Household Activities Research Articles

Sound therapy in the treotment of tinnitus

Tinnitus is currently a serious problem of rhinolaryngology, leads to a significant decrease in the quality of human life, limits his ability to household, social and professional activities. It has a high prevalence and occurs in 10-15% of the adult population, while in 1-3% of cases a severe form of the disease is observed. There are more than 60 treatments for ear noise in the world. These include drug therapy; physiotherapeutic effects that allow stimulating various parts of the auditory pathway from the hair cells of the cochlea, the nuclei of the brain stem, the medulla oblongata, the temporal gyri of the cerebral cortex; sound therapy, as well as the use of technical means audio maskers, hearing aids, implants. The aim of this review is to highlight the current state of the issue, to analyze the sound-activating methods of rehabilitation of patients with tinnitus proposed in world practice. Such a variety of techniques is due to the polyethological nature of the factors causing tinnitus and the empirical approach to treatment. A significant arsenal of medications and surgical interventions used to treat pathological auditory sensations often turns out to be far from universal and often ineffective. It should be noted that with an increase in the prescription of subjective tinnitus, the effectiveness of drug therapy decreases and, in turn, the importance of rehabilitation therapies increases. Most modern methods of treating this pathology are based on the principles of neuroplasticity the ability of the central nervous system to structurally and functionally reorganize. Recently, much attention has been paid to non-drug treatment methods, including the method of reeducation (sound therapy).

Innovative Antifungal Photocatalytic Paint for Improving Indoor Environment

Indoor air quality (IAQ) has emerged as a global concern due to the increasing presence of indoor pollutants, which have been shown to negatively impact public health. These pollutants stem from various household activities and the materials used in buildings. Previous studies have explored several methods to improve IAQ, including gas adsorption, ozonation, non-thermal plasma, and photocatalytic oxidation (PCO). However, these methods often have drawbacks, such as generating secondary pollutants or incurring high costs. This study examines the effectiveness of photocatalytic paint, which is activated by visible light, in controlling fungal growth to enhance IAQ. Experimental results showed that when applied to grown fungi, the photocatalytic paint led to a significant reduction in the size of fungal fibers, as observed through scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Furthermore, exposure to the photocatalytic paint reduced the size of fungal hyphae by 37% after 85 h. The paint produced by adding 1 mL photocatalytic paint to 10 mL commercial paint demonstrated high efficiency in fungi removal, i.e., reducing the weight of fungi by approximately 45% within 3 h. These results highlight the potential of photocatalytic paint to significantly inhibit fungal growth, offering a promising solution for improving indoor environments.

Home Economics at Middle Pre-Pottery Neolithic B al-Khayran in West-Central Jordan: Reconstructing Residential Unit Economic and Mobility Behavior through Lithic Analysis

ABSTRACT The shift from foraging to farming economies was deeply intertwined with increasing sedentism and the emergence of house-based corporate units in southwestern Asia, with a number of researchers arguing that in the early Neolithic, households become primary economic units within communities for the first time. In order to understand how this role for households articulated with new subsistence systems, this paper analyzes the knapped stone assemblage from the Middle Pre-Pottery Neolithic B agricultural field house of al-Khayran in the west-central Jordanian Highlands. Results demonstrate that al-Khayran’s residential unit enacted household maintenance activities, intensive cereal production, bidirectional blade reduction, and caching of stone tools in anticipation of repeated temporary occupations at the site. These findings show that the corporate household which occupied al-Khayran enacted novel mobility practices in order to accommodate emergent risks in agricultural economies.

New Evidence for Prehistoric Textile Production and Social Complexity on the Southeastern Tibetan Plateau, Southwestern China

ABSTRACT This paper presents new discoveries of textile tools and fabric remains from the Yanyuan Basin, offering insights into textile production and social complexity on the southeastern Tibetan Plateau from the late 4th to the late 1st millennium b.c. The findings from the Yanyuan Basin, along with those from other parts of the region, indicate that spindle whorls have been used by individuals with diverse cultural traditions and of different social status since the Neolithic period. In the Bronze Age, clay whorls generally came from small and medium burials, likely associated with spinning workers. However, bronze textile tools were commonly found in large burials from the late Bronze Age, during which significant social stratification took place, and they were likely symbols of the wealth and high social status of the occupants. This study proposes that textile production changed from a household activity to a socially organized activity over time.

