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For the disaster prevention and control problems of down-gradient slopes, a pre-reinforcement structure of yielding anchor pile with a flexible material bedding layer between the soil body of the slope and the anchor cables as well as the anti-slip piles is used. The finite element numerical model is constructed to analyze the effects of the modulus of elasticity (E1) and thickness (D) of the let-shear layer and the modulus of elasticity (E2) and thickness (d) of the let-shear layer on the load-bearing capacity of the yielding anchor pile. The results show that the horizontal displacement, internal force and axial force of anchor cable of yielding anchor piles are significantly reduced compared with those of ordinary anchor piles, and the smaller E1 and E2 or the larger D and d are, the horizontal displacement, internal force and axial force of anchor cable are reduced, and the peaks of shear force and bending moment of the pile body are in the middle and lower parts of the pile body. The sensitivities of the factors affecting the load-bearing capacity of yielding anchor piles are D, E1, d, E2 in order. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on a patient with cardiopulmonary arrest in bed, it has often been recommended that a backboard be placed behind the patient. However, the effectiveness of the use of a backboard has not yet been adequately studied. As a result, there are differences in the criteria for the use of the backboard in the latest global guidelines. This study tested the usefulness of backboards on five different mattresses and the floor. The depth of manual chest compressions (MCC), the recoil of MCC, MCC success rate, and participant's fatigue were evaluated with and without backboards. The MCC depth was maximum on the floor. On the bed, MCC depths were significantly deeper with backboards inserted than without backboards on all five mattress types. Similarly, MCC recoil depth and success rate, were more effective with the backboard inserted. It is recommended that MCC be performed on the floor only when manpower, environment, time and patient condition permit. However, if MCC must be performed on the bed, it is more effective with backboards placed behind a patient's back on various types of mattresses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Tecnología y Ciencias del Agua is the property of Instituto Mexicano de Tecnologia del Agua (IMTA) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The transition from wakefulness to sleep occurs when the core body temperature decreases. The latter is facilitated by an increase in the cutaneous blood flow, which dissipates internal heat into the micro-environment surrounding the sleeper's body. The rise in cutaneous blood flow near sleep onset causes the distal (hands and feet) and proximal (abdomen) temperatures to increase by about 1 °C and 0.5 °C, respectively. Characterizing the dynamics of skin temperature changes throughout sleep phases and understanding its relationship with sleep quality requires a means to unobtrusively and longitudinally estimate the skin temperature. Leveraging the data from a temperature sensor strip (TSS) with five individual temperature sensors embedded near the surface of a smart bed's mattress, we have developed an algorithm to estimate the distal skin temperature with a minute-long temporal resolution. The data from 18 participants who recorded TSS and ground-truth temperature data from sleep during 14 nights at home and 2 nights in a lab were used to develop an algorithm that uses a two-stage regression model (gradient boosted tree followed by a random forest) to estimate the distal skin temperature. A five-fold cross-validation procedure was applied to train and validate the model such that the data from a participant could only be either in the training or validation set but not in both. The algorithm verification was performed with the in-lab data. The algorithm presented in this research can estimate the distal skin temperature at a minute-level resolution, with accuracy characterized by the mean limits of agreement [−0.79 to +0.79 °C] and mean coefficient of determination R 2 = 0.87 . This method may enable the unobtrusive, longitudinal and ecologically valid collection of distal skin temperature values during sleep. Therelatively small sample size motivates the need for further validation efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The present study aimed to: (1) investigate sleep architecture in response to an overload training and taper periods among endurance runners; and (2) assess the sleep benefits of a high‐heat‐capacity mattress topper. Twenty‐one trained male endurance runners performed a 2‐week usual training regimen (baseline) followed by 2‐week overload and taper periods. From overload to the end of the taper period, they were assigned into two groups based on the mattress topper used: high‐heat‐capacity mattress topper (n = 11) or low‐heat‐capacity mattress topper (n = 10). Training load was assessed daily using the session rating of perceived exertion. Following each period, sleep was monitored by polysomnography, and nocturnal core body temperature was recorded throughout the night. Irrespective of the group, awakening episodes > 5 min