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Caring for the elderly has a great importance in society, and the state seeks to treat the problems of the elderly in various aspects, so the research deals with luminous materials, dyes and pastes because of their huge potential for application in the field of graphic design to support ambient lighting in different light and dark environments, which leads to protection for the elderly These advantages in the properties of luminous dyes not only improve the aesthetic appearance of textiles when applied in homes for the elderly, but also increase the functional value of creativity in the print design of hanging fabrics inspired by folklore by helping the elderly to clearly guide the way in the dark, which helps not to Feeling of fear and maintaining their safety when they are in the corridors or rooms. The importance of the research is summarized in the use of luminous dyes and pastes to obtain new and distinct artistic and functional formulations for hanging fabrics, as well as shedding light on the folk heritage as a creative source and a stimulus for innovation based on originality, excellence and contemporary. From the psychological connection they have with everything that is old.

Copyright of Journal of Tikrit University for Humanities is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Radon gas, a naturally occurring radioactive gas, has garnered increasing attention due to its potential health risks when present in indoor environments. While it is well-known that radon can enter homes through the ground, an often overlooked source of radon is home appliances. This comprehensive review paper explores the emission of radon gas from various home appliances, shedding light on an aspect of indoor radon exposure that has not received as much scrutiny. This review discusses the sources of radon in homes, covering both natural and artificial origins, and highlights the key factors influencing radon entry. It delves into the mechanisms through which home appliances can emit radon, identifying common appliances that have been associated with radon release. Furthermore, the paper outlines measurement and detection techniques for assessing indoor radon levels, emphasizing the importance of regular radon testing in homes. The health effects of radon exposure are discussed in detail, with a focus on the epidemiological evidence linking radon to lung cancer and associated risk assessments. Mitigation strategies, including techniques for reducing radon levels and radon-resistant construction methods, are explored as effective measures to lower indoor radon concentrations. Regulations and guidelines governing radon exposure in homes are highlighted, providing insights into the legal framework and recommendations for safe radon levels. The review also presents case studies from different regions and successful radon mitigation initiatives, offering practical insights into addressing radon issues. The paper concludes by discussing future research directions and emerging technologies aimed at reducing radon emissions from home appliances, emphasizing the importance of continued efforts to raise awareness, test for radon, and mitigate its presence. Overall, this review aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of radon gas emission from home appliances, its implications, and the measures to safeguard indoor air quality and public health.

The lockdowns introduced to prevent the spread of COVID-19 had huge impacts, as people were largely confined to their homes. It could be expected that residential energy use would increase while non-residential decreased, however the picture is not so clear. Here three complementary datasets on different scales are used to explore changes in building energy use during two UK lockdowns: the complete building stock of Great Britain, a sample of approximately 1000 residential buildings, and one of about 24,000 residential boilers. Energy-signature analysis was used for the building data to estimate the changes in demand for space heating and other uses, with the boiler data able to separate space and water heating and explore changes in these. In the 2020 lockdown residential energy consumption for water heating and appliances increased, with decreased use for space heating, resulting in a reduction in total energy use during the heating season. In the 2021 lockdown total energy consumption changed little, however a decrease in the use of gas space heating was observed. The residential changes counteracted non-domestic changes, resulting in little difference in national energy consumption. These results highlight how longitudinal datasets enabled by Internet of Things-enabled devices can be crucial as an evidence base for research. Policy relevance The impacts on national energy consumption of increased time spent at home provide an important context for the pursuit of net zero targets, particularly with the rise in flexible working seen since 2020. That little change was seen overall could be due to the energy use in non-domestic buildings not decreasing proportionately to their decrease in use during national lockdowns, and thus seeking to lower non-domestic energy use to account for lower utilisation of spaces could deliver carbon and cost savings. This could be achieved through measures such as automated switch-off services, demand controlled heating and ventilation, and reduction in space. The finding that drastic changes were not made to home heating behaviours could have implications for future demand-side response schemes, indicating that perhaps occupants are happy to adapt to cooler conditions by achieving comfort in other ways.

