Temporary Solution Research Articles

Ascities after Liver Cirrhosis Diagnosis and Treatment

Ascites, the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity, is a common complication in patients with cirrhosis. Approximately 50% of patients with compensated cirrhosis will develop ascites over a 10-year period, marking a significant milestone in the progression of end-stage liver disease. Survival rates decrease after the onset of ascites, with only 50% of patients surviving 2 to 5 years, depending on the underlying cause of cirrhosis, The management of ascites involves salt restriction and diuretic use, which are effective in about 90% of patients in reducing fluid accumulation and symptoms. In cases where ascites does not respond to these measures, additional interventions such as large-volume paracentesis may be necessary as a temporary solution or for symptomatic relief while awaiting liver transplantation, for patients with refractory ascites, the transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) procedure can be considered. This involves creating a shunt between the portal vein and hepatic vein to reduce portal hypertension. TIPS can serve as a bridge to liver transplantation or provide long-term palliation, but careful monitoring for bacterial peritonitis is essential. Patients at high risk for bacterial peritonitis should receive antibiotic prophylaxis to prevent this serious infection. Prompt diagnostic paracentesis is necessary when spontaneous bacterial peritonitis is suspected, involving the removal and analysis of fluid from the abdominal cavity

Enhanced Insights into Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia: Advancements in Pathogenesis Understanding and Management Strategies.

Frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) represents a distinctive form of primary lymphocytic scarring alopecia characterized by fronto-temporal hair recession and eyebrow hair loss. While predominantly affecting postmenopausal women, FFA also occurs in women of reproductive age and men, with variations observed across different ethnic groups. Genetic predisposition, environmental factors and inflammatory pathways contribute to its pathogenesis, with evolving diagnostic criteria enhancing accuracy. FFA treatment lacks standardization, encompassing topical, systemic and physical therapies, while hair transplantation remains a temporary solution. This article reviews the current understanding of FFA, aiming to provide clinicians with updated insights for its management.

#2425 A change in deceased donor allocation policy may provide gender equality in kidney transplantation

Abstract Background and Aims Overcoming gender disparity in access to kidney transplantation is a well-established universal challenge. The SRTR data showed a greater proportion of males than females for kidney transplant waitlists (61% vs 39%). Similarly, of 831 deceased donor kidney transplants (DDKT) conducted between 1997 and 2018 at IKDRC-ITS, 68% have been male and 32% female recipients while majority of donors in living donor kidney transplants (LDKT) were females. Prior to 2020, there duration on transplantation waitlist was the only criteria for deceased donor kidney allocation. In January 2020, SOTTO Gujarat was formed which implements a point system based deceased donor allocation policy including HLA mismatch, Panel Reactive Antibody, Donor Specific Antibody, age and duration on dialysis, amongst others. 2 additional points are allocated to female recipients in this allocation system. The aim is to study the impact of change in DDKT allocation policy on gender disparity. Method This is a retrospective, single-center, observational study. Number of male and female kidney transplant recipients was collected from the medical records held by the department of nephrology between January 2014 to December 2023. The data was categorized as before and after implementation of SOTTO Gujarat guidelines and analyzed. Results A total of 3182 kidney transplants were conducted at our centre over the study period, 2231 were LDKT while only 951 were DDKT. We found the percentage of female LDKT recipients to have remained disproportionately low as compared to male DDKT throughout the study period, while there was a gradually progressive increase in the percentage of female DDKT recipients with almost a doubling of female DDKT recipients from 27.57% in 2019 to 54.19% in 2023. This may be attributed to the compounding effect of allocating points to DSA, PRA, age of patient and gender as female patients tend to have higher PRA and DSA level after sensitization. Conclusion This study provides new insights into steps that can be taken to bridge the gender gap in DDKT. It shows that implementing a point based system for DDKT allocation policy with extra points for female recipients may increase the number of kidney transplants in them. Similar policy may be undertaken by other transplant centers as a bridge to achieve temporary solution till underlying factors leading to gender disparity are better understood and ways to overcome them are formed. Action should be taken to provide for equitable access to females at all stages, from diagnosis to treatment such as intensive and timely counselling. Policies for social empowerment of women must be formed including literacy, better maternal and child healthcare and financial independence. Raising awareness and education at a grassroot level must remain the key component to change public attitude regarding organ donation and ensure equitable access to transplantation for all.

