Floor Type Research Articles

Sensory and Motor Function, Pain, and Health Status in Children with Arthrogryposis and Myelomeningocele

Background/Objectives: Proprioception and sensory disorders have been reported in children with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita (AMC) and myelomeningocele (MMC), but valid and reliable assessment tools are limited in accurately identifying the sensory aspects of motor disorders. This study aimed to investigate the somatosensory status in the feet and legs. An additional purpose of this study was to explore pain, skin irritations, and health status. Methods: Nineteen children with AMC, twenty-three with MMC, and twenty-two typically developing (TD) children (7–18 years old) were tested using a somatosensory test battery in ankle kinesthesia and in identifying four different types of floors. Results: In the AMC and MMC groups, the threshold to perceive the somatosensory stimuli was not achieved by all participants. MMC participants perceived somatosensory stimuli less than TD participants in all tests, with a higher level of the lesion and more affected ambulation. The MMC group identified one floor significantly less often than the TD group. The AMC group performed better than the MMC group in two-point discrimination, vibration sensation, and some light-touch pressure tests. There were no differences among the TD, AMC, and MMC groups in ankle kinesthesia. Pain was reported by four (21%) subjects in the AMC group and five (22%) in the MMC group, and skin irritations were reported by three (13%) participants in the MMC group. There was no difference among the TD, AMC, and MMC groups in health status as reported using the EQ-5D-Y visual analog scale. Conclusions: Although differences in sensory aspects were the most evident between the groups, assessments of activity and participation levels in the rehabilitation of children with disabilities are also recommended.

Impact of seismic demand on construction costs for buildings up to 8 storeys high

The legally binding earthquake performance requirements in New Zealand's Building Act and Building Code emphasise building collapse prevention, allowing for a certain degree of damage to resist the seismic load. However, societal expectations demand that buildings remain operational after an earthquake. This research aims to understand the true cost of up to 8 storeys high building structures that remain operational after an earthquake. Our assumptions are: 1) higher seismic demand is expected to have a limited impact in overall construction costs, and quite minimal impact on total development costs, and 2) the influence of seismic resilience on construction costs is different depending on the structural system. An extensive construction costs database was developed including the most typical structural and foundation systems. The main conclusions are that 1) the effect of location and floor type on construction costs is not critical, 2) the impact of a higher seismic demand on construction costs depends on the structural system, and 3) foundation type has a large influence on construction costs but seismic demand does not. Engineers should prioritise stiff lateral systems because the cost implications of having a stiffer structural system are minimal, especially when considering the development costs. The cost implications of having more resilient buildings that can be readily occupied after an earthquake are negligible, and New Zealand should move towards stiff, damage resisting structures using well understood structural systems like RC walls. Society expects this from our buildings, our engineers are trained and capable to design them, and the extra cost is minuscule.

Strengthening Tuberculosis Prevention Cadres at Al-Hidayah Islamic Boarding School, Kota Baru Jambi

Possible risk factors for tuberculosis include population factors (age, sex, nutritional status, family role, income level, education level), home environment factors (ventilation area, occupancy density, lighting intensity, floor type, house humidity, temperature and wall type), behavior (habit of opening windows every morning and smoking habit) and contact history. According to WHO, adolescents are residents in the age range of 10-19 years, according to the Indonesian Minister of Health Regulation Number 25 of 2014, adolescents are residents in the age range of 10-18 years and according to the Population and Family Planning Agency (BKKBN) the age range of adolescents is 10-24 years and unmarried. There is a risk of transmission to students at the Al-Hidayah Modern Islamic Boarding School located on Jl. Marsda Surya Dharma KM. 10 Kenali Asam Bawah Jambi City.

Understanding vibration exposure in wheelchair users: Experimental insights

Addressing the complexities of manual wheelchair (MWC) vibrations is crucial for the well-being of users and their integration into society. This study investigates the experimental choices influencing the assessment of vibration exposure, aiming to contribute for enhanced MWC developments and standardized design principles. By conducting a comprehensive full factorial experiment, the impact of various factors, including four MWC loads, two speeds, five floor types, and two MWC models was examined. Notably, findings highlight the predominant influence of floor type on vibration exposure, followed by speed and, to a lesser extent, MWC properties. Furthermore, the study suggests that enlisting an able-bodied participant is more representative than using a dummy when loading the MWC, providing valuable insights into the genuine MWC/user dyad response to vibrations. This research sets the stage for a more informed and standardized approach to address the vibration exposure faced by MWC users.

