bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Role of Urban Metabolism Assessments in Addressing Food Security through Urban Agriculture in Informal Settlements: A Critical Review
Authors: Acevedo-De-los-Ríos A , Perrotti D 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
This literature review explores the role of urban metabolism (UM) assessments in addressing food security through urban agriculture in informal settlements, particularly in lower-income countries. It addresses the challenges of food security in urban areas and aims to unravel existing urban dynamics and networks to generate agro-food resources in these settings. The review included a comprehensive search using the Scopus and Web of Science (WOS) databases to identify relevant studies. A total of 381 articles published between 2000 and 2023 were retrieved. Additionally, a systematic review of grey literature was performed using Google Scholar, focusing on publications in the Spanish language from the years 2000 to 2023 to address food security dynamics in Latin America as a key case study area. After screening titles, keywords, and abstracts, 127 journal articles from the Scopus and WOS databases and 51 results from the grey literature were considered for further analysis. Bibliometric coupling techniques, including co-citation analysis, co-occurrence analysis, and keyword analysis, were employed using VOSviewer software to visualize the scholarly landscape and identify major themes. The analysis of white literature facilitated the identification of six major themes: (1) UM and Sustainability; (2) Phosphorus Management and Recycling; (3) Food Security and Waste Management; (4) Material Flow Analysis and Environmental Impact; (5) Human Impacts on the Environment; and (6) Food Systems and Sustainability. The main findings pointed to the environmental and social sustainability impacts of food flows in UM studies, emphasizing the pertinence of UM as a conceptual framework to address urban sustainability and justice challenges, particularly in informal settlements. Additionally, the grey literature provided insights into community strategies, urban resilience, and social inequality, enriching the understanding of local realities and socio-economic dimensions related to UM and food security in informal settlements. The review showed that by incorporating UM approaches and circular economy strategies, it is possible to optimize flows and stocks within the agro-food systems, leading to improved food security, sustainable development, and enhanced resilience in urban environments.
Towards Positive Energy Districts: Multi-criteria framework and Quality Assurance
Authors: Malakhatka E , Wästberg D , Wallbaum H , Pooyanfar P , Dursun İ , Hofer G , Thuvander L 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
This research develops a multi-criteria framework and Quality Assurance checklist (QA) for Positive-Energy-Districts (PEDs). PEDs have a large potential to contribute to reach urban climate goals but require also changes of planning, development, and transformation processes of neighborhoods. Our understanding of PEDs has been broadened to include aspects of circularity and economic viability, ensuring that PED concepts not only contribute to environmental sustainability but are also economically feasible. In this enhanced perspective, Digital Twins serving as essential carriers of information and facilitators of communication, effectively bridging the gap between different dimensions of sustainable development and practical implementation and monitoring. This study is part of an ongoing European project, Digital Twin for PEDs (DT4PEDs), with Living Labs in three countries: Austria, Sweden, and Turkey. The presented study addresses the central research question, “In what phases can specific requirements be linked to the process to ensure PED development throughout the entire process using a Digital Twin?” within the context of the DT4PEDs project. Based on a participatory workshop with stakeholders from partner countries and a parallel literature review, the study encompasses three key areas. First, it seeks to consolidate property development practices across Austria, Sweden, and Turkey, including both new construction and retrofitting, into a unified framework. Second, it formulates a PED multi-criteria framework, complemented by a Quality Assurance (QA) checklist. Finally, the recommendations for digital twin are proposed to support energy related information flows and stakeholder dialogue.
Business case for treating a city as a dissipative structure, with the flow of citizen value supported by remote sensing of the urban environment
Authors: Ferguson MM 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
This study explores the perspective of viewing a city as a dissipative structure using the case of Cape Town and the challenges it faces with unregulated development. It suggests a concept of Lean citizen flow loops to respond to the dynamic economic demands of society. These loops are triggered by remotely sensed changes in property development, facilitated by the integration of high-frequency satellite data and deep learning techniques for near real-time detection of changes in the built environment. The methods employed include: Lean flow concepts and Heijunka for conflict resolution and Automated property change detection using deep learning from low-cost high-frequency satellite data. The study found that, by considering a city as a dissipative structure, which is a dynamic system that balances chaos and order, a city can create an environment conducive to innovation, self-organisation, adaptability, and resilience. The integration of high-frequency satellite data and deep learning techniques enables the timely detection of changes in property development patterns, empowering a city to respond promptly and efficiently. The use of Lean citizen response process loops enhances a city’s ability to engage with stakeholders and incorporate their feedback in decision-making processes. Through active dialogue with citizens, a city can foster a more inclusive and participatory approach to urban development. This approach not only addresses the challenge of unregulated development but also promotes innovation by encouraging collaboration, creativity, and the generation of novel ideas. The use of deep learning for property change detection has achieved an accuracy of 95% in identifying true positives. The results of this paper present a case for transforming Cape Town into an innovative city that effectively manages development, ensures regulatory compliance, and fosters a thriving urban environment, by leveraging the principles of dissipative structures, along with advanced technology and citizen responsiveness. This study highlights the potential of adopting a holistic and dynamic approach to urban governance, where innovation becomes a key driver of sustainable and inclusive growth.
