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Zand MS, Spallina S, Ross A, Zandi K, Pawlowski A, Seplaki CL, Herington J, Corbett AM, Kaukeinen K, Holden-Wiltse J, Freedman EG, Alcantara L, Li D, Cameron A, Beaumont N, Dozier A, Dewhurst S, Foxe JJ. Ventilation during COVID-19 in a school for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). PLoS One 2024; 19:e0291840. [PMID: 38568915 PMCID: PMC10990219 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0291840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study examined the correlation of classroom ventilation (air exchanges per hour (ACH)) and exposure to CO2 ≥1,000 ppm with the incidence of SARS-CoV-2 over a 20-month period in a specialized school for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). These students were at a higher risk of respiratory infection from SARS-CoV-2 due to challenges in tolerating mitigation measures (e.g. masking). One in-school measure proposed to help mitigate the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection in schools is increased ventilation. METHODS We established a community-engaged research partnership between the University of Rochester and the Mary Cariola Center school for students with IDD. Ambient CO2 levels were measured in 100 school rooms, and air changes per hour (ACH) were calculated. The number of SARS-CoV-2 cases for each room was collected over 20 months. RESULTS 97% of rooms had an estimated ACH ≤4.0, with 7% having CO2 levels ≥2,000 ppm for up to 3 hours per school day. A statistically significant correlation was found between the time that a room had CO2 levels ≥1,000 ppm and SARS-CoV-2 PCR tests normalized to room occupancy, accounting for 43% of the variance. No statistically significant correlation was found for room ACH and per-room SARS-CoV-2 cases. Rooms with ventilation systems using MERV-13 filters had lower SARS-CoV-2-positive PCR counts. These findings led to ongoing efforts to upgrade the ventilation systems in this community-engaged research project. CONCLUSIONS There was a statistically significant correlation between the total time of room CO2 concentrations ≥1,000 and SARS-CoV-2 cases in an IDD school. Merv-13 filters appear to decrease the incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection. This research partnership identified areas for improving in-school ventilation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin S. Zand
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States of America
- Clinical and Translational Science Institute, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States of America
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States of America
| | - Samantha Spallina
- The Frederick J. and Marion A. Schindler Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, The Ernest J. Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, United States of America
| | - Alexis Ross
- The Mary Cariola Center, Rochester, NY, United States of America
| | - Karen Zandi
- The Mary Cariola Center, Rochester, NY, United States of America
| | - Anne Pawlowski
- The Mary Cariola Center, Rochester, NY, United States of America
| | - Christopher L. Seplaki
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States of America
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States of America
| | - Jonathan Herington
- Department of Health Humanities and Bioethics, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States of America
| | - Anthony M. Corbett
- Clinical and Translational Science Institute, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States of America
| | - Kimberly Kaukeinen
- Clinical and Translational Science Institute, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States of America
| | - Jeanne Holden-Wiltse
- Clinical and Translational Science Institute, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States of America
| | - Edward G. Freedman
- The Frederick J. and Marion A. Schindler Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, The Ernest J. Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, United States of America
| | - Lisette Alcantara
- Clinical and Translational Science Institute, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States of America
| | - Dongmei Li
- Clinical and Translational Science Institute, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States of America
| | - Andrew Cameron
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States of America
| | - Nicole Beaumont
- The Frederick J. and Marion A. Schindler Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, The Ernest J. Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, United States of America
| | - Ann Dozier
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States of America
| | - Stephen Dewhurst
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States of America
| | - John J. Foxe
- The Frederick J. and Marion A. Schindler Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, The Ernest J. Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, United States of America
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Papadopoulos NG, Akdis CA, Akdis M, Damialis A, Esposito G, Fergadiotou I, Goroncy C, Guitton P, Gotua M, Erotokritou K, Jartti T, Murray C, Nenes A, Nikoletseas S, Finotto S, Pandis SN, Ramiconi V, Simpson A, Soudunsaari A, Stårbröst A, Staiano M, Varriale A, Xepapadaki P, Zuberbier T, Annesi-Maesano I. Addressing adverse synergies between chemical and biological pollutants at schools-The 'SynAir-G' hypothesis. Allergy 2024; 79:294-301. [PMID: 37654007 DOI: 10.1111/all.15857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
