Review on Gaps and Challenges in Prediction Outdoor Thermal Comfort Indices: Leveraging Industry 4.0 and ‘Knowledge Translation’

The current outdoor thermal comfort index assessment is either based on thermal sensation votes collected through field surveys/questionnaires or using equations fundamentally backed by thermodynamics, such as the widely used UTCI and PET indices. The predictive ability of all methods suffers from discrepancies as multi-sensory attributes, cultural, emotional, and psychological cognition factors are ignored. These factors are proven to influence the thermal sensation and duration people spend outdoors, and are equally prominent factors as air temperature, solar radiation, and relative humidity. The studies that adopted machine learning models, such as Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs), concentrated on improving the predictive capability of PET, thereby making the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI) domain underexplored. Furthermore, universally adopted outdoor thermal comfort indices under-predict a neutral thermal range, for a reason that is linked to the fact that all indices were validated on European/American subjects living in temperate, cold regions. The review highlighted gaps and challenges in outdoor thermal comfort prediction accuracy by comparing traditional methods and Industry 4.0. Additionally, a further recommendation to improve prediction accuracy by exploiting Industry 4.0 (machine learning, artificial reality, brain–computer interface, geo-spatial digital twin) is examined through Knowledge Translatio

Advancing hybrid ventilation in hot climates: a review of current research and limitations

IntroductionHybrid ventilation systems present a promising solution for reducing cooling energy consumption in buildings, particularly in hot climates. However, while existing research highlights their potential, variability in reported cooling energy reductions underscores the need for standardized performance evaluation methods.MethodsThis review synthesizes findings from 84 research articles published between 2010 and the first quarter of 2024. The studies include simulation-based analyses, experimental investigations, and real-world case studies sourced from prominent academic databases.ResultsThe review identifies substantial potential for cooling energy reductions through hybrid ventilation systems. However, it also reveals significant variability in energy savings across studies, suggesting that further work is needed to standardize reporting methods for accurate performance comparisons.DiscussionTo address these challenges, this paper proposes a framework integrating Industry 4.0 technologies. The framework emphasizes standardized research methodologies, context-specific design considerations, and robust knowledge dissemination strategies. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is positioned as a critical enabler of innovation, driving design optimization and smart control systems. The proposed framework aims to improve performance assessments, tailor system designs to specific building types and climates, and enable real-time control for enhanced energy efficiency and occupant comfort. This approach has the potential to support the wider adoption and optimized implementation of hybrid ventilation systems, contributing to a more sustainable and energy-efficient built environment, particularly in hot climates

Optical Bistability In Nonlinear Kerr Dielectric And Ferroelectric Materials [QC1].

Kestabilan optiks dwi dan kestabilan optiks pelbagai di dalam hablur Kerr tak linear dikaji. Dua jenis sistem hablur penebat berion dipertimbangkan: bahan dielektrik biasa dan bahan ferroelektrik (FE) dengan struktur Perovskit. The optical bistability (OB) and multistability in Kerr nonlinear crystals are investigated. Two types of ionic insulating crystals are considered: a typical dielectric and a ferroelectric (FE)

Olanzapine treatment of adolescent rats causes enduring specific memory impairments and alters cortical development and function

Sherpa Romeo green journal: open accessAntipsychotic drugs are increasingly used in children and adolescents to treat a variety of psychiatric disorders. However, little is known about the long-term effects of early life antipsychotic drug treatment. Most antipsychotic drugs are potent antagonists or partial agonists of dopamine D2 receptors; atypical antipsychotic drugs also antagonize type 2A serotonin receptors. Dopamine and serotonin regulate many neurodevelopmental processes. Thus, early life antipsychotic drug treatment can, potentially, perturb these processes, causing long-term behavioral- and neurobiological impairments. Here, we treated adolescent, male rats with olanzapine on post-natal days 28–49. As adults, they exhibited impaired working memory, but normal spatial memory, as compared to vehicle-treated control rats. They also showed a deficit in extinction of fear conditioning. Measures of motor activity and skill, habituation to an open field, and affect were normal. In the orbitaland medial prefrontal cortices, parietal cortex, nucleus accumbens core and dentate gyrus, adolescent olanzapine treatment altered the developmental dynamics and mature values of dendritic spine density in a region-specific manner. Measures of motor activity and skill, habituation to an open field, and affect were normal. In the orbital- and medial prefrontal cortices, D1 binding was reduced and binding of GABAA receptors with open Cl2 channels was increased. In medial prefrontal cortex, D2 binding was also increased. The persistence of these changes underscores the importance of improved understanding of the enduring sequelae of pediatric APD treatment as a basis for weighing the benefits and risks of adolescent antipsychotic drug therapy, especially prophylactic treatment in high risk, asymptomatic patients. The long-term changes in neurotransmitter receptor binding and neural circuitry induced by adolescent APD treatment may also cause enduring changes in behavioral- and neurobiological responses to other therapeutic- or illicit psychotropic drugsYe