Multi-Attribute Analysis for Sustainable Reclamation of Urban Industrial Sites: Case from Damascus Post-Conflict
Authors: Khaddour L A , Osunsanmi T , Olawumi T O , Bradly L 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
The reclamation of urban industrial zones presents intricate challenges within urban planning, notably in post-disaster scenarios aimed at revitalizing urban landscapes. This study delves into the complexities and decision-making intricacies involved in reinvigorating the Al-Qaboun industrial area in Damascus following the conflict. It undertakes an assessment of optimal industrial zone placements by meticulously evaluating economic, social, land use, and environmental criteria via a robust combination of case study methodology and reconnaissance survey. The outcomes reveal participants’ prioritization of economic criteria, followed closely by equally significant social and land use considerations, while the environmental criteria ranked comparatively lower in importance. Employing multi-attribute analysis, three reclamation alternatives for Al-Qaboun are examined: refurbishment within the same area (A1), relocation of heavy industries only to Adra industrial city (A2), and complete relocation to Adra industrial city (A3). Participant ratings favor A3 (0.386) followed by A1 (0.319) and A2 (0.294), highlighting the initial planning phase’s reliance on streamlined methodologies yet emphasizing the necessity for an in-depth exploration of stakeholder influences on sustainable reclamation endeavors. This research underscores the pivotal role of meticulous decision-making in post-disaster urban planning and advocates for a nuanced understanding of stakeholder dynamics in ensuring the sustainability of reclamation initiatives.
Housing hierarchy of needs that contribute to the well-being of residents
Authors: Kamata Tomomitsu , Kawakubo Shun 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
This study aimed to identify a housing hierarchy of needs for realizing residents’ well-being. To this end, housing elements were grouped into five categories—safety, health, convenience, comfort, and sustainability—with reference to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs framework. To validate the accuracy of this hierarchy, a nationwide online questionnaire survey was conducted with 1,001 Japanese adults. The questionnaire covered resident and housing attributes, including the five categories of housing needs, with respondents using a Cantril ladder to rate their current well-being on a scale of 0-10. The results showed that the higher up the housing hierarchy of needs, the closer residents were to achieving well-being. The mean Cantril ladder score was higher when housing needs were satisfied in the order of safety, health, comfort, convenience, and sustainability. The mean score of residents who had all five needs satisfied was 0.9 points higher compared with those who had all needs satisfied except for sustainability. Dissemination of this housing hierarchy of needs could contribute to achieving many Sustainable Development Goals, especially Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).
Improve Thermal Performance and comfortable Design of Public Library Located in Middle Eastern Regions Facing Drastic Climate Change
Authors: Qashqari Amirah , Jefferies Tom 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Public libraries have important functions as information hubs and cultural institutions, drawing a variety of user groups. As user experience, contentment and general productivity are greatly improved by the thermal comfort of interior spaces, libraries are committed to providing suitable temperatures for both human thermal comfort and for preserving books. The standards for the handling and care of library resources established by the International Federation of Library Associations in 1999 specify the need for constant temperature and humidity in the safekeeping of library items. The recommended temperature range for sedentary activities including reading, is 20-22 °C, comfortable for people in cold regions. Hot climates prevalent in Middle Eastern nations, challenges achieving thermal comfort for library visitors. According to ASHRAE Standard 55 (2020), the most comfortable temperature in hot and humid environments is 24°C, +/- 1°C. Three methods were used in this study. First, this study gives an overview of the history of libraries in Middle East regions, and analyses the development of design elements in controlling temperatures and book preservation of this region’s libraries before and after air conditioning. Second, comparative case studies of Qatar National Library and King Fahad Library showcase differing thermal comfort approaches. Third, interviews with the two libraries users and administrators. Interior temperature, design choice and clothing preferences of patrons are examined in relation to thermal comfort in libraries. The results show that public libraries in hot regions often struggle to provide the temperatures needed to give user comfort and preserve books. This study identifies factors and design approaches to improve the thermal comfort and sustainability of Middle Eastern libraries, intersecting quantitative factors (air temperature and flow) with qualitative factors (colour, material finish and architectural and interior design). It exposes tensions between these approaches to book conservation and user comfort, to develop guidelines for effective design strategies in libraries.
