bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparative Life Cycle Assessment of refurbishment alternatives for façade assemblies typically used in existing buildings in the Mediterranean region in Spain
Authors: Braulio-Gonzalo Marta , Jorge-Ortiz Andrea , Bovea María D. , Ibáñez-Forés Valeria 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
The building sector is a major contributor to the environmental impact in the European Union due to energy consumed, extraction of resources and greenhouse gas emissions. Particularly, the existing building stock represents a greater challenge than new constructions, since up to 85% of the buildings existing in 2050 have already been built. The extensive lifespan of buildings mean that construction assemblies remain standing for long periods of time, which accounts for most of the embodied environmental impact and affects its energy performance during the use stage. Also, because the façade surfaces generally cover most of the building envelope, they have strong potential to reduce existing buildings’ environmental impacts and energy consumption, when undertaking major refurbishments. This paper aims to compare the environmental performance of different refurbishment alternatives for façade assemblies typically used in existing buildings in the Mediterranean region in Spain. For this purpose, a three-step methodology based on a life cycle approach was applied: (I) Identification of existing façade assemblies and their related refurbishment alternatives, (II) Bill of Materials, and (III) Environmental, cost and energetic impact of each façade and their refurbishment alternatives were analysed with the Life Cycle Assessment and Life Cycle Cost methodologies and U-values calculation, respectively. The results were used to draw conclusions to help construction sector practitioners, such as building designers and contractors, to make decisions during the design and construction stages in major renovation projects. They could also be used to select the optimum façade refurbishment alternatives, aiming at nearly zero-energy buildings.
Life cycle-based parametric optimization of buildings towards climate neutrality and its implications for environmental protection
Authors: Vollmer M , Theilig K , Takser I , Reitberger R , Lang W 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
The climate crisis represents the greatest challenge to be solved by the current generation, according to the European Union. In relation to this, the building sector plays a crucial role since it is responsible for around 37% of the global CO2 emissions. To meet the internationally and nationally defined targets for climate neutrality, different strategies such as changing the energy systems or increasing energy efficiency are applied to reduce the CO2 emissions during the use phase of buildings. However, the current strategy has major deficits since essential parts of a building’s life cycle (e.g. embedded emissions of the building construction) are neglected. In addition to climate protection, environmental protection is another global and national goal which is neglected by only focusing on the CO2 emissions. Since ecosystems provide vital ecosystem services for the survival of present and future generations, environmental protection is crucial to be considered. To show the effects of these current, limited approaches, this study displays and compares different parametric optimization strategies, such as focus on the use stage and focus on the whole life cycle of buildings, using thermal building simulations. To analyze the different approaches, the assessment boundaries are extended to the whole life cycle of buildings (product, use, refurbishment, and end-of-life) and to further environmental indicators (global warming/acidification/eutrophication potential). The results show that reducing the global warming potential (GWP) (unit: CO2-eq.) not necessarily implies a reduction regarding the acidification potential (AP) and eutrophication potential (EP). In fact, in some cases, the AP and EP are higher after a CO2-eq. focused optimization process. As a result, to plan and implement buildings and cities in a climate and ecological friendly manner, the current horizon of consideration must be expanded, and a multi-criteria optimization approach needs to be implemented as demonstrated.
Printing thermal performance: an experimental exploration of 3DP polymers for facade applications
Authors: Piccioni V , Leschok M , Lydon G , Cheibas I , Hischier I , Dillenburger B , Kohler M , Gramazio F , Schlueter A 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
The decarbonisation of the building sector requires the development of building components that provide energy efficiency while producing minimal environmental impact. We investigate the potential of polymer 3D printing (3DP) for the fabrication of mono-material translucent facade components, whose properties can be tailored according to climatic conditions and functional requirements. These components bear the potential to reduce energy consumption in buildings and, at the same time, can be fabricated with minimal environmental impact thanks to the recyclability of the feedstock material. In this study, we explore the effect of component geometry on the thermal insulation properties of 3DP objects with bespoke internal structures. Different prototypes are fabricated using a robotic polymer extruder, and their thermal properties are measured following a hot-box test method. The experimental results are then used to calibrate a heat transfer simulation model describing the joint effects of conduction, natural convection and infrared radiation through the components. We show that it is possible to fabricate insulating polymer components providing thermal transmittance ranging from 1.7 to 1 W/m2 K only by changing the internal cavity distribution and size. This proves the possibility of designing 3DP thermally-insulating components for different climatic conditions and requirements. This study provides the first insights into the thermal behaviour of polymer 3DP facades on a large scale. The results suggest that this innovative manufacturing technique is promising for application in facades and encourages further research toward performant and low-embodied energy 3DP building components.
