29 results on '"Van Den Wymelenberg, Kevin"'
Search Results
2. Temporary establishment of bacteria from indoor plant leaves and soil on human skin
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Mhuireach, Gwynne Á., Fahimipour, Ashkaan K., Vandegrift, Roo, Muscarella, Mario E., Hickey, Roxana, Bateman, Ashley C., Van Den Wymelenberg, Kevin G., and Bohannan, Brendan J. M.
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
3. Assessing the energy and daylighting impacts of human behavior with window shades, a life-cycle comparison of manual and automated blinds
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Nezamdoost, Amir, Van Den Wymelenberg, Kevin, and Mahic, Alen
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- 2018
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4. Daylight exposure modulates bacterial communities associated with household dust
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Fahimipour, Ashkaan K., Hartmann, Erica M., Siemens, Andrew, Kline, Jeff, Levin, David A., Wilson, Hannah, Betancourt-Román, Clarisse M., Brown, GZ, Fretz, Mark, Northcutt, Dale, Siemens, Kyla N., Huttenhower, Curtis, Green, Jessica L., and Van Den Wymelenberg, Kevin
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- 2018
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5. Evaluating direct energy savings and market transformation effects: A decade of technical design assistance in the northwestern USA
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Van Den Wymelenberg, Kevin, Brown, G.Z., Burpee, Heather, Djunaedy, Ery, Gladics, Gunnar, Kline, Jeff, Loveland, Joel, Meek, Christopher, and Thimmanna, Harshana
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- 2013
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6. Garden soil bacteria transiently colonize gardeners' skin after direct soil contact.
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Mhuireach, Gwynne Á., Van Den Wymelenberg, Kevin G., and Langellotto, Gail A.
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- 2023
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7. Oversizing of HVAC system: Signatures and penalties
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Djunaedy, Ery, van den Wymelenberg, Kevin, Acker, Brad, and Thimmana, Harshana
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- 2011
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8. Evaluating fomite risk of brown paper bags storing personal protective equipment exposed to SARS-CoV-2: A quasi-experimental study.
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Unger, Kyirsty, Dietz, Leslie, Horve, Patrick, Van Den Wymelenberg, Kevin, Lin, Amber, Kinney, Erin, and Kea, Bory
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PAPER bags ,SARS-CoV-2 ,PERSONAL protective equipment ,MEDICAL masks ,URBAN hospitals ,COUGH ,MEDICAL personnel - Abstract
Introduction: Literature is lacking on the safety of storing contaminated PPE in paper bags for reuse, potentially increasing exposure to frontline healthcare workers (HCW) and patients. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of paper bags as a barrier for fomite transmission of SARS-CoV-2 by storing face masks, respirators, and face shields. Methods: This quasi-experimental study evaluated the presence of SARS-CoV-2 on the interior and exterior surfaces of paper bags containing PPE that had aerosolized exposures in clinical and simulated settings. Between May and October 2020, 30 unique PPE items were collected from COVID-19 units at two urban hospitals. Exposed PPE, worn by either an infected patient or HCW during a SARS-CoV-2 aerosolizing event, were placed into an unused paper bag. Samples were tested at 30-minute and 12-hour intervals. Results: A total of 177 swabs were processed from 30 PPE samples. We found a 6.8% positivity rate among all samples across both collection sites. Highest positivity rates were associated with ventilator disconnection and exposure to respiratory droplets from coughing. Positivity rates differed between hospital units. Total positivity rates were similar between 30-minute (6.7%) and 12-hour (6.9%) sample testing time intervals. Control samples exposed to inactivated SARS-CoV-2 droplets had higher total viral counts than samples exposed to nebulized aerosols. Conclusions: Data suggests paper bags are not a significant fomite risk for SARS-CoV-2 transmission. However, controls demonstrated a risk with droplet exposure. Data can inform guidelines for storing and re-using PPE in situations of limited supplies during future pandemics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2022
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9. Indoor Air
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Velazquez, Samantha, Griffiths, Willem, Dietz, Leslie, Horve, Patrick, Nunez, Susie, Hu, Jinglin, Shen, Jiaxian, Fretz, Mark, Bi, Chenyang, Xu, Ying, Van Den Wymelenberg, Kevin G., Hartmann, Erica M., and Ishaq, Suzanne L.
