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Importance: Nearly 75% of newly diagnosed cancer patients in the United States will receive care from a hospital that is accredited by the Commission on Cancer (CoC). To support hospitals in their quality assurance efforts, the CoC maintains a portfolio of quality measures to give hospitals compliance data with select best practices for cancer care. As the CoC quality measures have evolved over recent years, many clinicians may lack awareness of the intent and content of the measure portfolio, as well as the mechanism by which new measures originate. Observations: The CoC quality measures are based on data that hospitals submit to the National Cancer Database, allowing the CoC to track compliance with a subset of consensus best practices. Each year, new measures are designed by diverse teams of specialists in the different treatment modalities for the tumor types covered by the portfolio. These proposed measures are then subjected to a range of vetting, refinement, and prioritization steps before being voted into the portfolio by the Quality Assurance and Data Committee of the CoC. Over the past 4 years, the CoC has worked to renovate not only the portfolio but also the process used to create and launch new measures, revise existing measures, and retire obsolete measures. Conclusion and Relevance: In the following overview, we outline the current measure process, highlight important changes to the portfolio, and share opportunities to further increase the impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hospital construction and renovation is an ongoing occurrence in the health care setting. The recently updated AORN "Guideline for design and maintenance of the surgical suite" provides perioperative nurses with information on the layout design and maintenance of perioperative spaces; safety measures to use during construction and renovation; monitoring and maintenance of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning; and how to respond to unintended utility failures. This article provides an overview of the guideline and discusses recommendations for the interdisciplinary team, planning and designing the surgical suite, construction‐related environmental contamination, ORs, and OR maintenance. It also includes a scenario describing specific concerns associated with the construction of an additional OR. Perioperative nurses should review the guideline in its entirety and apply the recommendations when participating in perioperative construction and renovation projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recent EU energy efficiency goals and renovation wave have called attention to the building stock's energy-demand-saving potential. Finland and Türkiye, with two contrasting perspectives on climate zones and building typologies in the EU, were chosen to analyse energy-demand potential. The study's scope was restricted to the residential building stock, a significant portion of the overall building stock. The latest residential building stock data and regulations history was gathered via a bottom-up approach. Then three representative buildings for each typology were energy demand simulated for climatic regions and periods. Thirdly, the area-weighted energy needs difference values for each decade (1960–2020) and climatic zone were multiplied with the building stock data to predict saving potential. Fourth, the impact of factors on energy demand was assessed using full-factorial analysis. Lastly, the main factors were parametrically simulated and compared with mandatory limits. The substantial energy-demand-saving potential existed in both countries. The findings highlighted the following: (1) the energy demand saving potential for the Finnish and Turkish building stocks were calculated as 10,176.9 GWh/year (30 %) and 124,889.3 GWh/year (50 %), respectively; (2) energy demand in Finland is dependent strongly on the climatic zone; (3) the optimum thermal insulation thickness for Finnish buildings is likely to be at the current level or even below it, while Türkiye's insulation limits are climatic zone based but not sufficient for carbon neutral; (4) Surprisingly for both countries, the most important factors to consider when renovating buildings were the thermal insulation level of the walls and roof in single-family buildings and the thermal insulation level of the walls in multi-family buildings and the airtightness of the building envelope. It should be noted that for Finland, building energy efficiency regulations will differ on the climate zone. Türkiye's newly published NZEB values should become mandatory lower limits for all residences because current legislative limits are insufficient and date back to the 2000s. • Data for residential building stock, technical systems and regulations • Realistic method to define the national stocks • Evaluation existing regulations, pointed future targets • Energy demand saving potential against to climate change [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Acta Historiae Artis Slovenica is the property of Scientific Research Centre of Slovenian Academy of Sciences & Arts and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The paper seeks to outline a framework to prioritize existing buildings for adaptive reuse. Twenty-nine schools were selected and investigated to determine their priority for adaptive reuse. By evaluating obsolescence and calculating the useful life of the buildings, their potential for reuse was identified using Adaptive Reuse Potential (ARP) model. According to the reuse potential and best time for reuse intervention, these projects were prioritized. By determining the most important obsolescence types and setting priorities among them according to their impact on reducing the buildings' useful life, different strategies to mitigate/avoid each obsolescence have been discussed. The results show that functional, technological and physical obsolescence are the most important types of obsolescence respectively. Also, according to the results the average effective useful life of all case studies is 54%. Therefore, with the persistenceof the current conditions, only about half of the expected life of the cases will be utilized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Renovation of existing buildings has become a crucial tool to keep the built environment functional, by which unnecessary waste of resources can be reduced. Although many assessment methods and indicators are set, with the booming "renovation wave", a question that counters us is how influential and intact these are as a measuring tool. Several debates have emerged in the literature on the integration of different indicators and approaches to have a better way of accessing the buildings. Purpose. The aim of the study was, first, to have a set of integrated indicators for the renovation of residential