Situational Factors Research Articles

Simulation of Pedestrian Behaviour in Traffic Situations Using Risk-Based A* Pathfinding

Abstract Fatally injured vulnerable road users, especially pedestrians who collided with motorised vehicles, account for 31% of all recorded fatalities in urban traffic in the EU. Autonomous vehicles will improve this situation in the future, reducing the impact of the human factor in critical traffic situations. The development of autonomous driving functions requires simulation environments to train certain behaviours. Consequently, these simulations need well represented vulnerable road users. In this paper, an approach for accurate prediction of pedestrian behaviour at street crossings is presented. The suggested solution involves an agent-based model working with A* pathfinding and risk-based areas, validated by a drone dataset on German road crossings.

Updating and Advancing Member-Checking Methods: Use of Video and Asynchronous Technology to Optimize Participant Engagement

Member checking enhances the trustworthiness and transformative potential of qualitative research. There are a variety of aims and approaches to reengaging with participants in sharing data or preliminary analysis and soliciting feedback through member checking. Published studies often lack descriptions of member-checking methods or outcomes, and there is a lack of research on the use of technologies for this purpose. Asynchronous video and internet-based technologies can be valuable tools to improve the accessibility, equity, effectiveness, and acceptability of member checking and foster increased engagement. This publication presents a detailed description of member checking in an exemplar study that used readily available technologies to create a video synopsis of preliminary findings and embed that video in a multimedia, mixed methods web-based survey which was emailed to participants. This member-checking method was purposefully selected to advance the specific research aims of the study, reflect the epistemological stance of the researchers and unique considerations of the study population, and address relevant situational factors to optimize participant engagement. This strategy facilitated wide, cost-effective, and timely distribution and resulted in a good response rate with rich feedback. Asynchronous technologies were a useful alternative to in-person or synchronous meetings to facilitate voluntary participation, foster reflection that deepened analysis, and capture multiple voices and perspectives. Findings from this research support the use of video and electronic survey technologies to enhance study credibility, address ethical and methodological challenges related to member checking, and increase equity and engagement. Future studies are needed to expand and refine integration of technologies into member checking to address diverse research aims, contexts, and study populations.

Situational Factors Impacting Harmful Behavior Towards Others Related to Mental Health in the Community and Their Associations: A Scoping Review Based on Systematic Reviews

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to identify factors associated with harmful behavior toward others based on existing research. Methods: This scoping review focused on individuals at risk of harming others due to mental health issues, with the target population encompassing three settings: the community, inpatient facilities with frequent admissions and discharges, and healthcare settings where medical treatment is sought. A scoping review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews. The terms violence, aggression, problem behavior, and workplace violence were used to search for related literature, subsequently selecting systematic reviews. Results: A total of 24 papers were ultimately included. From the included papers, background factors (demographic, personal history, and clinical aspects); situational factors (social connection status, daily life status); psychological factors; antecedents of harmful behavior; and triggers of harmful behavior were extracted as factors associated with harmful behavior. Conclusions: Our results indicate that background and situational factors lead to harmful behavior toward others, disruptions in the harmony between these factors cause disturbances in psychological processes, and harmful behavior toward others is triggered by stimuli that promote such behavior. Considering that all studies reviewed herein involved inpatients and forensic patients in medical settings, further research is required to identify the factors associated with harmful behaviors occurring in the community.

Childhood Maltreatment and Somatic Symptoms in Adulthood: Establishing a New Research Pathway.

