in natural pressure difference can also be caused by wind. This paper presents and compares sets of measurements taken on a 60 m high multi-family Passive House. The building was measured on two separate days in different weather conditions. This paper outlines the extended measurement setup and the measuring process adapted to this setup, as well as the results and findings.
Technical Cultural Heritage on the Elbe-Vltava Waterway
Authors: Fošumpaur P , Kašpar T , Zukal M
Published: June 2019

The article presents the principal objectives and current results of the project “Documentation and Presentation of Technical Cultural Heritage on the Elbe-Vltava Waterway”, which is part of the National and Cultural Identity programme administered by the Ministry of Culture of the Czech Republic. The historical development of the modifications of navigable sections of the Elbe and the Vltava Rivers documents that its beginnings coincide with the beginnings of the settlement of the river valleys in the Middle Ages. These modifications were related to the human need to use rivers for navigation and hydropower generation and went through an interesting development throughout the Medieval Times. The lock structures situated on the Elbe-Vltava Waterway represent extensive and unique technical heritage which still serves its original purpose. The locks are typically composed of a weir structure, a lock and a hydroelectric power plant. The project’s objective is to document the existing technical heritage at the level of individual locks and their construction and technological elements. Furthermore, attention will be focused on the identification of endangered structures on the Elbe-Vltava waterway which no longer meet the present-day functional or capacity requirements and which will probably need to undergo sensitive modernisations in the future in the context of their cultural and historical value. The project intends to present and introduce these technical monuments to the general public. The presentation of the structures includes the historical development of their design, the description of the original technological elements and their present-day role in water transport, and the exploitation of their potential for recreation and tourism.
Cost Optimization for Renovation and Maintenance of Cultural Heritage Objects
Authors: Macek D , Heralová R S , Hromada E , Střelcová I , Brožová I , Vitásek S , Pojar J , Bouška R
Published: June 2019

The paper deals with the issue of maintenance and renovation of cultural heritage objects. This is a very specialised area of cost optimization, for which there can still be used procedures and methods applied to more normal contemporary objects, but where there are many peculiarities and differences that need to be taken into consideration. In the initial phase, it is necessary to gather all relevant data about such objects. From data there can be obtained information that can be used to build the structure and correlations of the recovery and maintenance model. In the Heritage Catalogue there can be found basic information about cultural heritage objects. It provides basic description of the objects, but technical data which could be used for creating the recovery and maintenance model are missing. Only if based on a sufficiently large and properly structured database, is it possible to deduce the correlations and dependencies needed to create a system for the types of planning and optimization involved in recovery and maintenance. In order to establish the recovery and maintenance costs, it is necessary to complement the database for individual construction elements costs and the length of recovery and maintenance cycles.
Energy Saving and Climate Adaptation of Buildings: A Paradox?
Authors: Golz S , Nikolowski J , Naumann T
Published: June 2019

The European climate policy goals include (a) reducing energy consumption and avoiding the emission of climate-affecting gases as well as (b) adapting to existing and expected climate change. The synergetic implementation of both goals forms a central challenge particularly for the building stock. There is evidence that damage to buildings due to extreme weather events (e.g. heavy rain, fluvial flooding, hail, summer heat) steadily increase. Therefore, several national strategies and action plans in European member states formulate requirements for climate-adapted modernisation and retrofitting of existing residential buildings.

The paper explores the conflicts between the two named goals at the building level, since building energy saving measures are unfortunately not in any case consistent with the goal of increased climate adaptation, as they undesirably increase the vulnerability of buildings. For this purpose, the paper first deals with the structural design of selected building types, which have been refurbished in order to optimize their energy efficiency. Second, it analyses and evaluates the physical vulnerability of existing buildings against extreme weather events. Then, the paper proposes some practical options on how to achieve the two goals effectively. Finally, some implications for future research and practice are discussed.
Statistics and Governance. Current Issues of Affordable Housing: The Case of Prague
Authors: Hudecek T , Hlavacek P , Hainc J , Cervinka M
Published: June 2019

Housing has become an issue around the world, both in emerging and developed countries. The affordability of housing is decreasing globally; however, the governance system can be harnessed as a tool to help to turn the situation around, the benefit being that it is in the hands of the local or national administration. The analysis of state of the art data, together with qualitative research based on the knowledge and experiences of experts, have been used to examine the case of Prague. The aim is to prove a direct link between the approvals processes for buildings and the governance system, including the decisions made by different levels of public administration in last two decades. The hypothesis, based on early outcomes, shows a strong relationship between governance systems (including administrative divisions) and the length and complexity of the building approvals process. The results of these analyses are the main outcomes of the article, while designing changes will be the subject of subsequent research. The article should help with the debate and open up the topic, which is, in our globalized and increasingly complex world, an issue for a growing number of societies. The question of balanced, inclusive and sustainable growth will be part of the research agenda.
The Political Economy of Financial Reform: de Jure Liberalization vs. de Facto Implementation
Authors: Henisz Witold J , Mansfield Edward D
Published: June 2019

