bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Underreporting of Alcohol Use in Trauma Patients: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Hoonpongsimanont Wirachin , Ghanem Ghadi , Chen Yanjun , Sahota Preet Kaur , Carroll Christy , Barrios Cristobal , Lotfipour Shahram
Published: October 2019

Background

This study assessed the inconsistencies between self-reported alcohol consumption and blood alcohol content (BAC) in trauma patients. We aimed to identify the incidence of positive BAC in trauma patients who reported a zero score on the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT). We also sought to identify characteristics of individuals who were likely to negate alcohol use, yet yielded a positive BAC, to improve our ability to provide alcohol screening and healthcare to these at-risk alcohol consumers.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study from 2010 to 2018 at a university-based, level-one trauma emergency department. We identified 2581 adult trauma patients who reported a zero score on the AUDIT from the trauma registry. We collected BAC, age, gender, race, education level, mechanism of injury, language and injury severity score (ISS) from patient charts, and used descriptive analyses and multivariate logistic regression to analyze the data.

Results

One hundred and thirty-one (5.08%) trauma patients who reported AUDIT of zero had a positive BAC. We found that being male (OR 1.53), assaulted or injured from a penetrating mechanism (OR 2.29) and having an ISS greater than 25 (OR 3.76) were independent positive predictors of trauma patients who reported an AUDIT of zero and had a positive BAC. Age (OR 0.99) was an independent negative predictor of trauma patients who reported an AUDIT of zero and had a positive BAC in this cohort.

Conclusions

Inaccurate self-reporting of alcohol drinking behavior does exist in trauma patients. A composite of objective alcohol screening modalities, in addition to AUDIT, is needed to screen for alcohol use in this population. Healthcare providers should remain highly suspicious of alcohol-related injuries in individuals with the identified characteristics.
Testing Mediational Processes of Substance use Relapse among Youth who Participated in a Mobile Texting Aftercare Project
Authors: Gonzales-Castaneda Rachel , McKay James R. , Steinberg Jane , Winters Ken C. , Yu Chong Ho (Alex) , Valdovinos Irene C. , Casillas Janna M. , McCarthy Kyle C.
Published: October 2019

Background

The goal of this paper is to advance the understanding of mechanisms of action involved in behavioral-driven aftercare interventions for substance use disorders (SUDs) among youth populations. This paper reports data from a study that measured the impact of an aftercare intervention on primary substance use relapse among youth who completed treatment in Los Angeles County for SUDs. The aftercare intervention, Project ESQYIR- Educating and Supporting inQuisitive Youth In Recovery, utilized text messaging to monitor relapse and recovery processes, provide feedback, reminders, support, and education among youth from SUD specialty settings during the initial 3-month period following treatment completion.

Method

Mediational modeling informed by Baron and Kenny was used to examine the extent to which select recovery processes including participation in extracurricular activities and self-help, were impacted by the texting intervention, and if such processes helped sustain recovery and prevent primary substance use relapse. The data come from a two-group randomized controlled pilot study testing the initial efficacy of a mobile health texting aftercare intervention among 80 youth ( Mage= 20.7, SD = 3.5, range: 14–26 years) who volunteered to participate after completing SUD treatment between 2012 and 2013.

Results

Among the two recovery processes examined in the mediational modeling, only involvement in extracurricular activities mediated the effects of the texting aftercare intervention on reductions in primary substance use relapse; not self-help participation.

Conclusion

Findings from this pilot study offer greater understanding about potential recovery-related mechanisms of action of mobile aftercare interventions. Mobile texting was found to promote increased engagement in recovery-related behaviors such as participation in extracurricular activities, which mediated the effects of the mobile aftercare intervention on decreasing primary substance use relapse. Findings suggest mobile approaches may be effective for increasing adherence to a wide-array of recovery behavioral regiments among youth populations challenged by complex behavioral issues.
Dissemination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Substance use Disorders in the Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care System: Description and Evaluation of Veteran Outcomes
Authors: DeMarce Josephine M. , Gnys Maryann , Raffa Susan D. , Kumpula Mandy , Karlin Bradley E.
Published: October 2019

Background

As part of the nation's largest dissemination and implementation of evidence-based psychotherapies (EBPs) and the promotion of EBPs for substance use disorders (SUDs), the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is working to nationally implement Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for SUD (CBT-SUD). The current manuscript describes the approach to system-wide training and reports Veteran outcomes associated with CBT-SUD implementation.

Methods

Four-hundred fifty-eight Veterans with a range of treatment goals received treatment through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) CBT-SUD Training Program. Veteran outcomes related to substance use, substance use-related problems, and quality of life were assessed with the Brief Addiction Monitor, the Short Inventory of Problems, and the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF.

Results

Statistically significant reductions in alcohol use, heavy alcohol use, other drug use, and substance use-related problems, as well as significant improvements in quality of life, were observed over the course of treatment.

