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Amaç: Çalışmanın amacı, primipar annelerde doğum şeklinin doğum sonu konfor ve emzirme başarısına etkisinin belirlenmesidir. Yöntem: Bu çalışma kesitsel ve ilişki arayıcı tiptedir. Çalışmanın örneklem büyüklüğü hesaplamasında G*Power Versiyon 3.1.9.4 kullanılmıştır. %95 güven (1-α), 95 test gücü (1-β), d=0.993 etki büyüklüğü ve çift yönlü t testi ile her bir grupta alınması gereken örnek sayısı 28 olarak belirlenmiştir. Çalışmada basit rastgele örnekleme yöntemi ile vajinal doğum yapan 30, sezaryen doğum yapan 30 olmak üzere toplamda 60 primipar anneye ulaşılmıştır. Araştırmanın verileri Kişisel Bilgi Formu, Doğum Sonu Konfor Ölçeği (DSKÖ) ve LATCH Emzirme Ölçeği (LEÖ) ile 01.10.2020-20.02.2021 tarihlerinde primipar annelerden çevrimiçi anket bağlantısı aracılığıyla toplanmıştır. Bulgular: Primipar annelerin DSKÖ ile LEÖ puan ortalamaları karşılaştırıldığında gruplararası istatistiksel olarak anlamlı bir fark bulunmamıştır (p>0.05). Annelerin LEÖ ile DSKÖ alt boyut puanları korelasyon katsayıları bakımından anlamlı bir farklılık bulunmamıştır (p>0.05). Sonuç: Çalışmanın sonucunda; annelerin doğum sonu konfor düzeyleri ve emzirme başarılarının orta düzeyde olduğu ve doğum şeklinin doğum sonu konfor ve emzirme başarısı üzerinde etkisi olmadığı görülmektedir., Objective: The aim of the study is to determine the effect of delivery method on postpartum comfort and breastfeeding success in primiparous mothers.Methods: This study is cross-sectional and correlational type. The sample size of the study was calculated G * PowerVersion 3.1.9.4 is used for this calculation. With 95% confidence (1-α), 95 test power (1-β), d = 0.993 effect size, and two-way t-test, the number of samples to be taken in each group was determined as 28. In the study, a total of 60 primiparous mothers, 30 of whom had vaginal delivery and 30 who had cesarean section, were reached by simple random sampling. With the data of the study, the Personal Information Form, the Postnatal Comfort Scale (PCS), and the LATCH Breastfeeding Scale (LBS), and primiparous mothers on 01.10.2020-20.02.2021 were invited to participate in the study via an online questionnaire link. Results: When the mean PCS scores of the primiparous mothers were compared with the mean LBS scores, no statistically significant difference was found between the groups (p>0.05). There was no significant difference in the correlation coefficients of the mothers' LBS and PCS sub-dimension scores (p>0.05). Conclusion: As a result of the study; It is observed that postpartum comfort levels and breastfeeding success of mothers are at a moderate level and delivery type has no effect on postpartum comfort and breastfeeding success.

The design of workwear has significant effects on worker performance. However, the current workwear for coal miners in Northern China is poor in fitness and thermal comfort. In this study, new workwear (NEW) for coal miners was developed with the design features providing better cold protection and movement comfort performance, as compared with a commonly worn workwear (CON). To evaluate the effectiveness of NEW, we conducted human trials which were performed using simulated work movements (i.e., sitting, shoveling, squatting, and crawling) in a climate chamber (10°C, 75% RH). Physiological measurements and perceptual responses were obtained. The results demonstrated that the local skin temperatures at chest, scapula, thigh, and calf; mean skin temperatures,; and thermal comfort in NEW were significantly higher than those in CON. NEW also exerted an improvement in enhancing movement comfort. We conclude that NEW could meet well with the cold protective and mobility requirements.

Background Colon Capsule Endoscopy (CCE) has proven efficacy in a variety of gastrointestinal diseases. Few studies have assessed patient-reported outcomes and preference between colonoscopy and CCE. Methods Patients from our centre who had both a CCE and colonoscopy within a 12-month period were identified. We performed over-the-phone interviews focused on satisfaction, comfort, and overall preference with a 10-point Likert scale. Electronic records were reviewed; reported Modified-Gloucester-Comfort-Scale (GCS) score, sedation, bowel preparation and endoscopist grade were documented. Data was compared between procedures. A Fishers exact test was used to compare proportions and a Student t-test was used to compare means, a p Results In all, 40 patients were identified, 57.5% (23/40) were female and the mean age was 48 years (24–78). All patients were referred for investigation of lower gastrointestinal symptoms as part of an ongoing study [Endosc Int Open. 2021;09(06):E965–70]. There was a significance difference in mean comfort (9.2 vs 6.7, p p = 0.2, 95% CI − 1.48 to 0.33) between CCE and colonoscopy. Main cause of dissatisfaction with CCE was bowel preparation and for colonoscopy was discomfort. Age and gender were not found to be variables. The correlation between GCS and patient reported values was weak (R = − 0.28). Overall, 77.5% (31/40) of patients would prefer a CCE if they required further bowel investigation. Of these, 77.4% (24/31) preferred a CCE despite the potential need for follow-up colonoscopy. Conclusions CCE has a high satisfaction rating (8.3 vs 7.7) and has a higher patient reported comfort rating (9.2 vs 6.7) than colonoscopy. Studies have confirmed CCE and colonoscopy have equivalent diagnostic yields. The majority of patients in our cohort prefer CCE to colonoscopy. CCE should be considered as an alternative to colonoscopy in selected individuals.

Background: Comfort is a positive result of effective care and is directly related to nursing science. Knowing the level of comfort of patients treated in psychiatry clinic will determine the level of meeting the needs of individuals and measure the effectiveness of the care provided. Objectives: This study was carried out to determine the level of comfort perceived by patients in psychiatry clinic of a hospital and the factors affecting their comfort levels. Methods: The study was conducted with 106 patients hospitalized in psychiatry clinic of a private hospital serving in Istanbul. Data; It was obtained with the Introductory Information Form and General Comfort Scale and evaluated by number, percentage, mean, t-test, ANOVA and Tukey tests. Results: In the study in which the general comfort levels of the patients included in the study were evaluated between 1-4 points, the general comfort level score average was 2.67 ± 15; When the General Comfort Scale total score was examined, it was found that the highest score was at the relaxation level with 2.84 ± 32 and the lowest score was at the relief level with 2.48 ± 31. When the sub-dimension scores are examined, the highest score is 3.31 ± 47 at the sociocultural dimension of relaxation; It was determined that the lowest score was 2.05 ± 45 at the physical level of relaxation. A statistically significant difference was found between the General Comfort Scale scores of the patients according to their length of stay. General Comfort Scale scores of patients with a hospitalization period of 11-15 days were found to be higher than those of other hospitalization periods. Conclusion: As a result of the research, the comfort level of the patients in the institution where the study was conducted was determined to be above the middle and it was suggested that appropriate interventions should be made to evaluate and increase the comfort level of the patients hospitalized in psychiatry clinics at certain intervals.