“Tennis | House” extends my earlier work using medical imaging software to explore narrative film. As with digital humanities work, medical imaging “datafies” the body, reading the physical change of discrete organs, cells, molecules, and so on. Furthermore, medical imaging frequently does so by reading this evidence indirectly, as a proxy for other knowledge: in the absence of direct access to the body’s secrets, medical science finds other indicative information to measure. This work considers how this might also be true for videographic criticism, comparing recent medical research using fMRI to “read” the thoughts of vegetative patients with the concept of videographic criticism itself. As with coma patient research, which bypasses the articulation of speech, in videographic criticism audiovisual material is our proxy for thought. We think other thoughts through shared images.Organized in five parts, my piece juxtaposes popular cinema focused on tennis and homes with discussions of medical imaging research. I argue that medical imaging is mostly videographic, given its indirect representation of an otherwise unknowable internal state that is mediated according to particular technical affordances and cultural assumptions. Likewise, videographic criticism requires us to think indirectly, by proxy, when we generate new knowledge by “graphing” with “video.”

Copyright of Journal of Anbar University for Law & Political Sciences is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The objective of this research work was to determine the effectiveness of sheltered homes in global functioning according to the HoNOS scale. Methodology, is of a quantitative, quasi-experimental type of research. The research discusses with Herrera et al (2018), finding improvement in functionality in the patients of the Protected Homes. Conclusion, global functioning of the residents improved from 15 points on average in the pre-test of the patients to 5 in the post-test, evidencing an improvement in global functioning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores later-life subjectivities and experiences of precarious privilege through the ethnographic lens of home life and the material culture of homes. Based on long-term fieldwork with older white foreigners in Ubud, Bali, I examine the role of building projects and vernacular architecture in forging moral connections across self, local culture and place-myth. These subject positions of belonging and identity are nourished yet unsettled by the growing presence of younger foreigners and modern housing forms in Ubud. I argue that experiences of privilege and precarity coexist and evolve across time, in places such as Bali that are transformed by lifestyle mobilities and tourism development. A focus on home lives and the materiality of homes hones analysis of precarious privilege towards understandings of belonging and place attachment. If distinctions between traditional homes and modern villas confirm differences within lifestyle 'communities', they also speak to spatialised entanglements of global and localised political economy dynamics that disrupt the privileged home lives and identity projects of ageing mobile subjects. For Western residents in Ubud, my analysis shows, precarious privilege takes the form of rising costs of living, property insecurity, a fear of crime, and uneven relationships with local domestic workers, landowners and landlords. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the prevalence, causes and impact of unilateral visual impairment (UVI) on visual function in the elderly in 'home for the aged' in Hyderabad, India. Participants aged ≥60 years were recruited from 41 'homes for the aged'. All participants had complete eye examinations including visual acuity assessment, refraction, slit-lamp and fundus examination. Unilateral visual impairment (UVI) was defined as presenting VA worse than 6/18 in one eye and presenting VA 6/18 or better in the other eye. Indian Vision Function Questionnaire (INDVFQ) was used for assessing visual functioning. Of the total 1,513 elderly participants enumerated, 1,182 (78.1%) were examined. After excluding 356 participants with VI in the better eye, data were analysed for the remaining 826 participants. The mean age (standard deviation) of these participants was 74.4 ± 8.4 years; 525 (63.6%) were women, and 111 (13.4%) had no schooling. The prevalence of unilateral VI was 38.1% (95% CI: 34.8–41.5; n = 315). Cataract (37.5%; n = 118) was the leading cause of UVI followed by Uncorrected Refractive Error (22.2%; n = 70) and posterior capsular opacification (18.4%; n = 58). The overall INDVFQ score was higher among those with UVI than those without UVI (37.7 versus 34.5; p <.01) suggestive of poor visual functioning. UVI was common and largely due to avoidable causes among the elderly in residential care with an adverse impact on visual functioning. Screening for vision loss in 'homes for the aged' and the provision of appropriate services should become a routine practice to achieve the goal of healthy aging in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To describe the sociodemographic characteristics of the Mexican population, and access to the social food programs from the Encuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutrición Continua 2022 (Ensanut Continua 2022). Materials and methods. Descriptive analysis of sociodemographic information and social programs of the 10 465 households of the Ensanut Continua 2022. Results. 96.0% of the population from 6 to 14 years and 50% from 15 to 24 attend school. Predominant educational level in adults over 25 years of age are primary or secondary school (25.0 and 28.7% respectively). 4.9% of homes do not have piped water and 1.2% lacks drainage, 1.7% have dirt floors and 0.8% do not have electricity. 