bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparing the financial impact of housing retrofit policies on Dutch homeowners
Authors: Fernández Alejandro , Haffner Marietta , Elsinga Marja 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
The Renovation Wave is the latest addition to a series of European measures designed to incentivise investment in a low-carbon built environment. In terms of residential retrofits, research has focused on how structural measures can reduce costs through energy savings and improve affordability in the long term. However, it is less clear how retrofit policies can positively impact households with different income levels, energy costs and savings’ opportunities across time. EU Member States have provided substantial funding for retrofitting in the form of grants, subsidised loans and tax deductions. This paper addresses with the Netherlands as case study the question: how do different retrofit measures affect the finances and affordability of homeowners in the short and longer term? Our numerical analysis is mainly based on the WoON 2018 dataset, a household-level survey. By focusing on household finances under different financing schemes, this paper aims to place renovation measures in the context of the housing affordability literature. User costs are one of the most important capital-based indicators of long-term affordability. In contrast, cash flows deal with the exchange of money and indicate financial access to housing at a given point in time. In the Dutch context of rising house prices, it is crucial to measure the short and long-term economic impact of energy efficiency measures, as they are likely to have a lasting impact on affordability. Our results show that depending on policy, a majority of homes could be retrofitted with a cost-neutral margin, depending on energy prices and post-retrofit savings. The main barrier to retrofitting is the upfront cost, which threatens short-term affordability. Loans, either subsidised or private, offer an alternative to upfront costs but reduce cost-neutrality. On the other hand, from a user cost perspective, retrofitting lowers costs in the long run. Finally, a cluster analysis shows that middle and higher income groups would be most likely to benefit from retrofitting. This raises the question of the regressive nature and targeting of flat-rate subsidies and tax deductions.
A business model canvas framework for sustainable one-stop-shops
Authors: Pardalis Georgios , Mahapatra Krushna , Mainali Brijesh 
Published: September 2022

