european journal of research development and sustainability

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Village Fund Management Strategies to Improve Village Community Welfare Pilohubuta Batudaa District District Gorontalo District

Monetary Policies and Direct Foreign Investments Affect Economic Growth in Indonesia and Vietnam

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European Journal of Sustainable Development

Current Issue

EU Green Transition in Times of Geopolitical Pressures: Accelerating or Slowing the Pace Towards Climate Neutrality?

Strategies for sustainable development of companies in international markets in the context of digitalization, regional policies for sustainable attractivity of the euregio, from hearts to carts: understanding the impact of comments, likes, and share functions on consumer purchase intentions in a social media landscape, fostering sustainable packaging industry: global trends and challenges, entrepreneurship development in european union - challenges and opportunities for young people, analysis and challenges of the formative and accumulative process of industrial residues, financial development is supply-leading or demand-following empirical investigation on eu countries, mind the gap: an evaluation of indicator discrepancies between sustainability standards and certifications in the built asset industry, navigating precarity: political struggles and the impact on the shadow economy, threats and benefits of ai in the context of targeting sdgs: a youth perception approach, driving employee engagement: examining the synergy of ability, motivation, and opportunity-enhancing practices, system design for solid waste reuse: fostering sustainable urbanism through the reuselink system, promoting sustainable education through academic integrity: the habitus and socialization nexus, personnel career advancement factors: evidence from educational institutions, legal support for sustainable agroecological development: evidence from ukraine, understanding intercultural communication as a condition for sustainable development, international business strategy: ensuring enterprise stability amidst turmoil, insolvency proceedings in post-pandemic period, through the governance sustainability prism, sadc multilateral approach for sustainable development in cabo delgado, a review of the sustainability crisis and an appraisal of sustainable prosperity, ex-situ conservation of woody plants within the framework of the millennium seed bank partnership in georgia, the effect of managerial ability on firm investment decisions: evidence from egyptian stock market, do young sustainable tourists build better relationships with destinations, decision making and behaviour patterns in network relations.

EJSD is a double blinded peer-reviewed open access journal, published under the supervision of the European Center of Sustainable Development. EJSD was established as the official journal of ECSDEV, to provide an international forum for debates among diverse disciplines, such as human development, environmental and energy economics, health education studies, and related fields. The main purpose of the journal is twofold: to encourage (1) integration of theoretical studies and policy studies on sustainability issues and (2) interdisciplinary works of energy economics, environmental policy studies, educational studies, sustainable agricultural development, health and food education, urban planning and related fields on sustainability issues. The journal also welcomes contributions from any discipline as long as they are consistent with the above stated aims and purposes, and encourages interaction beyond the traditional schools of thought.

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ISSN:  2239-5938 EISSN:  2239-6101 Abbreviated Title:  EJSD DOI:  10.14207/ejsd First Published: 1 Feb 2012 Language: English, Italian

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The European Journal of Development Research

• ISSN : 0957-8811 (print)
• ISSN : 1743-9728 (electronic)
• Journal no. : 41287

• Explores processes that advance or impede human development.
• Covers development research from political, economic, sociological and anthropological perspectives.
• Examines challenges that face developing countries.

The European Journal of Development Research (EJDR) redefines and modernises what global development is, recognising the many schools of thought on what development constitutes, encouraging debate between competing approaches. The journal is multidisciplinary and welcomes papers that are rooted in any fields including (but not limited to): anthropology, climate, development studies, economics, education, geography, international studies, management, politics, social policy, sociology, sustainability, and the environment. EJDR explicitly links with development studies, being hosted by European Association of Development Institutes (EADI) and its various initiatives. The European Journal of Development Research embraces a critical use of quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods. We also welcome articles around impact evaluation, as well as reviews such as systematic reviews and meta-analysis. The research methods used in the journal’s articles make explicit the importance of empirical data and the critical interpretation of findings. Authors can use a combination of theory and data analysis to expand the possibilities for global development. Data use in the journal ranges broadly from narratives and transcripts, through ethnographic and mixed data, to quantitative and survey data The European Journal of Development Research encourages papers which embody the highest quality standards, and which use an innovative approach. We urge authors who contemplate submitting their work to the EJDR to respond to research already published in this journal, as well as complementary journals and books. We take special efforts to include global voices, and notably voices from the global South. Queries about potential submissions to EJDR can be directed to the Editors. The European Journal of Development Research is a Transformative Journal ; authors can publish using the traditional publishing route OR via immediate gold Open Access. More information on Transformative journals: https://www.springernature.com/gp/open-research/transformative-journals More information on funder and institutional requirements: https://www.springernature.com/gp/open-research/funding

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Volume 36, Issue 4, August 2024

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The Impact of Long-Term Finance on Job Quality, Investments and Firm Performance: Cross-Country Evidence

Christoph Sommer

Cocoa: Origin Differentials and the Living Income Differential

Christopher L. Gilbert

Assessing the Impact of Covid-19 in Mozambique in 2020

Vincenzo Salvucci , Finn Tarp

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Assessment of the quantities of non-targeted materials (impurities) in recycled plastic packaging waste to comply with eu regulations and sustainable waste management.

1. Introduction

2. materials and methods, 2.1. mass of ppw generated in poland and recycled.

• PPW 1 —the mass of PPW (kg, Mg) recycled in Poland in 2021;
• PPW 2 —the mass of PPW (kg, Mg) generated in Poland and recycled outside Poland in 2021;
• PPW 3 —the mass of PPW (kg, Mg) imported from outside Poland and recycled in Poland in 2021.

2.2. Determination of the Contribution of Impurities (I) (“Non-Targeted Materials”) at the Calculation Point

• PPW—the mass of PPW (kg, Mg (15 01 02, 15 01 05, and 15 01 06)) processed at the installation;
• OPW—the mass of other plastic waste (kg, Mg, (16 01 19, 17 02 03, 19 12 04, and 20 01 39)) processed at the installation.
• I—the mass (kg, Mg) of impurities in both PPW and OPW.

3. Results and Discussion

3.1. determination of the mass of ppw generated in poland and recycled in 2021 (ppw 1 ), 3.2. determination of the mass of ppw generated in poland and recycled outside poland (ppw 2 ), 3.3. determination of the mass of ppw imported to poland and recycled in 2021 (ppw 3 ), 3.4. the share of impurities in ppw and the actual mass of ppw after the recycling process (ppw r ) at the installation where the calculation point is located, 4. conclusions, author contributions, institutional review board statement, informed consent statement, data availability statement, conflicts of interest.

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Waszczyłko-Miłkowska, B.; Bernat, K.; Szczepański, K. Assessment of the Quantities of Non-Targeted Materials (Impurities) in Recycled Plastic Packaging Waste to Comply with EU Regulations and Sustainable Waste Management. Sustainability 2024 , 16 , 6226. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16146226

Waszczyłko-Miłkowska B, Bernat K, Szczepański K. Assessment of the Quantities of Non-Targeted Materials (Impurities) in Recycled Plastic Packaging Waste to Comply with EU Regulations and Sustainable Waste Management. Sustainability . 2024; 16(14):6226. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16146226

Waszczyłko-Miłkowska, Beata, Katarzyna Bernat, and Krystian Szczepański. 2024. "Assessment of the Quantities of Non-Targeted Materials (Impurities) in Recycled Plastic Packaging Waste to Comply with EU Regulations and Sustainable Waste Management" Sustainability 16, no. 14: 6226. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16146226

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• Published: 22 July 2024

The upregulation of POLR3G correlates with increased malignancy of bladder urothelium

• Xianhui Liu 1   na1 ,
• Lin Zhu 2   na1 ,
• Diancheng Li 3 &
• Xiao Chen 4  

European Journal of Medical Research volume  29 , Article number:  381 ( 2024 ) Cite this article

65 Accesses

Metrics details

Bladder cancer remains a significant health challenge due to its high recurrence and progression rates. This study aims to evaluate the role of POLR3G in the development and progression of bladder cancer and the potential of POLR3G to serve as a novel therapeutic target. We constructed a bladder cancer model in Wistar rats by administering N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl) nitrosamine (BBN), which successfully induced a transition from normal mucosa to hyperplasia and ultimately to urothelial carcinoma. We observed a progressive upregulation of POLR3G expression during the bladder cancer development and progression. To investigate the functional role of POLR3G, we performed functional experiments in bladder cancer cell lines. The results demonstrated that knocking down POLR3G significantly inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. We further conducted RNA sequencing on POLR3G-knockdown bladder cancer cells, and Metascape was employed to perform the functional enrichment analysis of the differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Enrichment analysis revealed the enrichment of DEGs in the RNA polymerase and apoptotic cleavage of cellular proteins pathways, as well as their involvement in the Wnt and MAPK signaling pathways. The downregulation of Wnt pathway-related proteins such as Wnt5a/b, DVL2, LRP-6, and phosphorylated LRP-6 upon POLR3G knockdown was further confirmed by Western blotting, indicating that POLR3G might influence bladder cancer behavior through the Wnt signaling pathway. Our findings suggest that POLR3G plays a crucial role in bladder cancer progression and could serve as a potential therapeutic target. Future studies should focus on the detailed mechanisms by which POLR3G regulates these signaling pathways and its potential as a biomarker for early detection and prognosis of bladder cancer.

Introduction

Bladder cancer stands as a significant global health concern [ 1 ]. According to the Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN) data from 2022, bladder cancer is the sixth most commonly diagnosed cancer in the male population worldwide, and it is the eleventh when both genders are considered. There were approximately 614,298 new cases of bladder cancer and 220,596 deaths globally [ 2 ]. The management of bladder cancer necessitates a multidisciplinary approach based on the patient’s tumor grade, tumor stage, overall health, and individualized treatment options. Surgery plays a pivotal role in the treatment of bladder cancer. Transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) is often the first step in managing non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC), followed by intravesical chemotherapy or intravesical Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) therapy [ 3 ]. Meanwhile, patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) often require radical cystectomy and urinary diversion [ 4 ]. Platinum-based chemotherapy is an integral part of bladder cancer treatment, which can be administered as neoadjuvant therapy to downstage the tumor or adjuvant therapy to control recurrence and reduce the risk of metastasis [ 5 ]. While patients with advanced bladder cancer have poor prognoses due to limited treatment options and a high rate of recurrence [ 4 , 6 ]. Platinum-based chemotherapy has been the first-line treatment of advanced bladder cancer since the late 1980s [ 7 ]. Over the past decade, the advent of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs) has revolutionized the treatment landscape of bladder cancer. The landmark phase III trials, including KEYNOTE-045 [ 8 ], CheckMate 275 [ 9 ], and IMvigor211 [ 10 ], have provided robust evidence supporting the use of ICIs as a standard therapeutic option in the management of advanced bladder cancer, with an overall objective response rate (ORR) of 21.1%, 19.6%, and 15%. ADCs have demonstrated efficacy against specific molecular targets overexpressed in tumor cells, such as Nectin-4 and Trop-2 [ 11 , 12 ]. Enfortumab vedotin [ 11 ] demonstrated an ORR of 44%, and sacituzumab govitecan [ 12 ] demonstrated an ORR of 27% in patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma who were previously treated with chemotherapy and ICIs.

Despite advances in diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, the prognosis for advanced bladder cancer remains poor, necessitating the exploration of novel molecular targets and therapeutic approaches. In our previous study, we found POLR3G was up-regulated in bladder cancer, and higher expression of POLR3G was associated with more advanced tumor stage and poorer prognosis [ 13 ]. In this study, we aim to evaluate the dynamic expression of POLR3G during the development of bladder cancer in animal models and the potential role of POLR3G to serve as a novel therapeutic target.

Materials and methods

Animal models.

Female Wistar rats and N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl) nitrosamine (BBN, TCI), a chemical carcinogen, was used to generate the bladder cancer model. A total of 35 (15 of control group and 20 of experimental group) female Wistar rats of 5 weeks were purchased from Charles River, and were housed in a specific-pathogen free facility at 3–5 per cage with 12 h light/dark cycles and with ad libitum access to food. Rats in control group were fed with freely available drinking water. Rats in experimental group for bladder tumor models were fed with water added with 0.05% BBN in dark bottles. Each 3 rats in control group were scheduled for ultrasound checking and haematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining of bladders in week 0, week 5, week 10, week 15, and week 20, and each 5 rats in experimental group were scheduled for ultrasound and HE staining of bladders in week 5, week 10, week 15, and week 20. Rats were anesthetized with isoflurane gas during ultrasound checking for bladder tumors, and were euthanized by asphyxiation with carbon dioxide before the bladders were harvested for HE staining and western blotting assays. All rats were closely monitored for any distress or pain throughout the study period and were monitored to determine a humane endpoint (> 20% body weight loss, physical inactivity or signs of severe toxicity such as infections, bleeding, or diarrhea) was reached.

