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The literature from 1942-2005 was reviewed in order to determine an inexpensive animal model which can closely mimic pressure ulcers seen in humans of varying ages, without the need for surgical procedures. Two animal models for producing pressure ulcers were found to be inexpensive: pigs to mimic pressure ulcers in young humans due to their fixed skin, and rats to mimic pressure ulcers in the elderly due to their loose skin. The methods which were found to be inexpensive, reproducible, non-invasive and easy to carry out without the need of a surgeon or specialist were the use of magnets for rat models and the use of a cast placed over a bony prominence for pig models.

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This paper presents a simple process of fabricating a superhydrophobic carbon steel surface with high water repellence and good corrosion resistance. The steel surface was covered by thin ZnO layers via various methods of sol-gel method, hydrothermal synthesis, and electrochemical deposition, then further functionalised with methyltrichlorosilane. Morphological features observed by a scanning electron microscope (SEM) show that ZnO layers are composed of micro/nanostructures. Furthermore, the chemical composition of these films has been analysed by an energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). An optimum experimental condition, based on the type of Zn deposition method, has been obtained to provide superhydrophobic properties with a water contact angle of 152 ± 2o. In a 3.5 wt% NaCl solution, the corrosion resistance properties of the superhydrophobic ZnO-coated steel are found to be very good with an anti-corrosion efficiency of 93.12%.

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Purpose Refurbishing houses is considered a key measure to improve the energy efficiency of the built environment. However, little is known about the implementation and outcome of housing renovation for energy upgrades in the Vietnamese practice. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the energy performance of the current housing stock in Vietnam and the potential to reduce energy use in households. Design/methodology/approach The paper is based on a survey with 153 respondents in three major climatic regions of Vietnam. The survey focusses on building characteristics, environmental performance, energy performance and refurbishment activities. Data collected from the survey were statistically analysed to give insight into the current performance of the housing stock and its energy saving potential. Findings This paper concludes that building design and construction, particularly the building envelope, have a significant influence on the occupants’ comfort. However, the energy consumption in houses is not statistically associated with building design and indoor environment. It is suggested that financial status and occupants’ behaviour currently have a strong influence on the household energy use. The survey also showed that refurbishment improves the housing performance, especially if improving the indoor environment was one of the drivers. Originality/value There are very few studies on energy use in households in Vietnam, especially with regards to actual energy consumption. This paper brings insights into the actual energy consumption and reveals the “performance gap” in Vietnamese housing stock.