Conclusions

Program evaluation findings suggest that large-scale training in and implementation of EBPs for SUDs is associated with improvements in substance use and other functional outcomes. Limitations from this real-world implementation project, including the lack of a control group and missing post-treatment data, are discussed.
Opioid Prescribing Patterns and Overdose Deaths in Texas
Authors: Champagne-Langabeer Tiffany , Madu Renita , Giri Sharmila , Stotts Angela L. , Langabeer James R.
Published: October 2019

Background

Opioid use disorder has recently been declared a public health emergency, yet it is unknown whether opioid prescribing patterns have changed over time. Our objective is to examine opioid prescribing behavior and overdose fatalities in one large state prior to state-mandated usage of a prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP).

Methods

We relied on de-identified longitudinal data from state and national databases for opioid prescriptions and overdose deaths in Texas between 2013 and 2017. Descriptive statistics and trend analyses were used to assess proportional differences and changes over time.

Results

Prescriptions for opioids represented over 45% of the total controlled medications dispensed across the entire period. This equates to roughly 17.7 million opioid prescriptions dispensed per year, or 63.7 opioid prescriptions per 100 persons, slightly less than the reported national average. Hydrocodone was the most widely prescribed opioid (32.9%), followed by tramadol (26.9%) and codeine (21.5%). The overall controlled substance prescribing rate appears to be decreasing in the latest year, and the composition of opioids has shifted. We found a reduction in schedule II medications (such as hydrocodone and fentanyl) and increase in schedule IV medications such as tramadol. At the same time, total overdose fatalities increased 42% during this time, and population-adjusted rates increased 34% to 5.87 deaths per 100,000 persons.

Conclusions

While prescribing rates have decreased in Texas, overdose deaths from both legal and illicit opioids are rising, suggesting that changing physician prescribing behavior alone may not be sufficient to curb the epidemic. Policies and community interventions should be considered to address increases in both prescription and illicit opioid deaths.
Correlates of Experiencing and Witnessing Non-Fatal Opioid Overdoses among Individuals Accessing Harm Reduction Services in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Authors: Pizzicato Lia N. , Johnson Caroline C. , Viner Kendra M.
Published: October 2019

Background: With the dramatic increase in overdose deaths in the United States, layperson overdose education and naloxone distribution (OEND) programs serve a critical role in preventing opioid overdose fatality. This study examines associations for witnessing an opioid overdose or experiencing a non-fatal opioid overdose to identify new opportunities for expansion of OEND programs.

Methods: Cross sectional surveys were administered at the sole needle and syringe exchange program in Philadelphia, PA. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine associations for witnessing an opioid overdose or experiencing a non-fatal opioid overdose in the previous 12 months.

Results: In total, 370 individuals were identified as using opioids in the previous three months and included in the study. Factors associated with experiencing a non-fatal opioid overdose were unstable housing (aOR: 2.16; 95% CI: 1.12–3.99), recent incarceration (aOR: 2.34; 95% CI: 1.41–3.89), co-use of opioids and benzodiazepines (aOR: 2.04; 95% CI: 1.22–3.41), co-use of heroin and cocaine (aOR: 1.69; 95% CI: 1.04–2.75), drug injection (aOR: 4.25; 95% CI: 1.90–9.54), inpatient detoxification history (aOR: 2.33; 95% CI:1.27–4.43), and witnessing an overdose in the previous 12 months (aOR: 2.51; 95% CI: 1.02–6.13). Factors associated with witnessing an overdose were unstable housing (aOR: 5.14; 95% CI: 2.57–10.28), recent incarceration (aOR: 2.88; 95% CI: 1.24–6.74), and a history of being trained to use naloxone (aOR: 3.39; 95% CI: 1.63–7.04).

Discussion: Findings presented here show characteristics of those most likely to witness an overdose or experience a non-fatal overdose who could be served by expansion of OEND programs.
Cell polarity–dependent centrosome separation in the C. elegans embryo
Authors: Bondaz Alexandra , Cirillo Luca , Meraldi Patrick , Gotta Monica
Published: October 2019

In animal cells, faithful chromosome segregation depends on the assembly of a bipolar spindle driven by the timely separation of the two centrosomes. Here we took advantage of the highly stereotypical cell divisions in Caenorhabditis elegans embryos to identify new regulators of centrosome separation. We find that at the two-cell stage, the somatic AB cell initiates centrosome separation later than the germline P1 cell. This difference is strongly exacerbated by the depletion of the kinesin-13 KLP-7/MCAK, resulting in incomplete centrosome separation at NEBD in AB but not P1. Our genetic and cell biology data indicate that this phenotype depends on cell polarity via the enrichment in AB of the mitotic kinase PLK-1, which itself limits the cortical localization of the dynein-binding NuMA orthologue LIN-5. We postulate that the timely separation of centrosomes is regulated in a cell type–dependent manner.
Mitochondrial stress causes neuronal dysfunction via an ATF4-dependent increase in L-2-hydroxyglutarate
Authors: Hunt Rachel J. , Granat Lucy , McElroy Gregory S. , Ranganathan Ramya , Chandel Navdeep S. , Bateman Joseph M.
Published: October 2019