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CONSUMER PRODUCTS ,ENDOCRINE-DISRUPTING CHEMICALS ,04 Earth Sciences ,chemical intervention ,VOLATILE ORGANIC-COMPOUNDS ,09 Engineering ,SODIUM-HYPOCHLORITE ,Engineering ,HYDROGEN-PEROXIDE ,WASTE-WATER ,Humans ,indoor microbiology ,Built Environment ,urface chemistry ,11 Medical and Health Sciences ,Public, Environmental & Occupational Health ,STAPHYLOCOCCUS-AUREUS ,Building & Construction ,INDOOR AIR ,ANTIBIOTIC-RESISTANCE GENES ,SURFACES ,Microbiota ,Engineering, Environmental ,surface microbiology ,Disinfection ,occupant health ,Air Pollution, Indoor ,Construction & Building Technology ,Life Sciences & Biomedicine ,antimicrobial resistance genes - Abstract
Since the advent of soap, personal hygiene practices have revolved around removal, sterilization, and disinfection—both of visible soil and microscopic organisms—for a myriad of cultural, aesthetic, or health-related reasons. Cleaning methods and products vary widely in their recommended use, effectiveness, risk to users or building occupants, environmental sustainability, and ecological impact. Advancements in science and technology have facilitated in-depth analyses of the indoor microbiome, and studies in this field suggest that the traditional “scorched-earth cleaning” mentality—that surfaces must be completely sterilized and prevent microbial establishment—may contribute to long-term human health consequences. Moreover, the materials, products, activities, and microbial communities indoors all contribute to, or remove, chemical species to the indoor environment. This review examines the effects of cleaning with respect to the interaction of chemistry, indoor microbiology, and human health. Published version
- Published
- 2019
10. Evaluation of a bioaerosol sampler for indoor environmental surveillance of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2.
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Horve, Patrick Finn, Dietz, Leslie, Northcutt, Dale, Stenson, Jason, and Van Den Wymelenberg, Kevin
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MICROBIOLOGICAL aerosols ,COVID-19 ,SARS-CoV-2 - Abstract
The worldwide spread of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has ubiquitously impacted many aspects of life. As vaccines continue to be manufactured and administered, limiting the spread of SARS-CoV-2 will rely more heavily on the early identification of contagious individuals occupying reopened and increasingly populated indoor environments. In this study, we investigated the utility of an impaction-based bioaerosol sampling system with multiple nucleic acid collection media. Heat-inactivated SARS-CoV-2 was utilized to perform bench-scale, short-range aerosol, and room-scale aerosol experiments. Through bench-scale experiments, AerosolSense Capture Media (ACM) and nylon flocked swabs were identified as the highest utility media. In room-scale aerosol experiments, consistent detection of aerosol SARS-CoV-2 was achieved at an estimated aerosol concentration equal to or greater than 0.089 genome copies per liter of room air (gc/L) when air was sampled for eight hours or more at less than one air change per hour (ACH). Shorter sampling periods (75 minutes) yielded consistent detection at ~31.8 gc/L of room air and intermittent detection down to ~0.318 gc/L at (at both 1 and 6 ACH). These results support further exploration in real-world testing scenarios and suggest the utility of indoor aerosol surveillance as an effective risk mitigation strategy in occupied buildings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2021
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11. Identification of SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA in healthcare heating, ventilation, and air conditioning units.
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Horve, Patrick F., Dietz, Leslie G., Fretz, Mark, Constant, David A., Wilkes, Andrew, Townes, John M., Martindale, Robert G., Messer, William B., and Van Den Wymelenberg, Kevin G.
