Physical Comfort Research Articles

Development of Ballistic Protection Soft Panels According to Regulatory Documents

The development of Ballistic Protection Vests (BPVs) has gained significant attention, particularly focusing on the design of Ballistic Protection Soft Panels (BPSPs), which are crucial to the overall size and configuration of these vests. Despite their critical role, there is a noticeable lack of a standardized design method for surface area patterns of BPSPs in the existing literature. The findings indicate that the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) standard 0101.06 Ballistic Test Templates (BTTs) are only partially applicable to the design of BPSP patterns. While the NIJ standard 0101.06 provides a useful framework, it requires adaptation to meet the specific needs of regional body types and the practicalities of BPV manufacturing. This research aims to address this gap by assessing the suitability of NIJ BTTs for the design of BPSPs and BPVs and to develop a standardized pattern design methodology along with a method for calculating the surface area of the soft amour prior to its creation. Results have to be achieved ready for the production of BPSP patterns tailored to the body types of regional soldiers while adhering to relevant standards and soldier’s physical comfort, thereby saving time and resources for manufacturers and researchers. In this study, we evaluated the applicability of the NIJ standard 0101.06 BTT for configuring these templates into the cutting patterns of BPSPs. To achieve this, patterns for BPSPs were designed and the feasibility of using NIJ BTTs for their configuration was analyzed. The research process involved a comprehensive literature review, an analysis of the dimensions of existing BPV soft panels, and a comparison with NIJ standard 0101.06 BTT. The design and scaling of the panel patterns were executed using computer-aided design (CAD) systems and evaluated through both physical fitting on mannequins and virtual fitting using the Clo3D program. The developed pattern-making methodology includes size specifications tailored to regional covers, incorporating a coefficient K identified to calculate the BPSP surface area prior to design. This approach not only ensures better fitting for the physical comfort and protection of soldiers but also saves time and resources in the manufacturing process of BPSPs. The proposed design methodology offers a significant step forward in standardizing BPSP patterns, promising enhanced protection and efficiency in BPV manufacturing.

Exploring birth experience of mothers, based on comfort theory.

To analyse the phenomenon of "giving birth" on the basis of the lived experiences of women and midwives. The qualitative study was conducted in the delivery room of a mother-friendly hospital in western Turkey from March 1 to December 30, 2019, and comprised primiparous women aged 18-35 years having a spontaneous vaginal birth, and midwives who delivered the babies. Data was collected through indepth interviews that were audiorecorded. Additionally, women's written birth stories and researcher's observation regarding the participants were used. Data was subjected to content analysis using NVIVO 12 Pro software. Of the 28 subjects 15(53.6%) were lay women with mean age 24.2±3.87 years (range: 18-30 years), and 13(46.4%) were midwives with mean age 42.61±4.50 years (range: 37-50 years). The most referred conceptual themes in Kolcaba's Theory of Comfort were "enhanced comfort", "mother-friendly hospital policy", and "midwives' comforting interventions." Under the theme of "Increasing Comfort", women cared about psychological and environmental comfort. Women had the most psychospiritual comfort and environmental comfort as well as physical and sociocultural comfort. Women cared about psychological and environmental comfort that facilitated birth. The mother-friendly hospital policy increased and contributed to the support and comfort provided to women. Kolcaba's Comfort Theory was an appropriate and working theory for birth and midwifery care, indicating that women's comfort should be ensured in the psychospiritual, environmental, physical and sociocultural contexts.