43.5% of households receive some social program. Those with the greatest presence are the Program for the Elderly (80.5%) and the Benito Juárez National Scholarship Program for Well-being (20.5%). Conclusions. This manuscript describes the context of the population sample included in the Ensanut Continua 2022. This allows us to contextualize the different analyses carried out with this information and to see its contribution in the framework of the social determinants of health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bushfires, and resulting bushfire smoke, were major environmental, social and health crises in Australia in the summer of 2019–20. In Australia's national capital the smoke pollution index topped global charts, and public health communications were rapidly developed that advised people to stay indoors to avoid smoke exposure. Drawing on interviews with a diverse range of housed residents, we explore people's experiences of navigating public health advice and managing the bushfire smoke in relation to the materiality of their homes. Given the increasing likelihood of living with such crises in the Anthropocene, we highlight the need for future bushfire public health advice to recognise local housing geographies, residents' embodied vulnerabilities and the relational ways people live with their everyday built environment, and suggest possible policy responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Agricultural Economics & Social Sciences is the property of Egyptian National Agricultural Library (ENAL) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Over the past decades, the debate on how to encourage energy efficiency in existing homes has been guided by a technic-economic model that has a strong focus on technologies and cost savings, in which human behavior has been devalued to a narrow behavioral economics overview. While this specific area of behavioral science enabled to capture of the dimension of energy renovations as a problem of homeowners' individual choice, the collective and social aspects of energy efficiency are still largely overlooked on the energy policy agenda. With its emphasis on how social structures interpenetrate individual actions, social sciences offer additional insights that go beyond the identification of barrier-drivers underlying investment choices and also help to identify positive opportunities for renovation within the conditions of domestic and social life. Until recently, comprehensive behavioral aspects and the social dimension of home energy renovation have been ignored in policy initiatives, and the integration of complementary disciplines is only in its early stages. Based on a broad literature review, this paper aims to provide an up-to-date interdisciplinary perspective of the theoretical evolutionary background, which has been the support to gradually redefine and address the problems associated with energy improvements in homes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The subject of the Internet of Things is very important, especially at present, which is why it has attracted the attention of researchers and scientists due to its importance in human life. Through it, a person can do several things easily, accurately, and in an organized manner. The research addressed important topics, the most important of which are the concept of the Internet of Things, the history of its emergence and development, the reasons for its interest and importance, and its most prominent advantages and characteristics. The research sheds light on the structure of the Internet of Things, its structural components, and its most important components. The research dealt with the most important search engines in the Internet of Things, the steps of designing Internet of things systems. Among the important topics included in the research are the use of Internet of things technology in the educational field, the role of the Internet of things in solving education problems, and the most important applications of the Internet of things in education and its importance for students and teachers. Also indicated the contribution of the Internet of Things to ensuring sustainable development, environmental protection and the most important areas of application of the Internet of Things. The research sample amounted to (152 teaching staff) from Iraqi Universities and their academic achievement (84 Ph.D., 68 Master's, 42 Bachelor's) from (17) different scientific specializations; and (42 students). The number of respondents who use the Internet in education is 191 and the number of those who do not use the Internet and teach in person is (3) from (194) person. Students and professors use smartphones in study and teaching at a rate of (97.42%) and computers and their necessities at a rate of (92.27%) are higher than electronic devices and equipment including the smart board (11,86%). Use of IoT technology is of great and medium importance in providing electronic lectures effectively, with a percentage of 96.91%, the use of it has a large and medium role in solving education problems in giving lectures in light of health crises, especially in light of the Coronavirus crisis. Availability at the local and global levels, whether with the appropriate content or the selection of professors anywhere in the world, at a rate of 98.45%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Very few studies have reported the presence of the organophosphate esters (OPEs) in African indoor microenvironments. We therefore document here, the concentrations, profiles, and human exposure to eight organophosphate esters (OPEs) for the first time in indoor dust from various microenvironments in Nigeria, specifically: cars/buses (n = 10), homes (n = 20), offices (n = 20), and medical centres (n = 14). The concentrations of OPEs in these indoor dust samples were among the lowest reported internationally. Concentrations of ∑8OPEs varied substantially between individual samples and the predominant OPEs were: tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate (TBOEP) (detection frequency (DF) = 90–100%), tris(1-chloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TCIPP) (DF = 100%), and 2-ethylhexyl-diphenyl phosphate (EHDPP) (DF = 100%). There were no significant differences (P˃0.05) between ∑8OPEs concentrations in dust samples from cars/buses (average = 295 ng/g), offices (231 ng/g), homes (277 ng/g), and medical centres (127 ng/g). Concentrations of chlorinated OPEs: tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP), TCIPP, and tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TDCIPP) were significantly correlated with those of triphenyl phosphate (TPhP), EHDPP, and TBOEP. Estimated daily intakes (EDI) of target OPEs via indoor dust ingestion and dermal absorption were lower than the corresponding reference dose (RfD) values, indicating that exposure to the studied OPEs in the indoor environment does not pose a significant health risk for the general population in Nigeria, even under a high-end exposure scenario.