decreased following overload compared with baseline (−0.48, p = 0.05). Independently of mattress topper, each 100 A.U. increase in 7‐day training load prior to polysomnographic recording was associated with higher slow‐wave sleep proportion (β = +0.13%; p = 0.05), lower sleep‐onset latency (β = −0.49 min; p = 0.05), and a reduction in the probability of transition from N1 sleep stage to wakefulness (β = −0.12%; p = 0.05). Sleeping on a high‐heat‐capacity mattress topper did not affect any sleep variable compared with a low‐heat‐capacity mattress topper. Increased training loads promote slow‐wave sleep and sleep propensity, highlighting the adaptative nature of sleep to diurnal activity and the role of sleep in physiological recovery. Further studies are required on the potential benefits of high‐heat‐capacity mattress toppers on sleep architecture among athletes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This initial Norwegian study aimed to quantify the vibrations and sounds experienced by neonates when they were transported by helicopter in an incubator. Methods: Two neonatal manikins weighing 500 and 2000 g were placed in a transport incubator and transported in an Airbus H145 D3 helicopter during standard flight profiles. The vibrations were measured on the mattress inside the incubator and the sound levels were measured inside and outside the incubator. Results: The highest vibration levels were recorded during standard flight profiles when the lighter manikin was used. These ranged 0.27–0.94 m/s2, compared to 0.27–0.76 m/s2 for the heavier manikin. The measurements exceeded the action levels set by the European Union Vibration Directive for adult work environments. The sound levels inside the incubator ranged 84.6–86.3 A‐weighted decibels, with a C‐weighted peak level of 122 decibels. The sound levels inside the incubator were approximately 10 decibels lower than outside, but amplification was observed in the incubator at frequencies below 160 Hz. Conclusion: Vibrations were highest for the lighter manikin. The sound levels during helicopter transport were higher than recommended for neonatal environments and sounds were amplified within the incubator at lower frequencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sleep quality is an important issue of public concern. This study, combined with sensor application, aims to explore the determinants of perceived comfort when using smart bedding to provide empirical evidence for improving sleep quality. This study was conducted in a standard sleep laboratory in Quanzhou, China, from March to April of 2023. Perceived comfort was evaluated using the Subjective Lying Comfort Evaluation on a seven-point rating scale, and body pressure distribution was measured using a pressure sensor. Correlation analysis was employed to analyze the relationship between perceived comfort and body pressure, and multiple linear regression was used to identify the factors of perceived comfort. The results showed that body pressure was partially correlated with perceived comfort, and sleep posture significantly influenced perceived comfort. In addition, height, weight, and body mass index are common factors that influence comfort. The findings highlight the importance of optimizing the angular range of boards based on their comfort performance to adjust sleeping posture and equalize pressure distribution. Future research should consider aspects related to the special needs of different populations (such as height and weight), as well as whether users are elderly and whether they have particular diseases. The design optimization of the bed board division and mattress softness, based on traditional smart bedding, can improve comfort and its effectiveness in reducing health risks and enhancing health status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To determine the tensile load capacity (TLC) and the tearing characteristics for interrupted and vertical mattress sutures with different insertion points from the wound margin, and the effect of the bite size when using vertical mattress sutures. Materials and Methods: A total of 120 gingiva and lining mucosa samples obtained from pig jaws were divided into groups according to the suturing technique (interrupted and vertical mattress sutures), distance of the insertion points from the wound margin (margin, 1, 3, and 5 mm) and bite size (1, 3, and 5 mm). The TLC of the suture and the tearing characteristics were evaluated using a tensile tester device. Results: The TLC was significantly higher for vertical mattress sutures than for interrupted sutures regardless of the distance of the insertion points from the wound margin (intergroup p <.001). This distance significantly influenced the TLC for vertical mattress sutures (p <.05) but not for interrupted sutures (p >.05). Testing the tearing characteristics revealed that no tissue tearing occurred in groups when the insertion points were more than 3 mm from the wound margin. Conclusion: The TLC is higher for vertical mattress sutures than for interrupted sutures, and it increases when the insertion points are farther from the wound margin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Pressurised pyrolysis is performed on real mattress waste. • Consistent char yields with high energy content. • Yields