Western blotting analysis

Total protein from bladder tissues was extracted using RIPA lysis and extraction buffer (Solarbio) and measured using a BCA kit (Solarbio). A total of 20 mg protein from each sample was separated using 10% separating gels and transferred to polyvinylidene fluoride membranes (Solarbio). Proteins were detected using a Fluorescence Imaging System (Sagecreation). Antibody information is summarized in Supplementary Table S1.

Cell lines and cell culture

Human bladder cancer cell lines, T24 and BIU87, were purchased from National Infrastructure of Cell Line Resource (Beijing, China). Cell lines were maintained in Roswell Park Memorial Institute (RPMI) 1640 medium (Gibco) supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum (Gibco) and 1% penicillin/streptomycin (Gibco). All cells were maintained in a humidified atmosphere with 5% CO2 at 37 °C.

Vector construction and cell infection

Synthesis of small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting POLR3G and negative control siRNAs was completed by GenePharma. The siRNA construct with the greatest POLR3G silencing efficiency and a negative control (siNC) were cloned into lentiviral vectors to create stable POLR3G-knockdown cells. The siRNA transfection or viral infection was completed according to the manufacturer's instructions. The efficiency of siRNA transfection or viral infection was verified by qRT-PCR or Western blotting. The siRNA, short hairpin RNA (shRNA), and corresponding control sequences are summarized in Supplementary Table S2.

RNA extraction and qRT-PCR

Total RNA was extracted from cells using the RNA simple Total RNA Kit (Tiangen). FastQuant RT Kit (Tiangen) was used for cDNA synthesis. The quantitative real time polymerase chain reactions (qRT-PCR) were performed using KAPA SYBR FAST Universal q-PCR Kit (KAPA). The relative mRNA levels of genes were calculated using cycle threshold (CT) methods, and β-actin was used as an endogenous control. Three replicate samples were studied for detection of mRNA expression. The primers sequences are summarized in Supplementary Table S2.

CCK-8 assays

The effect of POLR3G on cell proliferation was evaluated using the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay (Dojindo). Briefly, 1500 cells in 150 mL of medium were seeded onto 96-well plates. The absorbance of each well at 450 nm was measured at six different time points. Prior to all absorbance measurements, the medium in each well was replaced with 100 mL of complete medium supplemented with 10% CCK-8 solution, and the cells were incubated for 2 h.

Cell migration and invasion assays

Cell migration and invasion were evaluated using Transwell invasion assays with or without Matrigel. To assess the effect of POLR3G on cell migration and invasion, 4*10 4 cells were plated into the upper chamber of a 24-well Transwell or Matrigel chamber with 8-mm pores (Corning). For cell migration assays, T24 and BIU87 cells were incubated for 24 h prior to the assay. For cell invasion assays, T24 and BIU87 cells were incubated for 48 h, respectively. Migrating and invading cells were fixed with 4% paraformaldehyde before 0.5% crystal violet staining. The remaining cells were recorded photographically and counted in different fields triply.

RNA sequencing and bioinformatic analysis

The transcriptomic analysis was performed using the MGI high-throughput sequencing platform. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were selected using the DEGSeq package [ 14 ]. An FDR cut-off of 0.05 and absolute fold change > 1.5 was used to select statistically significantly DEGs. Metascape was used to enrich genes for GO biological processes, KEGG Pathway and Reactome Gene Sets [ 15 ].

Establishment of the BBN-induced bladder cancer models

The images of ultrasonography and HE staining of normal rat bladders are shown in Fig.  1 . The normal rat bladder appeared teardrop-shaped under ultrasound (Fig.  1 A, B). HE staining showed that the urothelium protrude into the bladder cavity in a papillary manner in the unfilled state (Fig.  1 C), while in the filling state, the urinary epithelium appeared as a single layer of urinary epithelial cells (Fig.  1 D).

The images of ultrasonography and HE staining of normal rat bladders

After 5 to 10 weeks of BBN induction, no abnormal echo was found by ultrasonography (Fig.  2 A, B), while HE staining showed significant hyperplasia, with an increase from 1 layer of epithelial cells to multiple layers, accompanied with loss of polarity features and lymphocytic infiltration (Fig.  2 C, D).

The images of ultrasonography and HE staining of rat bladders after BBN induction for 5–10 weeks

After 15 to 20 weeks of BBN induction, ultrasound revealed hyperechoic masses protruding into the bladder cavity (Fig.  3 A, B), which were confirmed as urothelial carcinomas by HE staining. (Fig.  3 C, D).

The images of ultrasonography and HE staining of rat bladders after BBN induction for 15–20 weeks

POLR3G expression is positively correlated with tumor progression

As showed in Figs.  1 – 3 , microscopic lesions in rats start as hyperplasia, evolving into papillary carcinomas after BBN induction. We examined the dynamic change of POLR3G expression during the development of BBN-induced bladder cancer. Results showed that POLR3G was lowly expressed in the normal urothelium of rats, while its expression was significantly up-regulated during the development of BBN-induced bladder cancer (Fig.  4 ).

The dynamic change of POLR3G expression during the development of BBN-induced bladder cancer

Knockdown of POLR3G decreases cell proliferation, migration and invasion in bladder cancer cells

To investigate the molecular function of POLR3G in bladder cancer cells, we knocked down POLR3G in T24 and BIU87 cells. Three different sequences of siRNAs targeting POLR3G were designed, and the knockdown efficiency was validated by qPCR (Figure S1). The siRNA with the highest interfering efficiency was chosen to construct recombinant deficient lentivirus to knockdown POLR3G in T24 and BIU87 cells (Fig.  5 A–C). Subsequently, we conducted CCK-8 assays to evaluate the impact of POLR3G on the viability of T24 and BIU87 cells. The results in both cell lines demonstrated a decrease in viability in POLR3G knockdown cells (Fig.  5 D, E). Furthermore, we aimed to elucidate the impact of POLR3G on bladder cancer cell migration and invasion using Transwell migration and invasion assays. The results revealed reductions in the number of migrating cells and invading bladder cancer cells in the POLR3G knockdown groups compared to the corresponding control groups (Fig.  5 F-I). Collectively, these in vitro results strongly suggest that targeting POLR3G might suppress the malignant phenotype of bladder cancer cells.

The knockdown of POLR3G inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion capabilities of bladder cancer cells

RNA sequencing of T24 and BIU87 cells to investigate the function of POLR3G

To investigate the role of POLR3G in bladder cancer cells, we conducted RNA sequencing on POLR3G-knockdown and control bladder cancer cells. Through analysis of the sequencing data, we identified 469 up-regulated DEGs and 326 down-regulated DEGs in T24 cells (Fig.  6 A), and 486 up-regulated DEGs and 471 down-regulated DEGs in BIU87 cells (Fig.  6 B). A total of 117 DEGs were up-regulated in both T24 cells and BIU87 cells (Fig.  6 C), and 73 DEGs were down-regulated in both T24 cells and BIU87 cells (Fig.  6 D). Metascape was employed to perform the functional enrichment analysis of the DEGs (Fig.  6 E) and the results showed that POLR3G was primarily involved in the RNA polymerase, and Apoptotic cleavage of cellular proteins signal pathways. Regarding molecular functions, POLR3G showed significant associations with regulation of Wnt signaling pathway and regulation of MAP kinase activity, regulation of ubiquitin-dependent protein catabolic process, positive regulation of translational initiation, regulation of fibroblast migration, regulation of cellular carbohydrate metabolic process, positive regulation of vascular associated smooth muscle cell proliferation, intrinsic apoptotic signaling pathway by p53 class mediator, and peptidyl-serine phosphorylation. To further confirm that POLR3G affected Wnt signaling pathways, we examined the Wnt signaling pathway-related gene expression. The results showed that the expression of Wnt 5a/b, Dvl2, LRP-6, and p-LRP-6 was markedly decreased when POLR3G was knocked down, which indicates that the activity of Wnt pathway was inhibited (Fig.  6 F).

The transcriptomic analysis of bladder cancer cells upon POLR3G knockdown

Bladder cancer is one of the most prevalent malignancies worldwide, with a significant impact on morbidity and mortality [ 1 ]. The prognosis of bladder cancer is influenced by a complex interplay of pathological, clinical, molecular, and other factors. Bladder tumors with larger size, higher grade, multifocality or lymphovascular invasion are at a higher risk of not responding to BCG treatment [ 16 ]. Higher stage and the presence of carcinoma in situ are associated with increased risk of disease progression and recurrence [ 4 ]. Additionally, patients with older age at diagnosis or poorer general health reported worse oncological outcomes [ 17 ]. The inflammatory and nutritional status can also influence the oncological outcomes. The modified Glasgow Prognostic Score based on C-reactive protein and albumin has been proved to be associated with the risk of recurrence of bladder cancer [ 18 , 19 ]. Beyond pathological and clinical aspects, molecular biomarkers are increasingly recognized for their prognostic value. RNA-seq data from TCGA identified five expression subtypes of bladder cancer: luminal-papillary, luminal-infiltrated, luminal, basal-squamous, and neuronal. These subtypes showed distinct expression patterns of urothelial differentiation markers, p53 status, and immune markers. This classification system provides insights into bladder cancer heterogeneity and its impact on clinical outcomes, guiding personalized treatment approaches [ 20 ].

Over the past decade, ICIs and ADCs have revolutionized the treatment landscape of bladder cancer. The use of ICIs has not only shown promising results in the treatment of advanced bladder cancer [ 8 , 9 , 10 ], but also in neoadjuvant therapy settings [ 5 , 21 ]. PURE-01trial reported a pathological complete response of 42% after neoadjuvant immunotherapy with pembrolizumab [ 21 ]. The combination of ADCs and ICIs has even challenged the first-line treatment position of platinum-based chemotherapy in advanced bladder cancer based on the results of EV-302/KEYNOTE-A39 trial [ 22 ]. Despite advances in diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, the prognosis for advanced bladder cancer remains poor, necessitating further research into its molecular mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets.

In previous study [ 13 ], we found POLR3G was up-regulated in bladder cancer, and high POLR3G expression was associated with higher tumor stage, tumor grade and other adverse clinicopathologic features. KM survival analysis showed that POLR3G expression was negatively associated with progression-free survival and disease specific survival as well as overall survival in bladder cancer patients. Thus, POLR3G might play an important role in promoting the development and progression of bladder cancer, and may serve as a novel therapeutic target.

POLR3G, a subunit of RNA polymerase III, is integral to the function of RNA polymerase III, which is responsible for transcribing small RNA molecules that are vital for protein synthesis and other cellular processes [ 23 ]. Disruption of POLR3G function leads to defects in RNA synthesis, which can have broad implications for cellular metabolism and growth [ 24 ]. Emerging evidence suggests that POLR3G is also involved in the regulation of stem cell pluripotency and differentiation [ 25 , 26 ]. Research has shown that POLR3G is highly expressed in embryonic stem cells and is down-regulated upon differentiation [ 25 ]. This expression pattern indicates that POLR3G may play a role in maintaining the undifferentiated state of stem cells. The role of POLR3G in cancer has also garnered significant interest. Several studies have identified overexpression of POLR3G in various cancers, including prostate cancer and breast cancer [ 27 , 28 ]. These findings show that downregulation of POLR3G impairs tumor growth, indicating the potential of POLR3G in cancer treatment.

In this study, we established a rat model of bladder cancer induced by N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl) nitrosamine (BBN) to investigate the dynamic changes in POLR3G protein expression during bladder cancer initiation and progression. Ultrasound imaging and pathological examinations were conducted at various stages to characterize the imaging features and urothelial pathology. Additionally, we performed in vitro functional assays to explore the impact of POLR3G on bladder cancer cell behavior. Through RNA sequencing and bioinformatics analysis of POLR3G knockdown cells, we identified potential molecular mechanisms underlying its role in bladder cancer, which were further validated by molecular experiments. The results of our study provide significant insights into the molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways involved in bladder cancer progression.

BBN-induced urothelial tumors in rodents resembled human urothelial lesions in their morphological and genetic characteristics [ 29 , 30 ]. Microscopic lesions in rats usually start as simple hyperplasia, evolving into papillary and nodular hyperplasia, papilloma, and non-invasive carcinomas [ 29 ]. BBN tumors showed overexpression of markers of basal cancer subtype, and had a high mutation burden with frequent Trp53 (80%), Kmt2d (70%), and Kmt2c (90%) mutations by exome sequencing, similar to human MIBC [ 30 ]. Thus, BBN tumors have been proposed as a useful model for the study of urinary bladder carcinogenesis, as well as for evaluating new therapeutic strategies. The upregulation of POLR3G observed in our BBN-induced rat model of bladder cancer suggests that POLR3G plays a crucial role in the carcinogenesis and progression of bladder cancer. The positive correlation between POLR3G expression and the histopathological malignancy grade indicates that POLR3G could serve as a potential biomarker for bladder cancer progression.

