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A differenza degli alari metallici, che provengono quasi esclusivamente da contesti funerari, gli alari fittili in territorio etrusco sono attestati soprattutto dal Bronzo finale fino al V sec. a.C. e sono restituiti esclusivamente da contesti di abitato, votivi, e da santuari. Il presente contributo tenta di individuare una classificazione tipologica dei manufatti rinvenuti nell’Etruria tirrenica, prendendo in esame anche reperti inediti. In particolare, si individuano alcune fogge che sembrano giunte in Etruria in seguito a contatti tra l’area medio-danubiana dei Campi di Urne attraverso il tramite dell’Italia nord-occidentale. In contrast to metallic firedogs, found almost entirely in funerary contexts, ceramic firedogs are attested in the Etruscan territory especially from the Late Bronze Age until the V century B.C. These are found in settlements, votive contexts and sanctuaries. This paper tries to set up a typological classification of ceramic firedogs manufactured in Southern Etruria, both published as well as some unpublished finds. Certain types of firedogs, in particular, seem to proceed from cultural contacts with the Middle-Danube Urnfield culture, through the North-Western italic area., Aristonothos. Rivista di Studi sul Mediterraneo Antico, N. 17 (2021)

International audience; This work provides an evaluation of the emission factors (EFs) of typical garden waste burning (fallen leaves and hedge trimming) in terms of particulate matter (PM), elemental and organic carbon (EC-OC) together with a detailed chemical characterization of 88 particle-bound organic species including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), levoglucosan and its isomers, lignin breakdown products (methoxyphenols), cholesterol, alkanes, polyols and sugars. Furthermore, wood-log based burning experiments have been performed to highlight key indicators or chemical patterns of both, green waste and wood burning (residential heating) sources, that may be used for PM source apportionment purposes. Two residential log wood combustion appliances, wood stove (RWS) and fireplace, under different output conditions (nominal and reduced) and wood log moisture content (mix of beech, oak and hornbeam), have been tested. Open wood burning experiments using wood logs were also performed. Green waste burning EFs obtained were comparable to the available literature data for open-air biomass burning. For PM and for most of the organic species studied, they were about 2 to 30 times higher than those observed for wood log combustion experiments. Though, poor performance wood combustions (open-air wood log burning, fireplace and RWS in reduced output) showed comparable EFs for levoglucosan and its isomers, methoxyphenols, polyols, PAHs and sugars. Toxic PAH equivalent benzo[a]pyrene EFs were even 3–10 times higher for the fireplace and open-air wood log burning. These results highlighted the impact of the nature of the fuel burnt and the combustion performances on the emissions. Different chemical fingerprints between both biomass burning sources were highlighted with notably a predominance of odd high-molecular weight n-alkanes (higher carbon preference index, CPI), lower levoglucosan/mannosan ratio and lower sinapylaldehyde abundance for green waste burning. However, the use of such indicators seems limited, especially if applied alone, for a clear discrimination of both sources in ambient air.

The Finnish soapstone industry has found through practical experience that the surface of the magnesite soapstone used in fire chambers and funnels hardens over time. We have studied a magnesite soapstone used in a fireplace continuously for 60 years. The mineralogical changes, that took place during heating and subsequent cooling of the fireplace have been investigated with electron probe microanalyzer and X-ray diffractometer to find an explanation, what kind of reactions caused the hardening. We found that ferromagnesite has been altered to pseudomorphic aggregates composed of ferropericlase and magnesioferrite in the nearest ~30 mm from the surface exposed to fire. Iron has been mobilized in the uppermost 3 mm, enriched in the rims, and depleted from the cores of the ferropericlase aggregates. Magnesioferrite occurs preferably in the fire chamber side of the aggregates in the uppermost 0.20 mm. Talc rims are altered to forsterite and/or enstatite in the reaction with ferromagnesite or its alteration products in the uppermost ~1 mm. In addition, wood combustion gases caused considerable enrichment of zinc and potassium in the chamber surface rock to the depth on 0.20 mm and 3 mm, respectively. The enrichment occurred by crystallization of Zn bearing ferropericlase and magnesioferrite and by crystallization of K bearing sheet silicates.

This study investigates fireplaces in the Neolithic settlement of Catalhoyuk in Anatolia, Turkey (levels South L–S and 4040 G–H, 6700–6100 BC). Taking a holistic view with a contextual, multi-scala...

According to the analysis of literature sources of extinguishing of high-boiling combustible liquids, several key issues were identified that should be determined during experimental research of extinguishing processes, namely: dispersion of spraying, particle velocity of water extinguishing agent, temperature of its supply, change in concentrations of impurities-combustion inhibitors, the temperature of liquid layer, investigated the intensity of liquid combustion (size of torch of combustion, control of combustion intensification presence or absence). The need of development of individual methods of laboratory research of water-based fire extinguishing substances and their supply parameters to minimize the intensification of the combustion processes of high-boiling combustible liquids, taking into account the specificity of their extinguishing, has been determined. The proposed improved methods of research of extinguishing processes of high-boiling combustible liquids provides control of the temperature of model fireplace, the temperature of extinguishing agent, and the use of the TESTO 885 thermal-imaging device provides visualization of model fireplace size and shape during extinguishing process. The parameters of cutting of Danfoss nozzle 0,40 Gph 80 ° were experimentally determined in terms of its use for cutting of distilled water at pressures of 4.6 and 8 bar. The possibility of using thermographic equipment with a spectral range from 7 to 14.5 microns for research the features of the interaction of sprayed water extinguishing agents with high-boiling combustible liquids are experimentally identified. The characteristic images of individual stages of processes allow to visualize external dimensions of flame and its character, especially in the conditions of reducing the limits of measurements for further programmed processing of the video sequence. Minimization of combustion intensification shall be the subject of further research of the authors. Changing the initial conditions of supply of sprayed water, its initial temperature, the intensity of supply, using impurities-combustion inhibitors, it will be necessary to determine conditions for the most effective extinguishing of fires of turbine oil spills of the TP-22 brand.

The importance of the work is based on the necessity of developing energy-efficient heating systems in the conditions of rapid increase of energy prices. Heating systems for buildings and fuels for them are analyzed. It is established that a combined heating system with several sources of thermal energy, one of which is turbo fireplace is the most energy-efficient. The processes in fireplaces with a water loop are considered. The design of turbo fireplace is improved by applying a thermoelectric battery. The elements of the thermoelectric battery are selected and its power is determined. The power of the integrated heating system of the building is calculated. The block scheme of the integrated heating system is considered. The heating system integrator is selected. The algorithm of microcontroller operation with advanced turbo fireplace with a thermoelectric battery is developed and a microcontroller operation is chosen. The algorithm of the integrated heating system developed an algorithm for the operation of its microcontroller.

