Comfortable Environment Research Articles

Enhancement of work place comfort through the use of soft landscape

The work environment has been shown to have a great influence on employees’ physical and mental state, as such employers try as much as possible to provide a comfortable working environment. However, recent studies have shown that the work environment is no longer as comfortable as it used to be due to heat gain from the increasing use of hard landscape features and neglect of soft landscape features in the work environment. This has resulted in stress causing both mild and severe health conditions for employees. Thus, this study aims to analyze the use of soft landscape in enhancing users' comfort with the view of reducing stress and health-related issues in the work environment. The paper adopted a mixed method using observation checklists, structured interviews, questionnaires, and case studies. A total of eighteen office complexes were selected to describe the existing situation as related to most office complexes and to also gain insight into the subject matter as already applied to life situations. Structured interviews and questionnaires were also conducted with occupants of the buildings and professionals to hear their perceptions and expectations of their work environment. Results showed that 20 percent of the offices give proper consideration to the use of soft landscapes in the work environment, and 40 percent give inconsiderable attention to soft landscapes while making use of them in small quantities solely for improving the aesthetical value of the building. In comparison, the remaining 40 percent do not consider landscape use as a means of improving comfort in the work environment. Findings also revealed that 80 percent of office buildings give major consideration to parking space using hard landscapes without a proper blend of soft landscapes after building design which hurts occupant comfort. The research concluded that the incorporation of soft landscape elements both within the building using recesses and protrusions and on the building walls through the use of exoskeleton and climbers while incorporating trees, shrubs, flowers, hedges and water around the building can have these required effects on employee’s comfort.

Quality of services in health education nurse-led clinics: an Iranian service providers and service recipients experience

BackgroundPatient education is a vital role of nurses in nurse-led clinics(NLCs). Since 2011, independent NLCs entitled health education Nurse-led clinics(HENLCs) have been established in Iran. In order for this newly developed service to be able to perform perfectly in implementation and evaluation, it should be explained based on one of the quality evaluation models. The objective of the study was to determine the dimension of service quality in HENLCs based on service providers’ and service recipients’ experience.MethodsThis research is a qualitative study of directed content analysis type conducted between May and November 2020. Twenty-nine participants who had rich experiences in the patient education in HENLCs were interviewed in this study. Asarroodi et al.’s (2018) qualitative content analysis method was used for data analysis, and MaxQDA software was used for data management. We used credibility, dependability, and Confirmability to confirm the trustworthiness of the study’s findings.ResultsIn this study service providers including managers, policymakers, decision-makers, nurses, physicians, and service recipients including patients and families participated. Seven generic categories, including (1) a competent and self-motivated nurse educator, (2) an easily accessible and comfortable environment, (3) informational-educational materials and health education equipment, (4) motivational facilities, (5) access to the health education support team, (6) organizational communication supporting the education process, and (7) receiving the patient education fee, constituted the main category of structure. Five generic categories, including (1) assessment and determination of the educational needs of the target group, (2) description of the nurse’s duties, (3) teaching-learning methods, (4) patient referral, and (5) the process of preparing and publishing educational content, constituted the main category of process. One generic category called evaluation constituted the main category of outcome.ConclusionBased on the results of this study, it is suggested to managers to pay attention to the dimensions of the quality model of Donabedian (SPO) in setting up and developing the performance of HENLCs, it is recommended that future quantitative studies based on the categories formed in this study evaluate the observance of the dimensions of structure, process and outcome.

Analisis Penggunaan Media Poster terhadap Minat Belajar Akidah Akhlak Siswa di MAN 1 Pasaman Barat

This research aims to determine the use of poster media in class This research uses a qualitative method with the type of library research, the object of this research is class XI students at MAN 1 West Pasaman and the subject of this research is students' interest in learning. Then data is obtained from observation, interviews and documentation to see existing phenomena. The results of this research show that the use of poster media in the Aqidah Akhlak subject in class XI MAN 1 West Pasaman is very interesting and suitable to use because it really helps students in the learning process. Students have high enthusiasm and enjoyment towards the Aqidah Akhlak lesson so that they have determination and a strong will in carrying out learning activities, students have the desire to succeed, there is encouragement and need in learning, there are hopes and aspirations, there is appreciation in learning, there is interesting activities in learning, creating a comfortable learning environment. So it is proven that the use of poster media in learning can increase students' interest in learning.

