Home Improvement Research Articles

Thai home improvement retailer customer loyalty: A SEM analysis

Thai home improvement retailer customer loyalty: A SEM analysis

Association between mesothelioma and non-occupational\xa0asbestos exposure: systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundThe risk of mesothelioma has been shown to be associated with exposure to asbestos fibers. Most of the existing literature focuses on occupational exposure; however, non-occupational asbestos exposure has also been identified as an important risk factor.ObjectiveTo estimate the association between mesothelioma and non-occupational asbestos exposure, and evaluate control recruitment and exposure measurement methods.MethodsA systematic literature review was conducted to identify case-control (CC) and cohort studies that examined the association between mesothelioma and non-occupational exposure to asbestos, including neighborhood, domestic, and household exposure. Meta-analysis was performed to estimate a summary relative risk estimate (SRRE) and 95% confidence interval using random-effects models. Subgroup analyses were also conducted by exposure type, gender, region, and fiber type.ResultsTwenty CC and 7 cohort studies were selected. Controls in CC studies were selected from the general population (55%), hospital records (18%), cancer registry (23%) and a combination of population and hospital records (5%). Multiple methods were used to measure neighborhood exposure (e.g., linear distance and direction of residence from an asbestos factory), domestic (e.g., whether living with an asbestos worker) and household exposure (e.g., whether involved in asbestos-containing home improvement projects). Primary meta-analyses suggested a SRRE of mesothelioma of 5.33 (95%CI: 2.53, 11.23) from neighborhood exposure, 4.31 (95%CI, 2.58, 7.20) from domestic exposure, and 2.41 (95%CI, 1.30, 4.48) from household exposure with large I2 statistics ranging from 83–99%.ConclusionsNon-occupational asbestos exposure is significantly associated with an elevated risk of mesothelioma. Funnel plots indicated a potential of publication bias. Some SRREs should be interpreted with cautions because of high between-studies heterogeneity.

Decision-Making on a National Home Improvement Programme in Sweden and Its Effects on the Built Environment, 1984–1993

ABSTRACT Following a period of unprecedented building in the 1960s and 1970s, the national government of Sweden decided on a programme to promote renovations, refurbishments and extension of older buildings. The programme (abbreviated R.O.T.) was introduced in 1984 and consisted of loans and subsidies for the modernisation of houses older than 30 years, as well as information to home owners and builders on the benefits of home improvement. The target was to modernise 425,000 homes during the period 1984–1993. The programme stated that ‘the energy-saving measures must be intensified’ and ‘all out-dated and the main part of all inadequate apartments should be rebuilt to modern apartments, or be demolished’. By relating the processes that formed R.O.T. to theories of decision-making, this study contributes to a better understanding of how housing policies may affect historical values in the built environment. The study reveals a conflict of interest between stakeholders. R.O.T. developed ad hoc as discourses shifted between interests. Initially, it was presented as a solution for unemployment in the building sector and a social improvement for the poor and elderly. It was not until the late 1980s that a discussion turned to the consequences for historical values.

Measurement Properties of the Barthel Index in Geriatric Rehabilitation

ObjectiveThe Barthel index (BI) is a widely used observer-based instrument to measure physical function. Our objective is to assess the structural validity, reliability, and interpretability of the BI in the geriatric rehabilitation setting. DesignTwo studies were performed. First, a prospective cohort study was performed in which the attending nurses completed the BI at admittance and discharge (n = 207). At discharge, patients rated their change in physical function on a 5-point Likert rating scale. To assess the internal structure of the BI, a confirmatory factor analysis was performed. Unidimensionality was defined by comparative fit index and Tucker-Lewis index of >0.95, and root mean square error of approximation of <0.06. To evaluate interpretability, floor/ceiling effects and the minimal important change (MIC) were assessed. Predictive modeling was used to calculate the MIC. The MIC was defined as going home and minimal patient-reported improvement defined as slightly or much improved physical function, which served as anchors to obtain a clinical- and patient-based MIC. A second group of 37 geriatric rehabilitation patients were repeatedly assessed by 2 attending nurses to assess reliability of the BI. The intraclass correlation coefficient, standard error of measurement, and smallest detectable change were calculated. Setting and ParticipantsPatients receiving inpatient geriatric rehabilitation admitted to 11 Dutch nursing homes (n = 244). ResultsConfirmatory factor analysis showed partly acceptable fit of a unidimensional model (comparative fit index 0.96, Tucker-Lewis index 0.95, and root mean square error of approximation 0.12). The clinical-based MIC was 3.1 [95% confidence interval (CI) 2.0–4.2] and the patient-based MIC was 3.6 (95% CI 2.8–4.3). The intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.96 (95% CI 0.93–0.98). The standard error of measurement and smallest detectable change were 1.1 and 3.0 points, respectively. Conclusions/ImplicationsThe structural validity, reliability, and interpretability of the BI are considered sufficient for measuring and interpreting changes in physical function of geriatric rehabilitation patients.

