The benefits of various nature-derived stimuli that can be used for stress relief and relaxation has recently gained immense attention; however, there are very few studies about their influence on elderly patients. The present study aims to present the effects of viewing bonsai on autonomic nervous activity, prefrontal cortex activity, and subjective assessment findings of psychological relaxation in elderly patients undergoing rehabilitation. Fourteen participants aged 64–91 years (mean age ± standard deviation, 78.6 ± 9.6 years) participated in this study. Miniature potted 10-year-old Japanese cypress bonsai trees were used as visual stimuli. Participants viewed the bonsai for 1 min, and the control comprised of no experimental stimulus. Physiological effects on autonomic nervous activity were assessed by measuring the heart rate variability (HRV) and pulse rate. The effects on prefrontal cortex activity were determined using near-infrared spectroscopy, which involved assessment of oxyhemoglobin concentrations in the left and right prefrontal cortices. Subjective evaluations were achieved by the modified semantic differential method. Viewing bonsai resulted in a significant increase in parasympathetic nervous activity, a significant decrease in sympathetic nervous activity, and a significant increase in the perceptions of feeling “comfortable” and “relaxed.” In conclusion, our findings indicated that viewing bonsai induces physiological and psychological relaxation.
Superhydrophilic alumina films were successfully fabricated by a hydrothermal reaction of nanofibrous alumina films in a nitrilotris(methylenephosphonic acid) (NMP) aqueous solution at 180°C for 6 h. The films showed superhydrophilicity not only as prepared but also after a boiling water resistance test, indicating that they had good durability. The alumina films were phosphorylated wholly in a hydrothermal condition only at 180°C for 6 h. Phosphate moieties were present both at the surface and inside the films and a micro-structure with a serrated morphology was observed over the entire film surface. Whole phosphorylation of the alumina films resulted in good durability in the boiling water resistance test. Other films were phosphorylated partially at 160°C for 6 h and at 180°C for 4 h. The micro-structure with a serrated morphology was observed partially at the film surface. This morphology corresponded to the degree of phosphorylation. These results indicate that the phosphate moieties present on and in the films and the micro-structure of the films produced superhydrophilicity.
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