Aims and objectives To compare the washing without water method with the water and soap method regarding comfort perceptions of the bed bath. Background Bathing affects nurses’ and care recipients’ comfort. Bedridden care recipients can be bathed in bed with water and soap or with washing without water products. Little is known about the differences between these two bed bath methods regarding comfort perceptions among care recipients and nurses. Design Crossover randomised laboratory‐controlled trial, conducted from March 2018–November 2019, according to the CONSORT guidelines. Methods Nursing students were randomly allocated roles as a patient (who received both types of bed baths) or a nurse (who provided both types of bed baths). Also, the order in which the bed baths were received/provided was randomised. A total of 97 students were included in the analysis. Student patients filled out the Patient Evaluation of Emotional Comfort Experienced (PEECE) scale to measure emotional comfort and a single‐item question on physical comfort after each bed bath. Student nurses filled out the Physical Demands scale after each bed bath to measure their physical comfort perceptions. Results No differences were found between the two bed bathing methods regarding student patients’ emotional or physical comfort levels. Among student nurses, the washing without water method was less physically demanding than the water and soap method. Conclusions Taking into account time‐efficiency and physical comfort for nurses, washing without water seems to be a valuable alternative to water and soap from a care recipient comfort perspective, which should be assessed in a clinical setting in future research. Relevance to clinical practice The washing without water method is less physically demanding for nurses and takes less time. It does not have a detrimental effect on care recipients’ emotional and physical comfort. The trial is registered at www.trialregister.nl (ID = NL6787).

Background and Aim Hepatic angiography procedures such as transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) are essential procedures for managing patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and are usually performed with femoral access. However, femoral access causes patient discomfort and may be associated with the risk of hematoma or pseudoaneurysm at puncture site. We evaluated the safety, feasibility, and patient comfort of hepatic angiography procedures performed with radial access. Methods In this single‐institution, retrospective, time‐frame study, a total of 206 patients who underwent hepatic angiography procedures with radial access, which were first used on October 2017 at our institution, were compared with 240 patients who underwent the same procedures with femoral access before this period. Several measures were assessed, including procedure time and safety. In addition, a questionnaire was used to compare the access types regarding procedure‐associated discomfort. Results Hepatic angiography procedures performed with radial access, including TACE, were completed in all patients without complications. The procedure time was comparable between radial access and femoral access. Most patients preferred radial to femoral access. Patients taking anticoagulants were able to complete the procedures without discontinuing these drugs. Conclusions Hepatic angiography procedures with radial access resulted in less discomfort than those with femoral access, and the two approaches showed similar feasibility and safety. Radial access can be introduced as a routine technique for hepatic angiography procedures., Hepatic angiography procedures with radial access resulted in less discomfort than those with femoral access, and the two approaches showed similar feasibility and safety. Radial access can be introduced as a routine technique for hepatic angiography procedures.

Objective The aim of the authors is to clarify the concept of comfort at the end-of-life in order to support understandings of fundamental nursing care needed at this stage of healthcare. Methods The Walker and Avant framework was applied to develop a deeper understanding of the concept of comfort at the end of life. Results Five defining attributes of comfort in the end-of-life were identified and they are having a peaceful home-life environment, trust and consolation, proximity and social-cultural support, alleviation of suffering, and a process of integrated intervention by nurses. Conclusions At the end-of-life patients commonly experience physical, psychological, social-cultural, and environmental discomfort. Patients’ families also encounter significant challenges. However, their comfort needs are often secondary to that of the patient. Additionally, a lack of clarity exists regarding the holistic meaning of comfort at the end-of-life, which can largely be confined to understandings of physical comfort for the patient, with a limited understanding of addressing family/caregivers’ needs. Therefore, this concept analysis may provide some guidance in this regard and also provides support toward a more integrated understanding of the concept.

Introduction. National goals and strategic objectives of the Russian Federation encompass the development of comfortable and safe urban environments. Pursuant to the goals and objectives, set by the state, the comfort of urban environments must be improved and the value of its quality index must go up, while the number of cities having unfavorable living environments must go down in the short term. Environmental deterioration, which is underway in many cities, sets the task of developing new urban living principles that regulate the biosphere compatibility of cities and the development of human capital. Materials and methods. The theoretical basis of this research project is the paradigm of life activities — biosphere-compatible cities and settlements capable of developing humans, as well as its fundamental provisions concerning the assessment of social standing, the pace of human development, and the application of social standards to public relations. Practical tools, that may be used to solve this problem, include the correlation and regression analysis that serves to identify the statistical relationships between dependent/independent variables of interacting factors and social and demographic indicators of residential areas (micro-districts/blocks) in municipalities. Results. The co-authors propose a new system of indicators, that will be used to assess the condition of the living environment. It expands the traditional notions of urban planning and quality of life in urbanized territories following the principle of urban functions employed to satisfy rational human needs. Statistical data on the availability of urban functions in 17 residential districts of the 15 cities of the Russian Federation was analyzed to choose the type of the regression model and perform the numerical evaluation of its parameters. The results of the correlation and regression analysis of dependent and independent variables, performed in this paper, substantiate the choice of the most significant interacting factors and their rightful contribution to statistical models used to forecast most favorable living conditions. Conclusions. Statistical patterns, identified by the co-authors, are indicative of the level of services provided to the population of residential areas (micro-districts/blocks); they will be the subject matter of further scientific discussions to be focused on the substantiation of indicators of comfort and safety of urban environments and multifactorial processes of life activities in biosphere-compatible cities.

To observe the effect of application of incentive nursing intervention (INI) on recovery in burn patients undergoing vacuum sealing drainage (VSD). From January 2017 to January 2020, a total of 82 consecutive burn patients were prospectively enrolled, and divided into INI group and routine nursing intervention (RNI) group according to random number table method. The causes of inadequate drainage were collected, the incidence was calculated, and the occurrence of inadequate drainage at different locations was compared. The pain degree and comfort status before and after the intervention were observed, and the wound healing time, hospital stay, and satisfaction after the intervention were recorded. The reasons for inadequate drainage during the treatment of VSD included negative pressure insufficient, drainage tube blockage because of escharosis, replacement of negative pressure internal sac not standard, loose sealing of the semi‐permeable membrane, and the negative pressure tube fell off, compressed or reflexed. The baseline characteristics between the two groups were comparable (P > .05). The incidence of each cause and total incidence of inadequate drainage in INI group were lower than those in RNI group (P