RURAL PIG FARMERS: A CASE STUDY ON WELL-BEING PERCEPTION IN TEPETLÁN, VERACRUZ, MEXICO

Rural pig farming (Sus domesticus Erxleben) is a major agricultural activity in Veracruz, Mexico. Given the controversies surrounding pig farming, the perception of well-being was studied along with the impact of this activity in Vicente Guerrero, in Tepetlán, Veracruz, Mexico. Twenty-six pig farms were characterized to understand their dynamics and profiles. Then, seven farmers were selected to conduct a case study on the location. A triangulation was carried out with other family members, local authorities, and a former farmer in the community. The segment interviewed was all female, with an average age of 48 years. Pig farming is the second most important economic activity in households and the main source of income for women. Production systems are traditional, with pared floors; 62.9 % are carried out in a space smaller than 1000 m2. On average, each farmer has 21 animals and 53.9 m2 of pigsties, and 96.2 % of farmers do not treat the waste generated by this activity. The interviewees relate well-being to the economy and health. The pig farming business does not currently satisfy the economic needs of the farmers. To generate more income, it is required to decrease the cost of pig feed and raise the sale price. Additionally, this activity affects the well-being of other members of the community.

Evaluating Indoor Air Quality in Residential Environments: A Study of PM2.5 and CO2 Dynamics Using Low-Cost Sensors

Indoor air quality (IAQ) poses a significant public health concern, and exposures to high levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and carbon dioxide (CO2) could have detrimental health impacts. This study focused on assessing the indoor air pollutants in a residential house located in the town of Mission, Hidalgo County, South Texas, USA. The PM2.5 and CO2 were monitored indoors: the kitchen and the bedroom. This investigation also aimed to elucidate the effects of household activities such as cooking and human occupancy on these pollutants. Low-cost sensors (LCSs) from TSI AirAssure™ were used in this study. They were deployed within the breathing zone at approximately 1.5 m above the ground. Calibration of the low-cost sensors against Federal Equivalent Method (FEM) instruments was undertaken using a multiple linear regression method (MLR) model to improve the data accuracy. The indoor PM2.5 levels were significantly influenced by cooking activities, with the peak PM2.5 concentrations reaching up to 118.45 μg/m3. The CO2 levels in the bedroom increased during the occupant’s sleeping period, reaching as high as 1149.73 ppm. The health risk assessment was assessed through toxicity potential (TP) calculations for the PM2.5 concentrations. TP values of 0.21 and 0.20 were obtained in the kitchen and bedroom, respectively. The TP values were below the health hazard threshold (i.e., TP < 1). These low TP values could be attributed to the use of electric stoves and efficient ventilation systems. This research highlights the effectiveness of low-cost sensors for continuous IAQ monitoring and helps promote better awareness of and necessary interventions for salubrious indoor microenvironments.

Rationalization of Energy Expenditure: Household Behavior in Poland

Background: The implementation of the EU climate and energy policy, along with changes in the legal environment, has led to a significant increase in energy prices in Poland. Consequently, energy expenditures are now a larger part of household budgets. These rising energy costs and the evolving legal landscape are compelling households to invest in energy-saving solutions and modify their energy consumption habits. This article aims to identify the activities of households in Poland regarding the rationalization of energy expenditures. It formulates the following research hypothesis: households invest in energy-saving appliances to rationalize energy expenditures and/or change their behaviors to reduce energy consumption. Methods: The paper is based on primary research conducted using an online questionnaire survey on a sample of 331 respondents in Poland in March and April 2023. Results: A classification tree algorithm was used to identify the level of investment activities and behavioral changes made by households to reduce energy expenditures. The authors found that low-income households and people who fear further energy price increases are the first of all to change their behaviors for more energy-efficient ones. Medium- and high-income households take investment measures. They replace household appliances with more energy-efficient ones and install heat pumps and photovoltaic panels. These investments are motivated by responsible consumption, environmental protection, cleanliness, and the ease of use of the appliances.

