1
|
MacDonald CR, Choi JE, Hong CC, Repasky EA. Consideration of the importance of measuring thermal discomfort in biomedical research. Trends Mol Med 2023; 29:589-598. [PMID: 37330365 PMCID: PMC10619709 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2023.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Core temperature stability is the result of a dynamically regulated balance of heat loss and gain, which is not reflected by a simple thermometer reading. One way in which these changes manifest is in perceived thermal comfort, 'feeling too cold' or 'feeling too hot', which can activate stress pathways. Unfortunately, there is surprisingly little preclinical research that tracks changes in perceived thermal comfort in response to either disease progression or various treatments. Without measuring this endpoint, there may be missed opportunities to evaluate disease and therapy outcomes in murine models of human disease. Here, we discuss the possibility that changes in thermal comfort in mice could be a useful and physiologically relevant measure of energy trade-offs required under various physiological or pathological conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cameron R MacDonald
- Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA.
| | - Jee Eun Choi
- Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA.
| | - Chi-Chen Hong
- Department of Cancer Prevention and Control, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Repasky
- Department of Immunology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
The Influence of Transient Changes in Indoor and Outdoor Thermal Comfort on the Use of Outdoor Space by Older Adults in the Nursing Home. BUILDINGS 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/buildings12070905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Recently, the requirements regarding the environment of nursing homes are high, because the elderly are a vulnerable group with limited adaptive capacity to respond to transient environmental change. This paper presents a field investigation on the influence of transient thermal comfort changes between the indoor and outdoor spaces (i.e., air temperature (Ta), solar radiation (SR), relative humidity (RH), wind speed (WS), and the thermal comfort indices of Universal Thermal Index (UTCI)) on the willingness of the elderly to use outdoor spaces of the Wanxia nursing home of Chengdu City. Results indicated that, in summer, the mean UTCI values of indoor and corridor spaces corresponded to the level of moderate heat stress, while those of road and garden corresponded to the strong heat stress level. Road and garden spaces even showed moderate heat stress in spring. Approximately 28.93% (139) of the elderly living here used outdoor spaces every day. The morning period (from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.) was the elderly’s favorited period for using outdoor spaces in seasons. The microclimatic transient differences between indoor and outdoor spaces ranged from 0.47 °C to 2.93 °C (|ΔTa|), from 86.09 W/m2 to 206.76 W/m2 (|ΔSR|), from 5.29% to 14.76% (ΔRH), from 0.01 m/s to 0.07 m/s (|ΔWS|), and from 0.25 °C to 2.25 °C (ΔUTCI). These big microclimate differences could cause enormous health risks for the elderly in the process of indoor and outdoor space conversion. The minimal transient change occurred between corridors and indoors. Pearson correlation analysis indicated ΔTa and ΔRH between indoor and outdoor spaces were the primary meteorological factors that influenced the elderly’s willing to use outdoor spaces. The elderly preferred to live in a constant Ta and RH environment. Only when the ΔTa and ΔRH are small enough to resemble a steady-state (ΔUTCI ≤ 0.5 °C), ΔWS and ΔSI could affect the elderly’s choice of using outdoor space. Optimal design strategies were put forward for reducing the transient differences between indoor and outdoor microclimates to inspire the elderly to use outdoor spaces safely, including improving outdoor canopy coverage and indoor mechanical ventilation.
