High Level Of Comfort Research Articles

Passengers Comfort Perception and Demands on Railway Vehicles: A Review

Trains are becoming a popular way of transportation driven by comfort and ecology reasons. Latest statistics showed an increasing of 40% on the number of passengers in the last decade. The development of new high-speed trains promoted an evolution on the coaches interiors, as to make railway transportation more attractive. To cope this objective, new requirements were set, namely high levels of comfort and safety. In complement, multiple long-term ride comfort evaluation methods have been developed. The aim of this work is to present a review on the passengers’ comfort perception in railway vehicles. The standards ISO 2631, EN 12299 and the Sperling’s method are the most used ones. They refer several factors, as the vibration (level, frequency and duration), temperature, noise and area of the train per capita. Additionally, the perception of reduced accidents delayed the studies of passive security. Therefore, recent works focus on reducing the consequences of the second impact in case of accident and minimize the biomechanics injury criterion, through new interiors design layouts.
 Keywords: Railway vehicles, Passengers comfort, Posture, Ride evaluation, Passive safety

Evaluation of energy-saving potential for optimal time response of HVAC control system in smart buildings

In some fields, such as the semiconductor manufacturing process, museum, pharmaceutical, and medicine manufacturing industry, the HVAC system needs a very fast response time to protect products and more energy-efficient buildings than traditional controllers. So, the proposed controller is designed to overcome such problems by using integrated fuzzy PI-PD Mamdani-type (FPIPDM) and cluster adaptive training based on Takagi-Sugeno-Kang (CABTSK) type. The spans of the fuzzy membership functions of the FPIPDM are tuned online by the Nelder-Mead simplex search (NMSS) algorithm to minimize time response, while the CABTSK model is tuned offline and online using a gradient descent (GD) algorithm to enhance the stability of the overall system and reject disturbances. Then, the integration framework is used to enable the concept of time-optimal based on the bang-bang code delegation. In this sense, a selected switch delegates the execution of proper control code to the action processor that provides computational resources to control indoor conditions. The predicted mean vote (PMV) index provides a higher comfort level than the temperature, as it considers six variables related to thermal comfort. The results of the proposed structure show that it improves the overall output accuracy and significantly reduces the response time. Furthermore, it increases the robustness of the indoor conditions and it is quite applicable to the MIMO HVAC systems processes with strong coupling actions between temperature and humidity, large time delay, noise, disturbances, nonlinearities, and imprecise identification model.

Assessing the Feasibility of an Online Training Designed to Enable Community Health Workers to Deliver a Comprehensive, Evidence-Based Weight Loss Intervention for Rural African Americans of Faith.

Obesity is a critical modifiable risk factor in cancer prevention, control, and survivorship. Comprehensive weight loss interventions (e.g., Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP)) have been recommended by governmental agencies to treat obesity. However, their high implementation costs limit their reach, especially in underserved African American (AA) communities. Community health workers (CHWs) or trusted community members can help increase access to obesity interventions in underserved regions facing provider shortages. CHW-led interventions have increased weight loss. However, in-person CHW training can be costly to deliver and often requires extensive travel to implement. Web-based trainings have become common to increase reach at reduced cost. However, the feasibility of an online CHW training to deliver the DPP in AAs is unknown. The feasibility of an online CHW training to deliver the DPP adapted for AAs was assessed. The online training was compared to an in-person DPP training with established effectiveness. CHW effectiveness and satisfaction were assessed at baseline and 6weeks. Nineteen participants (in-person n = 10; online n = 9) were recruited. At post-training, all scored higher than the 80% on a knowledge test required to deliver the intervention. All participants reported high levels of training satisfaction (88.9% of online participants and 90% of in-person participants rated the training as at least 6 on a 1-7 scale) and comfort to complete intervention tasks (78% of online participants and 60% of in-person participants scored at least 6 on a 1-7 scale). There were no significant differences in outcomes by arm. An online CHW training to deliver the DPP adapted for AAs faith communities produced comparable effectiveness and satisfaction to an evidence-based in-person CHW training. Further research is needed to assess the cost-effectiveness of different CHW training modalities to reduce obesity.