While the number and types of indoor air pollutants is rising, much is suspected but little is known about the impact of their potentially synergistic interactions, upon human health. Gases, particulate matter, organic compounds but also allergens and viruses, fall within the 'pollutant' definition. Distinct populations, such as children and allergy and asthma sufferers are highly susceptible, while a low socioeconomic background is a further susceptibility factor; however, no specific guidance is available. We spend most of our time indoors; for children, the school environment is of paramount importance and potentially amenable to intervention. The interactions between some pollutant classes have been studied. However, a lot is missing with respect to understanding interactions between specific pollutants of different classes in terms of concentrations, timing and sequence, to improve targeting and upgrade standards. SynAir-G is a European Commission-funded project aiming to reveal and quantify synergistic interactions between different pollutants affecting health, from mechanisms to real life, focusing on the school setting. It will develop a comprehensive and responsive multipollutant monitoring system, advance environmentally friendly interventions, and disseminate the generated knowledge to relevant stakeholders in accessible and actionable formats. The aim of this article it to put forward the SynAir-G hypothesis, and describe its background and objectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos G Papadopoulos
- Division of Immunology, Immunity to Infection and Respiratory Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Allergy Department, 2nd Paediatric Clinic, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Cezmi A Akdis
- Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research (SIAF), University of Zurich, Davos, Switzerland, Christine Kühne-Center for Allergy Research and Education (CK-CARE), Davos, Switzerland
| | - Mubeccel Akdis
- Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research (SIAF), University of Zurich, Davos, Switzerland, Christine Kühne-Center for Allergy Research and Education (CK-CARE), Davos, Switzerland
| | - Athanasios Damialis
- Department of Ecology, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | | | | | | | - Maia Gotua
- Center for Allergy and Immunology Research (CAIR), Tbilisi, Georgia
| | | | - Tuomas Jartti
- PEDEGO Research Unit, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
- Department of Pediatrics, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Clare Murray
- Division of Immunology, Immunity to Infection and Respiratory Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Athanasios Nenes
- Laboratory of Atmospheric Processes and their Impacts, School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Swiss Institute of Technology, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sotirios Nikoletseas
- Computer Engineering and Informatics Department, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Susetta Finotto
- Molecular Pneumology Department, University Hospital of Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Spyros N Pandis
- Institute of Chemical Engineering Sciences (ICEHT), Foundation for Research and Technology Hellas (FORTH), Patras, Greece
| | - Valeria Ramiconi
- The European Federation of Allergy and Airways Diseases Patients' Association (EFA), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Angela Simpson
- Division of Immunology, Immunity to Infection and Respiratory Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | | | | | - Maria Staiano
- Institute of Food Science, CNR Italy, Avellino, Italy
| | - Antonio Varriale
- Institute of Food Science, CNR Italy, Avellino, Italy
- URT-ISA, CNR at Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Paraskevi Xepapadaki
- Allergy Department, 2nd Paediatric Clinic, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Torsten Zuberbier
- Institute of Allergology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Allergology and Immunology, Berlin, Germany
- Global Allergy & Asthma European Network of Excellence-GA2LEN, Berlin, Germany
| | - Isabella Annesi-Maesano
- Department of Allergic and Respiratory Disease, Institut Desbrest of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Montpellier and INSERM, Montpellier University Hospital, Montpellier, France
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Zand MS, Spallina S, Ross A, Zandi K, Pawlowski A, Seplaki CL, Herington J, Corbett AM, Kaukeinen K, Holden-Wiltse J, Freedman EG, Alcantara L, Li D, Cameron A, Beaumont N, Dozier A, Dewhurst S, Foxe JJ. Ventilation during COVID-19 in a school for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.09.08.23295268. [PMID: 37732178 PMCID: PMC10508805 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.08.23295268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
Background This study examined the correlation of classroom ventilation (air exchanges per hour (ACH)) and exposure to CO2 ≥1,000 ppm with the incidence of SARS-CoV-2 over a 20-month period in a specialized school for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). These students were at a higher risk of respiratory infection from SARS-CoV-2 due to challenges in tolerating mitigation measures (e.g. masking). One in-school measure proposed to help mitigate the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection in schools is increased ventilation. Methods We established a community-engaged research partnership between the University of Rochester and the Mary Cariola Center school for students with IDD. Ambient CO2 levels were measured in 100 school rooms, and air changes per hour (ACH) were calculated. The number of SARS-CoV-2 cases for each room was collected over 20 months. Results 97% of rooms had an estimated ACH ≤4.0, with 7% having CO2 levels ≥2,000 ppm for up to 3 hours per school