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COVID-19 ,SARS-CoV-2 ,AIR conditioning ,AIRBORNE infection ,VIRAL transmission - Abstract
Evidence continues to grow supporting the aerosol transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2). To assess the potential role of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems in airborne viral transmission, this study sought to determine the viral presence, if any, on air handling units in a healthcare setting where coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) patients were being treated. The presence of SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA was detected in approximately 25% of samples taken from ten different locations in multiple air handlers. While samples were not evaluated for viral infectivity, the presence of viral RNA in air handlers raises the possibility that viral particles can enter and travel within the air handling system of a hospital, from room return air through high‐efficiency MERV‐15 filters and into supply air ducts. Although no known transmission events were determined to be associated with these specimens, the findings suggest the potential for HVAC systems to facilitate transfer of virions to locations remote from areas where infected persons reside. These results are important within and outside of healthcare settings and may present necessary guidance for building operators of facilities that are not equipped with high‐efficiency filtration. Furthermore, the identification of SARS‐CoV‐2 in HVAC components indicates the potential utility as an indoor environmental surveillance location. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2021
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12. Viable bacterial communities on hospital window components in patient rooms.
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Horve, Patrick F., Dietz, Leslie G., Ishaq, Suzanne L., Kline, Jeff, Fretz, Mark, and Van Den Wymelenberg, Kevin G.
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BACTERIAL communities ,RESTROOMS ,METHICILLIN-resistant staphylococcus aureus ,BACTERIAL adhesion ,NUTRIENT density ,HOSPITAL housekeeping - Abstract
Previous studies demonstrate an exchange of bacteria between hospital room surfaces and patients, and a reduction in survival of microorganisms in dust inside buildings from sunlight exposure. While the transmission of microorganisms between humans and their local environment is a continuous exchange which generally does not raise cause for alarm, in a hospital setting with immunocompromised patients, these building-source microbial reservoirs may pose a risk. Window glass is often neglected during hospital disinfection protocols, and the microbial communities found there have not previously been examined. This pilot study examined whether living bacterial communities, and specifically the pathogens Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile), were present on window components of exterior-facing windows inside patient rooms, and whether relative light exposure (direct or indirect) was associated with changes in bacterial communities on those hospital surfaces. Environmental samples were collected from 30 patient rooms in a single ward at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) in Portland, Oregon, USA. Sampling locations within each room included the window glass surface, both sides of the window curtain, two surfaces of the window frame, and the air return grille. Viable bacterial abundances were quantified using qPCR, and community composition was assessed using Illumina MiSeq sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene V3/V4 region. Viable bacteria occupied all sampled locations, but was not associated with a specific hospital surface or relative sunlight exposure. Bacterial communities were similar between window glass and the rest of the room, but had significantly lower Shannon Diversity, theorized to be related to low nutrient density and resistance to bacterial attachment of glass compared to other surface materials. Rooms with windows that were facing west demonstrated a higher abundance of viable bacteria than those facing other directions, potentially because at the time of sampling (morning) west-facing rooms had not yet been exposed to sunlight that day. Viable C. difficile was not detected and viable MRSA was detected at very low abundance. Bacterial abundance was negatively correlated with distance from the central staff area containing the break room and nursing station. In the present study, it can be assumed that there is more human traffic in the center of the ward, and is likely responsible for the observed gradient of total abundance in rooms along the ward, as healthcare staff both deposit more bacteria during activities and affect microbial transit indoors. Overall, hospital window components possess similar microbial communities to other previously identified room locations known to act as reservoirs for microbial agents of hospital-associated infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2020
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13. From one species to another: A review on the interaction between chemistry and microbiology in relation to cleaning in the built environment.
- Author
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Velazquez, Samantha, Griffiths, Willem, Dietz, Leslie, Horve, Patrick, Nunez, Susie, Hu, Jinglin, Shen, Jiaxian, Fretz, Mark, Bi, Chenyang, Xu, Ying, Van Den Wymelenberg, Kevin G., Hartmann, Erica M., and Ishaq, Suzanne L.
- Subjects
BUILT environment ,MICROBIOLOGY ,MICROORGANISMS ,ECOLOGICAL impact ,HYGIENE - Abstract
Since the advent of soap, personal hygiene practices have revolved around removal, sterilization, and disinfection—both of visible soil and microscopic organisms—for a myriad of cultural, aesthetic, or health‐related reasons. Cleaning methods and products vary widely in their recommended use, effectiveness, risk to users or building occupants, environmental sustainability, and ecological impact. Advancements in science and technology have facilitated in‐depth analyses of the indoor microbiome, and studies in this field suggest that the traditional "scorched‐earth cleaning" mentality—that surfaces must be completely sterilized and prevent microbial establishment—may contribute to long‐term human health consequences. Moreover, the materials, products, activities, and microbial communities indoors all contribute to, or remove, chemical species to the indoor environment. This review examines the effects of cleaning with respect to the interaction of chemistry, indoor microbiology, and human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2019
