Demand Intensity Research Articles

The Influence of Including Goalkeepers on the Intensity Demands of Walking Football Practice

This preliminary study examined the effects of playing walking football with and without a goalkeeper (GK) on physiological, physical, technical, and perceptual variables in older men. Twenty participants (67 ± 4.7 years) engaged in two five vs. five walking football sessions, one WITH-GK and one WITHOUT-GK, using a randomized crossover design. The heart rate (HR), distance covered, technical actions, perceived exercise intensity, and enjoyment were measured. The results showed a significantly higher average HR (131 bpm vs. 123 bpm, p < 0.001), %HRmax (79% vs. 74%, p < 0.001), and time in higher HR zones (>80%HRmax, p < 0.05) in the WITH-GK condition. Participants also covered more total distance in the WITH-GK condition (1123 m vs. 1083 m, p < 0.001), particularly at speeds above 4 km/h (834 m vs. 781 m, p < 0.001). Conversely, more passes were made in the WITHOUT-GK condition (20 vs. 16 passes, p < 0.001), while the WITH-GK condition showed more shots (two vs. one, p < 0.001). The perceived exercise intensity was slightly higher in the WITHOUT-GK condition (five vs. four, p = 0.01), although the enjoyment levels were similar, with a slight preference for WITHOUT-GK. Overall, playing WITHOUT-GK provides a safer, lower-intensity alternative to WITH-GK, reducing the physical and perceived strain while maintaining enjoyment. This makes WITHOUT-GK particularly suitable for older adults or individuals with health conditions, promoting participation and rehabilitation with minimized risks.

Rhythm of cognition: exploring Greek traditional dance's acute effects on children's executive functions

ABSTRACT This study examined the acute effects of a Greek traditional dance (GTD) lesson on school-aged children's executive functions (EFs), with a focus on the separate and combined effects of lesson intensity and cognitive demands. Ninety-three children were randomly assigned to one of four conditions, involving a 20-minute GTD lesson with varying intensity (high vs. low) and cognitive demands (high vs. low). EFs were assessed pre- and post-intervention, using the ANT for inhibitory control, Digits Backwards for working memory, and the How many - What number for cognitive flexibility. Results from (M)ANCOVAs, controlling for pre-test EFs scores, indicated that high cognitive demands groups demonstrated better accuracy in congruent trials for inhibitory control (F = 6.47, p = .013, η 2 = .07), while low-intensity groups exhibited better accuracy in switch trials for cognitive flexibility (F = 9.11, p = .003, η 2 = .09). No significant differences were observed for working memory. Although the GTD positively impacted inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility, most EF parameters did not significantly differ. Class duration, physical activity intensity and teaching method used might have affected the results and should be considered in future research on dance programs and children's EFs.

Machine learning-based prediction model for sports injury risk in biomechanics: A case study of joint injuries in basketball at a university in Xi’an

Basketball players are prone to joint injuries due to the sport’s high intensity and physical demands. Early prediction of injury risk is crucial for implementing effective prevention strategies. Incorporating biomechanics, this study focuses on basketball players at a university in Xi’an, China, aiming to develop a machine learning-based model to predict joint injury risk using easily collectable data such as training load, fatigue levels, and previous injury history. Considering regional differences, we observed that local and northern Chinese students are generally taller, while students from southern China are typically shorter. This anthropometric variation was included in our sampling and analysis. Utilizing data from 100 basketball players, the Random Forest algorithm achieved the best predictive performance with an accuracy of 85%. Key risk factors identified include high training load, elevated subjective fatigue scores, and a history of previous joint injuries. Additionally, biomechanical data were integrated to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of joint injuries, and the cellular responses to injury were explored. The results demonstrate that even with limited data types, machine learning methods can effectively predict joint injury risk among basketball players, providing a valuable tool for injury prevention.