day. A statistically significant correlation was found between the time that a room had CO2 levels ≥1,000 ppm and SARS-CoV-2 PCR tests normalized to room occupancy, accounting for 43% of the variance. No statistically significant correlation was found for room ACH and per-room SARS-CoV-2 cases. Rooms with ventilation systems using MERV-13 filters had lower SARS-CoV-2-positive PCR counts. These findings led to ongoing efforts to upgrade the ventilation systems in this community-engaged research project. Conclusions There was a statistically significant correlation between the total time of room CO2 concentrations ≥1,000 and SARS-CoV-2 cases in an IDD school. Merv-13 filters appear to decrease the incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection. This research partnership identified areas for improving in-school ventilation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin S. Zand
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
- Clinical and Translational Science Institute, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Samantha Spallina
- The Frederick J. and Marion A. Schindler Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, The Ernest J. Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Alexis Ross
- The Frederick J. and Marion A. Schindler Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, The Ernest J. Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA
| | | | | | - Christopher L. Seplaki
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Jonathan Herington
- Department of Health Humanities and Bioethics, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Anthony M. Corbett
- Clinical and Translational Science Institute, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Kimberly Kaukeinen
- Clinical and Translational Science Institute, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Jeanne Holden-Wiltse
- Clinical and Translational Science Institute, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Edward G. Freedman
- The Frederick J. and Marion A. Schindler Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, The Ernest J. Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Lisette Alcantara
- Clinical and Translational Science Institute, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Dongmei Li
- Clinical and Translational Science Institute, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Andrew Cameron
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Nicole Beaumont
- The Frederick J. and Marion A. Schindler Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, The Ernest J. Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Ann Dozier
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Stephen Dewhurst
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - John J. Foxe
- The Frederick J. and Marion A. Schindler Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, The Ernest J. Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Neuroscience, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA
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Deng S, Lau J, Wang Z, Wargocki P. Associations between illness-related absences and ventilation and indoor PM 2.5 in elementary schools of the Midwestern United States. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 176:107944. [PMID: 37216835 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.107944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
This study monitored indoor environmental data in 144 classrooms in 31 schools in the Midwestern United States for two consecutive days every fall, winter, and spring during a two-year period; 3,105 pupils attended classrooms where the measurements were conducted. All classrooms were ventilated with mechanical systems that had recirculation; there were no operable exterior windows or doors. The daily absence rate at the student level and demographic data at the classroom level were collected. The overall mean ventilation rate, using outdoor air, was 5.5 L/s per person (the corresponding mean carbon dioxide concentrations were < 2,000 ppm), and the mean indoor PM2.5 was 3.6 μg/m3. The annual illness-related absence rate at the classroom level was extracted from the student-level absence data and regressed on measured indoor environmental parameters. Significant associations were found. Every 1 L/s per person increase in ventilation rate was associated with a 5.59 decrease in days with absences per year. This corresponds to a 0.15% increase in the annual daily attendance rate. Every additional 1 μg/m3 of indoor PM2.5 was associated with a 7.37 increase in days with absences per year. This corresponds to a 0.19% decrease in the annual daily attendance rate. No other relationships were significant. Present results agree with the previously demonstrated benefits of reduced absence rates when classroom ventilation is improved and provide additional evidence on the potential benefits of reducing indoor inhalable particles. Overall, reduced absence rates are expected to provide socioeconomic benefits and benefits for academic achievements, while higher ventilation rates and reduced particle levels will also contribute to reduced health risks, including those related to airborne respiratory pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shihan Deng
- Faculty of Civil Engineering and Mechanics, Kunming University of Science and Technology, 727 South Jingming Road, Chenggong District, Kunming, Yunnan, 650500, China; Durham School of Architectural Engineering and Construction, University of Nebraska - Lincoln, 1110 S. 67th Street, Omaha, NE, 68182-0816, United States
| | - Josephine Lau
- Durham School of Architectural Engineering and Construction, University of Nebraska - Lincoln, 1110 S. 67th Street, Omaha, NE, 68182-0816, United States.