AbstractThe Sustainable Business Model Canvas (SBMC) offers a useful tool for business model design, as it manages to integrate all the three dimensions of sustainability without distinguishing between three different layers (economic, environmental, and social). This paper presents the application of SBMC in a real study case of a one-stop-shop (OSS) for the renovation of single-family houses operating in Kronoberg province in Sweden. The case is based on shifting from the current approach of the OSS, making interventions that will lead to the development of a "new" OSS which can reach the highest possible sustainability potential. A two-stage comprehensive assessment process for the "new" model is proposed, following a life cycle perspective. The use of SBMC and the assessment process allows both existing and under-development OSSs to gain a better understanding of different alternatives regarding their business, and how these alternatives improve or weaken their existing business model. This work also proposes the steps that should be followed to assess the impact of potential intervention in the business model on the sustainability performance of an OSS. There is a need though to acquire relevant data to make a more detailed evaluation of the economic, environmental, and social burdens and benefits of an OSS. Such an evaluation will lead to more well-informed interpretations regarding the sustainability performance of different OSSs.
What are typical levels of housing renovation? A typology based on Swedish public strategies
Authors: Femenias P , Granath K 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
The gap between energy policy and potential energy savings through renovation, and what is carried out in practice has been in focus of previous research. Various influencing factors such as economy, organisation, and social relations versus tenants has been studied to design guidelines to bridge this gap. There is a lack of empirical studies of how renovation is planned, and what factors will influence the renovation measures that are implemented. This paper takes the starting point in 42 on-going and planned housing renovation projects 2018 – 2021 carried out by three municipal housing companies in one major Swedish metropolitan area. Based on the character of these, three main types of housing renovation are defined. The most current type of renovation is bathroom and piping while climate envelope renovation and deep renovation are less common. Energy saving is decoupled from renovation activities which will have implications for implementation of policy for energy efficient renovation.
Approaches for energy renovation of mixed property in the Netherlands
Authors: Rutten M , Berkel F van , Oostra M , Savanović P 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Over the years housing associations in the Netherlands have sold a lot of terraced houses to individual homeowners. As a result housing associations often no longer own all houses in the same block of terraced houses. This situation of variable ownership, also referred to as mixed property, represents a challenge in itself when it comes to large scale energy renovation. The goal of this study was to explore the approaches that exist in practice for energy renovation of mixed property. Based on a series of interviews, followed by a collaborative meeting with the interviewees, we suggest that current approaches for energy renovation of mixed property mainly differ in two ways. First, approaches vary in terms of leadership. Is a single organization, for example the housing association, in charge of the energy renovation? Or is leadership spread among multiple stakeholders? And second, approaches vary in terms of pace. Is the energy renovation carried out in one big leap? Or is it carried out in multiple steps over a longer period of time? Based on these differences we present a four-quadrant model of energy renovation of mixed property.
Sustainable renovation of non-profit housing in the Netherlands: from projects to programs
Authors: Meijer F M , Straub A 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Dutch policies to reach a CO2 neutral housing stock in 2050 force housing associations to realise higher renovation rates at lower costs. The potential for standardisation in renovation processes of the housing stock is huge. Practice shows that an increasing number of housing associations bundle their individual maintenance and sustainable renovation projects in renovation programs for two or more years. Programs that are then implemented in strategic partnerships with maintenance contractors. This paper clarifies the rationale behind this development, sketches internal and external factors that encourage and hinder this development and presents the effects of the shift from projects to programs. The paper contributes to the scientific body of knowledge of public clients in construction collaborating with market parties. The research provides housing associations and contractors tools for the implementation of successful partnerships. The paper is based on an explorative literature review and case-studies of strategic partnerships in this field. The findings show that strategic partnering in housing renovation programs increases the renovation rates of individual housing associations. Also the tenants’ satisfaction with the renovation process is high. Trust is key in the collaboration between the strategic partners. Hindering factors are the realisation of the necessary culture and organizational changes on both the supply and demand side.
Relocation rationale – why people move in connection with renovation projects
Authors: Granath K , Femenias P 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
The existing housing stock is constantly in need of maintenance and renovation. Previous research has showed that renovation projects may force tenants to move involuntarily, and there is a correlation between the scale of the renovation project, the economic consequences for the tenants, and the relocation frequency. In this paper, the aim is to identify the reasons for tenants’ choice to relocate, based on both quantitative and qualitative data. This paper is based on material from a larger study of tenants’ experiences of housing renovation and their decision to relocate. From a large empirical material of 426 personal interviews with tenants living in municipally owned rental apartments within the city of Gothenburg, 117 respondents were identified, whose choice to relocate were directly linked to the renovation process. The interviews were transcribed, analyzed and coded into different categories. Preliminary results show that the majority of relocations that occur in connection to renovation projects are in fact not related to the renovation process in itself. The primary reason to move was to upsize, to move in with a partner, to move from rental to home ownership, and to live in another area. Arguments directly connected to the renovation process were to avoid the disturbances connected to living in an apartment while it was being renovated, or avoiding being evacuated and having to move several times, and avoiding the economic consequences of rent increases after the renovation. The results illustrate the vital role of the property owner in planning and organizing the renovation projects in order to minimize the disturbances for the tenants. It supports the current trend to divide renovation projects into smaller segments, applying more diverse strategies and avoiding one-size-fits-all-approaches to renovation.
