A Methodology for the Digitalization of the Residential Building Renovation Process through OpenBIM-Based Workflows

The European building industry is facing a strong increase in renovation processes, which are still non-cost-effective, involve unproperly coordinated stakeholders, are disturbing for the occupants, and cause important inefficiencies in the overall renovation process. In this context, digitalization and Building Information Modelling (BIM), as an enabler, is the key solution that may drive renovation interventions to ensure a more successful and leaner process, aiding the whole value chain of actors to achieve its full potential. This research describes the OpenBIM methodology applied in order to transform the implicit knowledge from the stakeholders involved in the building renovation process, not structured enough for automation, into an OpenBIM digital process based on the BIM standards. The outcomes of this research are the OpenBIM ready workflows that represent the renovation process and information requirements according to the involvement of different stakeholders rooted in the analysis of barriers, requirements, and needs. Those workflows are the basis for the future development of specific products and tools for boosting digitalization and interoperability in the renovation process.This work has been developed within the project BIM4Ren. The project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon H2020 research and innovation program under Grant Agreement No 820773

Graph-Based methodology for Multi-Scale generation of energy analysis models from IFC

Process digitalisation and automation is unstoppable in all industries, including construction. However, its widespread adoption, even for non-experts, demands easy-to-use tools that reduce technical requirements. BIM to BEM (Building Energy Models) workflows are a clear example, where ad-hoc prepared models are needed. This paper describes a methodology, based on graph techniques, to automate it by highly reducing the input BIM requirements found in similar approaches, being applicable to almost any IFC. This is especially relevant in retrofitting, where reality capture tools (e.g., 3D laser scanning, object recognition in drawings) are prone to create geometry clashes and other inconsistencies, posing higher challenges for automation. Another innovation presented is its multi-scale nature, efficiently addressing the surroundings impact in the energy model. The application to selected test cases has been successful and further tests are ongoing, considering a higher variety of BIM models in relation to tools and techniques used and model sizes.The authors would like to express the gratitude to the European Commission by funding the research projects BIM4REN, EPCRECAST and ENSNARE (Grant Agreement No. 820773, 893118 and 958445, respectively), under the Horizon 2020 programme, where the presented work was conducted. This manuscript reflects only the authors’ views, and the Commission is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information it contains

Challenges for Digitalisation in Building Renovation to Enhance the Efficiency of the Process: A Spanish Case Study

Although construction is one of the largest industries in the world, it is one of the least digitised and its productivity is still very low. Excesses of time and cost are common and are even more accentuated for building renovation. Recently, the building information modeling (BIM) methodology has strongly entered in the construction sector and appears to be an effective paradigm shift. Considering all of the previously mentioned aspects, this article addresses the identification and analysis of the critical barriers of renovation and the potential for digitalisation to overcome them using BIM. The methodology that was used is based on an open innovation approach called Living Labs, where consultations with the key stakeholders of the construction process aims for a higher digitalisation to focus on real needs and fitted to the user’s requirements. Starting from a worldwide survey, the analysis of the Spanish casuistry is deepened. From the analysis of barriers and opportunities, the necessary requirements for an optimal BIM application in renovation are highlighted. After identifying the key aspects that each stakeholder’ typology has considered as relevant, a set of key performance indicators have been selected, to monitor the improvements in the renovation process when BIM is adopted.This work has been developed within the project BIM4Ren. The project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon H2020 research and innovation programme under Grant Agreement No. 820773

Diet induced changes in the microbiota and cell composition of rabbit gut associated lymphoid tissue (GALT)

[EN] The gut associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) is the largest immune organ of the body. Although the gut transient and mucosa-associated microbiota have been largely studied, the microbiota that colonizes the GALT has received less attention. The gut microbiome plays an important role in competitive exclusion of pathogens and in development and maturation of immunity. Diet is a key factor affecting the microbiota composition in the digestive tract. To investigate the relation between diet, microbiota and GALT, microbial and cell composition of vermiform appendix (VA) and sacculus rotundus (SR) were studied in two groups of New Zealand white rabbits on different diets. Diet shifted the lymphoid tissue microbiota affecting the presence and/or absence of certain taxa and their abundances. Immunohistochemistry revealed that a higher fibre content diet resulted in M cell hyperplasia and an increase of recently recruited macrophages, whereas T-cell levels remained unaltered in animals on both high fibre and standard diets. These findings indicate that diet has an impact on the microbiota and cell composition of the GALT, which could act as an important microbial recognition site where interactions with beneficial bacteria can take place favouring microbiota replacement after digestive dysregulationsSIAuthors thank Félix Blanco, Sergio Ayuso and Fidel Goiri for animal care and handling. The research was funded by grant (AGL2012-39818-C02-02) from the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competiveness (MINECO), and by the Department of Economy and Infrastructures (DEI) of the Basque Government. RA held a pre-doctoral fellowship (BFI-2012-237) and a visiting fellowship (EP_2015_1_53) from the Department of Education, Universities and Research of the Basque Governmen