Somatic symptoms, such as chronic pain, fatigue, and gastrointestinal disturbances, are commonly reported in individuals with a history of childhood maltreatment (CM), which includes various forms of abuse and neglect experienced before age 18. Although CM is strongly associated with somatic symptoms, the specific relationships between CM subtypes and these symptoms, as well as the mechanisms connecting them, remain insufficiently understood. This review examines the complex interaction between CM and somatic symptoms, which often coexist with mental disorders and significantly impact quality of life and healthcare systems. Somatic symptoms, frequently a mix of "explained" and "unexplained" conditions, are associated with personal distress and pose diagnostic challenges. CM has been linked to these symptoms through neurobiological mechanisms, such as HPA axis dysregulation and allostatic load, while theoretical models emphasize the roles of hyperawareness, cultural factors, and vulnerability in symptom development. However, existing research often fails to account for specific CM subtypes, the full range of somatic symptoms, and cultural and situational factors, leading to inconsistencies in findings. Bridging gaps in literature requires adopting the World Health Organization's CM subtype definitions and ICD-11 codes (MA00-MH2Y) to encompass a broader spectrum of somatic symptoms. Employing rigorous methodologies, such as systematic reviews and meta-analyses, is essential for advancing understanding. These approaches can enhance diagnostic accuracy, support tailored interventions, and promote a biopsychosocial framework for CM research, ultimately improving patient outcomes and alleviating societal burdens.

Mathematical modeling of the optimal tax trajectory of a commercial organization

Purpose: is to develop the mathematical model for quantitative assessment of the tax burden by building the tax trajectory of a commercial organization as the tool for optimizing tax payments.Methods: the presented concept is developed on the basis of mathematical modeling of related economic processes concerning the formation of the tax base of the large economic entity. The model is based on a differential equation that determines the dynamics of fixed assets in relation to the selected optimal tax trajectory of the company.Results: the authors propose an approach to the calculation of tax payments based on the construction of the optimal tax trajectory of an economic entity. The analysis of the impact of building the optimal tax trajectory on the efficiency of the organization’s activity was carried out. In this context, the number of principles for the construction of the optimal tax trajectory of the company are formed, allowing to take into account the interests of the taxpayers and the state in terms of the efficiency of resource allocation and stable budget replenishment. It’s revealed that in order to replenish the revenue part of the budget it’s possible to increase the tax burden of an economic entities, which doesn’t affect their financial position.Conclusions and Relevance: the proposed approach expands the instrumental apparatus for calculating tax payments from the position of both taxpayers and fiscal authorities. The construction of the optimal tax trajectory contributes to the adoption of targeted decisions regarding the increase or decrease of the tax burden of an economic entity in mutual accounting with the factors of the macroeconomic situation. This approach allows both to manage the revenue part of the budget and subsequently redistribute it to solve social problems or overcome the decline in business economic activity. At the micro level, this contributes to the synchronization of the organization’s taxation system and the financial results of its activities. The practical significance of this approach lies in the prospect of further development and scaling of the mechanism of building an optimal tax trajectory for a wider range of companies, including through various instruments of state financial support.

Honesty threshold affects individuals’ resistance to monetary temptations

This study investigated whether honesty is a stable trait or varies depending on situational factors. Using a coin flip guessing paradigm with monetary rewards, 33 participants completed trials with rewards ranging from 0.01 to 3 yuan. Modeling of behavioral data showed individuals have varying “honesty thresholds” where they switch from honest to dishonest behavior. EEG analysis revealed increased P300 amplitude when resisting greater monetary temptation, and individuals with higher honesty thresholds had lower P300 amplitudes for the same rewards. A late positive component indicated greater cognitive conflict when the reward amount neared an individual’s honesty threshold. These findings challenge the conception of honesty as a stable trait, instead demonstrating it varies based on contextual factors like reward size. Computational modeling and EEG provide insight into the cognitive processes underlying contextual shifts in honest behavior.

Risky behavior in virtual reality: The roles of personality, environment, and physiology.

