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© 2017 Elsevier Ltd This study introduces an interdisciplinary framework for investigating building-user interaction in office spaces. The framework is a synthesis of theories from building physics and social psychology including social cognitive theory, the theory of planned behavior, and the drivers-needs-actions-systems ontology for energy-related behaviors. The goal of the research framework is to investigate the effects of various behavioral adaptations and building controls (i.e., adjusting thermostats, operating windows, blinds and shades, and switching on/off artificial lights) to determine impacts on occupant comfort and energy-related operational costs in the office environment. This study attempts to expand state-of-the-art understanding of: (1) the environmental, personal, and behavioral drivers motivating occupants to interact with building control systems across four seasons, (2) how occupants’ intention to share controls is influenced by social-psychological variables such as attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control in group negotiation dynamic, (3) the perceived ease of usage and knowledge of building technologies, and (4) perceived satisfaction and productivity. To ground the validation of the theoretical framework in diverse office settings and contexts at the international scale, an online survey was designed to collect cross-country responses from office occupants among 14 universities and research centers within the United States, Europe, China, and Australia.

The aim of this study was to investigate the cementoenamel junction of a group of 11 primary sound mandibular incisors extracted for orthodontic reasons.Eleven caries and defect-free human inferior deciduous incisors were extracted for orthodontic reasons and the cementoenamel junction was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The types of tissue interrelations were classified in four possible categories: 1) cementum and enamel edge-to-edge, 2) cementum overlapped by enamel, 3) enamel overlapped by cementum, 4) presence of exposed dentin between enamel and cementum.In our observations root cementum and enamel edge-to-edge interrelation was the most frequent feature observed in overall sample, root cementum overlapping enamel tissues was observed in more than one third of the cementoenamel junction area, exposed dentin was a rare observation. In few, small and rare areas enamel overlapped cementum. Further studies could determine statistical prevalence.The cementoenamel junction of primary teeth differs from that of permanent teeth, the scarcity of gaps between cementum and enamel, the epithelial junction at the equator of the crown and the globosity of the crown are probable protective factors toward decay susceptibility.

Background:Research literature suggests that burnout, depression, and a low mental quality of life (QOL) are common among health care workers. Economic crisis might have increased the burden of burnout, depression and low QOL in health care workers.Objectives:To identify depression risk, burnout levels, and quality of life in a sample of workers of an Italian university hospital.Method:Cross sectional study with comparison with two community surveys database results (n = 2000 and 1500, respectively). Overall, 522 workers accepted to take part in the study, representing a 78% response rate (out of 669 individuals).Results:The frequency of positivity at the screener for Major Depressive Disorder among health care workers was more than double than that in the standardized community sample (33.3% vs 14.1%, pi.e.those who do not have contact with patients), showed a statistically higher frequency of positivity for depressive episodes compared to the controls. Among the medical staff, the highest risk was found in the surgeon units, while the lowest one was in the laboratories. Surgeons also were those most exposed to high risk of burnout, as measured by the Maslach Burnout Inventory.Conclusion:Since burnout is linked to patient safety and quality of patient care, and contribute to medical errors, dedicated interventions aimed at reducing poor mental health and low quality of life in medical staff are indicated.