Building a framework to optimize animal models of maternal immune activation: Like your ongoing home improvements, it’s a work in progress

Building a framework to optimize animal models of maternal immune activation: Like your ongoing home improvements, it’s a work in progress

STRATEGI PEMBANGUNAN RUMAH TIDAK LAYAK HUNI DALAM MEMINIMALISIR PERMUKIMAN KUMUH DI KOTA BOGOR

This research is based on time problem which has no certainty. in the House Unfulfilled House program in Bogor City there are still problems in terms of development, implementation that is not in accordance with the appropriate program. The purpose of this research is (1) To know the implementation and Program In Program House Not Eligible Hunidi Bogor City, (2) To know the inhibiting factors in the implementation of Program Housing Incomplete Bogor City, (3) Formulate the strategy of construction of Unfit House in Bogor city. This research uses qualitative method that is research that produce descriptive data in the form of oral or oral words from people and behavior that can be examined. The results of this study indicate that 1) Implementation and procedures in the program RUTILAHU In the city of Bogor, has not run well as in the development stage and community programs that are not evenly distributed and many homes that have not been realized in home improvement. 2) Unfit Housing Program in Bogor City that has not been equitable in terms of development, information and socialization and unfavorable process. 3) The formulation of the results of this study responsiveness in the needs of the people of Bogor City Government research results are sufficient to provide programs that can help the poor, one of which is RUTILAHU program. Keywords: Development Strategy, Inhabitable House, Slum Area.

The impact of home energy efficiency interventions and winter fuel payments on winter- and cold-related mortality and morbidity in England: a natural equipment mixed-methods study

BackgroundEngland, and the UK more generally, has a large burden of winter- and cold-related mortality/morbidity in comparison with nearby countries in continental Europe. Improving the energy efficiency of the housing stock may help to reduce this, as well as being important for climate change and energy security objectives.ObjectivesTo evaluate the impact of home energy efficiency (HEE) interventions on winter- and cold-related mortality/morbidity, including assessing the impact of winter fuel payments (WFPs) and fuel costs.DesignA mixed-methods study – an epidemiological time-series analysis, an analysis of data on HEE interventions, the development and application of modelling methods including a multicriteria decision analysis and an in-depth interview study of householders.SettingEngland, UK.ParticipantsThe population of England. In-depth interviews were conducted with 12 households (2–4 participants each) and 41 individuals in three geographical regions.InterventionsHEE interventions.Main outcome measuresMortality, morbidity and intervention-related changes to the home indoor environment.Data sourcesThe Homes Energy Efficiency Database, mortality and hospital admissions data and weather (temperature) data.ResultsThere has been a progressive decline in cold-related deaths since the mid-1970s. Since the introduction of WFPs, the gradient of association between winter cold and mortality [2.00%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.74% to 2.28%] per degree Celsius fall in temperature is somewhat weaker (i.e. that the population is less vulnerable to cold) than in earlier years (2.37%, 95% CI 0.22% to 2.53%). There is also evidence that years with above-average fuel costs were associated with higher vulnerability to outdoor cold. HEE measures installed in England in 2002–10 have had a relatively modest impact in improving the indoor environment. The gains in winter temperatures (around +0.09 °C on a day with maximum outdoor temperature of 5 °C) are associated with an estimated annual reduction of ≈280 cold-related deaths in England (an eventual maximum annual impact of 4000 life-years gained), but these impacts may be appreciably smaller than those of changes in indoor air quality. Modelling studies indicate the potential importance of the medium- and longer-term impacts that HEE measures have on health, which are not observable in short-term studies. They also suggest that HEE improvements of similar annualised cost to current WFPs would achieve greater improvements in health while reducing (rather than increasing) carbon dioxide emissions. In-depth interviews suggest four distinct householder framings of HEE measures (as home improvement, home maintenance, subsidised public goods and contributions to sustainability), which do not dovetail with current ‘consumerist’ national policy and may have implications for the uptake of HEE measures.LimitationsThe quantification of intervention impacts in this national study is reliant on various indirect/model-based assessments.ConclusionsLarger-scale changes are required to the housing stock in England if the full potential benefits for improving health and for reaching increasingly important climate change mitigation targets are to be realised.Future workStudies based on data linkage at individual dwelling level to examine health impacts. There is a need for empirical assessment of HEE interventions on indoor air quality.FundingThis project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Public Health Research programme and will be published in full inPublic Health Research; Vol. 6, No. 11. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.

