Hamed Ahmadi, Mojtaba Noorllahi, Mohmmad Reza Soleimani, Ehsan Bitaraf,
Volume 10, Issue 4 (3-2023)
Abstract
Objectives: Human-made environments can have negative and positive effects on the planet. One of the two-faceted artifacts is the construction of buildings for people's lives, buildings that are being built irregularly and quickly and lead to excessive consumption of fossil resources and energy waste. Become Therefore, one of the most important things in the design of a building is providing its thermal comfort; Comfort that has a direct effect on the cognitive function of humans. In this research, in addition to the topic of thermal comfort, we also discuss fatigue in the classroom, which is one of the factors influencing the cognitive performance of the students.
Methods: In this research, the cognitive performance of people were examined and compared in the range of thermal comfort and the suggested range of the Ashri standard. To investigate their performance in different temperature ranges, 220 architecture students of Ilam universities were selected by systematic random sampling method. The state of thermal comfort, cognitive functions, and fatigue of people was evaluated after measuring environmental factors through questionnaires and standard cognitive function software.
Results: In addition to thermal comfort, which has a direct relationship with the cognitive performance of students, the passage of time is not an exception to this rule, in other words, the cognitive performance of students is derived from thermal comfort and the passage of time, which has a direct effect on academic, mental productivity. and also their practical efficiency. After examining the data in this regard, we reached meaningful results that indicate the highest efficiency of the students in the conditions of proper thermal comfort and the first 60 minutes of the start of their performance.
Conclusion: The results of this research show that even if the thermal comfort of the students' classrooms is provided according to the ASHERI standard, the students' cognitive performance will decrease after 60 minutes from the start of the class.
Karen Fatahi,
Volume 12, Issue 4 (2-2025)
Abstract
Objectives: The primary aim of this study is to examine the impact of carbon dioxide concentrations in the air on thermal comfort, cognitive performance, and heart rate among healthcare workers while they engage in their duties within therapeutic environments. These settings are often characterized by high occupancy, inadequate ventilation, underground locations, limited natural light, and exposure to pollutants.
Methodology: In this laboratory-based research, 20 employees from a specialized clinic were randomly assigned into two groups of ten. They were exposed to varying levels of carbon dioxide at a controlled temperature of 25 degrees Celsius: one group experienced 1100 ppm with adequate ventilation, while the other was subjected to 1800 ppm without ventilation. Key parameters such as heart rate, thermal comfort (assessed using the ASHRAE standard questionnaire), and cognitive performance (measured through the MOCA test) were recorded. The collected data were analyzed using multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA).
Results: The statistical analysis revealed significant effects of cognitive performance and carbon dioxide levels (1800 ppm vs. 1100 ppm) on thermal comfort (F(1,15)=13.257, p<0.05 and F(1,15)=16.694, p<0.05). Furthermore, both the carbon dioxide levels and the gender of participants significantly influenced the heart rate of healthcare workers in their work environments (F(1,15)=53.381, P<0.05 and F(1,15)=9.642, p<0.05). Specifically, individuals exposed to 1800 ppm of carbon dioxide reported a thermal dissatisfaction score that was 0.878 units higher and exhibited a heart rate that was 9.25 beats per minute greater compared to those exposed to 1100 ppm..
Conclusion: The findings underscore the importance of continuous air quality monitoring in workplace settings. Such measures can enhance thermal comfort levels, improve cognitive performance, and mitigate health risks for healthcare workers engaged in their professional activities.