Our functional experiments further elucidated the role of POLR3G in bladder cancer cell behavior. The knockdown of POLR3G significantly inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion capabilities of bladder cancer cells, highlighting its importance in tumor aggressiveness. The transcriptomic analysis revealed substantial changes in gene expression profiles upon POLR3G knockdown. The consistent upregulation of 117 genes and downregulation of 73 genes across both T24 and BIU87 cell lines suggested a robust and conserved regulatory role of POLR3G in bladder cancer. Furthermore, the enrichment of DEGs in the RNA polymerase and apoptotic cleavage of cellular proteins pathways, as well as their involvement in the Wnt and MAPK signaling pathways, underscored the complex regulatory networks that POLR3G may influence. These findings suggest that targeting POLR3G and its associated pathways could offer new therapeutic strategies for bladder cancer treatment, and enhance our understanding of the genetic and cellular mechanisms underlying bladder cancer progression and provide a foundation for future research aimed at elucidating the specific functions of these DEGs in bladder cancer.

The Wnt signaling pathway is a complex network of proteins that plays a crucial role in regulating cell growth, migration, and differentiation, and dysregulation of this pathway has been implicated in various cancers [ 31 , 32 , 33 ]. In bladder cancer, aberrant activation of the Wnt pathway has been observed, contributing to uncontrolled cellular proliferation and resistance to apoptosis [ 34 ]. The downregulation of Wnt pathway-related proteins such as Wnt5a/b, DVL2, LRP-6, and phosphorylated LRP-6 upon POLR3G knockdown was further confirmed by Western blotting, indicating that POLR3G may affect bladder cancer behavior through the Wnt signaling pathway. Our previous study found POLR3G may have significant implications for immune mechanisms in bladder cancer. More specifically, the expression of POLR3G was significantly correlated with the infiltrating levels of immune cells and the expression of immune checkpoint molecules in bladder cancer [ 13 ]. Given the known roles of the Wnt pathway in immune cell regulation and tumor immune evasion, our findings imply that POLR3G could influence the tumor microenvironment and immune surveillance in bladder cancer. This potential immunomodulatory role of POLR3G opens new avenues for research into immune-based therapies for bladder cancer, particularly those targeting the Wnt signaling pathway.

One limitation of this study is the reliance on the BBN-induced rat model to simulate bladder cancer progression. While this model is well-established and provides valuable insights into the disease's pathophysiology, it may not fully recapitulate the complexity of human bladder cancer. Additionally, the study's in vitro experiments, although informative, may not entirely reflect the in vivo tumor microenvironment, potentially limiting the generalizability of the findings. Furthermore, the study primarily focuses on the role of POLR3G, and while the results are compelling, other molecular players and pathways involved in bladder cancer progression may have been overlooked. Future studies should aim to validate these findings in human clinical samples and explore the interplay between POLR3G and other oncogenic pathways to provide a more comprehensive understanding of bladder cancer biology.

Conclusions

In conclusion, our study elucidates the dynamic expression of POLR3G during bladder cancer progression and its significant role in modulating bladder cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. The upregulation of POLR3G correlates with increased malignancy, and its knockdown results in substantial alterations in gene expression, particularly affecting the Wnt signaling pathways. These findings suggest that POLR3G is a potential biomarker and therapeutic target in bladder cancer. However, further research is warranted to validate these results in clinical settings and to explore the therapeutic potential of targeting POLR3G in combination with other molecular interventions. This study provides a foundation for future investigations into the molecular mechanisms underlying bladder cancer and highlights the importance of POLR3G in its pathogenesis.

Data availability

The RNA-seq data of this study have been deposited in the Galaxy ( https://usegalaxy.org/u/xianhui_liu/h/rna-seq ).

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This work was supported by the Science Foundation of Beijing Jishuitan Hospital (No. ZR202311).

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Xianhui Liu and Lin Zhu contributed to this work equally.

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Department of Urology, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University, No. 31 Xinjiekou East Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100035, China

Xianhui Liu

Department of Plastic Surgery, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University, Beijing, China

Department of Ultrasound, Peking University People’s Hospital, Beijing, China

Diancheng Li

Department of Urology, Shaanxi Provincial People’s Hospital, Shaanxi, China

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X.L and L.Z. contributed to the work equally. X.L. and L.Z. conceived and designed the experiments. X.L., L.Z., D.L., and X.C. performed the experiments. X.L and L.Z. analyzed the data and wrote the main manuscript text. All authors reviewed the manuscript and approved the submitted version.

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Correspondence to Xianhui Liu .

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Liu, X., Zhu, L., Li, D. et al. The upregulation of POLR3G correlates with increased malignancy of bladder urothelium. Eur J Med Res 29 , 381 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40001-024-01980-8

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DOI : https://doi.org/10.1186/s40001-024-01980-8

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Research on sustainable green building space design model integrating IoT technology

Roles Conceptualization, Formal analysis, Methodology, Resources, Validation, Visualization, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing

* E-mail: [email protected] , [email protected]

Affiliations College of Art, Shandong Management University, Jinan, Shandong, China, Shandong Architectural Design and Research Institute Co., Ltd., Jinan, Shandong, China

Roles Conceptualization, Methodology, Project administration, Resources, Software, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing

Affiliation Shandong Architectural Design and Research Institute Co., Ltd., Jinan, Shandong, China

• Yuchen Wang, 

• Published: April 29, 2024
• https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0298982
• Reader Comments

"How can the integration of Internet of Things (IoT) technology enhance the sustainability and efficiency of green building (G.B.) design?" is the central research question that this study attempts to answer. This investigation is important because it examines how green building and IoT technology can work together. It also provides important information about how to use contemporary technologies for environmental sustainability in the building sector. The paper examines a range of IoT applications in green buildings, focusing on this intersection. These applications include energy monitoring, occupant engagement, smart building automation, predictive maintenance, renewable energy integration, and data analytics for energy efficiency enhancements. The objective is to create a thorough and sustainable model for designing green building spaces that successfully incorporates IoT, offering industry professionals cutting-edge solutions and practical advice. The study uses a mixed-methods approach, integrating quantitative data analysis with qualitative case studies and literature reviews. It evaluates how IoT can improve energy management, indoor environmental quality, and resource optimization in diverse geographic contexts. The findings show that there has been a noticeable improvement in waste reduction, energy and water efficiency, and the upkeep of high-quality indoor environments after IoT integration. This study fills a major gap in the literature by offering a comprehensive model for IoT integration in green building design, which indicates its impact. This model positions IoT as a critical element in advancing sustainable urban development and offers a ground-breaking framework for the practical application of IoT in sustainable building practices. It also emphasizes the need for customized IoT solutions in green buildings. The paper identifies future research directions, including the investigation of advanced IoT applications in renewable energy and the evaluation of IoT’s impact on occupant behavior and well-being, along with addressing cybersecurity concerns. It acknowledges the challenges associated with IoT implementation, such as the initial costs and specialized skills needed.

Citation: Wang Y, Liu L (2024) Research on sustainable green building space design model integrating IoT technology. PLoS ONE 19(4): e0298982. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0298982

Editor: Sathishkumar Veerappampalayam Easwaramoorthy, Sunway University, MALAYSIA

Received: August 8, 2023; Accepted: February 1, 2024; Published: April 29, 2024

Copyright: © 2024 Wang, Liu. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License , which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.

Data Availability: All relevant data are within the paper and its Supporting Information files.

Funding: The authors received no specific funding for this work.

Competing interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

1. Introduction

The design and construction industries have experienced a substantial change toward environmentally friendly and sustainable approaches during the last few decades. This transition is embodied by the notion of green buildings, which aims to minimize environmental effects throughout a building’s existence, from design through construction and operation to eventual decommissioning [ 1 ]. Green Building (G.B.) adoption has accelerated due to a rising knowledge of their potential advantages, such as increased energy efficiency, a lower carbon footprint, and excellent health and wellness for inhabitants [ 2 ]. Parallel to this evolution, the Internet of Things (IoT)—a network of physical objects, including machines, vehicles, and appliances, that allows communication, interaction, and data exchange among these items—has emerged as a transformative technology with numerous applications in a variety of industries [ 3 , 4 ]. IoT technology can transform how we manage and interact with our built environment in the context of building design and operation [ 5 ].

The role of IoT technology in the space design of buildings and energy efficiency has been extensively studied in the literature. IoT technology has the potential to revolutionize the way buildings are designed, operated, and managed, leading to improved energy efficiency and sustainability. From the most recent investigations, the significant merits of IoT application in G.B. design can be drawn as follows.

• Smart Building Automation: IoT integrates various building systems, such as lighting, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning), and security, into a unified network. This integration allows for centralized monitoring, control, and automation, leading to optimized energy consumption, improved occupant comfort, and efficient space utilization.
• Energy Monitoring and Management: IoT-based sensors and devices can collect real-time data on energy consumption, occupancy patterns, and environmental conditions. This data can be analyzed to identify energy-saving opportunities, optimize energy usage, and detect faults or inefficiencies in building systems. Additionally, IoT can enable demand response programs, where buildings can adjust their energy consumption based on grid conditions and pricing.
• Occupant Engagement and Comfort: IoT technology facilitates the implementation of personalized and adaptive environments that cater to individual preferences and needs. Occupants can control various aspects of their workspace, such as lighting and temperature, through mobile apps or smart devices. IoT also enables feedback mechanisms to gather occupant feedback, which can inform space design decisions and improve occupant comfort.
• Predictive Maintenance: By leveraging IoT sensors, building systems can be monitored for performance and potential faults. This allows for proactive maintenance and reduces downtime and energy waste due to equipment failures. Predictive maintenance based on real-time data can optimize maintenance schedules and prolong the lifespan of building systems.
• Integration with Renewable Energy Sources: IoT technology can facilitate the integration of renewable energy sources, such as solar panels and wind turbines, into the building’s energy infrastructure. Smart grid integration and energy management systems enabled by IoT can optimize the utilization and storage of renewable energy, further enhancing energy efficiency.
• Data Analytics and Machine Learning: IoT-generated data can be leveraged with advanced analytics techniques, including machine learning algorithms, to derive actionable insights for energy efficiency improvements. These analytics can identify energy-saving patterns, predict energy consumption, and optimize energy usage based on historical and real-time data.

Overall, the literature suggests that IoT technology plays a crucial role in enhancing the space design of buildings and improving energy efficiency by enabling intelligent building automation, energy monitoring and management, occupant engagement, predictive maintenance, integration with renewable energy sources, and advanced data analytics.

Despite progress in both sectors, there has been a dearth of studies into incorporating IoT technology into green building design—a combination that might considerably improve building sustainability and efficiency [ 5 ]. IoT-enabled devices, for example, can allow for real-time monitoring and management of energy use, predictive maintenance, and automatic demand response, all of which can help with energy efficiency and conservation [ 6 ].

Green buildings, also known as sustainable buildings, are an essential solution to lessen the harmful effects of the built environment on the environment. They are created, built, and run in a way that improves the efficiency and general health of the environment while minimizing adverse effects on both human health and the environment throughout the building’s existence. Green buildings go beyond simple energy efficiency or the utilization of renewable resources. It encompasses a wide range of factors, such as waste reduction, interior environmental quality, indoor environmental quality, and the influence of the building on its surroundings. Building orientation, window placement, and shading are passive design elements. Active systems include high-efficiency HVAC systems, energy-efficient lighting, and on-site renewable energy generation. Energy efficiency is still central to green building design [ 7 ].

According to the above findings and the present research gap, this study aims to develop a sustainable green building space design model that utilizes IoT technology (8). In doing so, it explores to provide architects, designers, and building managers with a fresh viewpoint and practical direction in the design and management of sustainable and intelligent buildings. The suggested approach and study findings have the potential to advance the profession of green building design and contribute to larger aims of environmental sustainability and preservation.

The primary goals of this research are as follows: Understanding the importance of IoT in sustainable green building design, which entails investigating various uses of IoT technology to improve the sustainability of building designs, such as energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and overall environmental effect and creating an integrated IoT and green building design model that takes into account variables like building orientation, material selection, interior environmental quality, energy management, and waste reduction. Real-world case studies are used to validate the suggested model and give empirical proof of its value.

They are providing industry professionals with tips on successfully incorporating IoT in green building design and operation identifying future research themes to highlight any potential gaps in existing understanding and implementation of IoT in green building design and recommending future research and development directions in the field. Incorporating IoT technology into sustainable green building design is motivated by the pressing need to address environmental problems, reduce resource usage, and improve occupant well-being. IoT is a promising approach to lessen the environmental effect and raise the general quality of life because its real-time data collection and optimization capabilities coincide with green building objectives.

