Search Results (89)

Background/Objectives: The role of environmental modifications and design in mitigating behavioural symptoms is increasingly being recognised as a way to address the psychosocial needs of individuals with dementia. This study aims to investigate various nature-based interventions for reducing agitation in people with dementia in long-term residential care environments. Methods: Database searches were conducted on MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Web of Science. A literature search was conducted with the following inclusion criteria: (i) peer-reviewed journal publication written in English; (ii) random controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-experimental design with results for pre- and post-testing reported; (iii) interventions using natural elements, where the effectiveness of the reduction in agitation was measured using a validated instrument; and (iv) participants aged 65 and older with dementia residing in long-term care facilities. Results: This meta-analysis included 29 studies with 733 participants. The results showed that such interventions had a significant negative mean effect on lowering agitation in this population. Additionally, intervention settings (indoor vs. outdoor) and the presence of social interaction were significant predictors of the effect size for agitation reduction. At the same time, no significant differences in effect size were observed between the types of experiences with nature (indirect vs. direct) or the duration of the interventions. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that, when thoughtfully applied, nature-based interventions can significantly alleviate agitation in patients with dementia residing in long-term residential care facilities. This review lays the groundwork for future research aimed at developing design guidelines and planning strategies to integrate natural elements into dementia-friendly environments effectively. Full article

This study investigates the impact of mild steaming (105 °C and 120 °C for 12 h) on the colour characteristics and chemical stability of beech wood (Fagus sylvatica L.) during natural indoor ageing. Untreated and steamed samples of mature wood and false heartwood were analysed for CIELAB and CIELCh colour parameters (L*, a*, b*, C*, h°) and chemical changes using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. Steaming resulted in a significant decrease in lightness (L*) and increased a*, b*, and C* values, producing darker and more saturated reddish-brown tones. It also reduced the visual differences between mature wood and false heartwood, enhancing colour uniformity. During the light-induced ageing period, steamed wood—particularly at 105 °C—exhibited improved colour stability, maintaining chroma and hue more effectively than untreated samples. Statistically significant interaction effects between treatment, time, and tissue type revealed that the ageing-related colour changes were jointly influenced by thermal modification and the anatomical characteristics of the wood. In the FTIR spectra, the most pronounced changes were observed in the absorption bands of the aromatic skeleton and carbonyl groups (1504 and 1732 cm⁻¹). These findings confirm that mild steaming alters the original aesthetic properties and colour of beech wood when exposed to an indoor environment. Full article

The present research aims to assess, from both ecological and economic perspectives, a strategic solution applied to the building sector that can contribute to mitigating the planetary tragedy of the overconsumption of global fossil energy (coal, oil, and gas) and, thus, climate change, along with its dramatic negative impacts on the planet, humanity, and the world’s economy. Buildings are the largest consumers of fossil fuel energy, significantly contributing to Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions and, consequently, to climate change. Reducing their environmental impact is therefore crucial for achieving global sustainability goals. Existing buildings, mostly the historical ones, represent a significant part of the global building stocks, which, for the most part, consist of buildings built more than 70 years ago, which are aged, in a state of deterioration, and in need of intervention. Recovering, renovating, and redeveloping existing and historical buildings could be a formidable instrument for improving the energy quality of the international and national building stocks. When selecting the type of possible interventions to be applied, there are two choices: simple and unsustainable ordinary maintenance versus ecological retrofitting, i.e., a quality increase in the indoor environment and building energy savings using local bio-natural materials. The success of the “Ecological Retrofitting” Strategy strongly relies on its economic and financial sustainability; therefore, the goal of this research is to underline and demonstrate the economic and ecological benefits of the ecological transition at the building level through an integrated valuation applied in a case study, located in Southern Italy. First, in order to demonstrate the ecological benefits of the proposed strategy, the latter was tested through a new energy assessment tool in an updated BIM platform; subsequently, an economic valuation was conducted, clearly demonstrating the cost-effectiveness of the building’s ecological transition. The real-world experiment through the proposed case study achieved important results and reached the goals of the “Ecological Retrofitting” Strategy in existing (but not preserved) liberty-style constructions. First of all, a significant improvement in the buildings’ thermal performance was achieved after some targeted interventions, resulting in energy savings; most importantly, the economic feasibility of the proposed strategy was demonstrated. Full article

