Exploring a sustainable building’s impact on occupant mental health and cognitive function in a virtual environment

AbstractEven though people spend the majority of their time indoors, the role of buildings in shaping human experience is still not well understood. The objective of this experimental project is to develop, test, and validate a data-driven neuroscience approach to understand the built environment’s impact on occupant cognitive function and mental health. The present study utilized virtual environments and electroencephalogram (EEG) and event-related potential (ERP) approaches, to provide objective neurophysiological information about how sustainable buildings (SBs) impact people’s affective and cognitive functioning differently compared to conventional building (CBs). The long-term goal is to assess the validity of sustainable building design protocols in promoting and increasing mental health and well-being and the mechanism used to accomplish these increases. The findings showed test subjects demonstrated increased visual system engagement and modulated attentional focus and control processing in the SB compared to the CB environments. The findings can be explained by the cognitive load theory, which is consistent with the interpretation of greater focus on the present environment and reduced internal mental processing (cf. mindfulness), based on the observed increased theta/delta activities and greater engagement of visual systems and corresponding decreases in frontal activity in the SB environment. In addition, the combination of virtual environment (VE) and EEG/ERP has the potential to advance design methods by soliciting occupants’ responses prior to completion of the projects. Building design is more than aesthetics; expanding the horizon for neuroscience would eventually result in a new knowledge base for building design, particularly sustainable building design, since the sustainability of the building often needs to be quantified.

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A positive psychology study and intervention on the well-being of French PhD students in biology

10.31234/osf.io/rht94 ◽

2017 ◽

Author(s):

Gabriel Marais ◽

Rebecca Shankland ◽

Pascale Haag ◽

Robin Fiault ◽

Bridget Juniper

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Positive Psychology ◽

Large Fraction ◽

Reference Sample ◽

Well Being ◽

Attrition Rates ◽

Human Costs ◽

The Uk ◽

And Control ◽

Health And Well Being

In France, little data are available on mental health and well-being in academia, and nothing has been published about PhD students. From studies abroad, we know that doing a PhD is a difficult experience resulting in high attrition rates with significant financial and human costs. Here we focused on PhD students in biology at university Lyon 1. A first study aimed at measuring the mental health and well-being of PhD students using several generalist and PhD-specific tools. Our results on 136 participants showed that a large fraction of the PhD students experience abnormal levels of stress, depression and anxiety, and their mean well-being score is significantly lower than that of a British reference sample. French PhD student well-being is specifically affected by career uncertainty, perceived lack of progress in the PhD and perceived lack of competence, which points towards possible cultural differences of experiencing a PhD in France and the UK. In a second study, we carried out a positive psychology intervention. Comparing the scores of the test and control groups showed a clear effect of the intervention on reducing anxiety. We discuss our results and the possible future steps to improve French PhD students’ well-being.

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Predictors of subjective versus objective cognitive functioning in patients with stable grades II and III glioma

Neuro-Oncology Practice ◽

10.1093/nop/npu035 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 2 (1) ◽

pp. 20-31 ◽

Cited By ~ 13

Author(s):

Karin Gehring ◽

Martin J.B. Taphoorn ◽

Margriet M. Sitskoorn ◽

Neil K. Aaronson

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Cognitive Function ◽

Cognitive Functioning ◽

Well Being ◽

Low Grade Glioma ◽

Motor Dysfunction ◽

Low Grade ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Subjective Cognitive Function ◽

