Vertical greenery system (VGS) is a sustainable solution to promote building energy saving and emission reduction, mitigate the urban heat island effect, as well as a crucial component of urban ecological construction. We summarized four main mechanisms of the thermal effects of VGSs, including shading effect, evapotranspiration effect, thermal insulation effect, and wind control effect. We elucidated the effects of VGSs on building cooling and energy saving, and analyzed the cooling effects of VGSs on plant canopy and outdoor ambient air, as well as their influence on mitigating the urban heat island effect. Based on available research on the thermal effects of VGSs, we identified key directions for future research, aiming to expedite the development of green cities and achieve carbon neutrality.
垂直绿化系统是促进建筑节能减排和缓解城市热岛效应的可持续方案,也是实现城市生态建设的重要途径之一。本文系统归纳了垂直绿化系统热效应的4个主要的影响机理,即遮阳作用、蒸散作用、隔热作用和控风作用,阐明垂直绿化对建筑降温节能的影响,并分析垂直绿化对植物冠层和周围空气的降温效应以及对缓解热岛效应的影响。最后,基于已有的垂直绿化热效应研究,提出未来垂直绿化研究的重点方向,旨在加快绿色城市建设的进程和实现碳中和目标。.

The global burden of neurodegenerative disorders is significantly increasing as life expectancy rises but currently there is no cure for these conditions. An extensive search on MEDLINE (PubMed) and PEDro databases was conducted selecting clinical trials, Randomized Controlled Trials, and longitudinal studies published in the last 20 years in order to highlight what evidence there is for a role of spa rehabilitative interventions for patients with neurodegenerative diseases, in terms of motor function, symptoms, and quality of life (QoL) improvement and cost-effectiveness. A total of 225 publications were analyzed. Only three manuscripts were selected for review because they matched the inclusion criteria. These studies demonstrated statistically significant differences in the outcomes evaluated among patients affected by Parkinson\'s disease after thermal rehabilitative treatments: motor function, balance, QoL, and psychological well-being statistically improved. In addition, rehabilitation in the spa setting seemed to be cost-effective for these patients. However, further studies are needed to define the role of spa rehabilitative interventions for these patients as the literature is still limited.

We reviewed 47 documents published 1967-2019 that reported measurements of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) on commercial aircraft. We compared the measurements with the air quality standards and guidelines for aircraft cabins and in some cases buildings. Average levels of VOCs for which limits exist were lower than the permissible levels except for benzene with average concentration at 5.9 ± 5.5 μg/m3 . Toluene, benzene, ethylbenzene, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, limonene, nonanal, hexanal, decanal, octanal, acetic acid, acetone, ethanol, butanal, acrolein, isoprene and menthol were the most frequently measured compounds. The concentrations of semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) and other contaminants did not exceed standards and guidelines in buildings except for the average NO2 concentration at 12 ppb. Although the focus was on VOCs, we also retrieved the data on other parameters characterizing cabin environment. Ozone concentration averaged 38 ppb below the upper limit recommended for aircraft. The outdoor air supply rate ranged from 1.7 to 39.5 L/s per person and averaged 6.0 ± 0.8 L/s/p (median 5.8 L/s/p), higher than the minimum level recommended for commercial aircraft. Carbon dioxide concentration averaged 1315 ± 232 ppm, lower than what is permitted in aircraft and close to what is permitted in buildings. Measured temperatures averaged 23.5 ± 0.8°C and were generally within the ranges recommended for avoiding thermal discomfort. Relative humidity averaged 16% ± 5%, lower than what is recommended in buildings.

Airflow is crucial for air-cooled data centers. Its flow path and distribution influences the thermal environment and energy efficiency of raised-floor data centers. This paper provides a review of the topic including the aspects of airflow factors, numerical study, airflow performance metrics, and thermal optimization. Based on the multi-scale characteristics of the data center, the thermal environment is categorized into room-level, rack-level, and server-level environments. For the room-level thermal environment, the main factors include layout, raised floor plenum and ceiling height, and perforated tiles. For the rack level, the effects of the porosity ratio of rack door, airflow rate/temperature, server population, server arrangement and power density are considered. For the server level, airflow rate and server fan speed are investigated. Moreover, numerical studies have been widely employed to understand the thermal environment of data centers. The selections of simulation tool and the methods for simplifying and validating the models are key to predicting the data center\'s thermal behavior correctly. In addition, airflow performance metrics and multi-scale thermal optimization are summarized and discussed. This review aims to emphasize the importance of the airflow in data centers and thus serve a guiding reference for airflow design and energy efficiency in data centers. Some recommended topics for future research are also provided.

This study reports the outcomes of a literature survey aimed at exploring how different environmental factors-that is acoustic, thermal, visual, and air quality stimuli-interact in affecting building occupants\' perception and performance. Recent laboratory studies have been collected, and their methodological approaches reviewed in terms of experimental design, adopted exposures conditions, perception and performance assessment methods. Results have been summarized and compared to identify interaction patterns between environmental factors and possible practical implications for improving the design of both experimental studies and the built environment. The analysis allows highlighting limitations, potential improvements and future opportunities in this field of research, thus providing a reference for further investigations aimed at a deeper understanding, modeling, and prediction of the impacts caused by the main indoor variables on human comfort and performance.

Several mathematical models of human thermoregulation have been developed, contributing to a deep understanding of thermal responses in different thermal conditions and applications. In these models, the human body is represented by two interacting systems of thermoregulation: the controlling active system and the controlled passive system. This paper reviews the recent research of human thermoregulation models. The accuracy and scope of the thermal models are improved, for the consideration of individual differences, integration to clothing models, exposure to cold and hot conditions, and the changes of physiological responses for the elders. The experimental validated methods for human subjects and manikin are compared. The coupled method is provided for the manikin, controlled by the thermal model as an active system. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is also used along with the manikin or/and the thermal model, to evaluate the thermal responses of human body in various applications, such as evaluation of thermal comfort to increase the energy efficiency, prediction of tolerance limits and thermal acceptability exposed to hostile environments, indoor air quality assessment in the car and aerospace industry, and design protective equipment to improve function of the human activities.