Mitochondrial stress contributes to a range of neurological diseases. Mitonuclear signaling pathways triggered by mitochondrial stress remodel cellular physiology and metabolism. How these signaling mechanisms contribute to neuronal dysfunction and disease is poorly understood. We find that mitochondrial stress in neurons activates the transcription factor ATF4 as part of the endoplasmic reticulum unfolded protein response (UPR) in Drosophila. We show that ATF4 activation reprograms nuclear gene expression and contributes to neuronal dysfunction. Mitochondrial stress causes an ATF4-dependent increase in the level of the metabolite L-2-hydroxyglutarate (L-2-HG) in the Drosophila brain. Reducing L-2-HG levels directly, by overexpressing L-2-HG dehydrogenase, improves neurological function. Modulation of L-2-HG levels by mitochondrial stress signaling therefore regulates neuronal function.
SIK3 suppresses neuronal hyperexcitability by regulating the glial capacity to buffer K+ and water
Authors: Li Hailun , Russo Alexandra , DiAntonio Aaron
Published: October 2019

Glial regulation of extracellular potassium (K+) helps to maintain appropriate levels of neuronal excitability. While channels and transporters mediating K+ and water transport are known, little is understood about upstream regulatory mechanisms controlling the glial capacity to buffer K+ and osmotically obliged water. Here we identify salt-inducible kinase 3 (SIK3) as the central node in a signal transduction pathway controlling glial K+ and water homeostasis in Drosophila. Loss of SIK3 leads to dramatic extracellular fluid accumulation in nerves, neuronal hyperexcitability, and seizures. SIK3-dependent phenotypes are exacerbated by K+ stress. SIK3 promotes the cytosolic localization of HDAC4, thereby relieving inhibition of Mef2-dependent transcription of K+ and water transport molecules. This transcriptional program controls the glial capacity to regulate K+ and water homeostasis and modulate neuronal excitability. We identify HDAC4 as a candidate therapeutic target in this pathway, whose inhibition can enhance the K+ buffering capacity of glia, which may be useful in diseases of dysregulated K+ homeostasis and hyperexcitability.
The influence of urban microclimate vertical variations on the building performance of a high-rise office building at different floors
Authors: Li Jing , Donn Michael , Thomas Geoff
Published: October 2019

This paper explores the urban microclimate effects on the building performance of high-rise office buildings of different heights. In general, the environment section of buildings’ performance calculation relies on weather station data located in rural areas which are quite different from the actual urban microclimate. How the accuracy of urban microclimate modelling affects the building performance simulation is not understood. We have previously explored horizontal elements’ effects on high-rise office building performance. In this research, wind and temperature vertical variations’ effects on performance at different heights is explored. Compared with the wind in rural areas, the urban wind has more barriers and is more turbulent. The temperature profile in urban areas is also different from that in rural areas because of Urban Heat Island effects. How do these features of urban microclimate influence the performance? Is the influence significant enough and worth modelling? From this research, vertical temperature gradients are a more significant influence on energy use than vertical variation of wind speed and urban boundary layer depth. If the building is extremely high the accurate modelling of wind speed profile may matter as well because the influence of vertical variations on natural ventilation increases with height.
Experimental investigation on thermal insulation performance of air interlayer under an impinging jet at high temperature
Authors: Cai Jian , Ye Wei , Zhi Chengqiang , Huang Yixiang , Zhang Xu
Published: October 2019

Air interlayers are widely used in building envelope to reduce heat transfer between indoor and outdoor environments. However, it is less common to apply to industrial processes in confined spaces, especially when the heating source is at high temperature with high velocity. In this paper, a special structure with air interlayer between two plates for thermal insulation was derived from an industrial manufacturing application. The effects of the interlayer on heat transfer was investigated under an impinging jet at high temperature. An experimental mock-up was designed to produce high temperature (∼ 500 °C) impinging gas jet with relative stable high velocity (∼56 m/s) at the nozzle exit. The impingement surface of the test structure was covered with a 2mm thick stainless-steel plate at a distance of 5mm, which formed a horizontal air insulation layer. Benchmark test was also conducted after the removal of the stainless-steel layer. In each case, a standard procedure within a duration of 30 min was applied to minimize the variations of testing conditions. The temperatures at both inner and outer surfaces of the structure, as well as the temperatures from inside and outside the air interlayer, were measured by thermocouples. In addition, an analytical model to account for the effects of air insulation was proposed to compared with experiments. The results showed that, the air interlayer can reduce the highest temperatures for about 48 °C. The temperature difference at the end of the experiment was about 30 °C. The analytical model was in good agreement with the experimental data and the maximum difference was ∼6.5 °C.
Comparison of local equivalent temperatures and subjective thermal comfort ratings with regard to passenger comfort in a train compartment
Authors: Lange P , Schmeling D , Hörmann H J , Volkmann A
Published: October 2019