Mental Health Factors

Abstract Background Studies in cancer and noncancer populations demonstrate lower than expected correlations between subjective cognitive symptoms and cognitive functioning as determined by standardized neuropsychological tests. This paper systematically examines the association between subjective and objective cognitive functioning in patients with low-grade glioma and the associations of these indicators of cognitive function with clusters of sociodemographic, clinical, and self-reported physical and mental health factors. Methods Multiple regression analyses with the subjective and 2 objective indicators of cognitive functioning as dependent variables and 4 clusters of predictor variables were conducted in 169 patients with predominantly low-grade glioma. Results Correlations between the subjective and the 2 objective cognitive indicators were negligible (0.04) to low (0.24). Objective cognitive deficits were predominantly associated with sociodemographic (older age, lower education, male sex) and clinical (left hemisphere tumor) variables, while lower ratings of subjective cognitive function were more closely related to self-reported mental health symptoms (fatigue, lower mental well-being), physical (motor) dysfunction and female sex. Self-reported communication deficits were associated significantly with both subjective and objective dysfunction. Conclusions We recommend that both subjective and objective measures of cognitive functioning, together with a measure of psychological distress, be used for comprehensive neuropsychological assessments of patients with glioma to determine which areas are most affected and which specific intervention strategies are most appropriate.

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ENERGY EFFICIENCY OF A PUBLIC BUILDING RENOVATION AND RECONSTRUCTION USING BASE MODEL PASSIVE HOUSE AND BIM TECHNOLOGY

Engineering Structures and Technologies ◽

10.3846/2029882x.2016.1123896 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 7 (3) ◽

pp. 114-125 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Romas Rasiulis ◽

Leonas Ustinovichius ◽

Darius Migilinskas ◽

Jovita Cepurnaite ◽

Arvydas Virbickas

Keyword(s):

Building Design ◽

High Energy ◽

Information Modeling ◽

The European Union ◽

Passive House ◽

Sustainable Building ◽

Heating And Cooling ◽

Building Information ◽

And Control ◽

Made In

Modern constructions, either private houses or public buildings, nowadays must be built meeting all the requirements of the European Union [EU] standards and must be highly energy efficient. Still, there are a lot of old inefficient buildings with high energy costs that require renovation. These buildings can be renovated applying a passive house model that helps to minimize buildings’ heating and cooling energy expenses. Moreover, the decisions made in the stages of early design and preconstruction are essential for the sustainability in a building facility. It is possible to perform various analyses with Building Information Modeling (BIM) in order to have an optimized sustainable building design. BIM system can be used to evaluate and control the costs (e.g. renovation, efficiency) as well as to monitor the conditions during the life-cycle of the building.

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BIM for Healthy Buildings: An Integrated Approach of Architectural Design based on IAQ Prediction

Sustainability ◽

10.3390/su122410417 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (24) ◽

pp. 10417

Author(s):

Alessandro D’Amico ◽

Giacomo Bergonzoni ◽

Agnese Pini ◽

Edoardo Currà

Keyword(s):

Numerical Model ◽

Architectural Design ◽

Building Materials ◽

Building Design ◽

Integrated Approach ◽

Well Being ◽

Fundamental Aspect ◽

Control Instrument ◽

Building Information ◽

And Control

The relationship between users and the built environment represents a fundamental aspect of health. The factors that define the properties linked to health and well-being are increasingly becoming part of building design. In these terms, building information modelling (BIM) and BIM-based performance simulation take on a priority role. Among the key features for the design of Healthy Buildings, indoor air quality (IAQ) plays a central role. There are numerous indoor pollutants with significant health effects; volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are to be mentioned among these. The paper presents the proposal of an integrated workflow in the BIM process for the check and control of VOC emissions from building materials and their concentration in confined environments. The workflow is developed through the systematisation of IAQ parameters for the open BIM standard, the integration in the BIM process of a numerical model for the prediction of the VOCs concentration in the indoor environment, and the development of model checkers for performance verification. The results show a good adhesion between the numerical model and the implementation in BIM, providing the designer with a rapid control instrument of IAQ in the various phases of the building design. The present study is the first development focused on TVOC, but implementable concerning other aspects of IAQ, as needed for the effectiveness of performance building-based design for health and wellness issues.

