Search Results (58)

Indoor environmental quality profoundly impacts student learning outcomes and teacher effectiveness, particularly in primary education, where children spend most of their developmental years. The study compares the New Zealand Ministry of Education’s Designing Quality Learning Spaces (DQLS) version 2.0 for primary school classrooms with international standards set by OECD countries to develop IAQ and thermal comfort best practices in New Zealand across six climate zones. The research evaluates indoor air quality (IAQ) and thermal comfort factors affecting students’ and teachers’ health and performance. Using Ladybug and Honeybee plugin tools in Grasshopper with Energy Plus, integrated into Rhino 7 software, the study employed advanced building optimisation methods, using multi-criteria optimisation and parametric modelling. This approach enabled a comprehensive analysis of building envelope parameters for historical classroom designs, the Avalon block (constructed between 1955 and 2000). Optimise window-to-wall ratios, ceiling heights, window placement, insulation values (R-values), clothing insulation (Clo), and window opening schedules. Our findings demonstrate that strategic modifications to the building envelope can significantly improve occupant comfort and energy performance. Specifically, increasing ceiling height by 0.8 m, raising windows by 0.3 m vertically, and reducing the window-to-wall ratio to 25% created optimal conditions across multiple performance criteria. These targeted adjustments improved adaptive thermal comfort, ventilation, carbon dioxide, and energy efficiency while maintaining local and international standards. The implications of the findings extend beyond the studied classrooms, offering evidence-based strategies for overall design and building performance guidelines in educational facilities. This research demonstrates the efficacy of applying computational design optimisation during early design phases, providing policymakers and architects with practical solutions that could inform future revisions of New Zealand’s school design standards and align them more closely with international best practices for educational environments. Full article

The three-dimensional (3D) body scanning technology has impacted various fields, from digital anthropometry to healthcare. This paper provides an exhaustive review of the existing literature on applications of 3D body scanning technology in human-centered work. Our systematic analysis of Web of Science and Scopus journal articles revealed six critical themes: product development, healthcare, body shape, anthropometric measurement, avatar creation, and body image. Three-dimensional body scanning technology is used to design and develop ergonomically coherent and fit products. In addition to its application in clothing, footwear, and furniture, its non-invasive and rapid image-capturing capabilities make it an attractive tool for clinical diagnostics and evaluations in healthcare. Given the exponential growth of digital interfaces, 3D avatars and body forms have gained popularity, and scanners facilitate their growth and adoption. The creation of anthropometric databases for various populations, from children to boomers and from adolescents to pregnant women, has been made possible with body scanning technology and has been helpful in several applications. This review highlights the growing importance of 3D body scanning technology in various contexts and provides a foundation for researchers and practitioners seeking to understand its utility and implications. Full article

Children with non- or minimally verbal autism (nmvASD) commonly display sensory and emotional dysregulations leading to extremely stressful situations that trigger challenging behaviors which are often difficult to treat. Nonetheless, this population remains rarely studied in clinical research. Recent methods use electrophysiological biomarkers as diagnostic tools to detect stress signals, which may be useful in anticipating situations or conditions leading to challenging behaviors in nmvASD. A specific questionnaire was created in order to identify the characteristics of nmvASD children and gather the opinions of future users (parents and caregivers) on the design of a wearable device able to collect stress-related electrophysiological data. The results indicate that approximately 67.5% of respondents (n = 40) would be interested in such a device, both in outpatient and inpatient settings. In 70% of cases, prolonged contact with an object on the trunk is always well accepted by the child. This location was also preferentially chosen by 57.5% of respondents for such a wearable device. The presence of wires could be problematic in 82.5% of cases. About 65% of respondents find it far better to integrate these wearable devices directly into the clothing. These results will help in the development of devices specifically developed for the nmvASD population to enhance their care for behavioral disorders and based on user-center design. Full article