of C 3 species similar to those of H 2 and C 2 compounds. • High-pressure conditions yield low heating value gas due to N 2 dilution. • Main compounds identified in the liquid fraction are benzonitrile and BTEX. Mattresses are a difficult waste to manage in landfills due to their large volume and low density. Pyrolysis treatment could reduce its volume while producing fuel or products valuable for the chemical industry. Pressurized pyrolysis at 400, 450, and 500 °C is carried out in a lab-scale autoclave at initial pressures 4.2, 8.4, and 16.8 bar. Product gas yield increases slightly along with elevated pressure as well as temperature. However, beyond 8.4 bar the initial pressure makes no discernible differences. CO and CO 2 are the major gas species followed by CH 4. CO contributes the most to the product gas energy content followed by C 3 species, C 2 H 6 , and H 2. Calculated energy content (heating value) is between 2 and 15 MJ·Nm−3. In terms of product gas energy content, low pressure pyrolysis is favorable over high pressure pyrolysis. According to integration areas of chromatographic measurements the liquid phase contains up to 25 % of N-compounds, with benzonitrile being the most abundant, followed by toluene, o-xylene, and ethylbenzene. The solid char maintains constant properties across operating conditions, with carbon and energy contents of approximately 75 wt% and 30 MJ·kg−1, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper investigates the effect of a (semi-) deposit run during a debt crisis on crime rates. The study focuses on Greece's protracted debt crisis (2009–2018) and analyzes the response of crime to deposit outflows. It shows that deposit outflows corresponded to a significant increase in property crimes (thefts and burglaries), but not other types of offenses. The study provides useful policy insights for regulatory authorities tasked with monitoring and decreasing the criminogenic effects of financial destabilization [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Industria Textila is the property of Institutul National de Cercetare-Dezvoltare pentru Textile si Pielarie and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Embankment overtopping protection is a practical measure to release large and infrequent floods with no or extremely diminished soil erosion failure due to flowing water over the embankment. The overtopping protection using gabion mattresses, an assembly of a wire mesh frame packed with rock particles, and placed over the embankment crest and downstream slope, is proposed, and its protective ability against soil erosion, structural stability during overtopping and construction performance are investigated. Hydraulics of the overtopping flow is calculated by a nonlinear seepage analysis of flow through the gabion combined with a numerical integration of spatially varied flow over the gabion, then hydraulic shear stress is quantitatively determined to evaluate the soil erosion potential, resulting that it can be prevented safely by placing the gabion underlain by a non-woven geotextile. The structural stability of the gabion mattresses against the sliding failure due to the overtopping flow is assessed by sloping water flume tests and stress-deformation analysis. Embankment slope failure which may be caused by loading of the gabion on the embankment surface is also assessed by circular slip surface calculation. Both assessments show no instability of the gabion sliding along the embankment slope and no degradation in the slope stability. Selecting the farm pond embankment constructed in the early 1900s, the trial test is conducted to construct the gabion mattresses about 200 m² in the placement area, and completed successfully in a very short period and cost-effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Body temperature should be tightly regulated for optimal sleep. However, various extrinsic and intrinsic factors can alter body temperature during sleep. In a free-living study, we examined how sleep and cardiovascular health metrics were affected by sleeping for one week with (Pod ON) vs. without (Pod OFF), an active temperature-controlled mattress cover (the Eight Sleep Pod). A total of 54 subjects wore a home sleep test device (HST) for eight nights: four nights each with Pod ON and OFF (>300 total HST nights). Nightly sleeping heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) were collected. Compared to Pod OFF, men and women sleeping at cooler temperatures in the first half of the night significantly improved deep (+14 min; +22% mean change; p = 0.003) and REM (+9 min; +25% mean change; p = 0.033) sleep, respectively. Men sleeping at warm temperatures in the second half of the night significantly improved light sleep (+23 min; +19% mean change; p = 0.023). Overall, sleeping HR (−2% mean change) and HRV (+7% mean change) significantly improved with Pod ON (p < 0.01). To our knowledge, this is the first study to show a continuously temperature-regulated bed surface can (1) significantly modify time spent in specific sleep stages in certain parts of the night, and (2) enhance cardiovascular recovery during sleep. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pressure injuries are a common and serious issue for bedridden residents in long-term-care facilities. Areas of bony prominences, such as the scapula, sacrum, and heels, are more likely to develop pressure injuries. The management of pressure injury wounds include dressing changes, repositioning, away from moisture, decreasing the occurrence of friction and shear, and more. Some supportive surfaces are also used for pressure injury cases such as gel pads, alternating pressure air mattresses, and air-fluidized beds. The aim of this case study was to determine whether the use of an artificial intelligent mattress can improve a nursing home resident with prolonged pressure injury. Case presentation: A retrospective study design was conducted for this case study. A 79-year-old male developed a pressure injury in the sacrum. His pressure injury was initially at stage 4, with a score of 12 by the Braden scale. The PUSH score was 16. During 5.5 months of routine care plus the use of the traditional alternative air mattress, in the nursing home, the wound stayed in stage 3 but the PUSH score increased up to 11. An artificial intelligence mattress utilizing 3D InterSoft was used to detect the bony prominences and redistribute the external pressure of the skin. It implements a color guided schematic of 26 colors to indicate the amount of pressure of the skin. Results: The wound size was decreased and all eczema on the resident's back diminished. The PUSH score was down to 6, as the artificial intelligent mattress was added into the routine care. The staff also reported that the resident's quality of sleep improved and moaning decreased. The hemiplegic side is at greater risk of developing pressure injury. Conclusions: This novice device appeared to accelerate wound healing in this case. In the future, more cases should be tested, and different care models or mattress can be explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Despite that 93% of people indicate that a mattress plays a pivotal role in achieving high‐quality sleep, there is a scarcity of research investigating the influence of mattresses on sleep quality, pain, and mood in nonclinical poor sleepers. The purpose was to examine the effectiveness of a pressure‐releasing medium‐firm grid mattress on sleep and health outcomes (e.g., mood, pain, daytime fatigue) of adults with nonclinical insomnia symptoms using a quasi‐experimental design. Methods: Participants were 39 adults (mean age = 45.29) with nonclinical insomnia (i.e., occasional sleeplessness). Following 1 week of baseline assessments on their current mattress, they slept on a pressure‐relieving grid mattress for 8 weeks. Participants completed self‐report assessments of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Berlin Questionnaire, Insomnia Severity Index, Restorative Sleep Questionnaire, Perceived Stress Scale, Profile of Mood States, Daytime Fatigue Scale, Pain and Sleep Questionnaire, and Brief Pain Inventory at Baseline and Weeks 1, 2, 3, 4, and 8. Participants continually wore an Oura Ring to objectively assess sleep and daytime activity. The data were collected from January 2022 to April 2022 and were stored electronically. Repeated‐measures analyses of variance were used to analyze mean time differences. Results: Self‐reported sleep quality, perceived pain, perceived stress, mood, and daytime fatigue improved significantly from Baseline to Week 8, p's < 0.05. Objective Oura Ring validated the self‐reported sleep and daytime activity outcomes with improvements in sleep duration, time awake during the night, light sleep, deep sleep, and total sleep time, p's < 0.05. No significant time effects were evidenced for rapid eye movement sleep. No adverse events were reported. Conclusion: The grid mattress is a simple, noninvasive, and nonpharmacological intervention that improved adults sleep quality and health. Controlled trials are encouraged to examine the effects of this mattress in a variety of populations and environments. Key points: What's Known: Although numerous studies recognize that mattresses are an important environmental factor on sleep quality, limited research exists on which mattress design is optimum for improving sleep quality and overall health, especially in the natural home environment.Medium‐firm mattresses provide the best sleep quality but their effects on nonclinical poor sleepers requires more research. What's New: A quasi‐experiment intervention involving 39 adults with poor sleep quality examined the impact of a pressure‐relieving medium‐firm grid mattress on sleep quality and health.Sleeping on the grid mattress led to significantly improved sleep quality, increased daytime activity, reduced daytime fatigue, improved mood, and lowered anxiety/stress.Clinical implications.The grid mattress may be a nonpharmacological approach for promoting sleep quality, daytime activity, and overall health in people with occasional sleeplessness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the fire danger of mattresses, combustion experiments were conducted with a mattress installed at different heights above the floor to better understand their combustion behavior. The installation height was varied because the height of a mattress varies depending on the bed frame, and the combustion behavior is expected to change with the installation height. Experiments with a mattress installed at 0–515 