In response to a worsening homelessness crisis, Los Angeles City and County have recently looked to accessory dwelling units (ADUs) — small second homes on the same lot as a single-family home — as a part of the solution. Pilot programs in both jurisdictions offer homeowners subsidies for ADU construction in exchange for housing a person experiencing homelessness for between three and 10 years. In this paper, I evaluate the scalability, longevity, efficacy, political feasibility, and cost-effectiveness of these programs compared to traditional multifamily supportive housing. In doing so, I employ the metric of cost per year of affordability, to compare cost- effectiveness for programs of varying duration. I find that while ADU programs may be more politically feasible and have moderate potential to be scaled up, they will encounter significant difficulties in reaching that potential. They lack the longevity of traditional supportive housing, will either prove less cost-effective or will depend on homeowner contributions that may not materialize, and will have mixed effects on quality of life for formerly unhoused residents, among other hurdles. With private lenders still wary of the ADU market, greater scale and cost-effectiveness may be achieved by fostering private ADU investment, offering fee waivers to homeowners who agree to house a person experiencing homelessness, and supporting unhoused residents more directly with housing vouchers.

Microplastics are ubiquitous in our environment but their presence in air is less well understood. Homes are likely a key source of airborne microplastics and microfibres to the environment owing to the frequent use and storage of plastics and textiles within them. Studying their presence, concentration and distribution in these environments is difficult without the participation of citizens due to accessibility challenges. Few studies have examined the intricacies of the prevalence of indoor microplastics and microfibres or the link between indoor exposure and behavioural and regulatory approaches that could reduce their concentrations. The application of a quintuple innovation helix framework, within which a co-creative citizen science research methodology is applied, provides an opportunity for citizens to shape the scientific method, ensuring that methods are accessible and appropriate for widespread use and designed by the citizen, for the citizen. Exploring behaviours and motivations in plastic and textile use by citizens with industry may reduce the generation of these particles. Future studies should consider the importance of citizen inclusion when designing research strategies for measuring and reducing microplastic concentrations in homes, enabling a nuanced understanding of their generation and distribution and facilitating the development of appropriate behavioural, industrial and regulatory messaging and mitigative measures.

Fog harvesting stands out as a simple and inexpensive form to produce drinkable water from alternative sources, when compared to other available techniques. This paper presents results from a set of experiments performed on radiative condensers, deemed as a promising system to be integrated in building envelopes, following a literature review on fog condensers presented in a previous work. An analysis of condensation potential obtained using high emissivity substrates and titanium dioxide nanocoatings is presented, as well as the influence of sample position and orientation, and impact of climatic variables. Finally, the role of nanotechnology in overcoming limitations of radiative systems is discussed as a means to increase harvesting efficiency with functionalized, engineered nano-patterns on collector surface. Based on biomimicry principles, nanocoatings including nanoscale 3D optimal geometries are discussed, and the use of nanoimprint technology (NIL) is proposed to massively produce nano-patterned panels with biomimetic fog capturing features.

This paper reviews studies of the relationships between ventilation rates (VRs) in homes and occupant health, primarily respiratory health. Five cross-sectional studies, seven case-control studies, and eight intervention studies met inclusion criteria. Nearly all studies controlled for a range of potential confounders and most intervention studies included placebo conditions. Just over half of studies reported one or more statistically significant (SS) health benefits of increased VRs. Wheeze was most clearly associated with VR. No health outcomes had SS associations with VRs in the majority of statistical tests. Most studies that reported SS health benefits from increased VRs also had additional health outcomes that did not improve with increased VRs. Overall, the number of SS improvements in health with increased VRs exceeded the anticipated chance improvements by approximately a factor of seven. The magnitude of the improvements in health outcomes with increased VRs ranged from 20% to several-fold improvements. In summary, the available research indicates a tendency for improvements in respiratory health with increased home VRs; however, health benefits do not occur consistently and other exposure control measures should be used together with ventilation. The research did not enable identification of a threshold VR below which adverse health effects occur.