Vaccination sequence effects on immunological response and tissue bacterial burden in paratuberculosis infection in a rabbit model

[EN] Paratuberculosis (PTB), a chronic granulomatous enteritis produced by Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP), is considered as one of the diseases with the highest economic impact in the ruminant industry. Vaccination against MAP is recommended during the first months after birth on the basis that protection would be conferred before the first contact with mycobacteria. However, little is known about the therapeutic effect of MAP vaccination in controlled experimental conditions. The current study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of vaccination before and after challenge with MAP in a rabbit infection model. The rabbits were divided into four groups: non-infected control (NIC, n = 4), infected control challenged with MAP (IC, n = 5), vaccinated and challenged 1 month after with MAP (VSI, n = 5) and challenged with MAP and vaccinated 2 months later (IVS, n = 5). The results from this study show a quick increase in IFN-γ release upon stimulation with bovine, avian and johnin PPD in animals vaccinated before MAP challenge. All vaccinated animals show an increased humoral response as seen by western blot and ELISA. The final bacteriology index (considering tissue culture and qPCR) shows that the IC group was the most affected. Vaccination after infection (IVS) produced the lowest bacteriology index showing significant differences with the IC group (p = 0.034). In conclusion, vaccination against MAP shows positive effects in a rabbit model. However, vaccination after infection shows a slightly stronger protective effect compared to vaccination before infection, suggesting a therapeutic effect. This feature could be applied to previously infected adult animals under field conditionsSIThe authors thank Felix Blanco from the animal facilities (NEIKER-Tecnalia). This study was supported with funds from the Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad from the Spanish Government (AGL 2012-39818-C02-02). RA acknowledges support from the Departamento de Educación y Universidades of the Basque Government (BFI-2012-237

Challenges for Digitalisation in Building Renovation to Enhance the Efficiency of the Process: A Spanish Case Study

Although construction is one of the largest industries in the world, it is one of the least digitised and its productivity is still very low. Excesses of time and cost are common and are even more accentuated for building renovation. Recently, the building information modeling (BIM) methodology has strongly entered in the construction sector and appears to be an effective paradigm shift. Considering all of the previously mentioned aspects, this article addresses the identification and analysis of the critical barriers of renovation and the potential for digitalisation to overcome them using BIM. The methodology that was used is based on an open innovation approach called Living Labs, where consultations with the key stakeholders of the construction process aims for a higher digitalisation to focus on real needs and fitted to the user’s requirements. Starting from a worldwide survey, the analysis of the Spanish casuistry is deepened. From the analysis of barriers and opportunities, the necessary requirements for an optimal BIM application in renovation are highlighted. After identifying the key aspects that each stakeholder’ typology has considered as relevant, a set of key performance indicators have been selected, to monitor the improvements in the renovation process when BIM is adopted.This work has been developed within the project BIM4Ren. The project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon H2020 research and innovation programme under Grant Agreement No. 820773. This manuscript reflects only the author’s views and the Commission is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information it contains

Use of Recombinant Antigens for the Diagnosis of Invasive Candidiasis

Invasive candidiasis is a frequent and often fatal complication in immunocompromised and critically ill patients. Unfortunately, the diagnosis of invasive candidiasis remains difficult due to the lack of specific clinical symptoms and a definitive diagnostic method. The detection of antibodies against different Candida antigens may help in the diagnosis. However, the methods traditionally used for the detection of antibodies have been based on crude antigenic fungal extracts, which usually show low-reproducibility and cross-reactivity problems. The development of molecular biology techniques has allowed the production of recombinant antigens which may help to solve these problems. In this review we will discuss the usefulness of recombinant antigens in the diagnosis of invasive candidiasis

Challenges for Digitalisation in Building Renovation to Enhance the Efficiency of the Process: A Spanish Case Study