Background/Objectives: Household insecticide use may impact the health of young children in urban communities, but little is known about its acute effects. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the symptoms that may have been related to residential insecticide exposure and its associated factors in young children in urban areas. Methods: The study included 375 primary caregivers of children aged 6 months to 5 years from the Bangkok Metropolitan Region, Thailand, who had used insecticides in their homes within the past 6 months. An interviewer-administered questionnaire collected data on caregiver and child demographics, household insecticide use and exposure, child behaviors, and the history of child symptoms following insecticide use. Results: The findings revealed that 9.6% of young children had experienced symptoms at some point during or after household insecticide use, with coughing (66.7%), skin rash/irritation (44.4%), and runny nose (25.0%) being the most common. The final logistic regression model using backward selection indicated that factors statistically significantly associated with symptoms included being a male child (OR = 3.38; 95% CI = 1.48–7.71), hand/object-to-mouth behaviors (OR = 2.69; 95% CI = 1.26–5.74), weekly use of insecticides (OR = 2.77; 95% CI = 1.22–6.26), use of insecticide chalk (OR = 3.64; 95% CI = 1.32–10.08), and use of mosquito repellent spray/lotion (OR = 2.51; 95% CI = 1.13–5.61). Additionally, the use of insecticide spray (OR = 2.72; 95% CI = 0.97–7.65), opening doors/windows for ventilation (OR = 0.46; 95% CI = 0.21–1.02), and consistently cleaning floors with a wet cloth after use (OR = 0.52; 95% CI = 0.24–1.11) were marginally associated. Conclusions: Residential exposure to household insecticides can lead to acute health effects, primarily respiratory symptoms, in young children in urban communities. Caregivers should be informed of these health risks to reduce children’s exposure. Full article

Schistosomiasis, which affects a large number of people worldwide, is among the most overlooked parasitic diseases. The disease is mainly prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa, southeast Asian countries, and South America due to the lack of adequate sanitation. The disease is mainly associated with poor hygiene, sanitation, and contaminated water, so it is also known as a disease of poverty. Three Schistosoma species (S. mansoni, S. japonicum, and S. haematobium) cause significant human infections. Co-infections with Schistosoma and other parasites are widely common. All these parasites may cause intestinal or urogenital schistosomiasis, where the disease may be categorized into the acute, sensitized, and chronic phases. The disease is more prevalent among school children, which may cause anemia and reduce development. Chronic infections frequently cause significant liver, intestinal, and bladder damage. Women exposed to contaminated water while performing normal duties like washing clothes might acquire urogenital schistosomiasis (UGS), which can cause tissue damage and raise the risk of blood-borne disease transmission, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission. Praziquantel (PZQ) is the World Health Organization (WHO)-prescribed treatment for individuals who are known to be infected, but it does not prevent further re-infections with larval worms. Vaccine development and new molecular-based diagnosis techniques have promised to be a reliable approach to the diagnosis and prevention of schistosomiasis. The current review emphasizes the recent advancement in the diagnosis of schistosomiasis by molecular techniques and the treatment of schistosomiasis by combined and alternative regimes of drugs. Moreover, this review has also focused on the recent outbreak of schistosomiasis, the development of vaccines, and their clinical trials. Full article

Ticks and tick-borne diseases (TBDs) pose potential health threats to small-scale farmers of grazing animals in the upper highlands of Balochistan, Pakistan. This study was conducted based on a questionnaire survey involving 153 farmers of grazing animals in seven districts to access their knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding ticks and TBDs. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals, based on Fisher’s test, were used to assess risk factors for determining preventive measures. The findings revealed a low level of knowledge among the participants. For instance, there was a lack of awareness of the effects of climate change and the economic impact of ticks on animal health. The essential precautions, such as the non-indiscriminate use of acaricides, wearing dark-colored clothing, and limiting children’s interaction with grazing animals, were often overlooked. However, the farmers had a positive attitude towards tick control, but they mostly relied on the knowledge of local communities. The neglect of such measures places these farmers and their children at risk of contracting TBDs. This study also indicates minimal involvement from the government in educating farmers and controlling ticks. The role of stakeholders, including the government, non-governmental organizations, veterinary doctors, and local farmer communities, is crucial to address these issues and to implement effective training programs that address misconceptions about ticks and TBDs. Overall, this study highlights the importance of implementing awareness and education programs to address the misconceptions about ticks and TBDs among farmers. Full article

Children’s dress is a constituent element of individual and group identity as well as an indicator of social change. Exploring childhood in three Greek rural communities in Laconia, Kythera, and Crete as well as in their respective diaspora in the United States, this study aims at shedding light on the (re)presentation of children in photographic records through clothing, perceived as the material projection on the self and the group (familial, ethnic, transnational). Drawing from theoretical and methodological approaches of distinct fields, such as history, fashion, photography, material and visual studies, and social anthropology, the study explores dynamic changes and shifting meanings in the way children were perceived and projected or asserted themselves through tangible sources, namely photographs, and clothing. The time period examined spans from the 1900s to the late 1930s without rigidly defining, as shifts witnessed in this time period were occurring in the last years of the 19th century, while the aftermath of the 1930s recession years could be felt beyond the period under study. Full article

