Solar ultraviolet-B radiation and vitamin D: a cross-sectional population-based study using data from the 2007 to 2009 Canadian Health Measures Survey

Background: Exposure to solar ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation is a major source of vitamin D3. Chemistry climate models project decreases in ground-level solar erythemal UV over the current century. It is unclear what impact this will have on vitamin D status at the population level. The purpose of this study was to measure the association between ground-level solar UV-B and serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) using a secondary analysis of the 2007 to 2009 Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS). Methods: Blood samples collected from individuals aged 12 to 79 years sampled across Canada were analyzed for 25(OH)D (n=4,398). Solar UV-B irradiance was calculated for the 15 CHMS collection sites using the Tropospheric Ultraviolet and Visible Radiation Model. Multivariable linear regression was used to evaluate the association between 25(OH)D and solar UV-B adjusted for other predictors and to explore effect modification. Results: Cumulative solar UV-B irradiance averaged over 91 days (91-day UV-B) prior to blood draw correlated significantly with 25(OH)D. Independent of other predictors, a 1 kJ/m 2 increase in 91-day UV-B was associated with a significant 0.5 nmol/L (95% CI 0.3-0.8) increase in mean 25(OH)D (P =0.0001). The relationship was stronger among younger individuals and those spending more time outdoors. Based on current projections of decreases in ground-level solar UV-B, we predict less than a 1 nmol/L decrease in mean 25(OH)D for the population. Conclusions: In Canada, cumulative exposure to ambient solar UV-B has a small but significant association with 25(OH)D concentrations. Public health messages to improve vitamin D status should target safe sun exposure with sunscreen use, and also enhanced dietary and supplemental intake and maintenance of a healthy body weight.

CASCADE: An Agent Based Framework For Modeling The Dynamics Of Smart Electricity Systems

The Complex Adaptive Systems, Cognitive Agents and Distributed Energy (CASCADE) project is developing a framework based on Agent Based Modelling (ABM). The CASCADE Framework can be used both to gain policy and industry relevant insights into the smart grid concept itself and as a platform to design and test distributed ICT solutions for smart grid based business entities. ABM is used to capture the behaviors of diff erent social, economic and technical actors, which may be defi ned at various levels of abstraction. It is applied to understanding their interactions and can be adapted to include learning processes and emergent patterns. CASCADE models ���prosumer��� agents (i.e., producers and/or consumers of energy) and ���aggregator��� agents (e.g., traders of energy in both wholesale and retail markets) at various scales, from large generators and Energy Service Companies down to individual people and devices. The CASCADE Framework is formed of three main subdivisions that link models of electricity supply and demand, the electricity market and power fl ow. It can also model the variability of renewable energy generation caused by the weather, which is an important issue for grid balancing and the profi tability of energy suppliers. The development of CASCADE has already yielded some interesting early fi ndings, demonstrating that it is possible for a mediating agent (aggregator) to achieve stable demandfl attening across groups of domestic households fi tted with smart energy control and communication devices, where direct wholesale price signals had previously been found to produce characteristic complex system instability. In another example, it has demonstrated how large changes in supply mix can be caused even by small changes in demand profi le. Ongoing and planned refi nements to the Framework will support investigation of demand response at various scales, the integration of the power sector with transport and heat sectors, novel technology adoption and diffusion work, evolution of new smart grid business models, and complex power grid engineering and market interactions.

Architectures for Context Aware Services in Smart Environments

This thesis deals with Context Aware Services, Smart Environments, Context Management and solutions for Devices and Service Interoperability. Multi-vendor devices offer an increasing number of services and end-user applications that base their value on the ability to exploit the information originating from the surrounding environment by means of an increasing number of embedded sensors, e.g. GPS, compass, RFID readers, cameras and so on. However, usually such devices are not able to exchange information because of the lack of a shared data storage and common information exchange methods. A large number of standards and domain specific building blocks are available and are heavily used in today's products. However, the use of these solutions based on ready-to-use modules is not without problems. The integration and cooperation of different kinds of modules can be daunting because of growing complexity and dependency. In this scenarios it might be interesting to have an infrastructure that makes the coexistence of multi-vendor devices easy, while enabling low cost development and smooth access to services. This sort of technologies glue should reduce both software and hardware integration costs by removing the trouble of interoperability. The result should also lead to faster and simplified design, development and, deployment of cross-domain applications. This thesis is mainly focused on SW architectures supporting context aware service providers especially on the following subjects: - user preferences service adaptation - context management - content management - information interoperability - multivendor device interoperability - communication and connectivity interoperability Experimental activities were carried out in several domains including Cultural Heritage, indoor and personal smart spaces ��� all of which are considered significant test-beds in Context Aware Computing. The work evolved within european and national projects: on the europen side, I carried out my research activity within EPOCH, the FP6 Network of Excellence on ���Processing Open Cultural Heritage��� and within SOFIA, a project of the ARTEMIS JU on embedded systems. I worked in cooperation with several international establishments, including the University of Kent, VTT (the Technical Reserarch Center of Finland) and Eurotech. On the national side I contributed to a one-to-one research contract between ARCES and Telecom Italia. The first part of the thesis is focused on problem statement and related work and addresses interoperability issues and related architecture components. The second part is focused on specific architectures and frameworks: - MobiComp: a context management framework that I used in cultural heritage applications - CAB: a context, preference and profile based application broker which I designed within EPOCH Network of Excellence - M3: "Semantic Web based" information sharing infrastructure for smart spaces designed by Nokia within the European project SOFIA - NoTa: a service and transport independent connectivity framework - OSGi: the well known Java based service support framework The final section is dedicated to the middleware, the tools and, the SW agents developed during my Doctorate time to support context-aware services in smart environments.