Development of the Urban Environment Based on the Optimization of Management Decision-Making

The presented study identifies approaches to decision-making aimed at the optimal development of the urban environment.Aim. The study aims to develop proposals for improving methodological approaches aimed at the development of the urban environment and for using these approaches in the preparation of the corresponding management decisions.Tasks. The author assesses the problem of urbanization and shows how it affects the need to modernize the urban environment; formulates the principles of optimization of management decision-making aimed at the development of the urban environment; evaluates the possibility of the practical implementation of these principles (through the example of the federal city of St. Petersburg).Methods. This study uses strategic analysis, systems and case-based approach, comparative and retrospective analysis.Results. The practical aspects of designing the processes and approaches to urban environment management are examined. The efficiency of management is shown to depend largely on the optimization of management decisions that could improve the effectiveness of individual services aimed at the formation and development of a modern urban environment in the long term. The study describes the successful experience of St. Petersburg in developing the complex of urban environment management services.Conclusions. Improving urban environment management is an important aspect of increasing the population’s quality of life. As evidenced by St. Petersburg’s experience, to achieve a high level of comfort in the urban environment it is necessary to actively use the principles of consistency, innovation, and public participation in decision-making. The author recommends normative consolidation of these principles and their more active practical application in the management of Russian cities.

MON-134 Incorporating Transgender Competent Care into the Medical School Curriculum

BACKGROUND: According to recent estimates, the US transgender population has doubled in the last decade. Incorporating transgender competent care into medical education is a growing need, and a focus of the AAMC. Care of the transgender individual is multifaceted, and medical school curriculae on transgender care are limited and lack standardization. Similarly, strategies for measuring effectiveness and impact of these curriculae remain limited.Methods: Over 3 years, the use of a transgender clinical correlation in the endocrine section of the second-year medical student pre-clerkship curriculum progressed to the use of a triple modality intervention. This included (1) a self-directed written handout with terminology and the basic tenants of medical transition therapy with an optional podcast, (2) a traditional presentation covering social, ethical and multi-disciplinary transgender care, and (3) an interactive session with a transfemale and transmale patient. An anonymous 8 question pre-and post-intervention survey using an electronic clicker system was performed. Questions included interest level, comfort level with various aspects of transgender-competent care and resource awareness.Results: Prior to the intervention, 74% of students were interested in learning more about transgender competent care. After the learning intervention, in all questions focusing on knowledge and skills of transgender care, students reported a significant increase in their comfort level (Figure 1, p<0.5, all). This included reporting now higher comfort levels regarding goals of hormone therapy (8 to 63%), use of transgender affirming medications (19 to 44%), barriers to care (30 to 79%), and long term and multi-disciplinary care (8 to 63% and 13 to 71%, pre- and post-intervention respectively). At the end of the intervention, students felt they had more resources to access information about transgender-competent care (pre-23% to post-94% p= <0.05).Conclusion: Knowledge and skills in the care of transgender individuals is poor in the pre-clerkship medical school years. The interest to learn about transgender care is positive. This multi-modality intervention was successful in increasing medical student comfort and knowledge about comprehensive transgender care, and increased student awareness of available resources. Introduction of transgender care should be implemented early in medical student training.1. Hembree WC et al. Endocrine Treatment of Gender-Dysphoric/ Gender-Incongruent Persons: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline. Endocr Pract. 2017 Dec;23(12):1437.2. Harris M, Johnson C. Only Human. Trans Kids Update: Dating, PMS, And, Yeah, Bathrooms. NYPR WNYC Studios, 2017.Figure 1. Change in student comfort across transgender competent care.* p < 0.05

State of the eye health system in the Pacific: is medical technology available and used by mid-level eye care workers?

The aim of this study is to describe the availability, use and comfort with ophthalmic equipment and medications by mid-level eye care workers in Papua New Guinea and Pacific Island countries and territories as indicators of the state of eye care in the Pacific. Health information system data, from a workforce support program to Pacific mid-level eye care workers, were analysed for availability and comfort with use of ophthalmic equipment and topical medications. For refraction equipment, access was excellent (98% for retinoscopes and trial lenses) 'very frequent use' range was 42-74% and 'high comfort of use' range was 54-86%. Equipment for ocular health assessment is widely available (slit lamps 67%), with high comfort levels (78-100% 'very comfortable'). Over 70% of respondents have access to topical diagnostic medications, 98% have access to at least one type of antibiotic drops and 63% have access to at least one topical corticosteroid. Overall, trained mid-level eye care workers in the Pacific seem well equipped for ocular health and refractive assessments. Comfort levels are encouraging, but also highlight areas for continuing professional development. Access to ophthalmic medications appears acceptable in the region for low morbidity anterior segment conditions.

