Individual Capacity Research Articles

Using the Work Ability Index (WAI) to assess the possibility of returning to the profession after treatment

The use of the index of working capacity in medicine and occupational safety makes it possible to assess the individual working capacity of workers, to predict the possibility of retaining workers in the profession. A survey using the ability to work index helps to identify personnel who have an increased risk of dismissal and absence from work related to health and poor work results. Various pathological conditions can take an employee out of work for different periods, but it is extremely important to understand whether it is possible to preserve the employee's specialty and the prospects for his socialization. The disease changes not only the physical, but also the psycho-emotional state of the employee. The authors presented an analysis of modern scientific literature on the international experience of using the ability to work index to predict the possibility of returning to work in the specialty after treatment of diseases, rehabilitation. The work ability index can be used as a criterion for the effectiveness of treatment and rehabilitation after illness and subsequent employment. The link between quality of life and returning to work is of great importance. The ability to work of employees with various diseases, who have received different types of treatment, including surgical interventions, chemoradiotherapy and returned to work, is reduced compared with healthy employees. Recovery depends on the stage of the disease, the type of treatment and concomitant pathology. The risk of early retirement increases in the first years after cancer treatment. Professional rehabilitation promotes the fullest integration of an employee into society through professional self-realization.

Using environmental and exercise physiology to address gender inequalities in climate change and occupational health research.

Climate change is a health-risk and health-inequity multiplier with excessive heat exposure a direct climate change impact already affecting the health and livelihood of billions globally. Women face greater risks and burdens from climate change impacts. Biological sex may or may not influence an individual's thermoregulatory capacity, heat tolerance or heat susceptibility. However at a population level, sex differences in physiological characteristics (anthropometrics, aerobic capacity, etc.) likely affect thermoregulatory capacity. Still, gender appears to play the most significant role in heat exposure and resulting health impacts. For climate change resilience and adaptation strategies to be effective, public health and occupational guidance/governance must be based on comprehensive and representative evidence. The current dearth of empirical evidence on how excessive heat exposure affects women prohibits this. Environmental and exercise physiology can help address this lack of empirical evidence by adhering to inclusive research guidelines. This paper is based on a symposium presentation given at Physiology 2023 in Harrogate, UK. Using a multi-year cohort study on industrial agricultural workers (the Adelante Initiative) as a case study, this review discusses the role of environmental and exercise physiology in generating inclusive research and evidence to inform occupational and public health guidance/governance for climate change resilience and adaptation, specifically heat exposure.

Financial Literacy of Women: Insights from Fair-Trade Craft Producers, Kathmandu, Nepal

The study emphasized on the critical role of fair-trading practices in promoting women’s economic empowerment in the handicraft sector of Nepal. The aim of this study is to assess the financial literacy of women working in fair trade activities led by Association for Craft Producers. This study anchored on human capital theory. Methodologically the paper looks at the phenomenon objectively and employed scientific methods to generate knowledge. For this, natural data were gathered through administered self-questionnaires from 101 employed women involved in fair-trade economic ventures under association of craft products in Kathmandu valley including home-based and in-house producers. Descriptive statistical tools, such as frequency distribution, tabulation, percentage and diagrams were used for data analysis. The finding indicate that that financial literacy positively affects economic entrepreneurship, employment opportunities, household decision making process, and overall women economic empowerment. This paper has approved the notion of both empowerment and capability approach to development. For women economic empowerment, the supporting key factors such as, entrepreneurship, employment, training, educating, family support, and organizational backing can escalate the financial literacy and economic empowerment. Acquiring the essential skill, training, knowledge, and support in terms of financial issues enable women to meet their socio-economic needs and influx the individual capacity. The finding could be very useful to planners, policy makers, and women centric development practitioners to escalate the financial knowledge and support the women economic empowerment. This study suggests subsequent researchers to conduct similar issues considering longitudinal studies and comparative study between rural and urban areas.