buildings and, second, to develop an assessment methodology aimed at a comprehensive evaluation of the renovation process throughout its lifecycle stages. A requirement specification and an outline of the tool were developed based on the literature review and the survey. Design. The study has applied a qualitative multi-method research approach, including an online survey with experts, and case studies. The survey was part of renovation needs, barriers and evaluation methods and indicators comprising four sections addressed to experts about building renovation. The aim was, besides collecting general knowledge about the renovation in practice, to identify key indicators and areas where development or modification could have effect during the renovation. The developed methodology was applied in a case scenario of a multi-apartment building in Lithuania. Conclusions. This paper included the development of a combined methodology which applies to the renovation of the existing multi-apartment buildings with a checklist of indicators corresponding to environment, economic, and social aspects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the opening of its renewed and renovated building on 7 October 2021, a new era began in the life of the Library of the Diocese of Pécs, established in 1968 by the Capitular Vicar, later County Bishop, dr. József Cserháti. After almost 15 years of closed stacks service, the important historical church library of Pécs can finally continue its work in a worthy place in the old and the new library interiors. Very few sources have been preserved on the history of the library; the author has sought them out and arranged them in chronological order, revealing the various periods of the library’s history, from the foundation of the public collection to its accomodation and management, as well as featuring the events and people who were decisive in its life and operation. Following the recent relocation and the stock-organising and cataloguing process, in the future the library will work in coordination with the Museum Department of the Diocese in terms of staff and research. The main objective of the library is to provide researchers and readers with personal and online library services that meet the needs of the XXIst century. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the dynamic between protection of the historic environment and the application of solar energy technology on 1- or 2-family houses in Sweden. More specifically, the building code relating to the installation of photovoltaic (PV) panels on house roofs and how existing policies are implemented in Stockholm City is investigated in order to better understand the challenges in reconciling renewables and the conservation of built heritage. Especially when applied in urban areas PV panels may have a large impact on socio-cultural values, making them difficult to insta where the historic environment is to be protected from large changes. By using a mix of methods (policy analysis, case studies, and interviews) we come to the conclusion that municipalities should develop routines and guidelines that offer homeowners precise information on the potential of solar energy and requirements motivated by concern for the historic environment. Guidelines that are well-known, clear and also require homeowners to dismount exhausted panels could work both to protect built heritage and to promote more use of solar energy in some small house areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Suggesting a framework necessary for configuring energy saving smart cities. • A modified Scan-to-BIM method suggested to achieve research objectives. • A method for facilitating the exploration of diverse renovation alternatives. • Identifying an optimal renovation strategy at the smart city level. This research aims to develop a Framework Necessary for the Configuration of Energy-Saving Smart Cities (F NeCESSCity) that incorporates the essential considerations for establishing an energy-saving smart city (ESSC). F NeCESSCity encompasses: (i) a Scan-to-BIM method for the digital virtualization of existing cities, and (ii) a methodology for deriving an optimal renovation strategy at the ESSC level, considering energy performance and economic factors. The application of F NeCESSCity to real-world scenarios has demonstrated that (i) fast and reliable modeling is achievable, (ii) a broad spectrum of alternatives can be developed and assessed, and (iii) an optimal renovation strategy at the ESSC level can be identified. The use of F NeCESSCity is expected to facilitate the successful development of ESSC plans, where virtual modeling and the evaluation of renovation alternatives are realized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research endeavors to elevate indoor air quality within aging school environments by concentrating on refining interior finishing materials and windows. Renovations, encompassing window and floor remodeling in classrooms, aim to mitigate particulate matter (PM) infiltration and enhance air exchange rates. Utilizing SPS30 sensors for the analysis of 0.3–2.5 μm particles, with a focus on their implications for human health, the study evaluated air exchange rates, deposition rates, infiltration rates, and particle generation during classroom activities. Post-renovation results demonstrated a noteworthy decrease in air exchange rates, indicating an enhancement in airtightness. The investigation delves into particle generation with various flooring materials, accentuating the importance of opting for durable and low-particle-generating alternatives. Health risk assessments, considering multiple exposure routes (inhalation, dermal contact, and ingestion), revealed reduced risks post-renovation, particularly for children. To further optimize indoor air quality, the study suggests the implementation of air purification systems. Examination of PM generation during student activities showcased a substantial reduction post-renovation. This study underscores the positive influence of architectural enhancements on indoor air quality while acknowledging the necessity for holistic solutions and continuous research. [Display omitted] • The point is particulate matter and its implications on indoor air quality. • The focal point lies in the renovation of schools (windows and building materials). • The methodology approach assesses infiltration rates and particle generation. • Despite these positive shifts, it unveils lingering concerns for children's health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of International Social Research is the property of Journal of International Social Research and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The Pierre Vandamme Lock is the main connection between the inner and outer harbour of the port of Zeebrugge (Belgium). During its construction and since its completion in 1984, the lock has