bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of efficacy as a determinant of locomotor activation by mu‐opioid receptor (MOR) ligands in female and male mice. II. Effects of novel MOR‐selective phenylmorphans with high‐to‐low MOR efficacy
Authors: Santos Edna J. , Nassehi Nima , Bow Eric W. , Chambers Dana R. , Gutman Eugene S. , Jacobson Arthur E. , Lutz Joshua A. , Marsh Samuel A. , Rice Kenner C. , Sulima Agnieszka , Selley Dana E. , Negus S. Stevens
Published: June 2023

Low‐efficacy mu‐opioid receptor (MOR) agonists represent promising therapeutics, but existing compounds (e.g., buprenorphine, nalbuphine) span a limited range of low MOR efficacies and have poor MOR selectivity. Accordingly, new and selective low‐efficacy MOR agonists are of interest. A novel set of chiral C9‐substituted phenylmorphans has been reported to display improved MOR selectivity and a range of high‐to‐low MOR efficacies under other conditions; however, a full opioid receptor binding profile for these drugs has not been described. Additionally, studies in mice will be useful for preclinical characterization of these novel compounds, but the pharmacology of these drugs in mice has also not been examined. Accordingly, the present study characterized the binding selectivity and in vitro efficacy of these compounds using assays of opioid receptor binding and ligand‐stimulated [35S]GTPɣS binding. Additionally, locomotor effects were evaluated as a first step for in vivo behavioral assessment in mice. The high‐efficacy MOR agonist and clinically effective antidepressant tianeptine was included as a comparator. In binding studies, all phenylmorphans showed improved MOR selectivity relative to existing lower‐efficacy MOR agonists. In the ligand‐stimulated [35S]GTPɣS binding assay, seven phenylmorphans had graded levels of sub‐buprenorphine MOR efficacy. In locomotor studies, the compounds again showed graded efficacy with a rapid onset and ≥1 h duration of effects, evidence for MOR mediation, and minor sex differences. Tianeptine functioned as a high‐efficacy MOR agonist. Overall, these in vitro and in vivo studies support the characterization of these compounds as MOR‐selective ligands with graded MOR efficacy and utility for further behavioral studies in mice.
The Influence of Silver Ions on the Dielectric Dispersion Dipolar Relaxation Dynamics and Dielectric Breakdown Strength of Zinc Selenium Phosphate Glass System
Authors: Reddy Gade Naga Koti , Kostrzewa Marek , Sekhar Ayyagari Venkata , Ingram Adam , Reddy Annapureddy Siva Sesha , Venkatramaiah Nutalapati , Raju Goli Naga , Kumar Vandana Ravi , Veeraiah Nalluri
Published: June 2023

Herein, a study on the dielectric properties of ZnO–P2O5–SeO2 glass ceramics containing varied contents of Ag2O is presented. Structural analysis of the samples by X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier transform infrared spectra, and optical absorption techniques indicated that the glasses are embedded with Ag3PO4, Ag2SeO3, and Zn3(PO4)2 anisotropic crystal phases along with Ag+ ions and Ag0 particles. Dielectric properties, ac conductivity (σac), and dielectric breakdown strength (DBS) are investigated as functions of Ag2O concentration. The results show the maximal concentration of Ag+ ions and Ag0 metallic particles in the sample containing 0.6 mol% of Ag2O. Dielectric parameters and (σac) increase with increasing Ag2O up to 0.6 mol%, while the DBS and electrical impedance decrease. The observed dipolar effects are quantitatively analyzed and possible dipoles are identified. Ionic contribution is predominant up to 0.6 mol% of Ag2O, beyond which the polaronic tunneling phenomenon prevails. These findings indicate that 0.6 mol% of Ag2O is the optimal concentration for using these glass ceramics as solid electrolytes in ionic batteries. Moreover, glass ceramics containing Ag2O beyond 0.6 mol% have exhibited larger polaronic conductivity, hence such glasses can be considered suitable candidates for electrodes in ionic batteries.
Update on new trends and progress of natural active ingredients in the intervention of Alzheimer's disease, based on understanding of traditional Chinese and Western relevant theories: A review
Authors: Li Weiye , Rang Yifeng , Liu Huan , Liu Chunhong
Published: June 2023

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the major neurological disorders causing death in the elderly worldwide. As a neurodegenerative disease that is difficult to prevent and cure, the pathogenesis of AD is complex and there is no effective cure. A variety of natural products derived from plants have been reported to have promising anti‐AD activities, including flavonoids, terpenes, phenolic acids and alkaloids, which can effectively relieve the symptoms of AD in a variety of ways. This paper mainly reviews the pharmacological activity and mechanisms of natural products against AD. Although the clinical efficacy of these plants still needs to be determined by further high‐quality studies, it may also provide a basis for future researchers to study anti‐AD in depth.
Selective separation of Am(III)/Eu(III) by effectively adjusting the aliphatic ring in bis‐1,2,4‐triazine ligands: A theoretical study
Authors: Li Zengyuan , Ning Shunyan , Chen Qi , Zhong Yilai , Dong Haoran , Wu Kun , Su Zhe , Wang Wentao , Zhang Ye , Fujita Toyohisa , Wei Yuezhou
Published: June 2023