Purpose Passive elevation of body temperature can induce an acute inflammatory response that has been proposed to be beneficial; however, it can be perceived as uncomfortable. Here, we investigate whether local cooling of the upper body during hot water immersion can improve perception without inhibiting the interleukin-6 (IL-6) response. Methods Nine healthy male participants (age: 22 ± 1 years, body mass: 83.4 ± 9.4 kg) were immersed up to the waist for three 60-min water immersion conditions: 42 °C hot water immersion (HWI), 42 °C HWI with simultaneous upper-body cooling using a fan (FAN), and 36 °C thermoneutral water immersion (CON). Blood samples to determine IL-6 plasma concentration were collected pre- and post-water immersion; basic affect and thermal comfort were assessed throughout the intervention. Results Plasma IL-6 concentration was higher for HWI and FAN when compared with CON (P P = 0.22; pre to post, HWI: 1.0 ± 0.6 to 1.5 ± 0.7 pg·ml−1, FAN: 0.7 ± 0.5 to 1.1 ± 0.5 pg·ml−1, CON: 0.5 ± 0.2 to 0.5 ± 0.2 pg·ml−1). At the end of immersion, basic affect was lowest for HWI (HWI: − 1.8 ± 2.0, FAN: 0.2 ± 1.6, CON 1.0 ± 2.1, P P Conclusion Local cooling of the upper body during hot water immersion improves basic affect and thermal comfort without inhibiting the acute IL-6 response.

BACKGROUND: Human-centred design asks for wellbeing and comfort of the customer/worker when interacting with a product. Having a good perception-model and an objective method to evaluate the experienced (dis)comfort by the product user is needed for performing a preventive comfort evaluation as early as possible in the product development plan. The mattress of a bed is a typical product whose relevance in everyday life of people is under-evaluated. Fortunately, this behaviour is quickly changing, and the customer wants to understand the product he/she buys and asks for more comfortable and for scientifically assessed products. No guidelines for designing a personalized mattress are available in the literature. OBJECTIVES: This study deals with the experience of designing an innovative product whose product-development-plan is focused on the customer perceived comfort: a personalized mattress. The research question is: which method can be used to innovate or create a comfort-driven human-centred product? METHODS: Virtual prototyping was used to develop a correlated numerical model of the mattress. A comfort model for preventively assessing the perceived comfort was proposed and experimentally tested. Mattress testing sessions with subjects were organized, and collected data were compared with already tested mattresses. Brainstorming and multi-expert methods were used to propose, realize, and test an archetype of a new mattress for final comfort assessment. RESULTS: A new reconfigurable mattress was developed, resulting in two patents. The mattress design shows that personalized products can be tuned according to the anthropometric data of the customer in order to improve the comfort experience during sleep. CONCLUSIONS: A “comfort-driven design guideline” was proposed; this method has been based on the use of virtual prototyping, virtual optimization and physical prototyping and testing. It allowed to improve an existing product in a better way and to bring innovation in it.

Background: Chemotherapy is the most common modality for cancer management, but it is associated with many side effects. Objectives: This study evaluated the effects of Thai massage on comfort and symptoms among female cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. Methods: This randomized clinical trial was conducted in 2017–2018 with a two-group pre-posttest design. Participants were sixty female patients with cancer selected from Bu-Ali Hospital in Tehran, Iran, and randomly allocated to a control and an intervention group. Participants in the control group received routine care, while their counterparts in the intervention group received both routine care and ten-session massage therapy. A demographic questionnaire, the Kolcaba's General Comfort Questionnaire, and the Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale were used for data collection. Data were analyzed using the Chi-square, Fisher's exact, independent-samples t, and paired-samples t-tests. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the groups respecting the pretest mean scores of comfort and symptoms (P > 0.05). After the intervention, the mean score of comfort in the control group was statistically significantly greater than the intervention group (137.4 ± 6.8 vs. 131.53 ± 9.61; P = 0.008). Moreover, the posttest mean scores of pain, fatigue, nausea, depression, anxiety, and drowsiness in the intervention group were significantly less than the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Massage therapy is effective in significantly reducing symptoms among female cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.

The article presents the results of laboratory tests on the influence of the choice of the vehicle suspension position and the method of mounting child seats on the vibration comfort of children transported in them. Two child seats were used in the work. The B seat was attached to the vehicle with the ISOfix system, while the A seat was attached in the classic way (with seat belts). During the tests, the values of vertical vibrations were recorded on the seats of child seats, the rear seat of the vehicle and on the basis of ISOfix. The analyzed systems, depending on the method of mounting a child seat, may be characterized by two different vibration transmission chains. They depend on the method of fixing the child seat (the classic way of fixing the seat and the ISOFIX system). The article presents the results of empirical tests carried out at the EUSAMA SA.640 stand, which in these tests acted as a vibration generator with a frequency of 0 to 25 Hz. The analysis of the obtained results confirmed the observations published in previous articles about the negative impact of the use of the ISOfix base on the vibrational comfort of children.

In this paper, four commonly used car seat covers, made from leather as well as from woven, knitted and 3D spacer fabrics are tested as sandwiched and separate layers to determine the effect of the lamination and layers on air and water vapor permeability. Different combinations of interlining materials are also tested to obtain the optimum comfortable car seat cover. This analysis gives us a real idea of which layer negatively affects the breathability of the car seat. The focus of this part of research was to identify the issues within the car seat material instead of factors like external cooling or the clothing of the driver. It was observed that the polyurethane (PU) foam and lamination significantly reduce the permeability of the car seats. The 3D spacer fabric shows the best top layer properties as compared to classical woven, leather or knitted car seat covers. The research shows how layers and lamination cause thermo-physiological discomfort of car seats.

With the outbreak of SARS-CoV-2, mandatory public masking has been broadly implemented. However, the perceived impact of mask use on pulmonary function is a deterrent to public compliance. In this report, we review the impact of masks on pulmonary function and provide recommendations for masking during exercise and rehabilitation during COVID-19., Purpose: Masking has been employed as a strategy for reducing transmission of a variety of communicable diseases. With the outbreak of SARS-CoV-2, many countries have implemented mandatory public masking. However, the perceived impact of mask use on pulmonary function has been a deterrent to public compliance with recommendations. COVID-19 has shed light on the impact that comorbid cardiac and pulmonary conditions may have on disease severity. This knowledge has led to increased primary and secondary prevention efforts for which exercise and rehabilitation are central. The importance of safe methods of exercise while mitigating risk of viral transmission is paramount to global recovery from the pandemic and prevention of future outbreaks. Methods: We constructed a focused literature review of the impact of various masks on pulmonary function at rest and with exercise. This was then incorporated into recommendations for the integration of masks with exercise and rehabilitation in the COVID-19 era. Results: While there is a paucity of evidence, we identified the physiological effects of masking at rest and during exercise to be negligible. The perceived impact appears to be far greater than the measured impact, and increased frequency of mask use leads to a physiological and psychological adaptive response. Conclusions: Masking during daily activities, exercise, and rehabilitation is safe in both healthy individuals and those with underlying cardiopulmonary disease. Rehabilitation participants should be reassured that the benefits of masking during COVID-19 far outweigh the risks, and increased frequency of mask use invokes adaptive responses that make long-term masking tolerable.