How workable is a 20-minute city in Australia? Re-examining the challenge of change in spatial labour and job relations

ABSTRACT Most x-minute city studies focus on liveability and neighborhood accessibility to local services, but rarely include primary employment. This paper complements these studies by examining the urban employment structure and transport dynamics of an Australian city under the 20-minute city concept framework. To do this, we develop a comprehensive method to model residents’ job access time using census-based journey to work (JTW) data and detailed household activity and travel survey. Analysing JTW time stepping down to diverse industry and employment categories and transport modes allows new insight into the disparity in residents’ job and housing locations and transport choices at local scales. By evaluating the distribution of working residents, types of employment, and transport performance, this paper examines possible policy responses and challenges of change in expanding the 20-minute planning target for employment. The analysis suggests that housing infill development could support reduced JTW time for residents experiencing longer time for work travels. However, this would require active planning of both land-use mix and dwelling design to meet prevalent household expectations about dwelling size and quality.

Time Unmasked: Illuminating the Hidden Dimensions of Economic Stratification during COVID-19 in the United States

This paper delves into the nuanced impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on time use activities in the United States, particularly examining gender and parental status differences. Drawing on data from the 2018–2022 American Time Use Survey, the study analyzes trends in six distinct time use categories: unpaid care work, leisure, employed activities, personal care, childcare, and household activities. The research sheds light on the evolving dynamics within households during the pandemic, emphasizing the potential implications for economic stratification and societal well-being. The COVID-19 pandemic completely disrupted established time use patterns, forcing a reconsideration of ‘traditional’ gender roles and caregiving responsibilities in certain countries. While early studies hinted at a temporary shift toward more equitable distribution of household activities, particularly childcare, this paper scrutinizes these trends over a more extended period. Despite the short-lived increases in fathers’ involvement in childcare during the pandemic, the study finds that the caregiving burden remained disproportionately on mothers and women. Notably, the analysis reveals persistent gender disparities in unpaid care work, with women and mothers spending a disproportionate amount of time on household activities, housework, and caring for children. This unequal distribution of caregiving responsibilities limits a women’s ability to engage in paid work activities, contributing to economic stratification and constraining their financial resources. While some activities demonstrated slight reductions in gender gaps, the overall picture suggests that the pandemic may not bring about lasting changes in how time is allocated within households.

Residential water choices: Assessing the willingness to adopt alternative water sources by examining risk perceptions and personal norms in Belgium

With escalating freshwater scarcity, transformative shifts in infrastructure, technology, and societal attitudes are essential. This study applies Protection Motivation Theory to explore how perceived water scarcity impacts individuals' willingness to reduce tap water consumption and increase the use of alternative sources in households. An online survey (n = 2623) in Belgium assessed acceptance of tap water, rainwater, and recycled greywater for various household activities. Sequential regression analysis examined the influence of threat appraisal, coping appraisal, personal norms, and socio-demographics on this willingness. The results indicate that willingness to conserve tap water is strongly driven by self-efficacy rather than risk appraisal. Conversely, willingness to use rainwater and recycled greywater depends on perceived future water scarcity, perceived self-efficacy, and personal norms. Perceptions of present water scarcity negatively influenced the willingness to use rainwater and recycled greywater, suggesting a boomerang effect. However, future water scarcity perceptions encourage the use of alternative water sources, providing a nuanced perspective. These findings provide valuable insights into the acceptance of alternative water sources and underline the importance of context-specific approaches, enhancing self-efficacy and personal norms to encourage the adoption of alternative water sources for household activities, ensuring effective freshwater conservation.