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
14. Reducing COVID-19 Transmission in the Built Environment.
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Dietz, Leslie, Horve, Patrick F., Coil, David A., Fretz, Mark, Eisen, Jonathan A., and Van Den Wymelenberg, Kevin
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BUILT environment ,COVID-19 ,HEALTH facilities ,MEDICAL care ,COMMERCIAL buildings ,OFFICE buildings ,AIR pollutants - Abstract
In December 2019, SARS-CoV-2, a novel CoV that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), was identified in the city of Wuhan, a major transport hub of central China. For a conceptualization of SARS-CoV-2 deposition, see Based upon previous investigation into SARS, spread through aerosolization remains a potential secondary transmission method, especially within the built environment. 1: Conceptualization of SARS-CoV-2 Deposition (A) Once an individual has been infected with SARS-CoV-2, viral particles accumulate in the lungs and upper respiratory tract. [Extracted from the article]
- Published
- 2020
15. Cleanliness in context: reconciling hygiene with a modern microbial perspective.
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Vandegrift, Roo, Bateman, Ashley C., Siemens, Kyla N., Nguyen, May, Wilson, Hannah E., Green, Jessica L., Van Den Wymelenberg, Kevin G., and Hickey, Roxana J.
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- 2017
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16. Targeted Calibration of Energy Models for Existing Building.
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Djunaedy, Ery and Van Den Wymelenberg, Kevin
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ENERGY conservation in buildings , *ENERGY consumption of buildings , *ENERGY economics , *CALIBRATION , *MATHEMATICAL models - Published
- 2014
17. Comparing Whole Building Energy Implications of Sidelighting Systems with Alternate Manual Blind Control Algorithms.
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Dyke, Christopher, Steciak, Judi, Van Den Wymelenberg, Kevin, and Djunaedy, Ery
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ENERGY consumption of buildings ,WINDOW blinds ,ENERGY consumption of lighting ,ALGORITHMS ,BUILDING performance - Abstract
Currently, there is no manual blind control guideline used consistently throughout the energy modeling community. This paper identifies and compares five manual blind control algorithms with unique control patterns and reports blind occlusion, rate of change data, and annual building energy consumption. The blind control schemes detailed here represent five reasonable candidates for use in lighting and energy simulation based on difference driving factors. This study was performed on a medium-sized office building using EnergyPlus with the internal daylight harvesting engine. Results show that applying manual blind control algorithms affects the total annual consumption of the building by as much as 12.5% and 11.5% for interior and exterior blinds respectively, compared to the Always Retracted blinds algorithm. Peak demand was also compared showing blind algorithms affected zone load sizing by as much as 9.8%. The alternate algorithms were tested for their impact on American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Guideline 14 calibration metrics and all models were found to differ from the original calibrated baseline by more than the recommended ±15% for coefficient of variance of the mean square error (CVRMSE) and ±5% for normalized mean bias error (NMBE). The paper recommends that energy modelers use one or more manual blind control algorithms during design stages when making decisions about energy efficiency and other design alternatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2015
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18. Revealing Occupancy Patterns in Office Buildings through the use of Annual Occupancy Sensor Data.
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Duarte, Carlos, Van Den Wymelenberg, Kevin, and Rieger, Craig
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OFFICE building energy consumption , *OFFICE building design & construction , *MATHEMATICAL proofs , *HEATING & ventilation industry , *CONSTRUCTION materials , *OFFICE occupancy - Abstract
Energy simulation programs like DOE-2 and EnergyPlus are tools that have been proven to aid with energy calculations to predict energy use in buildings. Some inputs to energy simulation models are relatively easy to find, including building size, orientation, construction materials, and HVAC system size and type. Others vary with time (e.g. weather and occupancy) and some can be a challenge to estimate in order to create an accurate simulation. In this paper, the analysis of occupancy sensor data for a large commercial, multi-tenant office building is presented. It details occupancy diversity factors for private offices and summarizes the same for open offices, hallways, conference rooms, break rooms, and restrooms in order to better inform energy simulation parameters. Long-term data were collected allowing results to be presented to show variations of occupancy diversity factors in private offices for time of day, day of the week, holidays, and month of the year. The diversity factors presented differ as much as 46% from those currently published in ASHRAE 90.1 2004 energy cost method guidelines, a document referenced by energy modelers regarding occupancy diversity factors for simulations. This may result in misleading simulation results and may introduce inefficiencies in the final equipment and systems design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2013