Study on the Mechanical Behavior of Top-Chord-Free Vierendeel-Truss Composite Slabs

A top-chord-free Vierendeel-truss composite slab (TVCS) comprises a concrete slab, several vertical webs, and a steel bottom chord. In this study, static tests and finite element analyses were conducted based on an actual project to investigate the deformation, crack characteristics, ultimate bearing capacity, and failure mode of the composite slab. The findings indicated that the loading process of this type of floor can be divided into elastic, elastoplastic, and failure stages. The section stress distribution in the elastic stage was further analyzed. The crack development pattern exhibited a fine density in the pure bending sections of the concrete slabs, while demonstrating good overall flexural bearing capacity and ductility for the composite slab. Experimental results were compared with the ANSYS finite element model simulation to validate the accuracy of the simulation. Parametric analysis was conducted to assess the impact of concrete strength, steel strength, vertical web width, and distance ratios on the mechanical characteristics of the composite slab. By introducing an adjustment coefficient for the vertical web distance ratio, a revised calculation formula for flexural bearing capacity was proposed, which aligned well with the finite element analysis.

PENGARUH PERTUMBUHAN PEMUKIMAN TERHADAP AKTIVITAS PEREKONOMIAN DI KELURAHAN KOYA BARAT

This research aims to identify the factors influencing the growth of settlements and economic activities inKoya Barat Village, Muara Tami District, and the efforts made in the growth of settlements and economic activitiesin Koya Barat Village, Muara Tami District. The quantitative research method and data collection techniquesinvolve questionnaires and documentation. The data analysis uses simple linear regression. The results of theresearch indicate that the factors influencing the growth of settlements and economic activities in Koya BaratVillage, Muara Tami District, show that the level of settlement growth in Koya Barat Village, Muara Tami District,is categorized as high, with 65 respondents or 65%. This includes several factors such as the type of physicalbuilding, building/occupant type, wall type, roof type, ceiling, floor type, door, sanitation, window, ventilation,and ridge. The economic level of the community with a very high economic level is 33 respondents or 33%, anda high economic level is 31 respondents or 31%, which means that the economic level of the community in KoyaBarat Village, Muara Tami District is high, including education level, occupation/livelihood, and householdincome. The efforts made in the growth of settlements and economic activities in Koya Barat Village, Muara TamiDistrict, indicate a significant influence of settlement growth on the economy in Koya Barat Village, Muara TamiDistrict, which means that if settlement growth increases, economic activities will also experience a significantincrease.

Sources and determinants of exposure to indoor air pollutants in schools and hospitals: a review

Abstract Background Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) is an important determinant of health. This study aimed to review the available scientific evidence about indoor pollutants and determinants of exposure in several settings, in the scope of the K-HEALTHinAIR project. Methods The systematic review was performed for the sources, concentrations, and determinants of pollutants in schools in the European region for 2013-2023. Articles were selected for data extraction if they were epidemiological studies, reported primary data for indoor air and pollutant levels, and, identified sources and determinants of exposure. Results The main pollutants affecting IAQ in schools and hospitals were carbon dioxide, volatile organic compounds (e.g., formaldehyde, terpenes), particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, radon, ozone, and carbon monoxide. Besides the outdoor environment, several important indoor sources of emissions were identified such as occupancy, resuspension, cleaning products. Ventilation was the main determinant influencing the indoor levels of pollutants, stressing the importance of good planning, installation, and maintenance of mechanical ventilation systems in buildings. Other determinants were the number of occupants and their activities, and the building characteristics (e.g., type of floor, location, etc). Conclusions Results revealed indoor air quality as a public health concern since several pollutants are present in indoor settings. The identification of sources and determinants of exposure is fundamental for determining preventive measures in a public health perspective. Acknowledgments: K-HEALTHinAIR team for screening and data extraction: Mariana Corda, Jose Fermoso, Alicia Aguado, Sandra Rodriguez, Hanns Moshammer, Mireia Ferri, Belén Costa, Leticia Pérez, Wojciech Hanke, Artur Badyda, Piotr Kepa, Katarzyna Affek, Nina Doskocz, Laura Martín, Oguz Mulayim, Cesar Mediavilla Martinez, Alba Gómez, Ruben González, Isaac Cano, Josep Roca, Simon de Leede.