Background Exposure to higher levels of outdoor air pollution is associated with increased morbidity in individuals with cystic fibrosis. Limited information exist regarding the potential adverse effects of indoor air pollution on those with cystic fibrosis. Methods Individuals with cystic fibrosis who were enrolled in the Twin and Sibling Study from 2000-2013, self-reported exposure to four known sources of indoor air pollution (secondhand smoke, forced hot air, wood stove and fireplace). Change in lung function, rates of hospitalizations and pulmonary exacerbations were followed over 4 years to compare outcomes in those who were exposed to those who were not exposed. Results Of 1432 participants with data on secondhand smoke exposure, 362 (25.3%) were exposed. Of 765 individuals with data on forced hot air exposure, 491 (64.2%) were exposed. Of 1247 participants with data on wood stove exposure and 830 with data on fireplace exposure, 182 (14.6%) and 373 (44.9%) were exposed, respectively. In longitudinal analysis, pediatric individuals either exposed to secondhand smoke or to forced hot air had a 0.60% predicted/year decrease in FEV1% predicted (P=0.002) or a 0.46% predicted/year decrease in FEV1% predicted (P=0.048), respectively compared to individuals who were not exposed. Adults exposed to secondhand smoke had a 42% increased yearly risk of hospitalization compared to those who were not exposed (P=0.045). Conclusions Our questionnaire-based data suggest that exposure to sources of indoor air pollution increase morbidity in both the pediatric and adult cystic fibrosis populations. Future studies with quantitative indoor air quality assessments are needed.

As the placeless globalization is accelerating around the world and especially in China, places that have strong ties to the particularities of a locale are desirable destinations to escape the generic monotony of placeless urbanization. The thesis here stipulates that even in a placeless globalization, opportunities exist to understand, interpret and celebrate local cultural phenomena. While many formal architectural artifacts may have outgrown their purpose and no longer have direct relevance today, a number of desires, customs and rituals persist as desirable conditions to be supported by architectural space. The thesis proposes to seek out an architecture, that embraces and reinterprets targeted aspects of the built form of traditional elements with modern means. Master of Architecture This thesis discusses possibilities to reinterpret the vernacular. Specifically, the sense of identity generated by the architecture traditions in Western China can be attributed to shape and construction of the roof, organization in plan, the central fire place, and a protected courtyard all enclosed by rammed earth. Reinterpretations of those elements in modern forms propose a continuity of culture and identity.

Summarization: Residential settings are of utmost importance for human exposure, as it is where people spend most of their time. Residential wood combustion is a widespread practice known as a source of indoor particulate matter (PM). Nevertheless, research on the risks of exposure associated with this source is scarce, and a better understanding of respiratory deposition of smoke particles is needed. The dosimetry model ExDoM2 was applied to determine the deposited dose of inhalable particulate matter (PM10) from residential biomass combustion in the human respiratory tract (HRT) of adults and children. The dose was estimated using PM10 exposure concentrations obtained from a field campaign carried out in two households during the operation of an open fireplace and a woodstove. Simultaneously, PM10 levels were monitored outside to investigate the outdoor dose in a rural area strongly impacted by biomass burning emissions. Indoors, the 8-h average PM10 concentrations ranged from 88.3 to 489 μg m−3 and from 69.4 to 122 μg m−3 for the operation of the fireplace and the woodstove, respectively, while outdoor average PM10 concentrations ranged from 17.3 to 94.2 μg m−3. The highest amount of the deposited particles was recorded in the extrathoracic region (68–79%), whereas the deposition was much lower in the tracheobronchial tree (5–6%) and alveolar–interstitial region (16–21%). The total dose received while using the fireplace was more than twofold the one received in the room with a woodstove and more than 10 times higher than in the absence of the source. Overall, indoor doses were higher than the ones received by a subject exposed outdoors, especially at the alveolar–interstitial region. After 24 h of exposure, it was estimated that approximately 35 to 37% of the particles deposited in the HRT were transferred to the gastrointestinal tract, while approximately 2.0–2.5% were absorbed into the blood. The results from exposure and dose of indoor particles gathered in this work suggest that homeowners should be encouraged to upgrade the wood burning technology to reduce the PM levels inside their residences. This study also provides biologically relevant results on the lung deposition of particles from residential biomass burning that can be used as a reference for future research. Presented on: Environmental Science and Pollution Research

This paper presents the prototype design, implementation and testing of a thermoelectric generator unusually applied to the fireplace stoves. The tested low-cost thermoelectric generator can be used as an alternative low source of electricity in areas with limited access to public electricity networks. Moreover, inclusion of a thermoelectric generator in the fireplace stove structure is novelty and interesting accessory in offer for customer. This study focuses on testing and determining the output values of voltage and current of the initial design using the natural and forces air cooling. The results are obtained by developed measuring device for that testing. The low-cost thermoelectric generator provided the power of 1.5 W at temperature difference 94°C using forced air cooling. Thus a thermoelectric generator prototype design is suitable for powering LED lighting and fans or recharging a mobile phone battery.