2. Related works: Overview of G.B. and IoT

The issue of global warming is a significant concern for humanity, resulting in various alterations in the environment and weather systems. The quantity of greenhouse gas emissions directly affects global warming (USEPA, 2021). Compared to other sectors, the construction industry substantially generates greenhouse gas emissions. In the European Union, the construction industry is responsible for 40% of energy consumption and 36% of CO2 emissions (European Commission, 2021). According to the International Energy Agency (International Energy Agency, 2021), the construction industry ranks first among other sectors in energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for 35% of total energy consumption and 38% of total CO 2 emissions. Additionally, buildings contribute to 14% of potable water usage, 30% of waste generation, 40% of raw material consumption, and 72% of electricity consumption in the U.S. (Bergman, 2013). Furthermore, it is worth noting that 75% of buildings in the E.U. are energy-inefficient (European Commission, 2021). Researchers have identified green buildings (G.B.s) as a potential solution to mitigate the adverse environmental impact of the construction industry and promote sustainable development. G.B.s can be described as an approach to creating healthier structures while minimizing detrimental environmental impacts by implementing resource-efficient construction practices. Compared to traditional buildings, G.B.s offer numerous environmental advantages, including energy conservation, decreased CO 2 emissions, waste reduction, and reduced drinkable water consumption [ 8 ].The role of IoT (Internet of Things) technology in the space design of buildings and energy efficiency has been extensively studied in the literature. IoT technology has the potential to revolutionize the way buildings are designed, operated, and managed, leading to improved energy efficiency and sustainability.

Another important consideration is water efficiency. Butler and Davies (2011) state that green buildings frequently include water-saving fixtures, rainwater harvesting systems, and greywater recycling systems. Green buildings also place a high priority on using environmentally friendly, non-toxic materials since they have a positive influence on indoor air quality and lessen environmental impact. Last but not least, green buildings’ site selection, design, and landscaping are all geared at reducing their adverse effects on the surrounding ecosystem and fostering biodiversity [ 9 ].

Essentially, green buildings are a comprehensive strategy for sustainability in the built environment, combining economic, environmental, and social factors in planning, creating, and using structures. One of the most important aspects of green buildings is energy efficiency, which is commonly measured using Energy Use Intensity (EUI)." The EUI is derived by dividing a building’s total energy consumption in one year by its total gross area (EUI = Total Energy Consumption per Year / Total Gross Area of Building). Similarly, Water Use Intensity (WUI) assesses a building’s water efficiency by dividing the total water consumed in one year by the entire gross size of the structure (WUI = Total Water Consumption per Year / entire Gross size of building).

Role of IoT in Building Design: Building design is significantly impacted by the Internet of Things (IoT), which is changing how buildings are developed, built, and used. This change results from the IoT devices’ ability to provide a built environment that is more linked, effective, and engaging. The potential of IoT to provide real-time data collecting and processing from multiple building systems is at the core of this transformation. These statistics offer priceless information about patterns and trends in energy use, indoor environmental conditions, occupancy patterns, and other areas. As a result, it is possible to make better decisions during the design phase and to manage the building more successfully during its whole life [ 10 ].

IoT is essential in energy management because intelligent algorithms and sensor-equipped devices can optimize energy use based on current supply and demand situations. According to Morandi et al. (2012), such systems may automatically alter lighting, heating, and cooling systems to maintain ideal interior temperatures while reducing energy waste.

Many scholars have made important contributions to the field of sustainable green building integrated with IoT technology, which has influenced current practices and theoretical knowledge. For example, Smith et al. (2021) showed an innovative approach to operational sustainability by being the first to integrate IoT for energy efficiency in building design. Similarly, Johnson and Lee (2019) made a significant contribution to the field by creating a cutting-edge model for IoT-based real-time energy monitoring in green buildings. This research demonstrated the potential of IoT in improving energy efficiency and occupant well-being, while also offering novel approaches and broadening the scope of green building design. This research is interesting because it integrates Internet of Things technology with sustainable construction principles in a novel way, providing fresh insights into resource optimization and environmental effects.

IoT also supports the shift to design focused more on the user. Buildings may now react more dynamically to the requirements and preferences of their residents thanks to networking and data collecting. For instance, the entire user experience can be improved by implementing customized comfort settings based on specific user profiles. Table 1 presents a global standard of IoT technology. However, IoT presents several advantages for building design and some new difficulties, notably data security and privacy. There is a greater chance of security breaches as more gadgets are connected. As a result, when incorporating IoT into building design, robust security mechanisms are crucial [ 11 ].

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3. Research organization

The main contribution of the present research aimed to employ the integration of IoT technology in the construction of sustainable green buildings, with a primary focus on residential and commercial building types due to their significant share of the overall built environment and energy consumption. The features of IoT technology investigated are resource optimization, indoor environmental quality, and energy management. Despite the many potential uses of IoT, such as security systems and structural health monitoring, these are outside the scope of this research. Nonetheless, despite its extensive reach, this study has certain drawbacks. The proposed design method is primarily theoretical, with a small number of case studies and existing literature as foundations. As a result, it may only partially represent some of the intricacies of actual implementation. Furthermore, some assumptions concerning IoT infrastructure and technology adoption are used in this study, which may only be accurate in some circumstances, particularly in underdeveloped nations. When adopting the findings, several aspects should be taken into account.

3.1. Green building space design models and IoT

Interior Environmental Quality (IEQ) plays a crucial role in the design of green buildings. IEQ refers to the quality of the indoor environment, including factors such as air quality, lighting, thermal comfort, acoustics, and occupant satisfaction. These are some critical ways in which IEQ contributes to the design of green buildings. (i) Occupant Health and Well-being: Green buildings prioritize the health and well-being of occupants. IEQ factors such as good indoor air quality, ample natural lighting, comfortable temperatures, and low noise and pollutants help create a healthy and comfortable indoor environment. This, in turn, enhances occupant productivity, satisfaction, and overall well-being. CO2 Monitoring : IoT sensors measure indoor CO2. Drowsiness and cognitive impairment might result from high CO2 levels. IoT systems can boost ventilation to improve indoor air quality as CO2 levels rise. (ii) Indoor Air Quality (IAQ): Green buildings focus on maintaining high indoor air quality. This involves effective ventilation systems to provide fresh air and remove pollutants. Strategies such as air filtration, use of low-emitting materials, and proper maintenance practices minimize the presence of allergens, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and other indoor pollutants, ensuring healthier air for occupants.

Humidity Regulation: Occupant comfort and health depend on humidity regulation. To minimize discomfort, mold growth, and respiratory difficulties, IoT sensors can monitor humidity and trigger humidifiers or dehumidifiers [ 12 ]. (iii) Thermal Comfort: Green building design considers occupant thermal comfort by providing efficient heating, cooling, and insulation systems. Well-insulated buildings, proper temperature control, and individual occupant controls help maintain comfortable indoor temperatures throughout the year. IoT sensors monitor home temperatures and modify HVAC systems. This keeps indoor temperatures tolerable, boosting occupant well-being and productivity.

This reduces energy consumption and enhances occupant satisfaction. (iv) Natural Lighting: Incorporating ample natural lighting is crucial to green building design. It reduces the need for artificial lighting and positively impacts occupant well-being and productivity. Well-designed windows, skylights, and light shelves allow sufficient daylight penetration while minimizing glare and heat gain. IoT-based lighting systems adjust artificial lighting to natural light, occupancy, and user preferences. This saves energy and makes indoor spaces bright and comfortable.

(v) Acoustics: Green buildings prioritize acoustic comfort by minimizing noise disturbances and optimizing sound insulation. This involves using appropriate building materials, sound-absorbing finishes, and carefully designed spaces to reduce noise transmission. Maintaining a quiet and peaceful indoor environment enhances occupant comfort and productivity. (vi) Low-toxicity Materials: Green building design emphasizes using low-toxicity materials to minimize the release of harmful chemicals into the indoor environment. Choosing low-VOC paints, adhesives, and furnishings helps improve indoor air quality and reduces occupant exposure to harmful substances.

(vii) Occupant Engagement: Green buildings encourage occupant engagement and empowerment by controlling their indoor environment. Features such as operable windows, individual temperature controls, and task lighting options allow occupants to adjust their surroundings according to their preferences, fostering a sense of ownership and comfort.

Occupant Feedback: Mobile apps and smart gadgets can let occupants personalize their indoor environment with IoT technologies. This lets residents customize lighting, temperature, and other environmental elements to their liking, improving comfort and happiness.

Data Analytics: Machine learning and data analytics can examine IoT-generated IEQ data. This research helps to build operators to optimize IEQ by identifying indoor environmental patterns and trends

Considering these IEQ factors, green building design aims to create healthier, more comfortable, and productive indoor environments while minimizing the building’s environmental impact. Modern technology, particularly the Internet of Things (IoT), has been used in green building space design concepts to increase sustainability and efficiency. In these models, IoT is being used to improve several elements of green buildings. Firstly, IoT offers complete energy management solutions, allowing the best possible use of energy resources. Real-time data on energy use may be gathered by integrating sensors and smart meters, enabling wise decision-making and preventive maintenance [ 13 ]. IoT devices, for instance, can automate lighting, heating, and cooling systems operations depending on occupancy and environmental conditions to improve energy efficiency.

According to the second point, interior environmental quality (IEQ), a crucial component of green building design models, is improved by IoT technology. IoT devices can maintain proper IEQ by monitoring temperature, humidity, CO2 levels, and light intensity. This substantially influences occupants’ comfort, health, and productivity. In green buildings, IoT also makes water management more effortless. Intelligent water sensors and meters monitor usage, leaks, and quality to ensure adequate water use and minimize waste. IoT may also help with trash management in environmentally friendly buildings. To facilitate effective garbage collection and disposal, intelligent waste bins with sensors can offer information on waste levels. Although several studies have demonstrated how IoT may be integrated into green buildings, the application is still in its infancy. To address all facets of sustainability and building efficiency, the project intends to develop a holistic model incorporating IoT into green building space design holistically.

3.1.1. A comparative analysis of the current publications on this subject.

Current research highlights how important IoT technology is to improving sustainability and energy efficiency in green building design. One important area of focus is the dynamic interaction between building inhabitants and energy systems. Technologies such as occupancy sensors and smart thermostats allow buildings to adapt to human demands, which in turn improves energy efficiency [ 14 ]. According to Lyu et al. [ 15 ], these studies also highlight the integration of renewable sources and energy consumption optimization in sustainable building design through the Internet of Things. But problems are always brought up, including data security, interoperability, and the requirement for established protocols [ 16 ]. This research shows that although studies acknowledge the potential of IoT in green building design, there are differences in the emphasis and depth of discussion on certain issues such as sustainability, energy efficiency, and implementation obstacles.

4. Methodology

4.1. research design.

This study employs a mixed-methods approach, integrating qualitative and quantitative research procedures, because it gives a more holistic view and allows for more excellent knowledge of the issue under consideration [ 17 ]. The study’s qualitative parts were literature reviews, case studies, and content analysis, which gave industry specialists qualitative thoughts and viewpoints. Quantitative tools like surveys and statistical analysis provided numerical data to evaluate IoT technology in green building design. The study used these methodologies to create a feasible model for incorporating IoT into green building design, guiding professionals, and promoting construction industry sustainability to create and validate the suggested model, the empirical research used a mixed-methods approach that included a case study analysis and a thorough literature assessment. To lay the theoretical groundwork, a thorough assessment of the literature was conducted using sources like Scopus and Google Scholar.

Based on this, a hypothetical model that incorporates IoT technology with green building design concepts was developed. The following step involved conducting five case studies across several nations, including the USA, UK, Australia, Singapore, and Germany. This research implemented IoT-enabled technologies to capture real-time data on energy use, water consumption, waste creation, and indoor environmental quality.

The effectiveness of the approach was assessed using quantitative data analysis methodologies, taking into account energy effectiveness, water conservation, waste minimization, and IEQ improvement.

The outcomes of the case studies confirmed the model’s viability in the real world and its potential to address issues with global climate change through smart building practices. The first step entails a thorough examination of the literature, which aids in establishing the theoretical underpinning of the research. This section includes a survey of academic and industrial literature on G.B.s, IoT, and the incorporation of IoT in G.B. design.

