Driving efficiency and sustainability in material reuse through GeoBIM

Disaster risk analysis quantifies potential damages and losses using accurate hazard, exposure, and vulnerability information. Risk reduction managers rely on disaster risk analysis to make informed decisions towards promoting greater resilience. However, current approaches lack key features for proactive decision-making, such as accounting for uncertainty in hazard modeling, time-dependent processes affecting vulnerability, and highlighting successes and benefits of risk reduction. This dissertation makes three main contributions to the field of regional disaster risk analysis. First, I develop a framework for calibrating hazard parameters (inversion) and estimating the response of a hazard system (forward estimation) using limited and uncertain spatial data. This addresses gaps in current inversion-forward estimation approaches, which includes not accounting for varying uncertainties and spatial distribution in data, as well as the assumptions of the cost function. As a test case, I implement the framework on a tephra dispersion model using thickness observations of varying uncertainty to reconstruct past volcanic eruption characteristics and associated tephra fallout. Results show consistent improvements in model predictive performance for both inversion and forward models. Secondly, I develop a computational framework for modeling time-dependent physical vulnerability in regional risk analysis. This study addresses a gap in regional earthquake risk analysis by accounting for processes that increase vulnerability (e.g. structural deterioration) and policies that mitigate it (e.g. regional-scale structural retrofit). The method provides a flexible tool for decision-makers to investigate the outcomes of various mitigation decisions. Finally, I propose a counterfactual probabilistic risk analysis framework to quantify and highlight the benefits of effective disaster risk reduction interventions. This approach addresses a key challenge in risk management: that successful mitigations can go unnoticed (often because they are successful), making it difficult to incentivise proactive risk reduction decisions. Through counterfactual analysis (i.e. imagining the ‘what-if’ scenarios in disaster risk), the thesis shows how to calculate the probabilistic benefits of interventions, highlighting and celebrating their success.

Abstract2D coating materials represent a promising class of corrosion protection technologies for copper. The high‐throughput screening methodology, focusing on specific coating properties, is promisingly expected to expedite the design and development of 2D coating materials. Herein, the key features of 2D coating materials, including thermodynamic stability, electronic insulation, strong internal chemical bonds, weak interfacial adhesion, and resistance to corrosive medium adsorption, are identified based on a mechanistic analysis of established 2D coating materials. An automated workflow is formulated, encompassing heterostructure modeling, adsorption site selection, and lattice deformation assessments, to facilitate the high‐throughput derivation of the physical and chemical properties pertinent to coating applications. Among the 13 2D materials exhibiting weak interfacial adhesion and adsorption resistance to Cl, nine are fluorides, suggesting their substantial potential for coating applications. Furthermore, from an extensive pool of 15733 monolayer 2D materials and 11184 bilayer 2D materials, three monolayer 2D materials (IrSCl, IrSF, and TiNF) and four bilayer 2D materials (PdF‐1, PdF‐2, PdF‐3, and SiF‐2) are filtered out for 2D coating materials. These findings not only present promising candidates for 2D coating materials but also contribute valuable theoretical perspectives, guiding the rational design of 2D materials with targeted properties.

Engineering geologists and geotechnical engineers need the right tools to efficiently investigate, analyse, model and share their geological understanding of expected ground conditions with the wider project team as and when new data becomes available. National large-scale infrastructure projects like High Speed Two (HS2) provide significant technical ground and engineering design challenges but they are complicated by the large multi-disciplinary teams working across many offices, companies, time zones, with a variety of stakeholders. On such projects keeping an auditable and detailed record of all the data and models becomes difficult and at times, incredibly protracted and cumbersome particularly where there are numerous ongoing ground investigations producing constantly evolving datasets. This highlights the challenge and need for teams to effectively communicate changes in ground investigation (GI) data and other outputs with key stakeholders in near “real-time”, allowing risks and opportunities to be characterised and value engineering exercises to be undertaken. This paper describes the innovative application of several software packages to systematically manage GI data and ground models through successive design stages. It will showcase the use of 4D ground modelling complemented by in-house Python coding and bespoke apps to support the wider GI data management vision on the project. These digital innovations enabled the team to produce higher quality ‘BIM’ deliverables, communicate more clearly and expediently with stakeholders and deliver controlled and robust ground models in 4D. The innovations also enabled the onsite GI team to adapt the GI on site to the best advantage of the project according to the ground conditions encountered. The ability to integrate, dynamically link, share, manage, track, and audit models in one eco-system has brought many benefits including time and cost savings, and risk reduction. These digital innovations have benefited HS2 Phase One in scheme design and will continue to provide that into detailed design, construction and operation of the railway. The benefits will also be felt beyond HS2 to any future infrastructure project where the collection, processing and interpretation of ground data is undertaken.