Developing European conservation and mitigation tools for pollination services: approaches of the STEP (Status and Trends of European Pollinators) project

Pollinating insects form a key component of European biodiversity, and provide a vital ecosystem service to crops and wild plants. There is growing evidence of declines in both wild and domesticated pollinators, and parallel declines in plants relying upon them. The STEP project (Status and Trends of European Pollinators, 2010-2015, www.step-project.net) is documenting critical elements in the nature and extent of these declines, examining key functional traits associated with pollination deficits, and developing a Red List for some European pollinator groups. Together these activities are laying the groundwork for future pollinator monitoring programmes. STEP is also assessing the relative importance of potential drivers of pollinator declines, including climate change, habitat loss and fragmentation, agrochemicals, pathogens, alien species, light pollution, and their interactions. We are measuring the ecological and economic impacts of declining pollinator services and floral resources, including effects on wild plant populations, crop production and human nutrition. STEP is reviewing existing and potential mitigation options, and providing novel tests of their effectiveness across Europe. Our work is building upon existing and newly developed datasets and models, complemented by spatially-replicated campaigns of field research to fill gaps in current knowledge. Findings are being integrated into a policy-relevant framework to create evidence-based decision support tools. STEP is establishing communication links to a wide range of stakeholders across Europe and beyond, including policy makers, beekeepers, farmers, academics and the general public. Taken together, the STEP research programme aims to improve our understanding of the nature, causes, consequences and potential mitigation of declines in pollination services at local, national, continental and global scales.

Stress-induced modulation of NF-��B activation, inflammation-associated gene expression, and cytokine levels in blood of healthy men

Acute psychosocial stress stimulates transient increases in circulating pro-inflammatory plasma cytokines, but little is known about stress effects on anti-inflammatory cytokines or underlying mechanisms. We investigated the stress kinetics and interrelations of pro- and anti-inflammatory measures on the transcriptional and protein level. Forty-five healthy men were randomly assigned to either a stress or control group. While the stress group underwent an acute psychosocial stress task, the second group participated in a non-stress control condition. We repeatedly measured before and up to 120min after stress DNA binding activity of the pro-inflammatory transcription factor NF-��B (NF-��B-BA) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells, whole-blood mRNA levels of NF-��B, its inhibitor I��B��, and of the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1�� and IL-6, and the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. We also repeatedly measured plasma levels of IL-1��, IL-6, and IL-10. Compared to non-stress, acute stress induced significant and rapid increases in NF-��B-BA and delayed increases in plasma IL-6 and mRNA of IL-1��, IL-6, and I��B�� (p's<.045). In the stress group, significant increases over time were also observed for NF-��B mRNA and plasma IL-1�� and IL-10 (p's<.055). NF-��B-BA correlated significantly with mRNA of IL-1�� (r=.52, p=.002), NF-��B (r=.48, p=.004), and I��B�� (r=.42, p=.013), and marginally with IL-6 mRNA (r=.31, p=.11). Plasma cytokines did not relate to NF-��B-BA or mRNA levels of the respective cytokines. Our data suggest that stress induces increases in NF-��B-BA that relate to subsequent mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory, but not anti-inflammatory cytokines, and of regulatory-cytoplasmic-proteins. The stress-induced increases in plasma cytokines do not seem to derive from de novo synthesis in circulating blood cells.

Effects of a health advocacy program to promote physical activity and nutrition behaviors among adolescents: An evaluation of the Young Leaders for Healthy Change program

Background. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of the Young Leaders for Healthy Change program, an internet-delivered program in the school setting that emphasized health advocacy skills-development, on nutrition and physical activity behaviors among older adolescents (13���18 years). The program consisted of online curricular modules, training modules, social media, peer and parental support, and a community service project. Module content was developed based on Social Cognitive Theory and known determinants of behavior for older adolescents. ^ Methods. Of the 283 students who participated in the fall 2011 YL program, 38 students participated in at least ten of the 12 weeks and were eligible for this study. This study used a single group-only pretest/posttest evaluation design. Participants were 68% female, 58% white/Caucasian, 74% 10th or 11th graders, and 89% mostly A and/or B students. The primary behavioral outcomes for this analysis were participation in 60-minutes of physical activity per day, 20-minutes of vigorous- or moderate- intensity physical activity (MVPA) participation per day, television and computer time, fruit and vegetable (FV) intake, sugar-sweetened beverage intake, and consumption of breakfast, home-cooked meals, and fast food. Other outcomes included knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes related to healthy eating, physical activity, and advocacy skills. ^ Findings. Among the 38 participants, no significant changes in any variables were observed. However, among those who did not previously meet behavioral goals there was an 89% increase in students who participated in more than 20 minutes of MVPA per day and a 58% increase in students who ate home-cooked meals 5���7 days per week. The majority of participants met program goals related to knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes prior to the start of the program. Participants reported either maintaining or improving to the goal at posttest for all items except FV intake knowledge, taste and affordability of healthy foods, interest in teaching others about being healthy, and ease of finding ways to advocate in the community. ^ Conclusions. The results of this evaluation indicated that promoting healthy behaviors requires different strategies than maintaining healthy behaviors among high school students. In the school setting, programs need to target the promotion and maintenance of health behaviors to engage all students who participate in the program as part of a class or club activity. Tailoring the program using screening and modifying strategies to meet the needs of all students may increase the potential reach of the program. The Transtheoretical Model may provide information on how to develop a tailored program. Additional research on how to utilize the constructs of TTM effectively among high school students needs to be conducted. Further evaluation studies should employ a more expansive evaluation to assess the long-term effectiveness of health advocacy programming.^

