Mobility Capacity Research Articles

Does ridesourcing respond to unplanned rail disruptions? A natural experiment analysis of mobility resilience and disparity

Urban rail transit networks provide critical access to opportunities and livelihood in many urban systems. Ensuring that these services are resilient (that is, exhibiting efficient responses to and recovery from disruptions) is a key economic and social priority. Increasingly, the ability of urban rail systems to cope with disruptions is a function of a complex patchwork of mobility options, wherein alternative modes can complement and fill occurring service gaps. This study analyzes the role of ridesourcing in providing adaptive mobility capacity that could be leveraged to fill no-notice gaps in rail transit services, addressing the question of distributional impacts of resilience. Using a natural experiment, we systematically identify 28 major transit disruptions over the period of one year in Chicago and match them, both temporally and spatially, with ridesourcing trip data. Using multilevel mixed modeling, we quantify variation in the adaptive use of on-demand mobility across the racially and economically diverse city of Chicago. Our findings show that the gap-filling potential of adaptive ridesourcing during rail transit disruptions is significantly influenced by the station-, community-, and district-level factors. Specifically, greater shifts to ridesourcing occur during weekdays, nonholidays, and more severe disruptions, in community areas that have higher percentages of white residents and transit commuters, and in the more affluent North district of the city. These findings suggest that while ridesourcing appears to provide adaptive capacity during rail disruptions, its benefits do not appear to be equitable for lower-income communities of color that already experience limited mobility options. Research implications for mobility operator collaborations to support mobility as a service are discussed. This study builds a more comprehensive understanding of transit service resilience, variation in vulnerability, and the complementarity of ridesourcing to existing transport networks during disruptions.

Genotypic capacity of post-anthesis stem reserve mobilization in wheat for yield sustainability under drought and heat stress in the subtropical region.

Wheat productivity is severely affected by drought and heat stress conditions worldwide. Currently, stem reserve mobilization (SRM) is receiving increased attention as a trait that can sustain wheat yields under adverse environments. However, the significance of SRM in sustaining wheat yields under drought and heat stress conditions remains uncertain in the tropical climate of Indo-Gangetic Plain region. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate genotypic variations in SRM in wheat and their influence on yield sustainability under drought and heat stress environments. The experiment was designed in an alpha-lattice layout, accommodating 43 genotypes under four simulated environments [timely sown and well irrigated (non-stress); timely sown and water-deficit/drought stress; late-sown and well-irrigated crop facing terminally high temperature; and late-sown and water-deficit stress (both water-deficit and heat stress)]. The water-deficit stress significantly increased SRM (16%-68%, p < 0.01) compared to the non-stress environment, while the heat stress conditions reduced SRM (12%-18%). Both SRM and stem reserve mobilization efficiency exhibited positive correlations with grain weight (grain weight spike-1) under all three different stress treatments (p < 0.05). Strong positive correlations between stem weight (at 12days after anthesis) and grain weight were observed across the environments (p < 0.001); however, a significant positive correlation between stem weight and SRM was observed only with stress treatments. Results revealed that the SRM trait could effectively alleviate the impacts of water-deficit stress on yields. However, the SRM-mediated yield protection was uncertain under heat stress and combined water-deficit and heat stress treatments, possibly due to sink inefficiencies caused by high temperature during the reproductive period. Defoliated plants exhibited higher SRM than non-defoliated plants, with the highest increment observed in the non-stress treatment compared to all the stress treatments. Results revealed that wider genetic variability exists for the SRM trait, which could be used to improve wheat yield under drought stress conditions.

Physical activity in young children across developmental and health states: the ActiveCHILD study.