been dealing with execution difficulties as well as many operational and maintenance deficiencies. After almost 30 years of small maintenance works, it was decided to initiate an extensive renovation campaign to make the lock gates futureproof. The renovation of the Vandamme Lock started in 2010 and consists of different phases. At the time of writing, the renovation of three out of four lock gates has been nearly completed and the renovation of the final lock gate is imminent. Problems from the original construction as well as choices that were made to mitigate the flaws in construction have been reverberating throughout the renovation campaign. These difficulties are illustrated with several case studies on the renovation of the seaward lock gate of this lock complex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Information Science & Technology Association/Joho no Kagaku to Gijutsu is the property of Information Science & Technology Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Pseudo-outbreaks of non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) in association with the water supply system in hospitals have been previously reported. We found that the frequency of NTM isolation in clinical samples increased after the reconstruction and renovation of a hospital in Japan in 2014.Aim: To analyse NTM, their possible relationship with the hospital water supply system, and outcomes of preventive measures.Methods: Environmental samples obtained from the water supply in hospital wards were tested for NTM. On obtaining positive results, the bacteria were further analysed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR).Findings: The PCR products of NTM showed that most samples tested positive for Mycobacterium paragordonae. Because none of the analysed patients developed any disease due to these bacteria, this event was considered a pseudo-outbreak. Investigation of the water supply system revealed that samples obtained from the recently attached aerators/rectifiers during hospital renovation tested positive for these bacteria. Therefore, measures to remove aerators/rectifiers and prevent patients from drinking tap water in the hospital were introduced. Thereafter, the frequency of NTM-positive samples significantly decreased in the hospital.Conclusion: This study is one of the few reports which reveal the possibility of pseudo-outbreaks of M. paragordonae in hospitals, hence raising the question whether aerators/rectifiers should be used in hospitals at all, because their mesh structure may promote NTM proliferation in supplied water. The importance of surveillance of bacteria derived from the environment, particularly after hospital reconstruction/renovation, is re-emphasized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Steel railway and road bridges have widely been used for the past century in Japan. Many are still in use but have deteriorated. New technologies have been developed to repair, strengthen or renovate these bridges to extend their service life. Steel members often suffer from fatigue cracks and corrosion, which can be tackled by new technologies, including: a new pavement system using steel fibre reinforced concrete at steel decks; a strengthening system using steel plates with holes at the corner of steel piers; and a new repair method using carbon fibre reinforced polymer sheets at the girder end. When deterioration is serious, bridges can be renovated or replaced with new structures. Railway girder bridges are renovated by the integral bridge with nail-reinforced soil method, a deteriorated viaduct in a marine environment has been renovated to a steel plate girder bridge, and deteriorated composite slabs are replaced with precast prestressed concrete slabs connected with epoxy-resin-coated reinforcing bars. Many bridges have been seriously damaged by strong earthquakes and ageing bridges must be retrofitted. Some examples are shown, including: replacing hinged columns with hybrid towers and rubber bearings, strengthening pivot bearings, installing dampers and devices to prevent girders falling off. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effects of Business Process Reengineering on Performance of 2 selected Hospitals in Lagos State, Nigeria. Some Hospitals do not understand the importance of BPR in the development of work process and improvement of service performance. However, hospital needs to develop certain techniques in order to improve their service delivery. As such, BPR is among the management strategic tool used by organisations for competing in a dynamic environment and to achieved organisational survival. The study adopted survey research design. The target population of the study covered two selected hospitals, one private and one public (Subol Hospital Limited and Badagry General Hospital). These two hospitals were purposively chosen due to their span of team of services, more members of staff and getting enough information due to their long term of service in health sector. The instruments were distributed to the staff by employing convenient sampling technique. From the total number of the copies of the questionnaires administered, 126 copies of questionnaires were retrieved representing 61.76% were used to analyse data. Analysis was done using correlation analyses with the aids of Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS). The findings shown that there is a positive correlation between business process renovation and operational effectiveness, also, the second hypothesis shown that there is a positive relationship between automation process and competitive advantage and finally, that management support has significantly positive effect on quality service delivery in the hospitals in Lagos State, Nigeria. The study recommended that management team of hospitals needs to focus more attention on service processes in the hospital by providing promotions to staff, giving out bonuses so that the staff can be readily to provide adequate and prompt quality service delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bharati Mukherjee, a trailblazer of diaspora in North America, is an established novelist of the post-modern era. She is one of the prominent diasporic women novelists who mainly focus on female protagonists in their novels. Mukherjee strongly believes that a genuine fiction should epitomize the emotional, intellectual and physical responses of the characters when they are caught in a situation which is strange to them. Her protagonists are projected as individuals who have the potentiality to face the bitter truth of their lives as immigrants, but do not fall prey to the circumstances; rather they are brave enough to accustom themselves in the new environment. They are presented as paragons of vigour and valour to wrestle with the problems of life for the sake of survival. Mukherjee's protagonists leave a long lasting influence on readers' mind as they finally emerge out as successful beings in their adopted land. The fiction, The Holder of the World, is an ideal unification of the past and the present where the author traces the story of Hannah Easton, a New Englander, who was ultimately deemed as the mistress to an Indian Emperor. The novel exposes the change in geographical and cultural space - from America to India through England, and as a result of which the young protagonist renovates herself. Thus, this paper analyses the traumas and travails that the protagonist undergoes in a different cultural scenario, her acclimatization to the alien culture, gradual transformations in her personality and her rejoicing at renovation of her self. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary considerations for any health care facility construction or renovation project are the design and function of the new areas, assessment of environmental risks for airborne contamination, and containment of dust and moisture created during construction activities. Disruptions created by construction inside or outside a health care facility can increase airborne organisms, such as Aspergillus, that can lead to infections; thus, infection prevention and control are integral parts of construction planning. The AORN "Guideline for design and maintenance of the surgical suite" provides guidance to perioperative team members for developing a functional program to guide the construction/renovation project, use of evidence‐based design principles, measures to contain construction‐related dust and debris, and maintenance of utilities after planned or emergent utility failures. Perioperative nurses should review the complete guideline for additional information and for guidance when writing and updating policies and procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research shows there is a current wave of housing renovation in Swedish cities, where private as well as public rental housing companies use "renoviction," or displacement through renovation, as a profit-driven strategy. This article focuses on emotions and renoviction, in particular the emotions of tenants currently facing forced renovations, in Sweden. We discuss how power is reproduced and questioned, and illustrate methods used by housing companies to carry out extensive renovation. The following questions have guided our analysis: What kinds of emotions are evoked among tenants experiencing an extensive, top-down and costly renovation? What particular injustices and violations are identified by the tenants in this situation? How can these violations be understood in relation to the current housing policy? Our research is qualitative and builds on semi-structured interviews with tenants as well as extensive ethnographic work in a neighborhood undergoing renovation, followed by steeply increased rents. We use the metaphor of "fractured trust" to conceptualize the emotional reaction of tenants, and argue that citizens' trust in the Swedish welfare system is being broken locally, in the wake of ongoing top-down renovation processes, by use of a rationality that does not take into consideration tenants' perspectives and needs. We conclude that anxiety, angst, anger, and loss, attached together in a common feeling of shock, were the most prevalent emotions expressed and were described by tenants as a response to unfair treatment. In the interviews, a complex set of violations performed by the housing company in a renoviction neighborhood is brought to the forefront here, and set in this context of systemic violence exerted against tenants in contemporary Sweden. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Swedish Million Program built one million dwelling units from 1965 to 1974, largely according to late modernist design principles, but many new neighborhoods were quickly stigmatized for their monolithic forms and unfinished outdoor spaces, as well as for social problems with which they quickly became associated. To remedy this, the Swedish national government initiated a new program in 1975 to provide subsidies for renovations of areas with multifamily housing constructed before 1975, the so-called Environmental Improvement Subsidies (Miljöförbättringsbidrag). These subsidies were offered until 1986 and ultimately supported about 1,700 renovation projects. In this paper, I examine the use of subsidies during this "Year Zero" of the project and some early critiques of their results. Critically, many Environmental Improvement projects included participatory planning - explicit attempts to involve residents in direct discussions - an orientation that remains into the present day when renovations for Million Program areas are being conducted (sometimes in the same places). When the expertise that produced the original plans for Million Program neighborhoods was immediately treated with suspicion for its topdown approach, I analyze how new bottomup methods of resident participation in design emerged, how they were implemented, and how they were evaluated in the 1980s and 1990s to ask: Why was renovation in this early period already seen as necessary? Why and how were participatory methods used in such renovations? Why are methods similar to those used as early as the mid-1970s expected to have different results today. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The wooden architecture of the 19th century is mentioned in the UNESCO World Heritage description of Riga among the criteria that makes the Capital city of Outstanding Universal Value. So far, 3 500 wooden buildings in the city have survived. This paper summarizes information on the renovation of four wooden buildings. The aim of this paper is to give a closer overview on the impact of ownership, funding source and location in the city of the building on the process of renovation and architectural change. The internationally approved renovation principles in the renovation of wooden buildings in Riga are not often taken into account. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years there has been growing interest in urban mining in buildings from various environmental and economic perspectives. Materials hidden in buildings are attractive alternatives to raw ones and building activities are responsible for a large share of urban waste in many societies. The paper presents an analysis of possibilities for urban mining in Amsterdam, initially focused on metals in residential buildings. Both global literature and local analysis suggest that performance in resource recovery from buildings is already as high as it can get. However, estimation of material content in buildings and of waste processing rates is far from reliable, accurate and precise enough to support such claims or identify possibilities for further improvement, including localization of resources in buildings and connections to building activities, in particular renovation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In countries all over Europe the need for building renovation is receiving increased attention. One reason for this is an ageing building stock. Another reason is the need for more environmentally sustainable buildings with reductions in energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions to limit the harmful climate impact. There is at the same time a need to upgrade many buildings to improve the quality of life – social sustainability, for instance improve indoor climate; and to increase productivity in the building process to ensure affordable housing – economic sustainability. Low productivity and frequent conflicts in the construction sector have led to an increasing interest in new forms of collaboration between the different stakeholders involved in construction projects. Development of strategic partnerships concerning a portfolio of renovation projects are seen as a promising way to achieve more sustainable building renovation for some large building clients and for companies with a high maturity in collaborative practice. There is a large number of tools for design decision support and systems for sustainability certification of buildings, but there are not many tools and systems dedicated to building renovation. Measuring the different dimensions of sustainability is a challenge. Regulations play a central role in opening the markets for sustainable building renovation through incentive schemes, building codes, etc. Although traditional approaches to energy renovation emphasize more efficient heating and lighting systems and better insulation, there is a tendency to address the challenge more holistically by emphasizing social targets. Highlights • Seven characteristics distinguish building renovation from a new building project. • There are not many tools and systems dedicated to planning building renovation. • Strategic partnerships can be a promising way to achieve more sustainable building renovation. • Regulations play a central role in opening the markets for sustainable building. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hazardous effects of air pollution on the human body are of grave concern, particularly the rising levels of 2.5 μm-particulate matter. Children are more susceptible to the lethal effects of particulate matter (PM) than adults. In this study, a case study of architectural renovation (ARCH-R) and facility renovation (FAC-R) was conducted in a school by focusing on the exit and entrance gates. In addition, the PM influx rate was evaluated. To evaluate the influx rate of PM, opening/closing recognition equipment and particle sensors were utilized. Following the renovation, the result was evaluated. During the daytime, the air curtain led to a reduction in the influx rate of PM of approximately 8% when the door was open. During the nighttime, it was confirmed that the fine dust influx rate was reduced through reinforcement of the door. However, regarding using these two measures in combination, it was confirmed that the concentration of PM increased in the corridor when the air curtain was operated while the door was closed. It was confirmed that both ARCH-R and FAC-R are necessary for controlling the influx of fine dust from the outdoor air. Appropriate operating guidelines should be provided for school operators. [Display omitted] • Integrated architectural and facility renovations applied to the school entrance. • I/O ratio of PM 2.5 indoors is reduced with the renovation (up to 13.45%). • Proposal of school exit and entrance door renovation plan through user operation. • For daytime, the air curtain is more effective than improved door by more than 5%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was conducted to determine the composition and concentration of trace metals in suspended particulate matter (PM10) and indoor dust in two academic buildings of Universiti KebangsaanMalaysia. One building was in the final phases of renovation (UR) and the other building had just finished renovation (AR). PM10 sampling of air was performed using a low volume sampler (LVS), and samples of indoor dust were obtained using a brush and a small plastic bag. The compositions of trace metals in both samples were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). PM10 concentrations in the building under renovation (UR) were found to be higher (77.1 ± 32.4 μg m-3 to 355.4 ± 38.3 μg m-3) than those in the building after renovation (AR) (91.7 ± 41.2 μg m-3 to 147.9 ± 3.0 μg m-3). Higher concentrations of PM10 were found in the open areas (foyer and corridor) than in closed areas (classroom and laboratory). The concentrations of trace metals in PM10 and indoor dust were found to be dominated by Zn, followed by Pb > Cu > Cd. There is no indication of health adverse effect based on the concentration of trace metals recorded in the UR and AR buildings from this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Española de Cardiología (18855857) is the property of Elsevier B.V. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Based on interviews with tenants in an area facing eviction following forced renovation, this study presents an analysis of the reactions and forms of resistance that arise among residents in the early phase of a renovation process. The concepts of cultural trauma, resistance and action repertoires are used in the analysis to understand the processes that residents in renovation areas have to face and how their collective self-image and strategies for action change during these. We argue that the exceptionally high trust in Sweden, based on the Swedish welfare state and housing policy, results in traumatic experiences among tenants when facing forced renovation. In this study, we respond to questions about how traumatic experiences are expressed, what causes are identified by the tenants, and what forms of resistance emerge among tenants who face costly renovations. We hereby demonstrate how the experienced cultural trauma can be transformed into individual and collective resistance actions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Building partition wall, as one of the building partition constructions, and as one of the major renovation projects of the decoration and renovation engineering in commercial and official buildings, it often has an effect on the project’s fire safety. In this article, the type, structure and materials of partition walls are summarized in classification, factors affecting the fire performance of building partition walls are analyzed, and problems of partition walls in engineering and fire protection designing are illustrated and analyzed. International and national standards are analyzed. Through discussions on fire safety audit and setting of partition walls, the adverse effects of partition wall renovation projects on building structures, damage to fire prevention compartment, impact on evacuation route of people, smoke control design and on other fixed fire protection facilities, are discussed in this article. It can be seen from these projects, if building partition walls were designed improperly, it would do great harm to building fire safety. Therefore, it should be taken seriously in fire safety designing. Some suggestions on the problems in the application of partition wall engineering are proposed, which can provide references for fire prevention designing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