Compilation of scientific results of the OASIS project

Seamounts are of great interest to science, industry and conservation because of their potential role as 'stirring rods' of the oceans, their enhanced productivity, their high local biodiversity, and the growing exploitation of their natural resources. This is accompanied by rising concern about the threats to seamount ecosystems, e.g. through over-fishing and the impact of trawling. OASIS described the functioning characteristics of seamount ecosystems. OASIS' integrated hydrographic, biogeochemical and biological information. Based on two case studies. The scientific results, condensed in conceptual and mass balanced ecosystem models, were applied to outline a model management plan as well as site-specific management plans for the seamounts investigated. OASIS addressed five main objectives: Objective 1: To identify and describe the physical forcing mechanisms effecting seamount systems Objective 2: To assess the origin, quality and dynamics of particulate organic material within the water column and surface sediment at seamounts. Objective 3: To describe aspects of the biodiversity and the ecology of seamount biota, to assess their dynamics and the maintenance of their production. Objective 4: Modelling the trophic ecology of seamount ecosystems. Objective 5: Application of scientific knowledge to practical conservation.

Proyecto de Desarrollo Inteligente Departamento Burruyacu - Tucum��n Propuesta integrada con distintos actores institucionales a partir de mesa de gesti��n territorial

El presente proyecto 'Desarrollo Inteligente del Departamento Burruyacu - Tucum��n' elaborado en base a un diagnostico participativo que dio como resultado, 'ex ante', el poder identificar una realidad con una problem��tica de territorio, basada en las siguientes dimensiones: a) Ambientales y de infraestructura, b) Organizacionales y econ��micos, c) De competitividad, en las econom��as locales, d) Educativos y de articulaci��n institucional. Las posibilidades de avanzar en proyectos que contemplen solo las inherentes a inversiones productivas no ten��an un origen genuino en el esp��ritu emprendedor de los habitantes y productores de la zona Este del Departamento (Gobernador Piedrabuena, Gobernador Garmendia y 7 de Abril) pero si se pudo identificar un importante sector de potenciales productores porcinos, bovinos de carne y av��colas, - cadenas no relevantes en la zona -, m��s un gran n��mero de productores agr��colas -peque��os y medianos- en plena actividad, pero con nulas experiencias en producci��n pecuaria. Con esto, la provincia a trav��s de sus herramientas de pol��ticas publicas, puso la mirada en la concepci��n de estos nuevos enfoques de desarrollo territorial, con proyectos que posibilitar��n desarrollar con equidad y sustentabilidad dicha zona profundizando los 4 ejes estrat��gicos. El concepto de desarrollo de los territorios, incluidos en el ��mbito rural, se ha asociado tradicionalmente a la b��squeda de viabilidad de las zonas m��s alejadas, poco accesibles y que sufren distintas formas de marginalidad. Sin embargo, la ruralidad ha cambiado de manera significativa. Entre los cambios identificados por diferentes autores (Sarraceno, 1994; P��rez, 2001; Echeverri y Ribeiro, 2002), se destacan: a) el incremento en la importancia de las actividades no agr��colas como generadoras de empleo e ingresos para la poblaci��n rural; b) la creciente integraci��n de los espacios urbanos y rurales; c) la importancia de integrar las preocupaciones por la gesti��n sostenible del ambiente y de los recursos naturales; d) las transformaciones en la institucionalidad rural; e) el reconocimiento de la importancia de nuevos actores sociales; f) las nuevas y mayores expectativas de los consumidores y de los mercados; g) el papel de las nuevas tecnolog��as de informaci��n y comunicaci��n, h)la persistencia de la pobreza rural y la desigualdad, i) la persistencia de brechas regionales y sectoriales

Proyecto de Desarrollo Inteligente Departamento Burruyacu - Tucum��n Propuesta integrada con distintos actores institucionales a partir de mesa de gesti��n territorial