Development of a remote implementation support strategy to enhance integration of depression treatment into primary care settings in rural India

IntroductionContextually responsive implementation support strategies are needed to enhance the integration of mental health services into primary health care. Technical assistance is widely used as a core “capacity building” strategy, primarily for increasing the motivation and capacity of individuals (e.g., frontline workers) to adopt evidence-based interventions in healthcare settings. This article documents the systematic design of a technical assistance strategy for supporting primary care staff (e.g., nurses) in integrating depression care, from screening to treatment, aligned with a non-communicable disease program across seven health facilities in the Sehore District of Madhya Pradesh, India.MethodsWe conducted a mapping exercise of local health facilities with dedicated staff and a literature review to inform the development of the technical assistance strategy.ResultsReporting guidelines guided the structure of the strategy protocol. The evidence-supported strategy, called Remote Coaching Support, is tailored to the local setting. It uses quality improvement methods like the Plan-Do-Act-Study cycle and training materials to help coaches deliver support remotely via video/phone-based calls and WhatsApp messaging with the overall goal of increasing uptake and fidelity of depression screening and referral among primary care staff in alignment with an existing non-communicable diseases program.ConclusionThe development of Remote Coaching Support involved iterative improvements through team meetings and practice-training feedback, though limitations exist due to a lack of systematic implementation standards, especially in this setting. This strategy will be tested in increasing scales to refine its application, with effectiveness and acceptability results to be evaluated in a randomized control trial.

Investigating the correlation between second grade primary school students fluent reading skills and parental involvement in home literacy activities

To stay up-to-date with the rapid changes in technology and science in today's world, reading skills are still essential. Reading skills, in addition to being a means of acquiring knowledge in social life, have a key role in success in academic life. The rich knowledge encountered in school life needs to be analyzed, synthesized and understood. Fluent reading skill is directly related to an individual's capacity to make sense of the text, and this skill is one of the cornerstones of children's success in educational life. Primary school is a period in which children acquire reading and writing skills and progress by building on those skills. The support that parents provide by participating in literacy activities at home in this process plays a crucial role in the development of their children's fluent reading skills. In this context, the comparative study of parental involvement in literacy activities with fluent reading skills at primary school level has formed a significant area of research. The aim of the research is to investigate the relationship between the fluent reading skills of the students studying in the second grade and the level of parental involvement in home literacy activities. One of the quantitative research methods, the relational screening model was conducted in the research. Participants are second-grade students who are studying in two different primary schools in the province of Ordu and their parents. In data collection, the speed and accuracy components of the students from fluent reading components were evaluated and the parental involvement levels were examined using the “Parental Involvement in Home Literacy Activities” scale. The findings from the analysis of the data were discussed in terms of the fluent reading skill levels of primary school second-grade students and parental involvement level in home literacy activities.

Allocating New Slots in a Multi-Airport System Based on Capacity Expansion

Over time, the rapid expansion of civil aviation infrastructure has led to the establishment of multi-airport systems (MASs) or Metroplex, where airports situated in close proximity form interconnected networks. Given that individual airport capacities often fall short of meeting flight scheduling demands, devising effective multi-airport flight scheduling methods becomes imperative. This article introduces a novel MAS slot expansion configuration framework centered on coupling terminal areas. In contrast to conventional airport capacity slot expansion approaches, this framework demonstrates superior configurational efficacy within respective airport terminal environments. The model outlined in this research identifies the terminal control sector as the pivotal resource node within the interconnected terminal area, aiming to maximize the total expanded slots while minimizing the overall unfairness among airports within the terminal airspace. Employing the ε-constraint method facilitates the transformation of the minimization objective into solvable constraint conditions. Subsequently, leveraging Beijing Metroplex as a case study, the research devises benchmark, single-airport, multi-airport minimum, and multi-airport maximum scenarios to compare and analyze configuration outcomes in terms of key resource allocation impacts and coupled resource utilization efficiencies. Ultimately, employing the AirTOp fast-time simulation model validates each scenario, demonstrating that the proposed configuration method yields reduced delay levels and fewer conflicts in simulation environments.

Glutathione S-transferase: A keystone in Parkinson's disease pathogenesis and therapy.

Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that predominantly affects motor function due to the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. It presents significant challenges, impacting millions worldwide with symptoms such as tremors, rigidity, bradykinesia, and postural instability, leading to decreased quality of life and increased morbidity. The pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease is multifaceted, involving complex interactions between genetic susceptibility, environmental factors, and aging, with oxidative stress playing a central role in neuronal degeneration. Glutathione S-Transferase enzymes are critical in the cellular defense mechanism against oxidative stress, catalysing the conjugation of the antioxidant glutathione to various toxic compounds, thereby facilitating their detoxification. Recent research underscores the importance of Glutathione S-Transferase in the pathophysiology of Parkinson's disease, revealing that genetic polymorphisms in Glutathione S-Transferase genes influence the risk and progression of the disease. These genetic variations can affect the enzymatic activity of Glutathione S-Transferase, thereby modulating an individual's capacity to detoxify reactive oxygen species and xenobiotics, which are implicated in Parkinson's disease neuropathological processes. Moreover, biochemical studies have elucidated the role of Glutathione S-Transferase in not only maintaining cellular redox balance but also in modulating various cellular signalling pathways, highlighting its neuroprotective potential. From a therapeutic perspective, targeting Glutathione S-Transferase pathways offers promising avenues for the development of novel treatments aimed at enhancing neuroprotection and mitigating disease progression. This review explores the evident and hypothesized roles of Glutathione S-Transferase in Parkinson's disease, providing a comprehensive overview of its importance and potential as a target for therapeutic intervention.

Hubungan antara Kemampuan Kognitif dengan Kemampuan Turn-Taking Anak Autism di UPT Pusat Layanan Disabilitas dan Pendidikan Inklusif Surakarta

Background: Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by a lack of social interactin, difficulty in communication, both verbal and nonverbal, and very limited interests and activities. Cognitive is a thinking process, which refers to an individual's capacity to connect, evaluate, and consider. Cognitive abilities can affect children's language, one aspect of language is pragmatics (turn-taking). Objectives: This research aims to determine the relationship between cognitive abilities and the turn-taking ability of children with autism at UPT Pusat Layanan Disabilitas dan Pendidikan Inklusif Surakarta. Methods: The research used a type of quantitative research with a crosssectional design. The sampling technique used was total sampling with a sample size of 38 respondents. Research instruments used to measure cognitive abilities used the Cognitive Linguistic Evaluation instrument and an instrument to measure turn-taking ability used a pragmatics questionnaire. The statistical test used in this research is the Kendall's Tau test. Results: The results of data analysis obtained from cognitive abilities in children with autism are dominated by the category below average (76.3%) and the results of turn-taking ability in children with autism are dominated by the less category (57.9%). Kendall's Tau test results showed p = 0,000 (???????? accepted), with a correlation coefficient (r) = 0,622 which means it has a positive correlation in the strong category. Conclusion: There are relationship between cognitive ability and turntaking ability of children with autism at the UPT Pusat Layanan Disabilitas dan Pendidikan Inklusif Surakarta. Keywords: Cognitive ability, Turn-taking ability, Autism

The dual timescales of gait adaptation: initial stability adjustments followed by subsequent energetic cost adjustments.

Gait adaptation during bipedal walking allows people to adjust their walking patterns to maintain balance, avoid obstacles and avoid injury. Adaptation involves complex processes that function to maintain stability and reduce energy expenditure. However, the processes that influence walking patterns during different points in the adaptation period remain to be investigated. We assessed split-belt adaptation in 17 young adults aged 19-35. We also assessed individual aerobic capacity to understand how aerobic capacity influences adaptation. We analyzed step lengths, step length asymmetry (SLA), mediolateral margins of stability, positive, negative and net mechanical work rates, as well as metabolic rate during adaptation. Dual-rate exponential mixed-effects regressions estimated the adaptation of each measure over two timescales; results indicate that mediolateral stability adapts over a single timescale in under 1 min, whereas mechanical work rates, metabolic rate, step lengths and SLA adapt over two distinct timescales (3.5-11.2 min). We then regressed mediolateral margins of stability, net mechanical work rate and metabolic rate on SLA during early and late adaptation phases to determine whether stability drives early adaptation and energetic cost drives late adaptation. Stability predicted SLA during the initial rapid onset of adaptation, and mechanical work rate predicted SLA during the latter part of adaptation. Findings suggest that stability optimization may contribute to early gait changes and that mechanical work contributes to later changes during adaptation. A final sub-analysis showed that aerobic capacity levels <36 and >43 ml kg-1min-1 resulted in greater SLA adaptation, underscoring the metabolic influences on gait adaptation. This study illuminates the complex interplay between biomechanical and metabolic factors in gait adaptation, shedding light on fundamental mechanisms underlying human locomotion.