65% of the buildings in Västerås, situated in the region of Mälardalen, Sweden were built before 1970. It is thus time for renovation. The situation is the same in most cities in Sweden and Northern Europe. The depth of renovation can be quite different. In this paper we evaluate some examples where cost is compared to energy saving effect. How to plan renovation to make use of the available capital in the cities is discussed. As a complement to direct renovation actions also behavior change with respect to energy is discussed and exemplified. The cost for energy actions in relation to other renovation aspects is discussed especially for the passive house case in Allingsås, Sweden. The passive house center calculate an extra cost for passive house standard to be 10 000 €/apartment while an external consultant has the figure 40 000 € of the total cost of 120 000 €. With this space heating can be 18 kWh/m².year, or a reduction by 84 % with respect to space heating and 62% for overall heat and hot water demand. If you use the latter cost figure passive house standard is not motivated from an energy savings perspective while if using the lower figure it is very interesting. For the other less deep renovations we see that adding more insulation and three glass windows is motivated if the degradation has been strong, while a simpler renovation may be ok if the outer surface coating is not too bad. For these less deep renovations we see cost figures of 65 €/m² respectively 28 €/m² with reduction of heating and hot water demand of 56 % respectively 34 %. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of METU Journal of the Faculty of Architecture / Mimarlık Fakültesi Dergisi is the property of METU Journal of the Faculty of Architecture and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Well-equipped and organized laboratories are necessary components of any technical institute, especially of engineering colleges, and are earnestly required to impart quality education. Established laboratories will not only help in providing the users--researchers, faculty members and students--with the necessary tools to conduct research and academic experiments but also attract industries to collaborate with the institute. This study is undertaken to suggest appropriate actions and effective approaches in constructing and developing a quality laboratory facility for an engineering faculty, not on the details of laboratory construction per se. Many parameters on which customized engineering laboratories design, construction and renovation pertinent to the needs and requirements of the end users and lab administrators are thoroughly assessed and analyzed before proposing an action plan for development. Among the various issues of importance, three issues--human issues, process issues, and technical issues--are considered common to most types of laboratory facilities. Many of these elements, despite appearing to be common sense, bear great importance to the proper management of any establishment process and hence need due consideration. This study serves as a road map for the scientific community, lab administrators and researchers interested in establishing engineering laboratories according to their requirements but can be extended to be followed elsewhere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our proposal is to enhance information on the actual building stock and on barriers and drivers that influence the decision of public or private buildings ‘owners toward renovation. With this information and with dedicated services, local authorities could persuade owners to undergone renovations on their buildings. We developed a methodology that allows to create a GIS model and tools quickly for virtually every Italian municipality and already tested in an Italian medium size municipality. With these tools it is possible to select buildings that need most the renovation and buildings that could be more easily renovated, considering barriers and drivers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Refurbishing existing buildings plays a key role in reducing the overall energy consumption of the building stock. The use of prefabricated timber façade elements in the renovation of buildings is often beneficial due to their limited thickness and weight, the integration of HVAC and windows, the functionality and speed during works etc. Despite these proven benefits, these systems are not commonly used in Belgium. The research project of which this work is part of, therefore aims to stimulate the use of these elements for renovation by eliminating technical barriers that may hinder their use. In this paper, the impact of different design choices on the hygrothermal performance of elements that are installed in front of an existing façade, e.g. a cavity wall, is evaluated. The protection of the existing inner cavity leaf after demolition of the outer cavity leaf, the integration of a vapor retarder between the new element and the existing construction and the use of cellulose insulation proved to be advantageous measures to reduce the risk of degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The industry standard ByggaF is a method developed in Sweden to improve the moisture safety during the entire building process. This work suggests adjustments of ByggaF to improve the current use in the construction industry as well as better suit the renovation process. The main focus of this paper cover adjustments of the method in the program and design stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proper and efficient renovation requires understanding the behavior of existing buildings and of different building materials. Analyzing hygrothermal measurements in two case studies, one with and the other without an internally added thermal insulation system, enabled us to identify factors of critical importance for further assessment through simulations, and to validate a hygrothermal simulation model of a solid brick masonry wall, a model used then to assess internally added thermal insulation systems of different types. A mold resistance design (MRD) model shows that, in connection with all internally added thermal insulation systems, the risk of mold growth is appreciable when brought on by solar driven vapor from the exterior. This, if biological material is present in either of