Virtual reality (VR) provides a unique opportunity to simulate various environments, enabling the observation of human behavior in a manner that closely resembles real-world scenarios. This study aimed to explore the effects of anticipating reward or punishment, personality traits, and physiological arousal on risky decision-making within a VR context. A custom VR game was developed to simulate real-life experiences. The sample comprised 52 students (63.46% female) from the University of Novi Sad, Serbia. The study assessed four parameters within the VR environment: elapsed game time, number of steps taken, average score, and decision-making time. Three physiological signals, heart rate, skin conductance, and respiratory rate, were recorded. Results indicated that personality traits, specifically Fight (β = -0.33, p = 0.024) and Freeze (β = 0.431, p = 0.009), were significantly related to behavior in the VR environment (R = 0.572, R2_adj = 0.227, RMSE = 23.12, F(6, 40) = 3.25, p = 0.011). However, these effects were not significant after negative feedback. Emotional arousal, measured by respiratory rate amplitude (β = 0.276, p = 0.045), showed a more pronounced role after feedback (β = 0.337, p = 0.028). These findings indicate that personality traits primarily influence behavior in a VR environment prior to the actual threat, whereas environmental characteristics become more important afterwards. The results offer valuable insights for experimental and personality psychologists by revealing how risk-taking is influenced by situational, emotional, and personality factors. Additionally, they provide guidance for VR designers in creating more ecologically valid environments, highlighting VR's potential as a tool for psychological research, while also underscoring the critical importance of selecting objective VR measures to accurately capture the complexities of human behavior in immersive environments.

Parental stress and mental health among transgender parents

Background Parental stress impacts individual health and the development of the next generation, but there is a lack of comprehensive research on parental stress among transgender parents in China. This study is the first to investigate parental stress and mental health among transgender parents and identify potential influencing factors. Methods We designed a cross-sectional survey that recruited a representative sample of 647 transgender parents. A validated questionnaire was used to investigate parental stress, depression, anxiety, and their associated factors, including parent factors (gender dysphoria, time of coming out, depression, and anxiety) and situational factors (family violence, partner violence, relationship with partner, discrimination and family income). Linear regression models were used to explore the influencing factors of parental stress among transgender parents, a structural equation model (SEM) was established to explore the possible pathways between these factors and parental stress, and network analysis was conducted to determine primary symptoms and central risk factors. Results The average parental stress score was 50.4 ± 8.02. 92.7% of participants exhibited depressive tendencies and 73.7% showed anxiety tendencies. Lower family income (p < 0.001), coming out after having a child (Coefficient (Coef.) = 2.6, 95% confidential interval (CI) = 1.174 ∼ 4.027), family violence (Coef. = 3.582, 95%CI = 2.372 ∼ 4.791), partner violence (Coef. = 4.199, 95%CI = 2.998 ∼ 5.401), being discriminated during seeking of childbearing health care (Coef. = 3.29, 95%CI = 2.054 ∼ 4.526), poor relationship with partner (fair relationship: coef. = −3.205, 95%CI = −4.86∼−1.551; good relationship: coef. = −5.372, 95%CI = −6.886∼−3.858), depression (Coef. = 5.873, 95%CI = 3.557 ∼ 8.189), and anxiety (Coef. = 5.705, 95%CI = 4.368 ∼ 7.042) were significantly associated with higher parental stress. Through the pathway analysis, the direct or indirect effects of parent factors and situational factors on parental stress were observed. Additionally, network analysis revealed that gender dysphoria, family violence, psychological abuse, and various anxiety types as central risk factors, with two gender dysphoria symptoms showing the strongest direct relationship to stress. Conclusions Transgender parents experience significant parental stress influenced by mental health, sociodemographic, transgender-specific, family, and socio-environmental factors. Enhanced family support and a more inclusive social environment are crucial for reducing stress and improving the well-being of transgender parents and their children.