| | - Zhihao Wang
- Faculty of Civil Engineering and Mechanics, Kunming University of Science and Technology, 727 South Jingming Road, Chenggong District, Kunming, Yunnan, 650500, China
| | - Pawel Wargocki
- Department of Environmental and Resource Engineering (DTU Sustain), Technical University of Denmark, Koppels Allé, 402, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
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Sauliene I, Valiulis A, Keriene I, Sukiene L, Dovydaityte D, Prokopciuk N, Valskys V, Valskiene R, Damialis A. Airborne pollen and fungi indoors: Evidence from primary schools in Lithuania. Heliyon 2023; 9:e12668. [PMID: 36685406 PMCID: PMC9850001 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e12668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The number of children suffering from respiratory allergies and asthma has been increasing worldwide and, hence, it is crucial to understand the burden of inhalant biological particles present in school facilities, where children spend one third of their life. From the perspective of indoor air quality, while there are numerous studies on outdoor bioaerosol exposure, there are still uncertainties regarding the diversity and deposition of airborne pollen and fungi indoors. When it comes to schools, there is limited research as to the potential bioaerosol exposure. Here we studied the indoor environment of public schools aiming to reveal whether primary schools of different sizes and at localities of different levels of urbanization may exhibit a variability in the biodiversity and abundance of particles of biological origin, which could pose a risk to child health. To achieve this, 11 schools were selected, located in a variety of environments, from downtown, to city centre-periphery, and to the suburbs. Fungal and pollen samples were collected from various surfaces in school classrooms and corridors, using passive air sampling and swab sampling. We demonstrated that fungi and pollen are detected in school premises during and after the vegetation season. The highest diversity of bioaerosols was found on the top of cabinets and windowsills, with Penicillium, Cladosporium and Acremonium being the most abundant indoors. The levels of fungi were higher in schools with more students. The diversity and amount of pollen in the spring were significantly higher than in samples collected in autumn. Our findings complemented existing evidence that bioaerosol measurements in schools (including kindergartens or informal education facilities) are vital. Hence, we here suggest that, in addition to monitoring air quality and bacterial levels indoors, fungi and pollen measurements have to be integrated in the existing regular biomonitoring campaigns so as to prevent exposure, increase awareness and manage efficiently allergic symptomatology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrida Sauliene
- Institute of Regional Development, Siauliai Academy, Vilnius University, Siauliai, Lithuania
| | - Arunas Valiulis
- Clinic of Children's Diseases, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Medical Faculty, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania,Department of Public Health, Institute of Health Sciences, Medical Faculty, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Ilona Keriene
- Institute of Regional Development, Siauliai Academy, Vilnius University, Siauliai, Lithuania
| | - Laura Sukiene
- Institute of Regional Development, Siauliai Academy, Vilnius University, Siauliai, Lithuania
| | - Dovile Dovydaityte
- Institute of Regional Development, Siauliai Academy, Vilnius University, Siauliai, Lithuania
| | - Nina Prokopciuk
- Clinic of Children's Diseases, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Medical Faculty, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Vaidotas Valskys
- Institute of Biosciences, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | | | - Athanasios Damialis
- Terrestrial Ecology and Climate Change, Department of Ecology, School of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece,Corresponding author.
