Touch Contact Research Articles

Fingertip light touch contact increases anteroposterior limits of stability in healthy young and older adults

BackgroundThe limit of stability (LoS), an index of stance balance ability, is reduced in older adults. Although contacting an earth-fixed external surface through fingertips’ light touch improves older adults’ stance balance control, its effects on the LoS in this population are unclear. Research questionDoes light touch increase the LoS and reduce postural sway in the LoS? MethodsThis study included 20 young adults (11 women and 9 men, mean age = 20.6 years) and 15 community-dwelling older adults (8 women and 7 men, mean age = 74.5 years). The position and path length of the center of pressure (CoP) during quiet standing (QS) and the anterior and posterior LoS (A-LoS and P-LoS, respectively) were measured using a force platform under two touch conditions (no-touch condition and light-touch condition). In light-touch condition, participants placed the tip of their dominant index finger on a load cell, which had an applied force of <1 N. ResultsIn both touch conditions, the older group had a more limited CoP position in the anteroposterior LoS and a longer CoP path length in the QS and LoS than the younger group. In both participant groups, the light-touch condition showed a wider CoP position in the anteroposterior LoS and a shorter CoP path length in the QS and LoS than the no-touch condition. SignificanceLight touch increases the anteroposterior LoS and decreases postural sway in the LoS. Therefore, contacting an external object by fingertips’ light touch may be an effective training protocol to increase the LoS in older adults.

COMFORTneo scale in preterm infants during live performed music therapy-Difference between close physical contact and hand touch contact.

There is evidence that music therapy combined with physical contact to parents stabilizes the vital signs of hospitalized preterm infants. Yet, there is no evidence for the difference between simple contact by touching the infant in the incubator or cod, or close physical contact during music therapy sessions (MT). Behavioral effects of the various forms of attention toward the infant during therapy need to be elucidated. Our study aimed to quantify the effects of hand touch contact (HTC) and close physical contact (CPC) during live performed MT in preterm infants regardless of gestational age on behavioral state (assessed via COMFORTneo scale) and vital signs. A maximum of ten live music therapy sessions were delivered three to four times a week until hospital discharge to 50 stable infants. Pre-, during- and post-therapy heart rates, respiratory rates, oxygen saturations and COMFORTneo scores were recorded for each session. A total of 486 sessions was performed with 243 sessions using HTC and CPC each. The mean gestational age was 33 + 3 weeks, with 27 (54%) infants being male. We observed lower COMFORTneo scores, heart and respiratory rates and higher oxygen saturation during and after live performed music therapy independent of the kind of physical contact than before therapy. While pre-therapy values were better in the CPC group for all four variables, a higher mean response on COMFORTneo scale and vital signs was observed for HTC (COMFORTneo score -5.5, heart rate -12.4 beats per min., respiratory rate -8.9 breaths per min, oxygen saturation + 1.5%) compared to CPC (COMFORTneo score -4.6, heart rate -9.6 beats per min., respiratory rate -7.0 breaths per min, oxygen saturation + 1.1%). Nonetheless, post-therapy values were better for all four measures in the CPC group. Regression modeling with correction for individual responses within each patient also yielded attenuated effects of MT in the CPC group compared to HTC, likely caused by the improved pre-therapy values. Live performed music therapy benefits preterm infants' vital signs and behavioral state. During CPC with a parent, the absolute therapeutic effect is attenuated but resulting post-therapy values are nonetheless better for both the COMFORTneo scale and vital signs.

A simple method for radiation exposure reduction during atrial fibrillation ablation: the lead-apron-free approach.

Radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) is a well-established treatment for atrial fibrillation (AF). Fluoroscopy, a widely used imaging method for RFCA, has significant implications for human health. Although no fluoroscopy or near-zero fluoroscopy strategies have gained popularity, they have limitations, such as long procedure times, additional equipment, and expertise. A simple and cost-effective radiation reduction method is needed for treating AF and is compatible with the daily workflow. We aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of fluoroscopy-free and lead apron-free (LAF) after transseptal puncture AF ablation with conventional ablation (CON). This retrospective study included all patients who underwent RF catheter AF ablation. The lead apron used for protection was removed immediately before 3D reconstruction of the left atrium (LA) after transseptal puncture (TSP), while fluoroscopy was performed on stand-by and locked-in. The pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) was performed using a 3D mapping system, a multielectrode catheter, and a Smart Touch contact force (CF) sensing catheter, via the lead-apron-free (LAF) method, which is similar to the conventional ablation (CON) method. This study enrolled 152 consecutive patients, with 72 and 80 patients in the LAF and CON groups, respectively. The LAF group demonstrated significantly lower values in total fluoroscopy time (6.9 vs. 14 min, P<0.001) and dose area product (DAP) values (15.4±12.1 vs. 31.5±17.4 G/m2, P<0.001) than the CON group. However, there was no significant difference in the total procedure time (83.6±21.1 vs. 77.2±11.4 min, P=0.12) between the two groups. Only four procedures (5.5%) required repositioning of the apron, and no complications were observed with the LAF method. Pulmonary vein isolation was achieved in all patients. The LAF method reduced fluoroscopy use compared with CON, with no change in procedure time or efficacy.