Experimental Study on Thermal Environment and Thermal Comfort of Passenger Compartment in Winter with Personal Comfort System

The combined heating method of seat heating and air conditioning (A/C) was applied in the passenger compartment under different experiment conditions, using thermocouples to continuously measure the wall surfaces and air temperatures in the passenger compartment and the passengers’ skin temperatures of 17 segments. Meanwhile, a subjective evaluation questionnaire survey was conducted using a nine-point evaluation scale on the local and overall thermal sensation and thermal comfort of the passengers, and the data from the questionnaire were analyzed with the ANOVA method. The results showed that the use of the heating pad directly affected the changes in human skin temperature, which in turn affected the local and overall thermal sensation and thermal comfort. For the two thermally stimulated segments of the back and under the thighs, the skin temperature of the back was higher than that of the thighs. Using the heating pad resulted in a rapid increase in the mean skin temperature in the early period of the experiment. Thermal sensation of the back and under-thighs shifted rapidly towards the hot zone in the first 10 min, and then settled around +3, with even more significant differences between the groups. Thermal sensations in non-thermally stimulated segments changed in relation to their position on the heating pad, with slower changes in those at the “distal” end of the body, the head and the feet. Continued use of the heating pads at lower ambient temperatures maintained overall thermal comfort at a neutral level in the range of 0–1, whereas at higher ambient temperatures there was a gradual deterioration of local and overall thermal comfort.

General practice nurse perceptions of barriers and facilitators to implementation of best-practice dementia care recommendations—a qualitative interview study

IntroductionWith an aging population and a growing prevalence of people living with dementia, the demand for best-practice dementia care in general practice increases. There is an opportunity to better utilise the nurse role within the primary care team to meet this increasing demand in the provision of care for people living with dementia. However, general practice nurses have limited knowledge in the provision of best-practice care for people living with dementia and their carer(s). A number of best-practice dementia care recommendations contained in the Australian Clinical Practice Guidelines and Principles of Care for People with Dementia have been identified as highly relevant to the role of the general practice nurse.AimsTo explore general practice nurses’ perspectives on published best-practice dementia care recommendations relevant to their role and identify barriers and facilitators to their implementation into clinical practice.MethodsThirteen Australian general practice nurses took part in this qualitative interview study. The research questions for this study were addressed within a paradigmatic framework of social constructionism. Data were transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed.ResultsThere was a high level of agreement between general practice nurses that the recommendations were important, reflected best-practice dementia care and were relevant to their role. However the recommendations were perceived as limited in their usefulness to nurses’ clinical practice due to being too vague and lacking direction. Four main themes were identified describing barriers and facilitators to operationalising best-practice dementia care.: creating a comfortable environment; changing approach to care; optimising the general practice nurse role and working collaboratively. Nine sub-themes were described: physical environment; social environment; complexity of care; care planning for the family; professional role and identity, funding better dementia care, education, networking and resources; different roles, one team; and interagency communication.ConclusionThis study identified several factors that need addressing to support general practice nurses to integrate best-practice dementia care recommendations into daily clinical practice. The development of interventions needs to include strategies to mitigate potential barriers and enhance facilitators that they perceive impact on their delivery of best-practice care for people living with dementia and their carer(s). The knowledge gained in this study could be used to develop multi-faceted interventions informed by theoretical implementation change models to enable the general practice nurse to operationalise best-practice dementia care recommendations.

A decentralized federated learning based interoperable and heterogeneity aware predictive optimization method for energy and comfort in smart homes environment

A decentralized federated learning based interoperable and heterogeneity aware predictive optimization method for energy and comfort in smart homes environment

An Experimental Study on Differences in Aesthetic Experience According to Thermal Environments

