scholarly journals Psychological and Physiological Responses to Different Views through a Window in Apartment Complexes

2021 ◽  
Vol 24 (5) ◽  
pp. 545-550
Author(s):  
Seong Min Jeon ◽  
Minji Kang ◽  
Su Jin Kim ◽  
Yong Jin Kim ◽  
Hyo Bhin Choi ◽  
...  

Background and objective: With increasing land use intensity in urban areas, apartment buildings have been recognized as a typical type of urban residence. In this study, the impacts of different views through a window on health-related responses were investigated using psychological and physiological parameters. Methods: Photos of three different types of views taken on low (2-12 m), middle (28-35 m), and high (over 54 m) floors of dense apartment building areas were used as visual stimuli. Twenty-two healthy adults participated in the indoor experiment. Semantic differential methods and profile of mood states were used as psychological tools. Autonomic nervous activity was evaluated using blood pressures, pulse rate and heart rate variability (HRV). Results: Analytic data showed different characteristics of psychological and physiological outcomes in three different apartment views. In the analysis of psychological parameters, significantly negative responses to the views on middle floors were found in the subscales of tension-anxiety and anger-hostility, compared to low floors. Significantly positive scores in the subscale of vigor were found on low floors with abundance of vegetation and high floors with a view of the sky. A significantly increased value of HF was found on low floors (2,294.96 ± 169.79), compared to the middle(1,553.45 ± 84.66) and high (1,523.02 ± 70.49) floors. Despite the high scores in openness and vigor, high floor views showed significantly higher LF/HF values (1.83 ± 0.09), the indicator of the sympathetic nervous system, than low (1.30 ± 0.07) and middle floor views (1.34 ± 0.06), which might be related to the unconscious fear of heights. Conclusion: Views from different heights in an apartment building can affect the psychological states of residents. Green space through the window may have a positive health outcome by reducing physiological stress.

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alyson Haslam ◽  
Rebecca Nesbit ◽  
Robert K. Christensen

AbstractNonprofit organizations have the potential to influence public health by filling voids not filled by government or private organizations. Here we investigate whether the presence of health-related nonprofit organizations at the local community level helps to improve community-level obesity. This study used a time-series design using a random effects model to determine whether the entrance or exits of health nonprofits at the county level was associated with lower obesity rates in the US one and two years following the entrance or departures of nonprofits. The effect was small but significant in urban areas, with a smaller effect in rural areas. Our findings suggest that the presence of health nonprofits is associated with positive health outcomes, in this case obesity. The plausibility may be explained through the increased role nonprofits play in fostering social capital and increased promotion of health-related issues.


2018 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 561-565
Author(s):  
Radost Assenova ◽  
Levena Kireva ◽  
Gergana Foreva

Background: Patients with multimorbidity represent a significant portion of the primary healthcare population. For healthcare providers, managing patients with multiple chronic conditions represents a challenge given the complexity and the intensity of interventions. Integrated and patient-centered care is considered an effective response to the needs of people who suffer from multiple chronic conditions. According to the literature providing patient-centered care is one of the most important interventions in terms of positive health-related outcomes for patients with multimorbidity.Aim: The aim of the study is to evaluate the GPs’ perception of patient oriented interventions as key elements of patient centred care for patients with multimorbidity.Material and methods: A cross-sectional pilot study was conducted among randomly selected 73 GPs. A direct individual anonymous survey was performed to explore the opinion of respondents about the importance of two patient-oriented interventions, each one including specific elements of patient-centered care for patients with multimorbidity. The tool was developed as a result of the scoping review performed by Smith et al. (2012;2016). A 5-point Likert scale (0-not at all, 1-little, 2-rather, 3-much, 4-very strong) was used. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics. In processing the data, the software product for statistical analyses - SPSS version 17 was performed for Windows XP.Results: Our results show that both categories - providing patient-oriented approach and self-management support interventions were highly accessed by the respondents. The most frequent categories of interventions identified in our study were Creating individualized and adapted interventions, Performing regular contacts and Reinforcing adherence. Less frequently reported elements such as Considering relatives’ needs and Developing self-management plan are still underestimated by the Bulgarian GPs.Conclusions: The acceptance and understanding of innovative patient-centered interventions adapted to patients with multimorbidity could be accepted as a good indicator for improving health-related outcomes and care for patients with multiple chronic conditions.


Author(s):  
Antonio Gugliuzzo ◽  
Peter H. W. Biedermann ◽  
Daniel Carrillo ◽  
Louela A. Castrillo ◽  
James P. Egonyu ◽  
...  