Based on the theoretical information from the literature research, a conceptual model incorporating IoT into green building design is constructed. The model is intended to include critical components highlighted in the literature research and to provide a thorough roadmap for incorporating IoT into green building design. The empirical portion of the research follows, including case studies used to validate the suggested model. The case study research was chosen because of its capacity to give rich, contextual data and insights, which are especially beneficial when investigating a complicated, multidimensional issue such as green building design [ 18 ]. Quantitative data is obtained from case studies by employing IoT devices to monitor various metrics such as energy use, water usage, and indoor environmental quality. This data is then examined to determine the success of the suggested approach in improving building sustainability and efficiency.

4.2. Data collection and analysis

The data for this study was gathered using two basic strategies: literature reviews and case studies. The literature study is carried out to collect data from past studies and industry reports on the integration of IoT in green building design. Electronic databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar are employed to find relevant material. The literature evaluation provides theoretical understanding and insights into the study issue as a critical source of qualitative data for the research.

4.2.1. Case studies.

Case studies give factual and quantitative data for the study. Buildings that use IoT technology are chosen as case studies. Sensors and devices with IoT capabilities are used to monitor and gather data on numerous aspects, such as energy consumption, water usage, trash creation, and interior environmental quality over time. Table 2 shows baseline datasets for green buildings before implementing the Integrated IoT model.

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As seen in Table 1 , the quantitative performance of each building was effectively assessed by factors such as energy consumption, water usage, and trash creation. Fig 1 illustrates variations of influential factors for all buildings in this study. The influence of the IoT-integrated green building design model on occupant comfort and well-being may be seen in the interior environmental quality, which is measured using metrics such as temperature, humidity, light intensity, and CO 2 levels.

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4.2.2 Data analysis.

Several aspects and their interrelationships are considered while analyzing case study data. Calculating the average energy usage per square meter may be used to assess energy consumption. This is accomplished by dividing total energy use by building size. Comparing this value across buildings can reveal inconsistencies related to changes in IoT infrastructure or system performance. Another critical element to consider is water usage. Calculating and comparing water use per square meter across buildings, similar to energy, can give insights into the influence of IoT systems on water conservation. A decrease in water use might indicate the successful implementation of IoT device management systems. The quantity of waste created per occupant is calculated to examine waste generation. In this context, a reduced rate might indicate effective waste management solutions supported by IoT technology.

Finally, the IEQ grade represents the level of comfort experienced by building inhabitants. There might be an intriguing link between IEQ and adequate energy, water, and waste management. Furthermore, the relationship between building size and occupancy in terms of resource utilization may be investigated. This research can also show how IoT technologies respond to occupancy and building size changes, offering light on the systems’ adaptability and scalability. In Fig 2 , a graphical illustration of buildings was depicted.

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From the above-given data in Table 2 , we can calculate Energy Consumption per sq. m Water Usage per sq. m., and Waste Generation per occupant:

The overall energy consumption in Building A was 50,000 kWh dispersed over an area of 10,000 sq. m., resulting in an energy consumption rate of 5.0 kWh per sq. m. Water consumption was 100,000 liters per square meter over the same area. With 200 passengers, the total waste output of 500 kg equals 2.5 kilograms per person. Similar computations can be performed for various structures. The energy consumption and water usage rates in Building B, which has a 15,000 sq. m. area and 300 inhabitants, are the same as in Building A, 5.0 kWh per sq. m. and 10.0 liters per sq. m., respectively. At the same time, waste generation per occupant is still 2.5 kg. Building C, with a floor area of 12,000 square meters and a population of 250 people, has the same energy and water consumption rates, namely 5.0 kWh per square meter and 10.0 liters per square meter. The waste generation per passenger, however, is lower at 2.4 kg. Building D’s energy consumption and water usage rates remain stable at 5.0 kWh per square meter and 10.0 liters per square meter, respectively, with waste output per occupant being 2.5 kg. Finally, with a 14,000 sq. m. area and 280 inhabitants, Building E’s energy and water consumption rates are 5.0 kWh per sq. m. and 10.0 liters per sq. m., respectively. At the same time, waste output per occupant is 2.5 kg, echoing the trends found in the previous buildings.

Table 3 indicates values of the normalized resource consumption and waste generation for buildings before implementation, as seen in Figs 3 and 4 , respectively.

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5. Development of an integrated iot and green building design model

5.1. framework development.

This study employs a three-step approach to developing an integrated IoT and G.B. design model. To begin, green building design concepts must be defined. These principles stress sustainability, efficiency, and occupant comfort, and they can be guided by recognized G.B. standards like LEED(Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), BREEAM (Building et al. Method), or Green Star [ 19 ]. LEED, BREEAM, and Green Star are widely recognized rating systems in green building design. LEED is a rating system developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). It provides a framework for evaluating and certifying the sustainability performance of buildings and communities. LEED assesses various aspects of a building, including energy efficiency, water conservation, materials selection, indoor environmental quality, and sustainable site development. Based on their performance, buildings can achieve different levels of LEED certification, such as Certified Silver, Gold, or Platinum.

Additionally, BREEAM is an assessment method and certification system created by the Building Research Establishment (BRE) in the United Kingdom. Like LEED, BREEAM evaluates the sustainability performance of buildings across several categories, including energy, water, materials, waste, pollution, and ecology. BREEAM assesses buildings on a scale from Pass to Outstanding, providing different levels of certification based on their sustainability achievements. Moreover, Green Star is an Australian rating system developed by the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA). It evaluates the environmental performance of buildings and communities, focusing on energy efficiency, water usage, indoor environment quality, materials selection, and sustainable design and construction practices.

Green Star certification is awarded in different levels, ranging from 4 Stars to 6 Stars, indicating the project’s sustainability performance. These rating systems serve as benchmarks for sustainable building practices and provide a standardized framework for evaluating and promoting environmentally friendly design, construction, and operation of buildings. They encourage the adoption of sustainable strategies and help stakeholders assess and compare the environmental performance of different buildings.

The second stage is to determine the IoT capabilities critical to building design. Energy management, water management, trash management, and interior environmental quality monitoring are IoT capabilities that can improve green building design (4). IoT has features like real-time monitoring and control, predictive maintenance, and data analytics, which may contribute considerably to environmental sustainability [ 20 ].

The last stage combines these ideas and capabilities into a single model. This model should be created with IoT capabilities and green building design concepts in mind. For instance, IoT capabilities for energy management should be consistent with the green building principle of energy efficiency [ 5 ]. This model’s development is an iterative process that necessitates adjustments depending on feedback from industry stakeholders and case study findings, as used in [ 21 ]. The collected data were subjected to analysis using IBM SPSS v23.0 software. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and reliability tests were performed to examine the data. Subsequently, the partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) approach was employed to test the hypotheses and research model.

Using SEM helps address the issue of variable errors and facilitates the generalization of the complex decision-making process. The research model was developed, encompassing reflective and formative variables. The measurement model encompasses the reflective variables, representing the latent constructs. On the other hand, the structural model includes the formative variables from the measurement model to explore the relationships between safety program implementation and project success. Incorporating IoT into G.B. design can yield a model that improves building efficiency and occupant comfort and well-being, eventually contributing to the more significant objective of sustainable development[ 22 ].

5.2. Application and usability of the model

The integrated IoT and green building design concept is used throughout a building’s life cycle, including design, construction, operation, and maintenance. The model can help architects and engineers include IoT technologies that meet green building requirements during the design and construction phases [ 23 ]. They can, for example, choose IoT-enabled HVAC, lighting, and water management systems that improve resource efficiency while maintaining occupant comfort. Furthermore, IoT devices such as sensors throughout the construction phase can monitor construction activities, assuring adherence to green building design and decreasing material waste[ 23 ].

The model’s value endures during the operation and maintenance period. It allows for real-time monitoring and management of building systems, leading to better resource use, higher indoor environmental quality, and increased occupant comfort. IoT-enabled energy management systems, for example, can optimize energy use by altering lighting and temperature based on occupancy or time of day. In terms of maintenance, the model’s predictive capabilities are critical, with IoT devices flagging possible faults before they cause system failure, decreasing downtime and repair costs [ 24 ].

Finally, the model’s usefulness goes beyond individual buildings, potentially contributing to broader brilliant city efforts by providing a framework for sustainable and efficient urban development [ 25 ]. The global usability of IoT technology in green building design depends on regional climate, legislation, infrastructure, and economics. The ideas of energy efficiency and sustainability are common, but IoT solutions vary. Extreme climates may prioritize distinct IoT features, and local rules may affect their practicality. Strong digital infrastructure and connectivity are also important, with some places better suited for IoT. Economic factors and finance affect integration speed [ 8 ]. Thus, while the concept is global, regional considerations are essential for implementation.

5.3 Case study analysis

A case study of Building A in Chicago, USA, is examined to demonstrate the use and efficacy of the combined IoT and green building design paradigm. According to the defined model, the building was retrofitted with IoT technology.

5.3.1 Pre-implementation analysis.

Building A had an energy consumption of 50,000 kWh, a water consumption of 100,000 liters, and a waste generation of 500 Kg before adopting the IoT-integrated green building model. Occupants assessed the indoor environmental quality as "Excellent" (see Table 1 ).

5.3.2 Model Implementation.

Following the integrated model, the building management team implemented many IoT technologies. HVAC and lighting systems with IoT capabilities were installed to improve energy management. Water management was improved using IoT-enabled water sensors and control devices.–IoT-enabled HVAC systems were used in the USA case study to maximize energy efficiency. These devices used sensors to track occupancy and temperature in real time. The HVAC system would automatically switch to an energy-saving mode when a room was empty, which would lower expenses and energy usage [ 26 ].

UK Case Study : IoT-Based Lighting Systems . To increase energy efficiency, IoT-based lighting systems were installed in the UK case study. Daylight harvesting technology and occupancy sensors were integrated into smart lighting systems. Artificial lights automatically lowered or switched off when available natural light was sufficient. Dynamic control like this drastically cuts down on lighting energy use without sacrificing an acceptable level of illumination.

To achieve accurate measurement of power usage at the load side, it is essential to have appropriate sensing methods. In the presence of a bi-directional grid, smart meters can be employed at customer premises. It is crucial to accurately determine the power consumption of electrical appliances and electronic devices. For this purpose, sensors can be placed on these devices to ensure precise measurements. There are three different approaches for energy sensing at the customer’s premises: distributed direct sensing, single-point sensing, and intermediate sensing [ 27 ]. In the distributed sensing approach, a sensor is placed on each appliance. While this method provides highly accurate measurements, it is expensive due to the costs associated with installation and maintenance.

On the other hand, single-point sensing measures the voltage and current entering a household. Although it is less precise than distributed sensing, it significantly reduces costs. By monitoring the raw current and voltage waveforms and extracting relevant features from these measurements, a classification algorithm can be used to determine the operating status of appliances by comparing the measurements with existing device signatures. Intermediate sensing falls between direct and single-point sensing.

It involves installing smart breaker devices in a household’s circuit panel to analyze consumption in more detail. In addition to these approaches, other sensing methods described in (27)) are based on voltage signatures. These methods utilize voltage noise signatures or current signatures to classify the operation of electrical appliances by observing the spectral envelope of the harmonics and comparing them to existing templates.

The current distribution systems need more intelligence, meaning they do not possess advanced capabilities. For instance, identifying faults in the system, mainly when they are not easily visible (such as leaks in underground pipes), can be challenging without early detection mechanisms. Implementing advanced sensing technology enables a more dependable system for detecting faults.

Australian Case Study : Water Sensors and Control Devices . The case study from Australia demonstrated water management facilitated by IoT. The building was equipped with water sensors so that water usage could be tracked in real-time. Leak detection sensors were also installed to quickly locate and fix any water leaks. Water savings were substantial as a consequence of IoT-based control systems that modified water flow and temperature by occupancy and demand.

According to (27), potential sensor deployment locations and monitoring parameters of interest in water distribution systems were applied in this study. These sensors can be utilized for various applications, including monitoring reservoir tank levels, detecting leaks, and assessing water quality at specific points along the distribution network. In Metje et al.’s (2011) investigation, a pipeline monitoring method involves deploying sensors around the pipeline to ensure continuous monitoring. Vibration, pressure, sound (generated by liquid leakage), and water flow are typically indicators of fault in pipelines (Min et al., 2008). The water distribution system is depicted in Fig 5 . By monitoring these parameters, the presence of leakage can be successfully detected. In Stoianov et al.’s (2007) research, a wireless sensor network (WSN) is employed to monitor hydraulic, flow, and acoustic data and water quality. Nodes are strategically placed along the pipeline and sewers to determine the content levels.

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Wireless sensor networks are comprised of wireless sensor nodes, which include a processor, a radio interface, an analog-to-digital converter, various sensors, memory, and a power source. The overall structure of a wireless sensor node is depicted in Fig 6 .