The Process of Leaving a Domestic Violence Shelter for Mothers and Children

ABSTRACTDomestic violence (DV) shelters provide a safe place for women and children; however, they are only intended to be a temporary solution until residents can find a safe place of their own. In Sweden, the social services are responsible for helping and supporting victims of DV to get away from the violence, which can include everything from practical help and housing to emotional support. The present article aims to investigate mothers' descriptions of leaving a DV shelter where they were staying with their children. Interviews with 13 mothers of children aged 0–6 years are analysed using thematic analysis. The results show that the process of leaving a DV shelter begins almost as soon as the mother and her children arrive, as it can take quite some time to find a new safe place and to mentally prepare for the move. Additionally, it takes a lot of effort to plan for life outside the shelter. This involves hardship for the mothers and children, meaning that they need support from both shelter staff and social services. Implications for social work practice and policy are discussed.

WEARABLE CARDIOVERTER–DEFIBRILLATORS IN CLINICAL PRACTICE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ANMCO POSITION PAPER FOR APPROPRIATE USE OF THE WEARABLE CARDIOVERTER DEFIBRILLATOR

Abstract Introduction Wearable cardioverter–defibrillators (WCD) have emerged as a valuable tool in the management of patients at risk for life–threatening arrhythmias. These devices offer a non–invasive and temporary solution, providing continuous monitoring and the potential for prompt defibrillation when needed. In this study, we explore the indications for WCD and evaluate arrhythmic events through comprehensive monitoring. Methods From November 2022 to December 2023, we conducted an outpatient follow–up of 18 patients receiving WCD. Regular check–ups and comprehensive echocardiography were performed to optimize therapy based on specific indications for each patient. Results The average age of the patients was 59.3±17.4 years, with 79% being male. Among the cohort, 58% had hypertension, and a similar percentage comprised smokers and individuals with dyslipidemia, while 32% were diabetic. The indications for receiving WCD were: de novo diagnosis of dilated cardiomyopathy with reduced ejection fraction in 9 (50%) patients, recent acute coronary syndrome and ejection fraction < 35% in 5 (28%), cardiac electronic device infections in 3 (17%) patients and myocarditis with electrical instability in 1 (5%) patient. Patients were in optimal medical therapy (OMT) tailored to their specific comorbidities, with 84% on renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system inhibitors, 95% on beta–blockers, 53% on mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, 53% on sodium–glucose cotransporter–2 inhibitors, and 37% on antiarrhythmics. The average follow–up was 64±45 days according to specific etiology, with a daily wearing time of 22.9±1.1 hours. No device interventions were recorded. At the end of the follow–up period, 6 (33%) patients still required implantable cardioverter–defibrillator (ICD). Among these, 4 patients (22%) underwent to ICD implantation, 3 for secondary prevention, and 1 for primary prevention, while notably, 2 (11%) patients, declined the procedure. Conclusions The use of wearable cardioverter–defibrillators in the outpatient setting for patients at risk of life–threatening arrhythmias allowed to optimize therapy and restrict the indications for ICD, in our cohort up to 67%, with a good safety profile due to the low incidence of device interventions.

Evaluation of decarbonization cost transfer: From transport to power sector in South Korea

To achieve net-zero emissions, major countries have implemented energy transition and electrification policies, incurring significant costs. Each sector, including generation, industry, transport, and buildings, has its own decarbonization strategy. However, as net-zero emission is a cross-sectoral issue, decarbonization efforts in one sector can impact others. In this study, we employed a combination of renewable energy adoption planning, battery electric vehicles (BEVs) charging pattern simulation, and electricity market modeling to evaluate the cost implications of transitioning to BEVs in the transport sector and its subsequent impact on the power generation sector. We considered long-term Korean policies for the power and transport sectors when constructing scenarios to compare transition costs. Our results indicate that, while the additional electricity demand from BEVs increases electricity system costs, utilizing nuclear power can significantly reduce these costs. The estimated cost of BEVs, totaling three billion US dollars, can be covered through the relevant transition policy in the power sector. However, nuclear power in Korea is only a temporary solution that delays the social costs of achieving net-zero emissions. Thus, the Korean government should develop alternatives for clean electricity. Our results also suggest that the decarbonization cost transition from a sector to the power sector should be considered in the net-zero policy.

Dental antimicrobial stewardship: a qualitative study of perspectives among Canadian dentistry sector leaders and experts in antimicrobial stewardship.