Accurate information on trail difficulty is essential for ensuring safety and enhancing the effectiveness of forest-based health and recreational activities. This study examined the physiological responses of middle-aged adults to varying trail difficulty levels across both controlled indoor and natural outdoor walking environments. A total of ten healthy individuals aged 40–50 years participated in walking tasks across three designated trail difficulty levels: Moderate, Difficult, and Very Difficult. Physiological indicators assessed included step speed (SS), step count (SC), rate of perceived exertion (RPE), heart rate (HR), oxygen saturation (OS), energy expenditure (EE), metabolic equivalents (MET), and oxygen consumption (VO₂). As trail difficulty increased, HR, RPE, VO₂, EE, and MET consistently showed upward trends, whereas SS and SC demonstrated significant decreases. Additionally, the outdoor setting imposed generally greater physiological demands compared to the indoor condition, suggesting that terrain complexity and elevation changes amplify physical exertion during real-world trail use. The findings contribute valuable empirical evidence for the design of individualized exercise programs, improved trail difficulty classifications, and the advancement of forest-based health promotion policies. Full article

This study aims to develop a strategic framework for biophilic residential design (BRD) tailored to the diverse health profiles of seniors. To achieve this, a nationwide survey of 424 seniors in South Korea was conducted to assess their health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and preferences for BRD elements. Through principal component and cluster analyses, three HRQoL dimensions—social-economic, mental-sensory, and physical QoL—were extracted, and four distinct senior clusters were identified: Optimal Health, Physically Declining, Overall Low Health, and Socially Vulnerable. Statistically significant differences in BRD preferences were found across clusters for 11 out of 28 BRD elements (p < 0.05), particularly in categories related to sensory-based physiological stability, cognitive stimulation, and external-social connectivity. Notably, the Physically Declining Group expressed a strong preference for restorative and stable features (e.g., natural colors and ventilation systems), while the Socially Vulnerable Group prioritized elements promoting external interaction and social engagement (e.g., balconies, indoor gardens, and walkways). Based on these results, BRD elements were reclassified by function and mapped to the spatial needs of each cluster, leading to a strategic design matrix that supports adaptive and user-centered residential planning. This HRQoL-driven framework contributes a novel link between multidimensional health diagnostics and biophilic design application, moving beyond generalized aging-in-place models. The findings offer practical insights by linking BRD strategies to distinct health profiles. For practitioners, the matrix can inform spatial layouts and design priorities. For policymakers, it provides a basis for developing differentiated housing standards aligned with seniors’ health conditions. Full article

Thermal comfort is not a luxury; rather, a lack of it is a matter of life and death, particularly for vulnerable people, such as older people. This work systematically reviews and analyses the thermal comfort of older people and their health and mortality as it relates to exposure to extreme temperatures, and suggests acceptable thermal conditions and the related energy use of buildings. A total of 69 out of 198 papers were found on older people and these were analysed in detail. This was followed by an analysis of the UN and UK governments’ open access data. This work highlights the disparity regarding the definition of age for older people and encourages the use of the term ”older people”, rather than ”elderly”, which can be an offensive piece of terminology. The UK findings suggest a significant relationship between cold (below 5 °C) outdoor air temperatures and mortality in older people, particularly for those who are over 85 years old. In the UK, thermal conditions can lead to up to 175 deaths per degree temperature change up to two weeks after a cold spell or an overly hot period. The indoor comfort temperature of older people varies between 22.5 and 27 °C in natural ventilation mode. However, some studies found 18 °C to be comfortable in winter time, a finding which could lead to a significant energy saving in relation to space heating. Current gaps in and the recommended future direction of research include topics such as gender differences in terms of thermal comfort and during menopause; thermal comfort conditions, adaptive behaviours and naturally ventilated buildings; thermal conditions when sleeping and energy use as it relates to space heating or cooling for older people. Full article

Radon (Rn) is a hazardous radioactive gas that poses significant health risks in enclosed indoor environments. This study investigates the potential of silver-exchanged clinoptilolite-rich natural zeolite (NZ-Ag⁺) for the removal of Rn from air. Natural zeolite (NZ) was thermally treated and further modified to enhance its adsorption characteristics. The thermally treated NZ (200 °C) was first exchanged in Na⁺ form, since Na⁺ is more easily exchanged in clinoptilolite with hydrated Ag⁺ ions than the other exchangeable cations. The modification with Ag⁺ was carried out at room temperature using ultrasonic processing to obtain (NZ-Ag⁺). The materials were characterized in terms of chemical composition, cation exchange capacity, mineralogy, total surface area, pore volume, and thermal behavior. Rn adsorption experiments were performed using a closed-circuit system, and the efficiency of NZ-Ag⁺ was compared with that of NZ. The results indicate that NZ-Ag⁺ exhibits superior Rn adsorption capacity, achieving up to 50% higher retention efficiency compared to NZ. The improved performance is attributed to enhanced adsorption facilitated by silver ion clusters interacting with radon atoms. These results suggest that silver-exchanged zeolite represents a promising material for radon mitigation in air filtration systems, with potential applications in residential and occupational settings. Full article