Analisis Kemampuan Komunikasi Siswa Autis Kelas VII di SLB Negeri Autis Sumatera Utara (Studi Kasus Siswa Autis di SLB Negeri Autis Sumatera Utara)

This research was conducted with the aim of knowing how the communication development of class VII autistic students at SLB Negeri Autism North Sumatra and to find out the forms of verbal and non-verbal communication. The method used in this study is a qualitative method with a case study approach. The primary subjects in this study were two students with autistic disorder in class VII autistic, and the secondary subjects were teachers and parents. Data were collected using interviews, observation, and documentation studies. The results showed that the development of communication in autistic students at the North Sumatra Autistic Public SLB was influenced by several things including the teacher's stimulus when teaching, therapy, children's hobbies, and parenting strategies. Forms of children's verbal communication is speaking, writing, reading, and listening. While the forms of non-verbal communication are touch, movement, and eye contact. Based on the research findings, it can be concluded that communication disorders in autistic children can be helped by providing stimulus by being invited to communicate more often and implementing appropriate parenting strategies.

Analisis Semiotika John Fiske terhadap Representasi Kedekatan Emosional Orang Tua dan Anak dalam Film “Pulang”

Emotional closeness is fundamental in a harmonious family which is often implemented with interaction between parents and children, but interaction is not always the main thing but behavior, habits, touch or physical contact also greatly affect emotional closeness. This study aims to explore the form of emotional closeness that is formed between parents and children in the film ‘Pulang’, the theme of the film is family conflict which focuses on Pras (Ringgo Agus) and Rindu (Ziva Magnolya) during their trip to Jogjakarta. By using John Fiske's semiotic analysis with its three levels, the research results can be presented in the form of a representation of emotional closeness at the level of reality which is confirmed through dynamic interactions, freedom of expression and gestures as a form of care and affection. The level representation highlighted in the camera technique (shots) has shown signs at the level of reality as evidenced by the interactions between the characters. The ideological level found is Liberalism which is applied in parenting, education and early child development by parents in influencing emotional closeness. Then the form of emotional closeness that is formed is a secure attachment pattern that constructs a high emotional reality closeness to the characters Pras and Rindu.

Fewer culturable Lactobacillaceae species identified in faecal samples of pigs performing manipulative behaviour

Manipulative behaviour that consists of touching or close contact with ears or tails of pen mates is common in pigs and can become damaging. Manipulative behaviour was analysed from video recordings of 45-day-old pigs, and 15 manipulator-control pairs (n = 30) were formed. Controls neither received nor performed manipulative behaviour. Rectal faecal samples of manipulators and controls were compared. 16S PCR was used to identify Lactobacillaceae species and 16S amplicon sequencing to determine faecal microbiota composition. Seven culturable Lactobacillaceae species were identified in control pigs and four in manipulator pigs. Manipulators (p = 0.02) and females (p = 0.005) expressed higher Lactobacillus amylovorus, and a significant interaction was seen (sex * status: p = 0.005) with this sex difference being more marked in controls. Females (p = 0.08) and manipulator pigs (p = 0.07) tended to express higher total Lactobacillaceae. A tendency for an interaction was seen in Limosilactobacillus reuteri (sex * status: p = 0.09). Results suggest a link between observed low diversity in Lactobacillaceae and the development of manipulative behaviour.