Average and peak external demands according to opposition quality and opposition pace across a full season in semi-professional, male basketball players

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to quantify and compare the average external intensity and peak external demands experienced by basketball players between games facing opposition teams of different qualities and playing paces. External load variables were monitored in 11 semi-professional, male basketball players across 26 official games during a full in-season. Inertial movement units were used to measure average Player Load™ per minute (PL·min−1) across entire games and peak PL across any 30-s, 1-min, and 3-min epoch during games. Linear mixed models and Cohen’s d effect sizes were used to compare variables between games facing opposition teams clustered as low, medium or high quality (based on final season ranking) and playing pace (based on average number of possessions per game throughout the season). Significantly lower average PL·min−1 were apparent when playing high (p = 0.02) and medium-quality opponents (p < 0.05) compared to low-quality opponents, with non-significant (p > 0.05), trivial differences in peak PL between opponents of different qualities. Likewise, non-significant (p > 0.05) trivial – small differences were observed in average PL·min−1 and peak PL between opponents with different average playing paces. Playing higher-ranking opponents may reduce the average physical demands; however, opponent pace appears to exert minimal impact on average and peak external game demands.

Evaluating the association between alcohol sweetness preference, alcohol harm, and alcohol value.

Alcohol use disorder is prevalent, and various risk factors inform drinking onset and drinking patterns. Existing data suggest that alcohol sweet taste preference may be associated with harmful levels of alcohol use and alcohol-related harm. The present exploratory study aimed to characterize people's first alcohol use experience, probe the association between sweet taste preferences and drinking patterns over time, and evaluate the relationship between sweet taste preferences and behavioral economic variables. Participants (N = 277) were recruited through Prolific and completed an assessment of first alcohol exposure, current and historic drinking patterns, alcohol demand, and delay discounting. Participants reporting preference for less sweet alcohol beverages consumed the most drinks per week both currently and during their period of the heaviest use. Trends emerged such that rank order decreases in alcohol consumption were observed from those reporting transitioning from sweet to less sweet preference, then less sweet to sweet preference, and finally consistent sweet taste preference reporting the lowest consumption. Similar associations were observed for alcohol use disorder symptoms counts and alcohol demand intensity. These data broadly suggest that sweet taste preferences in alcohol consumption may serve as an important factor modulating patterns of alcohol use across the lifespan. In terms of translational implications, these data suggest that commonly used sucrose fades in preclinical research may reflect the trend in taste preferences of the majority of the population but do not mirror the typical onset (or course) of chronic, maladaptive drinking behaviors. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Impact of Gender on Ergonomic Challenges in Cardiothoracic Surgery: Inequities in Work-related Injuries

ObjectiveErgonomic challenges resulting in work-related injuries are highly prevalent, and women surgeons encounter more ergonomic difficulties and resultant injuries than men. Cardiothoracic surgery requires intense physical demands, and it is unknown how surgeon gender may impact these challenges. Therefore, we sought to explore the impact of gender on ergonomic-related issues faced by cardiothoracic surgeons. MethodsAn anonymous web-based survey was designed and administered via a web-based platform from 4/9/2024 to 4/25/2024. Survey items addressed demographic and anthropometric data, ergonomic difficulties, pain symptoms, and associated treatments related to ergonomics in the operating room. Comparative analytics were performed between genders. Results51 participants completed the survey, including 29 (56.9%) practicing cardiothoracic surgeons and 22 (43.1%) trainees. Respondents included 21 (41.2%) women. There was no difference in mean age by gender (40.5 versus 40.7, p=0.94). Women were shorter (65.3 versus 70.6 inches, p<0.01) with smaller hands (glove size 6.2 versus 7.4, p<0.01). Eighteen (85.7%) women surgeons compared to 20 (66.7%) men reported pain (p=0.23) Women more often reported impact on daily life (83.3%, n=15 versus 50.0%, n=10; p=0.06). Women frequently reported needing treatment (61.1%) and time off work due to injury (27.7%). Notably, 76.2% (n=16) of women attributed discomfort to instruments and/or operating room set-up, versus 36.7% (n=11) of men (p=0.01). ConclusionsThe impact of work-related pain on cardiothoracic surgeons is substantial, with evidence of gender differences in rates and severity. Emphases must be placed on limiting injuries for all, while specifically supporting the anthropometric diversity of our future workforce.