Driving Under the Influence of Allergies: The Effect of Seasonal Pollen on Traffic Fatalities

Traffic fatalities are the leading cause of mortality in the United States despite being preventable. While several policies have been introduced to improve traffic safety and their effects have been well documented, the role of transitory health shocks or situational factors at explaining variations in fatal traffic accidents has been understudied. Exploring daily variation in city-specific pollen counts, this study finds novel evidence that traffic fatalities increase on days in which the local pollen count is particularly high. We find that the effects are present in accidents involving private vehicles and occur most frequently on the weekends, suggesting potentially the missed opportunity to avoid these fatalities. We do not find similar effects for fleet vehicles. These findings remain robust to alternative specifications and alternative definitions of high pollen count. Taken together, this study finds evidence that a prevalent and transitory exogenous health-shock, namely pollen allergies, increases traffic fatalities. Given our lack of evidence of avoidance, these effects are not mechanical and are likely driven by cognitive impairments that arise as a result of seasonal allergies.

The Evolution of Government's Public Service Purchase Policy: A Historical Institutionalism Framework of Analysis

Public service innovation is the eternal theme of government management. Scientifically recognizing the change process, evolution logic and dynamic mechanism of the government's public service purchase policy is not only an important support for grasping the policy direction and optimizing the policy design, but also a realistic demand for promoting the quality and efficiency of public services and accelerating the modernization of the national governance system and governance capacity. Based on the analytical perspective of historical institutionalism, the government's purchase of public services in China has experienced three important stages: local exploration, standardized development, and deepening reform. Its historical evolution has been profoundly influenced by situational factors, institutional factors, path dependence, and key nodes. The demand for government function transformation and social governance mechanism innovation, as well as the need for service object needs change and public service supply model innovation, are the driving forces behind policy change. Looking ahead, the government's purchase of public services should focus on standardizing and adjusting the setting of guiding catalogs, improving the needs assessment of service purchase, perfecting the implementation process of service purchase, and strengthening the process supervision and evaluation of results, so as to promote the high-quality development of the government's purchase of public services.

Metacognitive processes, situational factors, and clinical decision-making in nursing education: a quantitative longitudinal study.

This study examined the longitudinal development of metacognitive skills and clinical decision-making abilities in nursing students, focusing on the interactions between metacognitive processes, situational factors, and individual differences. A longitudinal, quantitative design was employed, following 185 third-year nursing students from a major university in China over one academic year. Data were collected at six time points using the Metacognitive Awareness Inventory, Nursing Decision-Making Instrument, and custom-designed clinical scenario assessments. Latent Growth Curve Modeling, Multilevel Modeling, and Moderation Analysis were used to analyze the data. Significant positive growth trajectories were observed for both metacognitive awareness (mean slope = 0.07, p < .001) and decision-making skills (mean slope = 0.08, p < .001). Metacognitive regulation emerged as the strongest predictor of decision-making outcomes (β = 0.188, p < .001 for quality; β = 0.168, p < .001 for efficiency). Task complexity negatively impacted decision-making quality (β = -0.129, p < .001), while time pressure more strongly affected efficiency (β = -0.121, p < .001). Cognitive style and emotional intelligence moderated the relationship between metacognitive processes and decision-making outcomes. The effectiveness of metacognitive strategies in mitigating the negative effects of situational factors varied across individuals and over time. This study provides robust evidence for the complex interplay between metacognitive processes, situational factors, and individual differences in the development of clinical decision-making skills among nursing students. The findings highlight the importance of tailoring educational interventions to enhance specific metacognitive skills, particularly regulation, while considering the impact of situational factors and individual cognitive styles. These insights can inform the design of more effective, personalized approaches to nursing education, potentially enhancing the preparation of nursing students for the complexities of clinical practice.