Collapse
|
3
|
Yun BY, Kang Y, Kim YU, Wi S, Kim S. Practical solutions with PCM for providing thermal stability of temporary house, school and hospital in disaster situations. BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT 2022; 207:108540. [PMID: 34776596 PMCID: PMC8570437 DOI: 10.1016/j.buildenv.2021.108540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/31/2021] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Globally, humanity is at risk from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). To address the shortage of beds in quarantining those infected with COVID-19, hospitals have prepared temporary beds. However, for temporary hospital beds, it is difficult to maintain a comfortable temperature due to lack of insulation and heat storage. Phase change materials (PCMs) are used to provide temperature stability and control for temporary structure. Therefore, this study aimed to conduct experiments that analyze the effect of room temperature stabilization using a PCM. The method of macro packed PCM (MPPCM) was used to apply the PCM to buildings. The MPPCM installation location was selected and the effect of reducing the box temperature was analyzed, according to the strength of the heat source. As a result, a maximum reduction of 4.9 °C in the box temperature was achieved. Therefore, the application of MPPCM to buildings give to stabilize the box temperature. And the result showed the possibility of providing a comfortable indoor space for temporary hospital beds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Beom Yeol Yun
- Department of Architecture and Architectural Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Yujin Kang
- Department of Architecture and Architectural Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Uk Kim
- Department of Architecture and Architectural Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Seunghwan Wi
- Department of Architecture and Architectural Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Sumin Kim
- Department of Architecture and Architectural Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
The Consumption of Renewable Energy Sources (RES) by the European Union Households between 2004 and 2019. ENERGIES 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/en14175560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The paper provides the analysis of fuel and energy transition in households sector and its sustainable development in the period 2004–2019. The main purpose of the paper is to determine the development trends in the use of renewable energy sources (RES) in the EU countries household sector in 2004–2019, to recognize the state of development and functioning of the studied area as well as to indicate their successes and shortcomings in observed reality. The article employs the results of Energy balance sheets from Eurostat. The research entity were households from 28 European Union countries, with particular emphasis on households from Poland and selected neighboring countries. The research subjects there were different sources of renewable energy used by households, i.e., solar thermal system, geothermal technologies, primary solid biofuels, charcoal, biogases, blended biogasoline, blended biodiesels, ambient heat (heat pumps). To achieve the research objective a number of statistical measures ands methods, including cluster analysis and linear trend indicator applied. In the analyzed 16 years, an absolute and relative increase in the use of RES in the household sector was noticed. Taking into account the specificity of using RES in households, 6 clusters of countries were distinguished. In Poland, it was noted that there was a significant increase in the use of RES in households, with stagnation in the use of non-renewable energy sources, such as, for example, hard coal.
Collapse
|
5
|
Jingyi M, Shanshan Z, Wu Y. The Influence of Physical Environmental Factors on Older Adults in Residential Care Facilities in Northeast China. HERD-HEALTH ENVIRONMENTS RESEARCH & DESIGN JOURNAL 2021; 15:131-149. [PMID: 34477011 DOI: 10.1177/19375867211036705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate the aspects of the objective physical environments of five residential care facilities (RCFs) for older adults and the residents' subjective perceptions of these aspects. BACKGROUND The physical environment in RCFs impacts the health and comfort of the residents. However, the design standards for RCFs lack details which can result in insufficient living conditions. METHODS Through questionnaire surveys, older adults' satisfaction on the degree of the light, acoustic, and thermal environment in the facilities was obtained. Indoor lighting condition was measured by an illuminance meter in lux, sound pressure level (SPL) with sound level meters in dBA, and temperature in °C with a temperature data logger, and an audiometer was used to test the hearing of the older adults. RESULTS A total of 480 questionnaires were obtained. Results show that (a) older adults need an appropriate light environment to avoid the negative impact of limited light, (b) poor acoustic environment could affect their mood and health, and (c) when the room temperature is within the range of 20-26 °C (68-78.8 °F), they feel most comfortable. When the appropriate temperature and humidity, balanced illumination, and SPL meet the needs of older adults, it can provide a more comfortable physical environment for them. CONCLUSION Examining the interaction between the physical environmental factors that affect older adults in RCFs is important for the design of residential housing and provides more theoretical support for research on the influence of the physical environment on the quality of life of older adults.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mu Jingyi
