Active Commuting Research Articles

ONIX: a unified open-source platform for multimodal neural recording and perturbation during naturalistic behavior.

Behavioral neuroscience faces two conflicting demands: long-duration recordings from large neural populations and unimpeded animal behavior. To meet this challenge we developed ONIX, an open-source data acquisition system with high data throughput (2 GB s-1) and low closed-loop latencies (<1 ms) that uses a 0.3-mm thin tether to minimize behavioral impact. Head position and rotation are tracked in three dimensions and used to drive active commutation without torque measurements. ONIX can acquire data from combinations of passive electrodes, Neuropixels probes, head-mounted microscopes, cameras, three-dimensional trackers and other data sources. We performed uninterrupted, long (~7 h) neural recordings in mice as they traversed complex three-dimensional terrain, and multiday sleep-tracking recordings (~55 h). ONIX enabled exploration with similar mobility as nonimplanted animals, in contrast to conventional tethered systems, which have restricted movement. By combining long recordings with full mobility, our technology will enable progress on questions that require high-quality neural recordings during ethologically grounded behaviors.

Effectiveness of a movement and music programme on activity, sedentary, and sleep behaviours and motor and musical skills in young children: protocol for the MoviMusi cluster randomised controlled trial

The early childhood education and care (ECEC) environment is an important setting for providing children with daily opportunities for movement and music, supporting holistic child development in the early years. To date, there are no studies evaluating the implementation of a holistic programme in the ECEC context in the areas of movement behaviour and motor and musical skills. The main aim is to examine the effectiveness of a holistic movement and music programme on physical activity (PA), sedentary behaviour and sleep, motor skills and musical skills in young children (1–3 years). The secondary aims are to examine the impact of the movement and music programme on the perceptions of the educational community, as well as the barriers and facilitators they perceive in the process of baseline assessment, construction, and implementation of the movement and music programme in their own ECEC community. This cluster-randomised controlled trial (intervention and control groups) with public ECEC centres will be performed over a 24-month period. Baseline measurements will be taken in the first year of the project, and assessments to examine the effectiveness of the programme will take place 12 months after the baseline assessment. For young children the main outcome variables will be: (a) PA, sedentary time, and sleep time; (b) gross and fine motor skills; and (c) musical skills. The secondary outcomes will be: (a) PA and sedentary time during outdoor play and structured PA sessions; (b) play patterns during outdoor free play; and (c) movement and music behaviours after ECEC hours. For families, secondary outcomes will be: (a) perceived barriers and facilitators to PA in young children; (b) perceived barriers and facilitators to the inclusion of music at home; and (c) the means of transport to ECEC settings and barriers to active commuting. For ECEC educators, the secondary will be: (a) perceived barriers and facilitators for the inclusion of movement and music as curricular practices in the ECEC institution; (b) perceived impact of the implementation of the movement and music programme. This research project aims to fill a knowledge gap during a period of childhood that has rarely been explored, either nationally or internationally (1–3 years), and to position movement and music teaching practices as key contexts in the curriculum development of infant and toddler education.

Sustainable Steps in the Snow: Exploring factors associated with active school commuting in Finland

Physical inactivity of children and youth is a major health problem. Active commuting could increase the amount of physical activity and be a more environmentally friendly traffic mode choice compared with motorized vehicles. Parents have an integral role in determining the options a child has for commuting. We explored parental barriers and motivators associated with the active commute of their children.This cross-sectional study used the CLIMATE NUDGE Survey data of parents with school-aged children. A set of 25 possible influencing factors included demographic factors, social aspects, and pro-environmental attitudes, and questions about the motivating role of journey characteristics and health effects. The data were analyzed with two multinomial logistic regression analyses (N = 320): first, comparing those who either never or sometimes commute actively to those who always do so, and second, those who always or sometimes commute actively to those who never do so.Results indicated the strongest determinants to differentiate those who always and those who never use active commute, were commute distance and parental beliefs about social commute norms. The longer the commute distance was, the more likely the child was to belong to the never active commuter group and less likely to belong to the always active commuter group. The more parents believed their child’s peers commuted actively, the more likely it was that their child always commuted actively and less likely they never did so.We found several factors associated with active commuting, yet somewhat surprisingly neither environmental attitudes nor climate change related reasons were significantly associated with active commuting. To conclude, instead of highlighting environmental aspects to promote active commute, we recommend highlighting social norms and perception of the commute distance, and addressing weather-related barriers and health related motivators.