Over the past three decades, numerous countries have engaged in financial reform, prompting widespread interest in the sources of this development. Virtually all of the studies conducted on this topic, however, have focused on explaining neoliberal policy adoption in the financial sector, without addressing whether the adopted reforms actually generate neoliberal economic outcomes. This gap in the literature is important because many policy reforms are not implemented or enforced. In this article, we conduct one of the first studies of the conditions under which de jure financial reforms are implemented, yielding de facto financial liberalization. We argue that democracy inhibits de facto financial reform when society at large is dissatisfied with government. Under these circumstances, democratic officials may be tempted to announce but not to follow through on financial policy liberalization or be unable to follow through, either fearing or facing opportunistic political opposition from legislative or partisan veto players who either represent or seek the electoral support of interest groups harmed by implementing financial reforms. Based on an analysis of ninety countries from 1980–2005 corroborated by a series of illustrative case studies, we find considerable support for this argument.
Measuring the Impact of Burn Injury on the Parent-Reported Health Outcomes of Children 1 to 5 Years: A Conceptual Framework for Development of the Preschool Life Impact Burn Recovery Evaluation Profile CAT
Authors: Brady Keri J S , Grant Gabrielle G , Stoddard Frederick J , Meyer Walter J , Romanowski Kathleen S , Chang Philip H , Painting Lynda E , Fowler Laura A , Nelson Judith K , Rivas Perla , Epperson Kathryn , Sheridan Robert L , Murphy Michael , O’Donnell Ellen H , Ceranoglu T Atilla , Sheldrick R Christopher , Ni Pengsheng , Slavin Mary D , Warner Petra , Palmieri Tina L , Schneider Jeffrey C , Kazis Lewis E , Ryan Colleen M
Published: June 2019

Due to the rapid developmental growth in preschool-aged children, more precise measurement of the effects of burns on child health outcomes is needed. Expanding upon the Shriners Hospitals for Children/American Burn Association Burn Outcome Questionnaire 0 to 5 (BOQ0–5), we developed a conceptual framework describing domains important in assessing recovery from burn injury among preschool-aged children (1–5 years). We developed a working conceptual framework based on the BOQ0–5, the National Research Council and Institute of Medicine’s Model of Child Health, and the World Health Organization’s International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health for Children and Youth. We iteratively refined our framework based on a literature review, focus groups, interviews, and expert consensus meetings. Data were qualitatively analyzed using methods informed by grounded theory. We reviewed 95 pediatric assessments, conducted two clinician focus groups and six parent interviews, and consulted with 23 clinician experts. Three child health outcome domains emerged from our analysis: symptoms, functioning, and family. The symptoms domain describes parents’ perceptions of their child’s pain, skin-related discomfort, and fatigue. The functioning domain describes children’s physical functioning (gross and fine motor function), psychological functioning (internalizing, externalizing, and dysregulation behavior; trauma; toileting; resilience), communication and language development (receiving and producing meaning), and social functioning (connecting with family/peers, friendships, and play). The family domain describes family psychological and routine functioning outcomes.
Erythema Migrans: Course and Outcome in Patients Treated With Rituximab
Authors: Maraspin Vera , Bogovič Petra , Rojko Tereza , Ružić-Sabljić Eva , Strle Franc
Published: June 2019

Background

Information on Lyme borreliosis (LB) in patients treated with rituximab is limited to individual case reports.

Methods

We reviewed data on adult patients diagnosed with typical erythema migrans (EM) at the LB outpatient clinic of the University Medical Center Ljubljana, Slovenia, in the 10-year period 2008–2017. For all patients, clinical and laboratory information was acquired prospectively using a standardized questionnaire.

Results

Among 4230 adult patients with a diagnosis of EM, 7 patients (0.17%), 5 women and 2 men with a median age of 65 years (range, 55–66 years), were receiving rituximab for an underlying medical condition. In these 7 patients, signs of disseminated LB (43%) and the isolation rates of borreliae from blood before antibiotic treatment (40%) were unusually high compared with corresponding findings in immunocompetent patients who had EM diagnosed at the same institution (8% vs <2%, respectively). The rates of LB-associated constitutional symptoms and borrelial antibodies in serum were lower than expected (14% and 29%, respectively, in patients receiving rituximab vs 25% and 65% in immunocompetent patients). One of the 7 patients (14%) experienced treatment failure; nevertheless, the outcome of early LB 1 year after antibiotic treatment, as used for immunocompetent patients with EM, was excellent in all 7 patients.

Conclusions

Findings in 7 patients with EM who were receiving rituximab for underlying disease suggest that although early LB in these patients is more often disseminated than in immunocompetent patients, the outcome 1 year after antibiotic treatment, as used for immunocompetent patients, is excellent.
Awake Craniotomy and Resection of a Left Frontal High-Grade Glioma: 2-Dimensional Operative Video
Authors: Motov Stefan , Butenschoen Vicki M , Krieg Sandro M , Ryang Yu-Mi , Meyer Bernhard , Gempt Jens
Published: June 2019

A 48-yr-old female patient presented in our outpatients’ clinic after an episode of speech arrest and seizures a week earlier. On physical examination, there were no neurological deficits. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a contrast-enhancing tumor of the superior and middle frontal gyrus. A 18F-fluoroethyl-tyrosine positron emission tomography (FET-PET) showed a high tracer uptake, and we suspected the lesion to be a high-grade glioma. The tumor was located next to the cortical motor and language areas. We performed a left frontal craniotomy while the patient was asleep, and then conducted cortical and subcortical stimulation under an awake condition. The patient was asked to move her right upper extremity and to name objects. Based on MRI navigation, we achieved a complete tumor resection. Postoperative imaging confirmed gross total resection, and final histopathology revealed an anaplastic astrocytoma isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mut, 1p19q noncodeleted WHO°III. The patient was discharged home on the fifth postoperative day with a supplementary motor area syndrome and diminishing word-finding difficulties. We safely achieved gross total tumor resection in a highly eloquent localization through awake craniotomy with direct cortical and subcortical stimulation and electrophysiological monitoring. Awake craniotomy remains the gold standard for tumor resection in eloquent language areas in our clinics.

 We obtained informed consent from the patient.