In recent years, bis‐1,2,4‐triazine ligands have been widely used in actinide separation processes for their good separation ability and stability in high acidity. However, the hard stripping of BTP, kinetics sluggish of BTBP, and inexhaustive separation of BTPhen are still issues to be improved. Here, we evaluated the effects of bis‐1,2,4‐triazine ligands containing 6‐membered aliphatic rings L1‐3 and bis‐1,2,4‐triazine ligands containing 5‐membered aliphatic rings L4‐6 on selective separation of Am(III)/Eu(III) to understand the structure‐effect relationship of ligands (skeleton of pyridine L1,4, bipyridine L2,5, and phenanthroline L3,6). Six bis‐1,2,4‐triazine ligand structures are optimized based on density function theory(DFT). Herein, complexations of L2, L3 L5 L6 with Am/Eu ions were investigated. The results show that all BTPs ligands preferentially bind to Am(III). The electronic structures of the [M(L)2(NO3)]2+ (M = Am, Eu) complex and the bonding properties between metal and ligand were investigated. The results suggest that phenanthroline containing six‐membered aliphatic rings L3 shows the best affinity for Am(III) and phenanthroline containing five‐membered aliphatic rings L6 show faster dynamics. The calculated thermodynamic and separation factors indicate that L6 has the best selective separation of Am(III)/Eu(III). In conclusion, the skeleton of phenanthroline has the best extraction effect on Am(III), while the kinetics and separation effect can be improved by adjusting aliphatic rings.
Boosting Plant Photosynthesis with Carbon Dots: A Critical Review of Performance and Prospects
Authors: Guirguis Albert , Yang Wenrong , Conlan Xavier A. , Kong Lingxue , Cahill David M. , Wang Yichao
Published: June 2023

Artificially augmented photosynthesis in nano‐bionic plants requires tunable nano‐antenna structures with physiochemical and optoelectronic properties, as well as unique light conversion capabilities. The use of nanomaterials to promote light capture across photosystems, primarily by carbon dots, has shown promising results in enhancing photosynthesis through tunable uptake, translocation, and biocompatibility. Carbon dots possess the ability to perform both down and up‐light conversions, making them effective light promoters for harnessing solar energy beyond visible light wavelengths.This review presents and discusses the recent progress in fabrication, chemistry, and morphology, as well as other properties such as photoluminescence and energy conversion efficiency of nano‐antennas based on carbon dots. The performance of artificially boosted photosynthesis is discussed and then correlated with the conversion properties of carbon dots and how they are applied to plant models. The challenges related to the nanomaterial delivery and the performance evaluation practices in modified photosystems, consideration of the reliability of this approach, and the potential avenues for performance improvements through other types of nano‐antennas based on alternative nanomaterials are also critically evaluated. It is anticipated that this review will stimulate more high‐quality research in plant nano‐bionics and provide avenues to enhance photosynthesis for future agricultural applications.
Dispersed Nickel Phthalocyanine Molecules on Carbon Nanotubes as Cathode Catalysts for Li‐CO2 Batteries
Authors: Zheng Hongzhi , Li Huan , Zhang Zisheng , Wang Xiaojun , Jiang Zhan , Tang Yirong , Zhang Jibo , Emley Benjamin , Zhang Ye , Zhou Hua , Yao Yan , Liang Yongye
Published: June 2023

The Li‐CO2 battery has great potential for both CO2 utilization and energy storage, but its practical application is limited by low energy efficiency and short cycle life. Efficient cathode catalysts are needed to address this issue. Herein, this work reports on molecularly dispersed electrocatalysts (MDEs) of nickel phthalocyanine (NiPc) anchored on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as the cathode catalyst for Li‐CO2 batteries. The dispersed NiPc molecules efficiently catalyze CO2 reduction, while the conductive and porous CNTs networks facilitate CO2 evolution reaction, leading to enhanced discharging and charging performance compared to the NiPc and CNTs mixture. Octa‐cyano substitution on NiPc (NiPc‐CN) further enhances the interaction between the molecule and CNTs, resulting in better cycling stability. The Li‐CO2 battery with the NiPc‐CN MDE cathode shows a high discharge voltage of 2.72 V and a small discharging–charging potential gap of 1.4 V, and can work stably for over 120 cycles. The reversibility of the cathode is confirmed by experimental characterizations. This work lays a foundation for the development of molecular catalysts for Li‐CO2 battery cathodes.
Nanochannel Electro‐Injection as a Versatile Platform for Efficient RNA/DNA Programming on Dendritic Cells
Authors: Liu Jing , Jiang Juan , Deng Caiguanxi , Huang Xinshuo , Huang Shuang , Liu Zhengjie , Yang Jiang , Mo Jingshan , Chen Hui‐jiuan , Wang Ji , Xie Xi
Published: June 2023