This article is devoted to the issue of architectural heritage and modern architecture of brick buildings and structures, the development of brick architecture from ancient times to the present. The issues of the evolution of the development of bricks as a building material are highlighted, which makes it possible to translate various architectural ideas into reality. The use of decorative elements on the walls and windows of facades is able to transform the appearance of any building for the better. Columns, keystones, arches, stucco moldings and consoles allow you to focus on the merits of the structure. Also to embody the most incredible ideas of architects. Thanks to new modern technologies for brick production, this building material is extremely popular and is often used by architects to create original forms. The article analyzes the gradual development of the evolution of brick production, provides the characteristics of brick as a building material, considers the types of characteristics, the use of brick, depending on its purpose. The history of the use of brickwork, its place and significance in the architectural styles of different eras are considered and reflected. The use of brickwork in modern architecture and projects of various types: private and public facilities in different climatic conditions and in different areas. The collection and analysis of information in the field of brick production and brickwork was carried out. The author analyzes the characteristic types of decorative brickwork, the advantages and features of its use in the appearance of houses, the functional reasons for its use, the goals achieved by architects when using decorative brickwork. Based on the analysis of architectural projects, as well as trends in the development of materials for their use, a justification for the further use of various types of decorative masonry is carried out. Brick is an ecological, practical, reliable, easy-to-use, durable, strong, beautiful and aesthetic building material., Данная статья посвящена вопросу архитектурного наследия и современной архитектуре кирпичных зданий и сооружений, развития кирпичной архитектуры с древних времен по настоящее время. Освещены вопросы эволюции развития кирпича, как строительного материала, который позволяет воплотить разнообразные архитектурные идеи в реальность. Применение декоративных элементов на стенах и окнах фасадов - способно преобразить внешний вид любого здания к лучшему. Колонны, замковые камни, арки, лепнина и консоли позволяют усилить внимание на достоинствах сооружения. Также воплотить самые невероятные замыслы архитекторов. Благодаря новым современным технологиям производства кирпича, этот строительный материал является чрезвычайно популярным и часто используется архитекторами для создания оригинальных форм. В статье проанализированы постепенное развитие эволюции производства кирпича, предоставленные характеристики кирпича, как строительного материала, рассмотрены виды по признакам, применение кирпича в зависимости от ее назначения. Рассмотрены и отражена история применения кирпичной кладки, ее место и значение в архитектурных стилях разных эпох. Использование кирпичной кладки в современной архитектуре и проектах различных типов: частных и общественных объектах в различных климатических условиях и в разной местности. Проведен сбор и анализ информации в области производства кирпича и кладки кирпича. Проанализированы характерные виды декоративной кирпичной кладки, преимущества и особенности ее применения во внешнем виде домов, функциональные причины применения, цели, достигаемые архитекторами при использовании декоративной кладки. На основе анализа архитектурных проектов, а также тенденций в развитии материалов их применении, проводится обоснование дальнейшего использования различных видов декоративной кладки. Кирпич является экологическим, практичным, надежным, удобным в работе, долговечным, прочным, красивым и эстетичным строительным материалом., Дана стаття присвячена питанню архітектурної спадщини та сучасній архітектурі цегляних будівель та споруд, розвитку цегляної архітектури з давніх часів по теперішний час. Висвітлені питання еволюції розвитку цегли, як будівельного матеріалу, який дозволяє втілити різноманітні архітектурні ідеї у реальність. Застосування декоративних елементів на стінах і вікнах фасадів - здатне перетворити зовнішній вигляд будь-якої будівлі на краще. Колони, замкові камені, арки, ліпнина і консолі дозволяють посилити увагу на достоїнствах споруди. Також втілити самі неймовірні задуми архітекторів. Завдяки новим сучасним технологіям виробництва цегли, цей будівельний матеріал є надзвичайно популярним і часто використовується архітекторами для створення оригінальних форм. У статті проаналізовано поступовий розвиток еволюції виробництва цегли, надані характеристики цегли, як будівельного матеріалу, розглянуто види за ознаками, застосування цегли в залежності від її призначення. Розглянуто і висвітлено історію застосування цегляної кладки, її місце і значення в архітектурних стилях різних епох. Використання цегляної кладки у сучасній архітектурі та проектах різних типів: приватних і громадських об'єктах в різних кліматичних умовах і в різній місцевості. Проведено збір та аналіз інформації в області виробництва цегли і кладки цегли. Проаналізовано характерні види декоративної цегляної кладки, переваги та особливості її застосування в зовнішньому вигляді будинків, функціональні причини застосування, цілі, що досягаються архітекторами при використанні декоративної кладки. На основі аналізу архітектурних проектів, а також тенденцій у розвитку матеріалів їх застосуванні, проводиться обґрунтування подальшого використання різних видів декоративної кладки. Цегла є екологічним, практичним, надійним, зручним в роботі, довговічним, міцним, красивим і естетичним будівельним матеріалом.

The paper presents the results of studies on ashes produced from burning wood biomass in closed wood-fired furnaces, in individual household furnaces (Silesian Province, Poland). Dry sieve analysis and detailed granulometric analysis were performed with the Analysette 22 Micro Tec plus analyser. Content of the basic elements (Al, Si, P, Na, K, Mg, Ca, Fe) and potentially toxic elements (As, Pb, Cd, Zn, Cu, Ni, Cr, Hg) was determined by atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Relative enrichment factors (REFs) were calculated for the elements (Pb, Cd, Zn, Cu, Ni, As, Hg, and Cr), and the emissions (E) of Pb, Cd, Hg, and As to the environment were estimated. The carbon content (40.2%–45.8%), H (3.7%–6.1%), O (46.2%–50.2%), N (0.12%–0.32%), and S (0.11%–0.96%) in wood biomass varies and depends on the wood species and drying period. The content of volatile parts in wood biomass ranges between 69.3 and 81%. Ash content varies between 2.6 and 18.3%. The wood calorific value ranges from 13.6 MJ/kg to 17.4 MJ/kg. Moisture content in the wood biomass ranges from 13.7% (briquette) to 46.7% (fresh birch). Identification of mineral composition and phases yields a high share of calcite, monetite, fairchildite, and quartz in the examined ashes. The combustion of wood biomass in fireplaces results in increased emissions of Pb and Cd to the atmosphere and may be the cause of introducing pollutants to waters and soils during ash storage.