Policy Proposals for Mitigating Intensive Care Unit Strain: Insights from the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Intensive care unit (ICU) strain, characterized by a discrepancy between perceived or actual intensive care resources and demand, significantly impacts patient outcomes and healthcare worker well-being. The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic exacerbated ICU strain, leading to increased mortality and extended hospital stays, affecting both critically ill patients with and without COVID-19. A systematic review identified 16 leading and lagging indicators of ICU capacity strain, including queuing, premature and after-hours ICU discharge, use of temporary space, length of stay, burnout, staffing and nurse-to-patient ratio, ICU census, acuity and turnover, standardized mortality ratio, readmissions, availability of critical supplies, ventilator use, and surgery cancellation. However, variability in operational definitions and limited evidence regarding the reliability, validity, usability, and feasibility limit the value of single indicators for informed strategic planning and policy guidance. Regional and national policies and programs are essential to enhance real-time monitoring for effective management of critical care resources, and they mitigate the impact of ICU strain, facilitating complex interhospital transfers to reduce strain and ensuring comprehensive strategies for enhancing ICU resilience. Proactive regional cooperation is advocated for policy formulation, knowledge exchange, and resource allocation to anticipate and mitigate ICU strain, ensuring equitable healthcare access during global health crises. The policy implications for future preparedness emphasize the importance of evidence-based triage and adaptable patient management strategies alongside ethical considerations in resource allocation and the role of behavioral economic insights in optimizing resource utilization and collaborative healthcare practices. This multifaceted approach for addressing ICU strain comprehensively and effectively during a pandemic would promote health equity and enhance healthcare system resilience under both routine operations and crisis conditions.

Threatening and nurturing mental health: insights from Danish elite athletes on the dynamic interplay of factors associated with their mental health.

Numerous factors have been identified that potentially influence athletes' mental health. Given the predominant focus in the literature on athletes' mental health risk factors, our study aimed to explore elite athletes' perceptions of factors associated with their mental health and thriving based on the combination of holistic developmental and ecological approaches. Seven Danish international elite athletes representing diverse sports were interviewed twice. The initial interview delved into their retrospective perspectives on career and mental health development, while the subsequent interview, conducted two months later, centered on recent events. Thematic analysis yielded a map outlining four overarching themes. Elite sport was perceived as a (1) relentless performance context marked by rigorous demands, which evoked (2) personal reactions among athletes characterized by heightened expectations, self-blame, and anxiety. In response to these challenging demands, athletes have cultivated (3) coping resources and strategies over the course of their careers, such as self-reflection, emphasis on recovery, planning and prioritization skills, and passion for their sport. Nonetheless, the development of these resources and strategies was a gradual process, often informed by past experiences of mental health difficulties during adolescence. Additionally, they have found support for their mental health within a (4) nurturing environment consisting of supportive coaching, camaraderie among teammates, guidance from experts, and caring relationships. The findings of this study highlight the complex interplay of factors affecting mental health and emphasize the need for creating supportive environments that help athletes manage the intense demands of elite sport.

Greenhouse gas emission driving factors and reduction strategies for operational phase of urban rail transit in China

AbstractTo promote the sustainable development of urban rail transit (URT) in China, it is necessary to quantitatively analyze the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and its internal driving factors. Based on the LMDI algorithm, this research constructs an assessment model and makes a quantitative analysis of internal driving factors for GHG emissions in the operational phase of the URT system in China. According to the official investigated data, the GHG emission of URT in the operational phase is between 600 × 104 and 2000 × 104 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) per year from 2012 to 2023. The results of the driving factors decomposition showed that the passenger demand intensity was the key and positive factor affecting carbon emissions in the operational phase and the contribution rate was 12.93%–60.81% from 2013 to 2023. Therefore, it is necessary to formulate targeted policies in terms of management and technical means to reduce the average traveling distance demanded by passengers and reasonably control the scale of the line network for GHG reduction in the Chinese URT system.