The utilization of dendritic cell (DC) vaccines is a promising approach in cancer immunotherapy, and the modification of DCs for the expression of tumor‐associated antigens is critical for successful cancer immunotherapy. A safe and efficient method for delivering DNA/RNA into DCs without inducing maturation is beneficial to achieve successful DC transformation for cell vaccine applications, yet remains challenging. This work presents a nanochannel electro‐injection (NEI) system for the safe and efficient delivery of a variety of nucleic acid molecules into DCs. The device is based on track‐etched nanochannel membrane as key components, where the nano‐sized channels localize the electric field on the cell membrane, enabling lower voltage (<30 V) for cell electroporation. The pulse conditions of NEI are examined so that the transfection efficiency (>70%) and biosafety (viability >85%) on delivering fluorescent dyes, plasmid DNA, messenger RNA, and circular RNA (circRNA) into DC2.4 are optimized. Primary mouse bone marrow DC can also be transfected with circRNA with 68.3% efficiency, but without remarkably affecting cellular viability or inducing DC maturation. These results suggest that NEI can be a safe and efficient transfection platform for in vitro transformation of DCs and possesses a promising potential for developing DC vaccines against cancer.
Amorphous Vanadium Oxide Nanosheets with Alterable Polyhedron Configuration for Fast‐Charging Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Wu Bei , Niu Shuwen , Wang Chao , Wu Geng , Zhang Yida , Han Xiao , Liu Peigen , Lin Yue , Yan Wensheng , Wang Gongming , Hong Xun
Published: June 2023

Transition metal oxides with high theoretical capacities are promising anode materials for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). However, the sluggish reaction kinetics remain a bottleneck for fast‐charging applications due to its slow Li+ migration rate. Herein, a strategy is reported of significantly reducing the Li+ diffusion barrier of amorphous vanadium oxide by constructing a specific ratio of the VO local polyhedron configuration in amorphous nanosheets. The optimized amorphous vanadium oxide nanosheets with a ratio ≈1:4 for octahedron sites (Oh) to pyramidal sites (C4v) revealed by Raman spectroscopy and X‐ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) demonstrate the highest rate capability (356.7 mA h g−1 at 10.0 A g−1) and long‐term cycling life (455.6 mA h g−1 at 2.0 A g−1 over 1200 cycles). Density functional theory (DFT)calculations further verify that the local structure (Oh:C4v = 1:4) intrinsically changes the degree of orbital hybridization between V and O atoms and contributes to a higher intensity of electron occupied states near the Fermi level, thus resulting in a low Li+ diffusion barrier for favorable Li+ transport kinetics. Moreover, the amorphous vanadium oxide nanosheets possess a reversible VO vibration mode and volume expansion rate close to 0.3%, as determined through in situ Raman and in situ transmission electron microscopy.
Continuous Covalent Organic Frameworks Membranes: From Preparation Strategies to Applications
Authors: Sun Xiaojun , Di Mengting , Liu Jie , Gao Li , Yan Xiaoming , He Gaohong
Published: June 2023

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are porous crystalline polymeric materials formed by the covalent bonding of organic units. The abundant organic units library gives the COFs species diversity, easily tuned pore channels, and pore sizes. In addition, the periodic arrangement of organic units endows COFs regular and highly connected pore channels, which has led to the rapid development of COFs in membrane separations. Continuous defect‐free and high crystallinity of COF membranes is the key to their application in separations, which is the most important issue to be addressed in the research. This review article describes the linkage types of covalent bonds, synthesis methods, and pore size regulation strategies of COFs materials. Further, the preparation strategies of continuous COFs membranes are highlighted, including layer‐by‐layer (LBL) stacking, in situ growth, interfacial polymerization (IP), and solvent casting. The applications in separation fields of continuous COFs membranes are also discussed, including gas separation, water treatment, organic solvent nanofiltration, ion conduction, and energy battery membranes. Finally, the research results are summarized and the future prospect for the development of COFs membranes are outlined. More attention may be paid to the large‐scale preparation of COFs membranes and the development of conductive COFs membranes in future research.
Mg Compensating Design in the Melting‐Sintering Method For High‐Performance Mg3(Bi, Sb)2 Thermoelectric Devices
Authors: Liu Yali , Geng Yang , Dou Yubo , Wu Xuelian , Hu Lipeng , Liu Fusheng , Ao Weiqin , Zhang Chaohua
Published: June 2023