Research on building “design platform of home decoration” for small and medium-sized cities—Taking Qinhuangdao city as an example

According to the practical problems of home decoration design industry in Qinhuan gdao, combining the weakness of the domestic real estate industry and the integration of Beijin g, Tianjin and Hebei Province in recent years, the paper puts forward some concrete measure s to improve the design level of home decoration industry in this city. On the basis of this theor y, we can use the Internet technology to build “Qinhuangdao home decoration design platform” and through the research on the platform system settings and promotion strategy, we can fur ther improve the feasibility and applicability of the research results. The ultimate goal is contr ibuting to the vigorous development of the field of home improvement in Beijing, Tianjin an d Hebei.

International Real Estate Review

In this paper, we examine whether Chinese folk customs and taboos have impacts on the home improvement decisions of Taiwanese homeowners. Based on traditional Chinese culture, we choose the Year of the Dragon and Widow Year as indicators of auspicious (fortune) and inauspicious (taboo) periods, respectively. With the use of a Heckman two-stage estimation approach, our empirical results provide evidence that traditional Chinese folk customs and taboos indeed have important roles in decisions on home improvement. We find that the likelihood that a homeowner will make home improvements is significantly reduced in the so-called taboo period. Moreover, we find that expenditures on home improvements increase in the so-called auspicious period, particularly in areas outside the capital city region. In addition to considering the impacts of folk customs on home improvement decisions, this paper contributes to the literature by establishing a theoretical model that reflects the fact that homeowners have dual roles as both consumers and suppliers of housing.

Clinical utility of the In-Home Occupational Performance Evaluation (I-HOPE) for major home modification practice in Australia.

The use of standardised measures in home modification practice is rare, in part due to a lack of suitable tools. One promising outcome measure designed for home modification practice is the In-Home Occupational Performance Evaluation (I-HOPE). This study aimed to investigate the clinical utility of the I-HOPE for major home modification practice in Australia. The I-HOPE was trialled in one major home modification service by five occupational therapists who participated in two focus groups. Feedback using a purposefully developed questionnaire was also collected from 25 adult clients who completed the I-HOPE. Data from the focus groups were thematically analysed, and the questionnaire responses were analysed using template analysis. The analysis revealed four themes: client experience, training and resources, suitability to major home modification practice and improvements and future use. Therapists valued the person-focused nature of the I-HOPE; however, there were some clinical utility issues identified including confusion of the rating scales for clients, length of time to complete the tool and the need for more training and a clearer instruction manual. It is suggested that the I-HOPE is a person-focused and valuable tool for community occupational therapy practice in the Australian context but may not be suited to specialised major home modification services. An app or online version of the tool for client use, and the availability of training resources which are accessed online would enhance the clinical utility of the tool.

Cancer metastasis versus stem cell homing: Role of platelets.

One of the major obstacles in achieving a successful stem cell therapy is insufficient homing of transplanted cells. To overcome this obstacle, understanding the underlying mechanisms of stem cell homing is of obvious importance. Central to this review is the concept that cancer metastasis can be viewed as a role model to build up a comprehensive concept of stem cell homing. In this novel perspective, the prosurvival choices of the cancerous cells in the bloodstream, their arrest, extravasation, and proliferation at the secondary site can be exploited in favor of targeted stem cell homing. To date, tumor cells have been found to employ a wide variety of strategies to promote metastasis. One of these strategies is through their ability to activate platelets and subsequently activated platelets serve cancer cell survival and metastasis. Accordingly, in the first part of this review the roles of platelets in cancer metastasis as well as stem cell homing are discussed. Next, we provide some lessons learned from cancer metastasis in favor of developing strategies for improvement of stem cell homing with emphasis on the role of platelets. Based on direct or indirect evidence from metastasis, strategies such as manipulation of stem cells to enhance interaction with platelets, preconditioning-pretreatment of stem cells with platelets in vitro, and coinjection of both stem cells and platelets are proposed to improve stem cell homing.