Purpose This paper aims to explore, which characteristics of activity-based offices are related to the position of workers on the burnout – engagement continuum. Design/methodology/approach Literature review and an online survey amongst knowledge workers in the Netherlands, which provided data of 184 respondents from 14 organisations. The data has been analysed by descriptive statistics, bivariate analyses, factor analyses and path analysis, to test the conceptual model. Findings Five physical work environment constructs were identified of which three showed to have significant relations with employees’ position on one of the three dimensions of the burnout – engagement continuum. Distraction has a direct and indirect (through overload) negative relation with the individual strain (meaning increased exhaustion). Office comfort has indirect positive relations (through recognition and appreciation) with the interpersonal strain (meaning increased involvement). The possibility for teleworking has an indirect positive relation (through control) on the self-evaluation strain (meaning increased efficacy). Practical implications The findings show that in the design and management of a healthy physical work environment, corporate real estate managers and human resource managers should particularly pay attention to lowering distraction, providing comfortable workplaces and considering the option of teleworking to some extent. Originality/value This paper provides new insights into the impact of distinct activity-based workplace characteristics on workers’ position on the burnout – engagement continuum.

The article describes the methodology related to determining the multi-criteria routes for sailing ships. Details of sea area discretisation and discretisation of the description of the sailing vessel properties and manoeuvring principles are shown. User requirements were specified (for five different categories of users) and on this basis the criteria for selecting the most suitable shipping route were formulated. The presented algorithm recommends a route for a given user category by means of defined restrictions and configuration parameters. The applied multi-criteria approach proves the universality and usability of the sailing ship route planning method.

Objectives The study examined the extent and prevalence of perceived indoor environment-related (IE-related) symptoms environmental complaints and psychosocial work environmental factors in Finnish office, school and health care environments. Material and Methods The data were collected from non-industrial workplaces (N = 455) in 2011–2012 and 2015–2017 using the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health’s Indoor Air Questionnaire ( IA Questionnaire ). Suspicion of IE-related problems was reported in 59% of workplaces. The data consisted of 28 826 employees’ responses. Results The employees reported symptoms and environmental discomfort in office environments less often than in school or health care environments. The most often reported IE-related complaints were stuffy air (39% of respondents), dry air (34%) and insufficient ventilation (33%). The most often reported symptoms were irritation of the nose (27% of respondents), irritation of the eyes (26%), and hoarse or dry throat (24%). The results showed differences between the perceived IE in office, school and health care environments. Conclusions Compared to earlier findings, the most often perceived IE-related symptoms and complaints have increased in Finnish health care environments. The office employees’ perceptions of psychosocial work environment remained fairly unchanged whereas health care personnel more often assessed their psychosocial environment as positive compared to previous reports. Instead of exact reference values, comparing the results of IA Questionnaires with the distributions and mean values of the results of this study may be more informative for those striving to solve IE-related problems. The presented distribution and mean values of perceived symptoms, environmental complaints and psychosocial work environment might help to relate the results to other workplaces. This, in turn, might increase the understanding that IA Questionnaire results are influenced by many factors. The results presented can be used as new reference material when interpreting the results of IA Questionnaires in office, school and health care environments. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2020;33(4):479–95

Nurses are increasingly using energy therapies such as therapeutic touch (TT) in many countries. This research aimed at finding out the effects of TT on comfort and anxiety of nursing home residents. This research is a quasi-experimental randomized control study which was conducted to investigate the impact of TT on the comfort and anxiety of older people living in a nursing home in Izmir, Turkey, between August 2015 and 2016. the sample of the study was formed from 60 older people who fitted the selection criteria, 30 in the experimental group and 30 in the control group. Data were collected using a General Comfort Questionnaire (GCQ) and a Situational Anxiety Inventory (STAI). A statistically significant difference was found between the measurements of the TT and control groups. According to the results, TT reduces anxiety and increases the comfort level of older people (p < 0.05). Considering the positive results of TT on comfort levels and anxiety, it can be recommended as an independent nursing practice.

A low-cost experimental-numerical method for the prediction of on-road comfort of city bicycles is presented. Experimental tests are performed by exciting the wheels of the bicycle with impulsive v...

This study collected fundamental data on the current status of construction workers’ clothes in South Korea, and categorized it based on construction site environment and job position. The study was conducted via a survey of 102 construction workers comprising both managers and laborers. In addition, a detailed interview-based questionnaire was used to ask three workers at the construction site to adopt working postures and identify the most uncomfortable parts of their workwear. Construction working environments are influenced by seasonal changes and have been recognized as places where dangerous hazards may occur. Workers in the construction industry felt that their faces were the hottest parts of their bodies in summer and their hands were the coldest in winter. With respect to the clothing worn for work, the results showed that most managers wore company-supplied workwear but laborers did not. When personally purchasing workwear, managers bought items at outdoor shops, whereas laborers purchased theirs at local markets. Both laborers and managers indicated a need for new workwear designs with a greater emphasis on function. In the in-depth interviews, the respondents noted that they felt discomfort from the clothing in their backs, upper arms, thighs, knees, and hips as a result of their primary work postures. Furthermore, they noted the need for pockets of appropriate size and position according to their work. The functional requirements demanded from construction workwear were classified based on the study’s results.

Purpose: Current ocular antiseptic practice for intravitreal injection (IVI) employs 5% povidone–iodine (Betadine®) drops which frequently cause ocular discomfort and prolonged irritation. In an effort to improve comfort while maintaining efficacy, we studied a hypochlorous acid (HOCL 0.01%) spray washout prior to injection. Methods: Patients had received a minimum of 3 IVIs prepared with Betadine® antisepsis prior to entry in this study. Their subsequent IVIs were prepared with Betadine® followed by HOCL 0.01% washout. Facets of comfort were measured by a Likert-scaled questionnaire to compare their experiences after IVI. Results: Thirty-seven participants were enrolled. Addition of HOCL 0.01% spray after Betadine® reduced the duration of discomfort (P = 0.001) and need for artificial tears postinjection (P = 0.003). It improved their reported quality of life (P = 0.04) and sleep (P = 0.01). There were neither HOCL-related side effects nor endophthalmitis during this study. Conclusion: Topical HOCL 0.01% spray after topical Betadine® antisepsis significantly improved patient comfort following IVIs.

