Thermal energy storage in concrete: A comprehensive review on fundamentals, technology and sustainability

This comprehensive review paper delves into the advancements and applications of thermal energy storage (TES) in concrete. It covers the fundamental concepts of TES, delving into various storage systems, advantages, and challenges associated with the technology. The paper extensively explores the potential of concrete as a medium for thermal energy storage, analysing its properties and different storage methods. Additionally, it sheds light on the latest developments in concrete technology specifically geared towards thermal energy storage. The evaluation section discusses measurement techniques, experimental evaluations and performance metrics. Environmental and economic aspects, including sustainability and cost analysis, are thoughtfully addressed. The review concludes by underlining the significance of thermal energy storage in concrete, emphasizing its role in efficient energy management and the promotion of sustainable practices

Decarbonising cement and concrete production: Strategies, challenges and pathways for sustainable development

This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of decarbonising cement and concrete production, addressing strategies, technologies, policy considerations, case studies, economic implications, challenges and future recommendations. The cement and concrete industry are major contributors to carbon emissions and environmental degradation, making decarbonisation crucial for sustainable development. The paper explores various strategies, including alternative clinker technologies, carbon capture and storage, improved energy efficiency, low-carbon cements and circular economy approaches. Additionally, it examines technologies such as supplementary cementitious materials, carbonation, low-carbon concrete mixes, recycling and novel manufacturing processes. The importance of policy interventions, collaboration and standards and certifications is emphasised. Case studies and best practices highlight successful decarbonisation initiatives, while economic implications and market opportunities are considered. The paper also identifies challenges, including technological limitations, financing constraints, resistance to change and the need for awareness and education. Finally, future recommendations focus on pathways for deep decarbonisation, policy measures, research priorities and fostering collaboration. This review serves as a valuable resource for researchers, policymakers and industry professionals striving to achieve sustainable and low-carbon cement and concrete production

Rhythm As Creative System In Houses Architecture Comparative Application Study Between Heritage And Contemporary Houses

Rhythm is considered one of the creative concepts in the recent architectural thought; it has emerged clearly as a mean of creating the highest levels of creativity in architecture, especially in contemporary architectural movements. The importance of rhythm has  emerged, especially, when the architecture , its beginnings concentrated on the principle of the links with poetic structures. Many architectural studies deal with concept of rhythm in architecture with different ways various according to the trend of each study, this show the importance of studying the concept of rhythm in the architectural field in general. This study try to focus on the utilization of rhythm as creative system in architecture of heritage and contemporary house because its important in the generation of new architectural models. The paper discusses the importance of this concept and its utilization in the designs, in order to explore the particular problem which has been represented as (The absence of a specific imagination of methods and strategies for achieving rhythm).Thus the objectives of the paper has been formed by building theoretical framework consisting of five main items of detailed theoretical field which specifies rhythm as a concept ,firstly, then the application of the important heritage and contemporary houses in Mosul Architecture as a model, concluding utilization of rhythm as creative system in Heritage and Contemporary Houses in Mosul Architecture, finally, after discussing the results to submit the conclusions in the end. The conclusion is That suitable rhythm creativity in Mosul architecture is by unit and immerge the Mosul cultural elements as new tool in steps of design process of Heritage and Contemporary Houses in Mosul

Nucleotide identity and variability among different Pakistani hepatitis C virus isolates

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The variability within the hepatitis C virus (HCV) genome has formed the basis for several genotyping methods and used widely for HCV genotyping worldwide.</p> <p>Aim</p> <p>The aim of the present study was to determine percent nucleotide identity and variability in HCV isolates prevalent in different geographical regions of Pakistan.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Sequencing analysis of the 5'noncoding region (5'-NCR) of 100 HCV RNA-positive patients representing all the four provinces of Pakistan were carried out using ABI PRISM 3100 Genetic Analyzer.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The results showed that type 3 is the predominant genotypes circulating in Pakistan, with an overall prevalence of 50%. Types 1 and 4 viruses were 9% and 6% respectively. The overall nucleotide similarity among different Pakistani isolates was 92.50% ± 0.50%. Pakistani isolates from different areas showed 7.5% ± 0.50% nucleotide variability in 5'NCR region. The percent nucleotide identity (PNI) was 98.11% ± 0.50% within Pakistani type 1 sequences, 98.10% ± 0.60% for type 3 sequences, and 99.80% ± 0.20% for type 4 sequences. The PNI between different genotypes was 93.90% ± 0.20% for type 1 and type 3, 94.80% ± 0.12% for type 1 and type 4, and 94.40% ± 0.22% for type 3 and type 4.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Genotype 3 is the most prevalent HCV genotype in Pakistan. Minimum and maximum percent nucleotide divergences were noted between genotype 1 and 4 and 1 and 3 respectively.</p

Predicting Gonadal Germ Cell Cancer in People with Disorders of Sex Development; Insights from Developmental Biology

The risk of gonadal germ cell cancer (GGCC) is increased in selective subgroups, amongst others, defined patients with disorders of sex development (DSD). The increased risk is due to the presence of part of the Y chromosome, i.e., GonadoBlastoma on Y chromosome GBY region, as well as anatomical localization and degree of testicularization and maturation of the gonad. The latter specifically relates to the germ cells present being at risk when blocked in an embryonic stage of development. GGCC originates from either germ cell neoplasia in situ (testicular environment) or gonadoblastoma (ovarian-like environment). These precursors are characterized by presence of the markers OCT3/4 (POU5F1), SOX17, NANOG, as well as TSPY, and cKIT and its ligand KITLG. One of the aims is to stratify individuals with an increased risk based on other parameters than histological investigation of a gonadal biopsy. These might include evaluation of defined susceptibility alleles, as identified by Genome Wide Association Studies, and detailed evaluation of the molecular mechanism underlying the DSD in the individual patient, combined with DNA, m

Optimal Homotopy Asymptotic Method to Nonlinear Damped Generalized Regularized Long-Wave Equation

A new semianalytical technique optimal homology asymptotic method (OHAM) is introduced for deriving approximate solution of the homogeneous and nonhomogeneous nonlinear Damped Generalized Regularized Long-Wave (DGRLW) equation. We tested numerical examples designed to confine the features of the proposed scheme. We drew 3D and 2D images of the DGRLW equations and the results are compared with that of variational iteration method (VIM). Results reveal that OHAM is operative and very easy to use