Search

Current exterior wall assembly designs for new low-rise residential buildings targeting low-energy demand in heating dominated countries include split-insulation wall and thick-wall assembly designs. Both have been shown to result in thermal efficiency gains compared to building-code minimum assemblies, however long-term hygrothermal performance can vary depending on boundary conditions and the presence of construction deficiencies. Future climate scenarios estimate many heating-dominated climates will experience a reduction in heating-degree day hours and an increase in annual rainfall. Using validated assembly performance data from a Passive House certified facility, a sensitivity analysis is performed to determine the impact of rainwater wetting, air exfiltration and insulation material properties on the hygrothermal response of a thick-wall assembly. Results show that rainwater leakage values of 0.50% and greater of the adhering rainfall on the exterior surface of the assembly results in the greatest risk for failure. The hygrothermal response of the assembly is then examined under a global temperature rise scenario of 3.5°C for five geographic locations across Canada. Results show that an increase in average annual total rainfall does not directly result in an increase in the failure rate of the assembly when a rainwater leak is present. Additional climatic factors, including outdoor air temperature, driving rain and solar radiation received will influence the hygrothermal response of the assembly and need to be considered when modelling the performance under future climate change scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Following a recommendation from a Good Practice Guide published in Scotland stating that EEG should not be routinely used in the diagnosis of epilepsy in the elderly, we conducted a retrospective study to ascertain the effects this recommendation had. We found that predating the recommendation, there had already been a decline in the use of EEG in people aged 65 and over. Detailed examination of a 3.5‐year epoch which straddled 2years before the recommendation and 1.5years after its publication revealed no evidence of a change in the type of referrals but just in the number of referrals. Comparison with 2 younger cohorts showed that EEG in the elderly had the same specificity and sensitivity as in the younger age groups and was of particular use in picking up previously unsuspected non-convulsive status. We conclude the EEG remains an important diagnostic adjunct in the elderly. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]