[ES] Cuando se observa la ciudad de Valencia en el mapa en su zona Sur, se observan los diferentes núcleos urbanos que conforman los Poblados del Sur. Todos ellos quedan unidos y relacionados a través de un eje central longitudinal, el Camino Real, que va atravesando dichos núcleos. La Torre es una pedanía de la ciudad de Valencia perteneciente al distrito de los Poblados del Sur, la cual, en cierto modo, actúa como nexo entre Valencia y los poblados, ya que marca el inicio de una secuencia de núcleos urbanos y espacios de interés público. El eje longitudinal se potencia cuando aparecen dotaciones y servicios, provocando un flujo entre núcleos. Por ello, el proyecto analiza estas relaciones entre poblados, las cuales principalmente se producen en la dirección longitudinal. En este eje, el barrio posee dos puntos focales que marcan de alguna forma el inicio y el final del mismo núcleo urbano: por un lado, la Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Gracia marca el inicio del barrio, y por otro lado la torre residencial actúa como punto visual a medida que se va recorriendo la pedanía por este eje. Transversalmente, parece que el Camino Real divida el barrio en dos, por lo que del análisis del proyecto se extrae también la idea de coser el barrio en esta dirección. Atendiendo a esto, aparecen dos puntos clave donde el proyecto se puede ubicar, y es donde entran en tensión las dos direccionalidades principales y los hitos visuales. De esta manera el proyecto queda relacionado tanto longitudinalmente con los Poblados del Sur y el Camino Real como transversalmente con las dos partes del barrio separadas por este eje. Además, al quedar enfrentado a la Iglesia, se remarca esa idea de ¿puerta¿ inicial hacia los poblados, o hacia Valencia. Una vez establecida la zona en la que se actúa, basada en los grandes ejes articuladores a escala territorial, el proyecto se centra en los ejes a una escala más cercana a la edificación propia del barrio. Sin embargo, los volúmenes proyectados seguirán manteniendo esa relación con la escala anterior, ya que se acogen a la dirección del Camino Real y su perpendicular. El proyecto absorbe las demás direcciones gracias a los espacios que se crean a su alrededor, originando tres plazas o zonas públicas de interés para el barrio, vinculando así también el proyecto con el entorno más inmediato de La Torre. Parte de este entorno inmediato corresponde también con la traza de un antiguo camino histórico del barrio, de carácter sinuoso y en contrapunto con la antigua chimenea preexistente, que rompe con la ortogonalidad del proyecto y dota de personalidad a los espacios exteriores. Esta implantación tan clara, ayuda a situar los dos volúmenes que conforman el edificio híbrido, ambos libres de medianeras y manteniendo separación con los edificios existentes. A pesar de ser dos edificios separados, el proyecto se lee como único gracias a los espacios exteriores que articulan, así como a su materialidad, lenguaje arquitectónico y configuración volumétrica. Así pues, el proyecto estará formado por dos edificios: - Uno más gastronómico con el mercado como uso principal, al cual se adosan los usos de cafetería, exposiciones, catas, clases puntuales y actos, etc. - Otro edificio donde el uso principal se puede entender como una mezcla entre cultural y residencial. En la parte del cultural se contempla la zona de prensa o de estar, la zona de biblioteca, zona infantil convertible, sala de actos, etc. En la parte residencial se encuentran las viviendas sociales o de realojo. La hibridación se hace latente cuando al plantear los programas, todos quedan relacionados entre ellos y permiten la fácil circulación de uno a otro, y se potencia cuando, además existen distintos espacios flexibles que permiten distintas distribuciones capaces de albergar diferentes programas. Ejemplos de esto son, entre otros aspectos: el hecho de que la zona de cafetería se encuentre en el v, [EN] When the city of Valencia is observed on the map in its southern zone, the different urban centers that make up the ¿Poblados del Sur¿ are observed. All of them are united and related through a central longitudinal axis, the ¿Camino Real¿, which goes through these nuclei. ¿La Torre¿ is a district of the city of Valencia belonging to the district of the South Towns, which, in a way, acts as a link between Valencia and the towns since it marks the beginning of a sequence of urban centers and spaces of interest. The longitudinal axis is enhanced when facilities and services appear, causing a flow between nuclei. Therefore, the project analyze these relationships between towns, which mainly happen in the longitudinal direction. In this axis, the neighborhood has two focal points that in some way mark the beginning and end of the same urban nucleus: on the one hand, the Church of ¿Nuestra Señora de Gracia¿ marks the beginning of the district, and on the other hand the residential tower acts as a visual point as you go through the district along this axis. Transversally, it seems that the ¿Camino Real¿ divides the district in two, so from the analysis of the project the idea of sewing the neighborhood in this direction is also extracted. Considering this, the project can be located where the two key points appear, and this is where the two main directionalities and the visual milestones come into tension. In this way, the project is related both longitudinally with the ¿Poblados del Sur¿ and the ¿Camino Real¿, and transversely with the two parts of the neighborhood separated by this axis. Furthermore, when confronted with the Church, this idea of an initial ¿door¿ to the towns, or to Valencia, is highlighted. Once the area in which it operates has been established, based on the great articulating axes on a territorial scale, the project focuses on the axes on a scale closer to the building in the neighborhood. However, the projected volumes will maintain that relationship with the previous scale, since they follow the direction of the ¿Camino Real¿ and its perpendicular. The project absorbs the other directions thanks to the spaces that are created around it, creating three squares or public areas of interest to the neighborhood, thus also linking the project with the immediate surroundings of ¿La Torre¿. Part of this immediate environment also corresponds to the trace of an old historic road in the neighborhood, winding in character and in counterpoint to the old pre-existing fireplace, which breaks with the orthogonality of the project and gives the outdoor spaces personality. This clear implantation helps to locate the two volumes that make up the hybrid building, both free from dividing walls and maintaining separation from the existing buildings. Despite being two separate buildings, the project reads as unique thanks to the exterior spaces that they articulate, as well as its materiality, architectural language and volumetric configuration. Thus, the project will consist of two buildings: - A more gastronomic one with the market as the main use, to which are attached the cafeteria uses, exhibitions, tastings, specific classes and events, etc. - Another building where the main use can be understood as a mix between cultural and residential. In the cultural part, the press or lounge area, the library area, convertible children's area, function room, etc. are contemplated. In the residential part there are social housing or rehousing. Hybridization becomes latent when planning the programs, they are all related to each other and allow easy movement from one to the other, and it is enhanced when, in addition, there are different flexible spaces that allow different distributions capable of hosting different programs. Examples of this are, among other aspects: the fact that the cafeteria area is in the volume of the market, but at the same time it maintains a relati

People spend most of their time inside buildings. Therefore, indoor air quality monitoring contributes to improve health and well-being. Several studies focus on the critical impact of particulate matter on residential air quality. In 2016, particulate matter caused 412 thousand premature deaths in 41 European countries. This paper presents the development of an affordable health information system for enhanced living environments. The authors propose a cost-effective, modular, scalable, and easy installation solution for particulate matter monitoring. The system is connected to ThingSpeak. It can be installed in any type of building. It requires only a power source and a Wi-Fi network with internet access. The main contribution of this paper is to present the detailed architecture and testing results. The particulate matter monitoring system was installed for one week in a domestic kitchen with an open fireplace. The results showed impact of the biomass burning on indoor air quality. The mean values per day ranged from: 10.53 to 50.62 μg/m3 for PM1.0, 15.35 to 69.37 μg/m3 for PM2.5, and 20.1 to 90.69 μg/m3 for PM10. The maximum values per hour were registered at 13:00: 72.14 μg/m3 for PM1.0, 99.70 μg/m3 for PM2.5, and 132.13 μg/m3 for PM10. Cost-effective sensors do not have the accuracy level of industrial equipment. Therefore, they should not be used for numerical and in-depth accurate characterization of the environment. Nevertheless, continuous particulate matter monitoring provides consistent data series for analysis of indoor air quality evolution.

In recent years the climate change issue, coupled with the concern of resource depletion, are favouring the blossoming of renewable energy conversion systems. Particularly, the development of new technologies for the combustion of biomass, have drawn a special attention to the possibility of coupling thermoelectric modules with stove-fireplaces. The current thermoelectric generators have many attractive points, such as a solid structure, absence of noise, and no maintenance required, however, due to their very low efficiency (4–8%), they are still economically non-attractive. However, if the modules are applied to a heat source, which otherwise would be wasted, the interest of the solution certainly grows. In this study an exergy analysis of a stove-fireplace coupled with thermo-electric modules is performed, with the aim of identifying the critical issues of the overall system. The obtained exergy efficiency of the whole system resulted to be of 36.2%. A sensitivity analysis on the main parameters affecting the second law efficiency of the system (such as number of cells, dimension of the stove fireplace, heat input ...) is also carried out.

A horncore feature was encountered during excavations at Border Cave, in Member 2 BSL, dated 60–49 ka. The basal half of the horncore lay towards the centre of a combustion feature and was calcined. The tip half lay on a mat of burnt grass bedding towards the edge of the fireplace. It was covered with a black shiny residue, which was also present on nearby stone tools. The feature was jacketed and excavated later under a microscope in the laboratory. Raman spectroscopy identified the residue only as amorphous carbon, indicating the presence of a heated organic substance. Knowing that variation exists in modern and archaeological glue recipes, we wanted to know if the black residue was melted keratin, and if it was, whether it had been used as a substitute for beeswax or latex for hafting. We set out to test the hypothesis by conducting a heating experiment with a modern sheathed horncore. Experimental results showed that keratin does not transform into viable glue when heated. Instead, it reduces immediately to a glassy brittle residue. Our finding strongly supports a scenario of incidental deposition of residue on the archaeological stone tools. Previous combustion experiments have shown that the sediment below a fire can reach 300+ °C through vertical heat transfer. This implies that horn sheaths in archaeological deposits, separated from overlying combustion features by thousands of years, can transform into a black residue that may deposit on nearby stone and bone tools.