Rotatable Smart TinyLab, a platform for testing integrated façades and indoor climate
Authors: Mohammadi S , Weersink A , ′t Ende J van , Struck C 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
The new Smart TinyLab (STL) for system integration in the building industry is a lab where building partners and construction-related companies can develop, test, validate and demonstrate their products in practice to be as energy-efficient as possible to contribute to formulated CO2 emission reduction targets. STL is located near the Saxion University of Applied Sciences in Enschede and has been operationalized since the spring of 2021. In the lab, one can simulate and assess quantitatively the effect of building products, HVAC components, smart technologies, user-related aspects and the outdoor climate on energy consumption and indoor climate conditions. The lab allows the comparison between theoretical and practical characteristics and energy consumption figures. Together with partners from the construction industry, innovative products, devices and systems in a simulation and field test environment have been tested and validated. During STL′s start-up phase other tiny twin-labs with outdoor setups in Europe were compared. Turning the lab in its entirety to face or be averted from direct sunlight makes STL rather unique in its kind.
Future performance evaluation of PCM integrated buildings under changing climate
Authors: Tamer T , Baker D , Dino I Gursel , Meral Akgul C 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
The high energy consumption and associated carbon emissions due to the heating and cooling of buildings create a heavy environmental burden. One of the cost-efficient solutions to reduce the heating and cooling demands is to incorporate phase change materials (PCMs) in the building components, increasing the thermal mass of the building and providing latent heat thermal storage. However, the rising temperatures over the years will alter the effectiveness of PCM in building envelopes. In this study, four cities in Turkey with different climatic characteristics were selected. For each city, future weather files representing the climatic conditions of 2050 and 2080 were generated from the current weather data using CCWorldWeatherGen. A typical office building that utilizes gypsum wallboards was modeled with EnergyPlus as a reference case. Alternative energy models were generated by modifying the wallboard compositions (PCM melting temperature: 19-27°C). The building’s annual heating and cooling energy demands were calculated for each city, year, and wallboard alternative. Generated data were analyzed to evaluate the future efficiency of the wallboards with the changing climate over the years in order to maximize the long-term performance gains from PCM incorporating wallboards. The results showed that the selection of the optimum PCM melting temperature of a location should not only depend on thermo-physical and layer properties of the PCM wallboard as the optimum melting temperature of the PCM is subject to change with rising temperatures. The impact of climate change should be considered to fully evaluate the long-term performance of the PCM wallboard in terms of energy use and CO2 emissions.
Adaptation of circular design strategies based on historical trends and demolition patterns
Authors: Andersen R , Jensen L B , Ryberg M W 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
With new knowledge on current trends in construction and demolition, circular design strategies can be adapted to recent developments in construction, thereby providing knowledge about the potential for reducing global warming, resource consumption, and the amount of construction waste. By examining data from public registers on historical demolitions and building statistics, it is possible to examine the patterns in demolished buildings to uncover which building factors may influence whether buildings are demolished or renovated. In the following, data from demolitions in Denmark will be linked to data for newly built and existing buildings. The results show that factors initiating demolition are distributed differently between high- and low-population areas. Furthermore, the increase in new forms of construction means that circular design strategies such as reuse, recycling, and adaptive reuse can only cover a small proportion of the need for new construction.
Life-cycle assessment of construction errors on buildings in Greenland
Authors: Ryberg M W , Serrano T , Møller E , Lading T 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Life-cycle assessments are often performed on ideal cases where errors or accidents are not taken into account. This might give a wrong indication of the potential impacts as errors and accidents do occur as part of building construction. Thus, for a specific case in Greenland on construction of an exterior wall, we evaluated the potential environmental impacts of construction errors. Both impacts related to correcting the errors and impacts if the errors were left uncorrected. We compared our results to a baseline scenario without construction errors. Results show that construction errors can have a substantial contribution to the total life-cycle impact of an exterior wall. Our results are for a specific case and cannot be generalized at this stage. Further studies are needed to evaluate if findings can be generalized. Here, errors should generally be avoided through better quality assurance during planning and execution or by using more robust designs. This study sheds light on the importance of taking into account potential construction errors and the importance of avoiding these to keep environmental impacts low.
Determining spatial characteristics for circular building design: The case of kitchen alterations
Authors: Ollár A , Femenías P , Granath K , Hagejärd S 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Kitchens are frequently altered leading to unnecessary material flows. End-users’ wishes to customise their kitchen based on their changing priorities have been recognised as one cause for frequent alterations. Complementing previous research investigating kitchen alterations, this paper focuses on the spatial characteristics of the room. Spatial characteristics have been identified as determining factors for developing circular solutions for kitchen design which could reduce the extent and impact of alterations. Eleven households in Swedish villas, apartments, and terrace houses have been interviewed about their kitchen alterations to answer the research questions: What spatial alterations do they implement? and How could the spatial design of kitchens be formulated to support a circular built environment?. The outcome of the alterations has been documented through floorplan drawings and photographs. Based on the findings exemplifying end-users’ alterations, circular design strategies are recommended for the spatial design of the kitchen. These strategies have the potential of slowing the loops by enabling end-users to reshape their kitchen without extensive alterations and decreasing resource use and waste production. In conclusion, this paper urges professionals in the kitchen industry to use the formulated circular design strategies to create a building stock that is part of a circular economy.
Family social support and stability of preferences regarding place of death among older people: a 3-year longitudinal study from the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study
Authors: Kawaguchi Kenjiro , Ide Kazushige , Kondo Katsunori 
Published: September 2022