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Singapore Case Study on IoT-Based Water Quality Assurance . IoT technology was employed in the Singapore case study to guarantee water quality in green buildings. IoT sensors tracked turbidity and pH levels, among other water quality data, continually. The system would issue alarms and make modifications to maintain water quality at optimal levels when it diverged from set norms [ 28 ].

This system utilizes a piezo-resistive sensor for pressure sensing, while a glass electrode is used for measuring water pH to monitor its quality. An ultrasonic sensor is positioned at the top of the collector to monitor water levels, and two pressure transducers are placed at the bottom. Vibration data is collected using dual-axis accelerometers.

The gathered data is then subjected to analysis to detect leaks. By utilizing Haar Wavelet transforms to examine the pressure data, pressure pulses along the pipe can be identified, indicating the occurrence of bursts and providing an approximate location. Additionally, the presence of high-magnitude noise in the acoustic signal serves as an indication of a leak. Since the sensors are typically placed at intervals, the data collected by neighboring nodes can be cross-correlated, taking into account time differences resulting from the sensors’ spatial positioning to pinpoint the location of a leak.

As these analysis methods require significant processing resources, the collected data is analyzed remotely rather than locally on the sensor nodes. A device can be activated when an anomaly is detected to mitigate the leak’s effects. In pipeline monitoring, this device could involve instructing an electro-mechanical actuator to restrict the water flow to sections of the pipe that the leak may have compromised. Another approach involves placing meters inside the pipe to measure liquid flow. Therefore, by integrating sensing, processing, and actuators, an intelligent system is created where the decisions made by the actuators do not necessitate human intervention. The sensing agent collects the data, performs analysis and classification, and the actuator makes an intelligent decision.

5.3.3 Post-Implementation analysis.

There was a considerable reduction in resource utilization after a year of implementation. The energy usage was reduced to 40,000 kWh, a 20% decrease. Water consumption has also lowered by 15% to 85,000 liters. Waste generation has been reduced by 10% to 450 Kg. Notably, the "Excellent" grade for indoor environmental quality was maintained, showing that the enhancements did not jeopardize occupant comfort [ 29 ]. This case study shows how the integrated IoT and green building design model may greatly enhance building performance regarding resource efficiency and occupant well-being. As such, the model represents a realistic answer for the construction industry’s quest for sustainability and efficiency through global sustainability goals.

Energy Consumption (kWh): The building’s initial energy usage was 50,000 kWh. The total energy usage decreased to 40,000 kWh after adopting the IoT-enabled green building concept. The % change in energy consumption may be estimated by taking the difference between the start and final numbers, dividing by the initial value, and multiplying by 100. Using these numbers, the computation is [(50,000–40,000)/50,000] *100%, resulting in a 20% reduction in energy use. An overview of accumulated datasets is presented in Table 4 .

Water Usage (Litres): The building’s initial water use was measured at 100,000 liters. The deployment of the IoT-integrated green building model resulted in a significant decrease in water use, with the final number at 85,000 liters. I took the beginning value, subtracted the final value, divided the resultant number by the original value, and multiplied by 100, yielding the % change in water use. As a result, the computation would be ((100,000–85,000) / 100,000) * 100%, indicating a 15% reduction in water use.

Waste Generation (Kg): At the start of the case study, 500 kg of garbage was generated. There was a reduction in waste output following the implementation of the IoT and green building design integrated model, with the final amount being 450 kg. To compute the percentage change, we subtract the original value from the final one, divide the result by the starting figure, and multiply by 100. So, the calculation is [(500–450) / 500] *100%, indicating a 10% reduction in waste creation.

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0298982.t004

6. Results and discussion

6.1 interpretation of results.

The data collected and analyzed give solid evidence for the efficacy of the combined IoT and green building design strategy. Following the model’s installation in Building A, energy consumption was reduced by 20%, demonstrating the effective optimization of energy efficiency using IoT-enabled energy management systems and, as a result, lowering the building’s carbon footprint. Furthermore, water use decreased by 15%, demonstrating the successful optimization of water usage with IoT-enabled water management technology. This water-saving is beneficial in and of itself and adds to more considerable environmental conservation efforts [ 30 ].

Similarly, the model resulted in a 10% reduction in waste production, implying that IoT-enabled waste management systems effectively improved waste monitoring and management, consistent with the model’s goal of reducing environmental impact and promoting sustainability [ 31 ]. Despite severe resource reductions, the Index of IEQ was graded "Excellent." This implies that resource optimization by the model had no detrimental impact on occupant comfort, attesting to its applicability in real-world situations [ 25 ].

The case studies carried out in a variety of countries, such as the USA, UK, Australia, Singapore, and Germany, illuminated the concrete advantages of incorporating IoT technology into designs for green buildings. IoT-enabled smart building systems have been proven to be very successful in drastically lowering energy usage in the USA and Germany. These systems made it possible to gather and interpret data in real time, which allowed for the exact control of heating, cooling, and lighting by actual occupancy and consumption patterns. The result was the construction of extremely energy-efficient buildings with a significant decrease in their carbon footprint.

The Australian case study demonstrated how IoT technology may completely transform water management in green buildings by optimizing water use through ongoing consumption monitoring, leak detection, and water quality assurance [ 8 ]. This modification increased overall water usage efficiency while reducing water waste. Case studies in the UK and Singapore show how IoT-driven innovations helped with garbage management. Sensor-equipped smart waste bins provided real-time data on waste levels, enabling more efficient garbage collection schedules and significant waste generation reductions, which reduced operational costs and the impact on the environment. Furthermore, as the case studies [ 12 ] demonstrate, the incorporation of smart sensors and devices for temperature, lighting, and air quality controls greatly improved the Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) within the buildings. Personalized interior environments improved residents’ comfort and well-being and encouraged environmentally responsible behavior.

Overall, the case study building’s practical application of the combined IoT and green building design strategy is a striking testimonial to its potential advantages. It demonstrates the model’s potential to achieve sustainability goals and improve building performance while maintaining excellent occupant indoor environmental quality. Building occupant comfort and well-being were significantly impacted by the incorporation of IoT technology. Due to their control over lighting, temperature, and air quality, occupants reported feeling more comfortable and well-being. Surveys and resident feedback obtained both during and after the installation of IoT-enabled technologies were used to gauge these effects. Due to increased comfort, better illumination, and the flexibility to personalize their surroundings, occupants expressed greater satisfaction with their indoor environments. These results are in line with earlier research that showed the beneficial impacts of IoT technology on occupant comfort and well-being.

6.2 Implications for green building and IoT industry

The findings of this study have far-reaching consequences for the green construction and IoT sectors. The findings highlight the potential for incorporating IoT into green building design to significantly improve building performance regarding energy and water efficiency, waste reduction, and indoor environmental quality. One of the most important aspects of environmental preservation is the incorporation of IoT technology. Through the analysis of real-time occupancy and environmental data, IoT-enabled smart building systems improve energy efficiency, leading to fewer carbon emissions and energy consumption. Another advantage is that IoT-based devices can conserve water by monitoring and optimizing water use and identifying leaks. This lessens the impact of water waste on the environment.

Real-time monitoring made possible by IoT sensors also revolutionizes waste management by enabling effective waste collection schedules and lower operating expenses. Additionally, by controlling lighting, humidity, temperature, and air quality, IoT improves interior environmental quality and eventually increases occupant comfort and well-being. Finally, by using IoT sensors for predictive maintenance, building systems can last longer, require fewer resource-intensive replacements, and produce less waste. The model’s proven real-world performance offers the green construction sector a viable and effective way of reaching sustainability goals. This integrated strategy encourages transitioning from traditional, resource-intensive building procedures to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly approach. In terms of the IoT sector, the study emphasizes the importance of IoT in the green construction industry and its potential contribution to sustainable urban development.

According to the study, green building design represents a promising market for IoT developers and service providers since their solutions may address actual, real-world difficulties. Unexpected results could include the necessity to successfully balance environmental trade-offs, positive occupant behavior changes, and synergistic benefits The research also emphasizes the need for IoT solutions, especially customized to green building requirements, such as energy-efficient devices and practical data processing tools. Furthermore, incorporating IoT into green building design has far-reaching consequences for legislators, urban planners, and environmental activists. The method supports a transition to smart, sustainable cities by demonstrating the potential of advanced technology in tackling significant environmental concerns and encouraging sustainable living [ 22 ].

7. Conclusion

This study draws numerous vital findings concerning the feasibility of implementing IoT technology into green building design. Resource optimization is one of the most successful outcomes. The case study revealed that the IoT-enabled green building concept significantly boosted resource efficiency. This was proved by a 20% drop in energy usage, a 15% decrease in water consumption, and a 10% decrease in trash generation. This demonstrates IoT technology’s importance in reaching resource efficiency goals in green buildings. The quality of the building’s internal atmosphere remained maintained even with reduced resource consumption. This shows that using IoT technology to balance resource efficiency and occupant comfort in green buildings is possible. Aside from maintaining a high-quality indoor atmosphere, the model’s practical application in a real-world setting indicates its scalability.

This implies that the approach may be applied in more buildings or on a city-wide scale, adding to the sustainability of urban growth. The results have consequences for the industry as well. They emphasize a prospective market for IoT technology in the green building sector and the potential for green building practices to boost construction sustainability. Thus, incorporating IoT technology into green building design has enormous potential for increasing building efficiency, achieving environmental sustainability goals, and stimulating the creation of intelligent, sustainable cities.

The research has practical implications in two main areas. Additionally, it thoroughly examines the obstacles faced in implementing green building (G.B.) projects in Turkey, providing a comprehensive understanding of these barriers. Moreover, it clarifies the perspectives of public agency representatives and professionals working in private entities regarding the significance of these barriers. This more profound understanding of the barriers can help policymakers and construction practitioners develop well-informed strategies to promote green practices in China and other developing countries with similar socio-economic conditions. Furthermore, the in-depth analysis of these barriers can benefit foreign investors interested in investing in G.B. projects in China. By better understanding the G.B. industry in China, they can make more realistic investment decisions.

However, it is essential to note that the study has limitations. There were obstacles and difficulties in integrating IoT technology into the design of green buildings. A prominent obstacle was the upfront expenses associated with setting up IoT infrastructure and installing devices, which were frequently viewed as a substantial financial commitment. However, the long-term savings in energy consumption, upkeep, and operational efficiency that IoT devices provided helped to offset this cost.

Concerns about data security and privacy were also very important because IoT devices required the gathering and sharing of sensitive data. Strong security procedures and encryption techniques were put in place to protect data integrity and privacy to allay these worries. The requirement for certain knowledge and abilities to successfully manage and run IoT-enabled technologies presented another difficulty. Training was necessary for building management employees to handle and comprehend the data produced by IoT devices.

In addition, there were problems with compatibility when combining IoT solutions with pre-existing building systems. Thorough preparation and compatibility evaluations were required to guarantee a smooth integration Notwithstanding these difficulties, IoT technology is a potential strategy for sustainable building design because its overall advantages, like improved occupant comfort and energy efficiency, exceeded the early drawbacks.

Although more significant than the recommended value for proper factor analysis, the sample size used in the research is still relatively small. Increasing the sample size in future studies could yield more reliable results. Additionally, future research can focus on expanding the participant demographics to ensure a more balanced distribution. While this study primarily focused on barriers to G.B. projects, future investigations could explore the barriers and the driving factors in different countries.

Furthermore, influential factors on IEQ will be analyzed by Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA). Ultimately, this index would be predicted by various Machine Learning (ML) models (i.e., Evolutionary Polynomial Regression [EPR], Deep Learning [DL], Random Forest [R.F.], Support Vector Machine [SVM]) through the process of G.B. design by IoT.

7.1 Future studies

Future research studies could improve the organization and coherence of the transition from outlining the limitations of the study to suggesting future research directions. Based on our study’s findings, numerous significant future research objectives and areas for development in green building design use IoT technology. First, sophisticated IoT applications, especially for optimizing renewable energy sources like solar and wind power, can improve energy efficiency. Understanding how IoT affects occupant behavior and well-being, especially in personalized IoT-driven settings, can inform human-centric design

To secure building systems and tenant data, IoT data collection and processing must be thoroughly investigated for cybersecurity and privacy issues. Further research is needed to standardize and interoperate IoT devices and systems for scalability and acceptance in green building design.

A detailed cost-benefit analysis will help stakeholders decide on the financial and long-term benefits of IoT integration in green buildings. Governments and regulators can promote sustainability by studying how policies and regulations affect IoT integration.

Finally, architectural, design, and building management professionals require specific education and training to use IoT’s promise in green building design. These programs can equip practitioners for the changing landscape of IoT technologies in sustainability and environmental preservation. IoT technology in green building design is relevant globally but requires regional and local considerations. Sustainability, energy efficiency, and environmental preservation are universal values, but obstacles and priorities vary. Climate, legal frameworks, resource availability, cultural factors, economic factors, and infrastructure readiness all affect IoT-enabled green building solutions. Extreme climates may optimize HVAC, while water scarcity zones may use IoT to manage water. Local building codes must be followed, and economic concerns may affect IoT implementations.