Wood fibres as additives in mortars: a sustainable reinforcement
Authors: Stefanidou M , Kampragkou P , Kamperidou V 
Published: June 2023

AbstractIn mortars, the use of fibres has been diachronically a commonly used technique. In Ancient Greece, wood and straw fibres were particularly used to increase volume stability in clay and lime mortars. Overtime, with the evolution of technology, natural fibres were replaced by modern materials like polypropylene, steel, glass and carbon fibres. Recently, the climate change and the strong demand for independence from non-renewable mineral resources have urged the search for alternative ways to utilize bio-materials to produce innovative, high value-added products. The wood waste material, coming from loggings or trunks mechanical processing, constitutes valuable bio-degradable, non-toxic material of low environmental impact that could be utilized as reinforcements to produce advanced wood polymer composites. In the current study, fibres of two widely available wood species (black pine and beech) have been used (1-2 cm length). The fibres were added in lime-based and cement-based mortars in proportion 1.5% v/v of the mortar. Physical, thermal and mechanical properties were tested at the age of 28 and 90 days, while at fresh state, workability of the mixtures was recorded. It was found that in traditional systems, the formulations with black pine required higher amount of water for the same workability probably due to the higher hygroscopicity of the fibres. This was not the case in cement-based systems. Small reduction of the mechanical properties was recorded, as well as an increase of the water capillary absorption of the bio-fibres reinforced samples. Thermal conductivity was improved probably due to the porosity increase. In all cases, the shape of the samples was retained even after fracture and crack formation. Between the two wood species used, the black pine gave more beneficiary results. In general, wood-fibres revealed a high potential to upgrade the lime- and cement-based mortars performance and be further promoted in the construction sector.
Energy performance assessment of building stocks using earth observations
Authors: Dascalaki E G , Koutsantoni P , Balaras C A , Patsioti M 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
In Europe, about 40% of the final energy consumption and 30% of the total CO2 emissions are attributed to the operation of buildings. National energy and climate plans focus on large scale implementation of different renovation scenarios in existing buildings to meet the 2030 and 2050 targets for energy efficiency and decarbonization. Building stock modeling (BSM) offers a useful tool for the assessment of scenarios to support decision makers in setting up effective strategies for meeting European and national targets. One of the challenges faced for the reliable application of this modeling approach is the limited availability of detailed data for the investigated stocks. In the framework of the European project – EIFFEL there is ongoing work to complement data from Earth Observations with in-situ and statistical data from different sources (e.g. Hellenic Statistical Authority, energy performance certificate registry) in order to derive a bottom-up BSM of increased reliability for applications in medium scale (municipality) to large scale (prefecture) areas. The enhanced BSM is based on the representation of the entire building stock by a set of building types defined in line with the TABULA methodology according to their use, size and age of the buildings. The results presented herein come from a pilot application for a municipality in northern Attica.
Design proposal development for a more liveable open public space
Authors: Vukmirović Milena , Radić Boris , Gavrilović Suzana , Jovanović Aleksa 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
As a vital element of successful cities, public spaces play an important role in achieving sustainable development goals. The New urban agenda considers public spaces as a need in sustaining the productivity of cities, eco-social cohesion and inclusion, civic identity, and quality of urban life. This is also in line with the New European Bauhaus, as a part of European Green Deal, need to create beautiful places, practices and experiences that are enriching, sustainable and inclusive. In accordance with that there is undoubted importance of the public spaces, while its quality is generated in the symbiosis of various elements. On the basis of normative theories in urban design, SCORELINE framework for public space quality evaluation was developed and tested at the research group for planning and design in landscape architecture at the University of Belgrade - Faculty of Forestry. The framework covers six criteria which illuminate key aspects of public spaces such as safety and security, convenience, legibility, comfort, inspiration and sensitivity and liveability. For the purpose of this research, special attention is given to the criteria of liveability. It will be presented through its quantitative and qualitative indicators and its application in practice that cover the investigation carried out on Cara Urosa Street within the Lower Dorcol quarter in Belgrade, Serbia. The results of this analysis defined the inputs for street renewal design proposal, that was additionally tested using Space Syntax method, precisely Depthmap X simulation software to map potential issues and potentials that will be developed through design in order to achieve the defined goals concerning the liveability of open public space.