Over an extended period, the art museum prioritized regulating its thermal environment solely for the preservation of artworks, without considering the visitors’ aesthetic experience. However, it is no longer an exception, given the ongoing development of HVAC systems. This research aims to investigate how museums’ thermal environment and the resulting thermal comfort impact visitors' aesthetic experience. The experiment was performed to examine the subjects’ aesthetic experience under three temperature conditions: 18°C, 26°C, and 32°C. Subjects experienced VR museum exhibition, and their physiological responses, heart rates and variability were measured. Psychological responses were gathered through thermal comfort votes, and Aesthetic Experience Questionnaire (AEQ). As a result, the thermal comfort votes were highest in the order of 26°C, 18°C, and 32°C. Aesthetic experience responses, measured by AEQ, were highest at 26°C and lowest at 32°C. This suggests that subjects enhanced aesthetic experiences in a thermally comfortable environment, while high temperature hindered them. Beyond temperature, factors like thermal sensation and comfort were considered influential in aesthetic experiences. Thermal sensation was found to impact aesthetic experiences in a quadratic manner, and thermal comfort had a positive effect on them. Lastly, physiological responses previously associated with aesthetic experiences showed no significant impact in this study. Only thermal sensation demonstrated a significant influence, attributed to thermoregulation responding to thermal environment changes. In other words, when the thermal environment changes, the physiological response can’t reliably indicate aesthetic experiences due to the thermoregulation. This study is significant in proposing unexplored aspects of thermal environments in enhancing aesthetic experiences.

Prescribed Treatment Options for Gag Reflex

The gag reflex represents a crucial protective mechanism preventing the entry of foreign objects into the pharynx, larynx, or trachea. Impairment of this reflex can have adverse effects on an individual's oral health and overall well-being. An abnormal gag reflex can be detrimental and potentially impact social integration and comfort in social environments. Avoidance of treatment due to an exaggerated gag reflex in patients may lead to more severe oral and dental health issues. Complications such as intensified aesthetic concerns and halitosis, arising from aggravated oral and dental health problems, can contribute to patients withdrawing from social interactions. Consequently, individuals may find themselves trapped in a vicious cycle. The gag reflex can be triggered by a variety of physical or psychological stimuli. Its causes are multifaceted, encompassing iatrogenic effects, as well as local and systemic disorders, anatomical factors, and psychological factors such as classical and operant conditioning. Symptoms of an excessive gag reflex are not limited to specific age groups and can affect both pediatric and adult patients with varying degrees of severity. Treatment methods range from universally applicable approaches to those requiring specialized training due to the multifactorial nature of the condition. Given the multifactorial nature of the causes of an excessive gag reflex, exploring and implementing diverse therapeutic strategies may be necessary."

Strategi Pemasaran Berbasis Selfie Untuk Meningkatkan Daya Saing UMKM di Kecamatan Pondok Aren Kota Tangsel

This case study investigates the adoption of selfie-based marketing strategies by Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the District Pondok Aren, South Tangerang City. The research primarily focuses on the utilization of selfies as branding tools, the personalization of content through Augmented Reality (AR) technology, and the safeguarding of consumer data security. Contrary to viewing selfies merely as a trend, this study identifies them as a crucial element in establishing a robust brand image. The integration of consumer selfies serves as a key strategy for extending consumer identities into the digital sphere, fostering deeper engagement between consumers and brands and cultivating an ongoing emotional connection. AR technology enhances content personalization, enabling consumers to interact with brands via customized facial filters, thereby making the consumer experience more distinctive and relevant. Consumer data security emerges as a vital aspect, underscored by protective measures and transparency to ensure a safe and comfortable interaction environment. By focusing on innovation and aligning with digital marketing trends, this strategy offers practical guidance for MSMEs in the District Pondok Aren.

Solutions to Detect Air Quality in a Room and Improve It

Abstract: The project focuses on monitoring and improving indoor air quality by implementing an air quality detection system. Poor indoor air quality can have detrimental effects on health and well-being, from breathing difficulties to reduced cognitive function. Therefore, it is necessary to develop methods for effective monitoring and improvement of indoor air quality. In this project, we propose the use of sensors to detect various air pollutants such as particulate matter, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon dioxide (CO2), and humidity levels. Sensor data will be collected and analyzed to assess the current state of air quality. Based on the analysis, appropriate measures will be taken to improve air quality, which may include ventilation modifications, air cleaners or other interventions. The aim of the project is to create a healthier and more comfortable indoor environment for residents by ensuring an optimal level of air quality.