The water quality of sources in the Huaihe River Basin significantly affects the lives and health of approximately 16.7% of China’s population. Identifying and quantifying pollution sources and risks is essential for effective water resource management. This study utilized Monte Carlo simulations and Geodetector to assess water quality and eutrophication, as well as to evaluate the sources of heavy metals and the associated health risks for both adults and children. The results showed that eutrophication of water sources in Huaihe River was severe, with an overall EI value of 37.92; 67.8% of the water sources were classified as mesotrophic and 32.2% classified as eutrophic. Water quality and eutrophication levels in the southern mountainous regions were better than those in the densely populated northern areas. Adults were found to have a higher carcinogenic risk than children, whereas children faced a higher noncarcinogenic risk than adults. Cr presented the highest carcinogenic risk, affecting more than 99.8% of both adults and children at levels above 1 × 10⁻⁶ but not exceeding 1 × 10⁻⁴. The noncarcinogenic risk from metals did not surpass a level of 1, except for Pb. As was primarily influenced by agricultural activities and transportation, whereas Cd, Cr, and Pb were mainly affected by industrial activities, particularly in local textile industries such as knitting and clothing manufacturing. The analysis demonstrated that the influence of anthropogenic factors on heavy metal distribution was significantly enhanced by indirect natural factors. For example, the explanatory power of Precipitation and Road Network Density on As was 0.362 and 0.189, respectively, whereas their interaction had an explanatory power as high as 0.673. This study indicates that the geodetector method is effective in elucidating the factors influencing heavy metal distribution in water, thereby providing valuable insights into pollution sources in global drinking water. Full article

Background: Child footwear, both in pathologies and in normal situations, can affect the foot in various ways depending on its characteristics. Below, some features of child footwear are described, and how they can influence the foot, including suitable size, shape and design, flexibility, and transpirable material; inadequate footwear includes situations with flat foot, equine foot, and hammer toes. It is important to highlight that each child is unique and may have different footwear needs. In case of specific pathologies or concerns, it is recommended to consult a specialist in podology or foot medicine for personalized assessment and recommendations. Methods: The present systematic review was conducted in accordance with the guidelines outlined in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Results: Children’s footwear must adapt to all stages of children’s growth, starting from when they begin to walk, to promote the correct evolution of their musculoskeletal system. For up to six months, they do not need to wear shoes; socks and similar clothing are enough to warm your feet like a second skin. The flexibility of respectful footwear is essential between six months and three or four years. From that age onwards, the soles can be somewhat thicker, and the buttress can have a certain firmness, but the shoes should remain flexible. Conclusions: Eco-friendly footwear, which typically comes from small businesses and factories, is sometimes described as “ergonomic footwear”. However, there is some reluctance towards this term. When choosing this type of footwear for children, it is important to not just look at the label; rather, one should verify that it meets all the necessary characteristics to be considered respectful. Full article

Tinea incognito is a dermatophyte infection with atypical features, due to the use of topical or systemic steroids or other immunosuppressive medications. Delayed diagnosis, spread of the infection to critical body surfaces, resistance to antifungal drugs, and increased costs due to prolonged hospitalization and multiple treatment regimens often complicate tinea incognito. It can affect individuals of all ages and genders, but it is more common in children. Atypical clinical appearance often necessitates differentiation from other diseases such as eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, lupus erythematosus, psoriasis, or other non-fungal skin conditions. The treatment of tinea incognito usually involves discontinuation of topical steroids or other immunosuppressive medications. Preventive measures and management of the underlying fungal infection are necessary and can be achieved with antifungal drugs. Patients should wear loose cotton clothes, use boiling water for laundry, and iron their clothing before wearing them. Additionally, they should avoid sharing bed linens, towels, clothes, and shoes. This review aims to raise awareness of tinea incognito among health practitioners, provide tips for detecting the disorder, include it in the differentials, and evaluate the available diagnostic procedures. Full article

Functional textiles and clothing designed for children should provide a safe and supportive environment, encompassing comfort, safety, health, wellbeing, and cognitive development, as well as fostering interaction and exploration. This study explores the multifaceted nature of functional textiles and clothing for children. It emphasises the importance of comprehensive knowledge about the user and an interdisciplinary approach in the design process. The integration of expertise from diverse fields contributes to a holistic understanding of the challenges and opportunities inherent in creating clothing that satisfies aesthetic demands and promotes the wellbeing of children. Through a study of existing research in functional textiles and a market analysis of children’s clothing, this research underscores the importance of practical application of studied materials and technologies in children’s fashion, creating innovative and purposeful solutions. This collaborative effort involves working with multidisciplinary teams and applying designers’ updated knowledge of functional materials throughout all stages of the design process. The study emphasises the designer’s responsibility in articulating the essential knowledge needed to integrate functionality from the beginning of the design process, ensuring that practical considerations are integral to the core attributes of the clothing. The study also proposes a framework that represents the design process for functional children’s clothing. Full article

