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  1. Article ; Online: Environmental Sustainability of Industrial Waste-Based Cementitious Materials

    Satheeskumar Navaratnam / Quddus Tushar / Israt Jahan / Guomin Zhang

    Sustainability, Vol 15, Iss 1873, p

    A Review, Experimental Investigation and Life-Cycle Assessment

    2023  Volume 1873

    Abstract: Wall plaster production induces significant environmental impacts during its entire life as it consumes a high amount of cement and natural resources. Therefore, in sustainable development, industrial wastes are partially replaced to produce cementitious ...

    Abstract Wall plaster production induces significant environmental impacts during its entire life as it consumes a high amount of cement and natural resources. Therefore, in sustainable development, industrial wastes are partially replaced to produce cementitious material to reduce environmental impacts. This study aims to identify the optimal environmental benefits from the waste-based cementitious materials that are used to produce wall plaster. Thus, this study involved conducting a comprehensive review of the mechanical and sustainable performance of industrial waste-based cementitious materials focused on wall construction. Then, an experimental test was conducted to ensure the appropriate mix design to enable the required compressive strength. A comparative analysis of mortar showed that it contained 15% (by weight) of fly ash, blast furnace slag, bottom ash, recycled glass, ferronickel slag, expanded polystyrene and wood ash using life-cycle assessment. The results show that mortar containing fly ash has lower environmental impacts in almost all impact categories (i.e., human health, the ecosystem and natural resources). Endpoint damage assessment of mortar mixtures expresses resource extraction cost as the most affected impact criteria. The replacement of globally consumed cement with 15% fly ash can contribute to monetary savings of up to USD 87.74 billion. The assessment clarifies the advantage of incorporating waste products in cement mortar, which allows policymakers to interpret the analysis for decision making. This study also found that the production of industrial wastes for mortar mixes has a significant impact on the environment.
    Keywords blast furnace slag ; fly ash ; recycled glass ; life-cycle analysis ; environmental impacts ; compressive strength ; Environmental effects of industries and plants ; TD194-195 ; Renewable energy sources ; TJ807-830 ; Environmental sciences ; GE1-350
    Subject code 690
    Language English
    Publishing date 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z
    Publisher MDPI AG
    Document type Article ; Online
    Database BASE - Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (life sciences selection)

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  2. Article ; Online: Factors Affecting the Readiness of User-Pay Public–Private Partnership Procurement for Infrastructure Projects

    Hang Vu / Malindu Sandanayake / Guomin Zhang

    Knowledge, Vol 3, Iss 26, Pp 384-

    A Comparison between Developed and Emerging Economies

    2023  Volume 400

    Abstract: The successful implementation of infrastructure projects through public–private partnerships (PPPs) significantly relies on a well-designed procurement scheme; however, there is currently no established systematic decision-making model to identify the ... ...

    Abstract The successful implementation of infrastructure projects through public–private partnerships (PPPs) significantly relies on a well-designed procurement scheme; however, there is currently no established systematic decision-making model to identify the most optimal one. This paper explores the factors affecting the selection of public–private partnership schemes in infrastructure projects, with a particular focus on the differences between developed and emerging economies. The study opted for a comprehensive literature review and open-ended interviews to validate 25 critical factors affecting the optimum selection of PPP procurement for infrastructure projects. Then, a questionnaire survey was adopted to evaluate the selected factors and empirically examine the differences and commonalities between developed and emerging economies. The results highlighted the “financial attraction of projects to investors” and “financial viability based on the net present value and risk-adjusted present value” as the two most important factors. While the importance of most selection factors was agreed upon, nine selection factors were ranked unanimously higher for developed economies than for emerging economies. The findings of this study will aid in comprehending the factors that impact the choice of PPP schemes and provide insights for policymakers and project managers in both developed and emerging economies. These factors serve as inputs in developing a decision-making framework that aids both public and private stakeholders in selecting the most appropriate PPP procurement schemes for infrastructure projects.
    Keywords public–private partnership ; procurement ; infrastructure management ; scheme selection ; developed economies ; emerging economies ; Electronic computers. Computer science ; QA75.5-76.95
    Subject code 380
    Language English
    Publishing date 2023-07-01T00:00:00Z
    Publisher MDPI AG
    Document type Article ; Online
    Database BASE - Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (life sciences selection)

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  3. Article ; Online: Review on the Application of Organic Fibers as Substitutes for Asbestos in Thin Fiber Cement Sheets from a Sri Lankan Perspective

    Isuru Deegoda / Samith Buddika / Hiran Yapa / Satheeskumar Navaratnam / Guomin Zhang

    Sustainability, Vol 15, Iss 10235, p

    2023  Volume 10235

    Abstract: In the past, asbestos siding, roofing, and ceiling sheets became more popular than conventional materials due to their high strength-to-weight ratio, durability, and low cost. However, it was later identified that most types of asbestos are carcinogenic ... ...