The Impact of Seasonal Variation on Salivary Hormone Responses During Simulated Mountain Warfare

Military personnel routinely complete stressful training exercises in harsh environmental conditions to prepare for intense operational demands. Purpose: This study determined the effect of environmental conditions on salivary hormone profiles in Marines during a mountain warfare training exercise (MTX). Methods: Two cohorts of Marines (age 22 ± 4, height 174 ± 7 cm, body mass 79.2 ± 11.5 kg) completed an MTX (elevation 2100 to 3500 m) in the Fall (n = 63, temperature 11 ± 2 °C) and Winter (n = 64, temperature −5 ± 4 °C). Saliva samples were provided before (PRE), during (MID), and after (POST) the MTX, and were assayed for α-amylase, cortisol, DHEA, testosterone, and osteocalcin. Results: Linear mixed models were used to determine significant interactions (time × season) and found differences in DHEA, testosterone, and osteocalcin. Testosterone and DHEA were lower at MID compared to PRE and POST during the Fall MTX. Testosterone was higher at MID compared to PRE and POST during the Winter MTX, while DHEA remained stable. Osteocalcin was higher in Fall participants compared to Winter but demonstrated a similar trend to increase at MID and decrease at POST in both groups. Cortisol was higher during the Winter MTX compared to the Fall. Conclusions: These findings highlight the differential physiological stress responses in varying seasonal conditions, suggesting the need for tailored training strategies to enhance military readiness and prevent hormonal dysregulation. Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying these seasonal effects.

Does professional identity mediate the relationship between emotional labour and work engagement? A study with Portuguese police officers

Police officers work under demanding emotional, psychological and physical circumstances while interacting with victims, criminals and colleagues. They are faced daily with emotional demands to express positive emotions and, at the same time, are required to suppress negative emotions. Consequently, this influences the emotional regulation strategies (i.e., deep- or surface-acting) they choose to use, which impacts their professional identity and work engagement. We conducted a study to understand whether professional identity mediates the relationship between emotional labour (demands and strategies) and work engagement in a sample of Portuguese police officers. For this purpose, we used a set of four self-administered questionnaires: Emotional Work Requirements Scale (EWRS), Emotional Labour Scale (ELS), Social Identity Scale (SIS) and Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES). 924 police officers from the Portuguese Public Security Police (PSP) participated voluntarily. Our results show that there is a mediating effect of professional identity on the relationship between surface-acting strategies, positive emotion expression and negative emotion suppression demands, and work engagement. Professional identity fully mediates the relationship between negative emotion suppression demands and work engagement. Nevertheless, there seems to be no mediating effect of professional identity on the relationship between deep-acting strategies and emotional variety and intensity demands, and work engagement. To the best of our knowledge, no other study has analysed the aforementioned variables in Portuguese police forces. Meaning that our study is ground-breaking, with clear implications. Further research is needed on this subject to understand better the relationship among these variables in the police population.

The dual roles of empathy in mediating structural empowerment and compassion fatigue among Chinese nurses