Analysis of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Program in Preventing HIV/AIDS Based on the Health Policy Triangle

Background: Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an action to prevent HIV transmission using antiretroviral (ARV) drugs. During 2022, the PrEP program was implemented in 21 districts/cities as a trial limited to MSM and sex worker populations. This study aims to analyze the PrEP program in preventing HIV/AIDS using a health policy triangle approach that assesses the aspects of actor, context, content, and process. Methods: The study was performed using qualitative methods from electronic document searches. Results: The results of the analysis show that the actors in the PrEP program as HIV/AIDS prevention are the President, Legislative, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Internal Affairs, health office, community health centers, hospitals, non-governmental organization (NGOs)/HIV and AIDS care groups, HIV/AIDS key populations, correctional institutions, the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), and the Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPOM). The context of PrEP implementation in the form of situational factors is high HIV transmission within at-risk populations, structural factors are legal bases, cultural factors are patriarchal culture and MSM and sex workers which are still taboo, as well as international factors in the form of WHO policy. The policy process consists of problem identification, policy analysis, policy formulation, implementation, and program monitoring and evaluation. Conclusion: PrEP content regarding the aim of PrEP, targets, types of drugs used, how to get PrEP services, how to use the drugs, and how to monitor has been explained in the Technical Guidelines for PrEP Services made by WHO and adapted by the Indonesian Ministry of Health.

A Case Study of the Application of Expected Utility Theory to Everyday Decision Making

This paper reviews the current state of research on the application of expected utility theory in daily decision-making and explores the effectiveness and limitations of the theory in different decision-making scenarios by systematically sorting out and deeply analyzing application cases in several fields. As a classical decision theory, the core of expected utility theory is to guide rational decision-making by assessing the expected utility values of different choices. This paper reviews the applied research on expected utility theory by scholars at home and abroad in recent years in various fields, such as consumer choice, financial investment, health management, environmental policy, etc., and reveals its role and shortcomings in explaining and predicting decision-making behavior. This paper argues that expected utility theory provides an important theoretical framework for understanding everyday decision-making, but its applicability in practical applications is constrained by a variety of factors. Future research needs to further explore the modifications and extensions of the theory to better adapt to complex and changing decision-making environments. Decision makers should consider situational factors, personal preferences and theoretical limitations in practical applications, and flexibly use expected utility theory for decision analysis. This paper not only deepens the understanding of expected utility theory, but also provides new directions and ideas for subsequent research, which is of great significance in guiding the actual decision-making process.

A comparison of survival and behavior of lake whitefish following transmitter implantation using electro- or chemical immobilization

Abstract Background The number of telemetry studies focused on lake whitefish (Coregonus clupeaformis) in the Laurentian Great Lakes has steadily increased over the last decade, but field tests of immobilization methods used for tag implantation, which have the potential to affect survival and behavior of fish after release, are lacking. We compared post-tagging survival and behavior of lake whitefish that were immobilized for tag implantation using electroimmobilization via a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) unit or by chemical immobilization via exposure to 10% eugenol. Results Acoustic tags were implanted into 126 adult lake whitefish (N = 126; N = 67 TENS treatment group, N = 59 eugenol treatment group) collected from the Fox River, Wisconsin, during the spawning period in November 2021. We found no significant differences between treatments in the number of days that lake whitefish spent in the Fox River following tagging (TENS mean = 13.4 days, eugenol mean = 14.7), and also found that the proportions of fish within each treatment group that returned to the Fox River during fall 2022 (51% from TENS treatment group, 49% from eugenol treatment group) did not differ from the proportions for all fish that were confirmed to be alive at that time. The best Cormack–Jolly–Seber model indicated no differences in survival between the two treatment groups (monthly survival = 0.980, 95% CI 0.970–0.987). Fish immobilized using TENS underwent almost immediate induction and recovery from surgeries, while fish immobilized using eugenol had induction times that ranged 167–487 s (mean = 347 s) and recovery times that ranged 51–2358 s (mean = 1242 s). Conclusions Short- and long-term behavior (time to exit of Fox River, return to Fox River in the next spawning season) and monthly survival estimates of lake whitefish did not differ between the immobilization treatments. Either method may be suitable for immobilization during tag implantation, but the additional time needed for induction and recovery of fish when using eugenol may be a limiting factor in some field-based tagging situations.