Dentistry is a significant contributor to the burden of antimicrobial overprescribing and hence to the global problem of antimicrobial resistance. However, antimicrobial stewardship in Canadian dentistry is nascent, with an acknowledged need for research and coordinated stewardship efforts. This study aimed to gain insights into the perspectives of Canadian dentistry sector leaders and experts on the main drivers of dental antibiotic overprescribing and potential stewardship strategies. Exploratory qualitative design. Data collection: four one-time, 1 h focus group discussions with 22 experts and stakeholders in antimicrobial stewardship in Canada, recruited through a mix of purposive and snowball sampling. Data analysis: inductive thematic analysis. The analysis yielded five themes: outdated patterns; antimicrobials as a Band-Aid; fear and risk aversion; behavioural change; and why reinvent the wheel? Overprescription in dentistry stems primarily from a perpetuation of outdated prescribing patterns, ubiquitous use of antibiotics as a temporary solution, and an overly cautious antibiotic use by risk-averse providers. Stewardship strategies should be grounded on behavioural change (motivation, robust data and enactment of new behaviours) and may be modelled after tested medical interventions. This study presents a roadmap for behavioural change in dental antibiotic prescribing, and points to the fact that the success of a stewardship actionable plan for Canadian dentistry may depend more on concerted efforts for change than on the creation of novel strategies. Hence, contextualizing and testing medical stewardship programmes in Canadian dentistry may be effective in combatting antibiotic overprescription, thereby contributing to global efforts to reduce antimicrobial resistance.

Sprayable Hydrogel Sealant for Gastrointestinal Wound Shielding.

Naturally occurring internal bleeding, such as in stomach ulcers, and complications following interventions, such as polyp resection post-colonoscopy, may result in delayed (5-7 days) post-operative adverse events-such as bleeding, intestinal wall perforation, and leakage. Current solutions for controlling intra- and post-procedural complications are limited in effectiveness. Hemostatic powders only provide a temporary solution due to their short-term adhesion to GI mucosal tissues (less than 48 h). In this study, a sprayable adhesive hydrogel for facile application and sustained adhesion to GI lesions is developed using clinically available endoscopes. Upon spraying, the biomaterial (based on polyethyleneimine-modified Pluronic micelles precursor and oxidized dextran) instantly gels upon contact with the tissue, forming an adhesive shield. In vitro and in vivo studies in guinea pigs, rabbits, and pig models confirm the safety and efficacy of this biomaterial in colonic and acidic stomach lesions. The authors' findings highlight that this family of hydrogels ensures prolonged tissue protection (3-7 days), facilitates wound healing, and minimizes the risk of delayed complications. Overall, this technology offers a readily adoptable approach for gastrointestinal wound management.

Laboratory Assessment of A Fixed Box-Type Breakwater as Temporary Coastal Protection Against Wave Actions

Coastal areas are vulnerable to the erosive forces of waves, particularly during storm events. Temporary coastal protection measures are often necessary to mitigate damage while permanent solutions are being developed. This study investigates the effectiveness of a fixed box-type breakwater as a temporary measure against wave action. Laboratory experiments were conducted to assess the performance of the breakwater under varying wave conditions. The wave attenuation performance of the proposed breakwater was tested in a series of early experiments in a two-dimensional (2D) wave flume under various conditions, including frequency and wave periods for different models (FB1 without membrane, FB2 with a single 46cm membrane, FB3 with 46cm and 56cm double membranes, and FB4 with a single 56cm membrane). Additionally, the flexible membrane's length was examined, along with other derived breakwater designs such as rectangle boxes and boxes joined by a single flexible membrane. Results indicate significant wave attenuation behind the breakwater, suggesting its potential efficacy in protecting coastal areas. According to the findings, the fixed breakwater (FB3 model) might successfully reduce waves by about 50% in moderately longer waves with a wave period of 2s. This article presents the methodology, experimental setup, results, and implications of the study, highlighting the suitability of fixed box-type breakwaters as a viable temporary coastal protection solution.

EFFECTIVENESS OF E-LEARNING IN HIGHER EDUCATION – A CASE STUDY IN DONG NAI PROVINCE

E-learning has many exceptional advantages in teaching and training, and it has been applied in many universities and colleges in Dong Nai with a variety of scopes and levels; especially at a time with the motto "learning everywhere at any time", Dong Nai province sees this as a good opportunity to accelerate digital transformation in education. Simultaneously, underlining that online teaching is not only a temporary solution during epidemic seasons, but also an important way to improve educational quality. The research is carried out to examine the realities of online training in higher education in order to satisfy the demands of society's need for high-quality human resources. In addition, lecturer questionnaire and student questionnaire design would be used to collect quantitative data to answer research questions through the employment of questionnaire. The survey result showed that an average score of 4.03 to 4.19 with the “agree” level in student survey and another 4.19 to 4.29 in lecturer survey. It is indicated that the attitudes of students and lecturers on the survey items are very similar through two surveys. As a result, e-learning plays an important role in conveying the knowledge to all students at anytime and anywhere.