Indoor Environmental Quality in Portuguese Office Buildings: Influencing Factors and Impact of an Intervention Study

Office workers spend a considerable part of their day at the workplace, making it vital to ensure proper indoor environmental quality (IEQ) conditions in office buildings. This work aimed to identify significant factors influencing IEQ and assess the effectiveness of an environmental intervention program, which included the introduction of indoor plants, carbon dioxide (CO2) sensors, ventilation, and printer relocation (source control), in six modern office buildings in improving IEQ. Thirty office spaces in Porto, Portugal, were randomly divided into intervention and control groups. Indoor air quality, thermal comfort, illuminance, and noise were monitored before and after a 14-day intervention implementation. Occupancy, natural ventilation, floor type, and cleaning time significantly influenced IEQ levels. Biophilic interventions appeared to decrease volatile organic compound concentrations by 30%. Installing CO2 sensors and optimizing ventilation strategies in an office that mainly relies on natural ventilation effectively improved air renewal and resulted in a 28% decrease in CO2 levels. The implementation of a source control intervention led to a decrease in ultrafine particle and ozone concentrations by 14% and 85%, respectively. However, an unexpected increase in airborne particle levels was detected. Overall, for a sample of offices that presented acceptable IEQ levels, the intervention program had only minor or inconsistent impacts. Offices with declared IEQ problems are prime candidates for further research to fully understand the potential of environmental interventions.

Dirt Score in Large White Yorkshire Piglets during the Postweaning Period Reared on Different Floor Types

An experiment was carried out on 24 Large White Yorkshire piglets of either sex at the pig unit of LFC of C.V.Sc., Rajendranagar, Hyderabad from weaning (56days) to 126 days. Piglets were reared on four types of flooring systems i.e., T1 (control group) reared on the concrete floor, T2 rubber mat, T3 elevated slatted floor, and T4 reared on soil floor. The floor space provided was 1.5 m2 per piglet during the post-weaning period. Pig cleanliness was assessed using a five-point scale on 4 anatomical areas: rear, back, and both flanks, and each area was given a score from 0 to 4. The cleanliness score was increased as the age advanced from first to ninth fortnight in all floor types. The overall mean cleanliness scores of LWY piglets maintained on four different floors was 2.21 ± 0.06, 2.57 ± 0.04, 0.63 ± 0.02, and 2.44 ± 0.03 in concrete, rubber mat, elevated slatted, and soil floor respectively. The overall mean dirt score of piglets reared on rubber mat floor was significantly (P<.0.01) higher than the piglets on the elevated slatted floor, but it was comparable with concrete and soil floor. The higher cleanliness score of the piglets reared on rubber mat floor were dirtier than piglets on concrete and soil floor whereas, the piglets reared on elevated slatted (low score) were cleaner than rubber mat, soil, and concrete floors.

Study on Innovative Laminated Flooring with Resin-Impregnated Paper

A new type of laminated flooring decorated by resin impregnated paper (LWFWRIP) was designed, with the advantages of low formaldehyde emission, improved flame retardant, and high wear resistance. The structure of this new type of wood flooring is based on the ordinary laminated flooring, followed by a decorative layer of thin wood pieces, and then the transparent improved flame retardant, wear-resistant paper is added to the top. It is found that the hot-pressing temperature is the most significant factor affecting the adhesion of resin impregnated paper. The optimal hot-pressing parameters are selected as the hot-pressing pressure of 3.5 MPa, hot-pressing temperature of 180 °C, and hot-pressing time of 40 s. The new laminated flooring was improved with high flame retardant, high wear-resistant, combined with the conventional advantages of both solid wood composite flooring and reinforced wood flooring. The new laminated flooring decorated by resin impregnated paper has broad application prospects.