Two Types of Demonstration Through Guided Touch with Cane: Instruction Sequences in Orientation and Mobility Training for a Person with Visual Impairments

AbstractPersons with visual impairments (hereafter PVI) detect and discover obstacles and road conditions by touching with a white cane when walking on the streets. In one training session, an Orientation and Mobility specialist (hereafter SPT) guided a PVI by grasping and moving the cane that the PVI was holding. We conducted a multimodal analysis of two instruction sequences, one a "proving and achieving" demonstration (Sacks in Lectures on conversation, Blackwell, 1992) and the other a "learnable" (Zemel and Koschmann, in Discourse Stud 16:163–183, 2014) demonstration. The achieving demonstration proved the assessment of the PVI's performance. In the "learnable" demonstration, the PVI was able to receive and perform the most critical part of the "learnable" of the long contact touch without the aid of talk. Sharing a single cane touch is an efficient way for both the guiding SPT and the guided PVI to jointly experience and understand the environmental features. The SPT did not need to verbally confirm that the guided touch was accountable to the PVI and seemed confident that intersubjectivity with the PVI had been established. A unique form of being with others and achieving intersubjectivity in society was identified. In traditional learning instruction, it has been assumed that the learnable is presented and communicated visually and audibly. However, through guided touch learnable is presented and conveyed effectively in the cases of this paper. It seems that the sense of touch has been considered to be just for the occasion, but this is an example of something that is not just for the occasion but is consequential, that is, usable for further occasions. The data is in Japanese.

SIMPLE MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS USING TOUCHLESS TECHNOLOGY FOR KIDS

Musical instruments have been an important part of human culture since ancient times. In recent decades, technological developments have allowed us to create more sophisticated and creative musical instruments. one of them is by designing a simple musical instrument with arduino based touchless technology. In recent years, touchless technology has become increasingly popular in product and application development. Touchless technology allows users to interact with devices in a contactless manner or in other words not touching the device itself. The purpose of making a simple musical instrument design with touchless technology based on Arduino is to design a musical instrument that can be used even without touching the musical instrument. and it is also hoped that users, in this case children, will be interested or like the musical instrument. In addition, by designing a simple musical instrument with arduino-based touchless technology, it can provide an innovative and hygienic music playing experience for children. meaning that the touchless technology used in the musical instrument can minimize physical touch or physical contact for children, and also minimize the risk of transmission of diseases or viruses in children. With the experimental method, namely realizing a simple musical instrument with touchless technology, measurements can be made of the performance of the musical instrument and the effectiveness of touchless technology which is the main factor in the purpose of this tool, which is expected that children can be interested in the world of music

PENGARUH PIJAT BAYI TERHADAP KENAIKAN BERAT BADAN PADA BAYI USIA KURANG DARI 6 BULAN TAHUN 2022

Infant massage is a direct contact touch therapy with the body that can provide a sense of security and comfort for babies. The purpose of the study to determine the effect of infant massage on weight gain in infants less than 6 months in PMB E. This study uses a quasi-experimental approach with a pre-post-test design approach. To see the effect before and after the intervention given by the researcher. Based on the results of the study, it showed that there was an effect between giving baby massage before and after the baby's weight less than 6 months in PMB E. This is evidenced from the results of the analysis which shows that the p-value less than 0.005. there is an effect of infant massage on the weight gain of infants less than 6 months in

Nonverbal Communication In The Classroom And Its Role In The Teaching And Learning From Educational Process

It has been established that non-verbal communication is a crucial strategy that improves pupils' comprehension. As a consequence, it aids in improved idea acquisition and comprehension. The main goals of this investigation are to look at the value of nonverbal communication in the educational process. Additionally, this essay will cover the purposes and guiding principles of nonverbal interactions in the classroom, as well as some fundamental ways to use nonverbal behaviors to enhance the effectiveness of teaching and the significance of nonverbal contact that learners as well as instructors can fully appreciate. An essential component of instruction is nonverbal communication. The benefit for a teacher is to develop great nonverbal communication skills, including strong sensitivity. The nonverbal signals that are employed in the classroom, such as teachers' facial expressions, postures, gestures, touch, and eye contact, are highly essential in many cultures; thus, teachers and educators should be good listeners in addition to the words that are being uttered. Nonverbal cues in the classroom, however, are seen differently in different cultures throughout the world. For example, some students abhor touching, postures, eye contact, and staring. Instructors should be mindful that, owing to cultural variations, some or all students may not be interested in making eye contact with their presenters due to various learning processes in different cultural behaviors and their viewpoints.

Chargeability study of disinfectants and the optimization of design parameters of a handheld electrostatic disinfection device for small scale applications.