BackgroundNurses in dynamic healthcare environments face escalating challenges that impact their efficacy and well-being. These challenges arise from both the increasing complexity of medical procedures and the intense emotional demands of caregiving, often leading to compassion fatigue. A global prevalence of burnout at 30.0% was observed over the past decade. This study examines the relationship between structural empowerment, empathy (cognitive and affective), and compassion fatigue among Chinese nurses. Understanding these relationships is crucial for developing strategies to mitigate compassion fatigue. It also contributes to enhancing nurses’ well-being.MethodsConducted at a public hospital in Shanghai, this cross-sectional study surveyed 305 nurses, with 277 valid responses. Structural empowerment was measured using the Conditions for Work Effectiveness Questionnaire-II, empathy with the Kiersma-Chen Empathy Scale, and compassion fatigue with the Compassion Fatigue Short Scale. We performed correlation and mediation analyses to explore the direct and indirect effects of structural empowerment on compassion fatigue through empathy.ResultsA significant negative direct effect of structural empowerment on compassion fatigue was evidenced by a coefficient of -0.165 (confidence interval: [-0.311, -0.013]). Further analysis revealed a negative indirect effect through cognitive empathy, indicated by an effect of -0.103 (confidence interval: [-0.220, -0.008]). Increased structural empowerment was linked to higher levels of cognitive empathy, which correlated with decreased compassion fatigue. Conversely, the mediation through affective empathy showed a positive indirect effect, indicated by an effect of 0.126 (confidence interval: [0.047, 0.229]). This suggests that higher structural empowerment was associated with increased affective empathy, leading to higher levels of compassion fatigue.ConclusionThe study illuminates the dual role of empathy within the framework of structural empowerment and its impact on compassion fatigue. Cognitive empathy serves as a protective factor, reducing susceptibility to compassion fatigue, while affective empathy appears to heighten vulnerability. These findings provide direct evidence supporting the dual processing pathways of empathy. It is recommended that healthcare policies integrate organizational support with targeted empathy training, such as cognitive reappraisal, emotion regulation, and peer support, to effectively counteract compassion fatigue among nurses. However, due to the cross-sectional nature and the single-hospital setting, the findings should be interpreted cautiously.

Reward deprivation is associated with elevated alcohol demand in emerging adults.

Policies vary substantially in terms of providing sources of psychosocial enrichment. Behavioral economic models of substance use and addiction emphasize that deficits in access to substance-free sources of reward increase substance reinforcing value and risk for addiction. The current study used an alcohol demand curve approach to test the hypothesis that various indices of reward deprivation would be associated with elevated alcohol reinforcing efficacy. We examined associations between alcohol demand indices and several facets of reward deprivation in a sample of young adults (N = 1,331; ages 19-25 years) recruited from the United States and Canada who reported recent binge drinking. Additionally, we created an index of cumulative reward deprivation that integrated the various reward facets and examined its association with alcohol demand intensity and maximum expenditure on alcohol. Our findings indicate that reward deprivation is associated with elevated alcohol demand and provide support for alcohol prevention and intervention approaches that emphasize environmental enrichment.

Evolution of WHO COVID-19 mask guidelines amid intense demands for rapid advice.

During a health emergency, there is an urgent need to rapidly develop guidelines that meet minimum quality standards, as exemplified by the development of WHO guidelines on mask use in health care and community settings during the COVID-19 pandemic. Between January 2020 and October 2023, WHO developed 21 guideline updates on the use of masks as part of infection prevention and control (IPC) practices. Guideline developers had to deal with an ever-growing volume of evidence of variable quality. Initially, indirect evidence drawn from other severe respiratory illnesses and established minimum requirements for IPC were used. As direct evidence began to emerge, WHO commissioned a living systematic review on mask use in June 2020, which formed the basis of evidence-to-decision making. As more evidence became available, additional considerations were incorporated into the process of recommendation formulation, including harms, acceptability, feasibility and resource use. Target populations for the mask guidelines expanded to include the general public, including children. A broad range of disciplines supported guideline development, including IPC, epidemiology, infectious diseases, occupational health, engineering, pneumology, paediatrics, and water, sanitation and hygiene, as well as civil society representatives. Additional expertise was engaged in the areas of ventilation and aerobiology to expand the range of perspectives regarding modes of transmission. Despite challenges, the experience of rapidly and regularly updating advice on mask use during an emergency health response has shown that it is possible to apply the minimum standards for ensuring the guideline methodology is trustworthy and transparent, with increasing rigor over time as evidence improves. Overall, the experience of developing guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic underscores the importance of adapting to evolving evidence, incorporating diverse perspectives, and maintaining transparency to ensure a rigorous methodology and in return guideline trustworthiness and effectiveness.