Synthetic turf has become a popular alternative to natural grass due to low upkeep costs; however, its health impacts have not been clearly elucidated. This review examines and consolidates the existing literature on rubber crumb in infill in synthetic turf and its associated adverse health outcomes, along with recommendations for future research. A database search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, and Google Scholar of studies on exposures to rubber crumb in infills in synthetic turf. The search focused on epidemiological and toxicological laboratory studies (including exposure simulation and animal studies), as well as government reports. Non-English studies and those addressing injuries (musculoskeletal and burn injuries) were not considered. Eighteen laboratory studies examined concentrations of PAHs found in synthetic turf rubber infill. The total level of PAHs detected in samples varied between 0.4 mg/kg and 3196 mg/kg. The PAH levels were influenced by the age of the synthetic turf, with the older synthetic surface fields containing lower concentrations (compared to newly laid turfs). Synthetic turfs composed of industrial rubber crumb infill also had a lower PAH composition relative to end-of-life tyre-derived infill. In the six studies that investigated the metal content and composition of rubber crumb infill, Aluminium (5382 mg/kg), Zinc (5165 mg/kg), and Iron (489.6 mg/kg) had the highest median concentrations. There were minor differences in heavy metal concentrations found in newly installed synthetic turf compared to older turfs and synthetic sporting fields exposed to direct sunlight (versus indoor fields). There were two epidemiological studies on synthetic turf rubber crumb infill (one ecological and one cross-sectional study), which found no significant associations between synthetic turf exposure and the incidence of leukemia, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and Hodgkin lymphoma. Similarly, one metabolomic study of urine samples from athletes taken pre- and post-match on synthetic turf, and two studies simulating dermal, ingestion, and inhalation exposure concluded that there was no elevated health risk associated with playing on synthetic turf pitches. Currently, there is very limited evidence of an association between synthetic turf use and adverse health outcomes. Considering the ubiquitous use of synthetic grass globally and the scarcity of epidemiological studies, there is a vital need for further research based on longitudinal study designs and more robust exposure assessments, to help improve our understanding of any potential health risks associated with synthetic turf infill exposures. Full article

Recently, free-range poultry production has increased with notable benefits for animal welfare and meat quality traits. Geese, the third-most productive poultry species, have not been studied extensively. This study investigated the effects of different free-range systems on muscle fiber characteristics and welfare status (feather quality, walking ability, and behavioral changes) in Yangzhou geese. A total of 180 male geese, aged 28 days, were randomly assigned to either a long-distance pasture system (LDPS, approximately 200 m from the geese house) or a short-distance pasture system (SDPS, approximately 50 m from the geese house). The indoor system (IS) treatment was used as a control. And all geese were equipped with pedometers. Daily step counts revealed that the geese took an average of 5777 and 4520 steps in the LDPS and SDPS, respectively, whereas only 2736 steps in the IS. Although no significant differences were observed in the muscle fiber types among the three systems, free-range systems contributed to more developed muscle fibers than the IS. In addition, thicker muscle fibers in the extensor digitorum longus and gastrocnemius muscles were observed in the LDPS group than in the SDPS group. Additionally, feather cleanliness and damage were evaluated. LDPS resulted in significantly cleaner feathers on the chest, abdomen, and back than the IS. Furthermore, geese in the free-range systems had less feather damage than those in the IS. Notably, pasture systems allowed for natural behaviors, such as single-foot standing, feather pecking, and walking, regardless of grazing distance. Taken together, these results show that the muscle fibers of geese in the free-range system were more developed. Simultaneously, increasing the amount of exercise for geese will improve their welfare, which is beneficial to their health, growth, and development, and provides a technical reference for the free-range breeding system for geese. Full article