The Ventilation Capacity of Earthen Vernacular Buildings With Timber Projections (Sachnisi) in Dense Urban Canyons – Findings From a Field Study in the Mediterranean
Authors: Thravalou S , Michael A , Neophytou M , Philokyprou M 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Vernacular architecture employs numerous elements for enhancing natural ventilation, especially in the Mediterranean climate. However, the cooling effectiveness of natural ventilation also relies on occupant behaviour and is highly determined by urban scale attributes. Still, airflow in real, inhomogeneous historic urban settings is rarely integrated in the thermal comfort studies of historic buildings. In this study, a multi-scale approach is adopted in order to assess the role of ventilation in establishing thermal comfort in earthen buildings, in real field conditions. This is achieved by addressing field monitoring of air velocity, temperature and relative humidity in: a) a dense (packing density λp=0.60) and inhomogeneous historic neighbourhood in Nicosia, Cyprus (measurement at a reference height); b) the street-canyon (measured at the mid-height of a narrow canyon with aspect ratio 2); and c) the interior of a typical adobe building with semi-open, pass-through spaces (portico) and closed timber projections with multiple openings, called sachnisi. Building ventilation was addressed as a function of in-street and rooftop airflow. Indoor thermal comfort was assessed in the case of specific ventilation patterns, comparing three adaptive comfort models. The results highlight the complexity of airflow in real inhomogeneous urban canopies and demonstrate that air velocity level in the street canyon is approximately one third of the reference free-stream wind velocity, while indoor air velocity remains at minimum levels. The study also reveals the contribution of night-time ventilation in cooling. Finally, spatial differentials of indoor environmental conditions in the portico were recorded for the first time, demonstrating the role of the sachnisi as a wind-capture element.
Conceptual steps to minimize energy consumption of exterior lighting in Greece: The role of façade and road lighting
Authors: Skandali C , Tomasovits M , Zerefos S , Tsangrassoulis A , Doulos L T 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
In our days, the urgent need for minimizing energy consumption, forces governments to take immediate actions in all directions. A review of the existing norms along with a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) analysis has been conducted, with reference to façade and road lighting in the urban structure. This methodology was selected as a tool for outlining energy issues of high importance in these two areas that consist a major component of the total energy consumption in the urban environment and provide helpful insights. This approach shows that there is a wide range of steps that could be followed towards this direction, not only in terms of proposals through the norms, but also through the implementation of the LED technology along with the use of the latest management systems can support the reduction of energy consumption to a large extent.
The energy performance upgrade of the historical building of “Loggia”, in Heraklion Crete, Greece
Authors: Katsaprakakis D A , Yiannakoudakis Y , Tsekouras A , Zidianakis G , Dakanali E , Spyridakis G 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
This article presents the process of the energy performance upgrade for the historical, Venetian building of “Loggia”, in Heraklion Crete, Greece. The building is currently used as Town Hall of the Municipality of Heraklion. The original Venetian building was constructed and renovated between the 13th century and 1628 during the Venetian occupation of Crete (1205-1669). Through the centuries, the building was gradually and partially destroyed, resulting to its total destruction in the Second World War. The construction of the existing building as a faithful copy of the original started in the ’60s and was completed in the late ’70s. Due to the special protection and conservative regime applied for the “Loggia” building, although, practically, a new one, the possible energy performance upgrade interventions were remarkably restricted. Any alteration of the building’s outer views is strictly prohibited. Eventually, the proposed measures were the installation of new openings, faithful copies of the existing ones, the installation of a new air-to-water heat pump with a hydraulic distribution network and hydronic terminal units for indoor space conditioning, installation of new luminaires and LED lamps and floodlights and a photovoltaic plant on the building’s roof. The building was upgraded to a zero-energy consumption facility.
Adopting BIM to Enhance Sustainability. The Saudi Arabia Construction Projects case study
Authors: Alasmari E , Martinez-Vazquez P , Baniotopoulos C 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Building information modelling (BIM) has become an efficient tool to contribute more effectively to achieving sustainability development goals. BIM utilities have progressively revealed efficient environments to share data amongst stakeholders. The present paper aims to evaluate levels of awareness around BIM capabilities amongst engineers and project managers, focusing on the Saudi Arabia construction industry. The study targeted individuals registered with the Saudi Council of Engineers until the year 2020, who were invited to engage with a questionnaire survey. The study targeted individuals registered with the Saudi Council of Engineers, who were invited to engage with a questionnaire survey. A sample of 940 participants was taken by the survey out of a total population of the study of 55776 engineers whose responses materialised in a robust statistical analysis. According to the survey, 61% (circa 572) have developed awareness of BIM, whereas 39% (368) confirmed that they had never heard of it. A descriptive Statistics framework with the aid of SPSS has been developed to complete the statistical study. Analyses of data indicated that the benefit of using BIM is significant in the broad sustainability realm, Life Cycle Cost (LCC), operations and maintenance, efficient use of energy, daylight analysis, thermal design, and transparency in cost.