Using civically engaged research to understand the strategic dynamics of social media outreach

ABSTRACT Racial justice organizations often operate in contentious and volatile environments with intense resource demands. This reality was especially apparent in 2020, when a global pandemic, social uprisings, and a relatively provocative presidential election drastically altered racial justice organizations' capacity to engage with their constituents. This paper details how we, a team of political science researchers, applied civically engaged research (CER) principles in collaboration with two local racial justice organizations to understand the strategic dynamics of social media outreach, particularly during hostile and challenging times. This paper advances collective and practical understandings of how CER can proceed, particularly as researchers navigate complexities such as defining reciprocity and developing partnerships. Further, we present five main lessons learned throughout our CER process. Overall, we highlight how CER can improve collaborations with vulnerable communities navigating challenging political environments and how CER can better inform academic research on the strategic dynamics of social media outreach.

Do the sparser access points have less impact on arterial traffic? A microscopic simulation-based study

A dynamic microscopic traffic flow simulation within a ring arterial context was developed to investigate the effects of access point spacing on urban arterial flow under a right-in-right-out access management system. The microscopic traffic flow model, centered on car-following and lane-changing behaviors, was established based on vehicle interactions. The car-following aspect encompasses free driving, car-following behavior, and deceleration and braking states while lane-changing considerations include decision-making and acceptable gap assessment. Experimental scenarios account for arterial traffic density, access traffic demand intensity, average access point spacing, and variation coefficient of access point spacing. The traffic flow and speeds within the ring arterial were evaluated across 5040 operational conditions (equating to 5880 simulation hours). The traffic flow trends and speed variations with density across different access spacing scenarios were analyzed. We made an intriguing discovery: the impact on arterial traffic flow increases with larger average access point spacing, challenging conventional traffic planning recommendations that advocate for greater spacing. Additionally, access traffic minimally affects the overall arterial flow when arterial traffic volume is low. By highlighting these critical insights, this study introduces novel considerations for designing and managing access points.

Cardiac Structure and Function of Elite Australian Jockeys Compared to the General Population: An Observational Cross-Sectional Study.

Research highlights the intense physiological demands of thoroughbred racing on jockeys, with elevated heart rates and substantial oxygen uptake, confirming the rigorous physical nature of the sport, however, the cardiovascular changes resulting from the physical demands of thoroughbred racing remain unexplored in Australian jockeys. Therefore, the objective of this study was to compare measures of cardiac structure and function of professional Australian jockeys to that of the general population and to determine if there are differences in heart structure and function detected using echocardiography. Forty-six jockeys and thirty-three participants from the general population underwent two-dimensional echocardiography, which included all standard views and measurements. Each measurement was compared between groups using a Mann-Whitney U test. Groups were matched for age (jockeys (35 ± 12 years) and controls (36 ± 13 years)). Jockeys were shorter (1.64 ± 0.07m vs. 1.75 ± 0.09m, p < 0.001), lighter (56.5 ± 6.0kg vs. 74.2 ± 12.9kg, p < 0.001) and had a lower body surface area (BSA) (1.55 ± 0.17m2 vs.1.9 ± 0.2m2, p < 0.001). Jockeys had a larger absolute left ventricular (LV) end diastolic volume than the control group (120 ± 18.2ml vs.109.3 ± 29.0ml, p = 0.05) which had a larger variation when indexed for BSA (78.0 ± 12.2 ml/m2 vs. 57.5 ± 13.3 ml/m2, p < 0.001). Jockeys demonstrated a higher LV mass index (79.4 ± 18.1g/m2 vs. 64.2 ± 15.4g/m2, p < 0.001). Left atrial volume index was larger in jockeys (33.4 ± 6.5mL/m2 vs. 26.3 ± 7.0mL/m2, p < 0.001). There were no differences in global longitudinal strain (GLS) for either group overall (-19.3 ± 3.0% vs. -19.8 ± 1.6%, p = 0.52), but 17% of the jockey group demonstrated an abnormal GLS. Jockeys have adaptations to their cardiac structure and function compared to the general population. Differences could be attributed to chronic physiological demands of racing and should be considered in future research involving jockeys.

Balancing Duty, Stigma, and Caregiving Needs of People With Neurodevelopmental or Neurocognitive Disorders During a Public Health Emergency in South Asia: A Qualitative Study of Carer Experiences.