Differences in Fibromyalgia Characteristics by Mode of Commute and Age in Women: The Al-Ándalus Project.

This study aimed to test whether fibromyalgia-related characteristics differ by mode of commute and by age in women with fibromyalgia. A total of 450 women with fibromyalgia (aged 52.0 ± 8.0 years old) were included. Data on their body composition, socioeconomic factors, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), depressive symptoms, sleep quality, pain-related outcomes, fatigue, and mode of commute, as well as the impact of fibromyalgia on their lives, were obtained. We performed linear regression analyses to test the differences in fibromyalgia-related characteristics between the participants engaged in active/passive modes of commuting. To analyze in depth the differences, a one-way analysis of covariance with Bonferroni's correction for multiple comparisons was conducted. In the younger group, active commuters presented differences in fibromyalgia-related characteristics (all, p < 0.01): they were less impacted by having fibromyalgia, had lower levels of fatigue, and had a higher HRQoL than passive commuters. We observed no differences in symptoms between active and passive commuters in the older group (all, p > 0.05). The possible positive effect of active commuting on fibromyalgia-related characteristics might be reduced by age and by a decrease in total physical activity. Physical activity programs for women with fibromyalgia focused on improving fibromyalgia-related characteristics should consider active commuting behaviors to increase their effectiveness.

Informing healthy urban policy making through quantitative health impact appraisal – a co-designed approach

Abstract Quantitative health impact appraisal for land use development is currently challenging. We show how a co-designed process between urban decision makers and academics can help to improve ways of deriving evidence for creating healthier cities. The Health Appraisal of Urban Systems (HAUS) economic valuation model was developed with local partners to inform a strategic framework for a UK urban regeneration site. HAUS is a comparative risk assessment model which allows the user to understand mechanisms for change through applying an impact-pathway approach to quantify changes in health. It is informed by systematic reviews of epidemiology and societal costs of 85 individual health end-points. Scenarios combined a range of characteristics including air and noise pollution, green space, crime, walkability, food environment and transport. Health outcomes include morbidity and mortality impacts. Results show the value of a holistic approach to comparing health risks in designing urban living. By monetising outcomes, practitioners were able to understand the relative magnitude of risk within a specific area and compare alternate urban development scenarios. Compared to an unmanaged development, the Strategic Framework can mitigate health risks by improving safety and quality of the public realm and add health benefits by encouraging activity and active commuting. Flood risks are managed, and green infrastructure improved and extended. These benefits extend to communities outside the site boundaries. Over 25 years, the PV benefits are £60 - 80 million in averted health costs. Strategic planning for urban areas can unlock the potential of the public realm to tackle health inequalities and mitigate serious risks to public health. Timely access to quantitative information on health can help inform understanding of unhealthy environments, strengthen arguments for good design, reinforce capacity of planning teams and so improve the quality of urban developments. Speakers/Panelists Odile Mekel NRW Centre for Health, Bochum, Germany

Occupational and sex differences in active commuting among Canadian workers from 2006 to 2016.