Evidence about physical activity of young children across developmental and health states is very limited. Using data from an inclusive UK cohort, ActiveCHILD, we investigated relationships between objectively measured physical activity, child development, social context, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Children (12-36 months), purposively sampled across health pathways, developmental abilities, and sociodemographic factors, were recruited through thirteen National Health Service organisations in England. Data were collected from 07/2017 to 08/2019 on: weekly physical activity (3-7 days) using waist-worn accelerometer (ActiGraph 3GTX); sociodemographics, parent actions, child HRQoL, and child development using questionnaires; and child health conditions using clinical records. A data-driven, unsupervised method, called hidden semi-Markov model (HSMM) segmented the accelerometery data and provided estimates of the total time spent active (any intensity) and very active (greater intensity) for each child. Relationships with the explanatory factors were investigated using multiple linear regression. Physical activity data were obtained for 282 children (56% females, mean age 21 months, 37.5% with a health condition) covering all index of multiple deprivation deciles. The patterns of physical activity consisted of two daily peaks, children spending 6.44 (SD=1.39) hours active (any intensity), of which 2.78 (SD=1.38) hours very active, 91% meeting WHO guidelines. The model for total time active (any intensity) explained 24% of variance, with mobility capacity the strongest predictor (β=0.41). The model for time spent very active explained 59% of variance, with mobility capacity again the strongest predictor (β=0.76). There was no evidence of physical activity explaining HRQoL. The findings provide new evidence that young children across developmental states regularly achieve mainstream recommended physical activity levels and challenges the belief that children with development problems need lower expectations for daily physical activity compared to peers. Advancing the rights of all children to participate in physical activity requires inclusive, equally ambitious, expectations for all. Niina Kolehmainen, HEE/NIHR Integrated Clinical Academic Senior Clinical Lecturer, NIHR ICA-SCL-2015-01-00, was funded by the NIHR for this research project. Christopher Thornton, Olivia Craw, Laura Kudlek, and Laura Cutler were also funded from this award. Tim Rapley is a member of the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration North East and North Cumbria, with part of his time funded through the related award (NIHR200173). The views expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the NIHR, NHS, or the UK Department of Health and Social Care. The work of Kianoush Nazarpour is supported by Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), under grant number EP/R004242/2.

Mechanism changing iron solubility and oxidative potential associated with PM2.5 during outdoor-to-indoor transport

Water-soluble transition metals are more bio-accessible than insoluble particulate matter (e.g., PM2.5) components and can contribute to PM2.5 oxidative potential, a metric that has been linked to air pollution health impacts. Fifteen pairs of indoor-outdoor PM2.5 samples were collected outdoors and in unoccupied rooms to examine change of iron solubility and dithiothreitol-based oxidative potential of PM2.5 during outdoor-to-indoor transport. Changes of relative humidity (ΔRH = RHin/RHout - 1) and aerosol acidity (ΔpH = pHin/pHout - 1) together were found to modify iron solubility (ΔS = Sin - Sout) during outdoor-to-indoor transport. Multiple linear regression was performed to examine relationship between ΔRH, ΔpH and ΔS, resulting in a statistically significant correlation (correlation coefficient of 0.68 and P value < 0.05). This correlation coefficient is higher than that for ΔRH or ΔpH alone (0.40 between ΔRH and ΔS and −0.32 between ΔpH and ΔS). This supports that during outdoor-to-indoor transport, increases in RH lead to increases in water content in PM2.5, increasing the amount of iron in the aqueous phase, and decreases in pH would lead to stronger metal mobilization capacity. These two factors together explain the change of iron solubility during the transport process. A correlation coefficient of 0.67 was also found between ΔRH and ΔpH and changes in intrinsic oxidative potential (OPM) of PM2.5, further corroborating the combined role of relative humidity and aerosol acidity in driving change of iron solubility and OPM of PM2.5 during outdoor-to-indoor transport.

The political economy of hipsters in Kazakhstan: mobilization, hybridity and class

ABSTRACT This article analyzes the political subjectivity of hipsters in Kazakhstan, the dynamics of their political mobilization, how they are influenced by global flows, and their constitution within broader issues of class. By conceptualizing hipsters as cultural hybrids who use tactics of everyday resistance and détournement in challenging the authoritarian regime in the country, the work eschews conventional approaches to the study of political mobilization in Central Asia by looking beyond ethnic, religious, and informal movements and instead focusing on this new creative class. The analysis reveals the paradox of hipsters in that they both challenge the regime through détournement, while also being the main beneficiaries of the regime’s neoliberalism. Drawing on semi-structured interviews with young people in Kazakhstan, the essay finds that hipster capacity for successful mobilization is limited because they struggle to draw support from wider society as a consequence of their focus on ideational rather than material politics.