Apart from aerosols, contaminated surfaces with SARS-CoV-2 virus are the significant carriers of virus transmission. The disinfection and sanitization of the indoor and outdoor places are one among the powerful and effective strategies to avoid the surface-to-human transmission of SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2) through frequent touch and physical contact. Electrostatic spraying is one of the effective and efficient methods to apply the liquid-based sprays on surfaces to be disinfected or sanitized. This technique covers the directly exposed and obscured surfaces uniformly and reaches to hidden areas of the target. In this paper, the design and performance parameters of a motorized pressure-nozzle based handheld electrostatic disinfection device were optimized and the chargeability of ethanol (C2H5OH), formaldehyde (CH2O), glutaraldehyde (C5H8O2), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), phenol (C6H5OH) and sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) has been critically investigated. The chargeability indicator for disinfectants was presented in terms of the charge-to-mass ratio. The significant value of the charge-to-mass ratio of 1.82 mC/kg was achieved at an applied voltage of 2.0 kV, the liquid flow rate and pressure of 28 ml/min and 5 MPa, respectively. The experimental results are well aligned to the proposed theoretical context.

Non‐verbal communication of nursing home residents and care staff

AbstractIntroductionPeople living with dementia (PlwD) in nursing homes (NH) have complex needs with impairments in cognition, communication, and daily function. Complex needs may arise with impairments in communication and difficulty in expressing needs. PlwD often experience neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) with poor quality of life (QoL), which can be impacted by impairments in non‐verbal communication (NVC). NVC plays a key role in improving communication and engagement with PlwD. This study examines current NVC practices in NH between PlwD and care staff.Methods225 NH from the Care Home Research Network, King’s College London were invited to take part on an online anonymous questionnaire. The questionnaire included 13 questions on NVC and NH demographics. Care staff provided information on communication cues used between residents and staff during instrumental care and social activities. The use of NVC was rated on a Likert scale.ResultsThirty‐two NH completed the questionnaire, with 56% having 40‐90 beds. 9% of staff reported the use of verbal communication, 25% reported using combined verbal and NVC, whilst majority reported using NVC to communicate with residents (66%). The most observed NVC in residents was facial expressions (71.9%), followed by eye expression (53.1%) and touch (50%). Other NVC included the use of pitch, hand gestures and head nods (37%). Staff NVC cues included facial expressions (81.3%), eye contact (81.3%), hand gestures (75%), pitch of voice and head nods, (both, 66%). Furthermore, 34% of the staff used body language to assist residents with NPS, whilst 28% used touch. During social activities, facial expressions were used very often (78.1%) by residents, followed by head nods, touch and hand gestures (46%). Whilst receiving care, facial expressions were reported very often (68.8%). Other common cues involved touch (50%) and eye contact (41%).ConclusionNH residents and staff use a broad range of NVC channels to interact with one another and was the most reportedly used strategy. Developing interventions to improve communication between staff and PlwD should prioritize NVC, given its extensive use. Improving NVC would facilitate care staff to address needs better, reduce NPS and improve QoL.

HEALTHY TOUCH AND INFANT MASSAGE: TWO MAIN FACTORS IN INFANTS DAILY CARE AND HEALTHY DEVELOPMENT

&lt;p&gt;Infant massage is a scientifically proven practice that promotes the physical and mental health of the infant. The term infant massage refers to the application of touch to the infant by the parent or caregiver during the first year of life with specific massages. Through the following literature review, the benefits of infant massage for the infant, the family and the wider society are noted and commented on. The benefits of its application to the infant are recorded in four different areas. These refer to the concept of the infant's interaction with the parent/caregiver, stimulation, relief and relaxation respectively, of the premature and full-term infant. As far as parents are concerned, infant massage seems to enhance their own parenting practices, as well as their self-confidence and sense of security, while reducing symptoms of postnatal depression. In addition, through healthy touch and massage, benefits are documented in reliable adaptive changes in the community. These include a reduction in abuse, violence, and crime, as well as a reduction in the expenditure of government health care funds. Research evidence supports that the implementation of infant massage can show a reduction in the cost of spending in Infant Health Units of premature and non-premature infants. Healthy touch and physical contact through massage during infant massage by trained mothers or trained staff when the mother is unavailable can significantly enhance the faster development and psychosomatic health of infants.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt; Article visualizations:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src="/-counters-/soc/0071/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Postural control exercise without using the upper limbs improves activities of daily living in patients with stroke.