Active commuting (AC) to and from work is associated with numerous health benefits, through increased physical activity. This study examined whether occupation types and part-time work, by sex, were associated with AC in a population-based sample of Canadian workers. Cross-sectional public use microdata files from the 2006 (n=363,048), 2011 (n=370,672), and 2016 (n=362,310) Census of Population were examined. Multinomial logistic regression models were used to estimate the odds of cycling, walking, and using public transit, relative to using a private motorized vehicle, by occupation and sex. Time trends in mode share were also analyzed. In 2016, commuting by private motorized vehicle and cycling were more common among males, while public transit and walking were more common among females. Occupations in art, culture, recreation, and sport were associated with the greatest odds of cycling (odds ratio [OR]=3.02, 99% confidence interval [CI]: 2.65 to 3.39), while those in trades, transportation, natural resources, and manufacturing had the lowest odds of cycling (OR=0.47, 99% CI: 0.44 to 0.51) and walking (OR=0.36, 99% CI: 0.33 to 0.38). Since 2006, relative declines of 1% and 8% in the proportion of workers commuting by driving and walking, respectively, were observed (absolute change of -1% each). Relative increases of 14% and 12% were observed for cycling and public transit, respectively (absolute changes of less than 1% and 1.5%, respectively). This study found that sex and occupation are important correlates of AC among Canadian workers. Further research aimed at understanding occupational barriers and facilitators may inform future AC interventions.

89 Associations of active commuting and leisure-time physical activity with mental health symptoms among Finnish adults: a population-based study

Abstract Purpose Active commuting, that is, walking or cycling to work, can improve physical health. Yet, few studies have explored whether it could also enhance mental health. We examined cross-sectional associations of active commuting and, for comparison, leisure-time physical activity with depressive symptoms and psychological distress among Finnish adults. Methods We included 3439 adults (mean age 45.0 years; 51% women) from the FinHealth 2017 Study. Based on their commuting and leisure-time physical activity behaviour, participants were categorised as active or passive commuters and as sedentary, recreationally active, or exercisers and athletes. Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (OR), with 95% confidence intervals (CI), adjusting for major sociodemographic, health behaviour, and physical activity variables. Results Active commuting, as a binary variable, was not associated with mental health outcomes compared to passive commuting. However, in dose-response analyses, high volumes of active commuting (≥ 30 minutes a day) were associated with higher odds of depressive symptoms (OR 1.58, 95% CI 1.18-2.13). Regarding leisure-time physical activity, recreationally active adults had lower odds of depressive symptoms (OR 0.57, 95% CI 0.44-0.73) and psychological distress (OR 0.46, 95% CI 0.32-0.68) compared to sedentary individuals. Similarly, exercisers and athletes had lower odds of depressive symptoms (OR 0.44, 95% CI 0.32-0.61) and lower odds of psychological distress (OR 0.34, 95% CI 0.21-0.55). Conclusions We found leisure-time physical activity, but not active commuting, to be associated with lower odds of mental health symptoms. More research on commuting behaviour is needed to understand the complex relationship between active commuting and mental health.

Active commuting as a form of sustainable urban mobility: The case of the Brno Metropolitan Area

Abstract Environmentally friendly alternatives to motorised transport have recently become a topic of discussion among political representatives. To achieve sustainable urban mobility objectives, political discussions have focused on promoting cycling, walking and using public transport in cities. These modes of transportation are attractive ways of commuting to and from work for a portion of the population. In the literature, there is a growing interest in the phenomenon of active commuting. This paper examines the spatio-temporal patterns and practices of active commuting and evaluates their significance in the context of sustainable urban mobility. The empirical research is based on data obtained from a questionnaire survey and semistructured interviews conducted in 2023 in the Brno Metropolitan Area. Based on the data, three categories of active commuting were identified, namely pragmatic active commuting, physical active commuting, and combined active commuting, which differ in the implementation of different spatio-temporal practices. For the development of sustainable transport in the city, it is necessary to promote the construction of pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, with the aim of making movement for pedestrians and cyclists more straightforward, efficient, and safer, including paying attention to actions leading to the embedding of this mode of transport in the wider societal context.