QUALITY OF GOLDEN PAPAYA SOLD IN STREET MARKETS AND SUPERMARKETS IN JOÃO PESSOA - PB

Fruit production is a major sector of Brazilian agribusiness and papaya is one of the main fruits sold in the country. The papaya tree is believed to have originated in Central America. The physical characteristics of papaya vary according to the group and variety. There are several ways of selling the fruit, but the main ones are street markets and supermarkets, which follow the trend of modernization in commerce, with a more comfortable environment for customers and the fruit receiving greater care in packaging, handling, and the way it is presented. The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality characteristics of papayas marketed in two locations in the city of João Pessoa-PB, in order to identify possible differences in quality attributes. A completely randomized experimental design was used, with five treatments: fruit from two street markets and fruit from three supermarkets. The following variables were assessed: total fruit mass (g) and pulp weight (g); diameter (cm), length (cm), and color using the Colorimeter app and the physicochemical variable SS/TA ratio. The data on the variables was subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using the F test up to a 5% probability of error level, and then the Scott-Knoot test was carried out at a 5% significance level. With regard to the variables mass, pulp weight, and fruit diameter, the supermarkets had a higher average than the street markets. For the length variable, there was no statistical difference between the treatments. Golden papayas sold in supermarkets in João Pessoa PB showed superior physical characteristics compared to street markets, especially in terms of fruit mass, pulp weight, and diameter.

Reflections on Accessible Design from the Perspective of the Digital Age

Provide a comfortable and safe environment for the lives of disadvantaged groups and improve their happiness index. Focus on the basic needs and future security of vulnerable groups, establish standards and norms for digital ageing, and improve the adaptation of older groups to technological life. Through the analysis of audience groups, understand the needs of people with disabilities and disadvantaged groups, analyze the six principles of accessibility design digital principles, based on the comprehensive needs of different groups, combined with the actual accessibility digital platform design cases, provide new improvement methods and ideas for the accessibility design of digital platforms, and explore the innovative ideas of accessibility design in digital platforms. Solve the interaction difficulties of digital platform, so that the disadvantaged groups can also enjoy the convenience of digital technology, while realizing their own value. Being grounded also enhances the designer's own value and sense of social responsibility. Paving the way for future developments in accessible design.

Occupant behavioral adjustments and thermal comfort with torso and/or foot warming in two cold indoor environments

Personal warming systems have been shown to improve occupant thermal comfort in cold indoor environments. Currently, there are almost no published comprehensive studies on the examination of occupant behavioral patterns in relation to the use of personal warming systems. Thus, this study presented a human trial study to investigate the effects of torso and foot warming on thermal comfort of young female occupants in two cold indoor environments (15 °C and 17 °C), based on a water warming suit (WWS) and HYB (a WWS combined with heated socks). Besides, occupant behavior adjustments regarding water temperature setpoints for WWS and electrical heating levels for heated socks were thoroughly investigated. WWS and HYB improved occupant thermal comfort at 15 °C and 17 °C, with ≥85.7 % of ‘No Change’ OTPVs (overall thermal preference votes) observed during the last 20 min of exposure. Foot heating can significantly reduce heating demand on the upper torso, both in terms of water setting temperatures and total heating time. HYB exhibited a 25.4 % and 43.3 % shorter total duration with water setting temperatures of ≥40 °C compared to WWS at 15 °C and 17 °C, respectively. Further, occupants have employed a trial-and-error adjustment approach to determine the heating temperature/level that offers optimal thermal comfort in the cold. Lastly, the use of two PWS combinations has the potential to reduce energy consumption for indoor heating by 62.9 %, 32.1 %, and 53.7 % in cities such as San Francisco, Phoenix, and Minneapolis (baseline heating setpoint: 21.5 °C).