Granular insights into occupant behaviours and CO2 emissions in the UK

Addressing global climate change necessitates a deep understanding of the sources of CO2 emissions, particularly at the individual level. While existing research has explored in depth the behavioural awareness of individual/household carbon emissions and its overall impacts, there remain significant research gaps in the understanding of how behavioural adjustments, influenced by individual factors, can be made to achieve carbon emission reductions under the current market mechanisms. This study aims to fill this gap by providing a detailed analysis of the carbon emissions associated with various activities of residents. Utilising the UK Time Use Survey, we applied path analysis and t-statistics to dissect how distinct occupant behaviours and their characteristics impact CO2 emissions. Our findings reveal age is a predominant driving factor in employment, studying, and media consumption, while gender significantly impacts household and care-related activities, and income levels influence emissions from hobbies and transportation. These insights highlight the importance of developing carbon reduction strategies that are developed on an individual behavioural basis to reach behavioural adjustments. Our analysis provides quartile results for different behaviours, aiding policymakers in devising carbon reduction strategies tailored to occupants' emissions profiles. Meanwhile, using scenario analysis, the policy has a carbon reduction potential ranging from 29.59% to 75.36%. Overall, our study offers empirical data and granular insights that can inform targeted interventions and policy formulations aimed at promoting carbon neutrality by focusing on the specific behaviours of individual occupants.

Participation in artisanal diamond mining and food security: A case study of Kasai Oriental in DR Congo

Abstract The high prevalence of food insecurity and malnutrition in Kasai Oriental, Democratic Republic of the Congo, prompted an investigation into the complex relationship between household livelihood activities and food security. Despite many rural households relying on subsistence farming, this alone may not ensure improved food security in Kasai Oriental. Consequently, non-farm sectors like artisanal mining offer a potential solution to address food insecurity among rural households. The aim of this study is to explore the association between engagement in artisanal diamond mining, food insecurity, and children’s nutritional status in Kasai Oriental. The research utilizes household cross-sectional data collected between November and December 2022. Fixed effects and Instrumental variable models were employed to address household heterogeneity and potential endogeneity related to participation in artisanal diamond activities. The regression results reveal a significant relationship between participation in artisanal diamond mining and food security. This implies that participation increases households’ cash, enabling them to access sufficient food and potentially mitigating the risk of falling into food insecurity. However, involvement in artisanal mining has not shown a significant association with children’s malnutrition. These findings call for further research on “hidden hunger.” Policies aiming to encourage and formalize artisanal diamond mining should integrate specific extension services and inform rural households about hidden hunger.

Utilizing an Arduino Uno-Based System with Integrated Sensor Data Fusion and Filtration Techniques for Enhanced Air Quality Monitoring in Residential Spaces

This study presents an air quality monitoring system that employs the Arduino Uno microcontroller. The system is augmented with a moving average filter and data fusion techniques from BME680 and CCS811 sensors, which are designed to process and combine data from these sensors. The system was tested and analyzed empirically across a range of residential environments in order to validate its efficacy. The findings indicated that the typical IAQ level in a bedroom was approximately 20 units. However, this level increased significantly, reaching 140 units, within minutes after the introduction of a 17% perfume spray. In contrast, the use of an aromatic diffuser resulted in a smaller increase in IAQ to 40 units, which returned to normal levels after ventilation. Moreover, the analysis demonstrated that the kitchen and bathroom exhibited inferior air quality in comparison to the bedroom. This was evidenced by elevated VOC and humidity levels, which were observed to be 10–20% higher due to the combined effects of household activities and inadequate ventilation. This study makes a significant contribution to the field of air quality monitoring by proposing a solution that employs sensor technology and data processing methods to enhance the quality of life within residential spaces.

Home environments in an age of precarity

Environment-behavior research prior to the 2000s often portrayed homes as relatively self-contained, insular settings that provided residents refuge from the demands and distractions of the outside world—a kind of safe haven for domestic activities and family life. Residential security was viewed largely in relation to personal assets and the nearby environment, including one's capacity to afford high quality housing, defensible space design of the dwelling, and the absence of nearby threats such as fire and flood hazards, seismic risks, and undesirable land uses like oil drilling sites, landfills, and congested roadways. These proximal sources of residential precarity still play a role in people's lives, but their impacts on people are amplified nowadays by a variety of increasingly pervasive threats situated at societal and global levels such as climate change and extreme weather events, disease pandemics, rampant cybercrime, and growing worries about the spread of nuclear weapons. Also, the modern home has become a polyfunctional hub for both household and non-domestic activities, owing to the infusion of work, educational, and recreational activities into residences via their online connections to the outside world. We offer a social ecological analysis of the changing meanings and functions of home environments in the early 21st Century, and a conception of domestic precarity that highlights its links to broader existential concerns driven by societal and global forces. Future policies and environmental interventions to effectively curb residential precarity will require collaboration among individuals from multiple fields and between diverse organizations and institutions working at municipal, state, national and international levels.

