scholarly journals Aging, frailty, and design of built environments

2022 ◽  
Vol 41 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Douglas E. Crews
Keyword(s):  
Human Growth ◽  
Built Environments ◽  
Natural Environments ◽  
Human Environment ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Gerontological Research ◽  
User Groups ◽  
Physical Abilities ◽  
And Performance

AbstractBefore developing agriculture, herding or metallurgy, humans occupied most of the world. Multiple socioculturally-based responses supported their migration, including building shelters and constructing niches to limit environmental stressors. Sheltered settings provided social support and security during stressful times, along with opportunities for injured, aging, and frail members to survive. Modern built environments are designed for similar purposes, to support human growth, development, reproduction, and maintenance. However, extended survival in modern settings has costs. With age, muscle (sarcopenia) and bone loss (osteopenia, osteoporosis), along with somatic, physiological, and sensory dysfunction, reduce our physical capabilities, increase our frailty, and impede our abilities to interface with built and natural environments and manufactured artifacts. Thereby, increasing our dependence on built environments to maintain autonomy and quality of life.What follows is a conceptual review of how frailty may limit seniors within modern built environments. It suggests age-related frailty among seniors provides specific data for those designing environments for accessibility to all users. It is based in human ecological theory, and physiological and gerontological research showing senescent alterations, including losses of muscle, bone, and sensory perceptions, produce a frail phenotype with increasing age limiting our mobility, activity, use of space, and physical abilities. As an individual phenotype, frailty leads to age-related physical and performance declines. As a physiological assessment, frailty indices amalgamate individual measures of functional abilities into a single score. Such frailty indices increase with age and differ betwixt individuals and across groups. To design built environments that improve access, usability, and safety for aging and frail citizens, today’s seniors provide living samples and evidence for determining their future abilities, limitations, and design needs. Designing built environments to accommodate and improve the quality of human-environment interactions for frail seniors will improve usability and accessibility for most user groups.

scholarly journals The connection between the dynamic remodeling of the mitochondrial network and the regulation of muscle mass

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vanina Romanello ◽  
Marco Sandri
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Mass ◽  
Disease Onset ◽  
Premature Death ◽  
Poor Quality ◽  
Mitochondrial Network ◽  
Dynamic Coordination ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Muscle Changes ◽  
And Performance

Abstract The dynamic coordination of processes controlling the quality of the mitochondrial network is crucial to maintain the function of mitochondria in skeletal muscle. Changes of mitochondrial proteolytic system, dynamics (fusion/fission), and mitophagy induce pathways that affect muscle mass and performance. When muscle mass is lost, the risk of disease onset and premature death is dramatically increased. For instance, poor quality of muscles correlates with the onset progression of several age-related disorders such as diabetes, obesity, cancer, and aging sarcopenia. To date, there are no drug therapies to reverse muscle loss, and exercise remains the best approach to improve mitochondrial health and to slow atrophy in several diseases. This review will describe the principal mechanisms that control mitochondrial quality and the pathways that link mitochondrial dysfunction to muscle mass regulation.

scholarly journals Contemplative Landscapes: Towards Healthier Built Environments

2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Agnieszka Olszewska-Guizzo 1
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Green Spaces ◽  
Built Environments ◽  
Natural Environments ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Passive Exposure ◽  
Current State

This review aims to show the current state of the knowledge in the area of the visual quality of landscapes in urbanized areas and their influence on people’s mental health and well-being. This falls under the passive recreation and passive exposure to the environmental stimuli present in our cities (such as walking in nature, quiet contemplation) as opposed to active interactions with the landscapes such as horticulture therapy, meditation, etc. Passive exposure to natural or built environments can shape our mental health patterns throughout the life cycle.Although we know that the quantity of green spaces in the cities can improve the well-being of city inhabitants and contact with natural environments can alleviate various psychological disorders, it is also likely that the quality of green spaces, including seemingly irrelevant landscape design nuances, can play a more important role for our mental health.Currently, one can observe a strong demand from policy makers for generating scientific evidence-based knowledge to provide recommendations for urban design and the maintenance of green spaces. The Contemplative Landscape Model (CLM) is an operationalised construct which includes aesthetic, environmental and mental health values of landscapes, and could serve as a useful tool to assist in the current need for knowledge. However, more research with an emphasis on causal relationships is needed.