Prediction of strand-specific and cell-type-specific G-quadruplexes based on high-resolution CUT&Tag data
Authors: Cui Yizhi , Liu Hongzhi , Ming Yutong , Zhang Zheng , Liu Li , Liu Ruijun 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
G-quadruplex (G4), a non-classical deoxyribonucleic acid structure, is widely distributed in the genome and involved in various biological processes. In vivo, high-throughput sequencing has indicated that G4s are significantly enriched at functional regions in a cell-type-specific manner. Therefore, the prediction of G4s based on computational methods is necessary instead of the time-consuming and laborious experimental methods. Recently, G4 CUT&Tag has been developed to generate higher-resolution sequencing data than ChIP-seq, which provides more accurate training samples for model construction. In this paper, we present a new dataset construction method based on G4 CUT&Tag sequencing data and an XGBoost prediction model based on the machine learning boost method. The results show that our model performs well within and across cell types. Furthermore, sequence analysis indicates that the formation of G4 structure is greatly affected by the flanking sequences, and the GC content of the G4 flanking sequences is higher than non-G4. Moreover, we also identified G4 motifs in the high-resolution dataset, among which we found several motifs for known transcription factors (TFs), such as SP2 and BPC. These TFs may directly or indirectly affect the formation of the G4 structure.
TopNEXt: automatic DDA exclusion framework for multi-sample mass spectrometry experiments
Authors: McBride Ross , Wandy Joe , Weidt Stefan , Rogers Simon , Davies Vinny , Daly Rónán , Bryson Kevin 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Motivation
Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry experiments aim to produce high-quality fragmentation spectra, which can be used to annotate metabolites. However, current Data-Dependent Acquisition approaches may fail to collect spectra of sufficient quality and quantity for experimental outcomes, and extend poorly across multiple samples by failing to share information across samples or by requiring manual expert input.

Results
We present TopNEXt, a real-time scan prioritization framework that improves data acquisition in multi-sample Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry metabolomics experiments. TopNEXt extends traditional Data-Dependent Acquisition exclusion methods across multiple samples by using a Region of Interest and intensity-based scoring system. Through both simulated and lab experiments, we show that methods incorporating these novel concepts acquire fragmentation spectra for an additional 10% of our set of target peaks and with an additional 20% of acquisition intensity. By increasing the quality and quantity of fragmentation spectra, TopNEXt can help improve metabolite identification with a potential impact across a variety of experimental contexts.

Availability and implementation
TopNEXt is implemented as part of the ViMMS framework and the latest version can be found at https://github.com/glasgowcompbio/vimms. A stable version used to produce our results can be found at 10.5281/zenodo.7468914.
003 Utility of plucked hair direct immunofluorescence as a possible replacement for conventional skin biopsy direct immunofluorescence in immunological activity monitoring and prediction of relapse in pemphigus
Authors: Malhi Kittu , De Dipankar , Chatterjee Debajyoti , Handa Sanjeev , Mahajan Rahul 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is a potentially lethal chronically relapsing autoimmune bullous disorder with intraepithelial lesions affecting the skin and mucous membranes. The prediction of clinical relapse has been studied with conventional skin biopsy and plucked hair direct immunofluorescence (DIF; Daneshpazhooh M, Naraghi ZS, Ramezani A et al. Direct immunofluorescence of plucked hair for evaluation of immunologic remission in PV. J Am Acad Dermatol 2011; 65:173–7) which can be of use in timing treatment withdrawal and helping with better management. The aims of our study were to determine the association of plucked hair root DIF positivity status at baseline with clinical relapse within the study duration, and to determine the correlation between skin biopsy and plucked hair DIF. Seventy-eight consecutive patients diagnosed with PV in clinical remission on therapy, on minimal therapy or off therapy, were included after obtaining informed consent. Three-monthly follow-up was carried out for 12 months. Immunological monitoring with plucked hair DIF was done at baseline and repeated every 3 months for 1 year or a relapse was experienced, whichever occurred earlier. Conventional skin biopsy DIF was performed at baseline, at 3 months and at the time of relapse. In patients receiving adjuvant therapy during their present remission episode, discontinuation of therapy was done at inclusion, at 3 months and at 6 months, and occurrence of relapse in relation to the time point of discontinuation was assessed. Of 78 patients, 22 had disease relapse and 56 remained in complete remission. Clinical relapse during the study duration was significantly more frequent in patients who had higher mean Autoimmune Bullous Skin Disorder Intensity Score during the preceding active disease episode (P = 0.033), pruritus during the present clinical remission episode (P = 0.007) and early discontinuation (within 3 months of study inclusion) of concomitant adjuvant therapy (P = 0.007). Immunological parameters associated with clinical relapse were baseline IgG (P = 0.005) and C3 positivity (P = 0.047) in plucked hair, greater intensity of IgG and C3 positivity at baseline in plucked hair (IgG, P = 0.002; C3, P = 0.033) and skin biopsy specimens (IgG, P = 0.004; C3, P = 0.0.002), and positive hair DIF at the time of adjuvant therapy withdrawal (P = 0.017). Plucked hair DIF is a reliable technique to assess immunological remission in patients with PV who are in clinical remission and helps to guide treatment according to immunological remission status.