Students' perceptions of well-being

BACKGROUND: In today's society, there is a need to explore strategies for attaining and improving overall well-being. This exploration requires an examination of perceptions of well-being in different social groups. First and second-year students in higher education institutions represent the future social capital of the nation. Understanding the factors that contribute to their sense of well-being is essential, as it can determine their future social interactions and behaviors. AIM: to identify the content of students’ perceptions of well-being. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 258 first- and second-year university students. The main research method was a modified free association technique, where students were asked to provide three associations in the form of verbs, adjectives, and nouns, resulting in a total of nine associations per participant. Data were analyzed using frequency analysis and calculation of ranks. RESULTS: A total of 2322 associations were identified among students. These associations were then organized to form 51 associative groups, which were further combined into 16 semantic groups for meaningful interpretation. The concept of "well-being" was analyzed within a structured semantic space, focusing on emotional and motivational-need characteristics. The semantic space of the concept of “well-being” is structured according to emotional and motivational-need characteristics. The emotional component of well-being encompasses a range of positive emotions with varying degrees of intensity. On the other hand, the motivational-need component primarily addressed needs related to physical comfort, safety, basic life support, and material support. CONCLUSION: In the content of university students’ perceptions about well-being, the emotional sphere holds the most significant position. Students associate well-being with feelings of calm joy, happiness and emotional stability. Additionally, perceptions of well-being are centered around fulfilling basic and material needs.

Influence of Intravenous Magnesium Sulfate Infusion on the Subjective Postoperative Quality of Recovery: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

This meta-analysis investigated the effects of intravenous magnesium sulfate on the postoperative recovery quality, as assessed using the Quality of Recovery (QoR) questionnaire, in adult surgical patients. Seven randomized controlled trials involving 622 patients were included. Compared with the placebo, magnesium sulfate significantly improved the global QoR score on postoperative day 1 (standardized mean difference [SMD]: 1.24; 95% confidence interval: 0.70-1.78; p < 0.00001). It also enhanced specific QoR dimensions, with substantial effects on pain (SMD: 1, p < 0.00001) and physical comfort (SMD: 0.85, p < 0.0001), a moderate effect on emotional state (SMD: 0.65, p = 0.002), and small improvements in physical independence (SMD: 0.43, p < 0.00001) and psychological support (SMD: 0.37, p < 0.0001). In addition, magnesium sulfate reduced the intraoperative opioid consumption (SMD: -0.66, p < 0.0001), postoperative pain severity, and the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (risk ratio: 0.48, p = 0.008). The extubation times were unaffected, whereas the post-anesthesia care unit stay was slightly prolonged. These findings highlight the potential of magnesium sulfate as a valuable adjunct for multimodal analgesia and enhanced recovery. Future studies should aim to elucidate the optimal dosing strategies, timing of administration, and specific surgical populations that may derive maximum benefits.

Assessing the multidimensional comfort of earplugs in virtual industrial noise environments

Earplugs’ comfort is primarily evaluated through cost-effective laboratory evaluations, yet these evaluations often inadequately capture the multidimensional comfort aspects due to design limitations that do not replicate real-world conditions. This paper introduces a novel laboratory method for comprehensive assessment of the multidimensional comfort aspects of earplugs, combining questionnaire-based evaluations and objective perceptual tests within virtual industrial sound environments replicating in-situ noise exposure. Objective perceptual results confirm that the sound environment affect participants’ ability to detect alarms in a noisy environment and comprehend speech-in-noise while wearing earplugs. Subjective questionnaire results reveal that the earplugs family has an effect on the primary attributes of the acoustical, physical and functional comfort’s dimension. Participants reported the physical dimension as the most important factor they take into account when evaluating earplugs’ comfort. The functional dimension was considered the second most important factor by the participants, followed by the psychological dimension, and the acoustical dimension.

Exploring perceptions of inpatient hospital attire in children with cancer.