Timothy Grant, Anson Tang Alcon Laboratories (Australia) Pty Ltd, Macquarie Park, NSW, AustraliaCorrespondence: Timothy GrantAlcon Laboratories (Australia) Pty Ltd, Suite 7.01, Building D, 15 Talavera Rd, Macquarie Park 2113, NSW, AustraliaEmail tim.grant@alcon.comPurpose: To assess the patient and ECP preference of verofilcon A lenses over approximately a one-week period when worn on a daily wear, daily disposable (DD) basis by current DD contact lens wearers (CLWs) and new CLWs. ECPs assessed the lens fit, performance on eye and lens preference (to habitual DD lens) for current wearers.Methods: A total of 218 current DD CLWs and 129 new CLWs aged > 18 years participated in the survey. Baseline demographics and one-week data were obtained by 31 ECPs after fitting up to 10 current and 10 new wearers each. The survey was conducted online for both the participants and the ECPs. The survey took place in Australia and New Zealand from April to May 2019.Results: For new wearers, the surveyed results demonstrated strong wearer preference for the verofilcon A lens with quality of life as a main driver. For current wearers, comfort was the main driver for verofilcon A preference. Post survey, 73% of ECPs stated they would most likely continue to fit verofilcon A lenses.Keywords: verofilcon A, silicone hydrogel, daily disposable, surface, comfort

IntroductionMisinterpreted or minimized sensations related to progressive neuronal loss are predictive of the prominent behavioral and psychological symptoms (BPSD) observed in dementia. Guidelines recommend nonpharmacologic interventions via sensory engagement be included in the standard of patient care. To facilitate implementation, collaboration with health care students equipped with nonpharmacologic strategies to manage BPSD should be encouraged. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of outreach participation on student-pharmacists' comfort levels and perceived communication ability when interacting with patients with dementia.MethodsDuring the sensory stimulation outreach, pharmacy students were paired with a patient with dementia to encourage fidget blanket use through patient-specific directions and demonstration. A single-group, pretest-posttest design was utilized to assess changes in students' comfort level and perceived communication ability prior to and immediately following outreach participation.ResultsTwenty-six students attended between 1 and 5 outreaches. Students reported a statistically significant increase in comfort level while interacting with patients with dementia after attending their first (n = 26, Z = 2.754, P = .006), second (n = 16, Z = 2.124, P = .034), and third outreach (n = 12, Z = 2.449, P = .014). Students' weighted composite communication scores showed a statistically significant increase after their first (n = 26, Z = 3.309, P = .001) and third outreach experiences (n = 12, Z = 2.375, P = .018).DiscussionParticipation in this sensory stimulation outreach improved students' comfort level and ability to communicate while interacting with patients with dementia. Greater exposure to the population through continued outreach participation was associated with a further increase in comfort level and perceived communication ability.

For hotels to attract more work-from hotel customers they need to prioritize the balance of technology with infrastructures that provide the same comforts that a home would.As traveler demands continue to increase and diversify, hotels are now making arrangements that would best suit the needs of their WFH customers. Hotels are boosting their innovation capabilities in order to meet the essential requirements for digital nomads, from improved Wi-Fi to poolside amenities that look like personal offices and so on. The pandemic has indeed changed the demands of hoteliers, and hotels are adding new features that can improve guest experience.

Introduction: Low birth weight (LBW) infants who have been hospitalized are exposed to various conditions that provoke discomfort, which could trigger a stress response and growth disorders. This study aimed to identify the effects of auditory stimuli from Murottal Quran when it comes to the comfort and weight of LBW infants.Methods: This study used a clinical randomized controlled trial design involving 52 low birth weight infants. The infants were randomly assigned to either the intervention group (n=26) or the control (n=26). The intervention of Murottal Quran was given using a speaker 4 times a day for 20 minutes every 3 hours. This intervention was conducted for three days.Results: The results of this study show that there is a significant difference in the comfort of low birth weight infants after Murottal Qur’an on the first, second, and third days between the intervention and control groups (p=0.014

Introduction: Breakthrough technologies in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) revolutionized neonates’ quality of care. Mother scented simulated hand (MSSH) is an ergonomically designed supportive hand that uses the power of touch to simulate the feeling of being held and cuddled. This study aimed to determine the effect of MSSH on promoting comfort among mechanically ventilated preterm neonates during invasive procedures.Methods: A quasi-experimental, pre-posttest two groups study was carried out in NICU in Smouha, Alexandria. A sample of 62 mechanically ventilated neonates was randomly assigned to two equal groups; the study group wrapped with a warm MSSH during the invasive procedures while the control group received standard care of NICU. Two observers independently rated the neonates’ level of comfort, distress, and pain during endotracheal suctioning (ETS) and heel prick using COMFORTneo scale.Results: It is revealed that the mechanically ventilated neonates had a significantly higher comfort level with MSSH than the standard care during and after both ETS and heal break (p < 0.001 for each). The neonates had significantly lower distress and pain scores when encircled by MSSH during invasive procedures than standard care (p < 0.001 for NRS distress and p < 0.001 for NRS distress).Conclusion: Wrapping the preterm neonates with a warm MSSH promotes comfort and reduces their pain and distress during invasive procedures, especially when their mothers are not physically available.

This paper addresses the challenge of minimizing training time for the control of Heating, Ventilation, and Air-conditioning (HVAC) systems with online Reinforcement Learning (RL). This is done by developing a novel approach to Multi-Agent Reinforcement Learning (MARL) to HVAC systems. In this paper, the environment formed by the HVAC system is formulated as a Markov Game (MG) in a general sum setting. The MARL algorithm is designed in a decentralized structure, where only relevant states are shared between agents, and actions are shared in a sequence, which are sensible from a system’s point of view. The simulation environment is a domestic house located in Denmark and designed to resemble an average house. The heat source in the house is an air-to-water heat pump, and the HVAC system is an Underfloor Heating system (UFH). The house is subjected to weather changes from a data set collected in Copenhagen in 2006, spanning the entire year except for June, July, and August, where heat is not required. It is shown that: (1) When comparing Single Agent Reinforcement Learning (SARL) and MARL, training time can be reduced by 70% for a four temperature-zone UFH system, (2) the agent can learn and generalize over seasons, (3) the cost of heating can be reduced by 19% or the equivalent to 750 kWh of electric energy per year for an average Danish domestic house compared to a traditional control method, and (4) oscillations in the room temperature can be reduced by 40% when comparing the RL control methods with a traditional control method.

Background College students are leading an evolution of device use both in the type of device and the frequency of use. They have transitioned from desktop stations to laptops, tablets, and especially smartphones and use them throughout the day and into the night. Methods Using a 35-min online survey, we sought to understand how technology daily usage patterns, device types, and postures affect pain and discomfort to understand how knowledge of that pain might help students avoid it. Data were analyzed from 515 students (69.5% male) who completed an internet-delivered survey (81.3% response rate). Results Participants ranked smartphones as their most frequently used technology (64.0%), followed by laptops and tablets (both 53.2%), and desktop computers (46.4%). Time spent using smartphones averaged over 4.4 h per day. When using their devices, students were more likely to adopt non-traditional workplace postures as they used these devices primarily on the couch or at a chair with no desk. Conclusion Recent trends in wireless academic access points along with the portability of small handheld devices, have made smartphones the most common link to educational materials despite having the least favorable control and display scenario from an ergonomic perspective. Further, the potential impact of transitions in work environments due to COVID-19 may further exacerbate ergonomic issues among millions highlighting the need for such work to be carried out.