Commuter exposure to ultrafine particles (UFPs), lung deposited surface area (LDSA), and noise in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

IntroductionTransport is a main contributor to air and noise pollution, particularly in urban areas with the high number of motorized vehicles. Promoting active transport (i.e., cycling and walking) and public transport is an instrumental factor in reducing traffic-related air and noise pollution. However, commuters of these transport modes are often exposed to high air and noise pollution than other commuter groups. MethodsThe levels of exposure to UFP, LDSA, and noise during commuting of different transport modes in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) were measured and compared. Then, the dose of inhaled pollutants during commuting was calculated for each commuter group by considering the travel time and minute ventilation. ResultsThe level of exposure to air and noise pollution varies across transport modes. Cyclists and motorcyclists were exposed to the highest level of air and noise pollution. Motorcyclists and cyclists were exposed to the highest UFP number concentrations during their trips, 3.6*105 and 3.1*105 particles/cm3, respectively. Car commuters were exposed to the lowest air and noise pollution level, followed by bus commuters. When considering the minute ventilation and travel time, cyclists inhaled significantly higher levels of air pollution than other commuters, followed by pedestrians, motorcyclists, bus commuters, and car users. As a result, the health impacts of exposure to traffic-related air and noise pollution for active commuters could be greater than other commuter groups. ConclusionsPromoting active and public transport is a promising approach to improving air quality and reducing congestion in HCMC. Using these transport modes also has potential positive health effects on commuters through physical activities. However, active commuters are faced with the highest risk of exposure to high air and noise pollution levels. To promote active transport and public transport in HCMC, measures to reduce the level of exposure to air and noise pollution for these commuter groups are needed.

Benefit evaluation of HVAC and HVDC for offshore wind power transmission system under the multidimensional index

With the development of offshore wind power transmission technology and the emergence of new dimensions in deep-sea wind power scenarios, some indexes in the existing evaluation system cannot meet the comprehensive benefit evaluation of multiple offshore wind power transmission schemes in new operating scenarios, making the identification of the optimal economic distance of different schemes vague. Therefore, this paper integrates multiple parameters into the total life cycle cost and levelized cost of energy indexes for traditional and new transmission schemes in deep-sea scenarios, considers power generation income, environmental and carbon index, and proposes a multidimensional evaluation method for offshore wind power transmission systems, and analyzes the sensitivity of the constructed indicators. Then, using actual geographic information data, the established parameter fusion multidimensional evaluation method is used to analyze the technical and economic ranges of four offshore transmission schemes. The results show that the optimal economic critical interval of active commutation type high voltage direct current transmission system (CSC) is 98 km, which is about 23 % higher than that of voltage source converter based high voltage direct current transmission system (VSC). Therefore, CSC is more suitable for deep offshore wind power transmission than VSC and has better comprehensive technical and economic performance.

Good for the planet… and for you too? Comparing five travel and health-related outcomes among active, motorized, and public transport commuters

Aligned with sustainable development goals, the promotion of active and public transport commuting has gained ground in the last decade. However, literature empirically addressing the individual outcomes of different commuting modes remains scarce. AimThe core aim of this research was to assess and compare a literature-based set of travel, health, and welfare-related outcomes among three different groups of urban daily commuters: private motorized, public transport, and active commuters. MethodsThis cross-sectional study used a nationwide sample of n= 2370 urban daily commuters from all 17 regions of Spain. Participants, aged between 18 and 70, with an average of M= 33 years, were drawn from all 17 regions of Spain, and responded to an electronic survey on commuting issues. ResultsAs hypothesized, different groups of commuters had different psychosocial trip- and welfare-related outcomes. Indeed, most indicators, except for travel satisfaction, showed a favorable association with the sustainability value attributed to each commuting means. Particularly, active travelers had significantly lower commuting stress and Body Mass Index (BMI) values, and higher rates of life satisfaction and pro-environmental behavior in areas beyond transport, in stark contrast to private motorized users. Public transport users, although ‘in the middle’ in most aspects, report the highest commuter stress rates. ConclusionThe results of this research endorse the assumption that the commuting mode matters, but the relationship between transport sustainability and user outcomes cannot be understood as ‘totally linear’. These insights can be valuable for initiatives aimed at promoting shifts towards more sustainable –and active– transportation patterns among commuters, who constitute an interest group in current mobility planning and decision-making.

