A systematic review on the therapeutic lighting design for the elderly

Abstract Research suggests that specialized lighting design is essential to cater for the elderly users of a building because of the physiological changes in the eye with increased age. Recent studies have established that lighting in a space impacts on users' physical performance as well as on the mental state. In particular, light therapies have been found to be successful in treating several mood disorders in the elderly. Nevertheless, information relating to the therapeutic performance of lighting is scattered and comparatively less studied in built environment research. This review aims to identify the criteria for the therapeutic lighting design for the elderly and to discuss its applicability on contemporary design practices. Methodologies adopted for this study include a systematic review of literature to synthesize recent research findings and an evaluation of lighting guides published by the regulatory bodies and professional institutions to identify current practice. The review identified that there are substantial amount of evidence exists, which can be incorporated during elderly lighting design to increase the therapeutic performance of the space. Apart from enabling the users to navigate safely and perform routine tasks, the therapeutic performance of lighting is significant to enhance elderly wellbeing. Depression, delirium, sleep disorder and disorder in the circadian system are common mood disorders among the elderly, which are evidently influenced by the lighting environment. Advancements in lighting technology, in particular in low energy Light Emitting Diode (LED) lighting have led to new approaches to meet detail photometric parameters to construct the desired therapeutic environment. Our understanding of the photobiological effects of lighting has enhanced, however the evidence is not well integrated with design guidelines. The research reported here has made an attempt to bridge this gap by developing a comprehensive knowledge base of the therapeutic lighting design for the elderly

Investigating the Drivers & Challenges of Implementing Immersive Sensory Technology within Construction Site Safety

The use of immersive sensory technology for safety management is generally shown positively in academic literature. Many researchers have demonstrated applications of this technology for improving safety training in a risk-free environment. Despite the reported benefits and a global pandemic forcing the digital agenda, the uptake of this technology for this purpose remains slow. This study aims to investigate current drivers and challenges of implementing this technology for safety from an industry-based perspective. To achieve this, qualitative data was collected through 4 online focus groups involving 21 industry professionals working within the field. The findings identified that even amongst these experts, the technology was rarely implemented on projects specifically for safety. Despite this lack of adoption, participants agreed that if implemented correctly this technology has the potential to enhance site safety processes such as inductions, toolbox talks and general safety training. The commitment to safety and legislative requirements were identified as key drivers, whilst deep rooted challenges surrounding client demand, costs and leadership dominated the discussion. The onsite practicalities, personal comfort and lack of digital skills were also identified as concerns if this technology was to be adopted more mainstream in safety training. Further recommendations are made to develop understanding of these specific challenges, including investigating the industry need and availability of specific skills in immersive safety applications. In addition, it is recommended that further empirical evidence including the impact of this technology when implemented for safety on projects is provided in literature

Heterosis analysis in strain-crossed hybrid Rohu (Labeo Rohita) through mMicrosatellite DNA variability assay

Labeo rohita is an important commercial aquaculture species in Bangladesh, but it needs improved growth performance to meet the increasing demand for fish. Genetic improvement through inter-strain crossing, generating heterosis, is quicker than a selection strategy. Therefore, crosses were made between two strains of rohu: Padma River strain and a hatchery strain. Growth performance analyis showed the highest growth rate in the Padma × Padma cross followed by one of the reciprocal crosses Hatchery♂ × Padma♀ (hybrid). The lowest growth rate was observed in Hatchery × Hatchery cross. DNA variability study using three microsatellite markers showed polymorphism (P95) in these crosses. Variations were observed in number and frequencies of alleles and mean heterozygosity in different loci; the mean number of alleles varied from 4.667±0.882, 3.333±1.333 and 2.667±1.202 in Padma, hybrid and Hatchery strains respectively. Relatively high levels of gene flow and low Strain differentiation (FST) values were found between the Padma and hybrid strains. The UPGMA dendrogram based on genetic distance placed the Padma population in one cluster and the hybrid and Hatchery populations in another. The results revealed that there was relatively low level of genetic variability in the riverine and hatchery reared populations of L. rohita in Bangladesh

Thin Internal Wall Insulation, Measuring Energy Performance Improvements in Dwellings using Thin Internal Wall Insulation. Summary Report - BEIS

The benefits and risks associated with installing internal wall insulation (IWI) and thin internal wall insulation (TIWI) retrofits into solid wall homes are researched and evaluated for BEIS. In order to deliver this, a holistic approach was adopted and the project was split into four main sections, each of which has an accompanying Annex to this summary report: Annex A: Review of existing literature as well as primary investigations using house surveys, householder questionnaires and installer focus groups into the sociotechnical barriers to IWI and TIWI. Annex B: Technical evaluation of the performance of IWI and six novel TIWI retrofits installed in field trial solid wall Test Houses using before and after building performance evaluations. Annex C: Modelling of the impact on annual energy consumption, EPC rating, overheating risk, condensation risk and moisture accumulation made by IWI and TIWI retrofits in a range of UK house archetypes. Annex D: Laboratory testing of test walls using hygrothermal chambers to quantify the change in moisture and thermal performance of solid brick walls when they are insulated with IWI and TIWI to determine how weathe

Design indicators for better accommodation environments in hospitals: inpatients’ perceptions

This is an Author's Accepted Manuscript of an article published in Intelligent Buildings International, 2012, [© Taylor & Francis], available online at: http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/17508975.2012.701186Several studies have found an association between the physical environment and human health and wellbeing that resulted in the postulation of the idea of evidence-based and patient-centred design of healthcare facilities. The key challenge is that most of the underpinning research for the evidence base is context specific, the use of which in building design is complex, mainly because of the difficulties associated with the disaggregation of findings from the context. On the other hand, integrating patients’ perspectives requires an understanding of the relative importance of design indicators, which the existing evidence base lacks to a large extent. This research was aimed at overcoming these limitations by investigating users’ perception of the importance of key design indicators in enhancing their accommodation environments in hospitals. A 19-item structured questionnaire was used to gather inpatients' views on a 5-point scale, in two Chinese hospitals. A principal component analysis (PCA) resulted in five constructed dimensions with appropriate reliability and validity (Cronbach’s alpha=0.888). The item, design for cleanliness, was ranked as most important, closely followed by environmental and safety design indicators. The item, entertainment facilities, was ranked lowest. The indicator, pleasant exterior view had the second lowest mean score, followed by the item, ability to customise the space. Age, accommodation type and previous experience of hospitalisation accounted for statistically significant differences in perceptions of importance of various constructed design dimensions