Le site du Centre mobilisateur 10, situé au sud-est de l’agglomération de Lannemezan (Hautes-Pyrénées) et autrefois connu sous le nom de l’Arsenal, a fait l’objet en 2016 d’une fouille préventive réalisée par le bureau d’études Éveha, sous la responsabilité de V. Ropiot. D’un point de vue géographique, entre la Bigorre et le Comminges, ce secteur occupe une position d’interface sur un plateau de formation fluvio-glaciaire, qui culmine à 600 m d’altitude en piémont des Pyrénées, et qui constitue une vaste étendue comprenant des landes, des tourbières, des prairies et quelques bois. La fouille, en plus du dégagement complet d’un tumulus circulaire doté d’un enclos de galets, principal objet de cette intervention, a permis la mise au jour de dix structures archéologiques, dont un monument mégalithique de conception singulière, composé d’une dalle monolithe entourée d’une bordure de galets, recouvrant une chambre enfouie au sein d’une vaste fosse oblongue, comportant une entrée frontale comprise également dans l’excavation.Les autres structures sont six foyers à galets chauffés, deux trous de poteaux isolés et une fosse contenant du mobilier du Bronze moyen, pillée ou fortement remaniée mais vraisemblablement de nature cultuelle. Le tout se développe principalement dans la partie centrale de la zone prescrite, autour du tumulus, et vers l’est pour ce qui est des foyers, dont deux ont été aménagés dans sa couronne. Ces vestiges s’échelonnent sur une période comprise entre 3700 et 1400 av. n.è., l’occupation étant centrée sur le Néolithique final. Ils forment un ensemble funéraire monumental jusque-là inédit dans les Hautes-Pyrénées. A rescue excavation at the site of Centre mobilisateur 10, located in the south-east of the Lannemezan agglomeration (Hautes-Pyrénées) and otherwise known as the Arsenal, was carried out in 2016 by the Éveha team, under the leadership of V. Ropiot. From a geographic perspective, this sector, between Bigorre and Comminges, occupies an interface position on a fluvio-glacially formed plateau, culminating at an altitude of 600 m at the foothill of the Pyrenees, and forms a vast expanse of land including heaths, bogs, meadows and some woodland.The excavation completely uncovered a circular tumulus with a pebble enclosure, which was the main aim of the operation. However, it also brought to light ten archaeological structures, including a singular megalithic monument, composed of a monolithic slab surrounded by a pebble border, covering a chamber buried in a vast oblong pit, with a frontal entrance.The other structures consist of six fireplaces with heated pebbles, two isolated post holes and a pit containing middle Bronze Age objects, which were plundered or heavily reworked but appear to be linked to worship rituals. All these structures are located in the central part of the excavated zone, around the tumulus, and towards the east for the hearths, including two developed in the crown of the tumulus. These remains are attributed to a period ranging from 3700 to 1400 BCE, centred around the Final Neolithic 2. They form an unprecedented monumental funerary complex in the High-Pyrenees.

A rescue excavation at the site of Centre mobilisateur 10, located in the south-east of the Lannemezan agglomeration (Hautes-Pyrénées) and otherwise known as the Arsenal, was carried out in 2016 by the Éveha team, under the leadership of V. Ropiot. From a geographic perspective, this sector, between Bigorre and Comminges, occupies an interface position on a fluvio-glacially formed plateau, culminating at an altitude of 600 m at the foothill of the Pyrenees, and forms a vast expanse of land including heaths, bogs, meadows and some woodland.The excavation completely uncovered a circular tumulus with a pebble enclosure, which was the main aim of the operation. However, it also brought to light ten archaeological structures, including a singular megalithic monument, composed of a monolithic slab surrounded by a pebble border, covering a chamber buried in a vast oblong pit, with a frontal entrance.The other structures consist of six fireplaces with heated pebbles, two isolated post holes and a pit containing middle Bronze Age objects, which were plundered or heavily reworked but appear to be linked to worship rituals. All these structures are located in the central part of the excavated zone, around the tumulus, and towards the east for the hearths, including two developed in the crown of the tumulus. These remains are attributed to a period ranging from 3700 to 1400 BCE, centred around the Final Neolithic 2. They form an unprecedented monumental funerary complex in the High-Pyrenees. Le site du Centre mobilisateur 10, situé au sud-est de l’agglomération de Lannemezan (Hautes-Pyrénées) et autrefois connu sous le nom de l’Arsenal, a fait l’objet en 2016 d’une fouille préventive réalisée par le bureau d’études Éveha, sous la responsabilité de V. Ropiot. D’un point de vue géographique, entre la Bigorre et le Comminges, ce secteur occupe une position d’interface sur un plateau de formation fluvio-glaciaire, qui culmine à 600 m d’altitude en piémont des Pyrénées, et qui constitue une vaste étendue comprenant des landes, des tourbières, des prairies et quelques bois. La fouille, en plus du dégagement complet d’un tumulus circulaire doté d’un enclos de galets, principal objet de cette intervention, a permis la mise au jour de dix structures archéologiques, dont un monument mégalithique de conception singulière, composé d’une dalle monolithe entourée d’une bordure de galets, recouvrant une chambre enfouie au sein d’une vaste fosse oblongue, comportant une entrée frontale comprise également dans l’excavation.Les autres structures sont six foyers à galets chauffés, deux trous de poteaux isolés et une fosse contenant du mobilier du Bronze moyen, pillée ou fortement remaniée mais vraisemblablement de nature cultuelle. Le tout se développe principalement dans la partie centrale de la zone prescrite, autour du tumulus, et vers l’est pour ce qui est des foyers, dont deux ont été aménagés dans sa couronne. Ces vestiges s’échelonnent sur une période comprise entre 3700 et 1400 av. n.è., l’occupation étant centrée sur le Néolithique final. Ils forment un ensemble funéraire monumental jusque-là inédit dans les Hautes-Pyrénées.