Exploring the sports participation, muscle-strengthening exercise and active commuting with comorbidity of depression and anxiety among Chinese children and adolescents: a cross-sectional study.

Hence, the primary objective of this study was to examine the relationship between sport participation, muscle-strengthening exercise (MSE), and active commuting (AC) in the co-occurrence of depression and anxiety in Chinese children and adolescents. This cross-sectional investigation occurred in various cities across the southeastern region of China between March 2021 and October 2021. A convenient sampling method was utilized. We invited children and adolescents to participate in the questionnaire survey. A total of 1,996 participants completed the questionnaires with the endorsement of their parents or guardians under the supervision of schoolteachers and headmasters. Girls comprised 47.5% of the participants, and the average age of participants was 14.8 ± 2.0 years. We conducted a logistic regression analysis, including 95% confidence intervals, to explore the association between sports participation, MSE, AC, and the co-occurrence of depression and anxiety. No significant association was observed between weekday active commuting for travelling to and from school and MSE and the comorbidity of depression and anxiety in children and adolescents. A negative association was only detected for those who engaged in muscle-strengthening exercises 4 days a week (OR = 0.540, 95% CI = 0.345-0.845) compared to those who did not partake in such exercises. The present study has provided evidence of the connection between sports participation and the co-occurrence of depression and anxiety among Chinese children and adolescents. Sports participation is more likely to help adolescents relieve anxiety and depression than AC, MSE. In forthcoming research, it is imperative to delve deeper into strategies that enhance the impact of sports on the mental well-being of children and young individuals. Furthermore, optimizing the magnitude of this effect may be achievable by focusing on neurobiological, behavioral, and psychosocial mechanisms.

Active Commuting as a Factor of Cardiovascular Disease Prevention: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis.

Active commuting (AC) may have the potential to prevent the incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, the evidence for a correlation between AC and the risk of CVD remains uncertain. The current study thoroughly and qualitatively summarized research on the relationship between AC and the risk of CVD disease. From conception through December 2022, researchers explored four databases (PubMed, PEDro, Cochrane, and Bibliothèque Nationale of Luxembourg [BnL]) for observational studies. The initial findings of the search yielded 1042 references. This systematic review includes five papers with 491,352 participants between 16 and 85 years old, with 5 to 20 years of follow-up period. The exposure variable was the mode of transportation used to commute on a typical day (walking, cycling, mixed mode, driving, or taking public transportation). The primary outcome measures were incident CVD, fatal and non-fatal (e.g., ischemic heart disease (IHD), ischemic stroke (IS), hemorrhagic stroke (HS) events, and coronary heart disease (CHD). Despite methodological variability, the current evidence supports AC as a preventive measure for the development of CVD. Future research is needed to standardize methodologies and promote policies for public health and environmental sustainability.

Changes in active commuting and changes in work ability and recovery from work in 16,778 Finnish public sector employees

BackgroundPromotion of active commuting by walking and cycling presents a feasible strategy to increase physical activity levels and improve employee health and wellbeing. Increasing evidence on the health benefits of active commuting exists, but little is known about longitudinal associations between active commuting and work ability, and recovery from work. MethodsWe conducted an observational cohort study of 16,778 public sector employees who responded to the Finnish Public Sector study surveys in 2020 and 2022. Within- and between-individual associations of changes in active commuting with changes in work ability and recovery from work were examined using hybrid modelling. Analyses were adjusted for sex and age at T1 (time-invariant confounders in the between-individual part of the analyses) and socio-economic factors, body mass index, health behaviours, and job strain (time-varying confounders in both parts). ResultsAfter adjustments, an increase in active commuting equivalent to 10 km per week was associated with small within-individual (unstandardized beta (B) = 0.016, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.004–0.028) and between-individual (B = 0.028, 95% CI 0.019–0.038) improvements in work ability. In sex-stratified analyses, the positive within-individual effect on work ability was observed only among women (B = 0.026, 95% CI 0.001–0.040). With recovery from work, only between-individual positive association was observed (B = 0.032, 95% CI = 0.018–0.045). ConclusionsIt may be possible to improve work ability by increasing active commuting. However, it appears that a change corresponding to tens of weekly kilometres of active commuting is required to achieve a small improvement in work ability. No conclusive evidence supporting that an increase in active commuting enhances recovery from work was found.