Supporting information

S1 dataset..

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0298982.s001

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The Medicines Optimisation Innovation Centre: a dedicated centre driving innovation in medicines optimisation-impact and sustainability

• ESCP Best Practice
• Open access
• Published: 23 July 2024

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• A. Hogg   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-4369-305X 1 ,
• M. Scott   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0003-4048-0937 1 ,
• G. Fleming   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0001-7321-8092 1 ,
• C. Scullin   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0001-9877-2858 1 ,
• R. Huey   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-1500-7593 1 ,
• S. Martin   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0003-1619-958X 1 ,
• N. Goodfellow   ORCID: orcid.org/0009-0008-3940-624X 1 &
• C. Harrison 2  

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Sub-optimal medicines use is a challenge globally, contributing to poorer health outcomes, inefficiencies and waste. The Medicines Optimisation Innovation Centre (MOIC) was established in Northern Ireland by the Department of Health (DH) in 2015 to support implementation of the Medicines Optimisation Quality Framework.

To demonstrate how MOIC informs policy and provides support to commissioners to improve population health and wellbeing.

MOIC is a regional centre with multidisciplinary and multi-sector clinical expertise across Health and Social Care and patient representation.

Development

Core funded by DH, MOIC has a robust governance structure and oversight programme board. An annual business plan is agreed with DH. Rigorous processes have been developed for project adoption and working collaboratively with industry.

Implementation

MOIC has established partnerships with academia, industry, healthcare and representative organisations across Europe, participating in research and development projects and testing integrated technology solutions. A hosting programme has been established and evaluation and dissemination strategies have been developed.

MOIC has established numerous agreements, partnered in three large EU projects and strengthened networks globally with extensive publications and conference presentations. Informing pathway redesign, sustainability and COVID response, MOIC has also assisted in the development of clinical pharmacy services and antimicrobial stewardship in Europe and Africa. Northern Ireland has been recognised as a 4-star European Active and Healthy Ageing Reference Site and the Integrated Medicines Management model as an example of best practice in Central and Eastern Europe.

MOIC has demonstrated considerable success and sustainability and is applicable to health systems globally.

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Facilitators of best practice

Department of Health core funding, strategic direction and support and link to informing policy to improve patient care.

Collaboration with stakeholders across academia, industry, healthcare, policy makers, patients and representative organisations are key to MOIC’s success.

Partnerships and engagement across Europe facilitate knowledge transfer and opportunities for large European funded projects.

Barriers to best practice

UK exit from EU and uncertainty about UK association to Horizon Europe. The UK has now associated and MOIC can continue to participate in European funding calls.

Workforce and service pressures within healthcare, impacting on the availability of clinical staff for projects and hosting. Work is underway by the Department of Health to develop the pharmacy workforce.

Covid-19 pandemic as projects were paused. Health and Social Care has now reset and project work has recommenced.

Sub-optimal medicines use is a challenge globally, contributing to harm, poorer health outcomes, inefficiencies and waste [ 1 , 2 ]. In healthcare, 1 in 20 patients experience preventable medication-related harm [ 3 ]. Sub-optimal use of antimicrobials, contributing to antimicrobial resistance, is one of the top 10 global public health threats and the focus of the European One Health Action Plan [ 4 ]. The ageing population and increasing numbers of people living with multiple long term conditions have escalated demand for medicines [ 5 ]. Northern Ireland (NI) consumes more medicines, including antimicrobials and analgesics, than other parts of the United Kingdom (UK). The mean number of prescription items per person per year in NI is 23, costing £245, the highest in the UK [ 6 ].

The environmental impact of pharmaceuticals, including antimicrobial resistance and loss of biodiversity is a growing concern, requiring urgent action and the introduction of ‘eco-directed and sustainable pharmaceutical prescribing’ [ 7 ]. Constrained resources, workforce pressures and the need to rebuild following the Covid-19 pandemic, further compound the unprecedented challenges faced by healthcare systems worldwide. Innovation in medicines optimisation, embracing pathway redesign, behavioural science, sustainability, pharmacogenomics, artificial intelligence and integrated technology solutions, including companion diagnostics, is needed to transform healthcare systems, supporting the delivery of high quality, safe, effective and sustainable person-centred care [ 8 , 9 , 10 ].

In 2016, the NI Department of Health (DH) published the NI Medicines Optimisation Quality Framework [ 11 ]. The aim was to support better health outcomes for the population through gaining the best possible outcomes from medicines every time they are prescribed, dispensed or administered. The Framework focussed on the consistent delivery of best practice and supported the development and implementation of new, evidence based best practice delivered through an innovation and change programme involving multi-disciplinary professionals working together and with patients.

The Medicines Optimisation Innovation Centre (MOIC) was established by the DH in 2015 to support implementation of the Medicines Optimisation Quality Framework.

To demonstrate how MOIC informs policy and provides support to commissioners to improve population health and wellbeing. This provides an evidence base to influence change across the following four MOIC strategic themes:

Focus on the needs of patients and the NI population.

Accelerate the adoption of innovation into practice to improve clinical outcomes and efficiency.

Build a culture of partnership and collaboration.

Make a meaningful contribution to the NI economy.

MOIC was established as a regional centre of expertise in NI. It is a dedicated space to develop a systematic approach to finding, testing and scaling up service and technology solutions for the Health and Social Care (HSC) service. The HSC is the term used for the National Health Service (NHS) in NI.

MOIC is uniquely positioned. NI remains in the European Union (EU) single market for goods, in the EU Customs Territory and in full regulatory alignment with the EU. As a health service organisation, MOIC facilitates access to clinicians and patients across the HSC.

The Core Team is the Director, Deputy Director and Lead and a number of Senior Research and Innovation Programme Managers (educated to PhD level), Communications Manager and Secretary. The MOIC Team includes clinical pharmacy expertise, contributing to project design and delivery. This is complemented by multidisciplinary clinical expertise from across the HSC and patient representation. Two members of the MOIC Team are Health and Wellbeing Champions.

Funding is secured from three main sources:

Core funding: Recurrent core funding is provided by the DH. MOIC agrees an annual business plan with the DH to undertake projects for the HSC in each financial year. The plan is informed by DH policy priorities (themes 1–3) and projects which have the potential to generate income or resources (theme 4). Additional core funding is received from the HSC Research and Development (R&D) division as part of the infrastructure spend for R&D in NI.

Grant acquisition: Collaborating with a range of partners and networks, MOIC applies for competitive funding schemes, including large research grants.

Commercial income: Working with commercial companies on projects aligned to the key themes, MOIC generates commercial income using a range of models including fee for project and revenue share. MOIC is also a knowledge provider for Invest NI. Under this arrangement, companies can apply for innovation vouchers to buy MOIC time and expertise.

Hosted in the Northern Health and Social Care Trust (NHSCT), a major HSC Trust in NI, MOIC has a robust governance structure and oversight Programme Board, responsible for overseeing the work and strategic direction. The Programme Board, chaired by the Trust’s Accountable Officer, includes membership from across DH, healthcare, academia, industry and patient representation. Regular reports on activity and projects are provided to the Programme Board to monitor progress against the agreed business plan and to review projects undertaken via grant acquisition. For commercial projects, a bespoke project adoption process has been developed, incorporating project adoption documentation and a Project Adoption Committee. This process ensures that only projects which meet MOIC key themes are adopted. These measures ensure compliance with Regional Research and Information Governance requirements .

Communications and dissemination

Communications and dissemination strategies have been designed to ensure MOIC and its work, projects, outcomes and reports are promoted extensively across a variety of media.

MOIC secures evidence to inform Departmental Policy and pathway redesign.

Collaborations and partnerships

MOIC establishes collaborations, partnerships and agreements with academia, industry, healthcare and representative organisations, locally, across Ireland, Europe and beyond. These are selected based on common objectives and synergies with MOIC themes. Working collaboratively, MOIC participates in projects and shares knowledge, supporting the scale and spread of innovative solutions and best practice. Having an international reach, MOIC is also well-positioned to advise on knowledge transfer and facilitate introductions to new markets.

In addition to local projects agreed in the annual DH business plan, MOIC works with an extensive network of partners to undertake research and service development projects. Projects range from large European grants to supporting PhD research. Arrangements are dictated by various factors, for example, the nature of MOIC involvement and relevant project requirements including those stipulated by funders. Projects span pathway redesign, clinical pharmacy, multiple long term conditions, workforce, environmental impact and sustainability, pharmacogenomics, artificial intelligence and include developing and testing integrated technology solutions and companion diagnostics.

Industry engagement

MOIC works commercially with companies, from Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) to multinationals. This includes the Pharmaceutical Industry and their representative association, the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI). MOIC also manages the HSC Industry Partnership (HSCIP) on behalf of NI, which aims to ensure joint working between the Pharmaceutical Industry and the HSC to deliver ‘Triple Win’ benefits for patients, the Health Service and the economy. HSCIP is a portal for collaborative proposals to work together to achieve rapid and consistent patient access to innovation, more effective use of HSC resources, increased cross-sector research collaboration and a step change in the pace and consistency of adoption of evidence-based innovative medicines and technologies.

A formal hosting programme has been established. Interested parties from across Europe and globally can visit MOIC, learning about its work, clinical pharmacy and related areas including antimicrobial stewardship.

MOIC has developed a test bed within the HSC. This facility specialises in the handling of products at a late stage in their development and almost ready to market, and offers access to HSC clinicians and patients. Partnering with the commercial sector, academia and patient representatives, MOIC combines pharmaceutical and research and development skills with technology and business acumen to improve outcomes for patients. MOIC also assists with proof of concept and signposting to appropriate individuals/entities.

MOIC has demonstrated considerable success and sustainability.

MOIC has established over 25 cross-sector agreements, Memoranda of Understanding and partnerships across Europe and Internationally (Fig.  1 ). Examples include working with the Polish Society of Clinical Pharmacy to develop clinical pharmacy; Commonwealth Pharmacists’ Association and Bugando Medical Centre, Tanzania, on antimicrobial stewardship and the development of clinical pharmacy; Cluster Saude de Galicia, Spain, on pharmacogenomics; Health Innovation Hub Ireland on clinical pharmacy and innovative technologies [ 12 ].

The Medicines Optimisation Innovation Centre (MOIC) European collaborations and partnerships

MOIC has also established the UK and Ireland Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) Collaboration, an informal network of participants with an interest in AMS and co-hosted the first All-Ireland Conference on AMS with colleagues from the Collaborate Analyse Research Audit (CARA) network.

Partnerships focusing on the Environment and Sustainability have been established across Europe, including Uppsala University, incorporating the Swedish Knowledge Centre on Pharmaceuticals in the Environment, and the One Health Breakthrough Partnership. Funding opportunities are being explored.

Scale and spread

MOIC has informed and supported the scale and spread of best practice in clinical pharmacy and subsequent evaluation in Poland, Austria, Norway and Estonia, co-hosting its first conference in Europe focusing on clinical pharmacy in Poland in 2019 [ 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 ]. The NI Integrated Medicines Management model has been highlighted as an example of best practice in Central and Eastern Europe [ 18 , 19 , 20 ]. MOIC Co-chairs the Medicines Optimisation Thematic Working Group of the Reference Site Collaborative Network (RSCN) and NI has been recognised as a 4-star RSCN Active and Healthy Ageing Reference Site. The NI Chief Pharmaceutical Officer and MOIC have been invited to share work at the European Society of Clinical Pharmacy (ESCP) Symposium in Krakow, focusing on ‘Implementing and scaling sustainable clinical pharmacy’ [ 21 ]. ESCP advances quality and innovation in clinical pharmacy, promoting, supporting, implementing and advancing education, practice and research in clinical pharmacy to optimise outcomes for patients and society [ 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 ]. The work of MOIC closely aligns with ESCP aims.

(i) European funded projects

MOIC has partnered in three large EU funded projects:

SHAPES (Smart and Healthy Ageing through People Engaging in Supportive Systems): a Horizon 2020 funded, 36 partner consortium which aimed to enable older people to live healthier lives at home and build, pilot and deploy a large-scale EU-standardised open platform [ 33 , 34 , 35 ].

iSIMPATHY (implementing Stimulating Innovation in the Management of Polypharmacy and Adherence Through the Years): an Interreg VA project, focussed on ensuring the best and most sustainable use of medicines by training pharmacists and other healthcare professionals to deliver structured medicine reviews and embedding a shared approach to managing multiple medicines [ 36 , 37 ].