    Abstract In the past, asbestos siding, roofing, and ceiling sheets became more popular than conventional materials due to their high strength-to-weight ratio, durability, and low cost. However, it was later identified that most types of asbestos are carcinogenic and are responsible for major lethal diseases. In terms of developing a substitute for asbestos, different alternative organic fibers have been investigated as sustainable solutions. Therefore, this article reviewed the usability of organic fibers from wood, banana, bamboo, and coconut coir, which are locally available and abundant in the region, as a substitute for asbestos in the fiber cement industry in Sri Lanka. The quantitative physicomechanical properties of organic fiber and fiber cement composites were evaluated, and the effect of treatment methods on durability was discussed. The previous literature revealed that organic fiber cement thin sheets have comparable mechanical properties in comparison to composites reinforced with asbestos. Furthermore, this study found that these organic-fiber-based composites are energy-efficient and have improved fire resistance. However, the long-term performance is questionable. Hence, further studies on fiber treatment methods and composite durability are needed. Additionally, a comprehensive cost analysis of organic fiber cement composite is recommended to introduce organic fibers into commercial products.
    Keywords organic fiber ; asbestos ; fiber cement ; thin sheets ; sustainability ; durability ; Environmental effects of industries and plants ; TD194-195 ; Renewable energy sources ; TJ807-830 ; Environmental sciences ; GE1-350
    Subject code 690
    Language English
    Publishing date 2023-06-01T00:00:00Z
    Publisher MDPI AG
    Document type Article ; Online
    Database BASE - Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (life sciences selection)

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  4. Article ; Online: Circular Economy of Construction and Demolition Wood Waste—A Theoretical Framework Approach

    Israt Jahan / Guomin Zhang / Muhammed Bhuiyan / Satheeskumar Navaratnam

    Sustainability, Vol 14, Iss 10478, p

    2022  Volume 10478

    Abstract: A considerable amount of construction and demolition wood waste (CDWW) is generated, mostly landfilled, contributing to severe environmental effects. The management of CDWW is a significant challenge as it is a hazardous contaminated waste. In this ... ...

    Abstract A considerable amount of construction and demolition wood waste (CDWW) is generated, mostly landfilled, contributing to severe environmental effects. The management of CDWW is a significant challenge as it is a hazardous contaminated waste. In this context, the circular economy (CE) concept is a solution as it comprises waste minimisation and efficient recovery of resources. Although much research is found in the literature on CDWW end-of-life management, research on CE implementation considering every life cycle stage is still scarce. In this review, we endeavour to integrate CE in CDWW to identify the waste management strategies involved in the life cycle phases. The databases were searched from 2009 to 2020 and were analysed using CiteSpace version 5.7.R1 software. Forty-nine articles were identified, and the six life cycle stages were explored. The analysis shows that CE for wood waste is essential and has greater growth potential. While the LCA studies are limited to environmental viewpoints, combining economic and social perspectives is necessary for sustainable development. Overall, based on the research findings, a theoretical framework was proposed. This study, as a consequence, promotes the application of recycled wood into multiple valuable products and thus encourages waste management to boost CE and sustainability.
    Keywords construction demolition wood waste (CDWW) ; life cycle phases of wood ; circular economy (CE) ; sustainability ; end-of-life products ; Environmental effects of industries and plants ; TD194-195 ; Renewable energy sources ; TJ807-830 ; Environmental sciences ; GE1-350
    Subject code 690 ; 710
    Language English
    Publishing date 2022-08-01T00:00:00Z
    Publisher MDPI AG
    Document type Article ; Online
    Database BASE - Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (life sciences selection)

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  5. Article ; Online: Construction Cost and Carbon Emission Assessment of a Highway Construction—A Case towards Sustainable Transportation

    Wenkai Luo / Malindu Sandanayake / Guomin Zhang / Yongtao Tan

    Sustainability, Vol 13, Iss 7854, p

    2021  Volume 7854

    Abstract: Due to its dynamic nature in construction, benchmarking environmental emissions of road construction projects can be a daunting task. Often stakeholders will have to prioritize the economic and environmental indicators based on the project objectives. ... ...

