Decoupling climate-policy objectives and mechanisms to reduce fragmentation

ABSTRACT

The efficacy of climate-change mitigation policy within the building sector is examined in terms of how fragmentation can limit the extent of mitigation actions that can be achieved in a timely manner. The policy and regulatory context for the building industry is examined in relation to the policy context for solutions and recommendations that will work for all parties. Based on this analysis, two substantive recommendations are made for improved policy design. Firstly, a decoupling of policy objectives and policy mechanisms is needed so that the policy-taking stakeholders (in design, development and construction) can reduce energy use in buildings more effectively. Secondly, policy-taking stakeholders need an explicit and diverse system in order to advocate for policy objectives. The major aspect of this work is the development of a new conceptual framework that ties together these recommendations into a continuous process of policy-making and policy-taking. This framework demonstrates an idealized system that operates simultaneously top down and bottom up, and the development of policy objectives is influenced by stakeholders of all kinds to further the goals of an energy-efficient, low-carbon built environment.     

Pathological Insight into 5-HT2B Receptor Activation in Fibrosing Interstitial Lung Diseases

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) encompasses a heterogeneous group of more than 200 conditions, of which primarily idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), idiopathic nonspecific interstitial pneumonia, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, ILD associated with autoimmune diseases and sarcoidosis may present a progressive fibrosing (PF) phenotype. Despite different aetiology and histopathological patterns, the PF-ILDs have similarities regarding disease mechanisms with self-sustaining fibrosis, which suggests that the diseases may share common pathogenetic pathways. Previous studies show an enhanced activation of serotonergic signaling in pulmonary fibrosis, and the serotonin (5-HT)₂ receptors have been implicated to have important roles in observed profibrotic actions. Our research findings in support by others, demonstrate antifibrotic effects with 5-HT_2B receptor antagonists, alleviating several key events common for the fibrotic diseases such as myofibroblast differentiation and connective tissue deposition. In this review, we will address the potential role of 5-HT and in particular the 5-HT_2B receptors in three PF-ILDs: ILD associated with systemic sclerosis (SSc-ILD), ILD associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA-ILD) and IPF. Highlighting the converging pathways in these diseases discloses the 5-HT_2B receptor as a potential disease target for PF-ILDs, which today have an urgent unmet need for therapeutic strategies.     

Effectiveness of traffic light vs. boom barrier controls at road–rail level crossings: A simulator study

Although collisions at level crossings are relatively uncommon occurrences, the potential severity of their consequences make them a top priority among safety authorities. Twenty-five fully-licensed drivers aged between 20 and 50 years participated in a driving simulator study that compared the efficacy, and drivers’ subjective perception, of two active level crossing traffic control devices: flashing lights with boom barriers and standard traffic lights. Because of its common usage in most states in Australia, a stop sign-controlled level crossing served as the passive referent. Although crossing violations were less likely at the level crossings controlled by active devices than at those controlled by stop signs, both kinds of active control were associated with a similar number of violations. Further, the majority (72%) of drivers reported preferring flashing lights to traffic lights. Collectively, results indicate that the installation of traffic lights at real-world level crossings would not be likely to offer safety benefits over and above those provided already by flashing lights with boom barriers. Furthermore, the high rate of violations at passively controlled crossings strongly supports the continued practice of upgrading level crossings with active traffic control devices.     

Quantitative risk assessment on the dietary exposure of Finnish children and adults to nitrite

Nitrite intake from the consumption of cured meat and tap water was estimated for Finnish children of 1, 3 and 6 years as well as Finnish adults of 25–74 years. Nitrite content in the foods was measured by capillary electrophoresis, and was then used together with individual food consumption data from the FINDIET 2007 and DIPP studies in a stochastic exposure assessment by a Monte Carlo Risk Assessment (MCRA) program. Nitrite intake from additive sources and tap water was assessed, and more than every 10th child between the ages 3 and 6 years was estimated to have a nitrite intake exceeding the acceptable daily intake (ADI) of nitrite. The high exposure levels were caused by frequent consumption of large portions of sausages, up to 350 g day^–1 or 750 g in 3 days, among the children. Median nitrite intake from cured meat was 0.016, 0.040, 0.033 and 0.005 mg kg^–1 body weight day^–1 for children of 1, 3 and 6 years and adults, respectively. Bayesian estimation was employed to determine safe consumption levels of sausages and cold cuts for children, and these results gave rise to new national food consumption advice.     

