Modelling drivers of variance and adaptation for the prediction of thermal perception and energy use in zero energy buildings

As thermal perception is a subjective "condition of mind", a high variance in observed thermal sensation votes does not come to a surprise. Literature reviews show a large number of individual and contextual influences. However, the quantification of the effect of individual drivers on thermal perception as well as thermal adaptation and their integration into thermal comfort models is still an open field of research. Still, analyses of the energy balance of zero-energy buildings (ZEB) are using assumptions related to the user\u27s needs e.g. in terms of thermal comfort. First, this paper explores a novel combination of a biophysical model and an adaptive framework (called the ATHB*TNZ approach) and discusses the applicability of such approach to model individual differences in thermal perception. Second, results of an implementation of these individualized comfort prediction on the energy balance of a zero energy building are presented together with the resulting discomfort hours. Results show that the consideration of physiological differences and adaptive processes in the modelling approach can replicate observed variations in thermal perception. The energy balance of a ZEB is hardly affected by set point adjustments due to individual requirements, but discomfort hours strongly depend on individual characteristics of occupants

Paul Ricoeur and the Return of Humanism

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Interactions between Thermal and Visual (Dis-)Comfort and Related Adaptive Actions through Cluster Analyses

The objectives of this study are to analyze interactions between thermal and visual influences on comfort and behaviors and to present a clustering method based on the results of mixed-effect regression analyses for simulation and control purposes. Results show a) interactions between thermal and visual influences on comfort and behavior, b) the advantage of this method in creating independent and distinct patterns related to thermal comfort, visual comfort, and occupant behavior, and c) that the relationship between clusters e.g. between clusters of thermal and visual comfort or between thermal comfort and heating behavior is not significant

Encyclopedia of Religious Ethics

A comprehensive, innovative, and authoritative view of moral inquiry engaged with the resources of the world’s religions Encompassing three comprehensive volumes, the Encyclopedia of Religious Ethics introduces fundamental issues in moral inquiry, explores the world’s major moral traditions, and surveys specific moral issues across a wide range of human experiences. This landmark work defines the meaning, task, and various forms of religious ethics to guide readers through critical inquiry of religious and moral life across historical periods, geography, and cultural traditions. The Encyclopedia features contributions by an extraordinary panel of ethicists, historians, theologians, philosophers, political theorists, and other experts that draw from and revise religious sources to explore basic themes in moral theory and address contemporary ethical and political problems. Each volume is devoted to a particular element of religious ethics. Volume I - Moral Inquiry helps readers understand diverse religious and moral traditions, the social practices and institutions used for their transmission, and the methods and approaches used for their comparison. Volume II – Moral Tradition describes the established historical traditions of Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Indian religions, Chinese religions, African religions, and religions of the Americas. Volume III – Moral Issues provides the conceptual resources for understanding the structures, conditions, and challenges of a wide range of moral issues that religious ethicists have engaged, and for appreciating the contributions of different scholars in the field. Unique in its topical depth and scope, the Encyclopedia of Religious Ethics: Provides diverse historical, contemporary, theoretical, and cultural perspectives on numerous religious and moral traditions Represents the richness of thought of a vast range of renowned scholars from various disciplines, traditions, and cultures Examines some of the most significant theories, approaches, and concepts that have been used to compare traditions of religious ethics Discusses recent developments in religious and moral life and new approaches to the study of religious ethics Introduces practices in current religious communities that address the various dimensions of the moral life Dedicated to understanding and addressing moral challenges and possibilities in our global times, the Encyclopedia of Religious Ethics is an indispensable resource for anyone interested in the relation between religion and ethics in the modern world, including those involved in general and comparative religious studies, religious and comparative ethics, and moral theory.https://digitalcommons.unomaha.edu/relfacbooks/1004/thumbnail.jp