    Abstract Due to its dynamic nature in construction, benchmarking environmental emissions of road construction projects can be a daunting task. Often stakeholders will have to prioritize the economic and environmental indicators based on the project objectives. The study presents a methodological framework to compare economic and environmental impacts to benchmark sustainable transport construction projects. Through findings, the study aims to inform focus areas and key stages of infrastructure projects to benchmark sustainable performance. Process-based emission and cost estimation models are presented with an AHP based weighting factor that enables prioritization of emissions and costs based on project scopes and objectives. Using a case study, results are represented to validate the framework and methodology. Concrete and steel are identified as the main materials that contribute to total carbon emissions, while soil and gravel are responsible for the highest costs. Electricity consumption is discovered as the major fuel type contributing to carbon emissions. Concrete and dump trucks are discovered as the top two sources of emissions and costs, respectively. Scenario analyses revealed that the choice of equipment significantly affects the project’s emissions and costs. The application of sustainable materials can significantly reduce emissions and cost. The use of the case study approach results in a lack of generalizability. However, the same methodology and process can be adopted for the sustainable benchmarking of different projects. Researchers are encouraged to investigate processes to automate sustainable benchmarking of transport infrastructure construction projects. The study is one of the first attempts to compare cost and environmental impacts using a systematic methodology of transportation infrastructure construction projects.
    Keywords sustainable ; infrastructure ; economic ; emissions ; construction activities ; road construction ; Environmental effects of industries and plants ; TD194-195 ; Renewable energy sources ; TJ807-830 ; Environmental sciences ; GE1-350
    Subject code 690
    Language English
    Publishing date 2021-07-01T00:00:00Z
    Publisher MDPI AG
    Document type Article ; Online
    Database BASE - Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (life sciences selection)

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  6. Article ; Online: A Multiphase Dynamic Deployment Mechanism of Virtualized Honeypots Based on Intelligent Attack Path Prediction

    Yazhuo Gao / Guomin Zhang / Changyou Xing

    Security and Communication Networks, Vol

    2021  Volume 2021

    Abstract: As an important deception defense method, a honeypot can be used to enhance the network’s active defense capability effectively. However, the existing rigid deployment method makes it difficult to deal with the uncertain strategic attack behaviors of the ...

    Abstract As an important deception defense method, a honeypot can be used to enhance the network’s active defense capability effectively. However, the existing rigid deployment method makes it difficult to deal with the uncertain strategic attack behaviors of the attackers. To solve such a problem, we propose a multiphase dynamic deployment mechanism of virtualized honeypots (MD2VH) based on the intelligent attack path prediction method. MD2VH depicts the attack and defense characteristics of both attackers and defenders through the Bayesian state attack graph, establishes a multiphase dynamic deployment optimization model of the virtualized honeypots based on the extended Markov’s decision-making process, and generates the deployment strategies dynamically by combining the online and offline reinforcement learning methods. Besides, we also implement a prototype system based on software-defined network and virtualization container, so as to evaluate the effectiveness of MD2VH. Experiments results show that the capture rate of MD2VH is maintained at about 90% in the case of both simple topology and complex topology. Compared with the simple intelligent deployment strategy, such a metric is increased by 20% to 60%, and the result is more stable under different types of the attacker’s strategy.
    Keywords Technology (General) ; T1-995 ; Science (General) ; Q1-390
    Subject code 006
    Language English
    Publishing date 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z
    Publisher Hindawi-Wiley
    Document type Article ; Online
    Database BASE - Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (life sciences selection)

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  7. Article ; Online: A Table Overflow LDoS Attack Defending Mechanism in Software-Defined Networks

    Shengxu Xie / Changyou Xing / Guomin Zhang / Jinlong Zhao

    Security and Communication Networks, Vol

    2021  Volume 2021

    Abstract: In order to achieve requirements such as fast search of flow entries and mask matching, OpenFlow hardware switches usually use TCAM to store flow entries. Limited by the capacity of TCAM, the current commercial OpenFlow switches can only support hundreds ...