The global asphalt production growth rate exceeded 10% in the past decade, and over 90% of the world’s road surfaces are generated from asphalt materials. Therefore, the issue of asphalt aging has been widely researched. In this study, the aging of asphalt thin films under various natural conditions was studied to prevent the distortion of indoor simulated aging and to prevent the extraction of asphalt samples from road surfaces from impacting the aged asphalt. The aging of styrene–butadiene–styrene (SBS)-modified asphalt was simulated at four different locations on an asphalt road surface. The aging characteristics of asphalt binders across various structural layers were revealed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and linear amplitude scanning (LAS). The results indicate that the aging behavior of the asphalt functional group on the road surface differs from other conditions; the asphalt fatigue life of 4 months equates to the 16-month aging life of asphalt within the dense-graded asphalt road surface. After 8 months of aging, the surface smoothness of the asphalt was significantly compromised. Inside of the porous pavement, the asphalt functional group is more likely to interact with water molecules than inside the dense pavement with cracks, and the variations in roughness and the reduction in fatigue life are also more significant. Full article

Pets have a crucial role in cancer research. Specifically, dogs and cats share the same environment as their owners and thus may serve as sentinels of naturally occurring tumors that are linked to the exposure to environmental hazards. Quantitative comparison of tumor types may reveal unusual cancer frequencies, providing directions for research and generation of hypotheses of cancer causation in a specific area and identification of risk factors. The aim of this study was to describe the data collected by the pathology-based animal cancer registry, managed by Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e del Molise (IZSAM), during 10 years of activity (2014–2023) and to assess its potential epidemiological relevance. Frequencies of tumor topography and morphology in dogs and cats were described, analyzed and compared. Proportional morbidity ratios (PMRs) were calculated, taking into consideration some potential risk factors such as species, breed, sex, diet and living environment. The database comprises 5311 tumors (n = 4719 in dogs and n = 592 in cats), with a higher prevalence in females (67.3% in dogs and 61.2% in cats). The mean age at the first diagnosis of tumors was similar between sexes and slightly lower in dogs compared to cats. PMRs highlighted certain risk and “protective” factors for the development of tumors in specific topography. The risk of developing tumors of the blood and hematopoietic system (PMR = 0.44; 95% CI: 0.21–0.94), skin and subcutaneous tissues (PMR = 0.70; 95% CI: 0.61–0.80), oral cavity and pharynx (PMR = 0.60; 95% CI: 0.24–0.89), urinary organs (PMR = 0.33; 95% CI: 0.11–0.99) and bones, joints and cartilage (PMR = 0.72; 95% CI: 0.22–0.98) was lower in non-neutered male dogs than in neutered male dogs. Non-spayed female dogs had a greater risk of developing tumors of the mammary gland (PMR = 1.75; 95% CI: 1.57–1.96), female sexual organs (PMR = 2.12; 95% CI: 1.01–4.36) and respiratory system (PMR = 2.25; 95% CI: 1.55–6.74) but less risk for cutaneous and subcutaneous tissue tumors (PMR = 0.44; 95% CI: 0.38–0.51) and blood/hematopoietic system tumors (PMR = 0.47; 95% CI: 0.26–0.85) compared to spayed female dogs. Compared with mixed breed, purebred dogs had a significantly greater risk of developing mammary gland tumors (PMR = 1.36; 95% CI: 1.20–1.54) and lower risk for respiratory (PMR = 0.15; 95% CI: 0.07–0.32), gastrointestinal (PMR = 0.63; 95% CI: 0.34–0.94) and oral (PMR = 0.59; 95% CI: 0.36–0.96) neoplasia. Non-neutered male cats had a lower risk of developing skin and subcutaneous tumors (PMR = 0.68; 95% CI: 0.50–0.92) compared with neutered cats. The risk of developing skin and subcutaneous tissues tumors was higher for dogs and cats that lived mostly outdoor (PMR dogs = 1.21; 95% CI: 1.10–1.33; PMR cats = 1.18; 95% CI: 1.08–1.47), while dogs that live mainly indoor had a greater risk to develop mammary gland tumors (PMR = 0.78; 95% CI: 0.68–0.89). Results described herein highlight the fundamental role of animal cancer registration initiatives. These efforts would contribute to the possibility of conducting multicentric collaborative studies to deepen the knowledge of the epidemiology of tumors in dogs and cats from a comparative perspective, thus fulfilling the One Health approach. Full article