two critical areas, those of the boundary between the thermal insulation and either 1) the existing masonry wall, or 2) the exterior surface of an internally added vapor barrier. Furthermore, assessments of corrosion risks are conducted for two critical placements of the bed-joint reinforcement. At a depth of 30 mm from the exterior surface, the corrosion risk was found to be less with use of capillary-active vapor-open systems than when no thermal insulation was employed, other systems increase the corrosion risk. At a depth of 90 mm, all thermal insulation systems increase the corrosion risk. Excluding precipitation uptake eliminates all risks, showing that this is the most crucial factor. Solutions that limit this uptake or increase the drying-out rate should thus be considered beneficial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, China has accelerated the modernization and renovation of the sports facilities, which greatly promoted the development of sports in China. However, adaptability and renovation experience in our country is lacking, moreover, the reconstruction of the stadium has certain blindness. In this study, the adaptability of the external and internal spaces of the stadium were analyzed and studied separately. The external transformation transformed the stadium into an open space to be combined with the surrounding environment. The internal transformation mainly expands and functions richly. The stadium can enhance the level of competition and the opening of the transformation through the case study of the adaptability of the Z stadium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In comparison to building energy performance, assessment of the impact of energy upgrades on indoor air quality and occupant comfort has received little attention. Concentrations of indoor air pollutants in fifteen, three bed semi-detached co-operative social dwellings were monitored before and after an energy upgrade during the winter periods of 2015 and 2016. The fifteen dwellings consisted of seven cavity wall (CW) dwellings and eight hollow block (HB) wall dwellings. Concentrations of indoor air pollutants including CO, PM 2.5 , CO 2 , TVOCs, formaldehyde, BTEX, NO 2 and thermal parameters including temperature and relative humidity, were measured in the main living area and main bedroom before and after the energy upgrade. Building air tightness decreased from pre retrofit values of 9.26–10.00m 3 /(h.m 2 ) @ 50 Pato an average of 5.53 m 3 /(h.m 2 ) @ 50 Pa and 8.61m 3 /(h.m 2 ) @ 50 Pa post retrofit (CW group and HB group, respectively). Concentrations of CO 2 , TVOC, and PM 2.5 significantly changed post-retrofit, increasing post retrofit in both dwelling groups (CW; p = 0.014; p = 0.009; p = 0.005) (HB; p = 0.003; p = 0.032; p = 0.008). Increases in pollutant concentrations were correlated with lower building air exchange rates post retrofit. This study suggests that the energy retrofit had a positive impact on occupant comfort and building temperature; however, concentrations of some pollutants were found to increase following the retrofit. The study highlights the importance of characterising indoor air quality post energy retrofits within the overall building energy performance to ensure improved health outcomes for building occupants post retrofit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional residence is an important part of our culture and heritage of ancient architecture, which contains rich experience in the construction of ecological. But limited at the construction technology and economic level, traditional residence also has shortcomings. Therefore, in addition to heritage of its ecological wisdom, syndrome differentiation treatment should be used. In this paper, on the basis of the energy-saving reconstruction project located in Anju town of Chongqing, its energy-saving advantages and disadvantages were analyzed. Then methods of traditional residence in energy-saving were proposed, which not only met the energy requirements and economics, but also improved the thermal comfort significantly. Analyzing the annual energy consumption of its before-after renovation by Design Builder. The building energy saving rate was 54.36% after renovation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The need to improve energy efficiency of existing buildings is more than understandable and compelling. It is expressed through the EU Directive 2002/91/EU concerning the energy performance of buildings, the Greek Law 3661/08 concerning the improvement of the energy performance of buildings; which constitutes the harmonization of the Directive in the Greek legislation as well as the Regulation on Energy Efficiency Buildings (KENAK) which together with the Technical Instructions of the Technical Chamber of Greece, are the main application of the Legislation. The composite cool materials are a new and interesting solution for the constructions. Having identified -with extensive bibliographic research- the existing state of the market for thermal insulation materials and trends, these composite materials were characterized as a successful option. Finally, external thermal insulation composite systems were produced (with photocatalytic coating) and composite materials for the roof (extruded polystyrene with low reflectivity ceramic tile) which were analyzed -initially theoretically- in order to determine the energy performance of the building before and after their application, and then applied to an existing building. Additionally, there were determined the conditions before and after the installation of materials for thermal insulation capacity, by measuring the rate of heat transfer, by conducting measurements for the evaluation of the implementation of the new products of thermal comfort and air quality as well as by representative measurements of the microclimate of the area both during summer and winter. The results of the energy performance of new materials after their first application are to be presented [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry has been used to measure lead (Pb) in painted surfaces and indoor dusts from 14 rented properties in the city of Plymouth, UK. Lead was detected in 78 out of 164 surfaces measured (and in 69 out of 150 interior surfaces) with an overall median concentration of 7100 mg kg−1 (range from 157 to 139,000 mg kg−1), and was detected in all but two properties that included one building constructed within the last 25 years. Selected measurements on an area basis (n = 48) returned Pb concentrations ranging from below 0.01 to 16.1 mg cm−2 that were significantly correlated with concentrations on a mass basis but with scatter that was attributed to the degree to which leaded paint had been overpainted. As potential measures of Pb exposure, mean concentrations in samples of lint (n = 8) were <15 mg kg−1 while mean concentrations in hoovered dusts (n = 14) were more variable; specifically, mean Pb dust concentrations ranged from ∼20 to 140 mg kg−1 in 13 samples but was ∼4500 mg kg−1 in a property that had recently undergone extensive renovation. Although mean concentrations of Pb in lint or dust were not related to median Pb concentrations in paint, a strong correlation between barium (Ba) and Pb in dusts suggests that paint is the main source of dust Pb. This study indicates that, in most cases, leaded paints historically applied to interior surfaces have been over-coated and pose little risk, provided that surface coatings are in good condition. However, inappropriate practices during renovation can result in significant contamination of dusts. Our findings are likely to be more broadly applicable to the urban rented sector in the UK and landlords and tenants should, therefore, be made aware of government guidance on the safe decoration or remodelling of older properties where leaded paint is pervasive. [Display omitted] • XRF was used to measure Pb in painted surfaces and dusts from rented properties in Plymouth. • Pb was detected in one-half of interior and exterior surfaces (range = 157 to 139,000 mg kg−1). • Depth analysis of Pb revealed that leaded paint had usually been overpainted. • The maximum dust concentration (∼4500 mg kg−1) was found in a property recently renovated. • Pb does not pose a risk unless paint is disturbed during renovation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Energy stored in our urban heritage is rarely considered in existing literature. • Embodied energy in existing buildings is reframed in new lifecycle system boundary. • Decision-making scope and time drive consideration of embodied energy quantities. • A new embodied-energy conscious paradigm for decision at urban level is proposed. • New research questions for retroactive embodied energy definition and calculation. In the context of worldwide efforts towards energy efficiency and circular economy, embodied energy has been increasing its weight in the total lifecycle energy use of buildings. By investigating the context and the extent to which it is crucial to calculate embodied energy quantities for existing buildings, this paper investigates the concept itself of embodied energy in existing buildings as an untapped potential for driving sustainable renovation and reuse of urban environments. A new research gap concerning the embodied energy in existing buildings emerges from a critical literature review. A new comprehensive approach for definition and calculation of embodied energy that integrates both retroactive and prospective perspectives is proposed within two boundary systems expressed in terms of life-cycle energy analysis.This approach outlines the potential role of embodied energy in supporting decision at city-level regarding adaptive reuse or demolish-rebuild scenarios on buildings as part of urban heritage. Results investigates the extent to which embodied energy stored in our urban heritage should be considered as a decision parameter to prioritize preservation and reuse interventions among the large number of existing buildings composing the present and the future built environment, delineating new open issues for further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Small Russian cities are characterized by the fragility of mass development. Being relatively late, it inherits the traditional characteristics of an old town and, together with dominant structures, defines its image. Conservation of traditions and the image of the city in the context of inevitable replacement of a large portion of housing stock is a difficult task. The contemporary transformation of the development is analyzed on the examples of Gorodets, Suzdal and Zaraysk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, many property investors are faced with the necessity of examination before purchasing the object. The survey is especially important if they plan reconstruction. During examination the particular difficulty is the inspection of hidden part of the basements. The article describes methods for determining the depth of laying Foundation base. This is a key element for investors when they determining future costs for reconstruction. Through experimental examination of the basement, the comparison of different methods was made. The methods were compared from the standpoint of the survey (difficulty, labor, damage), and from the quality of the data obtained. The article describes procedure of the survey. Also you can find an algorithm for determining the depth of the Foundation. In conclusion, recommendations on the choice of a method for determining the depth of the Foundation base were made. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pipe rehabilitation and trenchless replacement technologies have seen a steadily increasing use and represent an increasing proportion of the annual expenditure on operations and maintenance of the water and wastewater infrastructure around the world. Despite the large public investment in use of these technologies, there has been little quantitative evaluation of how these technologies are performing. A retrospective study conducted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency collected 25 samples between 2009 and 2013 of in-service gravity sewer liners from 11 cities in North America. Testing of the various liners included thickness, annular gap, ovality, specific gravity, porosity, flexural strength, flexural modulus, tensile strength, tensile modulus, surface hardness, glass transition temperature, Raman spectroscopy, environmental stress crack resistance and pipe stiffness as appropriate to the liner type and condition. Cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) liners comprised 18 of the 25 samples. Other liners included were PVC fold-and-form, HDPE deform-reform and sliplining. The samples had seen from 5 years to 34 years in service. A number of areas where the QA/QC of liner installation should improve were noted in the studies but, overall, the liners were in excellent condition and the physical test results indicated that these liners are expected to last their 50-year design life and probably well beyond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solar concepts show potentially an improved cost-performance (energy) ratio when applied as the integrated parts of building renovations. This paper reported a compact solar thermal facade (STF) module with the internally extruded flow channel suiting for solar renovation concept in buildings. A few of impact factors were considered for the parametric study in order to optimize the STF's configuration for various applications through the validated simulation model. The overall research results are expected to be useful for further improvement in the thermal performance of solar renovation measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]