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A Clustering Method for Identifying Energy-Related Behaviour: The Case-Study of LIFE SUPERHERO Project
Get PDFUnderstanding Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) in residential buildings is often oversimplified due to the complexity of occupant behaviour in correlation with the variability of contextual factors like building characteristics and outdoor conditions. The Internet of Things has facilitated access to a substantial amount of real-time IEQ data through smart devices. Data mining techniques can support the analysis of such wide available databases. In this sense, clustering and classification algorithms offer advantages in identifying complex relationships and revealing hidden structures. They efficiently extract daily patterns from extensive raw data compared to conventional statistical methods. However, the literature on the application of these processes for IEQ seems to be still limited, mostly focusing on energy consumption. Indeed, this work aims at using these techniques in the context of energy-related behaviours, moving towards multidimensional identification of occupant patterns depending on dynamic factors. To this end, a room-level monitoring campaign was conducted in 10 rooms of 4 flats, chosen from two multistorey residential social housing buildings in Reggio Emilia, Italy. Monitoring took place throughout the entire summer period in 2022, capturing data on IEQ, outdoor climatic conditions, and building occupant behaviour. The analysis first involved extracting meaningful daily indoor temperature patterns through cluster analysis applied to 128 time-series data curves. Then, post-clustering analyses using classification trees were performed to enhance interpretability, examining the connection between influencing factors and IEQ patterns. Findings suggest that the proposed clustering method effectively detects daily patterns in the IEQ domain and that the post-clustering analysis outcomes provide valuable insights for a better understanding of the factors influencing IEQ (e.g., the importance of occupants’ behaviour over other characteristics)
Engagement in Placemaking: an Introduction
No full textAs underlined by Aelbrecht and Arefi (2024), despite its popularity, “placemaking” remains a nebulous concept within the public realm, given the lack of consensus on its definitions, as well as challenges in rationalising and operationalising it (Arefi, 2014; Ellery et al., 2021). Cohen et al. (2018, p. 9) suggests the “somewhat-nebulous term affords different meanings to different practitioners, professionals and academics”. In other words, in the opinion of Schrag and McKinnon (2023), it can be said that different stakeholders interpret the varying definitions as it suits their personal circumstances best (Markusen & Gadwa Nicodemus, 2014; Kobersmith, 2021)
Locking up G-Quadruplexes with Light-Triggered Staples Leads to Increased Topological, Thermodynamic, and Metabolic Stability
No full textG-quadruplexes (G4 s) are secondary, tetraplexed DNA structures abundant in non-coding regions of the genome, implicated in gene transcription processes and currently firmly recognised as important potential therapeutic targets. Given their affinity for human proteins, G4 structures are investigated as potential decoys and aptamers. However, G4 s tend to adopt different conformations depending on the exact environmental conditions, and often only one displays the specifically desired biological activity. Their less intensively studied counterparts, the elusive tetraplexed intercalated-motifs (IMs) are typically unstable at neutral pH, hampering the investigation of their potential involvement in a biological context. We herein report on a photochemical method for “stapling” such tetraplexed-structures, to increase their stability, lock their topology and enhance their enzymatic resistance, while maintaining biological activity. The chemical structure and topology of the stapled Thrombin Binding Aptamer (TBA) was spectroscopically characterised and rationalised in silico. The method was then extended to other biologically relevant G4- and IM-prone sequences, hinting towards potential application of such stapled structures in a therapeutic context
Use of low-grade kaolinite clays in the production of limestone calcined clay cement
No full textThe suitability of two different low-grade kaolinitic clays and limestone locally available in Switzerland to produce a limestone calcined-clay cement at industrial scale was investigated. Firstly, the clays characteristics related to reactivity were presented. Then, the effect of calcined clays on cement performance was explored according to EN 197-5 and EN 197-1 requirements. Finally, the new cement was produced at industrial scale by using a Swiss cement plant equipped with a Lepol kiln for clay calcination and clinker production and used to manufacture 3 different concretes mixes for 3 different environmental exposure classes (EN 206). The concrete mixes were tested for mechanical and durability performance. The results show that the two calcined low-grade clays are suitable to produce a limestone calcined-clay cement classified as CEM II/C-M (Q-LL). Moreover, all the 3 concretes manufactured with the new cement meet the minimum mechanical and durability standard requirements of the corresponding exposure classes
Towards stormwater reuse risk management plans: Methodology and catchment scale evaluation of QMRA
Get PDFThe reuse of stormwater represents a potential option for meeting water demands in water stressed regions as well as preventing and mitigating diffuse pollution of receiving water bodies. Particularly, the elaboration of a risk management plan for stormwater reuse may help to understand associated environmental and public health risks and design fit-for-purpose water treatment processes. In this work, it is presented an innovative methodology to perform quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) for stormwater reuse by using data simulated by SWMM software. Particularly, 210 rain events were simulated by SWMM after qualitative and quantitative calibration of the sewer network model of the city of Cupra Maritima (Italy) to identify sewer overflows. Obtained concentrations of pathogens (i.e., E. coli, Campylobacter) in overflows from each critical spillway were fitted by theoretical distribution curves. Hence, QMRA for Campylobacter was performed by Monte Carlo simulation and by linking observed overflows to the exposure events of stormwater reuse for the scenario of 1) municipal irrigation, 2) garden irrigation and 3) toilet flushing as defined by the Australian Guideline for water recycling. Furthermore, QMRA analysis was repeated after simulation of sewer overflow treatment by nature-based solution (NBS) with and without disinfection (UV and performic acid - PFA). Stormwater treatments were simulated by applying uniform distributions of expected range of bacteria log removals. Results showed that stormwater treatment by nature-based solution and disinfections (PFA dose of 2.5–5 mg/L) were able to reduce the risk of Campylobacter infection to acceptable level for most of spillways in the three investigated reuse scenarios. In addition, produced data were elaborated to identify critical overflows discharging in bathing water according to the indications of the EU bathing directiv