mm above the floor revealed that the fire growth was faster, and the maximum heat release rate (HRR) increased with installation height. In contrast, in a series of experiments where a mattress was installed above a water pool, the flame spread rates and HRR histories were comparable for all installation heights. This demonstrate that the combustion behavior of the mattress was affected by the combustion of the molten mattress material that dropped to the floor, and this effect was influenced by the mattress installation height. Furthermore, we analyzed the HRR per unit area of mattress construction material using cone calorimeter tests to mimic the combustion taking place on the floor. Combining these results with the relation between the length of the burning part of a mattress at the front of flame spread and the HRR, we proposed a model for predicting the HRR history of mattress for a flame ignition at the center of its longitudinal side. The derived predictive model for the HRR history of mattress combustion emphasize that it is necessary to understand factors such as the intense radiant heat from the pool fire. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Getting proper rest is an essential issue, but it is neglected as the major component of every person's overall health and well-being. Enough proper rest has a lot of proven health benefits. This paper aims at proposing a systematic framework to find the suitable pillows and mattresses for individuals to have proper rest and sleep. The proposed system includes a set of force-sensing resistors (FSR), thermal sensors, humidity-thermal sensors, and a central unit to process the acquired data. Customized software in LabVIEW is developed to monitor the results and ultimately identify the proper ergonomic mattresses and pillows for users. Initial experiments were performed based on zonal performance and multitasking to design, construct, and test each system as a novel hypothesis. The studies and tests were carried out in two steps. The first step included hardware testing and sensor arrangement, and the second step involved processing the acquired data to identify a good product. In this study, we propose a feasible framework to select convenient mattresses and pillows for each person. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Pressure ulcer is a considerable health problem and is associated with an increased hospital length of stay (LOS), nursing effort, costs, and reduced quality of life. The aim of this analysis is to compare the economic, clinical, and nursing benefit after the implementation of the powered hybrid mattress Dyna‐Form Mercury Advance SMARTcare® in 2019 with the situation in 2017 (rental systems Arjo BariAir® and Arjo TheraKair Visio®, and purchased foam mattresses Arjo Simuflex®) using a single center. Methods: In the framework of a budget impact analysis, a difference‐in‐difference approach was used to compare pre‐implementation longitudinal data (2017) with post‐implementation data (2019). The longitudinal data comprise the mattress resource use, patient characteristics, and LOS. The care effort was gathered based on a full survey of all 75 members of the nursing staff using the online tool "LimeSurvey." In this survey, the resource use of the different mattress systems was identified in terms of time (minutes or days). This analysis was performed from the hospital perspective and included direct costs of mattress systems, Austrian diagnostic‐related group costs for the hospital stay and nursing staff costs for 2019. Results: Based on 1253 patients "at‐risk," the total yearly costs implementing the powered hybrid mattress amounts to 654,248€ compared with 901,469€ when using Arjo products. The budget impact shows a cost advantage of 247,221€. Furthermore, the powered hybrid mattress system leads to fewer nursing‐staff time in minutes per year (−1,031,097 min [1,993,204 vs. 3,024,302]); 242€ are saved per patient. Compared with the Arjo products, fewer inpatient cases of pressure ulcers (−44 cases [0 vs. 44]) were documented. Conclusion: Despite the higher total outlay of costs associated with the powered hybrid mattress, the long‐term savings potential showed a significant cost advantage per annum for the single center. Therefore, the use of the hybrid mattress leads to considerable economic, clinical, and nursing benefits. Key points: The implementation of mattress systems supports pressure ulcer prevention and leads to a decrease in hospital length of stay, nursing effort, costs, and improved quality of life in inpatient settings.The budget impact shows a considerable cost advantage when using the powered hybrid mattress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel method for the recycling of end-of-life mattresses foam, using an AIR-LAY process which employs a bi-component fiber as a binder for the polyurethane foam, have been developed and optimized. This method permits to obtain materials with the same density of the starting foam (25 kg/m3) and with a significantly lower density with respect to that obtainable with the rebonding process (above 70 kg/m3) that uses isocyanates to bond the foam particles. The obtained recycled foams have been tested by mechanical compression and recovery tests showing that compression values of 3.7 KPa, similar to that of the mattress foam (3.0 KPa), can be achieved using 20 % of bi-component fibers as binders and a density of 35 kg/m3. On the contrary, only 3 times stiffer and denser materials can be obtained using the rebonding technology, thus making them not suitable for application in mattresses. On the basis of the results of the optimization tests a set of mattresses containing a layer of the recycled foams have been prepared. The results of the tests on the prepared mattresses have shown that they have the same compression behavior, recovery time and durability (after 30,000 cycles of compression) of a standard mattress without the recycled layer, thus proving that a fully circular approach in the recycling of the foam of the mattresses is possible using the AIR-LAY process.

