Comparative analysis of multi-criteria models for decision-making in the process of building adaptation

Since adaptations are an increasingly common type of activity architectural practice, and buildings out-of-use are a problem faced by a growing number of cities, the paper discusses the structure and segments of multi-criteria models created in different contexts, which are developed to contribute to better decision-making in the process of adaptation, to achieve maximum economic, environmental and social sustainability. The choice of the appropriate architectural and structural intervention is influenced by several criteria, among which, mostly, the decisive ones are those related to the economic viability of the entire adaptation process. The paper presents a comparative analysis of criteria, applied valorization, and applications of five multi-criteria models. The criteria considered within all types of adaptations have been determined, and those that are specific to a certain type of intervention or context have been pointed out. Regarding applied valorization systems, the advantages and disadvantages of MCDA methods used to develop the analyzed tools, quantitative and qualitative scales of evaluation of criteria and indicators are recognized, as well as the possibility of changing their weighting factor. Since the models are intended for non-professional users, the simplicity of the application was considered. Although the focus of research is on the adaptation of office buildings by adaptive reuse, models that include other types of adaptations are also analyzed, because certain segments of these models may be important for creating new models with a greater degree of personalization, which application may extend the period of the useful life of adapted buildings

Novel Quorum Quenching YtnP Lactonase From Bacillus paralicheniformis Reduces Pseudomonas aeruginosa Virulence and Increases Antibiotic Efficacy in vivo

Bacterial infections have become increasingly difficult to treat due to the occurrence of antibiotic-resistant strains. A promising strategy to increase the efficacy of therapy is to combine antibacterials with agents that decrease pathogen virulence via the modulation of the quorum sensing (QS). Lactonases inhibit acylated homoserine lactone (AHL)-mediated QS in Gram-negative bacteria, including the leading nosocomial pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Here we describe the characteristics of heterologously expressed YtnP lactonase from Bacillus paralicheniformis ZP1 (YtnP-ZP1) isolated from agricultural soil using the culture enrichment method. Purified YtnP-ZP1 hydrolyzed different AHLs with preference to substrates with long acyl residues as evaluated in assays with biosensors and HPLC. The enzyme showed good thermostability and activity in a wide temperature range. YtnP-ZP1 in 50 μg mL–1 concentration reduced the amount of P. aeruginosa-produced long-chain AHLs by 85%, while it hydrolyzed 50% of short-chain AHLs. Incubation of P. aeruginosa PAO1 with YtnP-ZP1 reduced its swarming motility and elastolytic activity without bactericidal effect. YtnP-ZP1 caused the inhibition of biofilm formation and disintegration of mature biofilms in P. aeruginosa PAO1 and multiresistant clinical strain BR5H that was visualized by crystal violet staining. The treatment with YtnP-ZP1 in concentrations higher than 25 μg mL–1 improved the survival of P. aeruginosa PAO1-infected zebrafish (Danio rerio), rescuing 80% of embryos, while in combination with tobramycin or gentamicin survival rate increased to 100%. The treatment of P. aeruginosa PAO1 biofilms on infected zebrafish tail wounds with 50 μg mL–1 YtnP-ZP1 and 2 × MIC tobramycin led to infection clearing in 2 days. The extensive toxicity studies proved YtnP-ZP1 was non-toxic to human cells and zebrafish. In conclusion, novel YtnP-ZP1 lactonase with its effective anti-virulence activity could be used to increase the efficacy of clinically approved antibiotics in clearing both systemic and biofilm-associated P. aeruginosa infections

Endorhizosphere of indigenous succulent halophytes: a valuable resource of plant growth promoting bacteria

The adaptability of halophytes to increased soil salinity is related to complex rhizosphere interactions. In this study, an integrative approach, combining culture-independent and culture-dependent techniques was used to analyze the bacterial communities in the endorizosphere of indigenous succulent halophytes Salicornia europaea, Suaeda maritima, and Camphorosma annua from the natural salt marshes of Slano Kopovo (Serbia). The 16 S rDNA analyses gave, for the first time, an insight into the composition of the endophytic bacterial communities of S. maritima and C. annua. We have found that the composition of endophyte microbiomes in the same habitat is to some extent influenced by plant species. A cultivable portion of the halophyte microbiota was tested at different NaCl concentrations for the set of plant growth promoting (PGP) traits. Through the mining of indigenous halotolerant endophytes, we obtained a collection representing a core endophyte microbiome conferring desirable PGP traits. The majority (65%) of the selected strains belonged to the common halotolerant/halophilic genera Halomonas, Kushneria, and Halobacillus, with representatives exhibiting multiple PGP traits, and retaining beneficial traits in conditions of the increased salinity. The results suggest that the root endosphere of halophytes is a valuable source of PGP bacteria supporting plant growth and fitness in salt-affected soils. © 2023, The Author(s)