Attire bolsters identity, self-expression, and comfort. Hospital gowns are known to be distressing in adults. Attitudes of children with cancer toward hospital attire remain uninvestigated and may be a modifiable factor in overall well-being. A 39-item mixed methods survey evaluated perceptions of patient attire in children with cancer. Children aged 7-18years were recruited at an academic medical center. Data analysis included simple statistics and thematic analysis. Forty children with cancer receiving oncologic care participated. Participants' mean age was 12.4 (SD=3.0, range=7-17) years, and 25 (62%) were male. Quantitative data revealed 81% of participants preferred their own attire when admitted to the hospital, feeling more comfortable in such when well (91%) or sick (75%). They did not feel like they "must" wear a gown when admitted (60%) and did not want to be asked about preferred inpatient attire (63%). Thematic analysis revealed that children had strong negative views of gowns and preferred to wear their own attire in the hospital, which provided physical and emotional comfort. Children worried wearing their own clothing could impede their care. Children with cancer prefer wearing their own clothes in the hospital for physical and emotional comfort. They are willing to wear gowns for ease of care; however, they do not want to arbitrate when they need to make that choice. Providers may ease distress by considering a child's own clothes as default hospital attire with instructions for when a gown is necessary for good clinical care.

Field Assessment for Initial Preparation of Net Zero Building Certification for The Universitas Multimedia Nusantara (UMN) Building: A Case Study On Visual Comfort in C and D Tower

Ensuring optimal physical comfort, the need for a comprehensive evaluation of the performance of building systems was established. This investigation endeavors to meticulously scrutinize illuminance and light power density metrics across distinct temporal segments (morning, noon, afternoon, and night), as well as the dynamism of daylighting and artificial lighting presence within Tower C and D of Universitas Multimedia Nusantara (UMN). Noteworthy for their incorporation of double skin façades, these edifices serve as focal points of inquiry. The empirical findings reveal that illuminance levels within classrooms and offices, irrespective of natural or artificial lighting, consistently fall short of the prescribed 350 lux threshold based on SNI across most floor levels. The efficacy of the double skin façade manifests in a discernible attenuation, diminishing illuminance ingress to the building by approximately 50%, and precipitously by up to 90% about window fixtures. Furthermore, the analysis of light power density underscores an energy efficiency quotient hovering around 60%. These empirical insights are intended to serve as a foundational resource for guiding the initiation of Net Zero Healthy Greenship certification endeavors.

1C1-4 Evaluation of physical strain and comfort of outdoor chairs and 360-degree swaying chairs for office work

1C1-4 Evaluation of physical strain and comfort of outdoor chairs and 360-degree swaying chairs for office work

A Correlation Study Of Breast Milk Production Among Indonesia Mother : The Role Of Baby Formula Milk Feeding History 0-6 Months Old

Background: Continuity of breastfeeding can be influenced by social support from other people who interact with the mother so that the mother can feel physical and psychological comfort. The purpose was correlation between history beginning giving formula milk with breast milk production in Soko Tuban and Kendawangan Ketapang. Method: Cross sectional approach, correlational analytical research method . The population was all mother who has baby aged 0-6 months a total of 9 1 respondents , the sample is 74 respondents , the author used a simple random sampling technique. Data analysis using the contingency coefficient test. Result: The results show that the majority or 66.2% of babies aged 0-6 months were given formula milk, and less than half or 33.8% of babies aged 0-6 months were not given formula milk, the majority or 60.8% of mothers' breast milk production was not smoothly, and less than part or 39.2% of the mother's breast milk production was smooth and of the 49 babies who were given formula milk, more than part of 44 people (59.5%) were in the category of non-smooth milk production, while of the 25 babies who were not given formula milk less than half in the smooth breast milk production category as many as 24 people (32.4%). Discussion: From these two variables, after being tested statistically using the Contingency Coefficient test, a significance value = 0.000 &lt; a(0.05) was obtained, which means that H 1 was accepted, so that there was a correlation between the initial history of giving formula milk and the mother's breast milk production with a strong level of correlation 0.639. Conlussion: Researchers advise the public, especially mothers who have babies aged 0-6 months, that families should take the time to search for information. and come to health workers in order to seek information about The importance of exclusive breastfeeding so that families can support breastfeeding mothers in providing exclusive breastfeeding .