19. Demand Control Ventilation: Lessons from the Field- How to Avoid Common Problems.
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Acker, Brad and Van Den Wymelenberg, Kevin
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HOME heating & ventilation control , *ENERGY conservation in buildings , *ENERGY consumption of buildings , *CARBON dioxide , *INDOOR air quality , *COMMERCIAL building air conditioning , *HEATING & ventilation industry - Abstract
Demand control ventilation (DCV) has the potential to save energy by reducing ventilation rates in accordance with occupancy levels provided by the surrogate indication of CO2 levels. However, improperly installed, designed, or operated systems may save energy at the expense of Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) or enhance IAQ at the expense of energy. These outcomes may have the potential to foul the image of an otherwise viable energy efficiency measure. This paper reports what the authors believe to be common problems in the design, installation and operation of DCV systems which use CO2 as a surrogate for occupancy levels. Six HVAC systems were investigated: two commercial offices, two medical offices, and two school environments. The design drawings, air balance reports, and current equipment set up were investigated. Four systems were controlled locally through roof top unit control logic and two systems were controlled by central building energy management systems. Functional testing of equipment was carried out and system parameters were logged including CO2 levels, fans states, and air stream temperatures. Functional testing was broken up into three system aspects. First, CO2 control signal functional testing was conducted to confirm that the control link between CO2 sensors and outside air damper positioning was in place. Second, sensor placement functional testing was conducted to confirm that the sensors placement could accurately report the CO2 levels of the controlled zone. Third, the Outside Air (OSA) level test was conducted by inspecting the air balance reports to determine the OSA rates and to confirm that the system was balanced in accordance with DCV standards. The study found that no systems were functioning properly for a number of reasons, some of which were overlapping. Reasons for non-functionality included poor sensor placement, improper information provided in mechanical schedules or design documents, fan cycling issues, and poor installation. Details on failure modes will be presented. Proper engineering documentation requirements will be explained. Test, Adjust, Balance (TAB) specifications and DCV specific requirements for TAB along with information that building operators need to know about system operation will be presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2011
20. Revealing occupancy patterns in an office building through the use of occupancy sensor data.
- Author
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Duarte, Carlos, Van Den Wymelenberg, Kevin, and Rieger, Craig
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COMMERCIAL buildings , *DETECTORS , *OFFICE buildings , *DATA analysis , *BUILDINGS - Abstract
Highlights: [•] PIR motion sensor data was analyzed to identify occupant behavior. [•] A total of 629 sensors were analyzed in the large commercial office building. [•] Private offices were analyzed in detail to identify changes throughout the year. [•] A 46% difference was found between private offices and ASHRAE reference occupancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2013
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21. Patterns of occupant interaction with window blinds: A literature review
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Van Den Wymelenberg, Kevin
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WINDOW blinds , *LITERATURE reviews , *ENERGY consumption of buildings , *SIMULATION methods & models , *DAYLIGHTING , *FIELD research , *QUANTITATIVE research - Abstract
Abstract: There is no comprehensive consensus about the way people operate blinds or the motivating factors that influence their decisions. However, there is a substantial body of research, encompassing data from more than 50 buildings worldwide, that offers guidance. Patterns of blind use can affect the energy consumption of buildings substantially and therefore energy and daylighting simulations that do not account properly for these blind use patterns will have greater error. An outline for a new more nuanced model for simulation-based blind control is offered. Specifically, this paper reviews the energy implications of blind use, blind occlusion and rate of change from field studies, specific quantitative measures influencing user blind control, investigations into user acceptance of automated blind control, and finally conclusions and knowledge gaps are summarized and suggested next steps for research are provided. Addressing these gaps is critical for the continued progress of the energy efficiency movement. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
- Published
- 2012
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22. Evaluating Volatile Organic Compound Emissions from Cross-Laminated Timber Bonded with a Soy-Based Adhesive.