N‐type Mg3(Bi, Sb)2‐based thermoelectric (TE) alloys show great promise for solid‐state power generation and refrigeration, owing to their excellent figure‐of‐merit (ZT) and using cheap Mg. However, their rigorous preparation conditions and poor thermal stability limit their large‐scale applications. Here, this work develops an Mg compensating strategy to realize n‐type Mg3(Bi, Sb)2 by a facile melting‐sintering approach. “2D roadmaps” of TE parameters versus sintering temperature and time are plotted to understand the Mg‐vacancy‐formation and Mg‐diffusion mechanisms. Under this guidance, high weight mobility of 347 cm2 V−1 s−1 and power factor of 34 µW cm−1 K−2 can be obtained for Mg3.05Bi1.99Te0.01, and a peak ZT≈1.55 at 723 K and average ZT≈1.25 within 323–723 K can be obtained for Mg3.05(Sb0.75Bi0.25)1.99Te0.01. Moreover, this Mg compensating strategy can also improve the interfacial connecting and thermal stability of corresponding Mg3(Bi, Sb)2/Fe TE legs. As a consequence, this work fabricates an 8‐pair Mg3Sb2‐GeTe‐based power‐generation device reaching an energy conversion efficiency of ≈5.0% at a temperature difference of 439 K, and a one‐pair Mg3Sb2‐Bi2Te3‐based cooling device reaching −10.7 °C at the cold side. This work paves a facile way to obtain Mg3Sb2‐based TE devices at low cost and also provides a guide to optimize the off‐stoichiometric defects in other TE materials.
Recent Advances in Sources of Bio‐Inspiration and Materials for Robotics and Actuators
Authors: Yang Yue , Ai Chao , Chen Wenting , Zhen Jinpeng , Kong Xiangdong , Jiang Yunhong
Published: June 2023

Bionic robotics and actuators have made dramatic advancements in structural design, material preparation, and application owing to the richness of nature and innovative material design. Appropriate and ingenious sources of bio‐inspiration can stimulate a large number of different bionic systems. After millennia of survival and evolutionary exploration, the mere existence of life confirms that nature is constantly moving in an evolutionary direction of optimization and improvement. To this end, bio‐inspired robots and actuators can be constructed for the completion of a variety of artificial design instructions and requirements. In this article, the advances in bio‐inspired materials for robotics and actuators with the sources of bio‐inspiration are reviewed. The specific sources of inspiration in bionic systems and corresponding bio‐inspired applications are summarized first. Then the basic functions of materials in bio‐inspired robots and actuators is discussed. Moreover, a principle of matching biomaterials is creatively suggested. Furthermore, the implementation of biological information extraction is discussed, and the preparation methods of bionic materials are reclassified. Finally, the challenges and potential opportunities involved in finding sources of bio‐inspiration and materials for robotics and actuators in the future is discussed.
Structural Modification Strategies, Interfacial Charge‐Carrier Dynamics, and Solar Energy Conversion Applications of Organic–Inorganic Halide Perovskite Photocatalysts
Authors: Feng Jianpei , Mak Chun Hong , Yu Li , Han Bin , Shen Hsin‐Hui , Santoso Shella Permatasari , Yuan Mingjian , Li Fang‐Fang , Song Haisheng , Colmenares Juan Carlos , Hsu Hsien‐Yi
Published: June 2023

Over the past few decades, organic–inorganic halide perovskites (OIHPs) as novel photocatalyst materials have attracted intensive attention for an impressive variety of photocatalytic applications due to their excellent photophysical (chemical) properties. Regarding practical application and future commercialization, the air–water stability and photocatalytic performance of OIHPs need to be further improved. Accordingly, studying modification strategies and interfacial interaction mechanisms is crucial. In this review, the current progress in the development and photocatalytic fundamentals of OIHPs is summarized. Furthermore, the structural modification strategies of OIHPs, including dimensionality control, heterojunction design, encapsulation techniques, and so on for the enhancement of charge‐carrier transfer and the enlargement of long‐term stability, are elucidated. Subsequently, the interfacial mechanisms and charge‐carrier dynamics of OIHPs during the photocatalytic process are systematically specified and classified via diverse photophysical and electrochemical characterization methods, such as time‐resolved photoluminescence measurements, ultrafast transient absorption spectroscopy, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements, transient photocurrent densities, and so forth. Eventually, various photocatalytic applications of OIHPs, including hydrogen evolution, CO2 reduction, pollutant degradation, and photocatalytic conversion of organic matter.
Approaches for 3D Integration Using Plasma‐Enhanced Atomic‐Layer‐Deposited Atomically‐Ordered InGaZnO Transistors with Ultra‐High Mobility
Authors: Kim Yoon‐Seo , Oh Hye‐Jin , Kim Junghwan , Lim Jun Hyung , Park Jin‐Seong
Published: June 2023

As the scale‐down and power‐saving of silicon‐based channel materials approach the limit, oxide semiconductors are being actively researched for applications in 3D back‐end‐of‐line integration. For these applications, it is necessary to develop stable oxide semiconductors with electrical properties similar to those of Si. Herein, a single‐crystal‐like indium–gallium–zinc–oxide (IGZO) layer (referred to as a pseudo‐single‐crystal) is synthesized using plasma‐enhanced atomic layer deposition and fabricated stable IGZO transistors with an ultra‐high mobility of over 100 cm2 Vs−1. To acquire high‐quality atomic layer deposition‐processed IGZO layers, the plasma power of the reactant is controlled as an effective processing parameter by evaluating and understanding the effect of the chemical reaction of the precursors on the behavior of the residual hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen in the as‐deposited films. Based on these insights, this study found that there is a critical relationship between the optimal plasma reaction energy, superior electrical performance, and device stability.
Benzotriazole‐Based Donor–Acceptor–Acceptor Electron Donors for Vacuum‐Deposited Small Molecule Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Chen Bin-Wen , Xu Piao-Yang , Chen Si-Hao , Luan Ke , Qiu Zhen-Lin , Wang Lu , Dai Le-Shan , Li Yun-Fei , Yun Da-Qin , Deng Lin-Long , Xie Su-Yuan , Zheng Lan-Sun
Published: June 2023