Although construction is one of the largest industries in the world, it is one of the least digitised and its productivity is still very low. Excesses of time and cost are common and are even more accentuated for building renovation. Recently, the building information modeling (BIM) methodology has strongly entered in the construction sector and appears to be an effective paradigm shift. Considering all of the previously mentioned aspects, this article addresses the identification and analysis of the critical barriers of renovation and the potential for digitalisation to overcome them using BIM. The methodology that was used is based on an open innovation approach called Living Labs, where consultations with the key stakeholders of the construction process aims for a higher digitalisation to focus on real needs and fitted to the user’s requirements. Starting from a worldwide survey, the analysis of the Spanish casuistry is deepened. From the analysis of barriers and opportunities, the necessary requirements for an optimal BIM application in renovation are highlighted. After identifying the key aspects that each stakeholder’ typology has considered as relevant, a set of key performance indicators have been selected, to monitor the improvements in the renovation process when BIM is adopted.This work has been developed within the project BIM4Ren. The project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon H2020 research and innovation programme under Grant Agreement No. 820773. This manuscript reflects only the author’s views and the Commission is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information it contains

"Prävention ist keine 'Eintagsfliege'": Herausforderungen und Bedarfe der Prävention islamistischer Radikalisierung aus lokaler Perspektive in Nordrhein-Westfalen

Prävention gegen islamistische Radikalisierung ist nach wie vor ein wichtiges Politikfeld in Nordrhein-Westfalen. Wie aber stellt sich die aktuelle Problemlage aus Sicht kommunaler Präventionsakteure im Bundesland dar? Wo sehen lokale Präventionsberaterinnen und -berater, Lehrkräfte, Fachkräfte der Sozialen Arbeit, kommunale Behördenvertreterinnen und -vertreter sowie Polizistinnen und Polizisten die aktuell größten Herausforderungen? Welchen Beitrag können sie in ihrem Arbeitsfeld zur Verhinderung einer islamistischen Radikalisierung leisten? Was für Bedarfe haben sie in dieser Hinsicht? Was braucht es für eine wirksame Prävention? Und was wird unter dem Begriff der "Prävention" überhaupt verstanden? Diese Fragen stehen im Zentrum dieses BICC Working Paper. Wir unterscheiden dabei zwischen einem engen und einem breiten Verständnis von Prävention. Präventionsarbeit im engeren Sinn bezieht sich auf die konkrete Fallarbeit mit Individuen, die bereits Anzeichen einer Hinwendung zu islamistischen Ideologien und/oder Szenestrukturen erkennen lassen, sowie auf Aufklärungs- und Sensibilisierungsmaßnahmen. Breiter gefasste Prävention setzt hingegen bei den angenommenen strukturellen Ursachen islamistischer Radikalisierung an. Die Herausforderungen in diesem Arbeitsfeld spiegeln häufig größere gesellschaftliche Kontroversen, beispielsweise rund um das Thema "Integration", wider. Breit gefasste Prävention befasst sich zudem meist mit verschiedenen Ausformungen des Extremismus, etwa auch mit antimuslimischem Rassismus und Rechtsextremismus

Diagnosis of invasive candidiasis by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using the N-terminal fragment of Candida albicans hyphal wall protein 1

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The diagnosis of invasive candidiasis is difficult because there are no specific clinical manifestations of the disease and colonization and infection are difficult to distinguish. In the last decade, much effort has been made to develop reliable tests for rapid diagnosis of invasive candidiasis, but none of them have found widespread clinical use.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Antibodies against a recombinant N-terminal fragment of the <it>Candida albicans </it>germ tube-specific antigen hyphal wall protein 1 (Hwp1) generated in <it>Escherichia coli </it>were detected by both immunoblotting and ELISA tests in a group of 36 hematological or Intensive Care Unit patients with invasive candidiasis and in a group of 45 control patients at high risk for the mycosis who did not have clinical or microbiological data to document invasive candidiasis. Results were compared with an immunofluorescence test to detect antibodies to <it>C. albicans </it>germ tubes (CAGT). The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of a diagnostic test based on the detection of antibodies against the N-terminal fragment of Hwp1 by immunoblotting were 27.8 %, 95.6 %, 83.3 % and 62.3 %, respectively. Detection of antibodies to the N-terminal fragment of Hwp1 by ELISA increased the sensitivity (88.9 %) and the negative predictive value (90.2 %) but slightly decreased the specificity (82.6 %) and positive predictive values (80 %). The kinetics of antibody response to the N-terminal fragment of Hwp1 by ELISA was very similar to that observed by detecting antibodies to CAGT.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>An ELISA test to detect antibodies against a recombinant N-terminal fragment of the <it>C. albicans </it>germ tube cell wall antigen Hwp1 allows the diagnosis of invasive candidiasis with similar results to those obtained by detecting antibodies to CAGT but without the need of treating the sera to adsorb the antibodies against the cell wall surface of the blastospore.</p