Simplified circuit model of novel bypass diode based PV array for circulating current and power loss minimization under partial shading

Purpose This study aims to propose a new connection technique of bypass diode (BD) in photovoltaic (PV) array, which reduces the circulating current (CC) within PV modules as well as conduction loss in partial shaded condition (PSC). Design/methodology/approach Linearized circuit model of PV panel is proposed for calculating the CC and power loss of novel BD arrangements in PV array. From the analysis the best BD arrangement is applied in series parallel, TCT and honeycomb (HC) PV array structure for simulation and hardware verification. The hardware verification is performed in a 3 × 3 PV array, where individual panel capacity is 200 W. Findings The proposed BD arrangement reduces the power loss due to CC under PSC by almost 3% compared to conventional BD structure in a PV array. Originality/value The proposed BD arrangement is simple and useful in large PV power plants to reduce the CC-based extra power loss under PSC.

Two-dimensional health state map to define metabolic health using separated static and dynamic homeostasis features: a proof-of-concept study

Abstract Defining metabolic health is critical for earlier reversing metabolic dysfunction and disease, and fasting-based diagnosis may not adequately assess individual's metabolic adaptivity under stress. We constructed a novel Health State Map (HSM) comprising Health Phenotype Score (HPS) with fasting features alone and Homeostatic Resilience Score (HRS) with a 5-time point features only (t = 30, 60, 90, 180, 240 min) following a standardized mixed macronutrient tolerance test (MMTT). Among 111 adult Chinese, the mixed-score, using the same set of fasting and post-MMTT data as HSM, was highly correlated with HPS. HRS was significantly associated with metabolic syndrome prevalence, independent of HPS (OR [95% CI]: 0.41 [0.18, 0.92]) and the mixed-score (0.34 [0.15, 0.69]). Moreover, HRS could discriminate metabolic characteristics unseparated by HPS and the mixed-score. Participants with higher HRS had better metabolic traits than those with lower HRS. Large interpersonal variations were also evidenced by evaluating postprandial homeostatic resiliencies for glucose, lipids, and amino acids, when participants had similar overall HRS. Additionally, HRS was positively associated with physical activity level and specific gut microbiome structure. Collectively, our HSM model might offer a novel approach to precisely define an individual's metabolic health and nutritional capacity.

Australian and Canadian clinicians’ views and application of ‘carbon health literacy’: a qualitative study

BackgroundClinical care contributes to at least 50% of the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of healthcare. This includes the 40% of healthcare that is harmful or low value, adding avoidable emissions without improving health or quality of care. Clinicians are well-placed to mitigate emissions associated with the provision of clinical care. This study aimed to explore clinicians’ views on a new construct we have termed ‘carbon health literacy’ to understand how knowledge, skills and capacities related to the emissions of clinical care has application in clinical practice.MethodsQualitative interviews were conducted between August 2022 and February 2023 with clinicians from Australia (n = 15) and Canada (n = 13). Clinicians with an interest in climate change and healthcare sustainability were sampled from a variety of clinical specialty areas, such as primary care, nursing, anaesthetics, and emergency. Clinicians were recruited through advertising on social media and via professional networks. A pre-piloted interview schedule was used to guide the interviews. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using framework analysis.ResultsParticipants viewed carbon health literacy as an increasingly important skill for clinicians to have or acquire, though they reported that the level of carbon health literacy and knowledge needed varies by job roles, clinical specialty areas, and individual capacity to generate healthcare system change. Many clinicians reported implementing strategies to mitigate their work-related GHG emissions, such as reducing waste or choosing lower carbon commuting options. There was limited awareness of reducing low-value care as a strategy to decrease emissions. All participants had encountered barriers to providing low-carbon care, including managing patient expectations, inadequate training and information, and limited capacity to generate system change in their organisational roles.ConclusionsTo support the delivery of high value low carbon healthcare, work is needed to build the carbon health literacy of clinicians and remove other barriers currently impeding their capacity to practice and promote sustainable clinical care.