Methods, Area Ratio and Plants of Biowall to Induce Atmospheric Comfort: A Review

Biowall is one of the several innovative strategies people use to build a comfortable interior atmosphere with living plants. This research attempts to trace the gaps in the previous analysis as a 'state of the art' with a literature review method by focusing on the biowall method, area ratio and types of plants. Biowall performance is mainly related to the influence of thermal, visual, audial, and respiratory comfort. It is an essential topic used to induce atmospheric interiors, such as temperature, humidity, light intensity, sound insulation and absorption, CO2, HCHO, VOC, and particulate levels. The results showed that the empirical methods used were actual scale-up and down experiments, laboratories in test chambers, simulation with specific software, and case research on in-situ biowall. The comparison between the biowall and room size varied significantly due to the absence of a legal basis and reasons. Ferns and succulents were the most widely used species to induce atmospheric comfort. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct further research on biowall physical comfort based on multisensory simultaneously and determine its standard dimension and digital integration. Subsequent researchers must further discuss home-scale biowall acceleration and utilization of food-medicinal plants.

Inequalities in patients’ experiences with cancer care: the role of economic and health literacy determinants

BackgroundPatients with fewer socioeconomic and health literacy resources are disadvantaged in their access and use of healthcare, which may give rise to worse experiences with care and thus inequalities in patient experiences. However, only a limited number of studies have examined how socioeconomic and health literacy factors shape inequalities in patients’ experiences with cancer care.ObjectiveTo examine whether patients’ experiences with cancer care differ according to their economic status and health literacy.MethodsSecondary analysis of data on 2789 adult patients diagnosed with cancer from the Swiss Cancer Patient Experiences-2 (SCAPE-2) study, a cross-sectional survey conducted in eight hospitals across Switzerland from September 2021 to February 2022. Regression analysis was applied to examine the independent effect of patients’ economic status and health literacy on various outcomes of experiences with cancer care, covering eight different dimensions of patient-centred care, controlling for confounding factors.ResultsAdjusted regression analysis showed that patients with lower economic status reported significantly worse experiences with cancer care in 12 out of 29 specific care experiences, especially in the dimensions of ‘respect for patients’ preferences’ and ‘physical comfort’ where all items of experiences were associated with economic status. Additionally, lower health literacy was associated with worse patient experiences in 23 specific care experiences. All items in the dimensions of ‘respect for patients’ preferences’, ‘physical comfort’ and ‘emotional support’ were associated with health literacy.DiscussionThis study revealed significant inequalities in experiences with cancer care shaped by the economic status and health literacy of patients across different dimensions of patient-centred care. It is essential to address the needs of more disadvantaged patients who face obstacles in their access and use of the healthcare system, not only to mitigate inequalities in cancer care but also to avoid inequalities in health outcomes.

Understanding the Healthcare Needs of Living Kidney Donors Using the Picker Principles of Patient-centered Care: A Scoping Review.

Living kidney donors (LKDs) undertake a complex and multifaceted journey when pursuing donation and have several unmet healthcare needs. A comprehensive understanding of these needs across their entire donation trajectory can help develop a patient-centered care model. We conducted a scoping review to synthesize empirical evidence, published since 2000, on LKDs' experiences with healthcare from when they decided to pursue donation to postdonation care, and what they reported as their care needs. We categorized them according to the 8 Picker principles of patient-centered care. Of the 4514 articles screened, 47 were included. Ample literature highlighted the need for (1) holistic, adaptable, and linguistically appropriate approaches to education and information; (2) systematic, consistent, and proactive coordination and integration of care; and (3) self-management and preparation to optimize perioperative physical comfort. Some literature highlighted the need for (4) better continuity and transition of care postdonation. Two key unmet needs were the lack of (5) a holistic psychosocial evaluation predonation and predischarge to provide emotional support and alleviation of fear and anxiety; and (6) access to specialty and psychosocial services postdonation especially when adverse events occurred. Limited literature explored the principles of (7) respect for patients' values, preferences, and expressed needs; and (8) involvement of family and friends as caregivers. We summarize several unmet healthcare needs of LKDs throughout their donation journey and highlight knowledge gaps. Addressing them can improve their well-being and experiences, and potentially address inequities in living kidney donation and increase living donor kidney transplantation.

