Circularity Indicators as a Design Tool for Design and Construction Strategies in Architecture

This study addresses the challenges and barriers associated with the implementation of circular economy principles in architectural design and construction practices. It highlights the fragmented knowledge and lack of a unified approach to circular design as a major obstacle hindering the adoption of circularity. The existing frameworks for assessing circularity, such as the Material Circularity Indicator (MCI) protocol and the Level(s) assessment protocol, are applied to two projects with a high degree of deconstruction to understand their applicability in the architectural design process and identify their limitations. The study emphasises the significance of considering structural connectivity and circularity strategies during the concept-design stage, advocating for the incorporation of circularity at various scales beyond the microscale of materials. Furthermore, it emphasises the need for early implementation of Design for Disassembly (DfD) strategies on circularity scoring to enable meaningful comparisons of alternative designs using circularity metrics. The findings reveal the variability of circularity indicators based on the hierarchy of disassembly and highlights an early-stage design approach to deconstruction strategies to achieve circularity in architectural design. Overall, this study upscales the significance of a comprehensive and integrated approach to circularity in architectural design practices

Growing and slaughtering performance of Apennine heavy lamb finished at pasture in Central Italy.

Twenty-six Apennine male lambs were allotted into 2 groups, under different finishing systems: group P (maximum pasture allowance) and group S (intensive finishing). Lambs were slaughtered either at 30 kg of weight or at 110 days of age (in case they couldn't reach final weight because of a sharp decline in pasture productivity in summer). Post-weaning ADG were significantly higher in the S group (about 77 g/d) and P lambs had lower weights, dressing percentage (due to higher gastro-intestinal apparatus content) and SEUROP conformation scores. Finishing lambs at pasture could have better results after an early weaning or using different mating strategies to escape the dramatic fall in pasture dry matter availability during summer

Reduced model for the thermo-fluid dynamic analysis of a power transformer radiator working in ONAF mode

This work introduces an extension of the semi-analytical reduced model presented in G. Ríos Rodriguez et.al., App Thermal Eng, 112:1271–1280 (2016); with the aim of analyzing the thermo-fluid dynamic behavior of a power transformer radiator working in ONAF (Oil Natural Air Forced) mode, considering vertical blowing of the fans. The objective of this research paper is the development of a numerical tool to be used during the design process of power transformers in order to obtain more detailed information about the radiators performance, either they are working in ONAF or ONAN (Oil Natural Air Natural) mode. Since it is observed both in the experimental measurements and in the numerical simulations that not all the radiator panels are blown by a single fan, the reduced model here presented considers a mixed situation wherein the heat is removed by natural convection in a fraction of the radiator while in the rest the heat is removed by forced convection. As a consequence, besides adding to the set of conservation equations introduced in G. Ríos Rodriguez et.al., App Thermal Eng, 112:1271– 1280 (2016); those corresponding to the momentum and energy balance for considering forced heat convection transfer, there appears the need of introducing additional equations for coupling the natural and forced heat convection transfer models. The reduced model developed in this work is applied to estimate different characteristic parameters of a power transformer radiator working in ONAF mode, like the oil flow rate, dissipated power, outlet and inlet oil temperatures, among others. The computed results are compared to those obtained by CFD simulations and experimental measurements carried out on an ad-hoc workbench for validation purposes. It is found that the reduced model reproduces with acceptable accuracy the values of the most important design variables at a very low computation cost. In this manner, it can be considered as a reliable and valuable tool in the design of power transformers, allowing to carry out parametric studies.Publicado en: Mecánica Computacional vol. XXXV, no. 4Facultad de Ingenierí

Reduced model for the thermo-fluid dynamic analysis of a power transformer radiator working in ONAF mode

This work introduces an extension of the semi-analytical reduced model presented in G. Ríos Rodriguez et.al., App Thermal Eng, 112:1271–1280 (2016); with the aim of analyzing the thermo-fluid dynamic behavior of a power transformer radiator working in ONAF (Oil Natural Air Forced) mode, considering vertical blowing of the fans. The objective of this research paper is the development of a numerical tool to be used during the design process of power transformers in order to obtain more detailed information about the radiators performance, either they are working in ONAF or ONAN (Oil Natural Air Natural) mode. Since it is observed both in the experimental measurements and in the numerical simulations that not all the radiator panels are blown by a single fan, the reduced model here presented considers a mixed situation wherein the heat is removed by natural convection in a fraction of the radiator while in the rest the heat is removed by forced convection. As a consequence, besides adding to the set of conservation equations introduced in G. Ríos Rodriguez et.al., App Thermal Eng, 112:1271– 1280 (2016); those corresponding to the momentum and energy balance for considering forced heat convection transfer, there appears the need of introducing additional equations for coupling the natural and forced heat convection transfer models. The reduced model developed in this work is applied to estimate different characteristic parameters of a power transformer radiator working in ONAF mode, like the oil flow rate, dissipated power, outlet and inlet oil temperatures, among others. The computed results are compared to those obtained by CFD simulations and experimental measurements carried out on an ad-hoc workbench for validation purposes. It is found that the reduced model reproduces with acceptable accuracy the values of the most important design variables at a very low computation cost. In this manner, it can be considered as a reliable and valuable tool in the design of power transformers, allowing to carry out parametric studies.Publicado en: Mecánica Computacional vol. XXXV, no. 4Facultad de Ingenierí