The role and importance of empowering rural communities for rural development in Afghanistan

Empowerment of rural communities in Afghanistan has great potential to change the knowledge, attitudes and work practices of villagers. Empowerment is considered fundamental to achieving development, as progress without empowerment of marginalized communities is often considered impossible. The purpose of this study is to formulate a strategy for rural community empowerment in line with sustainable development in Afghanistan. This research utilizes qualitative content analysis of relevant sources, with data collection through document analysis. The research reviews existing studies and theories, and introduces the background of empowerment in the context of sustainable rural development. The results show that empowering rural communities can be done by utilizing local resources and increasing the capacity of individuals to innovate. Proposed strategies include improving access to education, skills training, as well as supporting local economic initiatives. Effective empowerment not only increases agricultural productivity, but also strengthens social ties and trust among community members. Empowerment is a multidimensional process that includes economic, social, cultural, psychological and environmental aspects. It is essential for achieving sustainable development in Afghanistan, where challenges such as poverty and social disparities are still widespread. Women's empowerment, in this context, is critical to the transformation of society as a whole. Empowerment of rural communities in Afghanistan is key to achieving sustainable development. With a focus on empowerment, Afghanistan can create a resilient rural population, which contributes to national stability and sustainable growth. Policy recommendations include developing inclusive empowerment strategies, improving access to education and resources, and actively involving communities in decision-making processes.

Multi-Omics Approaches Uncovered Critical mRNA–miRNA–lncRNA Networks Regulating Multiple Birth Traits in Goat Ovaries

The goat breeding industry on the Tibetan Plateau faces strong selection pressure to enhance fertility. Consequently, there is an urgent need to develop goat lines with higher fertility and adaptability. The ovary, as a key organ determining reproductive performance, is regulated by a complex transcriptional network involving numerous protein-coding and non-coding genes. However, the molecular mechanisms of the key mRNA–miRNA–lncRNA regulatory network in goat ovaries remain largely unknown. This study focused on the histology and differential mRNA/miRNA/lncRNA between Chuanzhong black goat (CBG, high productivity, multiple births) and Tibetan goat (TG, strong adaptability, single birth) ovaries. Histomorphological analysis showed that the medulla proportion in CBG ovaries was significantly reduced compared to TG. RNA-Seq and small RNA-Seq analysis identified 1218 differentially expressed (DE) mRNAs, 100 DE miRNAs, and 326 DE lncRNAs, which were mainly enriched in ovarian steroidogenesis, oocyte meiosis, biosynthesis of amino acids and protein digestion, and absorption signaling pathways. Additionally, five key mRNA–miRNA–lncRNA interaction networks regulating goat reproductive performance were identified, including TCL1B–novel68_mature–ENSCHIT00000010023, AKAP6–novel475_mature–ENSCHIT00000003176, GLI2–novel68_mature–XR_001919123.1, ITGB5–novel65_star–TCONS_00013850, and VWA2–novel71_mature–XR_001919911.1. Further analyses showed that these networks mainly affected ovarian function and reproductive performance by regulating biological processes such as germ cell development and oocyte development, which also affected the plateau adaptive capacity of the ovary by participating in the individual immune and metabolic capacities. In conclusion, we identified numerous mRNA–miRNA–lncRNA interaction networks involved in regulating ovarian function and reproductive performance in goats. This discovery offers new insights into the molecular breeding of Tibetan Plateau goats and provides a theoretical foundation for developing new goat lines with high reproductive capacity and strong adaptability to the plateau environment.