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The Effect of Happiness Training on Psychological Well-Being in Patients with Thalassemia Major

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal [SQUMJ] ◽

10.18295/squmj.8.2021.109 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Mohammad S. Sargolzaei ◽

Milad G. Shirsavar ◽

Jasem Allahyari ◽

Ali Bazi ◽

Abolghasem P. Nasirabady

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Well Being ◽

Thalassemia Major ◽

Routine Care ◽

Control Group ◽

Post Intervention ◽

Psychological Well Being ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Quasi Experimental ◽

And Control

Objectives: Thalassemia major (TM) is a chronic hematological disease that can have deep effects on patients’ mental health and psychological well-being. So, the present study was conducted to determine the effects of happiness training on the psychological well-being of TM patients. Methods: This quasi-experimental study with a pre/post-test design was performed on 52 patients with TM in Zabol city (Iran) from August to December 2020. The patients were randomly categorized into experimental and control groups. In the experimental group, happiness training was performed in eight sessions, each for 60 minutes. The control group received routine care. The data collection tool was the Ryff's Scale of Psychological Well-being (RSPWB). Data were analyzed by SPSS 16 statistical software using descriptive (mean and standard deviation) and inferential (paired and independent t-test) statistics. Results: Regarding the psychological well-being score at the pre-test stage, there was no statistically significant difference between the intervention (74.92 ± 6.36) and control (74.57 ± 5.83) groups (p = 0.83). After the intervention; however, a statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups in terms of psychological well-being (p <0.001). Also, a statistically significant difference was seen comparing the psychological well-being score between the pre- and post-intervention phases in the experimental (p = 0.01) but not control (p = 0.12) group. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that happiness training improved TM patients’ psychological well-being. Therefore, this type of training can be used as an appropriate educational strategy to improve psychological well-being in these patients.Keywords: Happiness; Education; Mental Health; Thalassemia.

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Architecture as a device of control : themes of prison life with focus on solitary confinement

10.32469/10355/69021 ◽

2018 ◽

Author(s):

◽

Gregory A. Galford

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

General Population ◽

Mental Health Professionals ◽

Building Design ◽

Well Being ◽

Solitary Confinement ◽

Sound Control ◽

Graphic Analysis ◽

Architectural Perspective ◽

The Impact

This research is focused on the factors that affect the behavior of those within correctional environments, from general population areas to solitary confinement environments. The architectural perspective of this work views the building as the device of control and is based on extensive prior research into the historical theories that underlie it, while answering the question of what qualities of correctional environments shape the behavior and experience of its inhabitants. The research was conducted at two medium security correctional institutions in a large northeastern state, with one being the second oldest and the other being the newest prison within the system. This research was conducted with twenty-four participants using a qualitative research methodology, as the researcher sought to listen to the experiences of those involved. Critical stakeholders that constituted the sample included inmates, officers, architects, health and mental health professionals, and administrators. Grounded theory was used to code the data that was obtained to identify emerging themes. Research tools included memos, interviews, observations, journals, and photographic and graphic analysis. Specific themes emerged from the coded analysis that reflected broader environmental factors within the solitary confinement experience and in general population living areas of the facility. Themes of trust, sound, views to nature, routine, and time were identified. This work highlights the impact of mental health needs within the prison system and how those needs inform future prison design. The integration of nature and access to views can reduce inmate stress. Sound control as well as visual control can contribute to officer safety and inmate well-being. Future building design can help with experiences of time and routine that will foster both a sense of relevance and rehabilitation for inmates and security for officers.

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Mental Health Consequences of Adversity in Australia: National Bushfires Associated With Increased Depressive Symptoms, While COVID-19 Pandemic Associated With Increased Symptoms of Anxiety

Frontiers in Psychology ◽

10.3389/fpsyg.2021.635158 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Hussain-Abdulah Arjmand ◽