Critical role of interleukin (IL)-17 in inflammatory and immune disorders: An updated review of the evidence focusing in controversies

Interleukin 17 (IL-17) is a proinflammatory cytokine that has been the focus of intensive research because of its crucial role in the pathogenesis of different diseases across many medical specialties. In this context, the present review in which a panel of 13 experts in immunology, dermatology, rheumatology, neurology, hematology, infectious diseases, hepatology, cardiology, ophthalmology and oncology have been involved, puts in common the mechanisms through which IL-17 is considered a molecular target for the development of novel biological therapies in these different fields. A comprehensive review of the literature and analysis of the most outstanding evidence have provided the basis for discussing the most relevant data related to IL-17A blocking agents for the treatment of different disorders, such as psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, cardiovascular disorders, non alcoholic fatty liver disease, multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, uveitis, hematological and solid cancer. Current controversies are presented giving an opening line for future research.This work was supported by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Spain

A Methodology of Creating a Synthetic, Urban-Specific Weather Dataset Using a Microclimate Model for Building Energy Modelling

The relationship between outdoor microclimate and indoor building conditions requires the input of hourly weather data on the typical meteorological characteristics of the specific location. These data, known as typical meteorological year (TMY), are mainly deduced from the multi-year records of meteorological stations outside urban centres, preventing the actual complex interactions between solar radiation, wind speed, and high urban density. These factors create the urban heat island effect and higher ambient air temperatures, skewing the assumptions for energy demand in buildings. This paper presents a computational method for assessing the effect of the urban climate in the generation of typical weather data for dynamic energy calculations. As such, the paper discusses an evaluation method of pairing ENVI-met 4 microclimate and IES-VE building energy modelling software to produce a typical urban specific weather dataset (USWDs) that reflects the actual microclimatic conditions. The ENVI-met results for the outdoor microclimate conditions were employed to determine the thermal boundaries for the IES-VE, and then used to compute the building’s energy consumption. The energy modelling that employed the USWDs achieved better performance compared to the TMY, as the former had just a 6% variation from the actual electricity consumption of the building compared to 15% for the latter

Evaluating the Impact of Energy Efficiency Building Codes for Residential Buildings in the GCC

In arid climates, almost half of the urban peak load of energy demand is used to supply cooling and air-conditioning in the summertime. The pressure placed on energy resources to satisfy inhabitants’ indoor comfort requirements is mounting due to accelerated urbanisation rates in developing countries and has led countries such as those in the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) to establish sustainable building codes to enhance their environmental performance. Using the extensive parametric energy simulations provided by DesignBuilder, this study addresses the potential of applying different GCC energy efficiency measures to reduce annual energy consumption and carbon emissions in a typical residential dwelling in the Kingdom of Bahrain. To do so, first, a base case validation simulation model was generated, followed by four design scenarios addressing the minimum requirements for Bahrain’s Energy Conservation Code, Abu Dhabi’s ESTIDAMA 1, Saudi Arabia’s code, and Kuwait’s building code. Then, a feasibility study was conducted using the simple payback period (SPP) and lifecycle cost (LCC) analysis. Overall energy and carbon emission (CO2) reduction showed the potential for building sustainable codes to improve building environmental performance throughout the year. In terms of energy performance and CO2 reduction, Abu Dhabi’s ESTIDAMA 1 code recorded the best energy savings at a 24.4% and a 26.3% reduction in carbon emissions, followed by the Saudi code with a 14.6% annual energy savings and 12.3% less carbon emissions. Regarding the economic analysis, although the SPP indicates the Bahraini code offered payback in just under two years for subsidised energy and half a year for unsubsidised, the LCC analysis suggests that applying Abu Dhabi’s ESTIDAMA 1 code was the most feasible, followed by the Saudi building code. Consequently, the study suggests a comprehensive evaluation of the relationship between the sustainable building codes and their economic feasibility in order to enhance and promote the wide application in the GCC based on the code’s capabilities and their benefits for residential households and the overall economy.</jats:p