Computer vision-guided open-source active commutator for neural imaging in freely behaving animals.

Recently developed miniaturized neural recording devices that can monitor and perturb neural activity in freely behaving animals have significantly expanded our knowledge of neural underpinning of complex behaviors. Most miniaturized neural interfaces require a wired connection for external power and data acquisition systems. The wires are required to be commutated through a slip ring to accommodate for twisting of the wire or tether and alleviate torsional stresses. The increased trend toward long-term continuous neural recordings has spurred efforts to realize active commutators that can sense the torsional stress and actively rotate the slip ring to alleviate torsional stresses. Current solutions however require the addition of sensing modules. Here, we report on an active translating commutator that uses computer vision (CV) algorithms on behavioral imaging videos captured during the experiment to track the animal's position and heading direction in real time and uses this information to control the translation and rotation of a slip ring commutator to accommodate for accumulated mouse heading orientation changes and position. The CV-guided active commutator has been extensively tested in three separate behavioral contexts. We show reliable cortex-wide imaging in a mouse in an open field with a miniaturized wide-field cortical imaging device. Active commutation resulted in no changes to measured neurophysiological signals. The active commutator is fully open source, can be assembled using readily available off-the-shelf components, and is compatible with a wide variety of miniaturized neurophotonic and neurophysiology devices.

Association between Active Commuting and Lifestyle Parameters with Mental Health Problems in Chilean Children and Adolescent.

Little is known about the association between active commuting (i.e., walking or cycling to school) with lifestyle parameters and mental health in youths. The objective of the present study was to investigate the association between mental health problems and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress with lifestyle (i.e., food habits, screen time, physical activity, and sleep quality), active commuting, and gender. A total of 511 children and adolescents (boys, n = 249; girls, n = 262) aged 10 to 17 years participated in the study. Lifestyle parameters and mental health were evaluated using the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21). Girls reported higher levels of anxiety (p = 0.001), depression (p = 0.001), and stress (p = 0.001). Mental health problems showed a positive association with gender (girls, β = 3.06, p < 0.001) and a negative association with food habits (β = -0.65, p = 0.019). Anxiety was positively associated with gender (β = 7.88, p < 0.001) and negatively associated with food habits (β = -0.23, p = 0.019). Gender (girls) and food habits were also associated with symptoms of depression (β = 2.29, p < 0.001 and β = -0.27, p = 0.005, respectively). Finally, active commuting was inversely associated with stress (β = -1.24, p = 0.008), and stress was positively linked to gender (β = 2.53, p < 0.001). Active commuting, lifestyle parameters, and gender were associated with mental health in children and adolescents. Moreover, girls reported higher levels of anxiety, symptoms of depression, and stress.

Green commutes: Assessing the associations between green space exposure along GPS-track commuting routes and adults’ self-perceived stress