The importance of considering gender aspects in studies on residential energy consumption has been acknowledged. However, an important topic is still ignored in gender and energy transitions research: domestic power for men and women differs depending on the type of couple to which they belong. According to Pierre Bourdieu, the chances of each spouse to exercise legitimate power in domestic affairs depend on their respective economic and symbolic capital. In other words, spouses-matching matters, and practices, gender domestic roles and social representations on energy-saving home improvements are influenced to a great extent by the type of union that matches both spouses’ respective socio-economic characteristics into homo- or heterogamic unions. This mixed-method research is based on extensive data collected in multiple efforts over 18 years, comprising: (1) several sets of in-depth interviews with adults married or in union realised between 2006 and 2021; and (2) three large quantitative surveys realised in 2004, 2014 and 2016. Results indicate that traditional gender roles and male domestic power are mostly challenged in hypogamous unions both in considering and in carrying energy-saving home improvements. 'Practice relevance' A one-size-fits-all retrofit framing and energy policy does not work. In this case, it is not the technical conditions but rather a couple’s power relationships in the home. The male territory of energy-saving home improvements is being eroded, especially by wives who are more educated than their husband. Domestic power is key to apprehend the marital dynamics around retrofit. Recognising these marital dynamics, a variety of values can be mobilised to support the execution of energy retrofits, including, for example, more feminine values such as equality, and care for children. Policy instruments and media messages should be designed accordingly, and not mainly as financial benefits. Practitioners would be well-advised to take a more gender-neutral attitude with less stereotyping of male and female potentials. This also means treating homeowners in couples as a team rather than interacting only with the male partner: gender-neutral interactions would better avoid causing or reinforcing embarrassing situations for one partner or for the couple itself in their marital struggle for domestic power in deciding on or executing energy-saving home improvements.

HIGHLIGHTS This special issue explores a key question in the energy transition: how are visions, relationships and practices with emerging technologies gendered, and what does this mean for home relations and energy outcomes? Homes are deeply gendered spaces where labour, care, technology management and household responsibilities are unequally distributed. Yet, as the papers in this special issue reveal, policy and industry visions tend to overlook gendered dynamics associated with these technologies, reflecting a perceived technology neutrality. This oversight puts the energy transition at risk. This special issue reveals how understanding the gender impacts of emerging technologies is crucial for realising energy policy, regulatory and building efficiency aspirations. The collection identifies how technology use, energy consumption and everyday practices in homes reflect gendered differences. Studies from diverse empirical and geographical contexts explore questions of gender in relation to emerging technologies such as energy feedback portals, smart home systems, home efficiency improvements, electric vehicles, solar photovoltaic panels and home batteries. Recommendations are provided for policymakers, and house, technology and program designers, to achieve an equitable energy transition. The collection demonstrates the need for concerted policy and industry attention to gendered dynamics in order to ensure inclusive energy policy and technology development.

Indoor air pollution has been associated with adverse health effects. Sensitive people such as children spend much time at home. It is therefore important to know whether our children breath clean air inside their residences or not. Monitoring of PM10, PM2.5, TVOCs, CO, and CO2 concentrations was conducted for 24 h in 36 urban residences in Alexandria—Egypt, simultaneously outdoors and indoors (living rooms, bedrooms, and kitchens), during the summer season. During the COVID-19 pandemic, children spend 98% of their time at home (49% in living rooms, 47% in bedrooms, and 2% in kitchens). Results indicated that children are particularly exposed to high concentrations of PM10 (85.4 ± 18.7 μg/m3) and PM2.5 (57.2 ± 16.4 μg/m3) exceeding the WHO guidelines, which can be dangerous for their health. Outdoor sources were found to be a main contributor to the indoor levels of PM10, PM2.5, and CO in bedrooms and living rooms of the surveyed residences. Therefore, effective control measures to reduce outdoor air pollution can result in improved indoor air quality (IAQ). Living rooms showed the highest impact on the daily average children exposure to PM2.5, PM10, TVOCs, and CO with average contributions of 59%, 56%, 57%, and 61%, respectively. For CO2, bedrooms showed the largest contribution to the children’s average exposure with an average value of 49%, pointing to inadequate ventilation and small size of this type of room. Indoor occupants’ activities were found to considerably affect IAQ in the bedrooms and living rooms. The study also highlighted the importance of other determinants, such as occupancy and air exchange rate, on IAQ in these two microenvironments. This research provides the first data on children’s exposure to indoor air pollutants in urban residences in Egypt.