Growing pains or appreciable gains? Latent classes of neighborhood change, and consequences for crime in Southern California neighborhoods

This study explored the dynamic nature of neighborhoods using a relatively novel approach and data source. By using a nonparametric holistic approach of neighborhood change based on latent class analysis (LCA), we have explored how changes in the socio-demographic characteristics of residents, as well as home improvement and refinance activity by residents, are related to changes in neighborhood crime over a decade. Utilizing annual home mortgage loan data in the city of Los Angeles from the years 2000–2010, we 1) conducted principle components factor analyses using measures of residential in-migration and home investment activities; 2) estimated LCA models to identify classes of neighborhoods that shared common patterns of change over the decade; 3) described these 11 classes; 4) estimated change-score regression models to assess the relationship of these classes with changing crime rates. The analyses detected six broad types of neighborhood change: 1) stability; 2) urban investors; 3) higher-income home buyers; 4) in-mover oscillating; 5) oscillating refinance; 6) mixed-trait. The study describes the characteristics of each of these classes, and how they are related to changes in crime rates over the decade.

Assessing the impacts of a peer-to-peer training programme for women in Peru

ABSTRACTThis article reports on research that aimed to assess the economic and social impacts of a peer-to-peer training programme targeted to women in Peru, looking at overall and differentiated impacts according to design features, on a sample of 300 women in participant and non-participant communities. The study found significant positive impacts on women’s time devoted to work outside the house and in their saving propensity, although no significant change on time allocated to domestic activities. It also detected some effects on an index of family cohesion and on home improvements. Finally, there was evidence that some design features influence the magnitude and significance of these impacts.

Understanding the Delusion of Theft.

The elderly with dementing illness often present with psychotic symptoms such as delusions, but the thematic content of delusions in the elderly differs from that of delusions expressed by younger individuals, and can be pathognomonic of early dementia. The aim of this paper is to review the recent literature on the delusion of theft, the most prevalent delusion in the elderly, in order to arrive at a deeper understanding of its sources and to identify successful therapeutic approaches. The literature from 2000 to the present was searched on the Google Scholar database using relevant search terms. Several older classical papers were also referenced. Understanding the origins of the delusion of theft - multiple losses, attempts at attributing such losses to an outside source, attempts at reliving a happier past - helps in devising responses that are comforting to the patient. The distress that often accompanies the delusion of having been robbed can be decreased by nursing home improvements in the handling of personal possessions, by the correction of sensory deficits, and by the provision of activities that distract from loneliness. Attention to stimuli that trigger the delusion helps to limit its occurrence. Medications may help, but can sometimes make matters worse. Understanding that delusional thinking can arise from sensory and cognitive deficits is critical to empathic caregiving and also to the lessening of caregiver burden.

Helping With Meal Preparation and Children's Dietary Intake: A Literature Review.

Most children and adolescents do not meet dietary recommendations that may result in poor diets contributing to obesity. This systematic literature review was conducted to examine associations between helping with meal preparation at home and dietary quality, intake of specific foods, and/or dietary-related perceptions among youth. A search of databases using key terms was conducted for studies meeting criteria. This literature review included 15 studies using a cross-sectional descriptive design, with two studies also including a longitudinal design. Data were self-reported (or parent-reported) using various surveys and/or interviews. Study findings supported positive associations between youth involvement in home meal preparation and improvement in overall dietary quality, increased consumption of fruits and vegetables, greater preference for vegetables, and higher self-efficacy for cooking and choosing healthy foods. Further research is needed to develop efficacious meal preparation interventions involving parents and their children to promote this mealtime behavior with many potential health benefits.