Contemplative Landscapes: Towards Healthier Built Environments

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Agnieszka Olszewska-Guizzo
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Green Spaces ◽  
Built Environments ◽  
Natural Environments ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Passive Exposure ◽  
Current State

This review aims to show the current state of the knowledge in the area of the visual quality of landscapes in urbanized areas and their influence on people’s mental health and well-being. This falls under the passive recreation and passive exposure to the environmental stimuli present in our cities (such as walking in nature, quiet contemplation) as opposed to active interactions with the landscapes such as horticulture therapy, meditation, etc. Passive exposure to natural or built environments can shape our mental health patterns throughout the life cycle.Although we know that the quantity of green spaces in the cities can improve the well-being of city inhabitants and contact with natural environments can alleviate various psychological disorders, it is also likely that the quality of green spaces, including seemingly irrelevant landscape design nuances, can play a more important role for our mental health.Currently, one can observe a strong demand from policy makers for generating scientific evidence-based knowledge to provide recommendations for urban design and the maintenance of green spaces. The Contemplative Landscape Model (CLM) is an operationalised construct which includes aesthetic, environmental and mental health values of landscapes, and could serve as a useful tool to assist in the current need for knowledge. However, more research with an emphasis on causal relationships is needed.

Cognitive Factors Mediate the Relation Between Age and Flight Path Maintenance in General Aviation

2016 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 81-90 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathleen Van Benthem ◽  
Chris M. Herdman
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Functioning ◽  
Flight Path ◽  
General Aviation ◽  
Cognitive Factors ◽  
Pilot Performance ◽  
Pilot Error ◽  
Age Related ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract. Identifying pilot attributes associated with risk is important, especially in general aviation where pilot error is implicated in most accidents. This research examined the relationship of pilot age, expertise, and cognitive functioning to deviations from an ideal circuit trajectory. In all, 54 pilots, of varying age, flew a Cessna 172 simulator. Cognitive measures were obtained using the CogScreen-AE ( Kay, 1995 ). Older age and lower levels of expertise and cognitive functioning were associated with significantly greater flight path deviations. The relationship between age and performance was fully mediated by a cluster of cognitive factors: speed and working memory, visual attention, and cognitive flexibility. These findings add to the literature showing that age-related changes in cognition may impact pilot performance.

Using the “3Es” Method to Evaluate REDD+ Project in Nepal

2017 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Doma Tshering Sherpa
Keyword(s):  
Forest Degradation ◽  
Benefit Distribution ◽  
Global Carbon Budget ◽  
Efficiency And Effectiveness ◽  
User Groups ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Community Forest User Groups ◽  
Global Carbon ◽  
Fundamental Requirement ◽  
Forest User

This case demonstrates the utility of the 3Es (effectiveness, efficiency, and equity) in examining Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) project in Nepal. REDD+ offers results-based payments for conserving and managing forests sustainably and enhancing forest carbon stocks. This will benefit communities’ efforts to conserve forest resources and prevent deforestation; conserving integrity of forests in turn benefits the global carbon budget. This case uses the 3Es to examine one case in Nepal of distributing the REDD+ funds among local participants. Of the 3Es, equity is getting attention worldwide but there is still debate on which principle of 3Es should be given priority to achieve overall effectiveness of REDD+. This case finds that equity is a fundamental requirement to achieve the other Es (efficiency and effectiveness) in REDD+ implementation. Further, I find that distributive equity is the most important and understood in three different ways in Nepal: rights, needs, and performance. There is an argument between communities and experts on which equity should be given priority. I recommend that the issue of needs based equity vs. performance-based equity should be solved by formation of guidelines of sharing benefits at two levels. First, the benefit distribution from international sources/markets to community forest user groups should be based on the ownership of carbon and performance of communities participating in REDD+. Second, at community level, communities should decide on the form of benefit distribution according to their needs. The primacy of equity in this case will likely find international echoes in other environmental policies and in other countries.

LIGHTING AND PERFORMANCE: AN ANALYSIS ON LIGHTING EFFICIENCY OF ARCHITECTURE STUDIO

2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 92
Author(s):  
Fazidah Hanim Husain
Keyword(s):  
Learning Environment ◽  
Comfort Level ◽  
Artificial Lighting ◽  
Level Measurement ◽  
Acceptable Range ◽  
Creative Learning ◽  
Illuminance Level ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Effect Of Light

Lighting is one of the key elements in any space and building infrastructure. Good design for an area in the building requires sufficient light that contributes to the efficiency of the activities. The correct method allows natural light to transmit, reduce heat and glare in providing a conducive learning environment. Light plays a significant influence to the quality of space and contributes focus of the students in an architecture studio. Previous research has shown that the effect of light also controlled emotions, behavior, and mood of the students. The operations of artificial lighting that have been used most of the time in an architecture studio during day and night may create lavishness and inadequacy at the same time. Therefore, this paper focuses on the identifying the quality of light for the architecture studio in UiTM (Perak), to instill a creative learning environment. Several methodologies adopted in this study such as illuminance level measurement using lux meter (LM-8100), and a questionnaire survey in gauging the lighting comfort level from students’ perspective. The study revealed that the illuminance level in the architecture studio is insufficient and not in the acceptable range stated in the Malaysian: Standards 1525:2007 and  not evenly distributed.  The study also concluded that the current studio environment is not condusive and appears monotonous. 