Timed up and go test associated and may predict peak vo2

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Main funding source(s): No funding. Background the Timed Up And Go test (TUG) is a form of mobility and functional capacity evaluation, but is still not well studied in cardiac patients. Objective test TUG association and prediction capacity for peak VO2. Methods cross sectional study. Patients with cardiophaties, admitted to a cardiac rehabilitation facility, who were submitted to TUG and a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET). Pearson correlation, multiple linear regression, ROC curves and Bland-Altman analysis were applied. From the total 2/3 were designated to the creation and 1/3 to the validation population. A p value &amp;lt; 0.05 was admitted as significant. Results 201 patients, mean age of 67±13 years, 30% were female, 70% had ischaemic cardiopathy. Heart failure was present in 30%, 53% were NYHA I, 37% NYHA II, the mean left ventricle ejection fraction was 56±16%. Mean peak VO2 was 17±6 ml.kg-1.min-1 and mean TUG was 7±2.5 seconds (s). The correlation between TUG and peak VO2 was: r= -0.53 (IC95%= -0.62 -0.42; p&amp;lt;0.001) with a R² of 0.28. The AUC to predict a peak VO2 ≥20 ml.kg-1.min-1 based on TUG was 0.80 (IC95% 0.74-0.86; p&amp;lt;0.001) and the best cut point ≤5.47s (sensitivity 83% and specificity 63%). Based in 134 patients (2/3 of the total), the following equation was described to peak VO2 prediction based in TUG results: peak VO2= 33.553+ (-0.149*age) + (-0.738*TUG) + (-2.870*sex); male=0, female=1. In the validation population (1/3 of the total), the peak VO2 estimated by TUG was 18.8±3.2 ml.kg-1.min-1 and the CPET measured was 18.1±5.9 ml.kg-1.min-1 (p &amp;gt; 0.05). Conclusion TUG and peak VO 2 were moderately but significantly associated. A equation to predict peak VO2 based on TUG was described and validated with good performance. Achieving 5.47s or less in TUG was related levels of peak VO2 that are related to better prognosis.

Application of T4,4,4-graphyne for anode of Na-ion battery: first principle theoretical study

ABSTRACT The sodium (Na) storage behaviour of T4,4,4-graphyne of two-dimensional porous carbon sheet is explored using the density functional theory (DFT). The energy of adsorption and barrier, storage capacity, and open-circuit voltage are calculated. The calculations predict that Na atom is extraordinary mobile on T4,4,4-graphyne monolayer as a result of the relatively slight energy barrier. The Na storage capacity is as high as Na8C9, which exceeds the values reported for graphite and some other two-dimensional carbon-based materials. The high Na mobility and theoretical capacity make T4,4,4-graphyne monolayer suitable for implementation in rechargeable ion batteries. The electronic properties are also studied to ensure that T4,4,4-graphyne is suitable for Na-ion batteries as an anode material, and they revealed that semiconductor–metal transition is induced by Na adsorption. The favourable electronic conduction is another demand for promising Na-ion batteries. These results predict that the application of T4,4,4-graphyne sheet will increase efficiency of the Na-ion batteries.

Urban mobility injustice and imagined sociospatial differences in cities

Cities today are confronted with pressing issues of mobilities - not only concerning greener movement but also more just movement. This article explores the physical and imaginary aspects of urban mobility injustice and its (re)production through a study of two neighbourhoods in Copenhagen. It examines the interplay between city dwellers' experiences of (im)mobility and the social and spatial structure of neighbourhoods that shape and are simultaneously shaped by images of these places. Through interviews and focus groups, residents' mobility capacity and mobility providers' decision-making are scrutinised. The study demonstrates that residents' experiences of mobility vary remarkably between places in a relatively equal city, and this is intensified by territorial images of being deprived. The paper argues that paying attention to neighbourhoods' sociospatial composition in relation to their internal and external reputation helps to understand experiences of mobility injustice and how such injustice is reproduced in planning decisions.

Comparative analysis of the activities of emergency hospitals in the «covid» period

INTRODUCTION: The pandemic of a new coronavirus infection has become a serious test of our country’s health care system. OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY: Analysis of the dynamics of the performance of emergency hospitals during the pandemic of a new coronavirus infection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The material was the data of federal state statistics (sources - FSN No. 14 and 30, 2019- 2021) of 2 multidisciplinary hospitals operating in ambulance hospitals (24/7/365), which have fundamental structural and functional features related to the availability of beds for patients with COVID-19. Regulatory, statistical (analysis of averages using parametric T-test and one-way-ANOVA analysis of variance, Spearman correlation analysis) and analytical methods (analysis, synthesis, comparison) were used. RESULTS: For a hospital with deployed beds for patients with COVID-19, there was a characteristic decrease in volumetric performance indicators: the number of patients in the admission department (by 61.7 %), non-hospitalized patients (by 82.2 %) and patient refusals from hospitalization (by 83.6 %), the number of outpatients (by 77.7 %), the number of discharged patients (by 17.7 %), carried out by patients bed-days (2.9 %), patient re-hospitalizations (96.1 %). For a hospital that was not re-profiled for COVID-19, there was a slight increase in visits (+ 1.4 %) with a decrease in the number of discharged patients (-22.8 %) and spent bed days (-12.4 %), an increase in the number of non-hospitalized patients (by 34.2 %) and the volume of care on an outpatient basis (+ 22.7 %), the number of re-hospitalized patients increased (+ 55.5 %). In hospitals, there was an increase in the number of patients who died (by 154.8 % and 29.2 %, respectively), including those with respiratory diseases (by 433.3 % and 145.5 %, respectively). DISCUSSION: Two multidisciplinary emergency hospitals had significant differences in the organization of their work in the period 2019-2021, due to the re-profiling of beds for receiving infectious patients (for patients with COVID-19) and the assignment of additional volumes of specialized non-infectious medical care to the non-redesigned multidisciplinary hospital. CONCLUSION: Currently, multidisciplinary emergency hospitals require the development of new models and principles for organizing the medical and diagnostic process, providing for the deployment of inpatient emergency departments, mobile bed capacity, infectious beds, development of algorithms for admission and triage of patients, reduction of unreasonable and non-core hospitalization, increasing the availability, efficiency and quality of medical care, which will increase the readiness to work in emergency situations of such a pandemic with a new coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