Digital automated and connected technologies are playing a central role shaping how home life is experienced and understood. This emerging digital ecology is also reconstituting the home as a site of research and the methods required to study it. This article introduces a collection of contributions that highlight methodological issues and avenues for researching life in technology-saturated home environments. The contributions make the case for qualitative, creative, collaborative, computational, and quantitative methodological approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ubiquity and yet distinctiveness of domestic sites for scientific research have attracted an unprecedented focus in recent years, especially in studies concerned with the gendering of science and the rise of citizen science movements of the late twentieth century. It is fair to say this "new" subfield has now entered a stage of maturity, even as it continues to grow and adopt new theoretical perspectives. Following an historiographical shift we might call the "domestic turn" in histories of science, "domesticities" emerges as a critical, analytical lens through which to view scientific developments in a range of historical contexts globally. The emphasis in the literature has moved from one on the "house of experiment" to one on the "laboratory of domesticity", attending particularly to the permeability, plasticity, portability, and plurality of instances of entanglement between domesticities and science. In view of the emergence of new empirical cases and theoretical perspectives, this paper revisits the status of domesticities within histories of science to consider the current status of the historiography and to suggest even further directions for new research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article describes the changes observed, between 2005 and 2018, in the household sizes of people over 60 in Colombia, as well as the main sociodemographic, geographic and economic characteristics of those who compose them. Likewise, one-person households in two departments of the country are compared to identify the social gaps that determine the same type of residence. The data source used is the Colombian Population and Housing Censuses of 2005 and 2018. The changes in the residential arrangements of the elderly and their characteristics are described, and the differences between the one-person households in Boyacá and Bogotá are analyzed. This study confirms the growth trend of small households in the advanced stages of life, as a new form of organization of domestic life, and identifies social inequalities that characterize single-person households, and increase the risk of deterioration in the quality of life in old age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lockdown instituted during the COVID-19 pandemic has drawn the world's attention to the importance of homes as integrated structures for practicing all aspects of life. The home has been transformed from a mere place to live into a complete piece of infrastructure accommodating all activities of life, including study, work, shopping, exercise, entertainment, and even telehealth. Although quarantines were necessary to protect against viral infection, we have faced social and psychological challenges due to the failure of the current home design to accommodate the new lockdown lifestyle during the pandemic. Thus, this study aims to set a foundation for the development and design of resilient homes in a post-quarantine world by establishing a comprehensive framework for quarantine-resilient homes. The framework was established on the basis of the relevant literature and proposals from architects and experts. It brings a perspective to the future requirements of homes so as to provide architects, stakeholders, and policymakers with the appropriate knowledge to mitigate the impact of lockdowns on mental health and well-being in residential buildings by focusing on the physical and architectural environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Contemporary Islamic Studiens Magazine is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

El presente documento aborda el estudio de un nuevo material compuesto principalmente por una matriz de yeso (proveniente de un conglomerante industrial) cuyo uso es la construcción, al que se le han añadido fibras naturales, como la madera y artificiales, como la fibra de basalto y la de vidrio, además un compuesto polimérico a base de 3 elementos cotidianos, polivinilo de acetato, bicarbonato sódico y una disolución de ácido bórico, el comúnmente conocido “SLIME”. Se confeccionaron probetas con porcentajes de 7.5% y 10% del peso del yeso, siguiendo la proporción con los otros componentes. Las fibras se añadieron en base al volumen. Como referencia se confeccionaron probetas sin adición de los componentes poliméricos y sin fibras. Fueron ensayadas en laboratorio y se determinaron las características físicas y mecánicas de estas. Tras el análisis comparativo se evidencia que la adición del SLIME reduce la densidad del material, mejora la resistencia térmica y mantiene unas propiedades mecánicas bastante similares a la del yeso tradicional. Las fibras, además, aportan resistencia extra, lo que se traduce en una mejora de las características del nuevo material respecto al ya existente. Abstract This document collects the results and the comparative analysis of the study of lighting in a room of a house. The study is developed using three data analysis systems, one in situ, one in a model and the other through virtual simulation. The 4 possible orientations have been studied both in the computer model and in the mock-up, making measurements at 3 different hours of the day, namely, at 9:00 a.m., 4:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. The tests have been carried out in the month of May with a duration of 1 week. The results showed that the current orientation of the room is not bad to achieve the required values according to the type of use. The results of the other measurements showed lack of lighting in some sections and excess lighting in others.