Translational Medicine Guide transforms drug development processes: the recent Merck experience.

Merck is implementing a question-based Translational Medicine Guide (TxM Guide) beginning as early as lead optimization into its stage-gate drug development process. Initial experiences with the TxM Guide, which is embedded into an integrated development plan tailored to each development program, demonstrated opportunities to improve target understanding, dose setting (i.e., therapeutic index), and patient subpopulation selection with more robust and relevant early human-based evidence, and increased use of biomarkers and simulations. The TxM Guide is also helping improve organizational learning, costs, and governance. It has also shown the need for stronger external resources for validating biomarkers, demonstrating clinical utility, tracking natural disease history, and biobanking

SirT1 Gain of Function Increases Energy Efficiency and Prevents Diabetes in Mice

SummaryIn yeast, worms, and flies, an extra copy of the gene encoding the Sirtuin Sir2 increases metabolic efficiency, as does administration of polyphenols like resveratrol, thought to act through Sirtuins. But evidence that Sirtuin gain of function results in increased metabolic efficiency in mammals is limited. We generated transgenic mice with moderate overexpression of SirT1, designed to mimic the Sirtuin gain of function that improves metabolism in C. elegans. These mice exhibit normal insulin sensitivity but decreased food intake and locomotor activity, resulting in decreased energy expenditure. However, in various models of insulin resistance and diabetes, SirT1 transgenics display improved glucose tolerance due to decreased hepatic glucose production and increased adiponectin levels, without changes in body weight or composition. We conclude that SirT1 gain of function primes the organism for metabolic adaptation to insulin resistance, increasing hepatic insulin sensitivity and decreasing whole-body energy requirements. These findings have important implications for Sirtuin-based therapies in humans

24-h Efficacy of Glaucoma Treatment Options

Current management of glaucoma entails the medical, laser, or surgical reduction of intraocular pressure (IOP) to a predetermined level of target IOP, which is commensurate with either stability or delayed progression of visual loss. In the published literature, the hypothesis is often made that IOP control implies a single IOP measurement over time. Although the follow-up of glaucoma patients with single IOP measurements is quick and convenient, such measurements often do not adequately reflect the untreated IOP characteristics, or indeed the quality of treated IOP control during the 24-h cycle. Since glaucoma is a 24-h disease and the damaging effect of elevated IOP is continuous, it is logical that we should aim to understand the efficacy of all treatment options throughout the 24-h period. This article first reviews the concept and value of diurnal and 24-h IOP monitoring. It then critically evaluates selected available evidence on the 24-h efficacy of medical, laser and surgical therapy options. During the past decade several controlled trials have significantly enhanced our understanding on the 24-h efficacy of all glaucoma therapy options. Nevertheless, more long-term evidence is needed to better evaluate the 24-h efficacy of glaucoma therapy and the precise impact of IOP characteristics on glaucomatous progression and visual prognosis

Experimental evaluation of the employment of a laminated composite material with sisal fibres as reinforcement in timber beams.

Abstract Timber is the oldest construction materials in the world, have been widely used in structures in addition to having a high longevity, if treated properly (maintenance). If this does not occur, the wood deteriorates due to the action of insects, fungi and other aggressive agents. There are several materials and techniques used to reinforce the damaged parts. This paper presents an experimental study ofEucalyptus grandis and Pinus elliiottiitimber bea ms rein forced with sisal fibres laminated composite materials. The co mposite material and the wood were prepared for testing. In order to simulate the defect, some parts were cracked. The study was to determine the maximu m load (rupture) applied on the timberin the conditions: without defect, with defect and without composite and with defect and with composite, aiming to verify the efficiency of the laminate as reinforcement in the wooden beams. The experimental results indicate the possible use of the laminated composite as reinforcement, presenting considerable increase in the maximu m strength supported by the timber when compared to unreinforced cracked condition, being more efficient for the Pinus elliiottii species