Individuals with neurodevelopmental and/or neurocognitive disorders (NNDs) have complex, long-term care needs. In Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan, informal carers shoulder the responsibility and strain of providing care for people with NNDs. Intense care demand, societal and cultural care expectations, and lack of support infrastructure often lead to psychosocial strain in this inadequately researched community, particularly during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. This study explored and identified specific features of the coping styles exhibited by informal carers of people with NNDs from Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan during the COVID-19 pandemic. Between June and November 2020, 245 carers in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh responded to open-ended questions in the CLIC (Coping with Loneliness, Isolation, and COVID-19) survey. A reflexive thematic analysis was conducted to uncover theunderlying themes and identify coping strategies and stressors. A frequency analysis was performed to examine the associations between these themes and carer nationality. Significant tests identified coping styles. We identified three coping styles: religiosity (Pakistan), caregiving as a natural life path (Bangladesh), and self-care (India). The religiosity and natural life path styles reside on the fatalism/acceptance continuum and suggest an insight-oriented therapeutic approach. Self-care is a problem-solving strategy that calls for a behaviorally oriented approach. Family overreliance on the carer was a concern across all three groups. The findings underscore the need for accessible support pathways to sustain care standards, ensuring the well-being of carers and care recipients.

Emerging Advances around Nanofluidic Transport and Mass Separation under Confinement in Atomically Thin Nanoporous Graphene.

Membrane separation stands as an environmentally friendly, high permeance and selectivity, low energy demand process that deserves scientific investigation and industrialization. To address intensive demand, seeking appropriate membrane materials to surpass trade-off between permeability and selectivity and improve stability is on the schedule. 2Dmaterials offer transformational opportunities and a revolutionary platform for researching membrane separation process. Especially, the atomically thin graphene with controllable porosity and structure, as well as unique properties, is widely considered as a candidate for membrane materials aiming to provide extreme stability, exponentially large selectivity combined with high permeability. Currently, it has shown promising opportunities to develop separation membranes to tackle bottlenecks of traditional membranes, and it has been of great interest for tremendously versatile applications such as separation, energy harvesting, and sensing. In this review, starting from transport mechanisms of separation, the material selection bank is narrowed down to nanoporous graphene. The study presents an enlightening overview of very recent developments in the preparation of atomically thin nanoporous graphene and correlates surface properties of such 2D nanoporous materials to their performance in critical separation applications. Finally, challenges related to modulation and manufacturing as well as potential avenues for performance improvements are also pointed out.

Psychosocial Work Factors, Job Stress, and Self-Rated Health Among Hotel Housekeepers.

Hotel housekeeping is widely recognized as a poor-quality job due to its high demands and limited resources. Hotel housekeepers (HHs) face both hard physical work and mentally demanding conditions, yet psychosocial factors in this feminized and precarious occupation remain under-researched. To address this gap, this study examines HHs' exposure to psychosocial factors at work and their impact on job stress and self-rated health. A cross-sectional survey of a random sample of 926 HHs in the Balearic Islands (Spain) assessed job stress, self-rated health, psychosocial factors (job demands and resources), and sociodemographic variables using the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire II (COPSOQ-II) and the National Health Survey. Descriptive analysis and hierarchical linear regression models were applied. The prevalence of job stress was 61.1% (95% confidence interval [CI] = [57.8%, 64.1%]), while the prevalence of poor self-rated health was 59.9% (95% CI = [56.6%, 62.9%]). Hotel housekeepers were highly exposed to job demands such as intense work pace, job-specific stressors, work-life conflict, and emotional demands; highly available job resources were role clarity, task meaning, and social support. Regression models revealed work pace, work-life conflict, nationality, and weak leader support as key predictors of job stress; and work-life conflict and leadership quality as key predictors of self-rated health. Although considered an eminently physical job, psychosocial work factors play a key role in explaining HHs' job stress and self-rated health. Occupational health professionals should design workplace interventions to reduce work pace, mitigate work-life conflict, and enhance resources such as leader support, sense of community, and leadership quality.