- Key Laboratory of Cold Region Urban and Rural Human Settlement Environment Science and Technology, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, School of Architecture, 48722Harbin Institute of Technology, China
- School of Architecture, The University of Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Zhang Shanshan
- Key Laboratory of Cold Region Urban and Rural Human Settlement Environment Science and Technology, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, School of Architecture, 48722Harbin Institute of Technology, China
| | - Yue Wu
- Key Laboratory of Cold Region Urban and Rural Human Settlement Environment Science and Technology, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, School of Architecture, 48722Harbin Institute of Technology, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Backman C, Demery-Varin M, Cho-Young D, Crick M, Squires J. Impact of sensory interventions on the quality of life of long-term care residents: a scoping review. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e042466. [PMID: 33762231 PMCID: PMC7993237 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-042466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE Residents in long-term care exhibit diminishing senses (hearing, sight, taste, smell or touch). The purpose of this study was to examine the available literature on the impact of sensory interventions on the quality of life of residents living in long-term care settings. METHODS We conducted a mixed-methods scoping review using Arksey and O'Malley's framework. Seven databases (Medline (Ovid), PubMed (non-Medline-Ovid), CINAHL (EBSCO), Embase (Ovid), Ageline, PsycINFO (Ovid), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials until 1 December 2020) were searched. Two reviewers independently screened the studies for sensory interventions using a two-step process. Eligible studies underwent data extraction and results were synthesised descriptively. RESULTS We screened 5551 titles and abstracts. A total of 52 articles met our inclusion criteria. Some interventions involved only one sense: hearing (n=3), sight (n=12), smell (n=4) and touch (n=15). Other interventions involved multiple senses (n=18). We grouped the interventions into 16 categories (music programmes, environmental white noise, bright light interventions, visual stimulations, olfactory stimulations, massages, therapeutic touch, tactile stimulations, physical activity plus night-time programmes, pet therapies, various stimuli interventions, Snoezelen rooms, motor and multisensory based strategies, Namaste care, environmental modifications and expressive touch activities). CONCLUSION This preliminary review summarised some of the available sensory interventions that will help inform a series of future systematic reviews on each of the specific interventions. The evidence-based knowledge for sensory interventions will also inform a future audit programme for assessing the presence of sensory interventions in long-term care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chantal Backman
- School of Nursing, University of Ottawa Faculty of Health Sciences, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Care of the Elderly, Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Melissa Demery-Varin
- School of Nursing, University of Ottawa Faculty of Health Sciences, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Danielle Cho-Young
- School of Nursing, University of Ottawa Faculty of Health Sciences, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michelle Crick
- School of Nursing, University of Ottawa Faculty of Health Sciences, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Janet Squires
- School of Nursing, University of Ottawa Faculty of Health Sciences, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Quality of the Indoor Environment in Elderly Care Centers in Two Cities in Central Portugal: Viseu and Covilhã. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16203801. [PMID: 31601042 PMCID: PMC6843510 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16203801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2019] [Revised: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Assessments of Indoor Environment Quality (IEQ) present a very significant challenge when analyses are undertaken mainly in buildings that include a particularly sensitive and vulnerable population, such as elderly people. In order to maintain an indoor environment that is adequate for occupants, it is necessary to comply with a set of requirements (for TVOC, the Portuguese threshold values) regarding concentrations of airborne pollutants and hygrothermal comfort conditions. This paper studies IEQ in compartments in 3 buildings in two cities in central Portugal, Viseu and Covilhã, which hold elderly care centers. The following environmental parameters were continuously recorded: air temperature, relative humidity, concentration of carbon dioxide, formaldehyde, and total volatile organic compounds and ventilation rates. An analysis of the obtained results was performed, taking recommended guidelines and threshold values into account, thus making it possible to evaluate the IEQ conditions and hygrothermal comfort in the selected indoor spaces. On the basis of the conclusions reached and the observed problems of hygrothermal comfort and indoor pollutants in the indoor spaces, a number of recommendations are proposed, specifically in terms of climate control, ventilation, and maintenance, in order to obtain an overall improvement of IEQ.
