Advanced Windows Research Articles

Development and Evaluation of the Windows Computer Experience Questionnaire (WCEQ)

The software market has been inundated with Windows-based application programs claiming increased usability and convenience. Although this trend is indeed prolific, it has resulted in two important implications: (a) an increase in the need to select employees with high levels of Windows-based computer expertise or to identify current employees who require enhanced training, and (b) an increase in the need to measure user expertise to support human-computer interaction research. Despite these increasing demands, questionnaires used to determine general computer experience are scarce. Furthermore, questionnaires regarding computer experience in a Windows environment are seemingly nonexistent. A reliable means of measuring experience in a Windows environment could substantially facilitate both human-computer interaction research and training. This article describes the procedures used to develop and test the reliability of the Windows Computer Experience Questionnaire (WCEQ). A test-retest correlation revealed that the WCEQ is a reliable measure of computer experience. Furthermore, a subsequent factor analysis revealed that the WCEQ is composed of four main factors: general Windows experience, advanced Windows experience, formal instruction and reliance on help functions.

V 1− xMo xO 2 thermochromic films deposited by reactive magnetron sputtering

Thin films of V 1− x Mo x O 2 ( x=0–0.041) for thermochromic windows were formed by dual-target reactive magnetron sputtering. The composition, crystal structure, morphology and optical properties of the films were evaluated by Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and spectrophotometry respectively. The relationship between the transition temperature τ c and x in V 1− x Mo x O 2 was clarified through precise determinations of the dopant concentration and the value of τ c. A linear reduction in τ c by approximately −12°C (at.% Mo) −1 was confirmed for the films with least doping, while the reduction efficiency decreased with higher dopant concentrations. V 1− x Mo x O 2 films with desired x values were also fabricated using a V−Mo (Mo, 4.0 at.%) alloy target. Investigations of the thermochromism of the V 1− x Mo x O 2 films suggest their potential for advanced windows.

Energy and environmental life-cycle analysis of advanced windows

The environmental consequences of options for the manufacture, application, disposal, reuse and recycling, applicable to the full range of currently conceived advanced window systems, are discussed. Advanced window systems may incorporate, singly and in various combinations: evacuated contiguously-sealed glazing, electrochromics, thermochromics, photochromics, aerogels, xerogels, inert gas filled double glazings, low infra-red emittance coatings, diffractive daylight deflectors, holographic daylight deflectors refractive daylight deflectors, toughened glass. The primary impetus for the development of such systems is that their use enables buildings to incur minimal energy use by reducing window heat losses and/or the displacement of electric lighting by enhanced daylighting. The energy savings associated with advanced glazings displace the combustion of fossil fuels directly and indirectly; environmental benefits thus ensue. However these benefits may be offset by the impact of energy embodied from manufacture and the negative impacts of the extraction and disposal of constituent materials. Over their total life-cycle the environmental impact for advanced glazing systems and their associated means of manufacture, system fabrication and the tenable reuse, recycling and disposal options are unknown. The usefulness of life cycle analyses during the research and development stage is discussed.

Advanced glazing technology for Australia - research and application

The Built Environment is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas production through energy consumed in the operation of buildings (approximately 17. 6% of total end-use energy in Australia - DPIE, 1990). Windows are responsible for a disproportionate amount of unwanted heat gain and heat loss between buildings and the environment and this has spurred international research into better window sytems. This paper is a review of key Australian research and development in the field of advanced windows and glazings. In turn, the Australian R&D is being closely linked to new codes and rating systems for window energy performance. A key strategy for the Australian governments is the development of a Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) and the Building Energy Code of Australia (BECA), which will be discussed in this paper.