Two methods for assessing thermal passenger comfort are analysed and compared to each other in terms of different ventilation concepts and different inflow air temperatures in a generic train laboratory. The studied ventilation systems comprise state-of-the-art micro-jet ventilation and a novel vertical ventilation system called displacement ventilation. The latter is based on a homogeneous and low-momentum air supply near the floor. In a first step, tests with human subjects are conducted addressing both temperature sensation and evaluation. In a second step, objective thermal comfort parameters are acquired using a calibrated thermal manikin, which enables the measurement of local equivalent temperatures. For reason of comparability, the results of the subjects test are converted into equivalent temperatures. The results prove that both methods, subjective and objective, correspond well under steady-state thermal conditions. The data of the subject tests are characterized by significantly higher variations compared to the experimentally determined values. Concerning the overall thermal comfort, both ventilation systems show comparable results for the two investigated inflow air temperatures. However, the comfort distribution over the body parts differs significantly between the two ventilation concepts.
Analysis of the field tests efficiency of indoor environmental control and energy saving technology: the cases of Solar Decathlon China 2018
Authors: Zhao Haitian , Lin Borong , Zhu Yingxin , Zhang Jinghua , Sun Hongli
Published: October 2019

The International Solar Decathlon initiated by the US Department of Energy in 2002 has been conducted for 17 years, but the literature on the use of field test big data to study the performance of design projects during the competition is scarce. This paper summarizes energy saving technologies used in past Solar Decathlons in the literature. The indoor environment test data of 5 demo participating teams of Solar Decathlon China (SDC) 2018 are organized and analyzed. The energy consumption and indoor environment data of buildings of SDC 2018 are comprehensively compared with those of past solar competition buildings. The energy consumption characteristics and indoor thermal environment characteristics of this zero-energy building are summarized. An energy evaluation index for unit energy consumption, namely energy consumption per square meter per day, is proposed. The unit energy consumption of buildings during the solar competition is 0.28–0.51 kWh/(d⋅m2), with an average of 0.35 kWh/(d m2). HVAC system energy consumption exceeds 50%. The unit energy consumption of the air conditioning system ranges between 0.13–0.23 kWh/(d⋅m2) with an average of 0.18 kWh/(d⋅m2). This can be used as a reference for future solar energy system capacity designs. According to the results of the analysis of the competition data, the recommendations for the construction of zero-energy houses for intermittent use are given in the design of the architecture design and the HVAC system. Furthermore, a control strategy to ensure indoor environment comfort and system energy saving has also been proposed.
The effect of changing surface emissivity on the natural ventilation rate of a narrow air cavity integrated in a transparent insulation façade
Authors: Čekon M , Čurpek J , Slávik R
Published: October 2019

A transparent insulation material (TIM) can be incorporated in a building element in order to improve its thermal performance, including solar heat gain. However, some overheating protection needs to be implemented. The provision of natural ventilation in a façade cavity to avoid overheating, along with other potential techniques, could require a completely different approach to TIM integration in solar façade concepts. This paper concerns an analysis of the effect of different absorber emissivity behind a transparent insulation system. The emissivity changes are primarily studied in order to determine their effects on the overall radiation - natural convection heat transfer through a narrow façade air cavity. A comparative investigation was conducted using experimental full-scale dynamic outdoor tests and the building energy simulation (BES) approach. The thermodynamic response affected by the radiation - natural convection transfer is identified, specifically during the summer peak period, that corresponds to overheating. Depending on the ventilation regime, a low emissivity solar absorber inside a narrow air façade cavity may increase the cooling energy load and temperature response of a façade by 25 and 36%, respectively, in comparison with a high emissivity absorber. When the emissivity of the zone inside the cavity was changed, significant limitations were identified in the BES calculation methods for both vented and unvented cases.
Passive systems in traditional houses in Middle East areas: solutions and effects of natural ventilation
Authors: Mousli Kindah , Semprini Giovanni
Published: October 2019

The Middle East area, has a specific culture and habits, enhanced by adaptation to the environment and local climate through the traditional building constructions where typical design, structures and materials represent the basis for passive strategies. In these hot-dry regions, many traditional houses consist of compact design structures with internal courtyard where the effects of thermal inertia and natural ventilation can be well exploited. This paper focuses on the analysis of passive techniques used in some houses located in Damascus old city, which are renowned for their distinctive adaptability. These traditional houses have a unique structure consisting of two levels: the first floor built with heavy mass stones, while the second has light mass (timber and mud). The presence of an internal courtyard on which several rooms of different size overlook, give rise to an appreciable natural ventilation (single side or cross ventilation) through a proper opening of windows. Based on experimental data (air temperature, air velocity) acquired during a summer period in a traditional house, dynamic simulation for different type of structures and opening are performed in order to investigate the influence of natural ventilation on reducing internal temperature and evaluate comfort conditions using ASHRAE standard. Results also suggest strategies to optimize passive techniques to reduce energy needs.
Development of new analytical and measurement methods for characterizing the emission of phthalates from building and consumer materials into indoor air
Authors: Braish Tamara , Nicolas Mélanie , Maupetit François , Desauziers Valérie
Published: October 2019