The term “comfort” has a number of nuances and meanings according to the specific context. This study was aimed at providing a review of the influence (or “weight”) of the different factors that contribute to global comfort, commonly known as indoor environmental quality (IEQ). A dedicated section includes the methodologies and strategies for finding the most relevant studies on this topic. Resulting in 85 studies, this review outlines 27 studies containing 26 different weightings and 9 global comfort indices (GCIs) with a formula. After an overview of the main concepts, basic definitions, indices, methods and possible strategies for each type of comfort, the studies on the IEQ categories weights to reach a global comfort index are reviewed. A particular interest was paid to research with a focus on green buildings and smart homes. The core section includes global indoor environmental quality indices, besides a specific emphasis on indices found in recent literature to understand the best aspects that they all share. For each of these overall indices, some specific details are shown, such as the comfort categories, the general formula, and the methods employed. The last section reports IEQ elements percentage weighting summary, common aspects of GCIs, requisites for an indoor global comfort index (IGCI), and models adopted in comfort category weighting. Furthermore, current trends are described in the concluding remarks pointing to a better IGCI by considering additional aspects and eventually adopting artificial intelligence algorithms. This leads to the optimal control of any actuator, maximising energy savings.

The evaluation of Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) can be applied to special environments such as hospitals where it can have a great impact on both patients and workers. In this paper the authors present some results obtained in a large survey campaign in hospital settings, and in particular the results of IEQ measures in the sterilization unit are shown.

The hydrophilicity of fibers is directly related to the comfort of a fabric and represents one of the most important aspects of a textile. Therefore, polyester (PES) modification has focused on an increase in moisture content and a subsequent improvement of the user’s experience. Based on the glycerol hygroscopic properties, the main objective has been the enhancement of the hydrophilicity of polyester by glycerol treatments. Furthermore, microwave irradiation and alkaline treatment have been applied, in order to increase glycerol adhesion. Treated PES samples were characterized by performing moisture content, negative ion, water diffusion and water vapor resistance analyses. The effect of different treatment conditions such as bath ratio (1/10 or 1/15), temperature (40, 60 or 100 °C), time (2 or 5 min) and microwave radiation intensity (300 or 500 W) was evaluated. The moisture content of treated PES results indicated that by decreasing the bath ratio and increasing the time and temperature the moisture gain can reach almost 14%, which can be easily related to increases in the weight of the fiber. The treatment with alkali was done and led to the highest moisture increase. Treatment with 500 W microwave irradiation led to higher glycerol retention after rinsing. Different experimental conditions were applied to the glycerol-treated PES fabrics, and a clear improvement in moisture content was obtained increasing the comfort. The results were compared with the ones obtained for cotton and wool, where the moisture is higher than non treated PES., The authors wish to thank the Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades (RTI2018-094014-B-100 Project), for financial support.

We aimed to compare the mortality and comfort associated with high-flow nasal cannula oxygenation (HFNCO) and high-concentration mask (HCM) in older SARS-CoV-2 infected patients who were hospitalized in non-intensive care units. In this retrospective cohort study, we included all consecutive patients aged 75 years and older who were hospitalized for acute respiratory failure (ARF) in either an acute geriatric unit or an acute pulmonary care unit, and tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. We compared the in-hospital prognosis between patients treated with HFNCO and patients treated with HCM. To account for confounders, we created a propensity score for HFNCO, and stabilizing inverse probability of treatment weighting (SIPTW) was applied. From March 2020 to January 2021, 67 patients (median age 87 years, 41 men) were hospitalized with SARS-CoV-2-related ARF, of whom 41 (61%) received HFNCO and 26 (39%) did not. Age and comorbidities did not significantly differ in the two groups, whereas clinical presentation was more severe in the HFNCO group (NEW2 score: 8 (5–11) vs. 7 (5–8), p = 0.02, and Sp02/Fi02: 88 (98–120) vs. 117 (114–148), p = 0.03). Seven (17%) vs. two (5%) patients survived at 30 days in the HFNCO and HCM group, respectively. Overall, after SIPTW, HFNCO was significantly associated with greater survival (adjusted hazard ratio (AHR) 0.57, 95% CI 0.33–0.99, p = 0.04). HFNCO use was associated with a lower need for morphine (AHR 0.39, 95% CI 0.21–0.71, p = 0.005), but not for midazolam (AHR 0.66, 95% CI 0.37–1.19, p = 0.17). In conclusion, HFNCO use in non-intensive care units may reduce mortality and discomfort in older inpatients with SARS-CoV-2-related ARF.

Ensuring optimum interior lighting is a topic of great importance, as this influences not only the well-being of users but also the optimal performance of visual tasks. Lighting can be natural, but if not sufficient, it can be compensated with artificial lighting. This study highlights a methodology for designing a new lighting system that takes into account both technical and economic aspects. The method was applied to an existing school located in southern Italy, in which the electricity consumption is related to the current lighting system. The school is chosen as being representative of the construction type and layout of many local schools. In addition, the coexistence of several visual tasks with different design requisites (e.g., illuminance levels) makes the school a very complex environment. The school lighting is modelled in Google SketchUp and imported into Daysim to simulate the yearly and hourly daylight indoor contribution. Dialux Evo has been used to simulate and design artificial lighting. The results show a reduction of energy consumption of 33% with the simple replacement of fluorescent luminaires with LEDs, while the LED lamp dimming and modulation for rows of luminaires leads to a 95% reduction in energy consumption compared with the current state.

Background Footwear has an essential role including protection of the feet, overall performance, foot health and potentially, supporting normal development of the foot. In addition to these physical aspects which may influence choice of footwear design, there are psychological influences on what a person chooses to wear. The concept of footwear ‘comfort’ spans physical and psychological perceptions of comfort in adults. However, there is little understanding of what influences children’s footwear choices, how children perceive footwear comfort, or the language used to describe footwear experiences. Therefore, this study aimed to explore these three parameters as the first step to informing the development of a scale to measure footwear comfort in children. Methods A pragmatic qualitative design with thematic analysis as an analytical approach was implemented. Passive observation and short interviews were carried out with 23 children (aged 1–12 years) at a footwear manufactures headquarters and store. Prompts included shoes being tried on and field-notes were taken relating to verbal and non-verbal communication. Field notes were coded then themes were identified, reviewed and named. Results Overall, the children equated comfort to softness. However, influences on footwear choice were multidimensional including aesthetics, psychosocial influences, identified ‘comfort’ and ‘discomfort’ areas, practical issues and predictive concerns; all interacting with the age of the child. Conclusions For children, footwear comfort is a complex phenomenon having physical, cognitive, social and emotional developmental components. This can be seen in how the children perceive the ‘feel’ of the shoe and how the shoe is assessed in the context of how the shoe meets the child’s physical and psychosocial developmental needs. In younger children footwear preference is related to idiosyncratic tastes in aesthetics, physical ability and comfort. As children age, societal influences begin to expand the social function of footwear denoting group membership, to include themes that transcend the functional and social function of footwear. The knowledge from this study can inform the development of age group specific tools to evaluate comfort.