Three novel donor–acceptor–acceptor configured small molecules with benzotriazole as the central A building block are synthesized as donor materials for vacuum‐deposited small‐molecule organic solar cells (SMOSCs). The effects of different lengths of the side chains attached to the benzotriazole block on the molecular structure, electrochemical behavior, and optical properties of these donors are investigated systematically. Vacuum‐deposited SMOSCs fabricated with these small molecule donors and C70 as the acceptor exhibit power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) in the range of 6.42–7.43% under air mass 1.5 global (AM 1.5 G) 100 mW cm−2 simulated solar illumination. Furthermore, the Me‐DTDCPT‐based devices deliver a promising PCE of 14.84% under 600 lux illumination by a fluorescent lamp, demonstrating its potential in indoor photovoltaic applications.
A Perspective of Antimony Chalcogenide Photovoltaics toward Commercialization
Authors: Wang Jun , Li Kanghua , Tang Jiang , Chen Chao
Published: June 2023

Recent developments in antimony chalcogenide (Sb2X3, X = S, Se, or SxSe1−x) solar cells attract significant scientific and technological interest in the renewable energy community. Over a relatively short period, the efficiency of Sb2X3 solar cells exhibits remarkable growth, escalating from 0.66% in 2000 to 10.75% in 2023. This substantial improvement suggests the potential of Sb2X3 solar cells for commercial applications. It is essential to discuss the prospects of Sb2X3 solar cells for commercial applications, yet there is no discussion on this. In this review, the potential of Sb2X3 solar cells is systematically assessed for industrialization from two key perspectives: the basic properties of Sb2X3 materials (including toxicity, physicochemical stability, and cost) and the device performance (including large area, efficiency, levelized cost of energy, and operational stability). Additionally, an outlook on the future development trends of Sb2X3 solar cells toward the potential commercialization is also provided. Also, the insights gained from this review can be applied to other emerging solar cell technologies as well such as Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4, GeSe, etc.
Entry modes for Chinese enterprises in Latin America
Authors: Valderrey Francisco , Trigos Federico , Kaltenecker Evodio
Published: June 2023

The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has been an important project for President Xi Jinping on foreign soil. The initiative gained momentum through colossal investments in Eurasia and Africa, mainly through infrastructure projects, backed by generous funding from Chinese financial institutions. A few years later, Latin America emerged as a new target for geographically extending the BRI. The region provides sufficient motivation to entice Chinese investors; it is well endowed with natural resources, offers a market of approximately 670 million people, and has many unmet needs. In addition, recent geopolitical reasons such as the ongoing trade war between the United States and China may give Chinese enterprises indirect access to the world's largest consumer market. We present a brief overview of the relationship between China and Latin America, focusing on the mode of entry of Asian companies into these territories. We analyze the primary entry mode of Chinese enterprises and whether they do so through Greenfield Investment (GI) or Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A). For this purpose, we use data from the China Global Investment Tracker. Thus, we intend to provide a complete picture of how public and private Chinese organizations are gaining a foothold in Latin America, and present its managerial implications.
Efficient degradation of dyes by enhanced chitosan nanocarriers loaded 1000C Boneset
Authors: Revathi Sorimuthu , Dey Nibedita
Published: June 2023

Around 105 tons of synthetic dyes are produced every day. Each year, textile waste effluents release non‐biodegradable textile dyes into natural streams and underwater bodies. Due to harmless and less time‐consuming properties, nanoparticle synthesis from plants has recently been experimented with. These herbs belong to a big genus of tropical composite herbs with heads of white or purple flowers primarily found in the tropics. They have several medical applications. In this study for different concentrations of chitosan, Boneset 1000C is formulated. Nanocarrier boneset 1000C loaded using ionotropic gelation method were used. Boneset 1000C with different concentrations (0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, and 2%) for both molecular weight chitosan nanocarriers obtained 33% for low molecular (LM) and 99% for high molecular (HM) encapsulation efficiency. Nanocarriers were characterized by UV–Vis spectrophotometer at 365 nm, FTIR, antioxidant assay, and scanning electron microscope. Mean particle size of 1000C formed by 0.5% HM and 1.5% LM were found to be spherical in shape with sizes 73.79 and 75.08 nm, respectively. Antioxidant assay resulted in inhibitory values of 84.42 and 34.36 mg for the test sample and quercetin respectively. The performance of chitosan with and without nanoparticles for dye degradation showed a 33% reduction in commercial dyes.
Digital Information Management in the Built Environment: Data-Driven Approaches for Building Process Optimization
Authors: Muzi Francesco , Marzo Riccardo , Nardi Francesco
Published: June 2023