История башенных сооружений: прошлое и настоящее

Purpose: to make an analytical review of the existing literature and systematization by purpose in various eras of existence for tower structures, as well as to highlight the achievements of mankind in the development of steel lattice towers used as supports for radio-electronic equipment over the past 130 years. Methods: the method of analytical review of the evolution of tower structures from the initial stages of the development of society was used with a description of the vectors of development and expediency of the construction of these structures, followed by the conclusion of modern trends, especially aimed at the development of steel tower structures used for the support of radio equipment. Results: various review and analytical studies have been analyzed, which allow us to draw conclusions about the use of structures in the past and identify the global vector of development of tower structures in various cultures; a comprehensive assessment, analysis and formalization of information presented in the form of a concise overview was carried out, in addition, a comprehensive analysis of the development of steel lattice towers in domestic science of the USSR period was carried out, and modern trends in the development of steel lattice towers were reflected. The result of this work is a generalization of world and national research aimed at accumulating knowledge about the origin and vectors of future trends in the development of tower structures. Practical significance: the accumulation and analysis of existing knowledge about the history of the development of tower structures and their purpose in human economic and household activities in various epochs has been carried out. A systematic series of modern trends in the development of steel tower structures used as supports for radio-technical equipment is presented in order to determine the direction of future research.

Determinants of crop insurance participation of farming households in Mekong River Delta, Vietnam in climate change context

Abstract Agricultural insurance has been implemented in many countries around the world to reduce risks for farming households. In Vietnam, agriculture is the most important industry but is heavily affected by natural disasters and climate change. This study aimed at assessing farmers’ awareness of climate change and analyzing factors affecting agricultural insurance participation of farmers in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam. The research applied utility theory to build empirical model. We collected primary data from a survey of 400 farming households in Tra Vinh province. Households were selected stratifiedly in 4 coastal districts and then drawn randomly from household lists of communes. The research results showed that the majority of people were aware of climate change trends locally and its impacts on agricultural production. Logit regression model indicated that there were 8 main factors affecting household’s participation in crop insurance including age, gender, farming experience, education level, access to insurance information, civic organization membership, fund borrowing and household size, of which access to insurance information had strongest impact. The study proposed some specific management implications including (i) raising farmer awareness about agricultural insurance through official information channels such as television, radio, as well as informal information through social networks; (ii) strengthen the role of local civic organizations, especially extension services in disseminating information and supporting insurance purchasing activities for farmer households and; (iii) support farmers in part with insurance fees or allow access to small credit from State programs to enhance the participation of agricultural insurance.

The role of lifestyle physical activity in preventing multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder that affects more than three million people worldwide. Among the environmental, lifestyle, dietary, comorbid, and pharmacological factors investigated as possible modifiable protective or risk factors for MS, physical activity (PA) seems to play a valuable role in its prevention. Currently, there is no comprehensive review article on the preventive effects of PA in MS. This narrative review aimed to evaluate the most recent and extensive pooled analysis and evidence and to explore the influence of lifestyle PA on primary and secondary prevention in MS. Literature articles were searched through several databases, including PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science, from 1985 to March 2024. The review focused on lifestyle PA, defined as the daily accumulation of at least 30 min of self-selected activities. This includes all leisure, occupational, or household activities that are at least moderate to vigorous in intensity and may be planned or unplanned activities that are part of everyday life. The most valuable and representative reports on primary and secondary prevention in MS have been selected. Lifestyle PA, practised at moderate and high intensity, plays a protective role in reducing the risk of developing MS and delaying the onset of disability in persons with MS. Future studies are required to identify specific types of PA that are particularly recommended for patients with MS.