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Yauk, Michael, Stenson, Jason, Donor, Micah, and Van Den Wymelenberg, Kevin
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FORMALDEHYDE ,VOLATILE organic compounds ,INDOOR air quality ,ENGINEERED wood ,ADHESIVES ,TIMBER ,SURFACE finishing ,WOOD products - Abstract
Volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from indoor sources are large determinants of the indoor air quality (IAQ) and occupant health. Cross-laminated timber (CLT) is a panelized engineered wood product often left exposed as an interior surface finish. As a certified structural building product, CLT is currently exempt from meeting VOC emission limits for composite wood products and confirming emissions through California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Standard Method testing. In this study, small chamber testing was conducted to evaluate VOC emissions from three laboratory-produced CLT samples: One bonded with a new soy-based cold-set adhesive; a second bonded with a commercially available polyurethane (PUR) adhesive; and the third assembled without adhesive using dowels. A fourth commercially-produced eight-month-old sample bonded with melamine formaldehyde (MF) adhesive was also tested. All four samples were produced with Douglas-fir. The test results for the three laboratory-produced samples demonstrated VOC emissions compliance with the reference standard. The commercially-produced and aged CLT sample bonded with MF adhesive did not meet the acceptance criterion for formaldehyde of ≤9.0 µg/m
3 . The estimated indoor air concentration of formaldehyde in an office with the MF sample was 54.4 µg/m3 ; the results for the soy, PUR, and dowel samples were all at or below 2.5 µg/m3 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]- Published
- 2020
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23. Monitored Indoor Environmental Quality of a Mass Timber Office Building: A Case Study.
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Stenson, Jason, Ishaq, Suzanne L., Laguerre, Aurélie, Loia, Andrew, MacCrone, Georgia, Mugabo, Ignace, Northcutt, Dale, Riggio, Mariapaola, Barbosa, Andre, Gall, Elliott T., and Van Den Wymelenberg, Kevin
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OFFICE buildings ,ENVIRONMENTAL monitoring ,ENVIRONMENTAL quality ,FORMALDEHYDE ,TIMBER ,INDOOR air quality ,HUMAN comfort ,VOLATILE organic compounds - Abstract
A broad range of building performance monitoring, sampling, and evaluation was conducted periodically after construction and spanning more than a year, for an occupied office building constructed using mass timber elements such as cross-laminated timber (CLT) floor and roof panels, as well as glue-laminated timber (GLT) beams and columns. This case study contributes research on monitoring indoor environmental quality in buildings, describing one of the few studies of an occupied mass timber building, and analyzing data in three areas that impact occupant experience: indoor air quality, bacterial community composition, and floor vibration. As a whole, the building was found to perform well. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including formaldehyde, were analyzed using multiple methods. Formaldehyde was found to be present in the building, though levels were below most recommended exposure limits. The source of formaldehyde was not able to be identified in this study. The richness of the bacterial community was affected by the height of sampling with respect to the floor, and richness and composition was affected by the location within the building. Floor vibration was observed to be below recognized human comfort thresholds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2019