Decision support methodologies and day-ahead optimization for smart building energy management in a dynamic pricing scenario

Nowadays identifying techniques aimed at a rational use of electric power has become even more important than the production of energy itself. This is caused by different factors, as the progressive saturation of the electricity grid, which is increasingly subject to connection requests, mainly due to the development of plants which exploit renewable energy sources. This work suggests a new approach based on the combination of the optimizer and the simulator developed in the MATLAB/Simulink environment, in order to reduce the energy costs in buildings during the summer while taking into consideration the user comfort. The electrical consumption of the entire building is taken into consideration is here examined with the aim of applying an air-conditioning system. The goal is to find, the day before, which is the optimal hourly scheduling of the control variables that must be applied the next day, taking into consideration all external conditions; weather conditions and the hourly energy price. In order to achieve this objective, the control variables, that have been changed, are the room temperature set points and the flow water temperature set point. As required by the UNI EN ISO 7730:2006 standard, comfort measurement is calculated by PPD (Predicted Percentage of Dissatisfied) index. Different scenarios are investigated and two optimization algorithms are compared. The results show that there is an average of 10−28% potential cost saving, while maintaining a high level of comfort (PPD ≤ 12). The study is carried out by simulating a real office building in Italy, and the comparisons are shown regarding the actual settings applied to it.

Closing the residential energy loop: Grey-water heat recovery system for domestic hot water production based on heat pumps

Passive houses linked to more efficient heating and cooling technologies have been one of the focus in last years. However, to close the loop of the building sector, there is still one open source: wasted heat from grey water. This paper addresses the potentiality of the wasted heat from grey water as a heat source to produce domestic hot water (DHW) based on a heat pump system (HP). A heat pump optimized for these applications, a heat recovery heat exchanger and two variable volume storage tanks compose the system. The main objective of this work is to determine the potential recovery of the wasted heat in order to minimize the building energy consumption. Design guidelines of the components and the analysis of an optimum operation algorithm of the system have been performed in order to minimize CO2 emissions. In addition, an evaluation of the potential heat recovery of the wasted heat is included. As an example, that methodology has been applied to 20 dwellings. Based on that case, the obtained results demonstrate that by recovering 80% of the available recovery heat, the total demand of DHW is satisfied with high levels of comfort and efficiency.

Ecological renovation process of Nanjing’s housing stock built between 1840 and 1949, China

ABSTRACTNumerous in number and mostly still in use, buildings built between 1840 and 1949 are valuable assets in the rapid development and renovation of Chinese cities. However, due to lack of maintenance and being inhabited mainly by the elderly and people with low incomes, many of these buildings are in poor condition and have much higher possibilities of being demolished. The objectives of ecological renovation presented in this paper are to improve building performance and to achieve higher levels of comfort and lower levels of energy consumption. The housings in Zhong-nong-li block in Nanjing are used as an example in this paper to show how a strategy of “basic” renovation and “thorough” renovation is used in the ecological renovation of housing stock between 1840 and 1949 in China. The paper demonstrates that these are very practical steps for this building stock in China and could not only help to balance social and economic factors in practice, but also improve the living conditions of the residents, and endow the old houses with a new, long life. Numerical simulations of the natural day lighting and ventilation situations before and after renovation are made to show the improvement in building performance after renovation.

A Single-Joint Implementation of Flow Control: Knee Joint Walking Assistance for Individuals With Mobility Impairment.

This paper describes the implementation of a movement control method for lower limb exoskeletons with single-joint actuation. In such applications, the single-joint must coordinate movement with other non-controlled joints. The authors have previously proposed a multi-joint control method called a flow controller, which provides several desirable characteristics for such assistance. In this paper, the authors adapt the fundamentally multi-joint flow control approach to a system with a single actuated joint, but with multiple movement degrees of freedom. The single degree of actuation flow control method was implemented on a representative system, specifically a knee exoskeleton that coordinates assistance with ipsilateral thigh movement during walking. The ability of the controller and knee exoskeleton to appropriately influence knee movement was evaluated in level walking experiments on three subjects with unilateral lower-limb impairment. Results show the device and controller provide improvements in knee movement in all subjects. Subjective feedback from the subjects indicates a high level of comfort with the controller.

Improving assessment of child development: Results of a quality improvement intervention in general practice.