Revealing the role of green roof substrate: limitations of simulated substrate temperatures for summer and winter day and night thermal performance in Melbourne, Australia
Authors: Pianella Andrea , Aye Lu , Chen Zhengdong , Williams Nicholas S. G. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Green roofs, integrated into conventional buildings, offer valuable thermal benefits, with extensive research and validated models focused on specific climates and summer conditions. However, their applicability requires further refinement, as conflicting year-round performance results have been observed. This study investigates the thermal performance of unvegetated green roofs with various depths in Melbourne, Australia, over almost a year. Utilizing Sailor’s green roof model, the research reveals reasonable accuracy for winter and deeper roofs, but notable discrepancies for 100 mm thick green roofs during the day. Additionally, the study provides experimental data on non-vegetated green roof top temperatures of a typical building in South-East Australia. Night and day comparisons are emphasized to identify model limitations due to different energy balance mechanisms of green roofs. Despite recognizing the green roof substrate’s role in regulating heat flux, few studies independently examine its thermal benefits. Implemented in EnergyPlus, the green roof model is modified for input ranges, including thermal conductivity and leaf area index (LAI), enabling simulations of the three experimental unvegetated green roofs. A refined green roof model is suggested, considering substrate moisture content variations, associated thermal conductivity, and distinct thermal mechanisms during day and night.
Optimal operation of natural ventilation using a combined method of machine learning and physical simulation
Authors: Takeuchi Kenichiro , Hiyama Kyosuke 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Natural ventilation is an effective means of saving energy in office buildings. However, to maximize the effectiveness of natural ventilation, advanced operational techniques are required. Natural ventilation window should be opened as much as possible without compromising comfort, and the operating hours of HVAC system must be minimized as much as possible. Therefore, it is necessary to make sequential decisions on whether or not to open natural ventilation window based on indoor and outdoor environment. In recent years, machine learning methods have been proposed to optimize operations based on operational data. However, many issues have been pointed out, such as low accuracy in the stage immediately after construction is completed, when there is little operational data. In this study, we propose a method that combines classical physical simulation and machine learning to complement the weakness of optimal control using machine learning. Specifically, we attempted to make decisions on natural ventilation control using a new composite model that combines both a neural network model as a machine learning method and a thermal network model as a physical simulation method to predict the indoor environment after natural ventilation. In a case study for a virtual office building model in Tokyo, the proposed model showed higher prediction accuracy than the neural network model alone during the period shortly after construction was completed, when operational data was scarce, and was able to reduce RMSE (Root Mean Squared Error) by about 97% in predicting room temperature three hours after the start of natural ventilation. This study suggests that a newly proposed model for predicting the indoor environment can be used to achieve more accurate natural ventilation control.
CO2-based occupancy forecasting with an Agent-Based Model
Authors: Veynandt François , Derler Bernhard , Heschl Christian 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
In the realm of building performance optimization, understanding occupancy dynamics is pivotal for enhancing both energy efficiency and occupant comfort. Occupancy forecasts, serving as critical inputs for data-driven predictive control technologies, play a significant role in this domain. To address this need, we propose a novel model that directly estimates building occupancy levels. This model is particularly applicable to buildings equipped with mechanical ventilation systems and CO2 concentration sensors. The number of persons is estimated by utilizing the CO2 production rate of people and applying the principle of mass conservation. The CO2-based approach has been validated with manually recorded ground-truth measurements. A forecast is generated using the first order Markov chain model in combination with an Agent-Based Modell (ABM). The probability transition matrix of the Markov chain defines the behaviour of the occupant-agents, which is used in the ABM to generate behaviour profiles. The model has been tested on four office rooms, with a one-year measurement dataset. The Markov chain with ABM provides a forecast, which encompasses the stochasticity of people’s behaviour. The presence True Positive Rate (TPR) reaches 50 % and the False Positive Rate (FPR) is 15 %, in average. The occupancy TPR is only 30 % and the FPR 15 %. The proposed approach offers a framework to easily implement further variables, like occupancy-related power consumption, lighting operation, window opening etc.