I. INTRODUCCIÓN Las obras de infraestructuras lineales (carreteras y ferrocarriles, principalmente) están integradas por una serie de estructuras de tierra que soportan el firme o plataforma por las que circulan los medios de transporte que utilizan dichas infraestructuras. Entre ellas, las estructuras de tierra formadas por terraplenes, pedraplenes o escolleras, se construyen a partir de […]

Since the initial scientific statement on Secondary Prevention of Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) in the Elderly was published in 2002,1 several trends have continued that make an update highly appropriate. First, the graying of the US population and those of other industrialized countries has progressed unabated because more adults are surviving into their senior years. The number of Americans aged ≥75 years was estimated at 18.6 million in 2010, representing ≈6% of the population,2 and it is expected to double by 2050. The population aged ≥85 years is growing the most rapidly, with numbers expected to reach 19.5 million by 2040. In 2008, 67% of the 811 940 cardiovascular deaths in the United States occurred in people aged ≥75 years.3 In parallel to this increase in the older adult demographic, the number of Americans with CHD has increased to an estimated 16.3 million, more than half of whom are >65 years of age.3 Similarly, 7 million have had a stroke, the incidence of which approximately doubles with successive age decades after 45 to 54 years.3 Peripheral artery disease (PAD) affects 8 to 10 million Americans, the majority of whom are >65 years of age. Between 2015 and 2030, annual US costs related to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) are projected to increase from $84.8 billion to $202 billion.3 Moreover, given that ASCVD often undermines functional capacity and independence and increases reliance on long-term care, indirect expenses related to ASCVD are also expected to increase. Thus, the need for effective secondary prevention measures in the older adult population with known ASCVD has never been greater. Notably, the 2011 American Heart Association (AHA)/American College of Cardiology Foundation (ACCF) updated guidelines for secondary prevention of CHD broadened …

Prevention of Primary Event: Ischemic Stroke Risk Detection and Reduction

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) is associated with an increased burden of neuropsychiatric disorders, including cognitive decline, affective disorders, and substance use disorders. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), developed for glycemic control and weight reduction, have been hypothesized to confer neuroprotective and psychotropic benefits via central and peripheral mechanisms. However, evidence across individual studies remains inconsistent. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis (PROSPERO CRD420251025534) of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies assessing the effect of GLP-1 RAs on neuropsychiatric outcomes. Searches were performed in MEDLINE, SCOPUS, CENTRAL, and Web of Science up to 30th October 2025. Eligible comparators included placebo, standard care, or alternative glucose-lowering agents. Data were synthesized using random-effects models, and risk of bias was assessed using RoB2 and ROBINS-I. Evidence certainty was graded using GRADE methodology. From 10,037 records, 82 studies were included. GLP-1 RAs were associated with a reduced risk of idiopathic Parkinson's disease (PD) (pooled HR 0.70, 95% CI: 0.53-0.92, I2 = 38%) but no improvements in motor symptoms in established PD (MDS-UPDRS Part III off-medication: mean difference -3.29, 95% CI: -7.84, 1.26, I2 = 80%). No consistent improvements in non-motor symptoms, quality of life, or dyskinesia scores were seen. GLP-1 RAs were associated with a reduced risk of cannabis use disorder (pooled HR 0.55, 95% CI: 0.39-0.77, I2 = 71%) but showed no significant effect on opioid use disorder (pooled HR 0.61, 95% CI: 0.24-1.52, I2 = 91%). Liraglutide reduced binge frequency in binge eating disorder (mean difference -1.28, 95% CI: -1.67, -0.89, I2 = 53%) compared to placebo. In observational studies versus non-user controls, GLP-1 RA use was associated with a lower reported risk of suicidality (pooled OR 0.34, 95% CI: 0.18-0.63, I2 = 99%), but no such association was seen with Semaglutide alone (pooled OR 0.71, 95% CI: 0.29-1.73, I2 = 99%), active-comparator studies (pooled HR 0.96, 95% CI: 0.81-1.15, I2=0%) or RCTs (pooled RR 1.13, 95% CI: 0.53-2.41, I2=0%). No associations were observed for depression or anxiety. For dementia, findings were mixed: no benefit versus SGLT2 inhibitors (pooled RR 1.07, 95% CI: 0.73-1.56, I2 = 78%), but there was a reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease when compared to unmatched or non-exposed controls (pooled RR 0.37, 95% CI: 0.14-0.96, I2 = 98%). Certainty of evidence ranged from moderate to very low. Current evidence, largely of low to very low certainty, suggests potential selective neuropsychiatric associations of GLP-1 RAs, particularly in Parkinson's disease risk reduction and binge eating disorder. Benefits for dementia risk reduction were observed primarily in comparisons with non-exposed or DPP4i, whereas no advantage was seen versus other active comparators, such as SGLT2 inhibitors. Our findings should be interpreted as hypothesis-generating due to significant heterogeneity and wide confidence intervals, indicating imprecision. Longer-term studies with neuropsychiatric outcomes as the primary endpoint are required.