Conflict Management in Nursing: Analyzing Styles, Strategies, and Influencing Factors: A Systematic Review.

This systematic review aimed to identify the most prevalent conflict management styles and strategies employed by nurses in clinical settings and to examine the factors associated with their selection. A comprehensive literature search was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. Databases searched included PUBMED, CINAHL, Medline, and ProQuest, focusing on articles published between 2014 and 2024. Inclusion criteria were primary data studies involving nurses, published in English. The search strategy utilized Boolean operators to combine keywords related to nursing, conflict management, and healthcare settings. A total of 174 articles were initially identified, with 22 meeting the inclusion criteria after screening. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Qualitative Assessment and Review Instrument Critical Appraisal Checklist. The results were synthesized using content analysis. The main findings from the 22 articles reviewed indicate that accommodation and collaboration/integration are the most common conflict management styles and strategies among nurses, with compromising also frequently employed. Factors such as age, experience, educational level, and workplace culture significantly influence the choice of conflict management strategies. Nurses employ a variety of conflict management strategies depending on the context, individual preferences, and situational factors. Effective conflict resolution is closely linked to collaboration and communication, with proactive strategies being more effective in preventing conflicts. The findings underscore the need for tailored conflict management training to enhance job satisfaction and work relations in nursing environments. We acknowledge several limitations that may affect the interpretation and generalizability of our findings such as the diversity of the tools and the methodologies used by the included studies.

EXPLORING THE TEMOKAN TRADITION IN JAVANESE WEDDINGS: AN ANTHROPOLINGUISTIC APPROACH

This study explores the textual, contextual, and non-contextual elements of the Temokan tradition, a vital aspect of Javanese traditional wedding ceremonies. Specifically, it examines the interplay between text, co-text, and context within these ceremonial performances. Data were collected through interviews with informants and analyzed using a descriptive qualitative method combined with an ethnographic approach. The research identifies 10 distinct performances and 10 associated texts, involving 8 types of objects classified based on their co-textual features. The co-text in the Temokan tradition includes material elements such as objects used in the ceremonies, the spatial arrangement and distance between participants, and gestures that convey symbolic meaning. Contextual elements encompass ideological, social, cultural, and situational factors, illustrating the depth and richness of the tradition. These elements are further embedded with values and norms, including religious, logical, ethical, and aesthetic dimensions. Norms such as etiquette, customary practices, legal expectations, and habitual behaviors further reflect the tradition's cultural significance. From an anthropolinguistic perspective, the study highlights key performances such as Gantalan Sadak, Wiji Dadi, Wiji Suku, Sindur Binayang, Pangkon Timbang, Tanduring Pengantin, Kacar-Kucur, Dahar Kembul, Martuwi, and Sungkeman. These performances encapsulate the symbolic, cultural, and social meanings that sustain the Temokan tradition's role in preserving Javanese identity and heritage. This research contributes to understanding how linguistic and cultural practices interweave in traditional ceremonies.

Сетевые нечеткие ситуационно-прецедентные модели систем управления сложными техническими объектами

The control of complex technical objects is often hampered by the lack of information necessary to build probabilistic models of the control process. An alternative approach is based on models in which elements of fuzzy set theory are used to identify an effective control strategy from the point of view of the selected criterion. The disadvantages of fuzzy situational models include the subjective nature due to the expert data used for their construction, as well as the inability to distinguish in sufficient detail the reactions of an object to the same control actions, which is most clearly manifested in complex technical objects, the functioning of which is influenced by many situational factors. The paper proposes an approach to the construction of fuzzy situational models based on precedents and allows for the ambiguity of the transition with the same control action from one situation to another in cases where it is impossible to ensure the stability of both the uncertainty factors of the external environment and the parameters of the object itself. The method of constructing models based on the consideration of accumulated historical data regarding the operated object is described. This principle largely eliminates the subjectivity inherent in expert methods. In addition, programs implementing the method are distinguished by significantly shorter execution time, which is important for process control systems. A Python program has been developed for conducting computational experiments. The verification, which was carried out using the example of a control system for a conveyor-type roasting machine, confirmed the operability of the proposed method and model.