Abstract

Background
it remains unclear how family relationships could affect stability of end-of-life care preferences.

Objective
to describe change patterns of preferred place of death (POD) among older people and to examine associations between family social support and stability of preferences regarding POD.

Methods
this longitudinal study of 1,200 noninstitutionalized independent Japanese older people aged over 65 years used panel data between 2016 and 2019 from the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study (JAGES). Preference stability was defined as the congruence of preferred POD based on questionnaires between baseline and follow-up. We performed multiple logistic regression analysis and gender-stratified analysis to examine associations between social support (spouse, children living together and children living apart) and preference stability.

Results
only 40.9% of participants had stable preferences. For a spouse, both receiving and providing social support was associated with less stable preferences (OR: 0.63, 95% CI: 0.43–0.93; OR: 0.55, 95% CI: 0.38–0.80, respectively), and providing social support to children living apart was associated with more stable preferences (OR: 1.35, 95% CI: 1.03–1.76). In gender-stratified analysis, significant associations between preference stability and providing social support to a spouse among women (OR: 0.53, 95% CI: 0.34–0.82) and providing social support to children living apart among men (OR: 1.72, 95% CI: 1.16–2.55) were observed.

Conclusions
family social support was associated with the stability of preferences, and the associations differed by support resources and gender. Incorporating family members in the process of end-of-life care discussion may be necessary for establishing stable preferences.
Screening for thyroid dysfunction with free T4 instead of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) improves efficiency in older adults in primary care
Authors: Bosma Madeleen , Du Puy Robert S , Ballieux Bart E P B 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCHT) is defined as a consistently elevated thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) with a free T4 (fT4) within the reference range. This diagnosis may lead to additional monitoring, levothyroxine therapy and increased patient concerns, despite lack of evidence of treatment benefit in older adults. In order to avoid this diagnosis, we evaluated the efficiency of fT4-based screening for thyroid dysfunction, in older adults in primary care and compared it with TSH-based screening.
Individuals aged &gt;65years in primary care were selected for this retrospective study when both TSH and fT4 were individually requested irrespective of the TSH value. Exclusion criteria were C-reactive protein &gt; 10 mg/l or a history of thyroid hormone monitoring in the previous year.
Screening based on fT4 instead of TSH decreased reflex testing from 23.8% to 11.2%. The positive predictive value (PPV) for clinical hypothyroidism increased from 17.3% to 52.2%. The negative predictive value was 96.1% with TSH-based screening versus 97.8% with fT4-based screening. Elevation of the TSH cutoff value from 4.2 to 6.5 mU/l resulted in a reflex test percentage of 12.5% and a PPV of 31.0%.
Our results suggest that screening for thyroid dysfunction in older individuals in primary care can be improved by screening based on fT4 instead of TSH or by adjusting the TSH cutoff value. Adjustment of the screening strategy may be of interest to health policy makers because of potential cost reduction. From a patient perspective, medical concerns and unnecessary biochemical follow-up might be reduced by circumventing the diagnosis SCHT.
Is human labor at term an inflammatory condition?
Authors: Kyathanahalli Chandrashekara , Snedden Madeline , Hirsch Emmet 
Published: September 2022

AbstractParturition at term in normal pregnancy follows a predictable sequence of events. There is some evidence that a state of inflammation prevails in the reproductive tissues during labor at term, but it is uncertain whether this phenomenon is the initiating signal for parturition. The absence of a clear temporal sequence of inflammatory events prior to labor casts doubt on the concept that normal human labor at term is primarily the result of an inflammatory cascade. This review examines evidence linking parturition and inflammation in order to address whether inflammation is a cause of labor, a consequence of labor, or a separate but related phenomenon. Finally, we identify and suggest ways to reconcile inconsistencies regarding definitions of labor onset in published research, which may contribute to the variability in conclusions regarding the genesis and maintenance of parturition. A more thorough understanding of the processes underlying normal parturition at term may lead to novel insights regarding abnormal labor, including spontaneous preterm labor, preterm premature rupture of the fetal membranes, and dysfunctional labor, and the role of inflammation in each.
Conventional natural killer cells control vascular remodeling in the uterus during pregnancy by acidifying the extracellular matrix with a2V
Authors: Wolf Katharine , Ibrahim Safaa A , Schneiderman Sylvia , Riehl Valerie , Dambaeva Svetlana , Beaman Kenneth 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Vascular remodeling within the uterus immediately before and during early pregnancy increases blood flow in the fetus and prevents the development of gestational hypertension. Tissue-resident natural killer (trNK) cells secrete pro-angiogenic growth factors but are insufficient for uterine artery (UtA) remodeling in the absence of conventional natural killer (cNK) cells. Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9) is activated in acidic environments to promote UtA remodeling. We have previously shown that ATPase a2V plays a role in regulating the function of cNK cells during pregnancy. We studied the effect of a2V deletion on uterine cNK cell populations and pregnancy outcomes in VavCrea2Vfl/fl mice, where a2V is conditionally deleted in hematopoietic stem cells. Conventional NKcells were reduced but trNK cells were retained in implantation sites at gestational day 9.5, and UtA remodeling was inhibited despite no differences in concentrations of pro-angiogenic growth factors. The ratio of pro-MMP9 to total was significantly elevated in VavCrea2Vfl/fl mice, and MMP9 activity was significantly reduced. The pH of implantation sites was significantly elevated in VavCrea2Vfl/fl mice. We concluded that the role of cNK cells in the uterus is to acidify the extracellular matrix (ECM) using a2V, which activates MMP9 to degrade the ECM, release bound pro-angiogenic growth factors, and contribute to UtA remodeling. Our results are significant for the understanding of the development of gestational hypertension.