Daylight influences more than just our vision; elements such as its intensity and spectral composition can significantly impact our circadian rhythms and, consequently, our overall well-being. In this study, we present an analysis of a classroom simulated in Dialux, involving a comprehensive examination of natural daylight through a specific type of glazing, assessing their photopic characteristics and their influence on the human circadian system in individuals aged 32 and 70 years. Our findings highlight that spectral data from daylight (D75, D65, and D50) and glazing transmittance can be easily used to evaluate the melanopic equivalent daylight illuminance (mel-EDI) in addition to standard photopic illuminance, applying a ${f\left({\displaystyle \frac{M}{P}}\right)}_{Glazing}$ factor calculated from the spectral characteristics of both daylight and glazing transmittance. Our results provide new insights for users to more effectively assess daylighting quality and its implications within indoor environments. Full article

The waiting area in dental clinics is a known source of stress for patients. However, positive distractions and comfortable design elements might reduce stress levels and provide mental stimulation while awaiting treatment. While ambient elements might play an important role in patient well-being, few studies have directly explored the impact of various design attributes of dental clinic waiting areas on patients’ perceived stress. This study intended to bridge that gap and employed a discrete choice experiment method where 250 participants randomly selected a block and evaluated six pairs of computer-generated images of dental clinic waiting areas created based on eight interior design attributes with various levels: ambient lighting, false ceiling, window size, window view, indoor plants, wall shape, wall material, and seating options. Each visitor chose their preferred option in relation to its presumed effect on stress mitigation. The results suggest that the presence of ambient lighting, a false ceiling with a nature design, large window dimensions, a nature window view, green indoor plants, a curved wall shape, natural wall materials, and mixed seating options all can contribute to mitigating patients’ perceived stress. Additionally, our findings indicate that age, gender, and education might influence choices across some levels of these variables. Overall, these results might assist architects and designers in shaping clinic environments mitigating patient stress during visits. Further studies would be needed to validate our findings and should also consider additional design attributes, more immersive stimuli presentation technologies, as well as potential differences across cultural contexts. Full article

Background: Despite the benefits of physical activity (PA), Italy ranks low in leisure-time PA among European countries. Integrating virtual (VR)/enhanced (ER) reality with exercise equipment could boost PA engagement. Limited studies have explored how VR/ER-integrated cycling activity, compared to outdoor settings, influences PA among university students. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the acute effects of a brief cycling session outdoors and indoors on psychological and physiological outcomes, and secondly, investigate the potential of VR/ER-mediated nature experiences as a tool to promote green exercise. Methods: In February 2024, thirty-one subjects (20 M and 11 F; age 24.3 ± 3.2 years; BMI 23.5 ± 3.6 kg/m²) were involved in this randomized crossover-controlled trial, where they were assigned to three different conditions: ER cycling (ERC), VR cycling (VRC), and outdoor cycling (OUTC). Heart rate (HR), Physical Activity Enjoyment (PACE), Intrinsic Motivation Inventory (IMI), and Intention to Perform Green Exercise (INT-GE) were assessed at the end of each condition. Results: The OUTC condition showed significantly greater PACE, IMI, and INT-GE than ERC/VRC (p < 0.001), lower HR_mean than ERC/VRC (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05, respectively), and lower HRmax than ERC (p < 0.05). Conclusions: VRC and ERC enhanced engagement and physiological responses during indoor cycling, but outdoor cycling offered superior benefits in motivation, enjoyment, and future engagement intentions. No significant differences were found between VRC and ERC in promoting intentions for outdoor activities, suggesting both technologies could be equally effective. Full article

Evidence suggests that pollutants like particulate matter and heavy metals significantly impact health. This study investigated the determinants and sources of indoor PM_2.5 heavy metals and assessed the health risk to children in Durban. Thirty households of mothers participating in the mother and child in the environment (MACE) birth cohort study were assessed for PM_2.5 heavy metals. Multivariate linear regression was used to identify the determinants of PM_2.5 heavy metals, while Pearson correlation and principal component analysis identified their sources. The health risk for children was assessed using measured metal concentrations. Proximity to industry, wall type, house age, and presence of windows increased some PM_2.5 heavy metals, while cross ventilation reduced indoor PM_2.5 As and Cu levels. Pearson correlation and principal component analysis indicated household, traffic, industrial, and natural sources as potential contributors. The health index was greater than 1, and cancer risk values for PM_2.5 As and Pb exceeded acceptable levels. The findings highlight the toxicity of indoor air due to heavy metals and the potential for adverse health outcomes in children. To protect vulnerable groups, it is essential to prevent exposure to high-risk metals. Full article