Recent research has yielded conflicting results on the use of spinal stabilization in prehospital care, with some guidelines expressing concerns about its potential lack of benefit or harm. Transportation on a backboard can cause pain, discomfort, and pressure ulcers, whereas the log-roll technique can cause unnecessary movement and aggravate existing injuries. The scoop stretcher and vacuum mattress provide comparable or better immobilization and comfort than the backboard. Prehospital time is critical, and patients with life-threatening conditions should undergo rapid stabilization procedures. Despite this, some studies have overlooked the scoop stretcher as a spinal stabilization device. The primary goal was to compare the time required to achieve spinal stabilization using a scoop stretcher versus a vacuum mattress. This was a monocentric, parallel, randomized (sealed envelope), superiority, open-label, controlled simulation experiment. All student paramedics, registered paramedics, and EMTs who work in the participating EMS were eligible to participate in the study apart of the study team. The experimental group had to use a scoop stretcher, whereas the control group used a vacuum mattress. Fifteen participants were included. The scoop stretcher group required less time to complete the stabilization procedure (median [Q1; Q3]: 127 seconds [111;145] versus 212 [156;237], p=0.005). Using a scoop stretcher for spinal stabilization is more time-efficient than a vacuum mattress, making it a viable option for unstable trauma patients in the prehospital setting. More research is needed to determine its efficacy in actual clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study on the chemical treatment of mattress cover materials for domestic and medical use is particularly important to understand how these materials can be improved in terms of resistance to different factors and durability in different contexts. In this paper, the materials for making three mattress covers (two mattress covers for home use and one mattress cover for hospital/medical care) were treated and tested in order to obtain basic information about the chemical treatment of fibers in mattress covers. Chemical treatments applied to materials can significantly influence their quality, strength and durability. It is essential to achieve the desired performance depending on the use of the mattress cover. The tests performed have provided valuable basic information regarding the behaviour of treated materials under different conditions, giving a clearer picture of their strength and the potential benefits or disadvantages of the chemical treatments applied. We noticed that chemically treated materials showed greater stain resistance and are easier to clean compared to untreated ones. Also, chemical treatments have helped to increase the durability of materials, thus extending the life of mattress covers. We used materials such as cotton, polyester and microfiber to make the mattress covers, and then subjected them to various chemical treatments to test their resistance to various external factors, such as blood stains or other liquids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to identify the risk factors and management strategies in green purchasing specific to a mattress and bedding manufacturer. The study employed various tools, including questionnaires, focus group discussions, and statistical analysis of risk assessment surveys. The findings revealed that environmental policy, pricing, and vendors posed a moderate level of risk, while product characteristics and unethical practices posed a high level of risk. Based on these identified risks, the study recommends the utilization of the 4T risk management framework, which involves treating, accepting, transferring, and avoiding risks. The implications of this study are significant as it provides guidance to the company in developing effective risk management plans for green purchasing. Additionally, it contributes to the broader discourse on sustainable procurement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Work in the textile sector has been recognized as an occupational danger for than 300 years. Byssinosis is the most frequent and well-studied disease affecting cotton textile workers; nevertheless, additional symptom complexes such as mill fever, weaver's cough, and mattress-maker's cough also affect textile workers. Objectives 1. To Evaluate the Health Hazards of the cotton Mattress workers after prolonged expose to cotton dust. 2. To assess the spirometric Profile in these cotton mattress workers. 