IntroductionPost-operative infections obtained from open-wound surgeries constitute an unnecessary load on both healthcare and affected patients. It is well established that increased air cleanliness reduces the number of post-operative infections. Therefore, the ventilation system is important in order to reduce the number of infectious particles in the air during surgery. Ventilation with high a

Theoretical investigations of Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) at in-plane shear loading conditions are presented with focus on shear failure mode III, relating to shear stresses acting in the crossing areas between orthogonally bonded laminations of different layers. Failure criteria for structural design, test configurations and material parameters are discussed. Full 3D finite element (FE) analyses

This study deals with the development of antifouling ultrafiltration membranes based on polysulfone (PSF) for wastewater treatment and the concentration and purification of hemicellulose and lignin in the pulp and paper industry. The efficient simple and reproducible technique of PSF membrane modification to increase antifouling performance by simultaneous addition of triblock copolymer polyethyle

Watching the Olympic and Paralympics Games, we notice that both men and women achieve world-class performances. We see the world’s best sports stars perform extraordinary athletic feats, regardless of who they are or where they come from. This equity was not always present at this world stage. For instance, until 1984, women were prohibited from running marathons during the Olympic Games.1 It may

In the past decade, district heat networks have emerged as a key strategy for the UK government to achieve its 2050 decarbonization targets. Reports and analyses have focused on the technical and economic challenges of introducing networked heat provision in a country where this is a relatively novel energy service. Meanwhile, there has been little emphasis on the spatial and physical aspects of h

This article critically examines the approach of technical experts, including engineers, natural scientists, architects, planners, and other practitioners, who are attempting to create more sustainable forms of economic development, environmental protection, and social equity. The authors identify four principal characteristics of expertise–ontological assumptions, epistemological approaches, powe

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book illustrates how urban innovation is being negotiated and interpreted in a wide range of contexts, while also raising more fundamental questions about the rapidly evolving relationship between society and information and communication technologies (ICT). It describes how smart urba

Smart urbanisation is neither universal, apolitical nor straightforward. Many advocates of smart urbanisation suggest that the fully connected and digitalised future is just around the corner. Negotiations over technological choices, financial models, the role of technical experts and related issues resonate with today's smart cities debates. Contemporary smart city interventions continue to be pa

Primary aluminium production is energy- and GHG-intensive in which electrolysis is by far the most energy- and GHG-intensive process. This paper’s aim is to study the effects on (1) primary energy use, (2) GHG emissions and (3) energy and CO2 costs when energy end-use efficiency measures are implemented in the electrolysis. Significant savings in final and primary energy use, GHG emissions and ene

According to the Energy Efficiency Directive executed by the European Union, each member state is obliged to set a national target on energy efficiency. This requirement constitutes the basis for governments to formulate policy measures directed towards industrial companies. Such policy measures, along with the demand for cost-effective production to remain competitive on the market, motivates ind