Collapse
|
8
|
van Hoof J, Bennetts H, Hansen A, Kazak JK, Soebarto V. The Living Environment and Thermal Behaviours of Older South Australians: A Multi-Focus Group Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:E935. [PMID: 30875903 PMCID: PMC6466200 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16060935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2019] [Revised: 03/09/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Ageing brings about physiological changes that affect people's thermal sensitivity and thermoregulation. The majority of older Australians prefer to age in place and modifications to the home environment are often required to accommodate the occupants as they age and possibly become frail. However, modifications to aid thermal comfort are not always considered. Using a qualitative approach this study aims to understand the thermal qualities of the existing living environment of older South Australians, their strategies for keeping cool in hot weather and warm in cold weather and to identify existing problems related to planning and house design, and the use of heating and cooling. Data were gathered via seven focus group sessions with 49 older people living in three climate zones in South Australia. The sessions yielded four main themes, namely 'personal factors', 'feeling', 'knowing' and 'doing'. These themes can be used as a basis to develop information and guidelines for older people in dealing with hot and cold weather.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joost van Hoof
- Faculty of Social Work & Education, The Hague University of Applied Sciences, Johanna Westerdijkplein 75, 2521 EN Den Haag, The Netherlands.
- Department of Spatial Economy, Faculty of Environmental Engineering and Geodesy, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, ul. Grunwaldzka 55, 50-357 Wrocław, Poland.
| | - Helen Bennetts
- School of Architecture and Built Environment, The University of Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia.
| | - Alana Hansen
- School of Public Health, The University of Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia.
| | - Jan K Kazak
- Department of Spatial Economy, Faculty of Environmental Engineering and Geodesy, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, ul. Grunwaldzka 55, 50-357 Wrocław, Poland.
| | - Veronica Soebarto
- School of Architecture and Built Environment, The University of Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Backman C, Crick M, Cho-Young D, Scharf M, Shea B. What is the impact of sensory practices on the quality of life of long-term care residents? A mixed-methods systematic review protocol. Syst Rev 2018; 7:115. [PMID: 30075811 PMCID: PMC6090882 DOI: 10.1186/s13643-018-0783-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2017] [Accepted: 07/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND With age, the acuity of the five senses (i.e., hearing, sight, taste, smell, touch) is reduced. These types of sensory changes can affect day-to-day activities, making it more difficult for individuals to communicate and to interact with the world around them. The five senses allow us to receive information from the environment in the form of sound, light, smell, taste, and touch. As an older person's senses decline, they need more stimulation to be aware of these sensations. In long-term care settings, appropriate sensory practices are needed to address the diminishing senses of older adults. The objective of this mixed-methods systematic review is to examine the relationship between the sensory practices and the quality of life of residents living in long-term care settings and to develop an aggregated synthesis of mixed-methods studies to derive recommendations for policy, practice, and research. METHODS We will conduct a mixed-methods systematic review in accordance with the Cochrane Handbook. A search strategy has been developed with an expert health sciences librarian and peer reviewed using Peer Review for Electronic Search Strategies (PRESS). Seven databases: MEDLINE (Ovid), PubMed (non-MEDLINE-Ovid), CINAHL (EBSCO), Embase (Ovid), Ageline, PsycINFO (Ovid), and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) will be searched for studies that meet the inclusion criteria. Two reviewers will independently screen the results of the literature search using a two-step process. Eligible studies will undergo a quality assessment and data extraction. Disagreements will be resolved through consultation with a third reviewer. We will assess the quality of individual studies using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) will be used to summarize the strength of the quantitative evidence, and the Confidence in the Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative research (CERQual) tool to assess confidence in the qualitative syntheses. DISCUSSION This systematic review will summarize evidence-based knowledge for sensory practices, identify gaps in the literature, and inform an audit program for assessing the presence of sensory practices in the long-term care setting. The results will be relevant to policy makers, decision-makers, clinicians, and residents/families in long-term care settings. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION PROSPERO registration # CRD42017032330 .
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chantal Backman
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, 451, Smyth Road, RGN 3239, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5 Canada
| | - Michelle Crick
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, 451, Smyth Road, RGN 3239, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5 Canada
| | - Danielle Cho-Young
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, 451, Smyth Road, RGN 3239, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5 Canada
| | - Megan Scharf
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, 451, Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON K1J 8M5 Canada
| | - Beverley Shea
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, 501, Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6 Canada
| |
Collapse
|