Phthalates are ubiquitous indoor organic pollutants that are found in different building and consumer materials and are known to cause severe human health problems. In this paper, the emission of these compounds from vinyl floorings (VF) into indoor air has been studied using Automated Thermal Desorption-Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy (ATD-GC-MS) and a special device known as micro-chamber or thermal extractor (μ-CTE™). So a robust analytical ATD-GC-MS method has been developed and validated to analyse eight selected phthalates. Calibration curves were linear (R2 > 0.99), limit of detection (LOD) was down to 0.004 μg/m3, and the values of relative standard deviation (RSD) were less than 15% for all chosen phthalates. Then, a new micro-chamber measurement method based on diffusion has been developed for studying the emission of Diisononyl phthalate (DiNP) and Di-n-octyl phthalate (DnOP) from VF at different temperatures and estimating y0 (gas-phase concentration of phthalates on the surface of the material). This method was quite repeatable with 11% RSD for DiNP and 8% for DnOP.
The risk of radon induced lung cancer in rental accommodation
Authors: Rasmussen T V
Published: October 2019

The radon concentration in the indoor air was measured in 221 rental accommodations located in 53 buildings, including 28 multi-occupant houses and 25 single-family terraced houses constructed between 1850 and 2010. The overall annual mean value of the concentration of radon in the indoor air was 30.7 Bq/m3. The annual mean value of the concentration of radon in the indoor air exceeded 100 Bq/m3 in 5.9% of the accommodations, all located in single-family terraced houses. For single-family terraced houses the annual mean value of the concentration of radon in the indoor air exceeded 100 Bq/m3 in 52% of the houses and 12% exceeded 200 Bq/m3. Approx. 77% of the accommodations exceeding 100 Bq/m3 for the concentration of radon in the indoor air had a content between 100 and 200 Bq/m3 and 23% had a content exceeding 200 Bq/m3. Significant differences in the concentration of radon in the indoor were found in accommodations located in multi-occupant houses. Additionally, the risk of the concentration of radon in the indoor air exceeding 100 Bq/m3 in accommodations in multi-occupant houses was found to be very low, but if any the risk was highest in accommodations on the ground floor in a building constructed with slab on ground.
Numerical Simulation of a UV-PCO Plate Reactor
Authors: Luo Hao , Zhang Guangxin , Zhong Lexuan , Hashisho Zaher
Published: October 2019

Ultraviolet photocatalytic oxidation (UV-PCO) system has gained increasing attention in indoor air treatments, of which the PCO reaction kinetics mainly depend on the radiation and airflow (contaminants) fields. It is recognized that the airflow rate has a significant influence on the PCO kinetics with the balance of the VOC mass transfer process. However, there are few discussion for the airflow rate dependency in the PCO kinetic reaction model. In addition, most of the studies in the literature assumed the incident surface irradiance was the energy participating in PCO reactions, which is not accurate. Hence, a 3D Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model, including catalyst photon absorption coefficient, the conservation of mass, momentum, energy, and species, as well as PCO reaction kinetics, was introduced in this study. The determined model parameters were verified by the experimental data for a plate reactor challenged with 10 ppm acetone. The airflow rate dependency was examined in conjunction with CFD providing local flow field information, and the catalyst absorbed light intensity was quantified by a validated radiation model. It was found that the PCO removal efficiency predictions from the developed mathematical model agree with experimental data.
Daylighting availability, glare and insolation occupant’s exposure in side-lit room and internal shading devices use
Authors: Garcia D L R , Pereira F O R
Published: October 2019

This study aimed to compare building performance indicators regarding daylight glare probability, insolation and daylighting availability Further analysed the potential for glare mitigation through internal shading devices’ uses: roller shades and blinds. Through modelling and dynamic buildings’ simulation (climate-based), an occupant was considered in three positions along with the room’s depth (1.5 m, 3.5 m and 6.0 m). The weather data from Florianópolis, Brazil, was used as environmental conditions. Hourly data of daylight glare indexes, horizontal and vertical illuminances and direct incident solar radiation were transformed into annual frequencies. Regarding the insolation, it was identified occupation commitment at 1.5 m from the window, until 19% of the time occupied. Daylighting availability metrics reached antagonistic levels of suitability. The variations in view directions and positions from the window showed drastic reductions in the intolerable and uncomfortable glare levels, but the second change did not solve the problem. Through internal shading devices’ uses, the glare mitigation was evidenced, according to the solar orientation, the optical properties considered (reflectance and transmittance) and 04 operations proposed. Recommendations were made to protect occupants from glare and insolation but taking advantage of daylighting availability.
Experimental and numerical investigation of submicron particle deposition enhancement by patterned surface
Authors: Xu Haolun , Wai Lai Tsz , Chung Fu Sau , Wu Chili , Qiu Huihe , Chao Christopher Y.H.
Published: October 2019