El presente proyecto 'Desarrollo Inteligente del Departamento Burruyacu - Tucum��n' elaborado en base a un diagnostico participativo que dio como resultado, 'ex ante', el poder identificar una realidad con una problem��tica de territorio, basada en las siguientes dimensiones: a) Ambientales y de infraestructura, b) Organizacionales y econ��micos, c) De competitividad, en las econom��as locales, d) Educativos y de articulaci��n institucional. Las posibilidades de avanzar en proyectos que contemplen solo las inherentes a inversiones productivas no ten��an un origen genuino en el esp��ritu emprendedor de los habitantes y productores de la zona Este del Departamento (Gobernador Piedrabuena, Gobernador Garmendia y 7 de Abril) pero si se pudo identificar un importante sector de potenciales productores porcinos, bovinos de carne y av��colas, - cadenas no relevantes en la zona -, m��s un gran n��mero de productores agr��colas -peque��os y medianos- en plena actividad, pero con nulas experiencias en producci��n pecuaria. Con esto, la provincia a trav��s de sus herramientas de pol��ticas publicas, puso la mirada en la concepci��n de estos nuevos enfoques de desarrollo territorial, con proyectos que posibilitar��n desarrollar con equidad y sustentabilidad dicha zona profundizando los 4 ejes estrat��gicos. El concepto de desarrollo de los territorios, incluidos en el ��mbito rural, se ha asociado tradicionalmente a la b��squeda de viabilidad de las zonas m��s alejadas, poco accesibles y que sufren distintas formas de marginalidad. Sin embargo, la ruralidad ha cambiado de manera significativa. Entre los cambios identificados por diferentes autores (Sarraceno, 1994; P��rez, 2001; Echeverri y Ribeiro, 2002), se destacan: a) el incremento en la importancia de las actividades no agr��colas como generadoras de empleo e ingresos para la poblaci��n rural; b) la creciente integraci��n de los espacios urbanos y rurales; c) la importancia de integrar las preocupaciones por la gesti��n sostenible del ambiente y de los recursos naturales; d) las transformaciones en la institucionalidad rural; e) el reconocimiento de la importancia de nuevos actores sociales; f) las nuevas y mayores expectativas de los consumidores y de los mercados; g) el papel de las nuevas tecnolog��as de informaci��n y comunicaci��n, h)la persistencia de la pobreza rural y la desigualdad, i) la persistencia de brechas regionales y sectoriales

Proyecto de Desarrollo Inteligente Departamento Burruyacu - Tucum��n Propuesta integrada con distintos actores institucionales a partir de mesa de gesti��n territorial

El presente proyecto 'Desarrollo Inteligente del Departamento Burruyacu - Tucum��n' elaborado en base a un diagnostico participativo que dio como resultado, 'ex ante', el poder identificar una realidad con una problem��tica de territorio, basada en las siguientes dimensiones: a) Ambientales y de infraestructura, b) Organizacionales y econ��micos, c) De competitividad, en las econom��as locales, d) Educativos y de articulaci��n institucional. Las posibilidades de avanzar en proyectos que contemplen solo las inherentes a inversiones productivas no ten��an un origen genuino en el esp��ritu emprendedor de los habitantes y productores de la zona Este del Departamento (Gobernador Piedrabuena, Gobernador Garmendia y 7 de Abril) pero si se pudo identificar un importante sector de potenciales productores porcinos, bovinos de carne y av��colas, - cadenas no relevantes en la zona -, m��s un gran n��mero de productores agr��colas -peque��os y medianos- en plena actividad, pero con nulas experiencias en producci��n pecuaria. Con esto, la provincia a trav��s de sus herramientas de pol��ticas publicas, puso la mirada en la concepci��n de estos nuevos enfoques de desarrollo territorial, con proyectos que posibilitar��n desarrollar con equidad y sustentabilidad dicha zona profundizando los 4 ejes estrat��gicos. El concepto de desarrollo de los territorios, incluidos en el ��mbito rural, se ha asociado tradicionalmente a la b��squeda de viabilidad de las zonas m��s alejadas, poco accesibles y que sufren distintas formas de marginalidad. Sin embargo, la ruralidad ha cambiado de manera significativa. Entre los cambios identificados por diferentes autores (Sarraceno, 1994; P��rez, 2001; Echeverri y Ribeiro, 2002), se destacan: a) el incremento en la importancia de las actividades no agr��colas como generadoras de empleo e ingresos para la poblaci��n rural; b) la creciente integraci��n de los espacios urbanos y rurales; c) la importancia de integrar las preocupaciones por la gesti��n sostenible del ambiente y de los recursos naturales; d) las transformaciones en la institucionalidad rural; e) el reconocimiento de la importancia de nuevos actores sociales; f) las nuevas y mayores expectativas de los consumidores y de los mercados; g) el papel de las nuevas tecnolog��as de informaci��n y comunicaci��n, h)la persistencia de la pobreza rural y la desigualdad, i) la persistencia de brechas regionales y sectoriales

Los agentes de la edificaci��n desde el punto de vista de la Gesti��n Integral de Proyectos: diferencias y semejanzas entre la Legislaci��n Espa��ola y los Est��ndares Internacionales = Expert agents in the Global Development of a building project: differences and similarities between Spanish and International contexts.

Desde los a��os 60, crece en Europa y Estados Unidos la preocupaci��n y la necesidad de mejorar los procesos de gerencia de los proyectos de construcci��n al volverse estos m��s complejos. Esto ha llevado a la continua aparici��n de nuevos profesionales desde la fecha citada hasta nuestros d��as. De ah�� la complejidad de conocer las cualidades de cada uno de ellos, as�� como las funciones a realizar o la formaci��n que deben tener para poder desarrollar el puesto de trabajo seg��n el papel que desempe��an para cada actividad. Muchos agentes son los que pueden intervenir en la edificaci��n, muchas son las funciones que llevan a cabo estos agentes, muchas son las habilidades que se necesitan para realizar estas misiones, y una buena gesti��n de la edificaci��n es la que hay que desarrollar para lograr el gran ��xito. El presente trabajo fin de m��ster, dirigido a arquitectos, arquitectos t��cnicos, ingenieros, abogados, economistas y todos los profesionales del sector inmobiliario y de la construcci��n, trata de resolver todas aquellas dudas sobre los diferentes sujetos que estar��n presentes desde la definici��n del proyecto en la fase inicial hasta el final de la obra, pasando por las fases de pre-construcci��n, construcci��n y post-construcci��n. (ENGLISH VERSION) Since the 1960s, most construction projects have become more and more complex, and new concerns and necessities related to the management of a project have been on the rise in Europe and in the United States. Thence, the need for more specialized professionals in the field has become a common fact, as well as the inclusion of new curricular subjects in most building engineering studies. There are different agents that play a relevant role in a building project; some of them are expected to perform a highly specialized set of functions that require specific management skills for the work to be successful. This research work���aimed mainly at engineers, quantity surveyors, lawyers, economists, real estate and construction professionals���shows the major implications of the building construction process including both pre-tender/construction and post-tender/construction stages as far as the main expert agents are involved.