High-Accuracy Clock Synchronization in Low-Power Wireless sEMG Sensors
Get PDFWireless surface electromyography (sEMG) sensors are very practical in that they can be worn freely, but the radio link between them and the receiver might cause unpredictable latencies that hinder the accurate synchronization of time between multiple sensors, which is an important aspect to study, e.g., the correlation between signals sampled at different sites. Moreover, to minimize power consumption, it can be useful to design a sensor with multiple clock domains so that each subsystem only runs at the minimum frequency for correct operation, thus saving energy. This paper presents the design, implementation, and test results of an sEMG sensor that uses Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication and operates in three different clock domains to save power. In particular, this work focuses on the synchronization problem that arises from these design choices. It was solved through a detailed study of the timings experimentally observed over the BLE connection, and through the use of a dual-stage filtering mechanism to remove timestamp measurement noise. Time synchronization through three different clock domains (receiver, microcontroller, and ADC) was thus achieved, with a resulting total jitter of just 47 mu s RMS for a 1.25 ms sampling period, while the dedicated ADC clock domain saved between 10% to 50% of power, depending on the selected data rate
Computational applications of poverty measurement through Markov model for income classes
No full textPoverty measurements are of crucial importance for understanding people’s living conditions and the inequality of income distribution in a country. This perspective paper focuses on recent advancements in this field, considering dynamic measures of poverty. We discuss how a population dynamic model is the cornerstone over which poverty can be studied and understood dynamically, and we highlight the computational challenges this approach faces in the execution of a real application of the model. Furthermore, we update the results on the basis of recent data showing the foreseen behavior of different poverty indexes, their confidence sets, and perturbation bounds useful for investigating the sensitivity of the results to perturbations in the main parameters of the model
Smart technologies for sustainable pasture-based ruminant systems: A review
Get PDFRuminant livestock farming is essential for providing high-value protein foods for humanity. Nevertheless, the environmental impact and sustainability of ruminant farming systems are under increasing scrutiny due to factors such as climate change and land degradation. Extensive pasture-based farming systems can mitigate these challenges, as they are associated with range of ecosystem services, although they are characterized by low efficiency and are labor-intensive and time-consuming. This review investigates the potential of Precision Livestock Farming technologies (PLF) to enhance the health, welfare, and productivity of grazing ruminants while minimizing environmental impacts. Precision Livestock Farming tools, such as GPS tracking, accelerometers, and virtual fencing, enable real-time monitoring of animal behavior, health, and pasture management, offering smart solutions to challenges such as overgrazing and greenhouse gas emissions. These technologies also enhance the integration of sustainable agronomic practices, like rotational grazing and nitrogen-fixing crops, which can improve soil health and reduce emissions. Despite these benefits, the adoption of PLF technologies in extensive pasture-based systems remains limited due to economic, technical, and infrastructural barriers. Further research is required to optimize PLF applications for various ruminant species, improve data accuracy, and scale these technologies for broader implementation in sustainable livestock farming. Additionally, future efforts should prioritize the integration of animal and pasture management practices to fully harness the potential of PLF in mitigating climate impacts and improving the efficiency of livestock systems
Towards Sustainable Furniture: Evaluating Environmental Impact Perception and Tools for Circular Design
No full textThe increasing awareness of the necessity for a circular approach in both the government and private sectors has led to the adoption of circular busi-ness models aimed at enhancing sustainability efforts and reducing waste pro-duction. Despite this recognition, there remains a lack of empirical research on how companies evaluate their environmental impacts to forecast the consequences of applying circular models. This study aims to address this gap by examining the environmental impact perception and diffusion of methods and tools in the furniture sector. Through literature review and questionnaire surveys, the study identifies key concepts and highlights varying levels of commitment to sustain-ability across different company sizes. The obtained evidence underscores the importance of simplified Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) tools in guiding designers towards sustainable product choices, especially in small companies with limited environmental sustainability culture. The outcome emphasizes the need for a com-prehensive understanding of environmental impacts for the effective adoption of circular business models and provides insights for developing tools to support eco-design and circular strategies in the furniture sector
Preeclampsia as a Study Model for Aging: The Klotho Gene Paradigm
Get PDFAging and pregnancy are often considered opposites in a woman’s biological timeline. Aging is defined by a gradual decline in the functional capabilities of an organism over its lifetime, while pregnancy is characterized by the presence of the transient placenta, which fosters the cellular fitness necessary to support fetal growth. However, in the context of preeclampsia, pregnancy and aging share common hallmarks, including clinical complications, altered cellular phenotypes, and heightened oxidative stress. Furthermore, women with pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia tend to experience age-related disorders earlier than those with healthy pregnancies. Klotho, a gene discovered fortuitously in 1997 by researchers studying aging mechanisms, is primarily expressed in the kidneys but also to a lesser extent in several other tissues, including the placenta. The Klotho protein is a membrane-bound protein that, upon cleavage by ADAM10/17, is released into the circulation as soluble Klotho (sKlotho) where it plays a role in modulating oxidative stress. This review focuses on the involvement of sKlotho in the development of preeclampsia and age-related disorders, as well as the expression of the recently discovered Mytho gene, which has been associated with skeletal muscle atroph