BackgroundHabitual commutes through green space may be associated with health promotion, including stress alleviation. However, few studies have assessed green space exposure during commuting with stress levels, and none have tracked commuters’ actual routes. AimTo assess 1) the association between commuting through green space and people's self-perceived stress, 2) whether the association is moderated by the transport mode, and 3) whether the association depends on differing green space operationalizations and buffer sizes. MethodsThis cross-sectional study used questionnaires and global positioning system data from Dutch adults aged 18–65 (N = 275). The Perceived Stress Scale was used to measure people's stress levels. Green space was measured by calculating the green space percentage from land use data (GREENLU), and by using normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) obtained from Sentinel-2 (NDVISE) and Landsat-8 (NDVILS) satellite imagery. Buffers of 50, 100, and 250 m along commuting routes were applied to assess subjects’ environmental exposures. Associations were estimated using ordinary least squares regression models. ResultsCovariate-adjusted regressions showed that GREENLU was significantly but positively associated with stress levels, regardless of the buffer size. By contrast, the NDVI measures consistently showed null associations. We observed a positive association between GREENLU and stress levels among active commuters within the 250 m buffer in stratified analyses; however, associations were null for passive commuters across all green space measures and buffer sizes. ConclusionsOur findings suggest a counterintuitive positive association between increased exposure to green space during daily commutes and people's stress levels. These associations possibly may depend on the selected green space metric, the buffer sizes, and the commuting mode considered. The behavioral aspects of how people experience green environments, including commuting, may contribute to their impact on health.

An exploration of urban air health navigation system based on dynamic exposure risk forecast of ambient PM2.5

Under international advocacy for a low-carbon and healthy lifestyle, ambient PM2.5 pollution poses a dilemma for urban residents who wish to engage in outdoor exercise and adopt active low-carbon commuting. In this study, an Urban Air Health Navigation System (UAHNS) was designed and proposed to assist users by recommending routes with the least PM2.5 exposure and dynamically issuing early risk warnings based on topologized digital maps, an application programming interface (API), an eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) model, and two-step spatial interpolation. A test of the UAHNS’s functions and applications was carried out in Wuhan city. The results showed that, compared with trained random forest (RF), LightGBM, Adaboost models, etc., the XGBoost model performed better, with an R2 exceeding 0.90 and an RMSE of approximately 15.74 μg/m3, based on data from national air and meteorological monitoring stations. Further, the two-step spatial interpolation model was adopted to dynamically generate pollution distribution at a spatial resolution of 300 m*300 m. Then, an exposure comparison was performed under randomly selected commuting routes and times in Wuhan, showing the recommended routes for lower PM2.5 exposure made effectively help. And the route difference ratios of about 14.9 % and 16.9 % for riding and walking, respectively. Finally, the UAHNS platform was integrally realized for Wuhan, consisting of a real-time PM2.5 query, a one-hour PM2.5 prediction function at any location, health navigation on city map, and a personalized health information query.

A latent class analysis of public perceptions about shared mobility barriers and benefits

The United States faces urban issues like congestion and pollution due to heavy car dependency, with over 91% owning cars and 87% driving to work. In response to these challenges, various shared mobility solutions have been integrated into transportation systems, encompassing bike-sharing, e-scooter sharing, and ride-hailing, but have not seen widespread adoption. To this end, this study investigates the perception of these services in the context of benefits and barriers. A survey was conducted in Indianapolis, Indiana and distributed online, gathering 424 responses. Latent class analysis (LCA) was used to determine groups of individuals with similar perceptions. The LCA identified three classes regarding perceptions of shared mobility benefits, and three others in relation to barriers. Regarding benefits, the classes include “Casual observers of benefits,” predominantly comprising older, less active females; “Benefits proponents,” featuring a majority of young, well-educated, higher-income males who prioritize health; and “Non-believers in benefits,” primarily consisting of older individuals, often identifying as black, with lower incomes and less active commuting. In terms of barriers, the classes are “Indifferent about barriers,” mainly comprising younger, lower-income individuals; “Shared mobility bystanders,” primarily characterized by older individuals with infrequent work commutes; and “Barrier conscious,” mostly including younger, well-educated, racially diverse individuals with complex commuting patterns. In both the benefits and barriers categories, the largest classes consist of individuals with neutral perspectives on shared mobility, signifying that a substantial portion of the population has not fully embraced these services. The study recommends policies to promote shared mobility to this significant population segment.

Health benefits of pedestrian and cyclist commuting: evidence from the Scottish Longitudinal Study

BackgroundDespite active travel investment increasing, evidence of benefit is often limited to selected health outcomes and a short follow-up period, and cyclists and pedestrians are often analysed together. We aimed...