The impact of patient experience dimensions on hospitals reputation and electronic word-of-mouth.

Our objective was to identify the dimensions of the patient experience that directly influence a hospital's reputation and indirectly impact electronic word-of-mouth communication carried out by patients. We collected data from 484 hospital users and analyzed the data using PLS-SEM. Our results show that paying attention to patient preferences and physical comfort, providing information and education, and treating patients' families and friends well tend to have a significant impact on the hospital's reputation. In turn, a hospital's reputation may influence patients to perform electronic word-of-mouth about their experiences.

Determination of The Most Livable Subsidized Housing In Karang Joang Village Balikpapan City

Every individual or group essentially wants to have a house that is livable, both in terms of physical and residential environment. when choosing a house, people are also influenced by preference factors related to physical and non-physical comfort and security. In this case, low-income people have very little information regarding references about cheap houses but with good physical and non-physical environmental quality even though the price is cheap. Therefore, this research aims to provide references to the community regarding subsidized housing for low-income communities that have the most livable environment physically and non-physically. This research is using Geographic Information System (GIS) to know the liveable areas and suitable with the location of subsidized housing. The Geographis Information System (GIS) that used in this research is using ArcGis wich is the tools that we used is Buffering and Overlay Analysis. After the analysis the result was carried out, and the result is the high liveable area in Karang Joang Village is 177.43 Ha, then the medium liveable area is 2,098.74 Ha, and the low liveable area is 7,956.19 Ha. And then, it is known that there is only 1 subsidized housing in the medium liveable area, and no subsidized housing in the high liveable area.

Measurement of the local static mechanical pressure of earplugs

Earplugs are used in various critical industrial sectors, such as construction, aviation, military and defense, transportation, and healthcare. However, they present inherent drawbacks, notably discomfort that can lead to inconsistent and incorrect use, thereby leaving a significant proportion of workers vulnerable to irreversible hearing damage, ranging from tinnitus to deafness. This discomfort is closely linked to a physical parameter known as static mechanical pressure (SMP), representing the pressure exerted by earplugs on the earcanal walls. Determining the SMP is crucial for developing earplugs that prioritize comfort. However, experimental studies in this area are scarce and there is no experimental set-up capable of measuring the SMP whether in vivo or ex vivo. The objective of this paper is to fill this gap by presenting a novel experimental system designed to mimic a real earcanal, equipped with an optical probe for precise pressure measurements at various points along the earcanal. This precision-targeted methodology holds the promise of yielding a comprehensive pressure map spanning the entirety of the contact area between the earplug and earcanal, thereby offering unprecedented insights into SMP distribution. To validate our test bench, we conducted experiments using cylindrical rolled-down PVC earplugs inserted into a rigid cylindrical earcanal replica of varying radii. We compared our results with data obtained from a commercially available radial force tester commonly used in investigating stent grafts. Once validation was achieved, we expanded our investigation to measure SMP across various types of earplugs. Additionally, we designed and measured the SMP using roll-down foam earplugs in an artificial earcanal shaped to resemble the human anatomy. Our experimental findings were corroborated with data from finite element method (FEM) numerical calculations. Apart from providing the first comprehensive characterization of the static mechanical pressure exerted by earplugs, our research reveals that with roll-down foam earplugs, increased compression prior to insertion leads to reduced SMP. The versatility of our specially designed test bench allows for mapping SMP caused by earplugs across diverse earcanal shapes. Integration of this instrument into design frameworks holds promise for enhancing the physical comfort of earplugs and, consequently, improving their overall efficacy in hearing protection.