Er is gebrek aan kennis over het effect van houtkachels en open haarden in woningen op de gezondheid van bewoners. Bekend is dat houtrook schadelijke stoffen bevat. Er zijn nog maar weinig wetenschappelijke onderzoeken uitgevoerd naar de gevolgen van houtstook voor het binnenmilieu en de resultaten daarvan zijn niet eenduidig. Ook ontbreekt daarin informatie over hoe vaak bewoners blootstaan aan houtrook en hoeveel houtrook uit de kachel of open haard in de binnenlucht terechtkomt. Door dit gebrek aan kennis kan geen conclusie worden getrokken in welke mate houtstook in binnenruimten schadelijk is voor de gezondheid van stokers. Dit blijkt uit een literatuuronderzoek van het RIVM naar de mogelijke gevolgen van houtstook in het binnenmilieu. Veel van de gevonden onderzoeken hebben beperkingen, zoals een te kleine onderzoeksgroep of subjectieve informatie over houtstook. Onderzoek uit Nederland ontbreekt. Aanvullend onderzoek is nodig. In meerdere onderzoeken is bekeken of bij mensen die op hout stoken meer schadelijke stoffen in huis aangetroffen worden dan bij niet-stokers. In sommige onderzoeken zijn hogere concentraties gevonden van fijn stof, vluchtige organische stoffen (VOS) en polycyclische aromatische koolwaterstoffen (PAK's) in het binnenmilieu bij stokers dan bij niet-stokers. Op basis van deze onderzoeken is echter niet te zeggen wat deze hogere concentraties betekenen voor de gezondheid. Niet duidelijk is of binnenluchtkwaliteit verbetert wanneer oude kachels worden vervangen door nieuwere typen. Over de invloed van het geven van stookinstructies zijn weinig gegevens bekend. Uit het onderzoek komt naar voren dat luchtzuiveraars in huis de luchtkwaliteit binnenshuis kunnen verbeteren. Het literatuuronderzoek is uitgevoerd in opdracht van het Ministerie van Infrastructuur in Waterstaat (IenW).

Er is gebrek aan kennis over het effect van houtkachels en open haarden in woningen op de gezondheid van bewoners. Bekend is dat houtrook schadelijke stoffen bevat. Er zijn nog maar weinig wetenschappelijke onderzoeken uitgevoerd naar de gevolgen van houtstook voor het binnenmilieu en de resultaten daarvan zijn niet eenduidig. Ook ontbreekt daarin informatie over hoe vaak bewoners blootstaan aan houtrook en hoeveel houtrook uit de kachel of open haard in de binnenlucht terechtkomt. Door dit gebrek aan kennis kan geen conclusie worden getrokken in welke mate houtstook in binnenruimten schadelijk is voor de gezondheid van stokers. Dit blijkt uit een literatuuronderzoek van het RIVM naar de mogelijke gevolgen van houtstook in het binnenmilieu. Veel van de gevonden onderzoeken hebben beperkingen, zoals een te kleine onderzoeksgroep of subjectieve informatie over houtstook. Onderzoek uit Nederland ontbreekt. Aanvullend onderzoek is nodig. In meerdere onderzoeken is bekeken of bij mensen die op hout stoken meer schadelijke stoffen in huis aangetroffen worden dan bij niet-stokers. In sommige onderzoeken zijn hogere concentraties gevonden van fijn stof, vluchtige organische stoffen (VOS) en polycyclische aromatische koolwaterstoffen (PAK's) in het binnenmilieu bij stokers dan bij niet-stokers. Op basis van deze onderzoeken is echter niet te zeggen wat deze hogere concentraties betekenen voor de gezondheid. Niet duidelijk is of binnenluchtkwaliteit verbetert wanneer oude kachels worden vervangen door nieuwere typen. Over de invloed van het geven van stookinstructies zijn weinig gegevens bekend. Uit het onderzoek komt naar voren dat luchtzuiveraars in huis de luchtkwaliteit binnenshuis kunnen verbeteren. Het literatuuronderzoek is uitgevoerd in opdracht van het Ministerie van Infrastructuur in Waterstaat (IenW).

This work proposes a comprehensive approach to modifying the design of wood stoves with a heating power up to 20 kW, including design works, simulations, and experimental research. The work is carried out in two stages. In the first part, a numerical model is proposed of the fireplace insert including fluid flow, the chemical combustion reaction, and heat exchange (FLUENT software is applied to solve the problem). The results of the simulation were compared with the experiment carried out on the test bench. A comparison of the experimental and numerical results was made for the temperature distribution along with the concentration of CO, CO2, and O2. Construction changes were proposed in the second stage, together with numerical simulations whose goal was an increase in the efficiency of the heating devices. The results obtained show that the average temperature in the chimney flue, which has a low value that is a determinant of the higher efficiency of the heating devices, was reduced relative to the initial design of the fireplace intake by 11%−16% in all cases. The retrofit enhanced stable heat release from the wood stove, which increased the efficiency and reduced the harmful components of combustion.

The article is focused on increasing the efficiency of fireplace inserts by means of a device used to preheat the combustion air with a part of the heat from the flue gases. The proposed device is a heat pipe with a closed loop, where its evaporator takes heat from the flue gas in front of the chimney orifice and transfers it via saturated steam to the condenser. This heats the combustion air and thus increases the thermal efficiency of a small heat source.

The application of performance-based fire safety engineering has enabled the conservation of a heritage building in New Zealand. McDougall House is a two-story heritage building which suffered extensive damages during the Canterbury earthquakes in 2010 and 2011. The scope of repair work carried out included the preservation and restoration of the building external facade, the restoration of the ornamental plasterwork ceiling within the Ballroom, the reconstruction of all damaged internal wall linings, the adaptation of the fireplace, and the reconstruction of the damaged chimney. The fire safety design adopted is the Verification Method C/VM2 with As Nearly As is Reasonably Practicable consideration for the heritage fabrics of the building. The combination of quantitative and qualitative analyses, including smoke and egress modelling, assessment of allowable unprotected areas in external wall for horizontal fire spread, and benefit versus sacrifice analysis on the heritage fabrics have demonstrated compliance with the ten design scenarios of C/VM2, retaining the majority of the cultural heritage values, and also improving the level of fire safety of the building.