Elizabeth Seabrook ◽

David Bakker ◽

Nikki Rickard

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Social Connectedness ◽

Extended Period ◽

Well Being ◽

Emotional Valence ◽

Cumulative Impact ◽

Symptoms Of Depression ◽

And Control ◽

Health And Well Being

High quality monitoring of mental health and well-being over an extended period is essential to understand how communities respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and how to best tailor interventions. Multiple community threats may also have cumulative impact on mental health, so examination across several contexts is important. The objective of this study is to report on changes in mental health and well-being in response to the Australian bushfires and COVID-19 pandemic. This study utilized an Experience-Sampling-Method (ESM), using the smartphone-based mood monitoring application, MoodPrism. Participants were prompted once a day to complete a brief survey inquiring about symptoms of depression and anxiety, and several well-being indices, including arousal, emotional valence, self-esteem, motivation, social connectedness, meaning and purpose, and control. Participants were N = 755 Australians (aged 13 years and above) who downloaded and used MoodPrism, between 2018 and 2020. Results showed that anxiety symptoms significantly increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, but not during the bushfires. This may be explained by concurrent feelings of social connectedness maintained during the bushfires but not during the pandemic. In contrast, depressive symptoms increased significantly during the bushfires, which maintained during the pandemic. Most indices of well-being decreased significantly during the bushfires, and further again during the pandemic. Study findings highlight the unique responses to the bushfire and COVID-19 crises, revealing specific areas of resilience and vulnerability. Such information can help inform the development of public health interventions or individual clinical treatment, to improve treatment approaches and preparedness for potential future community disasters.

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Overview of EWB and Aging

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igab046.783 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 204-205

Author(s):

Robert Kaplan

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Risk Factor ◽

Clinical Practice ◽

Cognitive Function ◽

Cognitive Functioning ◽

Old Age ◽

Scientific Knowledge ◽

Well Being

Abstract The accumulation of scientific knowledge has been hampered by inconsistent usage of terms and categories. Ontology is the study of categories, their properties, and the relations between them. This presentation considers the definition and measurement of emotional well-being (EWB), a term that has been used inconsistently in research and clinical practice. The category contains eudaimonic and hedonic well-being that represent interrelated but conceptually distinct aspects of mental health. This presentation will review the definition and measurement of EWB and evidence for the validity of the construct. Evidence suggests EWB increases after age 50 and is important for maintenance of cognitive function in old age. Further, low in EWB may be a risk factor for incident ADRD, and is likely to impair cognitive functioning.

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Lifestyle and Cultural Factors Related to Longevity Among Older Adults in the Northeast of Thailand

Journal of Transcultural Nursing ◽

10.1177/1043659620921225 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 104365962092122

Author(s):

Alchalee Jantapo ◽

Wichitra Kusoom

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Older Adults ◽

Health Care Services ◽

Health Management ◽

Health Assessment ◽

Well Being ◽

Care Services ◽

Healthy Longevity ◽

And Control ◽

Thai Culture

Introduction: Healthy longevity is important in older adults. The lifestyle and cultural background are likely related to longevity. This study explored lifestyles and Buddhist Thai culture relating to longevity, and evaluated activities of daily living (ADL), body mass index (BMI), and mental health. Method: A mixed method using concurrent embedded strategy was employed. Qualitative data collection included observation and in-depth interviews with 30 older adults aged 80 years and above from Northeastern Thailand. Quantitative data: Barthel ADL, BMI, and Thai Geriatric Mental Health Assessment (T-GMH-A) were assessed. Content analysis was applied using the Strauss and Corbin method. Results: Four major themes were, promoting physical activities, prevention and control of diseases, mental health management, and Buddhist socio-Thai culture. Means of Barthel ADL, BMI, and T-GMH-A were 19.0 ( SD 1.1), 21.34 ( SD 3.07), and 53.53 ( SD 7.22), respectively. Discussion: These factors greatly influenced longevity and well-being. Culturally congruent care should be implemented to health care services.

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Integrated Sustainable Building Design

Proceedings of the 50th International HVAC&R Congress and Exhibition ◽

10.24094/kghk.019.50.1.15 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Zoltan Magyar

Keyword(s):

Residential Buildings ◽

Building Design ◽

Well Being ◽

Sustainable Building

The paper demonstrates combined labelling of buildings, which includes energy, indoor environmental and well-being aspects. The development of the proposed combined labelling is in progress in TripleA-reno project, which aim is to encourage the deep renovation of residential buildings.

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