Parents' Evaluation of Developmental Status (PEDS) is a validated tool used to assess child development that has not previously been tested in Australian general practice. We examined the effect of a Quality-Improvement intervention in a single general practice in Melbourne, Australia, that aimed to use this tool to improve the documented assessment of child developmental surveillance during vaccination visits. Mixed methods incorporated audits of clinical records of children aged 1-5 years, before and after intervention, written questionnaires and a focus group (informed by the theoretical domains framework and Capability, Opportunity, Motivation-Behaviour (COM-B model)) with clinical and non-clinical staff. After 6 months, developmental surveillance more than doubled and was documented in more than one in three visits (34.1%). Almost one in five (18.6%) vaccination visits included the PEDS tool. Overall, the tool was positively received with staff expressing high levels of comfort asking parents to complete it (92.8%), increasing development of professional skills (71.4% staff) and confidence (55% clinicians) detecting developmental delays. Thematic analysis of the focus group transcript revealed underlying barriers arising from the practice environment, staff capabilities and motivation. In a whole of practice Quality-Improvement intervention that applied PEDS training and implementation, including the receptionist in the medical team more than doubled documented rates of child developmental surveillance during vaccination visits. Solutions to underlying barriers could be incorporated into a revised training module. Future studies need to test the tool in more methodologically robust studies that include analysis of the outcomes of developmental surveillance.

ОСОБЛИВОСТІ ІНТЕГРОВАНОГО ПРОЕКТУВАННЯ РЕГІОНАЛЬНИХ ПАСАЖИРСЬКИХ ЛІТАКІВ

The features of the integrated design of competitive regional passenger airplanes intended to carry passengers, baggage, mail and cargo on domestic and international airlines with the possibility of operation at paved aerodromes and prepared unpaved runways are given. It is planned that application of the proposed features of the concept and principles, and their implementation will create aircraft to replace the previous generation of the regional passenger aircraft fleet of airlines of different countries. The concept and principles of its implementation are based on the use of integrated design and production systems. The proposed opportunity to study influence of aircraft parameters on aerodynamic and mass characteristics, provided that the requirements of Aviation Regulations (AP) for the layout and flight safety are met. For testing, the results of such studies shown for various modifications of passenger aircraft of the ANTONOV State Company.The features of creating a three-dimensional computer model of the designed aircraft master geometry, developing a space distribution model, analytical standards for structural load-bearing elements designed using analytical geometry methods with the help of integrated CAD \ CAM \ CAE \ PLM systems in a single information environment for supporting the aircraft life cycle are shown.The aircraft under design must fully comply with the AP-25 Airworthiness Requirements.The main technical characteristics of the designed aircraft, taking into account the proposed solutions, are close in magnitude to the characteristics of the similar aircraft. If necessary it is possible to take into account the peculiarities of aircraft operation at aerodromes with badly paved and unpaved runways to provide the opportunity of its usage on any airways, in simple and difficult weather conditions, during day and night, as well as on routes with a high flight intensity with a high level of crew comfort, which will ensure a high level of competitiveness of the aircraft in the world market.

Patient perceptions on mesh use in hernia repair: A prospective, questionnaire-based study

BackgroundThere has been increasing media coverage regarding the controversy of using mesh in various operations. At this time, there are no published studies evaluating the potential influence of this controversy on patients’ perceptions. Therefore, our study aimed to assess patient perceptions of hernia repair surgery with mesh as well as factors that may influence patient opinions. MethodsA 16-item questionnaire evaluated each patient’s perceptions of the use of mesh in their upcoming hernia repair. The primary outcomes of interest were their level of comfort regarding the possibility of hernia repair surgery with mesh, aversion to hernia surgery with mesh, and positive belief that mesh is a safe product in hernia repair surgery. ResultsWe included 100 patients presenting for a hernia repair and 100 patients presenting for other operations. Both groups identified the media as their most common influence (37% and 40%, respectively). Factors leading to a high level of comfort regarding the possibility of mesh repair included believing mesh was a safe product (P < .001) and hearing about the advantages of mesh (P = .012) from medical professionals (P = .001). Factors leading to a positive belief that mesh was a safe product included the male sex (P = .015), a high socioeconomic standing (P = .006), and their own personal experience (P = .013). Factors leading to aversion to mesh use included the female sex (P = .006) and hearing about meshes causing mesh-related (P = .028) and wound-related complications (P = .025) as well as chronic pain (.008). ConclusionDespite the high penetration of non-medical information in the population before presentation for medical care, most patients overall do not seem to be opposed to the concept of the use of mesh in a hernia repair, but there are certain factors associated with aversion to the use of mesh that physicians should acknowledge and should address this potential issue.