M��todo experimental para la caracterizaci��n de las diferentes tecnolog��as de integraci��n arquitect��nica de la energ��a fotovoltaica en condiciones de funcionamiento real = Experimental method for characterization of several building integrated photovoltaic technologies under real working conditions

Hoy en d��a, el proceso de un proyecto sostenible persigue realizar edificios de elevadas prestaciones que son, energ��ticamente eficientes, saludables y econ��micamente viables utilizando sabiamente recursos renovables para minimizar el impacto sobre el medio ambiente reduciendo, en lo posible, la demanda de energ��a, lo que se ha convertido, en la ��ltima d��cada, en una prioridad. La Directiva 2002/91/CE "Eficiencia Energ��tica de los Edificios" (y actualizaciones posteriores) ha establecido el marco regulatorio general para el c��lculo de los requerimientos energ��ticos m��nimos. Desde esa fecha, el objetivo de cumplir con las nuevas directivas y protocolos ha conducido las pol��ticas energ��ticas de los distintos pa��ses en la misma direcci��n, centr��ndose en la necesidad de aumentar la eficiencia energ��tica en los edificios, la adopci��n de medidas para reducir el consumo, y el fomento de la generaci��n de energ��a a trav��s de fuentes renovables. Los edificios de energ��a nula o casi nula (ZEB, Zero Energy Buildings �� NZEB, Net Zero Energy Buildings) deber��n convertirse en un est��ndar de la construcci��n en Europa y con el fin de equilibrar el consumo de energ��a, adem��s de reducirlo al m��nimo, los edificios necesariamente deber��n ser autoproductores de energ��a. Por esta raz��n, la envolvente del edifico y en particular las fachadas son importantes para el logro de estos objetivos y la tecnolog��a fotovoltaica puede tener un papel preponderante en este reto. Para promover el uso de la tecnolog��a fotovoltaica, diferentes programas de investigaci��n internacionales fomentan y apoyan soluciones para favorecer la integraci��n completa de ��stos sistemas como elementos arquitect��nicos y constructivos, los sistemas BIPV (Building Integrated Photovoltaic), sobre todo considerando el pr��ximo futuro hacia edificios NZEB. Se ha constatado en este estudio que todav��a hay una falta de informaci��n ��til disponible sobre los sistemas BIPV, a pesar de que el mercado ofrece una interesante gama de soluciones, en algunos aspectos comparables a los sistemas tradicionales de construcci��n. Pero por el momento, la falta estandarizaci��n y de una regulaci��n armonizada, adem��s de la falta de informaci��n en las hojas de datos t��cnicos (todav��a no comparables con las mismas que est��n disponibles para los materiales de construcci��n), hacen dif��cil evaluar adecuadamente la conveniencia y factibilidad de utilizar los componentes BIPV como parte integrante de la envolvente del edificio. Organizaciones internacionales est��n trabajando para establecer las normas adecuadas y procedimientos de prueba y ensayo para comprobar la seguridad, viabilidad y fiabilidad estos sistemas. Sin embargo, hoy en d��a, no hay reglas espec��ficas para la evaluaci��n y caracterizaci��n completa de un componente fotovoltaico de integraci��n arquitect��nica de acuerdo con el Reglamento Europeo de Productos de la Construcci��n, CPR 305/2011. Los productos BIPV, como elementos de construcci��n, deben cumplir con diferentes aspectos pr��cticos como resistencia mec��nica y la estabilidad; integridad estructural; seguridad de utilizaci��n; protecci��n contra el clima (lluvia, nieve, viento, granizo), el fuego y el ruido, aspectos que se han convertido en requisitos esenciales, en la perspectiva de obtener productos ambientalmente sostenibles, saludables, eficientes energ��ticamente y econ��micamente asequibles. Por lo tanto, el m��dulo / sistema BIPV se convierte en una parte multifuncional del edificio no s��lo para ser f��sica y t��cnicamente "integrado", adem��s de ser una oportunidad innovadora del dise��o. Las normas IEC, de uso com��n en Europa para certificar m��dulos fotovoltaicos -IEC 61215 e IEC 61646 cualificaci��n de dise��o y homologaci��n del tipo para m��dulos fotovoltaicos de uso terrestre, respectivamente para m��dulos fotovoltaicos de silicio cristalino y de l��mina delgada- atestan ��nicamente la potencia del m��dulo fotovoltaico y dan fe de su fiabilidad por un per��odo de tiempo definido, certificando una disminuci��n de potencia dentro de unos l��mites. Existe tambi��n un est��ndar, en parte en desarrollo, el IEC 61853 (���Ensayos de rendimiento de m��dulos fotovoltaicos y evaluaci��n energ��tica") cuyo objetivo es la b��squeda de procedimientos y metodolog��as de prueba apropiados para calcular el rendimiento energ��tico de los m��dulos fotovoltaicos en diferentes condiciones clim��ticas. Sin embargo, no existen ensayos normalizados en las condiciones espec��ficas de la instalaci��n (p. ej. sistemas BIPV de fachada). Eso significa que es imposible conocer las efectivas prestaciones de estos sistemas y las condiciones ambientales que se generan en el interior del edificio. La potencia nominal de pico Wp, de un m��dulo fotovoltaico identifica la m��xima potencia el��ctrica que ��ste puede generar bajo condiciones est��ndares de medida (STC: irradici��n 1000 W/m2, 25 ��C de temperatura del m��dulo y distribuci��n espectral, AM 1,5) caracterizando el��ctricamente el m��dulo PV en condiciones espec��ficas con el fin de poder comparar los diferentes m��dulos y tecnolog��as. El vatio pico (Wp por su abreviatura en ingl��s) es la medida de la potencia nominal del m��dulo PV y no es suficiente para evaluar el comportamiento y producci��n del panel en t��rminos de vatios hora en las diferentes condiciones de operaci��n, y tampoco permite predecir con convicci��n la eficiencia y el comportamiento energ��tico de un determinado m��dulo en condiciones ambientales y de instalaci��n reales. Un adecuado elemento de integraci��n arquitect��nica de fachada, por ejemplo, deber��a tener en cuenta propiedades t��rmicas y de aislamiento, factores como la transparencia para permitir ganancias solares o un buen control solar si es necesario, aspectos vinculados y dependientes en gran medida de las condiciones clim��ticas y del nivel de confort requerido en el edificio, lo que implica una necesidad de adaptaci��n a cada contexto espec��fico para obtener el mejor resultado. Sin embargo, la influencia en condiciones reales de operaci��n de las diferentes soluciones fotovoltaicas de integraci��n, en el consumo de energ��a del edificio no es f��cil de evaluar. Los aspectos t��rmicos del interior del ambiente o de iluminaci��n, al utilizar m��dulos BIPV semitransparentes por ejemplo, son a��n desconocidos. Como se dijo antes, la utilizaci��n de componentes de integraci��n arquitect��nica fotovoltaicos y el uso de energ��a renovable ya es un hecho para producir energ��a limpia, pero tambi��n ser��a importante conocer su posible contribuci��n para mejorar el confort y la salud de los ocupantes del edificio. Aspectos como el confort, la protecci��n o transmisi��n de luz natural, el aislamiento t��rmico, el consumo energ��tico o la generaci��n de energ��a son aspectos que suelen considerarse independientemente, mientras que todos juntos contribuyen, sin embargo, al balance energ��tico global del edificio. Adem��s, la necesidad de dar prioridad a una orientaci��n determinada del edificio, para alcanzar el mayor beneficio de la producci��n de energ��a el��ctrica o t��rmica, en el caso de sistemas activos y pasivos, respectivamente, podr��a hacer estos ��ltimos incompatibles, pero no necesariamente. Se necesita un enfoque hol��stico que permita arquitectos e ingenieros implementar sistemas tecnol��gicos que trabajen en sinergia. Se ha planteado por ello un nuevo concepto: "C-BIPV, elemento fotovoltaico consciente integrado", esto significa necesariamente conocer los efectos positivos o negativos (en t��rminos de confort y de energ��a) en condiciones reales de funcionamiento e instalaci��n. Prop��sito de la tesis, m��todo y resultados Los sistemas fotovoltaicos integrados en fachada son a menudo soluciones de vidrio f��cilmente integrables, ya que por lo general est��n hechos a medida. Estos componentes BIPV semitransparentes, integrados en el cerramiento proporcionan iluminaci��n natural y tambi��n sombra, lo que evita el sobrecalentamiento en los momentos de excesivo calor, aunque como componente est��tico, asimismo evitan las posibles contribuciones pasivas de ganancias solares en los meses fr��os. Adem��s, la temperatura del m��dulo var��a considerablemente en ciertas circunstancias influenciada por la tecnolog��a fotovoltaica instalada, la radiaci��n solar, el sistema de montaje, la tipolog��a de instalaci��n, falta de ventilaci��n, etc. Este factor, puede suponer un aumento adicional de la carga t��rmica en el edificio, altamente variable y dif��cil de cuantificar. Se necesitan, en relaci��n con esto, m��s conocimientos sobre el confort ambiental interior en los edificios que utilizan tecnolog��as fotovoltaicas integradas, para abrir de ese modo, una nueva perspectiva de la investigaci��n. Con este fin, se ha dise��ado, proyectado y construido una instalaci��n de pruebas al aire libre, el BIPV Env-lab "BIPV Test Laboratory", para la caracterizaci��n integral de los diferentes m��dulos semitransparentes BIPV. Se han definido tambi��n el m��todo y el protocolo de ensayos de caracterizaci��n en el contexto de un edificio y en condiciones clim��ticas y de funcionamiento reales. Esto ha sido posible una vez evaluado el estado de la t��cnica y la investigaci��n, los aspectos que influyen en la integraci��n arquitect��nica y los diferentes tipos de integraci��n, despu��s de haber examinado los m��todos de ensayo para los componentes de construcci��n y fotovoltaicos, en condiciones de operaci��n utilizadas hasta ahora. El laboratorio de pruebas experimentales, que consiste en dos habitaciones id��nticas a escala real, 1:1, ha sido equipado con sensores y todos los sistemas de monitorizaci��n gracias a los cuales es posible obtener datos fiables para evaluar las prestaciones t��rmicas, de iluminaci��n y el rendimiento el��ctrico de los m��dulos fotovoltaicos. Este laboratorio permite el estudio de tres diferentes aspectos que influencian el confort y consumo de energ��a del edificio: el confort t��rmico, lum��nico, y el rendimiento energ��tico global (demanda/producci��n de energ��a) de los m��dulos BIPV. Conociendo el balance de energ��a para cada tecnolog��a solar fotovoltaica experimentada, es posible determinar cu��l funciona mejor en cada caso espec��fico. Se ha propuesto una metodolog��a te��rica para la evaluaci��n de estos par��metros, definidos en esta tesis como ��ndices o indicadores que consideran cuestiones relacionados con el bienestar, la energ��a y el rendimiento energ��tico global de los componentes BIPV. Esta metodolog��a considera y tiene en cuenta las normas reglamentarias y est��ndares existentes para cada aspecto, relacion��ndolos entre s��. Diferentes m��dulos BIPV de doble vidrio aislante, semitransparentes, representativos de diferentes tecnolog��as fotovoltaicas (tecnolog��a de silicio monocristalino, m-Si; de capa fina en silicio amorfo uni��n simple, a-Si y de capa fina en diseleniuro de cobre e indio, CIS) fueron seleccionados para llevar a cabo una serie de pruebas experimentales al objeto de demostrar la validez del m��todo de caracterizaci��n propuesto. Como resultado final, se ha desarrollado y generado el Diagrama Caracterizaci��n Integral DCI, un sistema gr��fico y visual para representar los resultados y gestionar la informaci��n, una herramienta operativa ��til para la toma de decisiones con respecto a las instalaciones fotovoltaicas. Este diagrama muestra todos los conceptos y par��metros estudiados en relaci��n con los dem��s y ofrece visualmente toda la informaci��n cualitativa y cuantitativa sobre la eficiencia energ��tica de los componentes BIPV, por caracterizarlos de manera integral. ABSTRACT A sustainable design process today is intended to produce high-performance buildings that are energy-efficient, healthy and economically feasible, by wisely using renewable resources to minimize the impact on the environment and to reduce, as much as possible, the energy demand. In the last decade, the reduction of energy needs in buildings has become a top priority. The Directive 2002/91/EC ���Energy Performance of Buildings��� (and its subsequent updates) established a general regulatory framework���s methodology for calculation of minimum energy requirements. Since then, the aim of fulfilling new directives and protocols has led the energy policies in several countries in a similar direction that is, focusing on the need of increasing energy efficiency in buildings, taking measures to reduce energy consumption, and fostering the use of renewable sources. Zero Energy Buildings or Net Zero Energy Buildings will become a standard in the European building industry and in order to balance energy consumption, buildings, in addition to reduce the end-use consumption should necessarily become selfenergy producers. For this reason, the fa��ade system plays an important role for achieving these energy and environmental goals and Photovoltaic can play a leading role in this challenge. To promote the use of photovoltaic technology in buildings, international research programs encourage and support solutions, which favors the complete integration of photovoltaic devices as an architectural element, the so-called BIPV (Building Integrated Photovoltaic), furthermore facing to next future towards net-zero energy buildings. Therefore, the BIPV module/system becomes a multifunctional building layer, not only physically and functionally ���integrated��� in the building, but also used as an innovative chance for the building envelope design. It has been found in this study that there is still a lack of useful information about BIPV for architects and designers even though the market is providing more and more interesting solutions, sometimes comparable to the existing traditional building systems. However at the moment, the lack of an harmonized regulation and standardization besides to the non-accuracy in the technical BIPV datasheets (not yet comparable with the same ones available for building materials), makes difficult for a designer to properly evaluate the fesibility of this BIPV components when used as a technological system of the building skin. International organizations are working to establish the most suitable standards and test procedures to check the safety, feasibility and reliability of BIPV systems. Anyway, nowadays, there are no specific rules for a complete characterization and evaluation of a BIPV component according to the European Construction Product Regulation, CPR 305/2011. BIPV products, as building components, must comply with different practical aspects such as mechanical resistance and stability; structural integrity; safety in use; protection against weather (rain, snow, wind, hail); fire and noise: aspects that have become