    Abstract In order to achieve requirements such as fast search of flow entries and mask matching, OpenFlow hardware switches usually use TCAM to store flow entries. Limited by the capacity of TCAM, the current commercial OpenFlow switches can only support hundreds of thousands of flow entries, which makes SDN network using OpenFlow hardware switches vulnerable to the threat of flow table overflow attack. Among them, low-rate DoS (LDoS) attack against table overflow poses a serious threat to SDN networks due to its high attack efficiency and concealed flow, and it is also difficult to detect. In this regard, this paper analyzed two types of LDoS attack flow against table overflow and proposed an attack detection and defense mechanism named SAIA (Small-flow Analysis and Inport-flow Analysis) through the design of table overflow prediction and flow entries deletion strategy. Experiments conducted through the SDN network environment showed that SAIA can effectively detect and suppress LDoS attack flows in the flow table in large-scale network conditions and verified that the deployment of SAIA is lightweight. At the same time, SAIA implemented the flow entry deletion strategy based on LRU when the flow table overflows in a nonattack situation, which further enhances the stability of the network.
    Keywords Technology (General) ; T1-995 ; Science (General) ; Q1-390
    Subject code 532
    Language English
    Publishing date 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z
    Publisher Hindawi-Wiley
    Document type Article ; Online
    Database BASE - Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (life sciences selection)

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  8. Article ; Online: Exploring the Effect of Jiawei Buguzhi Pills on TGF-β-Smad Pathway in Postmenopausal Osteoporosis Based on Integrated Pharmacological Strategy

    Xiao Yuan / Yonghe Wu / Kailin Yang / Huiping Liu / Guomin Zhang

    Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Vol

    2021  Volume 2021

    Abstract: Objective. To explore the effect of Jiawei Buguzhi Pills (JWBGZP) on the TGF-β-Smad pathway in postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMO) based on integrated pharmacological strategy. Method. The ETCM database was used to collect JWBGZP. GeneCards and OMIM ... ...

    Abstract Objective. To explore the effect of Jiawei Buguzhi Pills (JWBGZP) on the TGF-β-Smad pathway in postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMO) based on integrated pharmacological strategy. Method. The ETCM database was used to collect JWBGZP. GeneCards and OMIM databases were utilized to obtain PMO-related genes. Cytoscape was used for network construction and analysis, and DAVID was used for GO and KEGG enrichment analysis of key targets. Animal experiments and cell experiments were conducted to further explore the mechanism. The bone mass density was detected by dual-energy X-ray bone densitometer. The TGF-β1 and Smad4 mRNA in bone tissue were detected by RT-qPCR. The TGF-β1 and Smad4 protein in bone tissue were detected by the western blot. The TGF-β1 and Smad4 protein in osteoblasts were determined by immunohistochemistry. Result. A total of 721 JWBGZP potential targets and 385 PMO-related genes were obtained. The enrichment analysis showed that JWBGZP may regulate the TGF-beta signaling pathway, oxidation-reduction process, aging, response to hypoxia, response to ethanol, negative regulation of cell proliferation, PI3K-Akt, HIF-1, and other signaling pathways. The animal experiments showed that compared with the model group, the femoral bone mineral density and lumbar bone mineral density of the JWBGZP group increased (P < 0.05); the expression levels of TGF-β1 and Smad mRNA and proteins in the JWBGZP group were significantly higher (P < 0.05). The cell experiment results showed a large number of osteoblast stained blue-purple and orange-red calcified nodules. The expression levels of TGF-β1 and Smad proteins in the JWBGZP group were significantly higher than those in the blank control group and the sham operation group, and the protein expression levels in the model group were the lowest (P < 0.05). Conclusion. JWBGZP may be involved in PI3K-Akt, HIF-1, estrogen, prolactin, and other signaling pathways and regulate MAPK1, AKT1, PIK3CA, JAK2, and other gene targets, regulate bone metabolism, and thereby treat ...
    Keywords Other systems of medicine ; RZ201-999
    Subject code 500
    Language English
    Publishing date 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z
    Publisher Hindawi Limited
    Document type Article ; Online
    Database BASE - Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (life sciences selection)

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  9. Article ; Online: Systematic Pharmacology-Based Strategy to Explore the Molecular Network Mechanism of Modified Taohong Siwu Decoction in the Treatment of Premature Ovarian Failure

    Xiao Yuan / Wang Xiang / Kailin Yang / Huiping Liu / Guomin Zhang / Qi He / Jiapeng Fan

    Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Vol

    2022  Volume 2022

    Abstract: Objective. To explore the molecular network mechanism of modified Taohong Siwu Decoction (MTHSWD) to interfere with premature ovarian failure based on systematic pharmacological strategy. Methods. The network pharmacology strategy was used to explore the ...