The Effect of Non-Medical Waste Management in Hospitals on the Comfort and Satisfaction of Patients Towards Green Hospital

The management of environmentally friendly non-medical hospital waste towards Green Hospital is the needs of the community of health service users. The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of non-medical waste management in hospitals on patient comfort and satisfaction towards green hospitals. The purpose of the study entitled the effect of non-medical waste management in hospitals on patient comfort and satisfaction towards green hospitals. This research was conducted at the Regional General Hospital (RSUD) Pare, Kediri Regency. The target population in this study were inpatients who underwent treatment at Pare Regional Hospital Kediri in April to August 2012. Data in this study consisted of primary data and secondary data. Primary data collection was carried out through distribution of questionnaires to hospital residents and in-depth interviews with hospital management. Respondents in this study were 137 people. Analysis of the data used in this study was to determine the effect of non-medical waste management in hospitals on patient comfort and satisfaction towards green hospitals using two approaches namely qualitative and quantitative analysis. The model used in this study is the model of causality or causality in the form of structural equations (Structural Equation Model / SEM). Research results Management of non-medical solid waste and hospital garden vegetation has not been carried out optimally. Improved management of non-medical waste will increase patient comfort and satisfaction. The high level of comfort in the patient will increase patient satisfaction. Good management of non-medical waste does not directly affect satisfaction but through patient comfort and Vegitation in the hospital garden influences patient comfort and satisfaction.

Finite-state Markov wireless channel modeling for railway tunnel environments

In recent years, high-speed railways (HSRs) have developed rapidly with a high transportation capacity and high comfort level. A tunnel is a complex high-speed rail terrain environment. It is very important to establish an accurate channel propagation model for a railway tunnel environment to improve the safety of HSR operation. In this paper, a method for finite-state Markov chain (FSMC) channel modeling with least squares fitting based on non-uniform interval division is proposed. First, a path loss model is obtained according to measured data. The communication distance between the transmitter and receiver in the tunnel is non-uniformly divided into several large non-overlapping intervals based on the path loss model. Then, the Lloyd-Max quantization method is used to determine the threshold of the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and the channel state quantization value and obtain the FSMC state transition probability matrix. Simulation experiments show that the proposed wireless channel model has a low mean square error (MSE) and can accurately predict the received signal power in a railway tunnel environment.

Pharmacists’ perspectives on prescribing hormonal contraception in Washington, DC, with a focus on young people

ObjectiveTo assess pharmacists’ interest, comfort level, training needs, and barriers to prescribing hormonal contraceptives, particularly in the context of serving young people in Washington, DC. DesignIn this mixed-methods study, we conducted a focus group discussion with pharmacists in February 2017, which was analyzed thematically using inductive and deductive coding. In January 2018 to June 2018, we conducted a survey with pharmacists, which was analyzed using descriptive statistics. Setting and participantsCommunity and outpatient pharmacists in Washington, DC. Outcomes measuresPharmacists’ interest and comfort level to begin prescribing hormonal contraception, particularly in the context of serving young people. ResultsA total of 6 pharmacists participated in the focus group discussion, and 82 pharmacists participated in the online survey. In the survey, 59% of pharmacists were interested in prescribing hormonal contraception as independent practitioners and 63% through collaborative practice agreements; focus group participants believed that other pharmacists might be less likely to participate. In addition, focus group and survey respondents reported high levels of comfort with activities related to prescribing hormonal contraception, including 96% of survey participants reporting comfort taking blood pressure and 93% reporting comfort counseling young women on hormonal contraceptive methods. Only 25% of pharmacists reported having a private consultation space that provided both visual and auditory privacy. To ensure that pharmacies were ready to implement this service, pharmacists identified multiple concerns that needed to be addressed, including workload, liability issues, compensation, and a need for additional training on hormonal contraceptive methods, and how to counsel young people on them. ConclusionPharmacists in Washington, DC, are interested in and comfortable with activities related to prescribing hormonal contraception, including to young people. However, to become ready to offer these services, pharmacists desire additional training, and pharmacies need to ensure confidentiality for young people and address pharmacists’ concerns about workload, liability, and compensation.

Thermo-Fluid Simulation for Indoor Air Quality and Buildings Thermal Comfort

Air conditioning systems are seen as a crucial part of any structure because they are directly related to the comfort of the occupants. Finding a conditioning system that exhibits not only a high level of comfort, but also a decrease in energy consumption and cost of the system is now very much preferable, especially with the ever-increasing cost of energy. Mixed convection for different boundary conditions and different configuration is carried out. In addition, a flow is injected through a window and extracted through an opposite window. In this work we examine the influence of the value of the Rayleigh number on the flow structure. The numerical analysis was carried out using the ‘Fluent’ software. To deal with turbulence the RNG k-ε model was adopted in this study. The study of ventilation efficiency has shown that the intensity of the recirculation flow increases near the adiabatic wall with the increase of Rayleigh number.