Subjective items to be considered in lipoabdominoplasty procedures under epidural anesthesia to increase their satisfaction

Background: Patient satisfaction is increasingly recognized as a vital indicator of healthcare service quality. It aids in identifying healthcare system shortcomings and improving patient trust. Factors influencing patient satisfaction during anesthesia services have been studied globally, but there is a lack of research in the context of lipoabdominoplasty under combined lumbar spinal-epidural anesthesia (CLSEA). Objective: To evaluates patient satisfaction with lipoabdominoplasty under CLSEA, focusing on various intraoperative factors that may affect satisfaction. Patients and Methods: This prospective observational cross-sectional study included adult patients undergoing lipoabdominoplasty under CLSEA without complications. Patients completed a structured questionnaire assessing satisfaction with intraoperative care. The questionnaire addressed factors related to the information provided, decision-making involvement, physical comfort, emotional support, and respect for patient values. Results: The questionnaire encompassed three types of questions: anesthesia quality, factors causing intraoperative annoyance, and patient-team interaction. The majority of patients found epidural anesthesia favorable. Factors causing moderate annoyance included surgery duration, stress, fixed position, feeling cold, and shivering. Patients reported low annoyance with factors like team discussions, anxiety, surgical light, dizziness, thirst, itching, nausea, vomiting, noise, pain, and dyspnea. Patients generally had a high rate of good reactions toward the surgical team, but less than 50% requested more respect and thorough medication information. Conclusion: This study offers insights into patient satisfaction with lipoabdominoplasty under CLSEA, shedding light on factors affecting their experiences. The findings underline the importance of addressing patient concerns and expectations to enhance overall satisfaction and quality of care.

Midwives’ experiences with PPE during the COVID-19 pandemic: The Birth in the Time of COVID (BITTOC) study

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic resulted in rapid changes aimed at reducing disease transmission in maternity services in Australia. An increase in personal protective equipment (PPE) in the clinical and community setting was a key strategy. There was variation in the type of PPE and when it was to be worn in clincial practice. AimThis paper reports on Australian midwives’ experiences of PPE during the pandemic. MethodsThis sequential mixed methods study was part of the Birth in the Time of COVID-19 (BITTOC 2020) study. Data were obtained from in-depth semi-structured interviews with midwives in 2020 followed by a national survey undertaken at two time points (2020 and 2021). Qualitative open-text survey responses and interview data were analysed using content analysis. Findings16 midwives were interviewed and 687 midwives provided survey responses (2020 n = 477, 2021 n = 210). Whilst midwives largley understood the need for increased PPE, and were mainly happy with this, as it was protective, they reported a number of concerns. These included: inconsistency with PPE type, use, availability, quality, fit and policy; the impact of PPE on the physical and psychological comfort of midwives; and the barriers PPE use placed on communication and woman centred care. This at times resulted in midwives working outside of policy. ConclusionThese findings highlight the need for future comprehensive pandemic preparedness that ensures policy and procedure recommendations are consistent and PPE is available, of approriate quality, and individually fitted in order to ensure that Australian maternity services are well placed to manage future pandemics.

How Essential Oils Affect Children with Congenital Zika Virus Syndrome (CZVS)