Urban Lighting : from basics to applications

This much-needed book, abundant with useful information, successfully deals with the complex liaison between technical and emotional aspects of urban lighting, necessary for a broader understanding of lighting quality. The book is unique in concept, its narrative beginning with the lighting basics, unfolding toward design recommendations for the illumination of buildings, bridges, monuments, squares, parks and other urban elements and spaces, and finishing with guidelines intended for achieving harmoniously illuminated cities. Equally covering theoretical and practical lighting issues, Urban Lighting contains essentials lighting designers need to boost city beautification. Students and researchers in the field of lighting will find this book a reliable source of information and certainly treasure it through all stages of their professional lighting career

Correspondence: The resurrecrion of incandescent lamps

In order to expand the market for energy saving lamps, good old conventional incandescent lamps had to be phased out. Recent news regarding the construction of a new, energy efficient incandescent light source was welcomed by many. The development is focused on energy efficiency, but it is extremely important not to neglect issues such as: spectral power distribution, colour rendering, warm-up time, lamp life and glare. If all of the important issues are resolved with the lamp luminous efficacy not significantly deviating from that of CFLs and LEDs used in interior lighting, the resurrection of incandescent lamps will be welcomed, provided that the light source price is acceptable

Modeling of Atmospheric Dispersion of Jarosite Particles from Tailing Waste in Mitrovica, Kosovo

Most of the zinc producers in the world use the jarosite process to improve zinc recovery and to remove iron as an undesirable constituent of zinc ores. Jarosite waste released from the zinc extraction process in Mitrovica, Kosovo has led to severe environmental problems due to toxic heavy metals. This industrial waste from the Zn hydrometallurgy process was abandoned on an open field, being exposed to meteorological conditions and aging. The chemical composition and grain size distribution of the jarosite waste deposit was determined. Microwave digestion procedures were used on whole jarosite samples for use in inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry trace metal analysis (ICP-OES). In addition, different weathering conditions were considered for testing the emission rate of the particles in the laboratory, including relative humidity, wind speed, and temperature. Terrain properties, urban infrastructure, source formation, and location were used for modeling with the AERMOD View-Gaussian air dispersion model. The modeling results showed a range of pollution exceeding the maximum limits in an area of 3 km in the conditions of southeast wind direction and wind speed exceeding 10 m s−1, heavily polluting the city of Mitrovica

Modeling of Atmospheric Dispersion of Jarosite Particles from Tailing Waste in Mitrovica, Kosovo

Most of the zinc producers in the world use the jarosite process to improve zinc recovery and to remove iron as an undesirable constituent of zinc ores. Jarosite waste released from the zinc extraction process in Mitrovica, Kosovo has led to severe environmental problems due to toxic heavy metals. This industrial waste from the Zn hydrometallurgy process was abandoned on an open field, being exposed to meteorological conditions and aging. The chemical composition and grain size distribution of the jarosite waste deposit was determined. Microwave digestion procedures were used on whole jarosite samples for use in inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry trace metal analysis (ICP-OES). In addition, different weathering conditions were considered for testing the emission rate of the particles in the laboratory, including relative humidity, wind speed, and temperature. Terrain properties, urban infrastructure, source formation, and location were used for modeling with the AERMOD View-Gaussian air dispersion model. The modeling results showed a range of pollution exceeding the maximum limits in an area of 3 km in the conditions of southeast wind direction and wind speed exceeding 10 m s−1, heavily polluting the city of Mitrovica

Application of Meteorological Variables for the Estimation of Static Load Model Parameters

This paper presents a novel approach for estimating the parameters of the most frequently used static load model, which is based on the use of meteorological variables and is an alternative to the commonly used but time-consuming measurement-based approach. The presented model employs five frequently reported meteorological variables (ambient temperature, relative humidity, atmospheric pressure, wind speed, and wind direction) and the load model parameters as the independent and dependent variables, respectively. The analysis compared the load model parameters obtained by using all five meteorological variables and also when the meteorological variables with the lowest influence are omitted successively (one by one) from the model. It is recommended based on these results to use the model with the maximum accuracy, i.e., with five meteorological variables. The model was validated on a validation set of measurements, demonstrating its applicability for the estimation of load model parameters when the measurements of electrical variables for parameter identification are not available. Finally, load model parameters of the analyzed demand were estimated on the basis of only ambient temperature, and it was found that such a linear model can be used with a similar accuracy as the models with up to four meteorological variables