Smart home technology (SHT) is becoming more widespread, implemented to enhance convenience as well as energy flexibility and efficiency. Smart heating, lighting, security and entertainment systems are affecting social practices and the use of energy in different ways. This paper explores differences in competences, meanings and forms of knowledge involved in the performance of (gendered) household practices based on two Danish qualitative studies of different user groups: SHT frontrunner households ('n' = 15) and less tech-interested households ('n' = 12). The former had incorporated a broad range of smart technologies, 'e.g'. vacuum cleaners, lighting and entertainment systems, while the latter were primarily engaged with smart heating systems. In the frontrunner households, internal differences in competences and meanings between men and women were more apparent than in households with less tech interest. A clear division between traditional and digital housekeeping is apparent that reinforces gender inequality. Evidence shows the variation in how SHT is part of gendered everyday practices; how SHT changes meanings and competences in practices and induces new ways of performing practices that can involve gendered digital inequality. Thus, it is necessary to consider competences and meanings in everyday practices as well as gendered ideas behind the technology. 'Policy relevance' Strategies and policies for a green transition of the energy systems in Denmark and the European Union include a digitalisation of consumption in households. This transition will induce reconfigurations of everyday practices potentially entailing both digital and gendered inequality. The home has often been a contested space, relating to gender roles, inequality and division of household labour. This paper shows that SHT potentially reinforces gender inequality by creating a gendered gap between digital and traditional housekeeping. To avoid potential reinforcement of gender inequality within the home, SHT promotion and development needs to account for gender differences. Actions by industry would include differences of gendered housekeeping, showing an awareness of varying technology competences and meanings in everyday practices as well as the gendered vision of SHT and its users.

Gender considerations, such as the division of household labour and the coordination of everyday household practices, are important for the energy transition of households. Household labour involves everyday practices (e.g. cooking, laundry and caring for others) and practices of energy household labour ('e.g'. managing digital technologies and energy systems). Emerging smart energy technologies require energy flexibility and efficiency, thereby introducing new forms of household labour can have implications for the household which are not well understood. Through a literature review and some empirical insights from a European Horizon 2020 project, mental aspects of energy household labour are identified: practices of coordination and multitasking, remembering and anticipating, and powerful emotional labour which shapes the practices. Smart technologies and energy systems add more physical and mental labour to households due to the need for additional coordination and change of practices. This additional demand for coordination can exacerbate existing gender inequalities in the division of household labour: technological strategies and designs need to engage with this and reduce new burdens. Considerations for future research are proposed and a gender-sensitive framework for understanding the transition of energy household labour is outlined. 'Practice relevance' Despite the balancing of more stereotypical gender roles in everyday life at home, the mental load of household labour still overburdens women. Technology design and strategies for its domestication need to recognise this load and adopt more gender-sensitive ways of supporting the mental aspects of household labour performed for the organisation of home and provide appropriate digital literacy opportunities for those who use them, without undermining their contribution in the process. Technology-assisted support for the mental aspects of household labour should allow for better negotiations and distribution of household labour required for a successful energy transition, without at the same time adding extra work for both men and women. The initial empirical insights call for a gender-sensitive framework for investigating the emerging practices that this involves, for the energy transition of households.

How do energy professionals in the Global South facilitate the brokerage of gender equity and empowerment in energy access? Energy sector professionals, including planners and members of non-governmental organisations (NGOs), are crucial development actors in off-grid contexts. They operate at the intersection between grassroots-level energy access in off-grid household and community buildings and overarching policy frameworks. However, despite their central role, the relationship between their professional practices and gender empowerment in energy access has received little attention. This paper investigates ‘energy brokers’ across Ghana, India, Nigeria and Pakistan based on interviews ('n' = 86). Subsequent thematic analysis explores these energy brokers’ overarching understandings of gender equity and empowerment, their agency, and brokering practices for energy access (including in relation to emerging energy technologies). Analysis shows ‘differentiated brokerage’ in that energy professionals from the NGOs and the delivery sectors are often better positioned to broker gender equity and women’s empowerment in energy access. However, linkages between equitable access and empowerment need to be better understood, especially at the ‘top’ and go beyond women’s economic productivity. Women’s participation across supply chains of emerging energy-access technology, in energy governance and as energy brokers needs strengthening. 'Practice relevance' Energy professionals occupy an important ‘middle’ position and can help to create changes to overcome gender bias in access to energy. They facilitate the brokerage (understandings, agency and practices) of gender equity and empowerment in energy access in off-grid contexts, including household and community buildings. The evidence from this study shows the performance of energy professionals is critical in facilitating women’s empowerment in energy access. Key recommendations are: (1) energy professionals at the top need to recognise differentiated brokerage across the grassroots–policy spectrum to better identify and equip key actors; (2) energy brokers need to move beyond gender neutrality and economic participation acting on the breadth of women’s empowerment, including psychological dimensions; and (3) women’s participation across energy system transitions needs to be strengthened, with regard to energy supply chains, energy governance and as energy brokers.