Implementing Delayed Umbilical Cord Clamping in Cesarean Birth Using a Novel Method: A Pilot Study of Feasibility and Safety.

Although delayed cord clamping (DCC) is regarded as the standard of care for all vigorous newborns, those born via cesarean birth are less likely to be afforded this option, especially for longer than 30 to 60 seconds. This pilot study was undertaken to determine whether removal of the placenta before cord clamping to allow for DCC of at least 3 minutes during term, uncomplicated cesarean birth is feasible and without apparent safety issues in order to support a large prospective study on the benefits of this method. Women having a term, uncomplicated cesarean birth who consented to the study were enrolled. Safety was assessed by comparing estimated maternal blood loss, newborn Apgar scores, temperatures, transcutaneous bilirubin levels, need for phototherapy, and neonatal intensive care unit admissions with a matched historical control group of women whose newborns had immediate cord clamping. Feasibility was measured by evaluating staff and maternal comfort with the intervention and by the ability to complete the protocol steps. Seventeen women consented to participate. The protocol was successfully completed in 94% of births. There were no differences in maternal and neonatal safety outcome measures between groups. There was high comfort level with the protocol among staff, and there was universal maternal satisfaction. This method of DCC in cesarean birth appears feasible and safe in this small pilot study and was associated with high maternal satisfaction and clinician comfort. Major organizations such as the American College of Nurse-Midwives and the World Health Organization have called for DCC of up to 3 to 5 minutes in all births, and this simple method has the potential to reach that goal in cesarean birth with minimal apparent risk. A large randomized controlled trial is warranted to determine the neonatal and maternal benefits and safety of this technique compared with a 30-to-60-second delay.

Fuzzy Based Particle Swarm Optimization for Modeling Home Appliances Towards Energy Saving and Cost Reduction Under Demand Response Consideration

Recently, homes consume around 40% of world power and produce 21% of the total greenhouse gas emissions. Thus, the proper management of energy in the domestic sector is a vital element for creating a sustainable environment and cost reduction. In this study, an intelligent home energy management system (HEMS) is developed to control domestic appliances load. The motivation of this work is reduced the electricity cost and power consumption from all the appliances by maintaining the customer’s high comfort level using an efficient optimized controller. The domestic household appliances such as heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), electric water heater (EWH) and lighting were modelled and analysed using Simulink/Matlab. The developed models analysed the appliances’ energy consumption and cost sceneries during peak, off-peak and both peak and off-peak hours. Fuzzy logic controller (FLC) was developed for the HEMS to perform energy utilization estimation and cost analysis during these periods taking the Malaysian tariff for domestic use into consideration. To improve the FLC outcomes and the membership function constraint, particle swarm optimization (PSO) is developed to ensure an optimal cost and power consumption. The results showed that the developed FLC controller minimized the cost and energy consumption for peak period by 19.72% and 20.34%, 26.71% and 26.67%, 37.5% and 33.33% for HVAC, EWH, and dimmable lamps, respectively. To validate the optimal performance, the obtained results shows that the FLC-PSO can control the home appliances more significantly compared to FLC only. In this regard, the FLC-PSO based optimum scheduled controller for the HEMS minimized power and cost by 36.17%-36.54%, 54.54%-55.76%, and 62.5%-58% per day for HVAC, EWH, and light, respectively. In sum, the PSO shows good performance to reduce the cost and power consumption toward efficient HEMS. Thus, the developed fuzzy-based heuristic optimized controller of HEMS is beneficial towards sustainable energy utilization.

Effect of adding insulation on the energy performances of rammed earth buildings in hot and arid climates

In a world context focused on energy efficiency and sustainable construction, returning to the use of raw earth in construction constitutes a good alternative to concrete construction, a system more energy consuming and yet more used nowadays. This return is justified by the excellent energy performance and the high level of thermal comfort provided by earth constructions in different climates. In cold climates, adding an insulation on earth walls has proven to be effective in improving their thermal performances. However, the influence of adding an insulation on the energy performance of rammed earth buildings in hot and arid climates remains to this day little explored. The present work comes in this order of ideas; it is based on a comparative study of the energetic performances of a mud building before and after the addition of the insulation. In order to compare between their performances, we have performed a simulation of the thermal behaviour of each by the dynamic thermal simulation software Design Builder.