Dauer larva-derived extracellular vesicles extend the life of Caenorhabditis elegans

There is growing evidence that extracellular vesicles (EVs) play a functional role in tissue repair and anti-aging by transferring the contents of donor cells to recipient cells. We hypothesized that Dauer (C. elegans), known as “ageless” nematodes, can also secrete extracellular vesicles and influence the lifespan of C. elegans. Here, we isolated EVs of dauer larvae (dauer EVs). Dauer EVs were characterized using transmission electron microscopy, nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), and Western blot analysis. Wild-type C. elegans were fed in the presence or absence of dauer EVs and tested for a range of phenotypes, including longevity, mobility and reproductive capacity. Results showed that dauer EVs increased the average lifespan of nematodes by 15.74%, improved mobility, slowed age-related pigmentation as well as body length, and reduced the accumulation of reactive oxygen species and lipids, while not impairing nematode reproductive capacity. These findings suggest that dauer EVs can extend the lifespan of C. elegans as well as the healthy lifespan by reducing ROS accumulation, with potential anti-aging capacity.

The VR leadless pacemaker: Results of an expert panel using the RAND/UCLA method.

Leadless pacemakers were developed to reduce complications associated with transvenous pacemaker implantation and long-term follow-up. Existing international guidelines lack detailed instructions on patients suitable for leadless pacemaker implantation. Our aim was to develop a consensus document that provides medical guidance for all health professionals involved in the indication and implantation of Transcatheter Pacing System single-chamber device (VR leadless) pacemakers for patients with atrial fibrillation or in sinus rhythm. A panel of experts, including interventional and non-interventional cardiologists, used the Research ANd Development/University of California at Los Angeles (RAND/UCLA) method to rate the appropriateness of leadless pacemaker implantation for 64 scenarios in patients with atrial fibrillation and 192 scenarios in sinus rhythm. The scenarios were rated individually and again during a moderated group session. Median ratings and level of agreement were calculated to classify each scenario as appropriate, inappropriate, or questionable. This consensus statement, based on available literature and the experts' opinions, summarizes recommendations for standardizing and optimizing leadless pacemaker implantation. The limitation for vascular access via the superior vena cava was the most influential variable when indicating leadless pacemaker implantation in both patients with atrial fibrillation and patients in sinus rhythm. Life expectancy, risk of infection, prosthetic valve, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), limitation for vascular access via the superior vena cava, and mobility and exercise capacity determine who is advised to undergo VR leadless pacemaker implantation. More prospective studies are needed to optimize existing recommendations.

Musculoskeletal Fitness for Identifying Low Physical Function in Older Women.

This cross-sectional study aimed to analyze the relevance of musculoskeletal fitness for identifying low physical functioning in community-dwelling older women. Sixty-six older women (73.62 ± 8.23 yrs old) performed a musculoskeletal fitness assessment of the upper and lower limbs. A handheld dynamometer was used to evaluate upper-limb muscle strength through a handgrip (HG) test. Lower-limb power and force were assessed from a two-leg countermovement vertical jump (VJ) on a ground reaction force platform. Physical functioning was assessed subjectively using the Composite Physical Function (CPF) questionnaire and objectively by daily step count measured by accelerometry and gait speed/agility assessed by the 8-Foot Up-and-Go (TUG) test. Logistic regressions and ROC curves were carried out to define odds ratios and ideal cutoff values for discriminatory variables. VJ power showed the ability to identify low physical functioning when evaluated through the CPF (14 W/kg, 1011 W), gait speed/agility (15 W/kg, 800 W), or daily accumulated steps (17 W/kg). Considering that VJ power was normalized for body mass, the increase of 1 W/kg corresponds to a decrease of 21%, 19%, or 16% in the chance of low physical functioning when expressed by these variables, respectively. HG strength and VJ force did not show a capacity to identify low physical functioning. The results suggest that VJ power is the only marker of low physical functioning when considering the three benchmarks: perception of physical ability, capacity for mobility, and daily mobility.