A Behavioural Analysis of Outdoor Thermal Comfort: A Comparative Analysis between Formal and Informal Shading Practices in Urban Sites

This study calls for the integration of context-based socio-cultural habits and learning from local practices in providing outdoor thermal comfort in conservation areas. These parameters have direct impacts on outdoor activities, especially in hot arid climates. The study took place in two nearby locations one renovated and all external shadings removed to provide visual vistas to monuments while on the same street, no more than 1500 m apart, local shading practices were left in places. Sun-exposed as opposed to shaded sites were compared for subjective thermal comfort and outdoor activity, via structured interviews, observations, and wide-ranging micrometeorological measurements. The aim was to investigate psychological factors, including overall thermal comfort and perception, in addition to environmental parameters, such as solar radiation intensity and thermal adaptation. The analysis illustrates the importance of shading as a dominant factor in achieving thermal comfort on the urban scale, with a neutral temperature in summer of 29.9 &deg;C and 29.2 &deg;C for shaded and sun-exposed locations, respectively. The results suggest people may be more willing to tolerate higher temperatures in shaded rather than sun-exposed locations. Moreover, cultural constraints and context-based behaviour proved to have some influences on people&rsquo;s levels of adaptation and their thermal behaviour

Outdoor Thermal Comfort: Coupling Microclimatic Parameters with Subjective Thermal Assessment to Design Urban Performative Spaces

Thermal comfort plays a main role in encouraging people to use outdoor spaces, specifically in hot arid and humid climates. The reconciliation of climatic aspects during the urban design phase is limited in implementation, due to the need for multidisciplinary collaboration between desperate scientific fields of climatology, urban planning, and urban environmental modelling. This paper aims to create an integrated interface between the microclimate, outdoor thermal comfort, and design guidelines. The investigation combines subjective and objective approaches, including on-site field measurements, a structured questionnaire using the seven-point American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE 55) thermal sensation votes, and a correlation study of these votes and the microclimatic parameters. Pedestrian thermal comfort was then examined under six shading scenarios, addressing the form and opening of shading devices using computational fluid dynamics. Modelling is based on four dependent variables: wind velocity, ventilation flow rate, air temperature, and the physiological equivalent temperature (PET) index. Findings indicate that the form and location of apertures of the shading devices were the dominant factors in achieving thermal comfort on the urban scale, and led to a reduction in air temperature and a physiological equivalent temperature of 2.3–2.4 °C. Subjective votes indicate that people who live in hot arid climates have a wider range of adaptation and tolerance to local climatic conditions Accordingly, a psychometric chart, for the case study outdoor thermal comfort was developed.</jats:p

Building Information Modeling-Based Building Energy Modeling: Investigation of Interoperability and Simulation Results

There is increasing need to apply building information modeling (BIM) to low energy buildings, this includes building energy modeling (BEM). If a building energy model can be flawlessly generated from a BIM model, the energy simulation process can be better integrated within the design, can be more competent, and timesaving. However, concerns about both the reliability and integrity of the data transfer process and the interoperability between the BIM and BEM prevent any implementation of BIM-based energy modeling on a large scale. This study addresses the accuracy and integrity of BIM-based energy modeling by investigating how well Autodesk's Revit (BIM), in conjunction with two of the most used energy modeling programs (BEM) known as DesignBuilder and Virtual Environment (IES-ve), were integrated in terms of interoperability, including location and weather files, geometry, construction and materials, thermal zones, occupancy operating schedules, and HVAC systems. All misrepresented data during the interoperability process were identified, followed by benchmarking between the BIM-based energy modeling simulation outcomes and the actual energy consumption of the case study, to assess the reliability of the process. The investigation has revealed a number of interoperability issues regarding the BIM data input and BEM data interpretation. Overall, BIM-based energy modeling proved to be a promising tool for sustainable and low energy building design, however, the BIM to BEM process is a non-standardized method of producing building energy models as it varies from one modeler to another, and the BIM to BEM process. All these might slow down any possible application for the process and might cause some uncertainties for the professionals in the field applying it.</jats:p