Covalent functionalization of zinc oxide nanowires for high sensitivity p-nitrophenol detection in biological systems

High-quality zinc oxide (ZnO) nanowires were synthesized using the atmospheric chemical vapor deposition technique and were appropriately characterized. Subsequently, the nanowire surface was covalently grafted with 1-pyrenebutyric acid (PBA) fluorophore, and surface-sensitive X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared-attenuated total reflectance spectroscopy were utilized to confirm the functionalization of 1-pyrenebutyric acid on the nanowire surface. Additionally, photoluminescence (PL) measurements were used to evaluate the optical behavior of pristine nanowires. Through fluorescence quenching of 1-pyrenebutyric acid by p-nitrophenol, a detection limit of 28 ppb was estimated. Based on these findings, ZnO nanowires functionalized with 1-pyrenebutyric acid are envisaged as extremely sensitive platforms for the ultra-trace detection of p-nitrophenol in biological systems.     

Preference-inconsistent recommendations: An effective approach for reducing confirmation bias and stimulating divergent thinking?

The Web is a perfect backdrop for opinion formation as a multitude of different opinions is publicly available. However, the different opinions often remain unexploited: Learners prefer preference-consistent over preference-inconsistent information, a phenomenon called confirmation bias. Two experiments were designed to test whether technologies such as recommender systems can be used to overcome this bias. The role of preference-inconsistent recommendations was explored by comparing their influence to a condition with preference-consistent recommendations and to a control condition without recommendations. In Study 1, preference-inconsistent recommendations led to a reduction of confirmation bias and to a more moderate view of the controversial topic of neuro-enhancement. In Study 2, we found that preference-inconsistent recommendations stimulated balanced recall and divergent thinking. Together these studies showed that preference-inconsistent recommendations are an effective approach for reducing confirmation bias and stimulating divergent thinking. In conclusion, future research and practical implications are discussed.     

<Superscript>1</Superscript>H-NMR Spectroscopy as a New Tool in the Assessment of the Oxidative State in Edible Oils

Within the course of lipid peroxidation, hydroperoxides are formed as primary products. They can be used as analytical markers to assess the deterioration status of oils and fats. Here a new ¹H-NMR assay to determine the hydroperoxide amount in edible oils is presented. We were able to show that the analytical performance of the method is similar to that of the commonly used peroxide value (PV) according to Wheeler. A total of 290 edible oil samples were analyzed using both methods. For some oil varieties considerable discrepancies were found between the results obtained. In the case of black seed and olive oil, two substances could be identified that cause positive (black seed oil) and negative (olive oils) deviations from the theoretical PV expected from the NMR values.     

3D printing as a means of learning and communication: The 3Ducation project revisited

This research project explores to what extent the utilization of open-source 3D printers and 3D design software could serve as means of learning and communication. The principles of non-formal education aligned with the concept of constructionism are used to create an experimental educational scenario focused on geocultural tourism for persons with visual impairments. This paper documents our experience and presents our findings from a 25-day long project, which took place in Zagori, northwestern Greece. 11 high school students from Portugal designed and manufactured natural and cultural heritage artifacts carrying messages in the Braille language. The objects were then handed to people with visual impairments with a twofold aim. First, to enable the communication among persons with and without visual impairments; and, second, to empower students to participate in training projects through open educational procedures. We conclude that open educational practices can boost students’ active engagement in educational processes. Finally, 3D printing encourages a meaningful communication among people with and without visual impairments via the tangible exploration of geocultural components.