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- View/download PDF
24. Performance Evaluation of Multi-Stage Evaporative Cooling for Classrooms in a Hot and Dry Climate.
- Author
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Huafen Hu, Krieske, Mathew, Djunaedy, Ery, Van Den Wymelenberg, Kevin, and Acker, Brad
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EVAPORATIVE cooling , *PERFORMANCE evaluation , *ENERGY consumption , *HUMIDITY , *TEMPERATURE - Abstract
Climate analysis has shown tremendous potential of using evaporative cooling in a hot and dry climate. This research reports a case study where a multi-stage evaporative cooling system is installed as the sole summer cooling system in a high performance classroom, located in Boise, Idaho. Initial analyses through design stages suggest that the installed system alone is sufficient to provide cooling with considerable energy savings compared to a standard forced air system. But the field responses from instructors and students in the classroom indicate otherwise. The gap between the actual performance and the expected one at design stages is significant. This study aims to identify causes why the installed direct and indirect evaporative cooling systems underperform though post-occupancy data analysis. Nine months' worth of field performance data have been collected through the installed sensor systems, including indoor and outdoor temperatures and relative humidity, and temperatures at different positions within the direct and indirect evaporative cooling system. Various data analyses are conducted to answer the following questions: (1) is the classroom thermally comfortable based on measured temperature and relative humidity? (2) is the multi-stage evaporative cooling system operated as designed? (3) how does the installed evaporative cooling system perform in Boise, Idaho as compared to similar systems under similar climate? (4) what are the potential causes that make the installed system underperform? This case study is intended to expand general understanding of evaporative cooling systems working in a hot and dry climate and provide valuable feedback and guidelines for future design with a similar system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2013
25. Lessons learned from implementing night ventilation of mass in a next-generation smart building.
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Mhuireach, Gwynne Á., Brown, G.Z., Kline, Jeff, Manandhar, Dristi, Moriyama, Maxwell, Northcutt, Dale, Rivera, Isabel, and Van Den Wymelenberg, Kevin
- Subjects
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INTELLIGENT buildings , *EXTERIOR walls , *ENERGY consumption , *SURFACE temperature , *COOLING , *HIGH temperatures - Abstract
• Thermal mass located near ventilation inlets lost more heat through NVM at night. • Automated NVM can improve energy efficiency, but also provides opportunity for error. • Periodic commissioning is recommended to ensure correct NVM function. Summer temperature extremes are expected to increase during the next century. Integrating night ventilation of mass (NVM) strategies in new 'smart' buildings could increase resilience to warming temperatures and reduce reliance on mechanical cooling. However, designing and operating buildings with NVM is challenging due to the complexity of interacting variables and difficulty of accurately measuring and predicting them, particularly when using automated controls and sensors. In this study we evaluated NVM performance by monitoring two night-ventilated classrooms in a mixed-mode smart academic building during October 2014 and June–July 2016. We investigated whether NVM systems were operating as intended, altered operation as needed to match design intent, and compared NVM efficacy during incorrect and corrected operation. We calculated the amount of heat NVM removed from each room overnight and visualized gradients of heat removal across the mass surface. We found that incorrect building automation system (BAS) operation during June 2016 resulted in overuse of mechanical cooling, while corrected operation later in July reduced the number of hours mechanical cooling was required, although average outdoor temperatures were higher. Our results also showed greatest overnight reductions in mass surface temperatures in locations nearest to the air inlets on the exterior south-facing walls. This critical evaluation quantifies the agreement between NVM performance as modeled during the design phase and during post-occupancy operation several years after construction. We conclude that the observed performance gap may be addressed through periodic or continuous re-commissioning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2020
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26. Critical Capability Needs for Reduction of Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 Indoors.
- Author
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Morrow JB, Packman AI, Martinez KF, Van Den Wymelenberg K, Goeres D, Farmer DK, Mitchell J, Ng L, Hazi Y, Schoch-Spana M, Quinn S, Bahnfleth W, and Olsiewski P
- Abstract
Coordination of efforts to assess the challenges and pain points felt by industries from around the globe working to reduce COVID-19 transmission in the indoor environment as well as innovative solutions applied to meet these challenges is mandatory. Indoor infectious viral disease transmission (such as coronavirus, norovirus, influenza) is a complex problem that needs better integration of our current knowledge and intervention strategies. Critical to providing a reduction in transmission is to map the four core technical areas of environmental microbiology, transmission science, building science, and social science. To that end a three-stage science and innovation Summit was held to gather information on current standards, policies and procedures applied to reduce transmission in built spaces, as well as the technical challenges, science needs, and research priorities. The Summit elucidated steps than can be taken to reduce transmission of SARS-CoV-2 indoors and calls for significant investments in research to enhance our knowledge of viral pathogen persistence and transport in the built environment, risk assessment and mitigation strategy such as processes and procedures to reduce the risk of exposure and infection through building systems operations, biosurveillance capacity, communication form leadership, and stakeholder engagement for optimal response. These findings reflect the effective application of existing knowledge and standards, emerging science, and lessons-learned from current efforts to confront SARS-CoV-2., Competing Interests: KM and YH were affiliated to the commercial company HWC Inc. The remaining authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2021 Morrow, Packman, Martinez, Van Den Wymelenberg, Goeres, Farmer, Mitchell, Ng, Hazi, Schoch-Spana, Quinn, Bahnfleth and Olsiewski.)