International audience; A rescue excavation at the site of Centre mobilisateur 10, located in the south-east of the Lannemezan agglomeration (Hautes-Pyrénées) and otherwise known as the Arsenal, was carried out in 2016 by the Éveha team, under the leadership of V. Ropiot. From a geographic perspective, this sector, between Bigorre and Comminges, occupies an interface position on a fluvio-glacially formed plateau, culminating at an altitude of 600 m at the foothill of the Pyrenees, and forms a vast expanse of land including heaths, bogs, meadows and some woodland. The excavation completely uncovered a circular tumulus with a pebble enclosure, which was the main aim of the operation. However, it also brought to light ten archaeological structures, including a singular megalithic monument, composed of a monolithic slab surrounded by a pebble border, covering a chamber buried in a vast oblong pit, with a frontal entrance. The other structures consist of six fireplaces with heated pebbles, two isolated post holes and a pit containing middle Bronze Age objects, which were plundered or heavily reworked but appear to be linked to worship rituals. All these structures are located in the central part of the excavated zone, around the tumulus, and towards the east for the hearths, including two developed in the crown of the tumulus. These remains are attributed to a period ranging from 3700 to 1400 BCE, centred around the Final Neolithic 2. They form an unprecedented monumental funerary complex in the High-Pyrenees.; Le site du Centre mobilisateur 10, situé au sud-est de l’agglomération de Lannemezan (Hautes-Pyrénées) et autrefois connu sous le nom de l’Arsenal, a fait l’objet en 2016 d’une fouille préventive réalisée par le bureau d’études Éveha, sous la responsabilité de V. Ropiot. D’un point de vue géographique, entre la Bigorre et le Comminges, ce secteur occupe une position d’interface sur un plateau de formation fluvio-glaciaire, qui culmine à 600 m d’altitude en piémont des Pyrénées, et qui constitue une vaste étendue comprenant des landes, des tourbières, des prairies et quelques bois. La fouille, en plus du dégagement complet d’un tumulus circulaire doté d’un enclos de galets, principal objet de cette intervention, a permis la mise au jour de dix structures archéologiques, dont un monument mégalithique de conception singulière, composé d’une dalle monolithe entourée d’une bordure de galets, recouvrant une chambre enfouie au sein d’une vaste fosse oblongue, comportant une entrée frontale comprise également dans l’excavation. Les autres structures sont six foyers à galets chauffés, deux trous de poteaux isolés et une fosse contenant du mobilier du Bronze moyen, pillée ou fortement remaniée mais vraisemblablement de nature cultuelle. Le tout se développe principalement dans la partie centrale de la zone prescrite, autour du tumulus, et vers l’est pour ce qui est des foyers, dont deux ont été aménagés dans sa couronne. Ces vestiges s’échelonnent sur une période comprise entre 3700 et 1400 av. n.è., l’occupation étant centrée sur le Néolithique final. Ils forment un ensemble funéraire monumental jusque-là inédit dans les Hautes-Pyrénées.

The main aim of this work is to show what fireplaces looked like in the Middle Ages, and more importantly, what functions they could have performed. In the archaeological literature until now, it has been claimed that they were not kitchen hearths, but could only be used to heat meals. In this paper, I show that this claim is unfounded. A long search for suitable illustrations led to the discovery of a number of unique representations of fireplaces. Thanks to its frequent presentation in medieval painting, significant differences are noticeable in the way of presenting material culture and its details. The analysis presented in this paper made it possible to identify one more important issue concerning fireplaces that has not yet received any comments. So far, it has been emphasized that religious-themed performances are marked by symbolism and show typical scenes in a fairly unified way. Other ways of presentation of religious scenes have not been taken into account. Scenes showing saints in manuscripts present them in more everyday circumstances than in the panel painting. Unfortunately, such images are extremely rare, here I present one of the more interesting scenes at the fireplace – the Holy Family having dinner.

For the last twenty years, various interdisciplinary research programs have been studying human presence in high mountain environments and how the different activities carried out there have impacted on the landscape and transformed it since the Early Holocene. Grazing, hunting, mining, and charcoal-making are the most significant outdoor productive activities that have been detected. At the same time, on a day-to-day basis, there was a daily household firewood management, studied here, which was related to fires for cooking, heat and light, as basic needs to be satisfied in the caves and rock-shelters occupied in this high-mountain territory since Prehistory. This paper presents the anthracological results from three sites located in the Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park (PNAESM) in the Central Pyrenees occupied between the 9th and the 1st millennia cal BCE. In the PNAESM, different types of occupations have been identified in a basic spatial distribution by a hearth and some artefacts associated with past daily life. In the limit between the upper montane and the subalpine zones, at 1,790 m a.s.l., Sardo Cave contains a sequence of seasonal occupations (4600-2500 cal BCE) that used local wood selected according to their needs. In the limit between the subalpine and alpine zones, firewood-gathering would have taken place in the surroundings of the sites from what was available at any moment. However the occupations identified in the rock-shelters of Estany de la Coveta I (7001-3028 cal BCE) at 2,430 m a.s.l. and Obagues de Ratera (8182-540 cal BCE) at 2,323 m a.s.l. seem to be short-term. In the context of the Central and Eastern Pyrenees, this appears to be the general pattern that will be better defined as more anthracological analyses are performed., This paper has been possible thanks to the GAAM (UAB-CSIC) research activity in the framework of different projects financed by the Spanish and the Catalan Government, and to the support of the Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park.

Chinese heated walls represent a traditional space heating technique that is still widely used in vernacular houses in northern China. Such walls efficiently recover gas heat from heating stoves and reduce users' exposures to indoor air pollution. This experimental study proposed a heat recovery system composed of a heated wall and fireplace. Test rooms were set up to evaluate the surface temperature distribution and thermal performance of the heated wall in response to several combustion patterns. The results show that an intermittent combustion heated wall heated only by a stove used for cooking can produce a relatively more comfortable indoor environment without extra energy consumption. In this research, indoor air temperature was increased by 3.3 to 4.0°C over the control room. The temperature distribution of the heated wall's surface was nonuniform, with a temperature range of 116.03°C. It was also found that the combustion pattern had a major impact on the initial and peak temperatures of the wall body's surface during combustion.

В статье впервые предлагается комплексное решение проблемы про- исхождения и семантики осетинского культа надочажной цепи, которая рассматри- вается в рамках мифологического подхода. Ключевую роль приобретает изучение культа в неразрывном единстве цепи с приочажным камнем и отверстием дымохода. В конечном счете удается реконструировать лежащий в его основе индоевропейский архаический миф священного брака между громовержцем и хтоническим персонажем, в результате которого добывается огонь.Также принимается во внимание истори- ческая эволюция этого культа, прошедшего через этап тесного взаимодействия с христианством и его социально-исторические параметры., The article proposes for the fi rst time a comprehensive solution to the problem of the origin and semantics of the Ossetian cult of the fi re-place chain, which is treated in the framework of the mythological approach. The key role is believed to be played by the study of the cult in the inextricable unity of the chain with the fi re-place stone and the opening of the chimney. As a result, it is possible to reconstruct the underlying Indo-European archaic myth of the sacred marriage between the Thunderer and the Chthonic character, that leads to the emergence of fi re. The historical evolution of this cult, which went through a stage of close interaction with Christianity, is also taken into account together with its socialhistorical features., №4 (2019)

An awareness of increasing climate and health problems has driven the development of new functional and affordable soot-oxidation catalysts for stationary sources, such as fireplaces. In this study, Al(OH)3, water glass and acidic aluminium phosphate binder materials were mixed with soot-oxidation catalysts. The effect of the binder on the performance of the Ag/La-Al2O3 catalyst was examined, while the Pt/La-Al2O3 catalyst bound with Al(OH)3 was used as a reference. Soot was oxidised above 340 &deg, C on the Ag/La-Al2O3 catalyst, but at 310 &deg, C with same catalyst bound with Al(OH)3. The addition of water glass decreased the catalytic performance because large silver crystals and agglomeration resulted in a blockage of the support material&rsquo, s pores. Pt/La-Al2O3 bound with Al(OH)3 was ineffective in a fireplace environment. We believe that AgOx is the active form of silver in the catalyst. Hence, Ag/La-Al2O3 was shown to be compatible with the Al(OH)3 binder as an effective catalyst for fireplace soot oxidation.