Pelatihan Pengolahan Sampah Menggunakan Maggot untuk Mengurangi Timbulan Sampah Rumah Tangga di Desa Mandiro, Kabupaten Bondowoso

Waste is a global problem in various countries, including Indonesia. Based on SIPSN data (2023), Indonesia has a total waste generation of 34,599,396.49 tons/year, with 51.11% of waste coming from household activities. Mandiro is one of the villages in Bondowoso Regency that still has problems with household waste management. Waste is simply dumped in vacant lots and water bodies that are not supposed to be used as landfills. This triggers environmental pollution that can also have an impact on health. The purpose of this training and mentoring activity is to improve the skills and knowledge of ELANGGHU Environmental Cadres related to waste management with maggots so that ELANGGHU Environmental Cadres can actively participate in reducing household waste in Mandiro Village. In this activity, two methods were used, namely education through providing materials and direct demonstrations to further improve the understanding of ELANGGHU Environmental Cadres. From the results of the pre-test and post-test, it can be seen that there is an increase in the knowledge of ELANGGHU Environmental Cadres regarding waste processing using maggots by up to 100%.

Public Sphere Creates Independence for Coastal Women in Encouraging the Household Economy of Small-Scale Fishermen in Karangsong Village, Indramayu Regency

Marine climate change has resulted in a decline in the economic level of fishermen, especially small-scale fishermen who depend on marine resources to meet their daily needs. In addition, the poverty experienced by fishermen reflects economic vulnerability due to low and unstable incomes, which are caused by fluctuating market prices, a lack of alternative livelihoods, insufficient cooperation and support networks, and the prevalence of illegal fishing practices. By carrying out dialogue in the public sphere effectively, a supportive environment can be created for small-scale fishermen to optimize the potential of the public sphere in improving the family economy through increasing human resource skills. In this framework, coastal women play a vital role in the economic activities of small-scale fishermen's households through alternative economies. This research aims to investigate the role of dialogue in the public sphere to improve the economy of small-scale fishermen in coastal areas and explore the role of women in efforts to improve the family economy. This research uses a qualitative descriptive method with a case study approach. The research results show that dialogue in the public sphere has been recognized as a means of building better understanding between various parties in society, as well as the importance of involving women in family economic decision-making. This research provides implications from the concept of dialogue theory in the public sphere, reflecting the concept of community participation and creating mutual agreement through open communication and the exchange of ideas in formulating solutions to improve the family economy.

Study Quality on Groundwater Consumtion for Households at Economic Development Zone, Saythany District, Vientiane Capital

Water is an important factor for economic-social development, which many countries in the world give importance to the drinking water supply of the people. Drilling underground water to bring water to various activities of households and small business units are many and have a tendency to increase in the future. This study aims to evaluate the quality of underground water by collecting water samples in both seasons at 10 points, 4 of which were analyzed in the field and 12 of which were analyzed in the laboratory. The results of the study found that: in the dry season, the (pH: Potential of Hydrogen Ion) value at points 1, 2, 5-7, 9 and 10 is lower than the standard threshold. (EC: Electrical Conductivity), (TDS: Total Dissolved Solids), Salinity, (TSS: Total Suspended Solids), Turbidity, (NH4-N: Ammonium), (Cl- Chloride), (NO3-N: Nitrate), (As: Arsenic), (Mn: Manganese), (Zn: Zinc), (T-H: Total Hardness as CaCO3), (Fe: Iron) and (F-: Fluoride) all 10 points are within the national environmental standards; (Coliform Bacteria) values ​​at points values ​​at points (2, 4-6 and 8-10) exceed the standard. In the rainy season, the (pH: Potential of Hydrogen Ion) value at point 6 lowers the standard threshold. Salinity, (TSS: Total Suspended Solids), Turbidity, (NH4-N: Ammonium), (NO3-N: Nitrate), (As: Arsenic), (Mn: Manganese), (Zn: Zinc), (Fe: Iron) and (F-: Fluoride) which are within the standard range; In which (Coliform Bacteria) all 10 points and (T-H: Total Hardness as CaCO3), (EC: Electrical Conductivity), (TDS: Total Dissolved Solids), (Cl- Chloride) in the 8th point have high values ​​beyond the national environmental standards.