Exposure to inhaling airborne particles in indoor and outdoor environments is a threat to public health. Indoor air passes through ventilation ducts and continuously circulates with the air outdoors, resulting in a higher concentration of suspended particles in indoor environments when compared to outdoor environments. Thus removing airborne particles in ventilation ducts becomes essential, especially in large buildings. Repeated surface ribs have been reported to greatly enhance the particle collection efficiency while it also causes a significant pressure drop, leading to higher energy consumption. In this study, an overall efficiency ratio is defined, taking into consideration the particle removal rate and the associated pressure drop, to evaluate the overall performance of different surface patterns in a ventilation duct. After the design and optimization processes, the semi-circular patterns are shown to have the best overall efficiency, i.e. a 1137 times increase when compared with having no patterned surface. The deposition velocity on the semi-circular surface found in simulation results were validated with a fully-developed wind tunnel experiment. This study shows that semi-circular surface patterns with a pitch-to-height ratio of 4 are recommended for the overall enhancement in the ventilation duct, especially for capturing submicron particles.
Investigation of indoor air quality in a low energy high school building combining micro gas sensors and unsupervised learning
Authors: Hanoune B , Caron A , Redon N , Coddeville P
Published: October 2019

Because of their size and price, miniature gas sensors are good candidates for long-term, large-scale, continuous monitoring of the air quality in confined environments, even in the presence of occupants. In spite of their still somewhat limited metrological performances, these tools are able to provide relevant information on the pollutants spatial and temporal evolution. They can therefore be used to identify pollution sources and automatically control ventilation and remediation systems, provided they are associated with adequate data treatment procedures. In the present study, four sensors for the detection of CO2, NO, NO2 and O3 have been deployed, without previous calibration, inside a classroom of a low energy high school building, together with standard analytical instruments. The data are analyzed with a procedure based on the bisecting K-means algorithm. This unsupervised classification allows the identification of similar measurements, which can be merged into clusters. An excellent agreement has been found between the classification results provided by the analyzers and by the sensors, even if the latter were not calibrated before deployment. These results validate the data treatment methodology proposed in this work, and demonstrate the potential of using commercial micro sensors in real conditions.
Bayesian inference of thermal comfort: evaluating the effect of “well-being” on perceived thermal comfort in open plan offices
Authors: Crosby Sarah , Newsham Guy , Veitch Jennifer , Rogak Steven , Rysanek Adam
Published: October 2019

The judgment of thermal comfort is a cognitive process which is influenced by physical, psychological and other factors. Prior studies have shown that occupants, who are generally satisfied with many non-thermal conditions of indoor environmental quality, are more likely to be satisfied with thermal conditions as well. This paper presents a novel approach that considers the effect of non-thermal building environmental design conditions, such as indoor air quality and noise levels, on perceived thermal comfort in open-plan offices. The methodology involves the use of Bayesian inference to relate the occupant’s thermal dissatisfaction in a building not only to thermal conditions and occupant metabolic factors (i.e., parameters of the original Fanger model), but also to measurable non-thermal metrics of indoor environmental quality. A Bayesian logistic regression approach is presented in this paper. The experimental context regards a prior indoor environmental quality measurement and evaluation study of 779 occupants of open-plan offices throughout Canada and the US. We present revised PMV-PPD curves for real-world offices that take into account both thermal and wellbeing IEQ parameters. The Bayesian inference analysis reveals that the occupant’s thermal dissatisfaction is influenced by many non-thermal IEQ conditions, such as indoor CO2 concentrations and the satisfaction with the office lighting intensity.
A study on the evaluation of indoor air quality in small scale apartment house in South Korea
Authors: Kim Tae-woo , Kim Hyun-tae
Published: October 2019

The purpose of this study is to measure and evaluate indoor air quality in small-scale apartment houses which are not included in construction standard of Clean-Healthy house in Korea. This study is measured the formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene and styrene included in the indoor air quality guideline of Korea. As a result, high concentrations of formaldehyde and acetaldehyde were detected in some of the houses measured, and in particular, there were some homes that exceeded the guidelines of the World Health Organization by more than six times the guideline of acetaldehyde. Some of the measured houses were found to contain volatile organic compounds such as toluene, styrene, and xylene at a high concentration and exceeded the indoor air quality in Korea guidelines. Therefore, the construction standards of Clean-Healthy house should be applied not only to large-scale apartment of 1,000 or more, but also to single-family houses and small-scale apartment houses.
Investigation of Indoor Air Quality in six office buildings in Chengdu, China based on continuous monitoring data
Authors: Qiu Yang , Tang Ya
Published: October 2019