Multi-criteria decision making for timber constructions: analysis of ceiling types using utility analysis
Authors: Theilig K , Merk D , Blömer T , Lang W , Winter S , Birk S 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Purpose: Timber constructions are gaining prominence in global decarbonization efforts for climate goals. While addressing greenhouse gas emissions is crucial, building planning must consider multiple factors. Methods: This study compares three timber construction methods for office ceilings—solid wood, linear-shaped, and composite timber-concrete—to conventional reinforced concrete. Fourteen timber alternatives are analyzed based on thirteen criteria, covering environmental and construction aspects of resource use, climate protection, building physics, and structural considerations. The utility analysis, a multi-criteria decision-making method, ranks the alternatives while considering all criteria simultaneously. Sensitivity analyses with different criteria weightings examine the robustness of the rankings. Results: A ribbed slab structure with a wet screed is recommended for office ceilings, prioritizing vibration behavior and environmental aspects. Solid wood and linear-shaped ceilings outperform composite timber-concrete or reinforced concrete in building physics and structural aspects. Dry-screed alternatives are not presently recommended due to vibration and economic reasons. Conclusions: This study shows that the utility analysis supports the decision-making in the wooden building parts’ design and planning process. Since the ranking of alternatives depends on the set criteria and their weighting, the seemingly objective decision is based on subjective evaluations. Thus, sensitivity analyses with different weightings are essential, and transparent decision-making documentation is crucial.
Reclaiming earth blocks using various techniques
Authors: Pelicaen E , Novais Passarelli R , Knapen E 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Earth block masonry offers a low-impact alternative to conventional building methods. Despite the growing need for circular construction practices, the reuse of earth blocks remains underexplored. This initial study addresses this gap by empirically assessing the reclaimable potential of various earth block masonry configurations. Moulded non-stabilised and compressed cement-stabilised earth blocks are combined with three types of mortar. Ten sample walls and a prototype partitioning wall are deconstructed, and blocks are cleaned using standard tools. Reusable and damaged fractions are measured quantitatively, while qualitative evaluations gauge the effort and speed of the processes. Findings reveal that both earth blocks combined with earth mortar exhibit high reclaimable potential, followed by walls with an earth adhesive mortar. Conversely, walls with bastard mortar containing earth show low reclaimable potential, making them more suitable for demolition and recycling. These outcomes contribute to the ongoing discourse on end-of-life scenarios for masonry, providing a foundation for life cycle assessment considering earth block reuse. Further research is initiated to correlate earth block masonry bond strength with suitable reclamation techniques. Other research tracks worth exploring are economic and organisational challenges associated with earth block reclamation.
Beneficial use of recycled aggregates from concrete sludge using a new dry washing technology
Authors: Rønning A , Engelsen C J , Norman S-H , Mooselu M G , Døssland L T , Thorstensen R T 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Demands for a more sustainable concrete production with reduced waste streams and lower carbon footprint has introduced new solutions that transform waste streams into recyclable raw materials and bring them back into the value chain. Here, recycled aggregates with carbonation potential from a dry-washing technology for concrete trucks are considered to reduce concrete waste. Accordingly, the environmental impacts of a dry-washing method in ready-mix concrete production were investigated through a scenario-based attributional life cycle assessment (LCA) approach. The environmental impacts are calculated by a cradle-to-gate LCA modelling in SimaPro® based on onsite interviews in Norway, existing environmental product declarations (EPD), and geography-specific life cycle inventory data. Also, the properties of the reclaimed aggregates have been tested to ensure their mechanical strength for use in fresh concrete. LCA showed that the dry-washing method reduces environmental impact compared to the conventional handling of concrete sludge. The technology reduces the concrete sludge by > 80% thereby reducing the treatment of washing water. Using recycled aggregates decreases the extraction of virgin aggregates. The study contributes to circularity in the production design of concrete by controlling the material and waste flow in the life cycle of concrete.
Financing and management models as a design tool for circular housing projects
Authors: Lespagnard M , Galle W , De Temmerman N 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Can financing and management models for housing projects guide the design of more circular and inclusive housing solutions? A growing housing crisis in Europe intensifies the pressure on traditional support measures, limiting access to equitable housing. But what if environmental solutions could aid in answering the housing problems our cities are facing? Circular strategies, facilitating reuse and recycling, have the potential to enhance long-term affordability. However, their adoption is hindered by a lack of understanding of the correlation between specific circular design choices and socio-institutional parameters, including management and financing models. This research applies the qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) method to study 22 existing housing projects. The method allows to establish connections between three circular design choices (reuse, two types of adaptable design) and the distinct characteristics of housing projects. Data was collected through site visits, workshops and semi-structured interviews with architects, housing-cooperatives, policymakers, and housing companies in European countries. As a result, the study provides recommendations for designers, policymakers, and project initiators and managers. Furthermore, we identified missed opportunities for linking circular design strategies to project characteristics. The results could assist in making better-informed design choices related to specific contexts.