Strategic threats to energy security as risks of quality of people's life

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 730-744
Author(s):  
V.I. Loktionov
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Energy Security ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Scientific Methods ◽  
Analysis And Synthesis ◽  
General Scientific ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Economic Well Being ◽  
The Way

Subject. The article reviews the way strategic threats to energy security influence the quality of people's life. Objectives. The study unfolds the theory of analyzing strategic threats to energy security by covering the matter of quality of people's life. Methods. To analyze the way strategic threats to energy security spread across cross-sectoral commodity and production chains and influences quality of people's living, I applied the factor analysis and general scientific methods of analysis and synthesis. Results. I suggest interpreting strategic threats to energy security as risks of people's quality of life due to a reduction in the volume of energy supply. I identified mechanisms reflecting how the fuel and energy complex and its development influence the quality of people's life. The article sets out the method to assess such quality-of-life risks arising from strategic threats to energy security. Conclusions and Relevance. In the current geopolitical situation, strategic threats to energy security cause long-standing adverse consequences for the quality of people's life. If strategic threats to energy security are further construed as risk of quality of people's life, this will facilitate the preparation and performance of a more effective governmental policy on energy, which will subsequently raise the economic well-being of people.

Return on Invesment (ROI) of Software Product: A Systematic Literature Review

2015 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 50-57
Author(s):  
Rizqa Raaiqa Bintana ◽  
Putri Aisyiyah Rakhma Devi ◽  
Umi Laili Yuhana
Keyword(s):  
Return On Investment ◽  
Assessment Criteria ◽  
Software Product ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Rational Consideration ◽  
Actual Return ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Investment Models ◽  
The Impact

The quality of the software can be measured by its return on investment. Factors which may affect the return on investment (ROI) is the tangible factors (such as the cost) dan intangible factors (such as the impact of software to the users or stakeholder). The factor of the software itself are assessed through reviewing, testing, process audit, and performance of software. This paper discusses the consideration of return on investment (ROI) assessment criteria derived from the software and its users. These criteria indicate that the approach may support a rational consideration of all relevant criteria when evaluating software, and shows examples of actual return on investment models. Conducted an analysis of the assessment criteria that affect the return on investment if these criteria have a disproportionate effort that resulted in a return on investment of a software decreased. Index Terms - Assessment criteria, Quality assurance, Return on Investment, Software product

scholarly journals Challenges and Perspectives on Breast Cancer Survivorship: The Journey Continues

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 96-96
Author(s):  
Victoria Raveis ◽  
Simona Kwon
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Cancer Survivor ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Cancer Survival ◽  
Survival Rates ◽  
Extended Period ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Age Related

Abstract Women have a 1-in-8 lifetime risk of breast cancer. Earlier diagnosis and treatment advances have improved 15- and 20-year survival rates. Increased survival can mean coping with the effects of cancer and its treatment over an extended period of time, while experiencing age-related changes in functioning and the emergence of other health issues. To explore breast cancer survivors’ perspectives on their issues and concerns across the life-course, focus groups were conducted with a culturally diverse sample (N=18) of survivors (72% white, 28% Black, 11% Hispanic). Participants were 44-82 years old. Most, 83% were 50 and older, 56% were 60 and older. The majority (83%) were diagnosed in their 40’s and 50’s. Two were diagnosed in their early 30’s and one at age 68. Participants reaffirmed the necessity, as a breast cancer survivor, of being a life-long health advocate on their own behalf, and the importance of being self-informed. As one woman commented: “Knowledge is power”. Survivors shared that their emergent health issues were complicated by their cancer history, and, that, as a cancer survivor, “I never stop worrying”. A widespread concern was not knowing if the health issues and co-morbidities they experienced (such as joint pain, neuropathy, tendinitis, heart disease), were age-related, a consequence of their cancer, or a late treatment effect. An overriding sentiment expressed was that clinicians have not recognized the importance of quality of life in cancer survival. As a survivor succinctly stated: “We are living longer, but we need to live long with quality of life.”

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document