Recycled plastics based impact noise resilient layer development

Sustainability and the carbon footprint reduction is commonly associated with recycling and secondary use of materials, for example also in the building construction industry. For decades, experts have been dealing with this topic across the entire spectrum of the development of building structures. One of the areas where soft recycled materials find suitable application is the area of building acoustics with a focus on impact noise attenuation. This contribution focuses on resilient layers dedicated for lightweight floating floors. This type of flooring is very often used in the reconstruction of apartments in apartment buildings. There is usually no possibility to realize heavy floating floors or for static reasons or reasons of the structural height of rooms or door openings. The work focuses on the development of floor underlayer mats based on recycled material in several variants. These were experimentally compared with conventional materials used in practice as the so-called impact sound insulation layers under laminate floors in terms of improving the impact noise insulation as well as the dynamic stiffness and the loss factor.

Towards situation dependent radiation efficiency

Designing buildings to protect inhabitants against ground-borne noise from railway lines or other outdoor ground vibration sources has become a subject of importance. Prediction methods to tackle such a problem are under discussion within a European task group (CEN/TC126/WG2/TG1). From velocity response of floors and walls, the structure-borne sound level has to be evaluated; the linking quantity is the radiation efficiency. In the frequency range of interest, i.e. covering the one-third octave bands from 16 to 250 Hz, rooms modes exist for standard size living spaces in building. A parametric investigation is carried out to evaluate the effect of the room modes on the radiation efficiency. In a first step, a modal approach is used to estimate the radiation efficiency for different room sizes, heavy floor and light wall types. Randomly positioned forces are considered as excitation on these structural elements. From these results, the situation dependent radiation efficiencies are investigated and discussed.

Effect of different floor types on haemato-biochemical parameters in large white Yorkshire piglets during postweaning period

Effect of different floor types on haemato-biochemical parameters in large white Yorkshire piglets during postweaning period

Phthalate Exposure and Pediatric Asthma: A Case Control Study Among Egyptian Children

Background: Phthalates, which are diesters of phthalic acid, are commonly used as plasticizers and additives in various consumer products. Several phthalates have been identified as substances of high concern. Exposure to phthalate esters (PAEs) has been linked to asthma in children, but the specific impacts of PAEs on asthmatic children were not well understood. Objective: The objective of this study was to compare urinary phthalate concentrations in asthmatic and non-asthmatic children and to identify potential sources of exposure as risk factors for asthma. Methods: A case control study was conducted for 100 Egyptian children aged 8-16 years (50 asthmatics and 50 healthy controls). Asthma was identified using GINA guidelines. Socio-demographic and probable risk factors were assessed, in addition to measuring phthalate levels in urine samples using high-performance liquid chromatography. Results and conclusion: Mean urinary Mono-methyl as well as Mono-benzyl levels were highly significant in asthmatic children compared to control group (895.26ng/ mL vs 548.55 ng/mL and 13.5 ng/mL vs 2.07 ng/mL respectively) (p= 0.001). The number of asthmatic children living in houses painted with non-plastic paint was significantly lower (P<0.05) than children living in houses painted with other paints. No association between floor type and asthma was reported. The frequent use of personal care products and plastic painting of walls were identified by multiple logistic regression analysis as the highly significant predictors of asthma in the studied subjects. The declared higher levels of urinary phthalate metabolites (Mono-methyl and Mono-benzyl) in Egyptian asthmatic children may reveal the probable risk of phthalate exposure in triggering bronchial asthma.