Treatment Wetland Plant Harvests as a Tool for Soil Phosphorus Reduction in North Central US Agricultural Watersheds

Agricultural watersheds in the North Central United States have been intensively farmed for decades with widespread application of fertilizer and extensive tilling practices. Soil phosphorus built up in sediments over time as a result of these practices may be released under anaerobic conditions, such as flood events. These floods are increasing in frequency and intensity due to climate change, leading to downstream water-quality concerns. Edge-of-field best management practices, including constructed treatment wetlands, provide a natural buffer for excess phosphorus runoff, but may only be a temporary solution if soil becomes oversaturated with phosphorus over extended periods of time. Preventing wetlands from becoming sources of phosphorus to water bodies may be essential for management in future years when considering impacts from climate change. This research assesses how wetland plant harvesting can reduce soil phosphorus accumulation (measured as Olsen phosphorus) in edge-of-field treatment wetlands, thereby preventing these systems from becoming phosphorus sources and ensuring the longevity of water-quality benefits from these systems. Using several 380 L controlled wetland mesocosm experiments in 2018–2019, we assessed above-ground plant material (S. tabernaemontani and B. fluviatilis) and soil Olsen P through the growing season and after harvest. We observed a reduction in soil phosphorus from wetland plant harvesting between 1–50% over one year, with a mean reduction of 7.9 mg/kg. B. fluviatilis initially contained higher P concentration early in the season (0.82% P content) compared to S. tabernaemontani (0.76% P), but S. tabernaemontani retained higher P later in the season (0.3% P content) compared to B. fluviatilis (0.25%). Time of season may significantly impact plant P removal potential, including accessibility of treatment wetland sites. While controlled mesocosm experiments may not always be applicable to real landscape-level management, this study highlights the potential for reductions in soil phosphorus and corresponding downstream phosphorus fluxes in edge-of-field treatment wetlands through plant harvest during the growing season. Plant harvesting can be used by land managers in edge-of-field treatment wetlands as an adaptation mechanism for shifting environmental conditions, such as increased heavy rainfall occurrences and flood events, that are exacerbated by climate change in this region.

Task Sharing and Task Shifting (TSTS) in the Management of Africans with Hypertension: A Call For Action-Possibilities and Its Challenges.

Hypertension is a leading cause of mortality globally and one of the most common risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Diagnosis, awareness, and optimal treatment rates are suboptimal, especially in low- and middle-income countries, with attendant high health consequences and grave socioeconomic impact. There is an enormous gap between disease burden and physician-patient ratios that needs to be bridged. Task sharing and task shifting (TSTS) provide a viable temporary solution. However, sociocultural, demographic, and economic factors influence the effective uptake of such interventions. This review discusses the dynamics of TSTS in the African context looking at challenges, feasibility, and approach to adopt it in the management of hypertension in Africa.

Asset management, condition monitoring and Digital Twins: damage detection and virtual inspection on a reinforced concrete bridge

In April 2021 Stavå bridge, a main bridge on E6 in Norway, was abruptly closed for traffic. A structural defect had seriously compromised the bridge’s structural integrity. The Norwegian Public Roads Administration (NPRA) closed it, made a temporary solution and reopened with severe traffic restrictions. The incident was alerted through what constitutes the bridge’s Digital Twin processing data from Internet of Things sensors. The solution was crucial in online and offline diagnostics, the case demonstrating the value of technologies to tackle emerging dangerous situations as well as acting preventively. A critical and rapidly developing damage was detected in time to stop the development, but not in time to avoid the incident altogether. The paper puts risk in a broader perspective for an organization responsible for highway infrastructure. It positions online monitoring and Digital Twins in the context of Risk- and Condition-Based Maintenance. The situation that arose at Stavå bridge, and how it was detected, analysed, and diagnosed during virtual inspection, is described. The case demonstrates how combining physics-based methods with Machine Learning can facilitate damage detection and diagnostics. A summary of lessons learnt, both from technical and organisational perspectives, as well as plans of future work, is presented.