In Italy, the traditional management of construction works, throughout life cycle, still dominates the market compared to a digital approach. This research aims at bringing out the potential and benefits of a digital management by developing strategies and methodologies able to optimize processes related to three different use cases. The proposed use cases have been developed by applying digital methodologies to different building contexts, aiming at both site management and management of the built environment. The first case deals with an important public building of 35,000 m2 located in a residential context in the center of Rome. The use of digital methodology made it possible to optimize and prevent problems related to large-scale works and construction sites located in central residential areas. The second case concerns a residential complex of 16 buildings located in Rome, where the BIM model supplies a constant flow of information for predictive maintenance system. The last one refers to port infrastructures located on the coast of Lazio region in Italy. The digital information model was developed to set up a risk management system capable of safely managing the port’s main assets. In conclusion, the results achieved through the implementation of a digital approach generated by a structured information flow integrated with the BIM model, allowed an optimized management of time and economic resources in the three case studies mentioned, although the diversity of objectives and types of construction works. This improvement is made possible by a shared and connected digital model, characterized by a high level of geometric and informative detail and cloud computing strategies to enhance process efficiency, supporting decision-making and information management.
Sustainable Workplace: Space Planning Model to Optimize Environmental Impact
Authors: Pomè Alice Paola , Tagliaro Chiara , Ciaramella Andrea
Published: June 2023

The construction sector is one of the main sources of environmental degradation in the world. Data demonstrates that commercial assets are the most intensive consumers of resources. Among those, the largest amount of buildings’ emissions comes from office building operations. Buildings’ impact on the environment does not depend only on energy and material consumptions; but several studies demonstrate that sustainable savings could be achieved through occupants’ trainings. To develop a model for assessing the sustainable performance of office buildings which accounts also for occupants’ behavior, authors worked with the Real Estate Center of Politecnico di Milano and the Joint Research Center PropTech of Fondazione Politecnico di Milano. Through this cooperation, a tool is under development that:

Assesses the quantity of space needed by organizations, based on the employees’ ways of working; and

Evaluates how much space occupancy and utilization may influence the sustainable performances of office buildings.

This paper describes the general functioning of the tool and looks at the contribution that PropTechs (Properties Technologies) can give to its implementation. Even if PropTechs are introducing digitalization in several real estate processes, few of them are focusing on the environmental. This study reviews the existing Italian PropTechs and selects those that could add value to the proposed tool. The analysis allows to define strengths and limits of the existing tools, helpful for implementing a new tool based on real needs of building managers. The tool aims to reduce the environmental impact of office buildings by suggesting more sustainable and user-oriented strategies.
Untapping the Potential of the Digital Towards the Green Imperative: The Interdisciplinary BeXLab Experience
Authors: Calcagno Gisella , Trombadore Antonella , Pierucci Giacomo , Montoni Lucia
Published: June 2023

The paper shares the experience of the building environmental eXperience Laboratory (beXLab)  at the DIDA Department of Architecture-University of Florence, an interdisciplinary and open research group working on the experimentation of transferable methodological approaches and practical tools to support the challenging twin transitions,  the green and the digital, starting from pivotal public buildings. As prototypical university Living Lab (born  in the frame of the Med-EcoSuRe project, from here LL), beXLab is a shared space where researchers (architects, technical physicians, energy and information engineers, user experience designers, etc…) are experimenting integrated and innovative retrofit solutions, by involving key actors (decision makers, technical offices, energy managers), stakeholders (technicians, companies) and end-users (students, univerisity community). The LL place and space in the pilot university building of Santa Verdiana (in the UNESCO World Heritage Centre of Florence) was equipped with a bulk of IoT sensors for the monitoring of real-time environmental parameters and used as a test room for innovative retrofit/refurbishment and advanced technologies application, as well as to capture and valorise the users’ experience. The beXLab physical space is coupled with a BIM model, as a base for the development of a Digital Twin intended to construct a reliable and shareable image of reality (i.e. energy performances and indoor comfort/well-being assessment) and forecast trustable future scenarios (i.e. simulations towards participative design processes). Our present research, based on a crucial interdisciplinary approach and focusing on the energy-economic-social-cultural implications in the Mediterranean areas, proposes a new way of imagining and representing a sustainable, healthy and green future for buildings and urban builtup areas,  in compliance with the EU Green Deal, the Renovation Wave  and the New EU Bauhaus initiative.
Digital—Twin for an Innovative Waterfront Management Strategy. Pilot Project DSH2030
Authors: Pacifico Maria Giovanna , Pinto Maria Rita , Novellino Antonio
Published: June 2023