    Abstract Objective. To explore the molecular network mechanism of modified Taohong Siwu Decoction (MTHSWD) to interfere with premature ovarian failure based on systematic pharmacological strategy. Methods. The network pharmacology strategy was used to explore the potential mechanism of MTHSWD intervention in POF, and then it was verified through animal experiments. Mouse zona pellucida 3 was used as an antigen to subcutaneously immunize BALB/c female mice to establish an immune POF model. Mice were divided into MTHSWD low-, medium-, and high-dose groups, positive control group, model group, and normal group. After 30 days of drug intervention, ovarian tissue was taken for pathological hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, and immunohistochemical methods were used to detect the expression of TGF-β1 and TGF-βRII and Smad2/3 protein expression in follicular wall granular cells and ovarian tissue, respectively. Results. Network pharmacology studies have shown that MTHSWD may interfere with the TGF-β signaling pathway. Animal experimental research shows that, compared with the model group, the number of ovarian mature follicles in the MTHSWD groups and the positive group was significantly increased, and the number of atresia follicles decreased. Immunohistochemistry showed that, compared with the control group, the expression of TGF-β1, TGF-βRII, and Smad2/3 in the follicular wall granulosa cells and ovarian tissues of MTHSWD groups was significantly higher than that of the model group (P<0.05). Conclusion. MTHSWD may improve the ovarian function of POF mice by upregulating the protein expression of granulosa cells TGF-β1, TGF-βRII, and Smad2/3.
    Keywords Other systems of medicine ; RZ201-999
    Subject code 630
    Language English
    Publishing date 2022-01-01T00:00:00Z
    Publisher Hindawi Limited
    Document type Article ; Online
    Database BASE - Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (life sciences selection)

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  10. Article ; Online: Evaluating the Circular Economy Potential of Modular Construction in Developing Economies—A Life Cycle Assessment

    Janappriya Jayawardana / Malindu Sandanayake / Asela K. Kulatunga / J. A. S. C. Jayasinghe / Guomin Zhang / S. A. Udara Osadith

    Sustainability, Vol 15, Iss 23, p

    2023  Volume 16336

    Abstract: Circular economy (CE) is an emergent concept that promotes resource circularity in multiple product systems. Modular construction (MC), an evolving construction technique, which includes an off-site manufacturing environment, increasingly supports CE ... ...

    Abstract Circular economy (CE) is an emergent concept that promotes resource circularity in multiple product systems. Modular construction (MC), an evolving construction technique, which includes an off-site manufacturing environment, increasingly supports CE strategies such as reuse due to the elevated potential for design for disassembly (DfD). Design-stage environmental assessments are paramount in aiding the early decision making of modular construction projects to successfully plan and implement DfD strategies. Research on synergising modular construction, circular economy and environmental sustainability is rare in developing economies. Thus, the current study aims to conduct a design-stage life cycle assessment of a DfD and linear versions of a modular building unit in Sri Lanka to evaluate the potential environmental benefits. The life cycle assessment results highlight that the DfD strategy has the lowest environmental impacts in all categories, with a 63% reduction in global warming potential and an approximately 90% reduction in terms of human toxicity compared to the linear version. Further, it showed the elevated potential of reuse compared to recycling practices in improving the environmental performance. Sensitivity assessment revealed that steel was the most sensitive to the change in reuse percentage among main building materials. The analysis outcomes highlight the importance of long-term thinking, architectural design creativity and industrial and technology development to uptake the CE-driven MC in the Sri Lankan context. Finally, strategies are proposed to support the CE approach in MC in developing regions. Both quantitative and qualitative outcomes provide a basis for construction industry stakeholders, academia, and policy makers to explore further and promote modular construction practices to enhance the circularity of building materials and components in developing regions.
    Keywords circular economy ; modular construction ; life cycle assessment ; reuse and recycle ; design for disassembly ; design stage ; Environmental effects of industries and plants ; TD194-195 ; Renewable energy sources ; TJ807-830 ; Environmental sciences ; GE1-350
    Subject code 690
    Language English
    Publishing date 2023-11-01T00:00:00Z
    Publisher MDPI AG
    Document type Article ; Online
    Database BASE - Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (life sciences selection)

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