An Adaptive Two-Class Teaching-Learning-Based Optimization for Energy-Efficient Hybrid Flow Shop Scheduling Problems with Additional Resources

Energy-efficient scheduling problems with additional resources are seldom studied in hybrid flow shops. In this study, an energy-efficient hybrid flow shop scheduling problem (EHFSP) with additional resources is studied in which there is asymmetry in the machine. An adaptive two-class teaching-learning-based optimization (ATLBO) which has multiple teachers is proposed to simultaneously minimize the makespan and the total energy consumption. After two classes are formed, a teacher phase is first executed, which consists of teacher self-learning and teacher training. Then, an adaptive learner phase is presented, in which the quality of two classes is used to adaptively decide the learner phase or the reinforcement search of the temporary solution set. An adaptive formation of classes is also given. Extensive experiments were conducted and the computational results show that the new strategies are effective and that ATLBO was able to provide better results than comparative algorithms reported in the literature in at least 54 of 68 instances.

Particulate Matter Emission and Air Pollution Reduction by Applying Variable Systems in Tribologically Optimized Diesel Engines for Vehicles in Road Traffic

Regardless of the increasingly intensive application of vehicles with electric drives, internal combustion engines are still dominant as power units of mobile systems in various sectors of the economy. In order to reduce the emission of exhaust gases and satisfy legal regulations, as a temporary solution, hybrid drives with optimized internal combustion engines and their associated systems are increasingly being used. Application of the variable compression ratio and diesel fuel injection timing, as well as the tribological optimization of parts, contribute to the reduction in fuel consumption, partly due to the reduction in mechanical losses, which, according to test results, also results in the reduction in emissions. This manuscript presents the results of diesel engine testing on a test bench in laboratory conditions at different operating modes (compression ratio, fuel injection timing, engine speed, and load), which were processed using a zero-dimensional model of the combustion process. The test results should contribute to the optimization of the combustion process from the aspect of minimal particulate matter emission. As a special contribution, the results of tribological tests of materials for strengthening the sliding surface of the aluminum alloy piston and cylinder of the internal combustion engine and air compressors, which were obtained using a tribometer, are presented. In this way, tribological optimization should also contribute to the reduction in particulate matter emissions due to the reduction in fuel consumption, and thus emissions due to the reduction in friction, as well as the recorded reduction in the wear of materials that are in sliding contact. In this way, it contributes to the reduction in harmful gases in the air.

Identifying the essential features of an eldercare software platform through analyzing caregiver surveys conducted in Bulgaria

Population aging is a global challenge, exacerbated by two main issues. Firstly, there is a significant increase in the number of elderly adults, and secondly, there is a notable decrease in qualified staff available to care for retirees. In recent years, European countries have responded by raising the retirement age, but this only offers a partial and temporary solution. Training qualified personnel is an alternative, yet it's a lengthy and costly endeavor. Enhancing staff efficiency through improved qualifications is crucial, but as mentioned, it's time-consuming. A key strategy in optimizing the work of elderly caregivers is the large-scale digitization of their activities. To do this effectively, a thorough understanding of the daily needs and challenges faced by caregivers is essential. This understanding can be gleaned from a carefully structured questionnaire, comprising three questions divided into four categories, each encompassing specific predefined needs and challenges. These were evaluated by respondents, with their scores subsequently aggregated and normalized. From these normalized values, we can derive the critical functions needed for a software platform dedicated to digitizing social workers' tasks.

‘A Jurisprudence for the Future’: Anticolonial Lawyering during the Vietnam War Years

Abstract This article explores the dilemmas of progressive legalism during the Vietnam War years (1965–1975) by investigating the history of the Russell Tribunal. Scholars have argued that the 1960s witnessed a flourishing of anticolonial legalism, as activists sought to purge international law of its imperial origins. However, as the history of the Russell Tribunal shows, the transformation of law from a handmaiden of empire into a tool of anti-imperial resistance was not straightforward. This article examines the strategies employed by activists to overcome international law’s imperial biases. It argues that activists focused on developing a ‘jurisprudence for the future’, a mode of activism aimed at constructing international rules and norms that challenged, rather than sustained, European domination. By advocating for a future-oriented activism, tribunal members sought a temporary solution to the predicament of law’s imperial leanings. They defended their use of international law by asserting that their protests would contribute to the emergence of a future and more emancipatory international law. Nevertheless, an examination of the World Tribunal on Iraq (2003–2005) reveals that this envisioned future international law has yet to materialize. This article highlights the significance of futurism in the history of anticolonial lawyering and suggests that scholars should evaluate the limitations of a future-oriented legal activism.