Replacing methylene chloride in paint strippers

In early May, three mothers traveled to Washington, D.C., to urge members of Congress and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to ban the use of methylene chloride in paint and coating removers. Each of the women had a son who died from exposure to methylene chloride in paint-stripping products purchased at home improvement stores. After meeting with the families, EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt said the agency will finalize a rule to limit commercial sales of methylene chloride soon. But what exactly that means and when it will happen is anyone’s guess. If EPA does ban the use of methylene chloride in paint removers, then what alternatives are available to consumers? C&EN visited several home improvement stores to find out and test how well some of the alternatives perform. We also talked with experts about new formulations currently under development. A ban of some uses of methylene chloride-based paint removers is

EPA to ban methylene chloride in paint strippers

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency plans to finalize an Obama-era proposal to ban the use of methylene chloride in consumer and commercial paint strippers. The move, announced on May 10, follows a visit with EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt by families of men whose deaths were linked to methylene chloride in paint-removing products purchased at home improvement stores. EPA proposed the ban in the final days of the Obama administration, but by December 2017, the agency had relegated the rule to its list of “long-term actions,” giving no indication about when the rule would be finalized. EPA now says that it intends to finalize the rule “shortly.” Exposure to methylene chloride, also known as dichloromethane, has been associated with a higher risk of cancer and neurological and liver problems in workers, according to a 2014 assessment conducted by EPA. It also found that consumers who use methylene chloride paint strippers face

A survey of local authorities and Home Improvement Agencies: Identifying the hidden costs of providing a home adaptations service

Introduction The Royal College of Occupational Therapists has launched a campaign to demonstrate that occupational therapists improve lives and save money for health and social care services. Occupational therapists play a major part in supporting older and disabled people to remain in their own homes through the provision of home adaptations. Among other benefits, studies have shown that home adaptations can reduce falls in the home and could therefore help reduce hospital admissions. However, to evidence savings, information on the full costs of supplying and fitting home adaptations are needed. Method Local authorities and Home Improvement Agencies were surveyed in 2014–2015 to obtain the information required to estimate these costs. Time inputs for staff involved in their provision have been collected and staff costs and total costs calculated for 18 commonly fitted adaptations. The process of obtaining publicly funded home adaptations is also discussed. Findings For major adaptations, the total mean cost was £16,647, ranging from £2474 to £36,681. Staffing costs absorbed up to 24% of the total mean cost. The total mean cost for minor adaptations was £451, with average staffing costs forming 76%. Conclusion Staff costs are an important consideration when estimating the costs of providing home adaptations.

Paternal perception of infant sleep risks and safety

BackgroundSudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID) results in 3400 sleep-related deaths yearly in the United States, yet caregivers’ compliance with safe sleep recommendations remains less than optimal. Paternal caregiver’s attitudes toward infant safe sleep messages are largely unaddressed, despite established differences between female and male caregiver perceptions. This study aimed to explore the determinants of safe sleep practices among male caregivers.MethodsFocus groups were conducted in Arkansas with male caregivers of infants ages 2–12 months to discuss infant sleep routines, parental roles, sources for safe sleep information, and messaging suggestions for safe sleep promotion. The Health Belief Model of behavior change framed a moderator guide. Transcript-based analysis was used, and data were managed using HyperRESEARCH (version 2.8.3). The transcribed data were coded to identify significant themes.ResultsTen focus groups were conducted with 46 participants. Inconsistent adherence to safe sleep practices was reported. Participants were more likely to describe safe location (57% of participants) and supine position behaviors (42%) than an uncluttered bed environment (26%). Caregivers acknowledged the importance of recommended safe sleep behavior, but admitted to unsafe practices, such as co-sleeping and unsafe daytime sleep. Lack of perceived risk, comfort, and/or resources, and disagreement among family members about safety practices were identified as barriers. Participants voiced concerns that current advertising portrays males as incompetent caregivers. Suggestions included portraying positive images of fathers and male caregivers acting to promote safety and the incorporation of statistics about the hazards of unsafe sleep to better engage fathers. Potential distribution venues included sporting events, home improvement and/or automotive stores, and social media from trusted sites (e.g. hospitals or medical professionals).ConclusionsMale caregivers demonstrate some knowledge base about infant sleep safety, but are not fully practicing all aspects of safe sleep. Targeted messaging towards male caregivers that includes factual information and statistics along with representing males in a positive light is desired.

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