Background & Aim: Most mechanically ventilated patients reported decreasing comfort during their treatments, especially in Muslim patients. Nursing comfort care needs to be addressed by integrating the principles of Islamic daily rituals to fulfill the spiritual need and also to promote holistic comfort of Muslim patients with mechanical ventilation. This study aimed to investigate the effect of nursing comfort care integrating with the Islamic daily rituals on comfort among mechanically ventilated Muslim patients.Methods & Materials: A pretest-posttest with a control group design was used. Fifty-six participants recruited from intensive care units of three public hospitals in Indonesia were randomly assigned into either the experimental group (n=28) or control group (n=28) by matching technique based on gender, age, and duration using a ventilator. Those in the experimental group received nursing comfort care developed based on Kolcaba’s Theory of Comfort integrating with the Islamic daily rituals while those in the control group received usual care. Comfort was measured on the first day before receiving the intervention, and on the second day after the intervention was completed by using Comfort Questionnaire for Mechanically Ventilated Patients (CQMVP).Results: Data analysis by using an independent t-test found there is no significant difference in data between the experimental group and control group at baseline (t = .134, p .894). The mean comfort score of patients in the experimental group after receiving the intervention was significantly higher than those in the control group (t=6.70, p

Background: Creating a womb-like environment for the preterm infant is vital to reduce the stress caused by stimuli and facilitate optimal neurological-behavioral development. Purpose: This randomized-controlled study aimed to determine the effect of simulative heartbeat nest use on vital signs, pain level, and comfort in preterms. Methods: The study population consisted of 52 (experiment: 25, control: 27) preterms hospitalized in a university hospitals neonatal intensive care unit between May & ndash;November 2018. Before the application, preterms in both groups were evaluated with PIPP and Comfort scales. The experiment group was monitored in the nest with a heart beating device for 15 min. The control group was observed in the nest without the device for 15 min. Their heartbeats and oxygen saturation were recorded. After the application, preterms in both groups were re-evaluated with PIPP and Comfort scale. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of gestation week, age, birth weight and height, HB, SaO2, PIPP, and Comfort Scale total scores before and after the application (p > .05). However, the mean SaO2 increased significantly during the application (p < .003) in the experiment group; and that the PIPP total score decreased statistically significantly (p: 0.001) after the application. The comfort scale total score averages of the preterms in both groups decreased statistically significantly after the application (experiment:p

The COVID-19 pandemic and the precautionary measures applied globally (lockdowns and curfews) have impacted homes, including work. Working from home (WFH) has emerged as a growing trend in the post-pandemic era. The research question was: Are our homes ready for teleworking? To respond, a national prospective mixed approach was launched for Spanish households during the spring 2020 lockdown, using two online questionnaires, one quantitative and the other qualitative. Through a survey, photographs, and narratives, the study evaluates the perceived adequacy of telework spaces and their specific characteristics, the availability of digital resources and the internet. A total of 1800 surveys and over 200 images and texts related to telework environments were obtained. The results suggest that the adequacy of these spaces was insufficient for more than a quarter of the homes. Also, strong relations between the perceived workspace adequacy and a social status or stability of homes were shown and validated, despite other sociodemographic features, the home composition or habitat were not related. Some other variables statistically significant were occupation regime, type and surface of dwellings, their indoor environmental quality, the availability of exclusive spaces for teleworking, quality of digital resources, and the specific space features. The analysis was completed with qualitative insights through photos and texts. Telework, lived in this context as an experiment, needs this reflection from an environmental, resource-availability, and ergonomic point of view.

U-shaped plantar cushions could help reduce stress affecting the central forefoot without the need for an orthosis, but they are yet to be integrated as an element in socks. The objective of this study was to verify the effectiveness of a sock with a central discharge element in terms of plantar temperature and comfort. The sample comprised 38 subjects (13 men and 25 women). Their plantar temperatures were measured with a thermographic camera in a basal situation and after each of two 10-minute walks around an indoor circuit during which they wore either control or experimental socks at random (the same design, weight, and fiber, but with the plantar cushioning element added). After the walks, each subject responded to a comfort questionnaire (five-point Likert scale), blindly scoring the two socks. The highest temperatures (28.3 ± 2.7 °C) were recorded in the zone of the second and third metatarsal heads. With the experimental socks, the observed temperature increase in the central forefoot zone was significantly less than with the control socks (31.6 vs 30.6 °C, p = 0.001). The subjects found the experimental socks to be more comfortable than the controls (4.63 ± 0.5 vs 4.03 ± 0.5, p &lt, 0.001). The discharge element included in the experimental socks was effective since it reduced the contact zones and excess friction with the ground, thereby lessening overheating by more than 1°C. Furthermore, the experimental socks were perceived as being more comfortable by the subjects who had mild and occasional foot discomfort.

A mask that creates a physical barrier to protect the wearer from breathing in airborne bacteria or viruses, reducing the risk of infection in polluted air and potentially contaminated environments, has become a daily necessity for the public especially as COVID-19 has exploded around the world. However, the use of masks often causes soaring temperatures and thick humid air, leading to thermal and wear discomfort and breathing difficulties for a number of people, and further increasing the elevated risk of heat illnesses including heat stroke and heat exhaustion. When wearers become highly active or work under high tension, the excess sweat generated negatively affects the functionality of masks. Here, we report on an innovative design of an air-conditioned mask (AC Mask) system, facilitating thermoregulation in the mask microclimate, ease of breathing, and wear comfort. The AC Mask system is developed by integrating a cost-effective and lightweight thermoelectric (TE) and ventilation unit in a wearable 3D printed mask device, compatible with existing disposable masks, to protect end users safely against toxic particles such as viruses. A wind-guided tunnel has been developed for quick and efficient ventilation of cooling air. Based on a human trial, reductions in the apparent microclimate temperature and the humidity by 3.5 °C and 50%, respectively, have been achieved under a low voltage. With the excellent thermal management properties, the AC Mask will find also wide application among professional end-users such as construction workers, firefighters, and medical personnel., Graphical abstract Image 1

Following the 2020 confinement due to the COVID-19 pandemic, housing has become the only safe place and this has exposed inequity in habitability. This research on the reality of confined households and the perception of their homes in the Mexican republic is based on a mixed participatory study, combining quantitative and qualitative approaches. The online questionnaire consisted of 58 questions in the quantitative approximation. The qualitative part required the provision of an image of the workspace, with testimonies and personal reflections. During the lockdown, all participants saw an increase in overall energy consumption; more than half reported not being in thermal comfort; and a third declared deficiencies in noise insulation. Regarding the perception of the telework/tele-study space, we found the following categories: bedrooms, living/dining rooms, studies and others. In addition, respondents had often adapted the workspace for both individual and shared use. In general, the households were satisfied with the size of their houses but would like landscaped spaces or better views outside. Confinement made housing the protective element against the pandemic. The consequences will have an effect globally, so new architectural design paradigms need to be rethought., This research was funded by Universidad La Salle through the Reto-COVID Covid Challenge Initiative of Universidad La Salle México. With the project ID 28 and entitled: “New paradigms in the evolution of Architectural Design: Study on the habitability of housing and how it responds to the requirements in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic” http://retocovid.lasalle.mx), institution to which we thank for its support. (accessed on: 17 September 2020).