Research on Optimization of University Classroom Lighting Environment Based on Computer Simulation

In order to improve the comfort of classroom users and improve the lighting environment of university classrooms, this paper puts forward different optimization schemes based on computer simulation. Dialux, a lighting environment design software, is used to numerically simulate the lighting environment of university classrooms. The classroom lighting scheme is optimized and different solutions are proposed. Through computer simulation, the effect of lighting is compared and analyzed, in order to find the most beneficial scheme for students’ mental health, which provides the basis for intelligent control of classroom lighting. The results show that the average illuminance decreases with the increase of suspension height, and the illuminance uniformity increases first and then decreases with the increase of suspension height. The solution of adjusting the projection direction and surface reflectivity of lamps is not suitable, and upgrading the type of lamps can solve the lighting environment problems and control glare. Increasing the number of lamps and adjusting the arrangement of lamps can improve the lighting environment, increase the average value but reduce the uniformity, but lead to a significant increase in energy consumption. Intelligent control based on computer simulation can solve the coordination problem of energy consumption and lighting effect. Through comparative analysis of the effects of different schemes on the classroom lighting environment in colleges and universities based on computer simulation, this paper provides data support for the selection of improved schemes, which is conducive to the selection of more suitable intelligent lighting control schemes, to ensure students’ mental health and work efficiency, and has certain reference significance for creating a healthy and comfortable classroom lighting environment.

Sweat permeable and ultrahigh strength 3D PVDF piezoelectric nanoyarn fabric strain sensor

Commercial wearable piezoelectric sensors possess excellent anti-interference stability due to their electronic packaging. However, this packaging renders them barely breathable and compromises human comfort. To address this issue, we develop a PVDF piezoelectric nanoyarns with an ultrahigh strength of 313.3 MPa, weaving them with different yarns to form three-dimensional piezoelectric fabric (3DPF) sensor using the advanced 3D textile technology. The tensile strength (46.0 MPa) of 3DPF exhibits the highest among the reported flexible piezoelectric sensors. The 3DPF features anti-gravity unidirectional liquid transport that allows sweat to move from the inner layer near to the skin to the outer layer in 4 s, resulting in a comfortable and dry environment for the user. It should be noted that sweating does not weaken the piezoelectric properties of 3DPF, but rather enhances. Additionally, the durability and comfortability of 3DPF are similar to those of the commercial cotton T-shirts. This work provides a strategy for developing comfortable flexible wearable electronic devices.

Urban approach to design in various aspects of design

This article discusses in detail the concept of an urban approach to design in various aspects of design. The design issues associated with the urban lifestyle, as its integral part, urban structure are considered. 10 principles of modern urbanism are considered. The urban approach to design includes consideration of the urban environment as a whole and taking into account its features when creating new objects. One of the important aspects of design in an urban environment is space planning taking into account the principles of urbanism. Many aspects of design take into account the principles of urbanism in full, some partially. Urban environment design and fashion design strive to create a comfortable environment for a person, following an urban approach. Various fields of design, such as urban environment design, graphic and industrial design, as well as fashion design have a common goal - to create functional and aesthetically attractive objects. Designers in all areas must take into account the needs and preferences of users, as well as technical and economic constraints.

Using artificial intelligence to improve poultry productivity – a review

Abstract A recent study investigated the potential applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in poultry farming. One area where AI can be helpful is in the early detection of diseases. By analyzing data from various sources, such as sensor readings and health records, AI algorithms can identify potential disease outbreaks or health risks in flocks, allowing farmers to take timely preventive measures. Another area where AI can be applied is in controlling the environmental conditions of farms. By analyzing data from sensors that monitor temperature, humidity, ventilation, and lighting conditions, AI algorithms can help farmers create a comfortable and healthy environment for birds, improving their growth and reducing their stress. AI can also optimize the management of healthcare supplies for poultry. By analyzing the nutritional requirements of birds and the availability and prices of different ingredients, AI algorithms can help farmers optimize feed formulations, reducing waste and environmental impacts. Finally, the study explored the use of robots in poultry care. Robots can be used for cleaning, feeding, and monitoring individual birds. By automating these tasks, farmers can reduce labor costs and improve the efficiency of their operations. Overall, the study highlights the potential benefits of using AI and robotics in poultry farming, including early disease detection, improved environmental conditions, optimized feed formulations, and increased automation.