Stroke is one of the most common neurological disorders worldwide. Stroke survivors have restricted activities of daily living (ADL) and lower functional independence measures (FIM) after disease onset. Recovery of postural control abilities in patients with stroke is one of the most important therapeutic goals. In this study, we examined the differences in the FIM motor items between groups that performed postural control exercises with the upper limb and those that performed postural control exercises without the upper limb. The medical records of patients with stroke admitted and discharged from the Recovery Rehabilitation Unit at Azumino Red Cross Hospital between 2016 and 2018 were reviewed. We retrospectively investigated the relationships between postural control exercises with or without upper limbs, FIM motor items at admission and discharge, and percentage of gait acquisition at discharge. Among the thirteen FIM motor items, nine (bathing, dressing the upper body, dressing the lower body, toileting, transfers [bed, chair, and wheelchair], transfers [toilet], transfers [tub or shower], locomotion, and climbing of stairs) were significantly different between the two groups (those who performed postural control exercises with the upper limb and those who performed postural control exercises without the upper limb). Patients with stroke who performed postural control exercises without the upper limbs showed a higher percentage of gait acquisition. Touch contact during quiet standing reduces body sway and the associated fluctuations. However, continual practice of postural control with a small degree of body sway for a long period after a stroke would result in decreased pressure on the sole. This may hinder postural control relearning. Touch contact also reduces anticipatory postural adjustment, which may limit the improvement in balance ability during physical exercise. Postural control exercises without the upper limbs improve postural control ability and may be beneficial from a long-term perspective.

Analisis Semiotika John Fiske terhadap Representasi Kedekatan Emosional Orang Tua dan Anak Dalam Film “Pulang”

Emotional closeness is fundamental in a harmonious family which is often implemented with interaction between parents and children, but interaction is not always the main thing but behavior, habits, touch or physical contact also greatly affect emotional closeness. This study aims to explore the form of emotional closeness that is formed between parents and children in the film ‘Pulang’, the theme of the film is family conflict which focuses on Pras (Ringgo Agus) and Rindu (Ziva Magnolya) during their trip to Jogjakarta. By using John Fiske's semiotic analysis with its three levels, the research results can be presented in the form of a representation of emotional closeness at the level of reality which is confirmed through dynamic interactions, freedom of expression and gestures as a form of care and affection. The level representation highlighted in the camera technique (shots) has shown signs at the level of reality as evidenced by the interactions between the characters. The ideological level found is Liberalism which is applied in parenting, education and early child development by parents in influencing emotional closeness. Then the form of emotional closeness that is formed is a secure attachment pattern that constructs a high emotional reality closeness to the characters Pras and Rindu.&#x0D; Keywords: Emotional Closeness; Interaction; Semiotic; Liberalism

Flexural Strength of Partially Concrete-Filled Steel Tubes Subjected to Lateral Loads by Experimental Testing and Finite Element Modelling

In this paper, the flexural strength and buckling of the partially concrete-filled steel tubes (PCFST) under laterally repeated loads was investigated through three-point bending test configuration. Three-dimensional Finite Element (FE) models of the bending tests of the PCFST were developed, in which the concrete filling was modelled using elastic-plastic-fracture model capturing crack development and the tube steel was modelled using elastic-plasticity model. The bond between concrete and tube was considered as frictional touching contact. The validation showed the FE results including the ultimate flexural load and buckling failure mode of the steel tube were in excellent agreement with the experimental ones. A parametric study was then conducted using the verified FE models to investigate the effects of the tube diameter-to-thickness ratio, the concrete filling length ratio, the compressive strength of concrete, and the tube steel’s yield and tensile strengths on the PCFST’s ultimate flexural strength. Based on this study, buckling modes, the optimal concrete filling lengths, and the confined compressive strengths of concrete were determined considering the effects of all these parameters. The confined compressive stresses and strains in concrete predicted by the FE models were evaluated against those determined by theoretical models. The results revealed that the effects of concrete compressive strength to the PCFST’s flexural capacity was insignificant while increasing the tube diameter-to-thickness ratio or the tube steel’s yield and tensile strengths could significantly increase the PCFST’s flexural capacity and the confined compressive strength of concrete; and there was an optimal length of concrete filling at about 66% of the tube length. It demonstrated that the Finite Element analysis can therefore be used as a powerful method to the analysis and design the PCFST columns under lateral loads.

Assessment of the effects of white cane variables on step symmetry of blind individuals.