Higher isokinetic quadriceps peak force is associated with a patient-acceptable symptom-state 1 and 3 years after ACL reconstruction.

The main purpose was to determine cut-off values for absolute (QNm/kg) and relative (QLSI) isokinetic knee extensor (KE) strength for achieving a patient-acceptable symptom state (PASS) in the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) subscales and for different age groups to determine the association between QNm/kg and QLSI and PASS, at 1 and 3 years after an anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). PASS was defined as reaching cut-off values for all KOOS subscales. Data from follow-ups were extracted from a rehabilitation registry. Male and female patients were divided into two age groups based on their age at primary ACLR: 16-24 years and 25-65 years. Odds Ratios between the QNm/kg and QLSI cut-off values and achieving PASS were calculated. Receiver Operating Characteristic curves were constructed to determine the individual predictive capacity for achieving PASS of QNm/kg and of QLSI using the area under the curve (AUC). Results from 755 and 145 patients (females = 51% and 52%; preinjury Tegner Activity level ≥6 = 82% and 74%) were used in the 1- and 3-year follow-up analyses. Reaching the cut-off values for the QNm/kg, ranging between ≥2.1 and ≥2.7, entailed between 2.09 and 5.12 times the odds of achieving PASS, across all groups at the 1-year follow-up. At the 3-year follow-up, the cut-off values of ≥3.4 and ≥2.6QNm/kg were associated with patients achieving PASS with acceptable accuracy (AUC = 0.700-0.780) in 16-41 year-old males and females. At 1 year after ACLR, patients of both sexes and age groups reaching cut-off values for absolute KE strength had two to five times the odds, that were clinically relevant, to achieve PASS. Acceptable discriminative capacity was found for the absolute KE strength among male and female patients 16-24 years old, at 3 years after ACLR. Level III.

Construct validity and reliability of the 2-minute step test in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis

Aim This study aimed to investigate the validity and reliability of the 2-Minute Step Test (2MST) in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). Method This cross-sectional study involved 55 volunteers, aged 18–80, diagnosed with lumbar spinal stenosis. The participants were assessed using the 2MST, the 2-Minute Walk Test (2MWT), the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). To evaluate the reliability of the 2MST, test-retest reliability was determined by administering the 2MST again after a 7-day interval. The reliability analysis included the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) with a 95% confidence interval (CI), standard error of measurement (SEM), and minimum detectable change at the 95% confidence level (MDC95). For concurrent validity, the correlations of the 2MST with the 2MWT, 6MWT, and ODI were assessed. Results The 2MST exhibited excellent test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.94, SEM = 5.56, MDC95=15.41) in LSS patients. Additionally, the 2MST showed significant correlations with the 2MWT (r = 0.842, p < 0.001), 6MWT (r = 0.819, p < 0.001), and ODI score (r = −0.722, p < 0.001). Conclusion This study demonstrated that the 2MST is a valid and reliable tool for assessing exercise capacity in individuals with LSS. ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT06060821

How does depressive cognition develop? A state-dependent network model of predictive processing.

Depression is vastly heterogeneous in its symptoms, neuroimaging data, and treatment responses. As such, describing how it develops at the network level has been notoriously difficult. In an attempt to overcome this issue, a theoretical "negative prediction mechanism" is proposed. Here, eight key brain regions are connected in a transient, state-dependent, core network of pathological communication that could facilitate the development of depressive cognition. In the context of predictive processing, it is suggested that this mechanism is activated as a response to negative/adverse stimuli in the external and/or internal environment that exceed a vulnerable individual's capacity for cognitive appraisal. Specifically, repeated activation across this network is proposed to update individual's brain so that it increasingly predicts and reinforces negative experiences over time-pushing an individual at-risk for or suffering from depression deeper into mental illness. Within this, the negative prediction mechanism is poised to explain various aspects of prognostic outcome, describing how depression might ebb and flow over multiple timescales in a dynamically changing, complex environment. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