Introduction: Within the field of dentistry, essential oils are well-known and extensively researched; eugenol is one of the most used, which until recently characterized the predominant smell of dental offices. Children with congenital Zika virus syndrome (CZVS) have various impairments, and in the dental area, the vast majority exhibit underdevelopment of the stomatognathic system compared to established normality standards. Many use various medications, such as anticonvulsants, muscle relaxants, sedatives, neuroleptics, among others, to control symptoms. These drug interactions can trigger involuntary muscle movements, including bruxism. There are several treatment proposals for teeth grinding and clenching, including appliance therapy, emotional therapies, medication, and also aromatherapy. Material and method: Syndromic and bruxist children were selected through validated questionnaires and clinical examination. A convenience sample of 19 syndromic children from Maceió was divided into two random groups: group 1 received a blend of essential oils, and group 2 received a control oil. They were instructed to apply it topically to the masseter, temples, and cervical area twice a day for two months. Sleep analysis was carried out through a questionnaire with 15 questions plus filling out a sleep chart for three days and collecting saliva in Salivette tubes for cortisol evaluation, with both data sets collected pre and post-use of essential oils. Discussion: Previous studies report that individuals with cognitive difficulties are more prone to bruxism due to spasticity, however, they are not definitive according to other studies. There are other factors such as stress, depression, external environmental stimuli that can influence this condition, in addition to the drug interaction they use to alleviate symptoms such as seizures, drooling, muscle spasms, muscle stiffness, insomnia. The etiology of bruxism is still considered multifactorial, requiring a multidisciplinary clinical team for more effective treatment. The use of essential oils as a stress and insomnia reliever is reported in studies with satisfactory results, being observed in this research. Result: In the finalization phase. Conclusion: Given the above, the proposal was to evaluate the efficacy of using essential oils in syndromic and bruxist children. Although we cannot confirm results yet, there are reports from mothers who evaluated the initiative positively, corroborating in some way the alleviation of symptoms and drug interactions, providing more emotional and physical comfort for those involved. However, more clinical trials are still necessary regarding the safety and efficacy aspects of essential oils.

Effect of Weave and Weft Type on Mechanical and Comfort Properties of Hemp-Linen Fabrics.

In this study the influence of fabric weave (plain, twill, and panama) and weft type (flax and hemp yarns) on selected mechanical and comfort properties of six fabrics was analyzed. The results showed that tear and abrasion properties were most affected by the weave. The tensile properties of the linen fabrics were not significantly different when weft hemp yarns were used instead of flax. Fabrics with the same weave seemed to be equally resilient to abrasion regardless of the type of weft. By contrast, the hemp weft yarns favorized the physical and comfort properties of the investigated fabrics. For the same weave, the hemp-linen fabrics were slightly lighter and exhibited lower bulk density, significantly larger air permeability, and improved moisture management properties. Although the results of maximum thermal flux (Qmax) suggested a cooler sensation of the linen fabrics with panama and twill, the hemp-linen fabric with a plain weave seemed to be the optimal choice when a cool sensation was desired. Higher thermal conductivity values also suggested slightly better heat transfer properties of the hemp-linen fabrics, and these were significantly influenced by the weave type. The results clearly indicated the advantages of using hemp for improving physical and specific comfort properties of linen fabrics.

Exploring the Inclusion of Person-Centered Care Domains in Stroke Transitions of Care Interventions: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association.

Health care teams along the stroke recovery continuum have a responsibility to support care transitions and return to the community. Ideally, individualized care will consider patient and family preferences, best available evidence, and health care professional input. Person-centered care can improve patient-practitioner interactions through shared decision-making in which health professionals and institutions are sensitive to those for whom they provide care. However, it is unclear how the concepts of person-centered care have been described in reports of stroke transitional care interventions. A secondary analysis of a systematic review and meta-analysis was undertaken. We retrieved all included articles (n=17) and evaluated the extent to which each intervention explicitly addressed 7 domains of person-centered care: alignment of care with patients' values, preferences, and needs; coordination of care; information and education; physical comfort; emotional support; family and friend involvement; and smooth transition and continuity of care. Most of the articles included some aspects of person-centeredness; we found that certain domains were not addressed in the descriptions of transitional care interventions, and no articles mentioned all 7 domains of person-centered care. We identified 3 implications for practice and research: (1) delineating person-centered care components when reporting interventions, (2) elucidating social and cultural factors relevant to the study sample and intervention, and (3) clearly describing the role of family and nonmedical support in the intervention. There is still room for greater consistency in the reporting of person-centeredness in stroke transitions of care interventions, despite a long-standing definition and conceptualization of person-centered care in academic and clinically focused literature.