Step symmetry is an important feature of human gait and is often regarded as a key index of healthy individuals' walking. This study evaluated the effects of height, white cane technique, and cane tip on symmetrical gait in blind individuals. Twenty blind and ten sighted subjects, aged 15-38 years, participated in this study. The harmonic ratio (HR) and improved HR (iHR) were measured by trunk accelerometer as gait symmetry index in three axes: anteroposterior (AP), vertical, and mediolateral of the body. These parameters were measured in the sighted group in open-eye conditions and in the blind group in five experimental conditions with different two heights (standard and long), two tips (pencil and roller), and two techniques (two-point touch and constant contact) of white cane when they walked in the 6-m path. There was a significant difference between HR and iHR of the blind and sighted group, which indicates a significant reduction of symmetry loss in the blind group. Among the five different conditions studied in the group of blind people, an increase was observed in the HR and the iHR on the AP axis during the application of a standard cane with a roller tip, which indicated an increase in symmetry. Based on the results, a long cane with a pencil tip and a standard cane with a roller tip in the constant contact technique can increase step symmetry.

Studying Direct Lightning Stroke Impact on Human Safety Near HVTL Towers Considering Two Layer Soils and Ionization Influence

A lightning strike is considered one of the most risky natural phenomena that can lead to human harmful and the surrounding soil layers. To tackle this issue, this article investigates the influence of direct lightning characteristics in terms of human body safety. Specifically, such investigation is carried out on the effect of resistivities of two-layer soils on human safety when lightning stroke hits the towers of the high voltage transmission lines (HVTLs). The merit of the proposed study is that the soil ionization phenomenon is taken into consideration. Further, the study focuses on the current passing through the human heart, when step and touch (contact) voltages are generated by grounding potential rise, caused by direct lightning strikes transmission tower and the produced potential rise that a person could be exposed. Also, studying the effects of peak current and time of lightning strokes are investigated. Additionally, the paper presents the effect of different reflection factors on human safety. For validation purposes, the ATP program is used in the simulation of the grounding system as well as the human body model. Numerous simulations were accomplished in order to examine the behavior of the current passing through with the human heart. Based on the simulation results, it was concluded that the soil characteristics have superior influences on the contact and step potentials and, accordingly, the survival threshold.

Temporary establishment of bacteria from indoor plant leaves and soil on human skin

BackgroundPlants are found in a large percentage of indoor environments, yet the potential for bacteria associated with indoor plant leaves and soil to colonize human skin remains unclear. We report results of experiments in a controlled climate chamber to characterize bacterial communities inhabiting the substrates and leaves of five indoor plant species, and quantify microbial transfer dynamics and residence times on human skin following simulated touch contact events. Controlled bacterial propagule transfer events with soil and leaf donors were applied to the arms of human occupants and repeatedly measured over a 24-h period using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing.ResultsSubstrate samples had greater biomass and alpha diversity compared to leaves and baseline skin bacterial communities, as well as dissimilar taxonomic compositions. Despite these differences in donor community diversity and biomass, we observed repeatable patterns in the dynamics of transfer events. Recipient human skin bacterial communities increased in alpha diversity and became more similar to donor communities, an effect which, for soil contact only, persisted for at least 24 h. Washing with soap and water effectively returned communities to their pre-perturbed state, although some abundant soil taxa resisted removal through washing.ConclusionsThis study represents an initial characterization of bacterial relationships between humans and indoor plants, which represent a potentially valuable element of biodiversity in the built environment. Although environmental microbiota are unlikely to permanently colonize skin following a single contact event, repeated or continuous exposures to indoor biodiversity may be increasingly relevant for the functioning and diversity of the human microbiome as urbanization continues.

The Two-Sided Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Online Apparel Renting

The global outbreak of COVID-19 has been affecting consumer behavior in a significant way. The collaborative consumption businesses, such as online rental services, is one of those sectors that have been immensely disrupted by the pandemic because many ‘sharing’ services require high touch and human contact. The purpose of this study is to develop and test a comprehensive model of consumers’ acceptance of online apparel renting (OAR) that can also take account of the pandemic’s effect. To this end, a two-phase, mixed-method study was conducted to identify the specific determinants of OAR (Study 1) and to empirically test the model of OAR acceptance with the pandemic-related moderating variables (Study 2). This study identifies a series of consumer drivers of OAR including affordable access, shopping convenience, try before you buy, never wear same dress twice, and special occasion. It also demonstrates the significant moderating effects of two pandemic-related factors including perceived vulnerability to disease and desire for simplification. The findings provide practical managerial suggestions to OAR retailers and theoretical implications for future studies.