In the era of smart cities, the digital twin of a settlement system allows not only the real-time control of the quality levers offers by the subsystems, but also the prediction of the future performance over the life cycle. This is feasible through the implementation of predictive models and the simulation of the impact that the design solutions can generate. The Digital and Sustainable Harbour 2030 (DSH2030) project, funded under the Liguria region’s POR FESR, sees the cooperation of the Innovation, Development, and Sustainability structure of the Porto Antico of Genoa, with ETT S.p.A. supported by the Department of Architecture of Naples, Netalia S.r.l., BF Partners S.r.l., Colouree S.r.l., AiTrust S.r.l., Circle Garage S.r.l., and the University of Genoa in the MaLGA structure. In particular, the research question expressed by the local authority of the Porto Antico of Genoa concerns the measurement and evaluation of environmental parameters, in relation to the consumption and production of renewable energy; monitoring of the flow of people and vehicles (land and sea) for both security and commercial purposes; the control of safety performances and usability of the built system. A complex virtual model is the answer to which the partnership is working on. The paper illustrates the criteria and principles that inform the design, testing, and validation of an enhanced digital twin for the tourist port of Genoa. Specifically, it discusses the work carried out by ETT S.p.A. with the Department of Architecture of Naples that, through the integration of sensors, measurement technologies, Internet of Things (IoT), machine learning technologies, intends to prefigure new models of sustainable management and maintenance of the port area.
Expanding the Wave of Smartness: Smart Buildings, Another Frontier of the Digital Revolution
Authors: Frighi Valentina
Published: June 2023

Smart buildings can be considered the future development direction of constructions: IoT, which extended connections and intelligence to real-life objects, led to a revolution in building practices, making it necessary to obtain edifices equipped with new original features. Seeking to respond to climate-related challenges of the twenty-first century, the technologies triggered by the digital revolution led smart buildings to become the natural evolution of the “sustainable” or NZEB buildings, introducing a series of innovations toward positive changes, continuing the path of hybridization with other disciplines which characterized this digital era. Indeed, the term “smart buildings” conventionally refers to all buildings that show some kind of innovations, concerning technical plants but also building envelope components or the building system as a whole. Besides, it can be said that in the wake of recent directives issued by the EU concerning the Green Deal, the Renovation Wave, and the New European Bauhaus, the technological culture of architecture has evolved, affecting also the aesthetic domain. Therefore, the paper aims to understand the new paradigms of current architecture, analyzing the advantages brought in terms of innovative methods and tools for controlling the quality of construction projects and processes, but also considering new digital techniques for design and representation, smart high-performance materials, adaptive and innovative technologies and/or sensors; thus trying to understand how architectural objects became inspiring examples of the combination of technological innovation and design, and how they can play an important role in terms of environmental sustainability and reduced consumption of resources.
Sharing Innovation. The Acceptability of Off-site Industrialized Systems for Housing
Authors: Pozzi Gianluca , Vignati Giulia , Ginelli Elisabetta
Published: June 2023

From the sixties, innovation and industrialization have been a returning mantra for the construction sector at every new building cycle passage after an economic crisis, as a tool of overcoming difficulties. This positivism has always been disregarded, especially for housing and for Italy. To avoid this dynamic recurrence even in the current ecological transition passage, research must provide, in parallel with innovative products and techniques, innovative cultural approaches so that extraordinary products and techniques can be accepted by the market, demonstrating how the synergy between them leads to a high added value for sustainable quality of living. Most of the actors (from designers to builders and maintainers) agree that innovative systems, especially industrialized off-site, are more sustainable, especially today when sustainability and resilience are the core of the construction sector; despite this, these systems are struggling to spread. This contribution focuses on acceptability and decision-making processes that lead to innovative choices, identifying the innovation of the functional, social and economic management of the buildings as the “missing ring” for housing. This acceptability has certainly increased today because of new form of “atypical” living, such as senior/student and temporary housing and co-living, which contribute to intensifying the demand of “industrialized”, flexible, affordable and reliable houses. Technological innovation, in fact, actives only if technical innovation is combined with strategies and new approaches in organization, marketing and after-sales services focused on sharing and participation. Through an example of a realized off-site transformable residential building and case studies of new form of management, this contribution proposes innovation perspectives capable of overcoming design and decision-making obstacles to the spread of off-site systems, also identifying in the institutional sustainability one of the cores of this subject.
3D Printing for Housing. Recurring Architectural Themes
Authors: Paparella Giulio , Percoco Maura
Published: June 2023

Our present era asks architecture to confront new questions; visions and scenarios that project social, economic, and environmental issues toward that particular intersection between the green transition and the prefiguration of housing solutions for the city of tomorrow. In this drive toward a sociocultural renewal, digital architectural tools play a crucial role in the optimization of resources, customization of building components, and promotion of participative designing-building processes. As an innovative technique of digital fabrication, Additive Manufacturing makes this mass production economically accessible, also on-site, and using local materials. While the topic of a ‘home for everyone’ has started to be addressed, experiments and applications often focus primarily on technical aspects. To be understood, controlled, and aimed at truly improving quality of life, these innovations require a reflection on the paradigms that inspire digital design. Can the adoption of 3D Printing change design theory and the ways of conceiving the spaces of the habitat of tomorrow? More in detail, is it already possible to identify some particular architectural features? Using a selection of case studies, this paper critically interprets and analyzes these questions. The return of recurring architectural themes—the concept of instant architecture, the relation between natural–digital ecosystems, or the issue of self-determination—offers different ways of looking at ‘printed’ architecture.
Innovation for the Digitization Process of the AECO Sector
Authors: Cumo Fabrizio
Published: June 2023