Role of risk perception on trust, event impact experiences, and event support in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics during the COVID-19 outbreak

ABSTRACT The study of the risks associated with large-scale events has become increasingly prominent in recent decades. Recently, COVID-19 has emerged as an unexpected and unprecedented risk factor for hosting the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Risk perception is widely acknowledged as a significant factor in social exchange situations where individuals rely on one another. Trust plays a crucial role in simplifying complex scenarios and facilitating the acceptance of potential risks. However, few studies have investigated the association between trust/risk perception and event experiences/event support. This study examined the effect of Tokyo residents’ trust in event organizers and risk perception in the context of COVID-19 on their event impact experiences and event support during the Tokyo 2020 Olympics through panel data analysis (n = 938). Trust and risk were measured pre-event (T1; one month before), and event impact experiences and event support were estimated post-event (T2; two weeks after). The results indicated that trust had a positive relationship with positive event impact experiences/event support, and a negative relationship with negative event impact experiences and risk perception. Risk perception was positively associated with negative event impact experiences, and mediated the relationship between trust and negative event impact experiences. Furthermore, positive and negative event impact experiences mediated the association between trust and event support. Thus, we advanced social exchange theory by demonstrating that trust is a valuable predictor of increasing/decreasing the benefits/costs of events to residents, while confirming that risk perception increases the costs of the exchange process between the event organizer and residents in mega-sporting events.

A Methodological Approach for Assessing the Post-Fire Resilience of Pinus halepensis Mill. Plant Communities Using UAV-LiDAR Data Across a Chronosequence

The assessment of fire effects in Aleppo pine forests is crucial for guiding the recovery of burnt areas. This study presents a methodology using UAV-LiDAR data to quantify malleability and elasticity in four burnt areas (1970, 1995, 2008 and 2015) through the statistical analysis of different metrics related to height structure and diversity (Height mean, 99th percentile and Coefficient of Variation), coverage, relative shape and distribution strata (Canopy Cover, Canopy Relief Ratio and Strata Percent Coverage), and canopy complexity (Profile Area and Profile Area Change). In general terms, malleability decreases over time in forest ecosystems that have been affected by wildfires, whereas elasticity is higher than what has been determined in previous studies. However, a particular specificity has been detected from the 1995 fire, so we can assume that there are other situational factors that may be affecting ecosystem resilience. LiDAR metrics and uni-temporal sampling between burnt sectors and control aids are used to understand community resilience and to identify the different recovery stages in P. halepensis forests.

Wicked Questions and Perfect Storms Comment on "From Local Action to Global Policy: A Comparative Policy Content Analysis of National Policies to Address Musculoskeletal Health to Inform Global Policy Development"

Schneider and colleagues’1 paper "From Local Action to Global Policy: A Comparative Policy Content Analysis of National Policies to Address Musculoskeletal Health to Inform Global Policy Development" examines musculoskeletal (MSK) policies across 30 of the world’s most populous nations using an adapted World Health Organization (WHO) Health Systems Building Blocks (HSBB) framework. This commentary critiques the findings through a complexity theory lens, emphasizing the amplified wickedness of MSK health challenges, shaped by systemic, socioeconomic, situational, and medical factors. These interconnected elements create varying levels of complexity, making policy implementation increasingly difficult. The commentary calls for addressing funding gaps, promoting integrated care models, and adopting a life-course approach to align MSK policy with global priorities like healthy aging. It advocates for shifting from policy learning to culturally sensitive, actionable implementation, ensuring that MSK healthcare can be effectively delivered in diverse, complex health ecosystems. This approach is critical for fostering equitable and sustainable MSK health solutions globally.