Privately owned, domestic photovoltaic (PV) panels can play an important role in the transition to a low-carbon society by producing renewable energy for the grid and engaging households in energy management. In both aspects, gender is an issue, leading to the development of new theoretical concepts, 'e.g'. the ‘resource man’, the ‘flexibility woman’ and the ‘mother-multiple’. However, a deeper understanding of the role of masculinity may reveal gender complicity and can inform the design of these technologies to be more inclusive. This ethnographic study investigates masculine roles, practices and domesticities for energy management activities in the home. It examines Danish PV owners as domestic prosumers based on in-depth qualitative interviews of 18 participants in 12 households. The use of PV technologies (and their interfaces) reproduces several masculine domesticities that work both productively and counterproductively with feminine domesticities. Technology and energy management are often situated as male hobbies related to masculine self-expression, identity and homemaking. To unlock the full potential of sustainable energy engagement consumption and practices, both masculine and feminine approaches are needed at the conceptual and practical levels. 'Practice relevance' The successful deployment and operation of domestic PV systems depends on aligning the timing of production and consumption of energy in a household. This involves both traditional male and female domains within a household. Significant gaps in understandings, communication and practices were found in many households due to gendered roles. This compromises the potential of domestic generation of renewable energy. Awareness of gender relations can promote the integration and improve practices by providing households with information about technical and less technical aspects of time-shifting practices. Both feminine and masculine understandings of technology, practices and energy consumption are necessary for a more effective transition to the use of smart energy technologies, and with a more equal distribution of these competencies and practices in households with heterosexual couples. In addition, the design and usability of smart energy technology should embrace the needs of both female and male users.

With the growing focus on the home as a site for life, work, and energy generation and demand, home batteries of many kinds are increasingly ubiquitous. Batteries play a dual role of everyday emerging technologies (which can be used for something) and infrastructure (which enables other things). This article considers how batteries become technologies and infrastructures both for the accomplishment of practical everyday life activities and routines in the present, and imagining future everyday life. A design anthropological and ethnographic analysis of 72 Australian households with a focus on four demographically diverse women is used to investigate the gendered discourses concerning the future of battery charging; new and emerging everyday gendered techniques and routines of battery charging and their entanglements with women’s priorities for socialities of care and wellbeing. The implications of these findings are considered through the lens of recent feminist approaches to technology and technology design, together with future charging scenarios. 'Policy relevance' Dominant narratives in the technology and energy industries simplify the future of battery charging in two key ways. First, they assume that automated technological solutions will be able to organise battery use and charging in ways that will flatten energy supply and demand across households and other charging sites. Second, they tend to see energy consumers as typically able to perform everyday life tasks in such ways that are typically masculine. Ethnographic research suggests that both of these assumptions are misguided because they are misaligned with everyday life and gender. The implications for policy are that one needs to attend to diverse gendered experiences and uses of batteries and charging to understand how these are embedded in everyday life, and to develop plausible ways of designing inclusive future battery charging systems and technologies, with diverse gendered people in real everyday day life circumstances and for realistic, ethical futures.

This paper represents the decentralised energy order as a matter of care: so as to make visible the unequal burden of care and to encourage active caring. It extends an emerging overlap that exists in studies of repair and maintenance of material objects from science and technology studies (STS) and an increasing interest in the creation and maintenance of relationships of care in energy systems. Inspiration is drawn from feminist STS work that calls attention to the continuous labour of repair and maintenance necessary to enact and sustain a socio-technical order. Fieldwork involved virtual interviews and small focus groups with 55 Australian householders who purchased decentralised energy technologies (solar, batteries and electric vehicles) and 18 intermediaries from industry and civil society. The analysis exposes how invisible care practices not only underpin householders’ material engagement with the energy system, but also how they are inextricably entangled with making a decentralised energy ‘order’ work in practice. Relying on ‘good hearted’ intermediaries is unlikely to be a workable basis for a functioning and fair energy system. An alternative approach is called for: an exploration of what a caring decentralised energy system might look like. 'Policy relevance' Care is significant for making energy systems work, and care has a role in building new energy orders and liveable futures. This research reveals that decentralised energy is enabled and made workable by the care people have for the future and their ability to take responsibility and action. It highlights those excluded from care-giving and -receiving, gaps that hamper the flow of care, and ways in which existing gender relations are reinforced by and reinforce these gaps and exclusions. Policymakers can recognise the importance, but also the limitations, of bureaucratic and market care in the energy system, and the need for policies and projects to recognise, support, and empower diverse abilities and care practices. This could be achieved through meaningful co-creation of policies, rules and processes. Energy businesses and intermediaries are encouraged to go beyond a transactional approach to installing technologies.