Mineralogical, chemical and physico-mechanical properties of fired bricks for refractory industry applications

This study aims to characterize soils for their use in the refractory industry applications. Two types of hydromorphous soil were sampled in the locality of Minkoameyos in the neighbouring city of Yaoundé-Cameroon: multicolored soil clay (A001) and grey soil clay (A002). Mineralogical, chemical and physico-mechanical properties were investigated. Bricks made from these soils were heated at 900 °C, 1100 °C and 1200 °C temperatures. Physico-chemical properties showed that these soils are light (A002), silty (A001), inorganic and acidic, with pH values of 5.45 and 4.47 for A001 and A002, respectively. Chemical analysis revealed that these soils are essentially composed of silica (40 and 46%), alumina (35.9 and 32.5%) and coloring oxides (8.5 and 6.3%) for A001 and A002 samples, respectively. Mineralogical analyses of these soils revealed the presence of quartz, kaolinite, illite and muscovite. Bricks heated at 900 °C, 1100 °C and 1200 °C showed a variation in color from orange to reddish brown for A001 sample; from light orange yellow to dull orange for A002 sample and a sound ranging from dull to slightly metallic. Residual mechanical performance showed a slight drop in strength at the heating temperature of 900 °C (8.8 and 8.3 MPa for multicolored soil clay A001 and grey soil clay A002, respectively). This temperature seems sufficient for this type of floor. Above 900 °C, the impact of carbon is significant. These results showed that Minkoameyos hydromorphous soils clay have remarkable properties and can produce refractory materials.

Application of the Lambert function in the analytical solution of ballistics problems for flat flight trajectories of a material body, taking into account the gaseous (air) medium

Annotation. The paper describes the use of a special Lambert function for solving problems of ballistics of a material body, when the resistance of a gaseous (air) medium is taken into account. A model of quadratic (based on the speed of movement of a body) resistance of the medium within the limits of an approaching flat trajectory is considered. Problem. Problems of ballistics of a material body are considered in courses of theoretical mechanics, as well as in specialized literature. But, in addition to the cited literature, this research, like, for unraveling the simplified level of the material body in the problems of ballistics for flat trajectories of the power of a special function Lambert, which allows us to essentially simplify the algorithm for developing the parameters of the trajectory of a gentle slope (floor) type. Goal. The goal of the work is based on a framed model of a material body for flat trajectories in problems of modern ballistics on this basis, using a special Lambert function, to be controlled by a visible decoupling Didion, the determination of the main parameters of these types of crash trajectories. Methodology. Physic, mechanical and mathematical models are constructed that adequately describe the parameters of the collapse of a material body/particle that collapses along a flat trajectory when the wind is not supported , which are proportional to the square of the fluidity of the particles. For a more manual description of the parameters of the trajectory of the motion, there is a special Lambert function, which is tabulated in [1], or can be expanded with the help of computer in the middle of “Maple 8”. Practical value. The results obtained in the work can be used to improve and clarify engineering methods of calculation in problems of external ballistics of a material body, taking into account the quadratic (in terms of movement speed) resistance of the air environment

THE INFLUENCE OF FLOOR TYPES ON HAEMATOLOGICAL INDICES OF CROSSBRED WEANED PIGS

Blood parameters have been shown to be major indices of physiological and nutritional status of an organism and changes in the constituent compound of blood when compared to normal values could be used to interprete the metabolic state of an animal. Twelve (12) crossbred weaned pigs were used, they were allotted into two (2) floor types: concrete and straw floors, of six (6) animals per floor type and two (2) animals per replicate. The concrete were constructed using cement, gravel, sand and water while the straw floors were made of maize stalk. One kilogram straw was placed in the pen before the pigs arrived. A further 1kg was supplied every two days. Waste straw and manure were removed daily. The straw provided was not sufficient to allow a bedded layer to accumulate but a crust formed over the surface of the lying area, comprising straw, feed, skin and dung. The experimental design used was completely randomized design and the experiment lasted for fifty-six (56) days. 3ml of blood were collected from two (2) animals per treatment for the analysis of haematological profile into Ethylene Diamine Tetra Acetate bottle to determine the packed cell volume, haemoglobin, red blood cell volume, white blood cell and platelet. Results revealed that there were no significant difference (p>0.05) in the value obtained for packed cell volume (28.00% and 26.00%) and haemoglobin ( 9.10g/dl and 8.33g/dl)respectively while red blood cell (2.60106/ul and 2.20106/ul) white blood cell (56.00103/ul and 45.00103/ul) and platelet(12.00 and 13.00) were significantly different (p<0.05). It was concluded that rearing pigs on concrete floor gave the best haematological blood profile of pigs.