Re-hospital admission, morbidity and mortality rate in patients undergoing tunnelled catheter implantation for haemodialysis

Despite the effort to increase the proportion of patients starting dialysis on native accesses, many of them are still dialyzed on tunnelled catheter. Catheter-related complications are often serious and responsible for re-hospital admission, high morbidity and mortality. Several multicenter trials have reported results in the use of tunnelled dialysis catheter (TDC). However, few single-center studies have been published to verify the outcome from real-world experience. This study presents our center's experience in managing such patients in the context of relevant literature. Demographics and operative data were retrospectively collected from medical charts. A prospective follow-up was performed to investigate complications, number of re-hospitalizations and mortality. Kaplan-Meier estimate was used to evaluate catheter primary patency and patients' overall survival. Among a total 298 haemodialysis accesses interventions, 105 patients (56 men, 53.3% and 49 women, 46.7%) with a median age of 65 years (range 32-88 years) were included in the study. All insertions were successful with an optimal blood flow achieved during the first session of dialysis in all cases. A catheter-related complication was detected in 33.3% (n=35) patients (48.6% infections; 28.6% TDC dysfunction; 14.3% local complications; 5.7% accidental catheter retractions; 2.8% catheter migrations). At a median follow-up of 10.5±8.5 months, a total of 85 patients (80.9%) was re-hospitalized, in 28 cases (26.7%) for a catheter-related cause. The median catheter patency rate was 122 days. At the last follow-up, 39 patients (37.1%) were still dialyzed on catheter, 30(28.6%) were dialyzed on an arteriovenous fistula and 7(6.7%) received a kidney transplantation. Two patients (2%) were transferred to peritoneal dialysis and two patients (2%) recover from renal insufficiency. Mortality rate was 23.8% (25 patients). Causes of death were myocardial infarction (n=13, 52%), sepsis (n=9, 36%); one patient (4%) died from pneumonia, one (4%) from uremic encephalopathy and one (4%) from massive hematemesis. TDCs may represent the only possible access in some patients, however they are burned with a high rate of complications, re-hospital admission and mortality. Results from this institutional experience are in line with previously published literature data in terms of morbidity and mortality. The present results reiterate once more that TDC must be regarded as a temporary solution while permanent access creation should be prioritized. Strict surveillance should be held in patients having TDC for the early identification of complications allowing the prompt treatment and modifying the catheter insertion site whenever needed.

Holistic design of energy-efficient temporary houses: Meeting ventilation, heating, cooling, and lighting demands

Recent disasters around the world have brought attention to the challenges faced by the homeless. Energy-efficient container houses (EECHs) offer a comfortable, sustainable, and temporary solution. A holistic design of EECH was conducted for mixed and hot climates using DesignBuilder software. The design, performed initially according to design criteria derived from ASHRAE Standards and previous studies, was subsequently examined for five passive strategies: envelope layering, WWR, windows opening ratio, glazing type, and shading. Optimal conditions were determined by the trade-off between heating and cooling demands, ventilation rate, and minimum daylight factor (DF) and uniformity (UDF). Results reveal that in mixed climates, using insulation materials and thermal mass is recommended, while in hot climates, it is advisable to avoid using them and instead rely solely on internal finishing layers. Complete reliance on natural ventilation is achieved by combining an opening ratio of 35 % with a WWR of 9%–25 % for south and north facades, and 6%–12 % for west façade. In mixed climates, argon gap double clear glazing is suitable, while a low-e layer is added for hot climates. Installing overhangs on south windows enhances UDF, unlike vertical fins on north and west windows. The designed EECHs consume 176 kWh/m2 of electricity annually.

The Belgrade Metro as a Space of Unfinished Modernisation and Literary Reflections of Its History

The concept of a Belgrade metro has been present in Serbian urban planning since the interwar period. Despite numerous projects, long discussions, and even the creation of a small part of the necessary infrastructure, the underground rapid transport system remains a solution that has never been implemented. The subject of this article is the metro viewed as a project permanently suspended at the conceptual stage, constantly in a transitional phase, a project whose constitutive feature is “being in progress”. As a result of the endless temporariness of alternative transport solutions, in Serbian culture the metro functions as a symbol of the incompleteness and dysfunctionality of local reality. This phenomenon is confirmed by Filip Vujošević’s drama Halflife, analysed in the article. It is set in the space of the underground station Vukov Monument (Vukov spomenik), designed as a main point of the future metro, but still serving today as a temporary solution and a substitute.