The main aim of this study is to describe the communication between children and parents about children’s desired purchases of items in Croatia. Online focus groups were conducted with children ages 11 to 15, and their parents, using a pre-prepared list of questions. The constant comparative method was applied, and the data were coded thematically, meaning data were organized into groups or codes on the basis of repeating keywords in the transcripts. The analysis shows children mostly ask their parents for clothing items and food. The findings indicate children and parents resolve the purchase decisions based on a few communication themes. Children employ persuasion, bargaining, and negotiation communication to acquire their desired items. As a response, parents employ bargaining and negotiation communication, budgeting and financial communication, usefulness and need communication, and postponed purchase communication. This research contributes to a better understanding of child and parent communication related to child purchase wishes and parent–child communication. Full article

Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) is a widespread and chronic condition that affects children and adolescents worldwide. The person suffering from JIA is characterized by chronic joint inflammation leading to pain, swelling, stiffness, and limited body movements. Individuals suffering from JIA require ongoing treatment for their lifetime. Beyond inflammation, JIA patients have expressed concerns about various factors and the lack of responsive services addressing their challenges. The implementation of smart garments offers a promising solution to assist individuals with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis in performing their daily activities. These garments are designed to seamlessly integrate technology and clothing, providing not only physical support but also addressing the psychological and emotional aspects of living with a chronic condition. By incorporating sensors, these smart garments can monitor joint movement, detect inflammation, and provide real-time feedback to both patients and healthcare providers. To tackle these comprehensive challenges, the research aims to offer a solution through the design of a smart garment, created with a holistic approach. This smart garment is intended to improve the overall well-being of JIA patients by enhancing their mobility, comfort, and overall quality of life. The integration of technology into clothing can potentially revolutionize the way JIA is managed, allowing patients to better manage their condition and minimize its impact on their daily lives. The synergy between healthcare and technology holds great potential in addressing the multifaceted challenges posed by Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis patients. Through innovation and empathy, this research aims to pave the way for a brighter future for individuals living with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis. Full article

Andrej Tarkovsky is a Russian film author who has indebted the entire world’s cinematography with his cinematic style. His (auto)biography and filmography give us a hint that he was a deeply religious man who believed that art should serve to deepen man’s spirituality. By watching and analyzing the author’s films, we came to the hypothesis that Tarkovsky uses the characters of children to express something supernatural, and therefore, we wanted to explore which narratives and stylistic devices the director uses to give his interpretation of the spiritual and transcendent. Thus, we analyzed nine characters of children that appear in the director’s six full-length feature films: Ivan Bondarev (Ivan’s Childhood), Boriska (Andrei Rublev), Aleksej, Ignat and Asafjev (Mirror), Marta (Stalker), Domenico’s son and Angela (Nostalghia), and Gossen (The Sacrifice). The methods we have used are qualitative content analysis, description, comparison, and synthesis. The characteristics we have noticed in the characters of the children, which could point to the transcendent, are a deep and penetrating gaze, the supernatural powers children use, the mysterious environments they inhabit, the deep influence they have on other characters, asking religious questions, hermit-like loneliness, modest clothes, and allusions to a Christ-like figure. Full article

The disposal of undesired clothing, a crucial phase in consumers’ post-purchase decision-making process, significantly impacts the environment. However, behavior regarding the disposal of children’s clothing, a hitherto unexplored research area, differs from that of adults’ clothing due to the unique physical features of children. Investigating consumers’ behavior regarding the disposal of children’s clothing is thus essential. Accordingly, this study aimed to identify factors influencing consumers’ choice of disposal channels regarding children’s clothing in China. Specifically, the study seeks to answer two sub-questions: (1) What are the factors that influence consumers’ choice of conventional disposal channels for children’s clothing? and (2) what is the usage status of online clothing recycling platforms among consumers, and what are the barriers and facilitators for their adoption? Data were collected through a combination of quantitative closed-ended questions and a qualitative open-ended question from an online survey involving 259 mothers of children aged 4 to 12 years. The quantitative data were analyzed using binary logistic regression, whereas the qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis and Chi-square by employing the capability, opportunity, and motivation–behavior model (COM-B). The findings show that Chinese consumers’ choice of conventional disposal channels for children’s clothing is influenced by reasons related to poor fit and clothing damage, mother’s age, and family’s annual family income level. Moreover, the study reveals that online clothing-recycling platforms as an emerging disposal channel are not widely accepted due to various barriers, including psychological capability, physical opportunity, social opportunity, and reflective motivation. Therefore, the insights gained from this study provide guidance to consumers, recyclers, public policymakers, and practitioners in the children’s clothing industry towards children’s clothing disposal, aiming to promote sustainable disposal behavior. Full article