3. To examine the relationship of the degree of impairment of lung functions with duration of exposure. Material & Methods. Study Design: Community based prospective cross-sectional study. Study Area: Department of Physiology and Department of General Medicine. Siddhartha medical college, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh. Study Period: 1 year. Study Population: cotton mattress workers are enrolled in to the present study to evaluate, spirometric profile. Sample Size: 30 males cotton mattress workers are enrolled in to the present study to evaluate, spirometric profile and 15 cases of control group were evaluated. Sampling Technique: Simple Random technique. Study Tools and Data Collection Procedure: 30 male cotton mattress workers, along with control group of 15 male cases were taken, belonging to different areas of Vijayawada city. A detailed History & Clinical examination was done, other coexisting lung diseases like DM/HTN and smokers were excluded, spirometric (Pulmonary Function Test) evaluation done with the aid of Medispiror, Spirometer. Results are analyzed. Results: Analysis shows that there was a significant variation between cotton mattress workers and non-cotton mattress workers as far as FVC, FEV1 are concerned, in these two tests, t-test values are -3.71327, -3.4394 respectively, and the corresponding pvalues were 0.000866234, 0.001787 respectively and factor FEF25-75 shows significant decrement in seen as t-est value is -1.60617 corresponding p-value are 0.119072 respectively However the factors FEV1% and PEF shows no significant decrement or Increase In cotton mattress workers and others (t-test values -3.37492, 0.045478). Conclusion: All the subjects with more than 5 years exposure are symptomatic (cough-100%, chest tightness 21%, S.0.B 21%). Sneezing is the predominant upper Respiratory symptom (80%). The occupation of cotton mattress making has a statistically significant cause-effect relationship with regard to ventilatory defect. FEV1 and FVC showed negative correlation with duration of exposure and that with increased duration exposure FEV1 and FVC values are decreasing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To introduce a novel technique for small-incision levator resection in ptosis surgery and evaluate its efficacy in a pilot study among patients affected by congenital or aponeurotic ptosis. Methods: We prospectively enrolled congenital and aponeurotic ptosis patients if their levator function was not poor (≥5 mm) from June 2021 through October 2022. Surgical technique involved a 1-cm lid crease incision, minimal dissection, and creating a loop passing through the tarsus and levator aponeurosis. Success was defined as postoperative MRD-1 ≥3 mm and inter-eyelid MRD-1 difference ≤1 mm. Eyelid contour quality was scored excellent, good, fair, and poor according to its curvature and symmetry. Results: Sixty-seven eyes (35 congenital and 32 aponeurotic) were included in the study. Mean age was 34±19 years (range, 5–79 years). Mean preoperative levator function and levator resection amount were 9.53 mm and 8.39 mm in the congenital group and 12.34 mm and 4.15 mm in the aponeurotic group, respectively. Mean pre- and postoperative MRD-1 was 1.61 mm and 3.27 mm respectively (P<0.001). The overall success rate was 82.1% (95% C.I: 71.7–89.8%); the result was failure in 12 cases, of which 11 had under-correction. Preoperative MRD-1 was correlated with a success rate (P=0.017). Conclusion: The described technique shows non-inferior results to the previously described surgical methods and also it shows very good lid contour outcome and minimal lag. The findings suggest that the double mattress single suture technique can be used in both congenital and aponeurotic ptosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Humans should sleep for about a third of their lifetime and the choice of the mattress is very important from a quality-of-life perspective. Therefore, the primary aim of this study was to assess the changes of lumbar angles, evaluated in a supine position using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), on a mattress versus a rigid surface. Methods: Twenty healthy subjects (10 females, 10 males), aged 32.3 ± 6.5 (mean ± standard deviation), with body mass index 22.4 ± 2.9, completed three evaluations: (i) spine MRI in supine position on a mattress (MAT); (ii) spine MRI in supine position on rigid surface (CON); and (iii) biplanar radiographic imaging in standing position. The following indexes were calculated for both MAT and CON: lumbar lordosis angles L1–L5, L1–S1, L5–S1, and the sacral slope (SS). Further, pelvic incidence (PI) was calculated from the biplanar radiographic images. Results: Main findings were (i) L1–L5 and SS were greater in MAT than CON (L1:L5: +2.9°; SS: +2.0°); (ii) L5–S1 was lower in MAT than CON (−1.6°); (iii) L1–S1 was greater in MAT than CON only for male subjects (+2.0°); (iv) significant and positive correlations between PI and L1–L5, L1–S1 and SS were observed in both CON and MAT. Conclusions: The use of a mattress determined small but statistically significant changes in lumbar angles. Relevance statement: The use of a mattress determines small but statistically significant changes in radiological angles describing the sagittal alignment of the lumbar spine when lying in the supine position. Key points: • Lordosis angle L1–L5 was greater in MAT than in CON condition (+2.9°). • Sacral slope was greater in MAT than in CON condition (+2.0°). • Lordosis angle L5–S1 was lower in MAT than in CON condition (−1.6°). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aimed to develop a method to calculate the mattress indentation for further estimating spinal alignment. Design/methodology/approach: A universal indentation calculation model is derived based on the system theory, and the deformation characteristics of each component are analyzed by the finite element (FE) model of a partial air-spring mattress under the initial air pressure of 0.01–0.025 MPa. Finally, the calculation error of the model is verified. Findings: The results indicate that the indentation calculation model could describe the stain of a mattress given the load and the constitutive model of each element. In addition, the FE model of a partial air-spring mattress can be used for further simulation analysis with an error of 1.47–3.42 mm. Furthermore, the deformation of the series system is mainly contributed by the air spring and the components directly in contact with it, while the top component is mainly deflection deformation. In addition, the error of the calculation model is 2.17–5.59 mm on the condition of 0.01–0.025 MPa, satisfying the engineering application. Finally, the supine spinal alignment is successfully extracted from the mattress indentation. Research limitations/implications: The limitation of this study is that it needs to verify the practicality of the indentation calculation model for the Bonnier spiral spring mattress. The main feature of the Bonnier spring mattress is that all springs are connected, so the mattress deflection and neighborhood effect are more significant than those of the air-spring mattress. Therefore, the applicability of the model needs to be tested. Moreover, it is worth further research to reduce the deformation error of each component. Practical implications: As part of the series of studies on the intelligent air-spring mattress, the indentation-based evaluation method of spinal alignment in sleep postures will be studied for hardness and intelligent regulation based on this study. Social implications: The results of this research are ultimately used for the intelligent adjustment of air-spring mattresses, which automatically adjusts the hardness according to the user's sleep postures and spinal alignment, thus maintaining optimal spinal biomechanics. The successful application of this result could improve the sleep health of the general public. Originality/value: Based on the series system theory, an indentation calculation model for mattresses with arbitrary structure is proposed, overcoming the dependence of parameters on materials and their combinations when fitting the Burgers model. Further, the spinal alignment in supine posture is extracted from the indentation, laying a theoretical foundation for further recognition and adjustment of the spinal alignment of the intelligent mattress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background and Aims Pressure ulcer is a considerable health problem and is associated with an increased hospital length of stay (LOS), nursing effort, costs, and reduced quality of life. The aim of this analysis is to compare the economic, clinical, and nursing benefit after the implementation of the powered hybrid mattress Dyna‐Form Mercury Advance SMARTcare® in 2019 with the situation in 2017 (rental systems Arjo BariAir® and Arjo TheraKair Visio®, and purchased foam mattresses Arjo Simuflex®) using a single center. Methods In the framework of a budget impact analysis, a difference‐in‐difference approach was used to compare pre‐implementation longitudinal data (2017) with post‐implementation data (2019). The longitudinal data comprise the mattress resource use, patient characteristics, and LOS. The care effort was gathered based on a full survey of all 75 members of the nursing staff using the online tool “LimeSurvey.” In this survey, the resource use of the different mattress systems was identified in terms of time (minutes or days). This analysis was performed from the hospital perspective and included direct costs of mattress systems, Austrian diagnostic‐related group costs for the hospital stay and nursing staff costs for 2019. Results Based on 1253 patients “at‐risk,” the total yearly costs implementing the powered hybrid mattress amounts to 654,248€ compared with 901,469€ when using Arjo products. The budget impact shows a cost advantage of 247,221€. Furthermore, the powered hybrid mattress system leads to fewer nursing‐staff time in minutes per year (−1,031,097 min [1,993,204 vs. 3,024,302]); 242€ are saved per patient. Compared with the Arjo products, fewer inpatient cases of pressure ulcers (−44 cases [0 vs. 44]) were documented. Conclusion Despite the higher total outlay of costs associated with the powered hybrid mattress, the long‐term savings potential showed a significant cost advantage per annum for the single center. Therefore, the use of the hybrid mattress leads to considerable economic, clinical, and nursing benefits.