Introduction Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality in people with type 2 diabetes (T2D). CAPTURE, a non-interventional, cross-sectional study conducted across 13 countries in 2019, collected demographic and clinical characteristics in almost 10,000 adults with T2D in primary or secondary care. Less than 25% of patients with established CVD treated with a glucose-lowering agent received an agent with demonstrated benefit in cardiovascular (CV) risk reduction, such as a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) or a sodium–glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitor (SGLT-2i).1 It is not known whether this is linked to estimated 10-year and lifetime CV risk. Purpose To estimate the CV risk distribution in the CAPTURE population using the Diabetes Lifetime-perspective prediction (DIAL) model, and to assess treatment patterns by CV risk. Methods The DIAL model is an externally validated competing risk adjusted model for predicting CV risk in patients with T2D, calculating absolute 10-year and lifetime risk of myocardial infarction, stroke or cardiovascular death, and life-expectancy free of a CVD event. Patient-level data from CAPTURE (age, sex, body mass index, smoking status, HbA1c, CVD history, T2D duration, clinical parameters and treatment history) were used in the DIAL model. Missing data were imputed by region using predicted mean matching. High risk was defined as 10-year risk >10%, and lifetime risk >50%. Results Data from 9457 patients with T2D aged 30–85 years were included in the analyses. There was a wide distribution of both 10-year and lifetime risk, with higher risk in patients with a history of CVD (n=2914) than in those without (n=6543). Among patients with a history of CVD, 96% had a 10-year risk of CVD >10% and 81% had a lifetime risk of CVD >50% (Figure). In patients with CVD and a high 10-year risk of recurrent CVD, 81% had a lifetime risk of recurrent CVD >50%. In patients without history of CVD, 14% had a 10-year risk >10% and only 1% had a lifetime risk >50% (Figure). Among patients without previous CVD but with a high 10-year risk of CVD, only 4% had a lifetime risk >50%. Of the patients with CVD, 10% received a GLP-1 RA and 18% received an SGLT-2i. Similarly, of patients with CVD and a high 10-year risk of recurrent CVD, 10% received a GLP-1 RA and 17% received an SGLT-2i. Among patients without CVD, 11% received a GLP-1 RA and 16% received an SGLT-2i, and among patients without current CVD but at a high 10-year risk of CVD, 12% received a GLP-1 RA and 16% received an SGLT-2i. Conclusion There is a wide distribution of CVD risk in the CAPTURE population, and only a minority of patients at high risk of CVD received a glucose-lowering agent with demonstrated benefit in CV risk reduction. Discussing with patients the 10-year and lifetime risks, and the CV benefit to be gained from interventions, can enhance shared decision making. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Private company. Main funding source(s): Funded by Novo Nordisk A/S

Energy recovery from municipal solid waste (MSW) is attractive to state and local governments due to the economic value of the recycled materials, the energy cost savings from recycling, and the cost savings derived from reduced landfill volumes. The energy cost savings included in the study are both avoided costs from the recycling and reuse of materials and recovered energy through waste-to-energy conversion of MSW. This study compiles information from several sources in order to define the avoided energy costs and recovered waste-to-energy. The scenarios outlined in this report illustrate the projected energy savings from different programs designed to: (1) Recycle 100% of certain MSW; (2) recycle 25% of certain MSW; (3) recycle MSW to achieve maximum energy recovery; (4) recycle MSW to minimize landfill disposal and; (5) minimize landfill volumes utilized and maximize energy recovery by incineration of plastic waste. It was concluded that waste-to-energy conversion is necessary if energy recovery and volume minimization are to be optimized simultaneously.


 Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia in the general population and it has been found to have a higher prevalence in end-stage kidney disease (ESKD). It is associated with a higher risk of stroke and mortality compared to those without AF. Patients with ESKD have generally been excluded from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the efficacy of anticoagulation in reduction of stroke risk. Current observational evidence for anticoagulation for AF in the ESKD population has yielded conflicting results, but in aggregate favours a lack of benefit in stroke risk reduction with an increase in bleeding risk. There are also reports that warfarin use in ESKD patients on dialysis is associated with greater International Normalised Ratio (INR) variability and increased risk of vascular calcification and calciphylaxis (uraemic calcific arteriolopathy). RCTs are required to assess the net clinical benefit of anticoagulation in this group. 

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to validate perceived benefits and challenges of managing change in Building Information Modelling (BIM) Level 2 projects and to further explore the opportunities for enhancing the benefits and reducing the challenges. This research is timely because, hitherto, the benefits and challenges of managing change in BIM Level 2 remained largely unvalidated and the opportunities for enhancing the benefits and reducing challenges remained relatively unexplored.Design/methodology/approachA combination of a questionnaire survey and interviews with BIM Level 2 practitioners in the UK was employed in this study. In all, 41 responses were received from the questionnaire survey and ten subsequent interviews with BIM practitioners were carried out to explore opportunities for reducing challenges and increasing benefits of managing change in BIM Level 2 projects.FindingsThe study confirms benefits and challenges of managing change in BIM Level 2 projects identified and synthesised from literature, a much needed validation. Additional benefits and challenges were also identified in this study, such as cost saving and risk reduction (benefits) and social dimension issues in the BIM Level 2 processes (challenges). Opportunities identified to enhance benefits and reduce challenges were mainly socially driven, and were either reactive or proactive in nature.Research limitations/implicationsOpportunities for reducing challenges and increasing benefits identified from this research can inform the change management processes in BIM-Level 2.Practical implicationsThe findings provide concrete basis for shaping BIM Level 2 change management processes and requirements.Social implicationsThe identification of behaviours as shaping the social requirements for BIM-Level 2 confirms the need for a socio-technical approach to successful BIM implementation.Originality/valueThe identification of behaviours as shaping the social requirements for BIM Level 2 confirms the need for a socio-technical approach to successful BIM implementation.

Should the Kalimbe (a traditional Amerindian loincloth) be banned, based on its association with an increased risk of malaria? Studies on malaria conducted on Amerindian children in the Oyapock region, French Guiana suggest that there is an argument for replacing the Kalimbe with a modern alternative. However, the wider issue of how the positive (risk reduction and related benefits) and negative effects (exacerbation of acculturation processes and associated consequences) should be assessed needs to be considered before suggesting a change in ancestral behaviour for medical purposes. A multidisciplinary approach is needed, together with caution and humility from epidemiologists.

Risk reduction through early assessment and integration of sustainability in design in the minerals industry

The research conducted to estimate the potential economic benefit from adoption of drought tolerant soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) variety NRC-7 in Indore district of Madhya Pradesh, where majority of area is under rainfed system. In this study, the potential economic benefit in terms of economic surplus and risk reduction was estimated for NRC-7 and alternative varieties, JS-93-05 and JS 95-60. NRC-7 requires less cost of cultivation compared to other two varieties, and withstands stress condition. In normal condition, the economic surplus for NRC-7 was ₹ 686 million per year, and that of, JS-93-05 and JS 95-60 is about ₹ 3161 million, ₹ 6291 million, respectively. For NRC-7, the risk reduction benefit was to the level of ₹ 547 million, which accounted for about 83.8% of total benefits for that variety. On per ha basis, NRC 7 performs well over the other two varieties in reducing the fluctuation in income of farmers. So there is a need to develop and increase the awareness of abiotic stress tolerant varieties to cope up with the income fluctuation due to weather risks.

This qualitative study sought to determine the information needs of high-risk pre-menopausal women who had undergone prophylactic bilateral oophorectomy to manage their inherited risk of ovarian cancer. In-depth interviews were carried out with 23 high-risk women following surgery. Although the benefit of risk reduction was perceived as out weighing the costs of surgery, many women reported that they would have liked more information about the physical and emotional after-effects of oophorectomy prior to and following surgery. The analysis identified five different types of information needed by women making surgical decisions, comprising information about ovarian function and the menopause, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), surgical procedures, convalescence and the risk of inheriting a genetic mutation and developing cancer. It is suggested that, in addition to genetic counselling for hereditary ovarian cancer, women should receive information about both the costs and benefits of prophylactic oophorectomy, and should have access to gynaecology nurse specialists both before and after surgery.