essential requirements in the perspective of more and more environmentally sustainable, healthy, energy efficient and economically affordable products. IEC standards, commonly used in Europe to certify PV modules (IEC 61215 and IEC 61646 respectively crystalline and thin-film ���Terrestrial PV Modules-Design Qualification and Type Approval���), attest the feasibility and reliability of PV modules for a defined period of time with a limited power decrease. There is also a standard (IEC 61853, ���Performance Testing and Energy Rating of Terrestrial PV Modules���) still under preparation, whose aim is finding appropriate test procedures and methodologies to calculate the energy yield of PV modules under different climate conditions. Furthermore, the lack of tests in specific conditions of installation (e.g. fa��ade BIPV devices) means that it is difficult knowing the exact effective performance of these systems and the environmental conditions in which the building will operate. The nominal PV power at Standard Test Conditions, STC (1.000 W/m2, 25 ��C temperature and AM 1.5) is usually measured in indoor laboratories, and it characterizes the PV module at specific conditions in order to be able to compare different modules and technologies on a first step. The ���Watt-peak��� is not enough to evaluate the panel performance in terms of Watt-hours of various modules under different operating conditions, and it gives no assurance of being able to predict the energy performance of a certain module at given environmental conditions. A proper BIPV element for fa��ade should take into account thermal and insulation properties, factors as transparency to allow solar gains if possible or a good solar control if necessary, aspects that are linked and high dependent on climate conditions and on the level of comfort to be reached. However, the influence of different fa��ade integrated photovoltaic solutions on the building energy consumption is not easy to assess under real operating conditions. Thermal aspects, indoor temperatures or luminance level that can be expected using building integrated PV (BIPV) modules are not well known. As said before, integrated photovoltaic BIPV components and the use of renewable energy is already a standard for green energy production, but would also be important to know the possible contribution to improve the comfort and health of building occupants. Comfort, light transmission or protection, thermal insulation or thermal/electricity power production are aspects that are usually considered alone, while all together contribute to the building global energy balance. Besides, the need to prioritize a particular building envelope orientation to harvest the most benefit from the electrical or thermal energy production, in the case of active and passive systems respectively might be not compatible, but also not necessary. A holistic approach is needed to enable architects and engineers implementing technological systems working in synergy. A new concept have been suggested: ���C-BIPV, conscious integrated BIPV���. BIPV systems have to be ���consciously integrated��� which means that it is essential to know the positive and negative effects in terms of comfort and energy under real operating conditions. Purpose of the work, method and results The fa��ade-integrated photovoltaic systems are often glass solutions easily integrable, as they usually are custommade. These BIPV semi-transparent components integrated as a window element provides natural lighting and shade that prevents overheating at times of excessive heat, but as static component, likewise avoid the possible solar gains contributions in the cold months. In addition, the temperature of the module varies considerably in certain circumstances influenced by the PV technology installed, solar radiation, mounting system, lack of ventilation, etc. This factor may result in additional heat input in the building highly variable and difficult to quantify. In addition, further insights into the indoor environmental comfort in buildings using integrated photovoltaic technologies are needed to open up thereby, a new research perspective. This research aims to study their behaviour through a series of experiments in order to define the real influence on comfort aspects and on global energy building consumption, as well as, electrical and thermal characteristics of these devices. The final objective was to analyze a whole set of issues that influence the global energy consumption/production in a building using BIPV modules by quantifying the global energy balance and the BIPV system real performances. Other qualitative issues to be studied were comfort aspect (thermal and lighting aspects) and the electrical behaviour of different BIPV technologies for vertical integration, aspects that influence both energy consumption and electricity production. Thus, it will be possible to obtain a comprehensive global characterization of BIPV systems. A specific design of an outdoor test facility, the BIPV Env-lab ���BIPV Test Laboratory���, for the integral characterization of different BIPV semi-transparent modules was developed and built. The method and test protocol for the BIPV characterization was also defined in a real building context and weather conditions. This has been possible once assessed the state of the art and research, the aspects that influence the architectural integration and the different possibilities and types of integration for PV and after having examined the test methods for building and photovoltaic components, under operation conditions heretofore used. The test laboratory that consists in two equivalent test rooms (1:1) has a monitoring system in which reliable data of thermal, daylighting and electrical performances can be obtained for the evaluation of PV modules. The experimental set-up facility (testing room) allows studying three different aspects that affect building energy consumption and comfort issues: the thermal indoor comfort, the lighting comfort and the energy performance of BIPV modules tested under real environmental conditions. Knowing the energy balance for each experimented solar technology, it is possible to determine which one performs best. A theoretical methodology has been proposed for evaluating these parameters, as defined in this thesis as indices or indicators, which regard comfort issues, energy and the overall performance of BIPV components. This methodology considers the existing regulatory standards for each aspect, relating them to one another. A set of insulated glass BIPV modules see-through and light-through, representative of different PV technologies (mono-crystalline silicon technology, mc-Si, amorphous silicon thin film single junction, a-Si and copper indium selenide thin film technology CIS) were selected for a series of experimental tests in order to demonstrate the validity of the proposed characterization method. As result, it has been developed and generated the ICD Integral Characterization Diagram, a graphic and visual system to represent the results and manage information, a useful operational tool for decision-making regarding to photovoltaic installations. This diagram shows all concepts and parameters studied in relation to each other and visually provides access to all the results obtained during the experimental phase to make available all the qualitative and quantitative information on the energy performance of the BIPV components by characterizing them in a comprehensive way.