A case-control study on risk factors for visceral leishmaniasis in West Pokot County, Kenya.

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a severe parasitic disease transmitted by phlebotomine sandflies. VL is endemic in West Pokot County, Kenya, where effective strategies to interrupt transmission are impeded by the limited understanding of VL risk factors. Therefore, this case-control study aimed to explore environmental, behavioural and household determinants of VL in West Pokot. From November 2022 to January 2023, a structured questionnaire was administered to 36 symptomatic primary VL cases attending Kacheliba Sub-County Hospital in West Pokot and to 50 healthy controls from local villages. The VL status of all participants was confirmed using an rK39 rapid diagnostic test. Associations between questioned determinants and VL were investigated by means of age-corrected univariate logistic regression analysis. Significant associations were found between VL and housing characteristics, such as window presence and floor type. VL cases more frequently reported the presence of cattle, dogs and sheep in their house yards. VL was also associated with cutting down trees in the house yard and house proximity to several Acacia tree species. Furthermore, outdoor activities, including travelling outside the residence for more than 2 weeks, activities near termite mounds, and forest activities during the rainy season, increased the risk of VL. This work reports a number of previously undescribed risk factors for VL in the understudied West Pokot focus. The results suggest VL transmission occurs both peri-domestically at night and outdoors during the day, particularly when sandfly resting sites are disturbed. Our findings warrant further research into sandfly ecology and potential zoonotic parasite reservoirs in West Pokot.

The Association Between The Physical Condition of the House and the Smoking Habits of Residents with the Incidence of Pneumonia In Children Under Five Years

Pneumonia is leading cause of death worldwide, with a prevalence of 44%, and is second leading cause of death among under-fives in Indonesia, at 15.5%. Pneumonia is caused by viruses and bacteria that are associated with physical conditions, air quality, and smoking habits in house. This study aimed to determine association between physical house conditions and smoking habits with incidence of pneumonia in children under five years in Cengkareng Health Center working area. This study was a case-control design analytic observational study. Population involved chindren under five aged 12-59 months with a sample of 43 cases and 43 controls calculated using Lemeshow’s formula, taken using purposive sampling technique. Independent variables included floor and wall types, ventilation, occupancy density, temperature, humidity, light intensity, PM10 and PM2.5 levels, and smoking habits. Dependent varariable are incident of pneumonia. Data were collected through observation, sanitarian kits, and questionnaires. Data were analyzed using chi-square and logistic regression with 95% CI and alpha 0.05. The results showed that PM2.5 levels (p=0.010, OR=3.290, 95% CI=1.323-8.181) and indoor smoking (p=0.044, OR=2.758, 95% CI=1.027-7.410) were most significant factors associated with pneumonia. This study recommends optimizing educational programs regarding PM2.5 exposure and smoking habits to improve healthy living practices and reduce risk of pneumonia

Mental health, fall prevention behaviors, and home environments related to fall experiences among older adults from ethnic groups in rural Northern Thailand

Accidental falls pose significant threats to older adults' health and safety. This study investigates the associations between mental health, fall prevention behaviors, home environments, and yearly falls among older adults of various ethnicities. Conducted in rural ethnic areas of two provinces in northern Thailand, this cross-sectional study utilized multi-stage sampling to survey 462 older adults aged 60 and above, including Mien, Hmong, Karens, and indigenous people. Participants self-reported their history of accidental falls and provided mental health (GHQ-28) data. Univariate logistic regression highlighted associations between falls and mental health problems (OR = 14.87, 95%CI = 7.51–29.43) and the score of fall prevention behaviors (OR = 0.37, 95%CI = 0.31–0.45). Home environment factors, including floor type, floor risk factors, and stair safety features, were significantly related to falls (p < .05). Multivariable analysis identified gender, financial status, underlying disease, vision impairment, mental health problems, and fall prevention behaviors as independent predictors of past-year falls among ethnic older adults (p < .05), explaining 84.7 % of the variation in log odds of falling. This study underscores the heightened fall risks among ethnic minority older adults with mental health issues while emphasizing the protective role of fall prevention behaviors.