The politics of voluntariness in modern history: introduction

ABSTRACT The introduction to the theme issue on the Politics of Voluntariness in Modern History starts by discussing the origins and uses of the liberal discourse on voluntariness in the seventeenth century. It was during this period that philosophers and politicians began to present voluntariness as specific to liberalism. By the same token, voluntariness and authoritarian rule have been declared incompatible. This introduction and the papers in the theme issue critically discuss the exclusive linkage of voluntariness and liberalism – an interpretation that fails to capture authoritarian governing in its entirety, while ignoring compulsory and exclusionary practices in liberal societies. This theme issue shows voluntariness to be essential to policies and political practices in both liberal and illiberal societies. Political practices are at the core of our articles: amid a web of actors, institutions, discourses, and expectations, the individual means and capacity to act voluntarily, make choices, and overcome constraints are historically and socially variable. The introduction and the theme issue explore this variability to illuminate how voluntariness operates as a driving force for political practices in liberal and illiberal societies, drawing on case studies from German, Swiss, and U.S.-American history in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.

Unraveling distinct potential of pea (Pisum sativum L.) fractions (legumin, vicilin and albumin) by structural and functional characterization

Limited and unclear research exists on the individual capacity of major fractions of pea protein legumin (PL), vicilin (PV) and albumin (PA), which collectively contribute to the structural and functional properties of pea protein. Findings revealed that PV (72.26 ± 2.6 %) and PA (57.42 ± 4.1 %) displayed better solubility compared to PL. PL fraction possessed a complex three-dimensional structure, higher surface hydrophobicity (So), and superior oil-holding-capacity (OHC) contributing to its 4-fold strength (8.58 ± 0.5 N) and structured gel formation. The smaller particle size of PA was also accountable for the comparatively weaker gels and unstable emulsions compared to PL, while PV had the least emulsifying capacity, by non-uniform droplet distribution in CLSM served as proof. PL was found to be responsible for gelation, emulsification, and foaming in pea protein due to structural factors (relative abundance of α-helix and β-sheet). While, the flexible structure of PV, absence of cysteine residues, and disulfide bridges played a role in characteristics like foaming stability. Some protein in PV gel was found loose and did not appear to participate in gelation, hence forming a significantly weaker gel than PL. Despite relatively less So and complex structure, albumin (PA) had a smoother but weaker gel, more consistent and a smaller droplet size distribution in emulsions (compared to PV). Nonetheless, this study aims to fill a forgotten gap by providing baseline knowledge on the individual fractions of pea protein, defining their roles and paving the path for future research focusing on structural and functional properties of pea protein.

The Relationship Between Physical Activity Level and Exercise Capacity and Respiratory Parameters in Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) detrimentally impacts individuals' exercise capacity and respiratory parameters depending on sensory, motor, and autonomic dysfunctions. Regular physical activity (PA) positively impacts cardiovascular health and pulmonary function in these individuals. This study determined the relationship between PA and exercise capacity and respiratory parameters in individuals with SCI. This cross-sectional study included 40 individuals with paraplegia. Assessments included the Physical Activity Scale for Individuals With Physical Disabilities (PASIPD), 6-min manual wheelchair propulsion test (MWPT6min), MWPT slalom test (MWPTslalom), 20-m MWPT propulsion test (MWPT20m), pulmonary function test (FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, and peak expiratory flow [PEF]), maximum inspiratory pressure (PImax), and maximum expiratory pressure (PEmax). Subjects' mean age and body mass index were 46 ± 13 y and 26.8 ± 5.2 kg/m2, respectively. PASIPD total score was significantly associated with MWPT6min (r = 0.657, P < .001), MWPTslalom (r = 0.403, P = .17) and MWPT20m (r = 0.477, P = .056), FEV1 (r = 0.552, P < .001), FEV1/FVC (r = 0.532, P = .02), PEF (r = 0.683, P = .004), PImax (r = 0.484, P = .01), and PEmax (r = 0.481, P = .16). However, PASIPD total score was not significantly associated with FVC (r = 0.168, P = .41). PA level influenced exercise capacity and pulmonary function in individuals with SCI and may play an important role in delimiting physical fitness.