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
27. Reply to McDonald, "Protections against the Risk of Airborne SARS-CoV-2 Infection".
- Author
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Dietz L, Horve PF, Coil DA, Fretz M, Eisen JA, and Van Den Wymelenberg K
- Published
- 2020
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
28. 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic: Built Environment Considerations To Reduce Transmission.
- Author
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Dietz L, Horve PF, Coil DA, Fretz M, Eisen JA, and Van Den Wymelenberg K
- Abstract
With the rapid spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that results in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), corporate entities, federal, state, county, and city governments, universities, school districts, places of worship, prisons, health care facilities, assisted living organizations, daycares, homeowners, and other building owners and occupants have an opportunity to reduce the potential for transmission through built environment (BE)-mediated pathways. Over the last decade, substantial research into the presence, abundance, diversity, function, and transmission of microbes in the BE has taken place and revealed common pathogen exchange pathways and mechanisms. In this paper, we synthesize this microbiology of the BE research and the known information about SARS-CoV-2 to provide actionable and achievable guidance to BE decision makers, building operators, and all indoor occupants attempting to minimize infectious disease transmission through environmentally mediated pathways. We believe this information is useful to corporate and public administrators and individuals responsible for building operations and environmental services in their decision-making process about the degree and duration of social-distancing measures during viral epidemics and pandemics., (Copyright © 2020 Dietz et al.)
- Published
- 2020
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29. Antimicrobial Chemicals Associate with Microbial Function and Antibiotic Resistance Indoors.
- Author
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Fahimipour AK, Ben Mamaar S, McFarland AG, Blaustein RA, Chen J, Glawe AJ, Kline J, Green JL, Halden RU, Van Den Wymelenberg K, Huttenhower C, and Hartmann EM
- Abstract
Humans purposefully and inadvertently introduce antimicrobial chemicals into buildings, resulting in widespread compounds, including triclosan, triclocarban, and parabens, in indoor dust. Meanwhile, drug-resistant infections continue to increase, raising concerns that buildings function as reservoirs of, or even select for, resistant microorganisms. Support for these hypotheses is limited largely since data describing relationships between antimicrobials and indoor microbial communities are scant. We combined liquid chromatography-isotope dilution tandem mass spectrometry with metagenomic shotgun sequencing of dust collected from athletic facilities to characterize relationships between indoor antimicrobial chemicals and microbial communities. Elevated levels of triclosan and triclocarban, but not parabens, were associated with distinct indoor microbiomes. Dust of high triclosan content contained increased Gram-positive species with diverse drug resistance capabilities, whose pangenomes were enriched for genes encoding osmotic stress responses, efflux pump regulation, lipid metabolism, and material transport across cell membranes; such triclosan-associated functional shifts have been documented in laboratory cultures but not yet from buildings. Antibiotic-resistant bacterial isolates were cultured from all but one facility, and resistance often increased in buildings with very high triclosan levels, suggesting links between human encounters with viable drug-resistant bacteria and local biocide conditions. This characterization uncovers complex relationships between antimicrobials and indoor microbiomes: some chemicals elicit effects, whereas others may not, and no single functional or resistance factor explained chemical-microbe associations. These results suggest that anthropogenic chemicals impact microbial systems in or around buildings and their occupants, highlighting an emergent need to identify the most important indoor, outdoor, and host-associated sources of antimicrobial chemical-resistome interactions. IMPORTANCE The ubiquitous use of antimicrobial chemicals may have undesired consequences, particularly on microbes in buildings. This study shows that the taxonomy and function of microbes in indoor dust are strongly associated with antimicrobial chemicals-more so than any other feature of the buildings. Moreover, we identified links between antimicrobial chemical concentrations in dust and culturable bacteria that are cross-resistant to three clinically relevant antibiotics. These findings suggest that humans may be influencing the microbial species and genes that are found indoors through the addition and removal of particular antimicrobial chemicals.
- Published
- 2018
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