Presently, both in rural areas and in cities open fireplaces are still present and large quantities of wood are combusted every year. The present study aims to characterize aerosol size distribution, chemical composition and deposition in the human respiratory tract of particles emitted during the combustion of logs of oak in an open fireplace installed in the living room of a typical village house. CO2 and CO levels and aerosol size distribution have been continuously monitored and a PM10 sampler with two types of filters for chemical and microscopic analysis was also installed. The increment, between the operating periods and the indoor background, in the organic carbon and PM10 concentration due to the use of the fireplace is 15.7±0.6 (mean±standard deviation) and 58.5±6.2μgm-3, respectively. The two main polluting processes during the operation of the fireplace are the ignition with the subsequent refueling and the final cleaning of the residual ashes. In both phases mean values around 1800 particles cm-3 with CMD of 0.15μm were measured. However, while PM10 levels of 130±120μgm-3 were estimated for the ignition stage, values of 200±200μgm-3 were obtained during the final cleaning step. Assessment conducted according to ISO standard 7708:1995, demonstrated that a person who stays in a living room when an open fireplace is lit will inhale, on average, 217μgm-3 and 283μgm-3 during the ignition and the refueling stages, respectively. Subsequent refueling proved to be much less polluting. The ashes removal can also be very polluting and dangerous to health if there are hidden small incandescent embers among the ashes (estimated PM10 of 132μgm-3), reaching a CO2 level of 1940ppm and a dangerous level of CO of 132ppm.

Exhaust gases from combustion plants contain complex mixtures of air pollutants, of which many are harmful to human health. From all of these pollutants, particulate matter has the greatest negative effect on health. Small heat sources with biomass combustion are associated with high concentrations of particulate matter. It is crucial to reduce the quantities of solid particles getting into the atmosphere in every region of their formation in order to decrease environmental pollution and to improve the air quality. The main subject of this paper is the optimisation of the geometrical parameters of fireplace with the focus on exhaust gas path. A numerical model of tunnel labyrinth was created in order to investigate the behaviour of PM emitted into the ambient air from combustion process in the small heat sources. The results indicate that the modification of geometrical parameters has an impact on PM concentration in flue gas and on its separation.

The paper focuses on the experience with research of combined building-energy systems such as energy roofs, ground heat storage and active thermal protection. The EB2020 experimental house was largely designed in accordance with the patented ISOMAX system (SK 284 751, author: Dipl.-Ing., Phys. Edmond D. KRECKE), which represents a high potential for the use of renewable energy sources. When designing the experimental house EB2020, we eliminated the problem of this system by designing top heat sources, whose heat sources are exclusively solar and geothermic energy. The investigated building is designed with the following heat sources and energy systems: energy roof, low-temperature gas boiler, fireplace with hot water exchanger, ground heat storage, storage water heat storage with electric reheating, active thermal protection, large-area radiant low-temperature heating / high-temperature cooling, liquid cooling circuit in the ground outside the building, recuperative air handling unit and air ground heat exchanger. In this paper we describe the theoretical procedure for calculating the efficiency of the energy roof, comparison with a classic solar collector, experimental measurements of the energy roof during one season and evaluation of the measured data. The application of an energy roof requires lower investment costs than conventional solar collectors, but experimental measurements have shown that the energy gain and the achieved temperatures of the working substance at the outlet are significantly lower. For higher efficiency energy roof, it is worth considering installing a dark roofing and installing more circuits with a suitable orientation according to cardinal directions. This may be the subject of further research.

This study shows that the availability, construction, shape, size, location and decommissioning of fireplaces are determined by practical requirements and that conversely variations and changes in the construction and location of fireplaces disclose daily practices and long-term circumstances of prehistoric life. It investigates fireplaces in the central Anatolian Neolithic settlements of Boncuklu (8300–7800 cal BC) and Catalhoyuk (levels South L-S, and North G-H, 6700–6000 cal BC) exploring how far fireplaces reflect the emergence of autonomous households during the sedentarizing process. Considering the fireplace mainly under the aspects of symbolic and social significance, highlighting standardisation and continuity misses the insights that a detailed observation of variations can give. This study provides a classification of fireplace-types that can be used for the analysis of fireplaces in other sites. Collating the information on fireplaces for each site chronologically according to stratigraphy reveals that the construction and availability of fireplaces met the needs of a growing or diminishing household, where available resources, light, warmth, ventilation, accessibility, room layout, cooking methods were decisive considerations. Because in Boncuklu fireplaces were frequently located in communally accessible spaces, while in Catalhoyuk fireplaces were mainly used by individual households, this study confirms a trend over the long-term to more autonomous households that relied on their own provision for heating, light, cooking and craft manufacturing in their houses.

A new survey of Scolland’s Hall in Richmond Castle identifies it as an early example of an integrated hall, chamber and garderobe. The hall was entered at one corner and the entrance to the chamber was at the opposite corner, suggesting that it had a low end and high end of the conventional form better known from buildings of the thirteenth century and later. The chamber was relatively small and had a mural fireplace set in the middle of the longer wall. It had a door to a projecting balcony, while a further balcony was provided overlooking the River Swale alongside the undercroft. The building is dated to the 1080s. It is argued that the features which appear to be unusual at Scolland’s Hall – the location of the hall at first-floor level, the organization into a low and high end, the integration of the hall and chamber, and the use of viewing balconies – have parallels in other near-contemporary buildings.

Particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter < 10 μm (PM10) was collected, indoors and outdoors, when wood burning appliances (open fireplace and woodstove) were in operation. The PM10 ecotoxicity was assessed with the Vibrio fischeri bioluminescence inhibition assay, while the cytotoxicity was evaluated by the WST-8 and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release assays using A549 cells. Extracts of PM10-bound polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) were tested for their mutagenicity through the TA98 and TA100 Ames test. The bioluminescent inhibition assay revealed that indoor particles released from the fireplace were the most toxic. Indoors, the reduction in A549 cell metabolic activity was over two times higher for the fireplace in comparison with the woodstove (32 ± 3.2% and 72 ± 7.6% at the highest dose, respectively). Indoor particles from the fireplace were found to induce greater cytotoxicity than the corresponding outdoor samples. Combined WST-8 and LDH results suggest that PM10 exposure induce apoptotic cell death pathway in which the cell membrane integrity is maintained. Indoor and outdoor samples lacked direct and indirect mutagenic activity in any of the tester strains. For indoor-generated PM10, organic carbon and PAH were significantly correlated with cell viability and bioluminescence reduction, suggesting a role of organic compounds in toxicity. published