BACKGROUND: Amputation at the transfemoral (TF) level reduces the rate of successful prosthetic fitting, functional outcome, and quality of life (QoL) compared with transtibial amputation. The TF socket interface is considered the most critical part of the prosthesis, but socket discomfort is still the most common user complaint. Direct Socket for transfemoral prosthesis users is a novel interface fabrication process where the socket is shaped and laminated directly on the residual limb and delivered in a single visit. OBJECTIVE(S): The aim of this study was to investigate if prosthetic users' quality of life (QoL), comfort, and mobility with a Direct Socket TF interface were comparable to their experience with their previous prostheses. METHODOLOGY: The pre/post design prospective cohort study included 47 subjects. From this cohort, 36 subjects completed the 6-months follow-up (mean age 58 years, 27 males). Outcomes at baseline included EQ-5D-5L®, PLUS-M™, CLASS, ABC, AMPPRO, and TUG. At 6-weeks and 6-months, subjects repeated all measures. Seven Certified Prosthetist (CP) investigators performed observations and data collection at six different sites (from July 2018 to April 2020). FINDINGS: Results showed significant improvement in all outcome measures for the 36 subjects that completed both 6-weeks and 6-months follow-ups. CLASS sub-scales showed significantly improved stability, suspension, comfort, and socket appearance. Improvement in K-Level and less use of assistive devices were observed with the AMPPRO instrument, indicating improved user mobility and performance. QoL was also increased, as measured in Quality-Adjusted-Life-Years (QALY) from the EQ-5D-5L. CONCLUSION: Evidence from the findings demonstrate that the Direct Socket TF system and procedure can be a good alternative to the traditional method of prosthetic interface delivery. Layman's Abstract After lower limb amputation, the goal for most people is to regain mobility and independence and return to normal daily activities. Typically, people with transfemoral amputation are less likely to receive a prosthesis or fully use a prosthesis as compared to people with transtibial amputation. Moreover, their quality of life is also lower. The Direct Socket TF method is a new way of fabricating a prosthetic socket for users with above-knee amputation, enabling fabrication directly onto the residual limb and delivery of the socket in a single visit. In this study, we wanted to understand how the effect of Direct Socket TF on prosthetic 'user's quality of life, health, mobility level, and balance would compare to their previous prosthesis. This new Direct Socket TF procedure was implemented in six different prosthetic clinics across the United States and used by 36 prosthetic users for six months. Our first article on this study describes increased user satisfaction with their new interface and the single visit service model. This second article on the same clinical investigation documents the significant improvement in outcomes compared to their original interface in terms of quality of life, confidence, mobility, comfort, stability, and activity level. Article PDF Link: https://jps.library.utoronto.ca/index.php/cpoj/article/view/36065/27923 Direct Socket TF – Summary (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-fvVFqjgxjo How To Cite: Walker J, Marable W.R, Smith C, Sigurjónsson B.Þ, Atlason I.F, Johannesson G.A. Clinical outcome of transfemoral direct socket interface (part 2). Canadian Prosthetics & Orthotics Journal. 2021;Volume 4, Issue 1, No.6. https://doi.org/10.33137/cpoj.v4i1.36065 Corresponding Author: Anton Johannesson, PhDTeamOlmed, Kistagången 12, 164 40 Kista, Stockholm, Sweden.E-mail: ajohannesson@teamolmed.seORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8729-458X

Background: Sleep disorders are common things often experienced by the elderly. This will affect their quality of life. There are many factors that influence sleep needs in the elderly. The aim of this study was to determine the factors related to sleep disorders in the elderly.Method: This study used a cross-sectional design with accidental sampling. The population in this study was the elderly at Tresna Werdha Madago Tentena. The data retrieval for this research was conducted between June - July 2014. The analysis of the data was done using Chi-Square. The results from the 45 respondents showed that 61.3% had sleep disorders caused by their disease and that 65.6% had sleep disorders caused by an unconducive environment.Result: This result showed that disease and an unconducive environment influenced sleep needs.Conclusion: The recommendation for nurses and staff is to increase their attention span and the environmental comfort by dimming the lights when the patient is going to sleep and reducing noise. This means that the patient's sleep needs are fulfilled.

The purpose of this study is to research if a headrest benefits the comfort of the passenger and lowers muscle activity in the neck when sitting in a reclined (slouched) posture while watching in flight entertainment (IFE) in an aircraft business class seat. No significant differences in muscle activity in the musculus sternocleidomastoid and musculus trapezius pars descendant were found between the conditions with headrest and without headrest. A significant difference in expected comfort rating was found. Subjects indicated they expect to experience more comfort with a headrest when watching IFE for a duration of two movies during a long-haul flight. This study also found a significant difference in posture. In the condition without headrest the head was more upright compared to the condition with headrest. The lack of significant difference in muscle activity and the significant difference in posture may indicate that humans tend to look for a head position that is neutral, in the sense of minimal muscle effort. This study shows that the use of a headrest may benefit the comfort experience of the passenger during flight. However, further research is necessary on the design of the headrest and the long-term effects of head support on comfort, discomfort, muscle activity and fatigue for watching IFE in a slouched posture.

Over the last few years, stricter comfort and stability standards for agricultural vehicles have generated tough challenges for manufacturers. Front axle suspensions can considerably improve tractor comfort. This solution has been typically installed on vehicles over 100 kW but recently, it has also been introduced for narrow-track tractors. These types of tractor require special features in terms of dimensions, manoeuvrability and stability; indeed, the small turning radius and the roll-over performance required present tough constraints. In addition, the lack of space for positioning suspension systems is a concern. A lack of background knowledge has forced companies to search for methods to systematically validate suspension performance. The aim of this work was to design and validate a test-set that can enable the front axle suspensions of these specialised tractors to be fully characterised. The proposed test-set comprises of two different bumps tests and a braking test which are designed to excite each tractor rigid mode selectively. In tests, a series of sensors was installed to measure accelerations at different tractor positions and other dynamic parameters (tractor speed, pitch rate and roll rate) in real-time. Aggregated data (root mean square and peak-to-peak values) were calculated from the acquired signals which allowed to compare two tractors of the same power class, one equipped with a front axle suspension, and one with a rigid front axle. The collected data could lead to a benchmark definition of the tractor class features, to be compared with newly designed, improved suspension systems.