The conference's Innovation session gathered more than 20 papers ranging from the digitization of the construction world to the digital twin of complex infrastructure such as port areas. The common denominator of the presentations was the methodological search for the best combination of physical reality and digital replication, always putting the functionality and operability of the built environment at the center of the study. In fact, the contributions, although coming from very different research realities, clearly highlighted the inescapable path toward the integration of the digital world in the AECO sector.
Reworking Studio Design Education Driven by 3D Printing Technologies
Authors: Milošević Jelena , Nenadović Aleksandra , Žujović Maša , Gavrilović Marko , Živković Milijana
Published: June 2023

The advances and proliferation of digital technologies impact architectural practice asking for a revision of not only design production but also the education of future professionals. Using a case study from the University of Belgrade—Faculty of Architecture, this paper examines the efficient application of 3D printing as a design tool and opportunities for the implementation of this technology in architectural education. The research goal was to establish an educational framework for the studio course that was appropriate to local settings, starting with a review of educational approaches and usage of 3D printing in architectural design. Starting with the premise that there is a bidirectional relationship between design and its tool, educational framework for architectural design studio was proposed, tested in real educational settings, and evaluated. The results indicate that the use of 3D printing in studio course proved to be an effective tool for design exploration and presentation that supports (1) linking the logical way of thinking that requires parametric modeling with concept-based thinking; (2) change in mindset that occurs in the design process when students have a physical model in front of them to assess; and (3) improvement of deep understanding of spatial cognition among students as well as their competencies related to the use of the specific technology in the design process. The paper demonstrates how 3D printing technology improved educational methods, impacted students’ experiences in the design process, and elevated design exploration to previously unattainable levels of materiality, detail, complexity, accuracy, and aesthetics.
Technological Innovation for Circularity and Sustainability Throughout Building Life Cycle: Policy, Initiatives, and Stakeholders’ Perspective
Authors: Giorgi Serena
Published: June 2023

The introduction of innovative technologies across the design decision-making leads to a change of entire management of operational and organizational models, lengthening the design time, as many more predictive and cognitive phases are introduced. Nevertheless, the traditional character of construction sector obstacles the introduction of new technologies which need an acceptance process that must be triggered. The paper identifies how the non-tangible technological innovation, towards sustainability and circularity, is promoting by policies and how it is perceived by stakeholders of supply chain, providing inspiration for further actions to increase diffusion in practice. The results, shown in this paper, come up by a dialogue at national and international level to stakeholders in the occasion of research works and participation to national and international working groups and co-creation groups, fulfilled by the author. To this end, at first, some emblematic policy measures, from national and international level, addressing the introduction of technology to enable circularity and sustainability in the building sector are shown. Secondly, the point of view of stakeholders regarding the difficulties linked by technological innovation is highlighted. Finally, necessary initiatives to introduce and diffuse acceptance of technologies within construction sector are discussed.
Technological Innovation for the Next Ecosystem Transition: From a High-Tech to Low-Tech Intensity—High Efficiency Environment
Authors: Clemente Carola
Published: June 2023

Technological innovation is the driver of the progress of the material culture of human civilization. A new balance between development and ecosystem requires the revision of the innovation drivers, in terms of efficiency and transformations of the anthropic environment to reduce the great divides. Sustainability and decarbonization of all production sectors are based on process management skills and optimization of technical knowledge and technologies, to move from a highly technological anthropic ecosystem to a low intensity and high efficiency managed environment. The frontier of innovation is marked by the reduction of the impact of technology and its remodelling, enhancing intangible resources and the design abilities of transformation of the built environment. It is therefore urgent to focus on the R&D models and project strategies for a low-tech environment and highly advanced carbon neutral building/plant integration, the regeneration policies of the built environment with low intensity and high energy and environmental efficiency, with the aim the recovery and inclusion of marginal contexts of energy poverty and economic, where digital and technology divide represent barriers to development and inclusion. The traumatic awareness of the material “limit” of the availability of resources involves a paradigm shift in the global system of the supply chain and resource management on which we have based the development of the “technosphere” and perhaps represents the definitive culture shock necessary to redefine a new relationship between man and the environment.
Technological Imagination to Stay Within Planetary Boundaries
Authors: Palme Massimo
Published: June 2023

Technological imagination has been, until now, a stronger driver of development and has permitted to scale economy and even to obtain increasing returns of investments. However, times are a changing. Humanity faces now societal and environmental changes that are pushing the planet Earth toward a danger zone, overpassing recommended limits for several critical processes, such as bio-geochemical fluxes of nitrogen and phosphorus, greenhouse gases concentration in the atmosphere, biodiversity loss and land use change. The role of technology applied to built environment design should be redefined to stay within the so-called safe operation space for humanity, considering the limited resources we have and the need of low-energy solutions for buildings and cities. This chapter introduces the key concepts for the understanding the new role that we must assign to technological imagination to face the challenge of the Anthropocene epoch and discusses how to achieve the seven transitions objectives for transforming our world in a sustainable way.