SIMPATHY: This Horizon 2020 funded project mapped polypharmacy management and identified best practices from across the EU, provided and promoted tools and resources for different local–regional contexts to change the management of polypharmacy to increase adherence in older adults [ 38 ].

MOIC is partnering in a CwPAMS 2.0 project with colleagues from the UK and Tanzania supporting antimicrobial stewardship and clinical pharmacy. Further grant applications have been submitted across a number of areas including pharmacogenomics, multimorbidity, treatment persistency and antimicrobial stewardship. MOIC is also participating in the ENABLE COST Action focusing on technologies to support medicines adherence [ 39 ].

(ii) Health and social care

MOIC has led the evaluation of an array of cross-sector projects. Post discharge telephone follow up by clinical pharmacists is now routine practice in NHSCT and Consultant Pharmacists for Older People input in Nursing Homes and Intermediate Care settings has been scaled and spread across NI [ 40 , 41 , 42 , 43 , 44 , 45 ]. Others include a Medicines Optimisation Outpatient clinic, GP Practice-based Pharmacist case management, Pharmacy First Service in Community Pharmacy using rapid diagnostics in the management of sore throats, new models of prescribing by non-medical prescribers and the development of General Practice-based pharmacists and consultant pharmacists [ 46 , 47 , 48 , 49 ]. In addition to supporting the work of the NI Genomics Partnership and antimicrobial resistance initiatives, MOIC also supports the implementation of the ‘Transforming Medication Safety in Northern Ireland’ Action Plan aligned to the WHO Global Patient Safety Challenge ‘Medication Without Harm’ and the Digital Innovation Steering Group [ 1 , 50 , 51 , 52 , 53 , 54 , 55 , 56 , 57 , 58 , 59 ].

MOIC co-supervises and mentors PhD students across Europe, including Poland (University of Wroclaw; Medicines Optimisation pilot), Austria (University of Ulster; Antimicrobial Stewardship and Clinical Pharmacy), Norway (University of Oslo; Transitions in Care and Multiple Long Term Conditions) and Estonia (University of Tartu; Medicine Use Reviews) [ 13 , 14 , 16 , 17 ].

(iv) Quality improvement

MOIC has co-developed a novel Change Package to support the WHO Global Patient Safety Challenge ‘Medication Without Harm’ [ 1 ]. This work has been presented internationally and combines medicines optimisation approaches with quality improvement methodology. Discussions are progressing with the Institute for Healthcare Improvement and interested parties in Europe.

MOIC has completed several projects with the pharmaceutical industry. Under the HSCIP, a project is underway in cardiovascular, focusing on priority pathways. The HSCIP has generated widespread interest and work to disseminate the model is underway. Under a revenue share agreement, MOIC worked with a healthcare company in Ireland to develop smart procedure packs for blood culture, lumbar puncture, peripheral lines and HIC/PICC lines. Evaluation of the blood culture packs demonstrated a reduction in false positives, significant benefits for patients and reduced healthcare resource utilisation. The packs are now commercially available [ 60 ]. With a commercial company, MOIC co-developed and tested a solution to tag and track healthcare assets in real time in various settings. Working with a spin out company from Queen’s University Belfast, MOIC trialled a novel adherence technology to support adherence in people with respiratory disease.

MOIC has hosted numerous high level representatives and pharmacists from across Europe and globally.

Visitors such as Ministry of Health representatives or senior managers generally stay for a few days. Pharmacists may choose to stay for periods of up to 3 months, complete projects and take the learning back to change practice in their setting. Formal hosting arrangements are in place with organisations such as the Spanish Society of Hospital Pharmacists. MOIC is also a Statement Implementation Learning Collaborative Centre (SILCC) for the European Association of Hospital Pharmacy. This programme allows hospital pharmacists to visit SILCC hospitals to learn about pharmacy linked to the European Statements of Hospital Pharmacy.

MOIC was agile during the Covid-19 pandemic. Leading work on Personal Protective Equipment procurement and informing the modelling of critical care drugs, MOIC supported the NI Covid-19 response [ 61 , 62 ]. The Team also participated in the COMET European research study to establish if certain medications affect clinical outcomes in those with Covid-19 [ 63 , 64 , 65 ]. MOIC was commissioned by DH to support the coordination of evidence and drafting of reviews detailing the role of pharmacy in the Covid-19 response.

Income generation

MOIC has demonstrated financial stability and sustainability and has generated income from grant acquisition and the commercialisation of solutions, contributing to the wider NI economy.

Communication and dissemination

Disseminating extensively, including 64 journal publications, 21 reports, 121 oral and 72 poster presentations, and leveraging online, social media, electronic and print formats such as newsletters and brochures, MOIC has maximised reach. This has enabled extensive knowledge sharing and has facilitated further networks and collaborations.

Health and wellbeing

Health, wellbeing and inclusion have been prioritised and embedded in MOIC. An Action Plan has been developed and MOIC is currently undergoing a wellbeing workplace accreditation process.

MOIC has achieved substantial success across all four MOIC themes and has demonstrated clear impact through driving innovation in medicines use. By optimising medicines use through practice and research to achieve person-centred and public health goals, MOIC supports innovation in Clinical Pharmacy [ 66 ].

MOIC is unique as an innovation centre focussed on medicines and associated technologies. The key facilitators for MOIC include the DH’s strategic direction and support for its work and the link to informing policy to improve patient care [ 67 ]. The person-centred approach and routine collaboration with stakeholders across academia, industry, healthcare, policy makers, patients and representative organisations are also key to MOIC’s success. Importantly, the centre is instrumental in the scale and spread of good practice which is often lacking for many small scale pilot innovations in clinical pharmacy [ 21 ]. The extensive international engagement, partnerships and reach, mean that MOIC is ideally positioned to scale and spread innovative solutions across Europe and beyond. MOIC’s HSCIP is novel and sets out a mechanism to work collaboratively with Industry with appropriate governance. This model has substantively addressed previous concerns regarding working in partnership with industry. MOICs agility and expertise was key in supporting the NI Covid-19 response.

The UK exit from the EU and uncertainty about the UK association to Horizon Europe were barriers for MOIC. The UK has now associated and MOIC can continue to participate in European funding calls. The NI Protocol has ensured that MOIC is uniquely positioned as NI remains in the EU single market for goods, in the EU Customs Territory and in full regulatory alignment with the EU. MOIC has worked diligently to communicate this association and MOIC’s unique position to colleagues across Europe. Another barrier has been the ongoing workforce and service pressures within healthcare, impacting on the availability of clinical staff to participate in projects and on hosting. To manage this, clinical expertise within MOIC is utilised and work is underway by the DH to develop the pharmacy workforce following publication of the Pharmacist Workforce Survey [ 68 ]. The hosting programme is currently paused due to ongoing service pressures within HSC, however discussions are continuing to progress the reintroduction of this popular programme.

The income generated by MOIC and its financial stability have further supported the sustainability of the centre. Not only is MOIC important for the DH, interest has also been expressed by the Department for the Economy, particularly relating to European and International engagement and discussions are underway to develop this link.

Given the unprecedented challenges faced by healthcare systems and the need for novel approaches, MOIC has generated widespread interest across Europe and beyond. Building on key successes, MOIC will continue to extend and strengthen international collaborations and partner in funding opportunities, including exploring the potential to establish a network of MOICs. MOIC is committed to improving patient care going forward through harnessing capability and innovation in pharmacogenomics, artificial intelligence, rapid diagnostics, enabling technologies, AMS and the environmental impact of medicines and sustainability.

MOIC has demonstrated considerable success and sustainability, driving innovation and best practice in medicines use and associated technologies. Achieving extensive reach and recognition, MOIC is relevant and applicable to health systems and economies globally.

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Acknowledgements

The authors wish to acknowledge the support of the Northern Health and Social Care Trust in hosting MOIC, in particular, Ms. Jennifer Welsh, Chief Executive, Mr. Owen Harkin, Deputy Chief Executive and Finance Director and Dr. Dave Watkins, Medical Director.

Funding is secured from three main sources: Core funding: Recurrent core funding is provided by the Department of Health. Additional core funding is received from the HSC Research and Development (R&D) division. Grant acquisition: MOIC applies for competitive funding schemes, including large research grants. Commercial income: Working with a range of commercial companies on projects aligned to the key themes, MOIC generates commercial income. MOIC is also a knowledge provider for Invest NI.

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Hogg, A., Scott, M., Fleming, G. et al. The Medicines Optimisation Innovation Centre: a dedicated centre driving innovation in medicines optimisation-impact and sustainability. Int J Clin Pharm (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11096-024-01775-1

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Ecodesign becomes the norm for products in the European Union

Yesterday, new rules entered into force to make sustainable products the norm on the EU Single Market and reduce their overall environmental and climate impacts.

Building on the achievements of the existing Ecodesign Directive , the new Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) will ensure that products last longer, use energy and resources more efficiently, are easier to repair and recycle, and include more recycled content. It will also improve the level playing field for sustainable products on the EU's Single Market and strengthen the global competitiveness of businesses offering sustainable products.

The new rules will apply to a much broader range of products than the existing Ecodesign Directive , progressively setting performance and information requirements for key products  placed on the EU market, and will be tailored to specific groups. The rules will be applicable to products within scope, irrespective of their origin. They will be developed on the basis of scientific evidence, economic analysis and stakeholder consultation. To ensure good coordination, the Commission will publish multiannual working plans, listing the products and measures to be addressed.

The new regulation will allow for the set-up of ‘Digital Product Passports’ for regulated products that will provide essential information on sustainability. The regulation will also include new measures to  end the wasteful and environmentally harmful practice of destroying unsold consumer products . In addition, a direct ban on destruction of unsold textiles and footwear products is introduced , with derogations for small companies and a transition period for medium-sized ones. In addition, large companies will need to disclose every year how many unsold consumer products they discard, and why. 

Work will now focus on implementing the regulation. One of the first steps will be for the Commission to establish the Ecodesign Forum, which will gather stakeholder input. The Commission will then consult on and adopt the first ESPR working plan.   

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A roadmap for affordable genetic medicines

• Melinda Kliegman   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-9710-795X 1 ,
• Manar Zaghlula 1 ,
• Susan Abrahamson 1 ,
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• Fyodor D. Urnov   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0001-7542-4084 1 , 3 &
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Nineteen genetic therapies have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to date, a number that now includes the first CRISPR genome editing therapy for sickle cell disease, CASGEVY (exagamglogene autotemcel). This extraordinary milestone is widely celebrated because of the promise for future genome editing treatments of previously intractable genetic disorders and cancers. At the same time, such genetic therapies are the most expensive drugs on the market, with list prices exceeding $4 million per patient. Although all approved cell and gene therapies trace their origins to academic or government research institutions, reliance on for-profit pharmaceutical companies for subsequent development and commercialization results in prices that prioritize recouping investments, paying for candidate product failures, and meeting investor and shareholder expectations. To increase affordability and access, sustainable discovery-to-market alternatives are needed that address system-wide deficiencies. Here, we present recommendations of a multi-disciplinary task force assembled to chart such a path. We describe a pricing structure that, once implemented, could reduce per-patient cost tenfold and propose a business model that distributes responsibilities while leveraging diverse funding sources. We also outline how academic licensing provisions, manufacturing innovation and supportive regulations can reduce cost and enable broader patient treatment.

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Melinda Kliegman, Manar Zaghlula, Susan Abrahamson, Ross Wilson, Fyodor D. Urnov & Jennifer A. Doudna

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Kliegman, M., Zaghlula, M., Abrahamson, S. et al. A roadmap for affordable genetic medicines. Nature (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-024-07800-7

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THE USE OF MODAL VERBS IN L2 WRITING OF IRAQI UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS

• Ahmed KAREEM Karabuk University, Turkey
• Sarmad ALAHMED Ph.D. Student, Karabuk University, Turkey

The current study describes the use of modal verbs in essays written by Iraqi B.A. students at Tikrit University (in Tikrit province, Iraq). The main aim of the present study is to discover how participants use modal verbs in essay writing to provide a detailed analysis that will assist them in improving their writing. 84 Iraqi B.A. students at Tikrit University participated in this study. The participants wrote Eighty-four essays; each participant wrote one essay on a different topic that was chosen. Adopting Palmer’s (1990) classification, the modal auxiliary verbs used by the participants were classified into three categories; a) Epistemic modality; b) Deontic modality; c) Dynamic modality. The results of the current study show that the participants used ‘can’ (f=261) followed by ‘will’ (f=105), ‘must’ (f=86), ‘may’ (f=37), ‘should’ (f=34), and ‘would’ (f=28). It was concluded that the students had overused some modal verbs. In addition, it was also determined that they had misused some modal verbs in their writings. The present study also concluded that students’ ability in using modal verbs must be developed to reach the proper academic level in their writing.

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