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Weng J, Zhang Y, Chen Z, Ying X, Zhu W, Sun Y. Field Measurements and Analysis of Indoor Environment, Occupant Satisfaction, and Sick Building Syndrome in University Buildings in Hot Summer and Cold Winter Regions in China. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 20:554. [PMID: 36612874 PMCID: PMC9819874 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20010554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Teachers and students work and study in classrooms for long durations. The indoor environment directly affects the health and satisfaction of teachers and students. To explore the performance differences between green buildings, conventional buildings, and retrofitted buildings in terms of their indoor environment, occupant satisfaction, and sick building syndrome (SBS), as well as the correlation between these different aspects, three university teaching buildings were selected in hot summer and cold winter regions in China. These included a green building (GB), a retrofitted building (RB), and a conventional building (CB). Long-term indoor environment monitoring and point-to-point measurements were conducted during the transition season and winter and the indoor environment, satisfaction, and SBS in the three buildings were compared. A sample of 399 point-to-point questionnaires was collected. A subjective-objective indoor environmental quality (IEQ) evaluation model for schools in China was established, covering satisfaction and the indoor environment. The results showed that the compliance rate of the indoor environment in the GB and RB was generally superior to that of the CB. The overall satisfaction was the highest for the GB, followed by the CB, and then the RB. The GB had the highest overall indoor environment quality score, followed by the RB and then the CB. The occurrence of SBS was lowest in the CB, followed by the GB, and then the RB. It was determined that the design of natural ventilation should be improved and that building users should be given the right to autonomous window control and temperature control. To reduce the occurrence of SBS symptoms, attention should be paid to the control of temperature and CO2 concentration. To improve learning efficiency, it suggests reducing indoor CO2 concentrations and improving desktop illuminance. This study provides a reference for improving the indoor environment and health performance of existing university teaching buildings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiantao Weng
- School of Spatial Planning and Design, Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou 310015, China
- Zhejiang Engineering Research Center of Building’s Digital Carbon Neutral Technology, Hangzhou 310015, China
- School of Economics and Management, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China
- Huahui Engineering Design Group Co., Ltd, Shaoxing 312000, China
| | - Yuhan Zhang
- School of Spatial Planning and Design, Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou 310015, China
- Zhejiang Engineering Research Center of Building’s Digital Carbon Neutral Technology, Hangzhou 310015, China
| | - Zefeng Chen
- School of Spatial Planning and Design, Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou 310015, China
- Zhejiang Engineering Research Center of Building’s Digital Carbon Neutral Technology, Hangzhou 310015, China
| | - Xiaoyu Ying
- School of Spatial Planning and Design, Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou 310015, China
- Zhejiang Engineering Research Center of Building’s Digital Carbon Neutral Technology, Hangzhou 310015, China
| | - Wei Zhu
- School of Spatial Planning and Design, Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou 310015, China
- Zhejiang Engineering Research Center of Building’s Digital Carbon Neutral Technology, Hangzhou 310015, China
| | - Yukai Sun
- Hangzhou Integrative Medicine Hospital, Hangzhou 310064, China
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Meng S. Quantitative Evaluation and Optimal Decision-Making Study on the Cultivation under the Environment of Humanistic Literacy Based on Advanced Data Analysis Technologies. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 2022:8918871. [PMID: 36213022 PMCID: PMC9536887 DOI: 10.1155/2022/8918871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
As an important part of China's higher education, higher vocational education occupies an extraordinarily important position in China's higher education system. In order to clarify the literacy of higher vocational students, carry forward their excellent quality, and correct their bad habits, a quantitative evaluation and optimization decision-making research on the cultivation of humanistic literacy of higher vocational students based on data mining technology is proposed. By using data mining technology, the important data of students can be obtained quickly; by using advantages of information integration, the cultivation of humanistic quality of higher vocational students is evaluated from a correct perspective; by strengthening the education of campus culture construction, students' moral quality can be enhanced, students' enthusiasm for learning can be mobilized, the advantages of new media's public opinion orientation can be given full play, and a humanistic and healthy growth environment for vocational students can be created. Through experiments, it is proved that data mining can better evaluate the humanistic quality of students. During the learning process, the humanistic quality evaluation of female college students reaches 95%, and the overall quality of male and female gradually rises to 80%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengru Meng
- School of Education, Tianjin University, Jinnan, Tianjin 300350, China
- Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan 570228, China