The Virtual Interactive Relationship Between BIM Project Teams: Effective Communication to aid Collaboration in the Design Process

Building Information Modelling (BIM) provides a shared source of information about a built asset, which creates a collaborative virtual environment for project teams. Literature suggests that to collaborate efficiently, the relationship between the project team is based on sympathy, obligation, trust and rapport. Communication increases in importance when working collaboratively but effective communication can only be achieved when the stakeholders are willing to act, react, listen and share information. Case study research and interviews with Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry experts suggest that synchronous face-to-face communication is project teams��� preferred method, allowing teams to socialise and build rapport, accelerating the creation of trust between the stakeholders. However, virtual unified communication platforms are a close second-preferred option for communication between the teams. Effective methods for virtual communication in professional practice, such as virtual collaboration environments (CVE), that build trust and achieve similar spontaneous responses as face-to-face communication, are necessary to face the global challenges and can be achieved with the right people, processes and technology. This research paper investigates current industry methods for virtual communication within BIM projects and explores the suitability of avatar interaction in a collaborative virtual environment as an alternative to face-to-face communication to enhance collaboration between design teams��� professional practice on a project. Hence, this paper presents comparisons between the effectiveness of these communication methods within construction design teams with results of further experiments conducted to test recommendations for more efficient methods for virtual communication to add value in the workplace between design teams.