Analysis of factors affecting employee productivity

Purpose-Internal and external factors can affect employee productivity. This study examined the relationship between occupational health, safety, and work environment, which is thought to affect employee productivity. Design/Methodology/Approach-The study population focused on the employees of the Semen Merah Putih Branch Company. The research data was collected through questionnaires administered to all employees, totaling 47 respondents. The research data were then processed using SPSS. Findings-Occupational health, safety, and working conditions all had a favorable impact on employee productivity. That is, when workplace support systems and occupational health and safety policies are implemented as effectively as possible, productivity at work will rise, thereby enhancing company performance. Research limitations/implications-Every business actor needs to focus on optimizing occupational health and safety to encourage increased employee productivity. To support this, business actors must also pay attention to other factors, such as creating a comfortable and safe work environment, to maximize efforts to achieve employee productivity. Originality/value-Currently, there is a dearth of research on employee productivity, especially for companies engaged in the industry. Previous studies of employee productivity have examined the internal and external aspects of employees, such as motivation, leadership, and organizational culture.

Impact of chemical composition of soybean oil and vanillin-based photocross-linked polymers on parameters of electrochemical biosensors

Network properties on local free volume and biosensor parameters of polymers based on acrylated epoxidized soybean oil (AESO), a combination of AESO with vanillin dimethacrylate (VDM) in ratio 1:0.25 mol, and its combination with vanillin diacrylate (VDA) with the same molar ratio, used as laccase-holding matrixes for the construction of amperometric biosensors, were tested and compared. The formed polymer matrixes were investigated using Positron Annihilation Lifetime Spectroscopy (PALS) as bulk samples and applying electrochemical methods as sensor films. PALS results showed that the lifetime of the ortho-positronium component and corresponding intensity are almost similar for both polymers, indicating no significant difference from the point of view of their morphology. However, the cyclic voltammetric and chronoamperometric analysis demonstrated significant differences in the bioelecrodes’ operational parameters formed by the AESO:VDM polymer compared to AESO:VDA. The AESO:VDA-based bioelectodes were characterized with a twice higher affinity toward ABTS (KMapp = 0.158 ± 0.022 mM vs. 0.326 ± 0.043 mM). At the same time, their sensitivity was about twice less compared to AESO:VDM-based (902 A·M−1·m−2vs. 1608 A·M−1·m−2), and a start concentration of the linear frame was 7-folds higher (14 μM vs. 2 μM ABTS). It was shown early, that the operational parameters of amperometric biosensors are greatly dependent on morphological characteristics of polymer matrixes (e.g., crosslink density, cavities size, thermal expansion of free-volume hole, etc.). The matrix morphology affects on efficacity of physical diffusion of the substrate to the enzyme, and electroactive product toward the electrode, as well as provides a comfortable environment for the incorporated enzyme. Here, we describe the usage of polymer matrixes with the same morphological properties but different chemical compositions, analyzing the effect of chemical structure on the operational parameters of biosensors. Thus, it was demonstrated that the sensor operational parameters depend not only on the morphological properties of the polymer holding matrixes, providing enzyme fixation and substrate/product diffusion, but also on their chemical composition, which opens a possibility to adapt the biosensor characteristics according to the required needs of analysis.

The impact of three learning methods on dental students' satisfaction and knowledge acquisition.

Health professionals' education presents unique challenges including clinical application of knowledge and interprofessional collaboration. Additionally, institutions suffer from faculty shortages while class sizes increase. Therefore, educators seek innovative andragogical techniques utilizing minimal resources. Several active learning methods have been introduced as a solution. The aim of this study is to assess the impact of lecture (LBL), case (CBL), and team (TBL) based learning on the students' satisfaction and knowledge attainment. A total of 134 sophomore dental students are taught pediatric dentistry course using LBL, CBL, and TBL techniques. At the end of the course, students are invited to participate in a satisfaction survey. Statistical analysis is conducted using a two-sided chi-square goodness of fit test. Students' comments are used for qualitative analysis. Final exam analysis is administered via Examsoft software. A total of 98% of the students participated in the survey out of which 83% met the inclusion criteria (N=110). Students chose LBL as the method that helped them learn in a comprehensive way, provided the most comfortable environment, and presented the overall highest satisfaction with statistically significant difference (p value=0.001). LBL questions scored the highest point biserial and discrimination index. The percentage of correct answers and difficulty level was highest for TBL. Students preferred LBL over the other learning methods. Final exam psychometrics showed favorable results for LBL and TBL. Students could potentially benefit from combining both techniques. However, more research is needed to assess the effectiveness of various teaching methods on the short- and long-term learning outcomes.