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Park SH, Lee KR, Yook SJ, Koo HB. Enhancement and Homogenization of Indoor Air Quality in a Classroom Using a Vertical Airflow Ventilation Scheme. TOXICS 2022; 10:545. [PMID: 36136510 PMCID: PMC9500748 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10090545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Since air quality has a great influence on students' health and learning ability, enhancing air quality in classrooms is important. Currently, widely distributed ventilation systems operate by moving airflow horizontally from ventilation inlets and outlets on the ceiling. This method can reduce the average pollution in a space by diluting it through air exchange; however, it is limited regarding homogeneous cleanliness due to air stagnation at some locations. Therefore, in this study, a new ventilation system was devised to improve indoor air quality and spatial homogeneity by installing ventilation inlets on the ceiling and numerous outlets on the floor, creating a vertical airflow in the interior space; this system was then applied to a middle school classroom. Using the age of air as an index, air quality improvement between the existing and newly designed ventilation systems was compared. In the classroom with the existing ventilation system, the age of air was low in the area near the ventilation inlets, while air congestion areas were widely distributed and air age was high near the outlets. Conversely, in the vertical airflow classroom, the average age of air was approximately 15% lower than that with the existing ventilation system, and the deviation of air age for each position in the classroom space was also reduced, showing a uniform air age distribution. Therefore, the vertical airflow ventilation system proposed in this study can be an effective ventilation scheme for enhancing and homogenizing indoor air quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su-Hoon Park
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Korea
| | - Kyung-Rae Lee
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Korea
| | - Se-Jin Yook
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Korea
| | - Hyun Bon Koo
- Department of Structural Engineering Research, Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology, Goyang-si 10223, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
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Low-Invasive CO2-Based Visual Alerting Systems to Manage Natural Ventilation and Improve IAQ in Historic School Buildings. HERITAGE 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/heritage4040191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Children spend a large part of their growing years in schools, and as they are more sensitive to some pollutants than adults, it is essential to monitor and maximize the indoor air quality (IAQ) in classrooms. Many schools are located in historic and heritage buildings, and improving the IAQ, preserving the architectural features, poses a great challenge. The aim of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a low-invasiveness, low-cost, smart CO2-based visual alerting systems to manage natural ventilation and improve IAQ in historic school buildings. Indoor and outdoor parameters were monitored for three weeks in four schools with different levels of education (two classrooms per school; device installed in one only). Based on indoor CO2 concentration, air temperature and relative humidity, the device suggests when windows should be opened to ventilate. The comparison between the two classrooms show that the effectiveness of the device is highly dependent on the occupants: (i) reduction in the average CO2 concentrations of up to 42% in classrooms with frontal lesson and full occupancy, (ii) the device is not the most ideal solution for kindergarten due to the young age of the pupils, and (iii) it is more used during mild outdoor temperatures.
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Influence of Air Temperature on School Teachers’ Mood and the Perception of Students’ Behavior. SUSTAINABILITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/su13179707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
This study investigates how temperature, inside and outside the classroom, influence teachers’ mood and mental fatigue as well as the perceived students’ behavior. Two daily random measurements of the temperature inside various classrooms were taken for 7 months. Mood, mental fatigue, and perception of students’ behavior were evaluated for the teachers. Daily external temperature data were obtained from the State Agency of Meteorology. Results showed that indoor temperature, indoor humidity, and the difference between outdoor/indoor temperature significantly explain a worse perception of mood of the teachers and a worse perception of students’ behavior that influences perception of students’ behavior.
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Quantifying Fenestration Effect on Thermal Comfort in Naturally Ventilated Classrooms. SUSTAINABILITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/su13137385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
This study seeks to evaluate thermal comfort in naturally ventilated classrooms to draw sustainable solutions that reduce the dramatic energy consumed in mechanically ventilated spaces. Passive ventilation scenarios are generated using alternations of openings on the windward and leeward sides to evaluate their effects on thermal comfort. Twenty-eight experiments were carried in Bahrain during winter inside an exposed classroom, the experiments were grouped into five scenarios namely: “single-inlet single-outlet” SISO, “single-inlet double-outlet” SIDO, “double-inlet single-outlet” DISO, “double-inlet double-outlet” DIDO and “single-side ventilation” SSV. The findings indicate that single-side ventilation did not offer comfort except at high airspeed, while comfort is attained by using cross-ventilation at ambient temperature between 21.8–26.8 °C. The temperature difference between monitored locations and the inlet is inversely proportional to the number of air changes per hour. The DISO scenario accomplishes the lowest temperature difference. Using cross-ventilation instead of single-side ventilation reduces the temperature differences between 0.5–2.5 °C and increases airspeed up to three folds. According to the measured findings, the DISO cross-ventilation scenario is a valid sustainable solution adaptable to climatic variation locally and beyond with zero-energy consumption and zero emissions.
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