Indoor air pollution is of a growing concern in China. The nation’s growing urban work force spends prolonged periods in office, thus office indoor air quality (IAQ) can be a key determinant of worker’s wellbeing, yet, IAQ literature on China’s office space remains scarce. To address such knowledge gap, this study conducted continuous monitoring in six office towers in Chengdu, China to investigate two major indoor pollutants: PM2.5 and CO2. The participating office buildings were Grade-A certified and fully occupied. Indoor concentration for PM2.5 and CO2 ranged between 1-459 μg/m3 and 375-1102 ppm respectively, with considerable intra-building and inter-building variability. Time-series analysis suggests diurnal and weekly pattern for indoor CO2, and temporal association between indoor and ambient PM2.5. Filtration and ventilation efficiencies varied across buildings, and these buildings experienced various degrees of penetration by outdoor PM2.5 and indoor accumulation of CO2 on a daily basis. On days with ambient pollution, indoor pollution persisted. Multivariate model predicts an average of 0.6 μg/m3 increase in indoor PM2.5 for every 1 μg/m3 increase in ambient PM2.5. To our knowledge, this is the first systematic study of office buildings in China with findings potentially inform future IAQ management strategies.
Numerical prediction of surface radiation effect on thermal comfort and indoor air quality in a ventilated cavity heated from below
Authors: Koufi L , Ginestet S , Younsi Z
Published: October 2019

This paper presents an investigation of the influence of surface radiation on indoor environmental parameters such as thermal comfort and indoor air quality. To achieve this objective, coupled heat transfer by mixed convection and radiation was numerically carried out inside a ventilated cavity. Air-CO2 mixture was considered as the working fluid. Uniform heat and CO2-concentration were applied at the bottom wall of the cavity. The boundary conditions of other walls were fixed at the external conditions. The same emissivity value was considered for all interior surfaces. An external fresh air enters at the cavity through an opening located on the top of the left vertical wall and exits from another one located at the bottom of the opposite wall. The mass, momentum, energy and chemical specie equations, coupled with the RNG k-ε turbulence model were solved via finite volume method. The obtained results indicate that the surface radiation presents slight effect on thermal comfort indexes, while the increasing of Rayleigh number enhances them. A good indoor air quality is insured inside the studied cavity.
An experimental study of spray foam insulation products-evidence of 1,2-dichloropropane and 1,4-dioxane emissions
Authors: Naldzhiev Dzhordzhio , Mumovic Dejan , Strlic Matija
Published: October 2019

An experimental study was conducted using SPME-GC-MS and TD-GC-MS to analyse VOC emissions from three spray foam insulation products. Two closed cell and one open cell materials were tested using SPME-GC-MS passive sampling and a range of VOCs were found with 1,2-dichloropropane (1,2-DCP) found in all products. TD-GC-MS analysis of Product 1 (a closed cell foam) and the raw material used for its production (B-side) showed that 1,4-dioxane and 1,2-DCP were both present in the raw material and emitted from the cured foam product. Our findings are currently limited and preliminary, but do seem to indicate that industrial contamination of raw chemicals could be the likely source of these compounds. This could raise the issue of Class 1 and 2B carcinogen VOCs being present in raw polyurethane spray foam insulation (SPF) materials should systematic evidence is provided. As per WHO guidance, it would be a better strategy to remove pollutants at the source. Further research will aim to quantify emission concentrations during application and examine the impact of application strategies.
An extensive study on the relationship between energy use, indoor thermal comfort, and health in social housing: the case of the New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Haddad S , Pignatta G , Paolini R , Synnefa A , Santamouris M
Published: October 2019

Over three million people live below the poverty line in Australia. Low-income households suffer from overheated or cold homes and experience problems associated with energy inefficiency and poor indoor environmental quality (IEQ), which ultimately affect residents’ quality of life, comfort, well-being, physical and mental health. These circumstances are the main drivers of a social challenge known as Energy Poverty (EP) when residents have difficulties in paying the electricity bills. EP needs to be addressed by i) implementing energy efficiency measures in social housing, ii) educating low-income families about energy saving practices and behaviours, iii) developing new energy policies. We investigated the level of EP in social housing located in New South Wales, Australia. Indoor thermal environment and air quality were monitored in 106 low-income households over the winter and summer periods 2018/2019. Questionnaire responses informed the real living conditions of participating families, including their medical history and behaviours concerning energy use. The information presented here will be used to investigate the possible evolution of IEQ and EP as a function of climate change and extreme weather events on housing and suggest countermeasures and target policies to benefit the vulnerable households and alleviating the EP level of the region.
Reviewing MnOx-based catalysts for decomposition of indoor ozone
Authors: Namdari M , Lee C S , Haghighat F , Bahloul A , Huard M
Published: October 2019