AbstractWe provide an overview of both traditional and innovative control tools for management of three Xylosandrus ambrosia beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae), invasive species with a history of damage in forests, nurseries, orchards and urban areas. Xylosandrus compactus, X. crassiusculus and X. germanus are native to Asia, and currently established in several countries around the globe. Adult females bore galleries into the plant xylem inoculating mutualistic ambrosia fungi that serve as food source for the developing progeny. Tunneling activity results in chewed wood extrusion from entry holes, sap outflow, foliage wilting followed by canopy dieback, and branch and trunk necrosis. Maintaining plant health by reducing physiological stress is the first recommendation for long-term control. Baited traps, ethanol-treated bolts, trap logs and trap trees of selected species can be used to monitor Xylosandrus species. Conventional pest control methods are mostly ineffective against Xylosandrus beetles because of the pests’ broad host range and rapid spread. Due to challenges with conventional control, more innovative control approaches are being tested, such as the optimization of the push–pull strategy based on specific attractant and repellent combinations, or the use of insecticide-treated netting. Biological control based on the release of entomopathogenic and mycoparasitic fungi, as well as the use of antagonistic bacteria, has yielded promising results. However, these technologies still require validation in real field conditions. Overall, we suggest that management efforts should primarily focus on reducing plant stress and potentially be combined with a multi-faceted approach for controlling Xylosandrus damage.


Author(s):  
Ruxandra Sava-Rosianu ◽  
Guglielmo Campus ◽  
Anamaria Matichescu ◽  
Octavia Balean ◽  
Mihaela Adina Dumitrache ◽  
...  

Oral health-related behaviors and living conditions play an important role in general and oral health. This study aimed to evaluate caries prevalence and severity in schoolchildren residing in rural and urban areas of Romania, and to correlate these with oral health-related behaviors. An estimation of the required sample size was conducted (sampling error of ±3% at a 95% confidence level), followed by the stratification of administrative units and then the selection of 49 schools. The Hurdle approach was used to analyze the dataset, requiring two sets of analyses for each outcome variable: a multilevel binary model to predict prevalence, and a multilevel Poisson analysis using only non-zero values. The mean and standard deviation (SD) for the dentinal caries index was 4.96 (5.33). Girls were more likely to have non-zero restoration codes (β = 0.14, SE = 0.08, p < 0.05). Low education levels of each parent were associated with an increased likelihood of having non-zero carious tooth surfaces (β = 0.23, SE = 0.06, p = 0.01; β = 0.22, SE = 0.06, p < 0.01). The presence of cavities was predicted by the consumption of carbonated soft drinks (β = 0.19, SE = 0.07, p < 0.01), candies (β = 0.13, SE = 0.06, p < 0.01), sweetened milk (β = 0.12, SE = 0.06, p < 0.05), tea (β = 0.16, SE =0.08, p < 0.05), or cocoa (β = 0.13, SE = 0.06, p < 0.05). Furthermore, the non-zero values of the dentinal caries index were more likely in rural schools (β =−0.37, SE = 0.11, p < 0.01), and a negative association between the county development index and the fillings/restorations index (β = −0.01, SE = 0.01, p < 0.05) was also established. The outcome of this research highlights that the presence of caries (dentinal caries index) in Romanian schoolchildren is influenced by their socioeconomic background, as well as their specific consumption behaviors.


2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Aneta Omelan ◽  
Iwona Zielińska ◽  
Bogdan Wziątek ◽  
Ernest Bielinis ◽  
Robert Podstawski

2016 ◽  
Vol 20 (5) ◽  
pp. 814-823 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel C Shelton ◽  
James Colgrove ◽  
Grace Lee ◽  
Michelle Truong ◽  
Gina M Wingood

AbstractObjectiveWe conducted a content analysis of public comments to understand the key framing approaches used by private industryv. public health sector, with the goal of informing future public health messaging, framing and advocacy in the context of policy making.DesignComments to the proposed menu-labelling policy were extracted from Regulations.gov and analysed. A framing matrix was used to organize and code key devices and themes. Documents were analysed using content analysis with Dedoose software.SettingRecent national nutrition-labelling regulations in the USA provide a timely opportunity to understand message framing in relation to obesity prevention and policy.SubjectsWe examined a total of ninety-seven documents submitted on behalf of organizations (private industry,n64; public health,n33).ResultsPublic health focused on positive health consequences of the policy, used a social justice frame and supported its arguments with academic data. Industry was more critical of the policy; it used a market justice frame that emphasized minimal regulation, depicted its members as small, family-run businesses, and illustrated points with humanizing examples.ConclusionsPublic health framing should counter and consider engaging directly with non-health-related arguments made by industry. Public health should include more powerful framing devices to convey their messages, including metaphors and humanizing examples.


2019 ◽  
Vol 72 (1) ◽  
pp. 12-16
Author(s):  
Ruslan V. Tekliuk ◽  
Ihor V. Serheta ◽  
Oksana A. Serebrennikova

Introduction: Both positive and risky health behaviours among adolescents are of paramount importance as they often pathway further lifestyles and determine future health outcomes. The paper focuses on the trends of health promotion activities and health risks among adolescents who have been instructed on these topics at secondary schools. The aim: to detect trends in pro-active health behaviour and risk taking activities of Ukrainian adolescents in the last 14 years. Materials and methods: males and females, aged 15-17, who studied in secondary schools of the urban area of Vinnytsia city, Ukraine, in the years 2003, 2013, 2017, anonymously filled in the 118-item questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, Cochran Q test, Spearman correlation analysis, Kendall’s tau coefficient were used to analyze the data. Results: Overall, the data about health related issues obtained in the year 2003 vary significantly from the years 2013 and 2017, which indicates some beneficial influence that has taken place since 2003. Much fewer differences were spotted between the years 2013 and 2017. Health related behaviours in females showed less significant dynamics and some changes indicate regression, while males reported multiple improved results. Meanwhile actual numbers of males who opted for risky behaviours were higher than those of females. Significant relationships were found between some socio-economic factors, positive health behaviours (sufficient sleep, physical activity, daily regime, and life satisfaction) and proactive health choices. Conclusions: The available data suggests that there was a beneficial health-related influence on the schoolchildren over the years 2003-2017. Our findings also support the view that certain assets may protect the youth from risk-taking behaviours.


PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. e0246085
Author(s):  
Muhammad Riaz ◽  
Ghazala Shah ◽  
Muhammad Asif ◽  
Asma Shah ◽  
Kaustubh Adhikari ◽  
...  

Background High blood pressure is an important public health concern and the leading risk factor for global mortality and morbidity. To assess the implications of this condition, we aimed to review the existing literature and study the factors that are significantly associated with hypertension in the Pakistani population. Methods We conducted several electronic searches in PubMed, ISI Web of Science, PsycINFO, EMBASE, Scopus, Elsevier, and manually searched the citations of published articles on hypertension from May 2019 to August 2019. We included all studies that examined factors associated with hypertension regardless of the study design. To assess the quality of the research, we used the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale. We also conducted meta-analyses using the DerSimonian & Laird random-effects model to collate results from at least three studies. Results We included 30 cross-sectional and 7 case-control studies (99,391 participants country-wide) in this review and found 13 (35.1%) to be high-quality studies. We identified 5 socio-demographic, 3 lifestyle, 3 health-related, and 4 psychological variables that were significantly associated with hypertension. Adults aged between 30–60 years who were married, living in urban areas with high incomes, used tobacco, had a family history of hypertension, and had comorbidities (overweight, obesity, diabetes, anxiety, stress, and anger management issues) were positively associated with hypertension. On the other hand, individuals having high education levels, normal physical activity, and unrestricted salt in their diet were negatively associated with hypertension. Conclusion We found several socio-demographic, lifestyle, health-related, and psychological factors that were significantly (positively and negatively) associated with hypertension. Our findings may help physicians and public health workers to identify high-risk groups and recommend appropriate prevention strategies. Further research is warranted to investigate these factors rigorously and collate global evidence on the same.


2012 ◽  
Vol 75 (1) ◽  
pp. 61-73 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacek Tomczyk ◽  
Maria Tomczyk-Gruca ◽  
Marta Zalewska

Abstract Linear enamel hypoplasia (LEH) is treated as a nonspecific indicator of stress, but even so, many authors consider it the most reliable tool stress in anthropological research. Its analysis allows the reconstruction of health related to the socio-economic status of the group. This study documents and interprets patterns of LEH in Żerniki Górne (Poland), a settlement which was functional in the Late Neolithic and the Early Bronze Age. We examined two successive cultures: the Corded Ware Culture (CWC; 3200-2300BC) and the Trzciniec Culture (TC; 1500-1300BC). In total, there were 1486 permanent teeth (124 adult individuals). The frequency of LEH in the examined cultures shows a small rising trend. In these series from Żernik Górne, males showed a higher occurrence of LEH (16.5%) than females (13.4%). The earliest LEH appeared at similar ages at about 2.0/2.2 years and the last LEH occurred at about 4.2 years of age in both cultures. However, it is worth noting that periods associated with physiological stress were more common but not very long (four months on average) in the CWC. Longer stress periods (nine months on average) were associated with the TC.


2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Víctor Segura-Jiménez ◽  
Fernando Estévez-López ◽  
Alberto Soriano-Maldonado ◽  
Inmaculada C. Álvarez-Gallardo ◽  
Manuel Delgado-Fernández ◽  
...  

Objective. To test the gender differences in tenderness, impact of fibromyalgia, health-related quality of life, fatigue, sleep quality, mental health, cognitive performance, pain-cognition, and positive health in Spanish fibromyalgia patients and in age-matched nonfibromyalgia individuals from the same region. To test the optimal cut-off score of the different tender points for women and men.Methods. A total of 405 (384 women) fibromyalgia versus 247 (195 women) nonfibromyalgia control participants from southern Spain (Andalusia) took part in this cross-sectional study. The outcomes studied were assessed by means of several tests.Results. In the fibromyalgia group, men showed better working memory than women (all,P<0.01), whereas sleep latency was lower in women compared to men (P=0.013). In the nonfibromyalgia group, men showed higher pain threshold in all the tender points (all,P<0.01), except in right and left lateral epicondyle. Furthermore, men showed better working memory than women (all,P<0.01), whereas memory performance was better in women compared to men (all,P≤0.01).Conclusion. The results of the present study do not support consistent evidence of gender differences in fibromyalgia-related symptoms. However, it seems that detriment of some symptoms (especially pain) in fibromyalgia men compared with their nonfibromyalgia counterparts is greater than those of fibromyalgia women compared with their nonfibromyalgia peers.


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