Ozone is a highly reactive gas and one of important air pollutants for both indoor and outdoor environments. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guideline for the ozone level limit at workplaces is 100 ppb for 8-hour exposure and the Health Canada guideline for the residential buildings is 20 ppb for 8 hour exposure. Therefore, applying an ozone removal technology in indoor environments is crucial when outdoor ozone concentration is high and/or where strong ozone emission sources exist. Activated carbon-based filters, thermal oxidation, catalytic oxidation, and photocatalytic oxidation are air treatment technologies that have been applied for ozone removal. Among these technologies, the catalytic oxidation approach showed better results, particularly manganese oxide (MnOx) based catalysts, which can decompose ozone to oxygen at room temperature. The low cost as well as high catalytic activity are among the advantages of MnOx-based catalysts. High specific surface area, high density of oxygen vacancy, high reducibility, low average oxidation state, and low relative humidity are beneficial for ozone decomposition over the catalyst. This review presents the importance of ozone removal from the indoor environments, its exposure issues, and the recent studies on MnOx-based catalyst for ozone decomposition.
Infiltration of fine particles in urban buildings
Authors: Zuraimi MS , Pantelic Jovan
Published: October 2019

Singapore is a tropical country that can be affected by outdoor fine particle air pollution. Little information is available on the penetration of outdoor fine particles into daycare environments. Our study attempted to address the following objectives: to measure indoor infiltration factor (Finf
of PM2.5 from outdoor fine particles and to determine the building parameters that modifies the indoor PM2.5. We collected indoor/outdoor 1-min PM2.5. from 50 daycare environments. We noted high indoor and outdoor concentrations of fine particles due to the presence of regional haze pollution. Indoor and outdoor fine particle concentrations are significantly highest for daycares located near highways while indoor to outdoor ratios were significantly lower for air-conditioning use in daycares. Mean Finf
±SD of 0.65±0.19 in daycare rooms which are naturally ventilated and lower Finf
±SD values of 0.46±0.22 for those that are air-conditioned. The penetration coefficients and air exchange rates were higher in naturally ventilated daycares (0.78 vs 0.61 and 1.47 vs 0.86 h−1 respectively). Our findings show that children remaining indoor in daycares where air conditioning is used can reduce PM2.5 exposures during outdoor pollution episodes.
Study on adaptive thermal comfort of personnel in residential buildings based on tracking test
Authors: Cai Qicong , Li Baizhan , Ming Ru
Published: October 2019

most of the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze river in China are hot in summer and cold in winter. In order to study the adaptive thermal comfort of indoor personnel in residential buildings in these areas, a tracking test was conducted on 10 free-running residential buildings in Chongqing from July 2017 to August 2018 through a combination of field test and questionnaire survey. Through the study, in this area, occupants’ evaluations of thermal environment were summarized and analyzed, the relationship between activity level, Clothing insulation and air temperature was established, the thermal neutral temperature and acceptable temperature range in summer and winter were obtained, and the characteristics of adaptive thermal comfort of people in free-running residential buildings were revealed, which provided a reference for improving the thermal environment of residential buildings in the area with hot summer and cold winter in the Yangtze river basin.
Benchmarking thermal performance of buildings and identifying preferred thermal conditions with highly deployable IoT devices
Authors: Kokogiannakis G , Lin W , Fiorentini M , Ledo Gomis L , Cooper P , Hoskins E , Elgood T
Published: October 2019

Low cost, network-based, pervasive sensing devices that capture a range of indoor environmental parameters were successfully developed and deployed in two large mechanically ventilated buildings in Sydney and in Wollongong in Australia. The devices could provide information over the internet for the indoor environment of the buildings at high spatial and temporal resolutions and could also capture occupant expressions of preferences for the indoor thermal environment. The paper describes findings from the monitoring data and the real-time occupant responses that were collected between March/2017 and October/2018. The analysis includes records from approximately 1450 real-time expressions of thermal preferences from the occupants of the two buildings and more than 5.5 million time stamp rows that contained sets of indoor environmental quality data. The paper demonstrates a low-cost method for benchmarking buildings with each other and providing the means of communicating the often-unknown occupant requirements to facility managers.
VOC concentrations in healing environments: a protocol for monitoring activities in inpatient wards and its application on some case studies
Authors: Settimo G , Gola M , Capolongo S
Published: October 2019

Introduction. IAQ is one the main topic in which governments are focusing. In architectures for health, several researches are reporting a growing number of data analysis and research works in order to improve users’ health. Nowadays many studies are related to biological and physical risks otherwise chemical ones are less investigated. It determinates the need of guideline values for hospitals because the current scenario lacks of specific norms. Methods. A research group has started a monitoring of IAQ in inpatient rooms, giving rise to a protocol supported by ISO 16000 and international guidelines. The analysis examines VOCs, and the influence of thermos-hygrometric, ventilation and concentration of pollutants’ conditions. Results. The application of the protocol on some inpatient rooms permitted to verify the monitoring feasibility. Each investigation (12 weeks per year) considered all the activities, users and processes that affect IAQ, as well as room configuration. Although data analysis reports quite adequate values, several design and management activities affect the performances and VOC values, especially related to Benzene, Carbon Dioxide, and Formaldehyde. Conclusion. The analysis is expanding to several hospitals. Although the main goal is to reduce the concentration levels, the aim is to define limit values for VOCs, for guaranteeing healthy healing spaces.