Source and sink traits and their relationship under deficit soil moisture stress conditions in an indeterminate crop: sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)

ABSTRACT Sesame is an indeterminate oilseed crop where yield is determined by source and its capacity for synthesis and mobilization of photosynthates. Knowledge of the existing relation between source and sink and its validation under deficit soil moisture conditions is limited in sesame. Therefore, experiments were conducted using 25 sesame genotypes with differing plant architecture in terms of branching pattern (mono to multiple) and leaf area (minimum to maximum) under both irrigated (IR) and deficit soil moisture stress (DS) conditions for two consecutive years 2021 and 2022. The variations existing among the source and sink traits were measured, and the ANOVA of the measured traits revealed a significant differences among the genotypes for source traits, viz. leaf area, stem and leaf dry weight, net photosynthesis, total dry matter and their relationship with sink, i.e. seed yield under IR and DS conditions, and it was further confirmed using regression analysis. The results showed, certain source traits viz., stem dry weight and total dry matter at seed filling stage were positively associated with seed yield at both IR and DS conditions. Additionally, cluster analysis showed that the genotypes IC 54039-B-1 and SI 1802 had a proportional leaf area with good seed yield and displayed a better source and sink relationship, highlighting the fact that photosynthates were efficiently translocated to the sink. The genotypes IC 54039-B-1 and SI 1802 outperformed IR under DS with minimal yield differences and optimal leaf weight, total dry matter, and plant stem weight. These genotypes with better source and sink relationships can be used in sesame crop improvement programmes.

Needs assessment survey for enhancing United States child agricultural injury prevention capacity: Brief report.

The dissemination of childhood agricultural safety and health information and resources through organizations that farmers trust enhances implementation and the Socio-Ecological Model can help identify these organizations. However, to become effective partners in improving agricultural health and safety, organizations need to build capacity in child agricultural safety and health, thus, more information is needed about these organizations' current practices, needs, and capacity for leadership, policy makers, and knowledge mobilization. An online survey was administered to organization leaders with an interest in child agricultural injury prevention, chosen through agricultural health and safety organization membership lists. Invitations to participate in the online survey were mailed to 95 organization leaders with three weekly reminders, resulting in participation from 50 organization leaders (53% response rate). Respondents indicated a high level of awareness of child agricultural injuries, yet few were actively engaged in injury prevention. When asked about "needs" for building capacity in injury prevention, over half (56%) identified a need for more promotion and dissemination of safety resources and strategies, including ATV safety, no extra riders on equipment, and keeping young children out of the worksite. The only topic that more than half of the organizations (54%) identified as "needing more information" was childhood agricultural injury surveillance. This assessment yielded valuable details for identifying opportunities, priorities, and topics for future collaborations and capacity building. Findings help inform national and international planning committees' work, such as the next iteration of a US National Action Plan for Childhood Agricultural Injury Prevention, scheduled for release in 2024.

Multimodal Program Effectiveness on Hepatic Fat Mobilization and Functional Capacity among Patients with Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver

Multimodal Program Effectiveness on Hepatic Fat Mobilization and Functional Capacity among Patients with Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver

Factors Related to Community Preparedness in Dealing with a Mountain Disaster Erupting: A Literature Review

Indonesia is an archipelagic country with the longest volcano in the world. Indonesia has 127 active volcanoes or about 13% of the world's active volcanoes in Indonesia. That makes this country has the largest number of volcanoes in the world. To prevent the occurrence of many casualties during a volcanic disaster, community preparedness is needed in dealing with disasters. Therefore, this study wants to know the factors related to community preparedness in dealing with volcanic eruption disasters based on a literature review. There are several search engines to find relevant journal articles, including Google Scholar, Proquest, and Pubmed, then established inclusion and exclusion criteria using the PICOS method to select and evaluate the quality of papers related to the topic. The search keywords employed were "preparedness factors" and "volcanic eruptions" for Google Scholar and "preparedness factors" and "volcano eruption" for ProQuest and PubMed. The journal article search instrument or tool used is zetero. Through study literature, it shows that there are factors related to the community's preparedness to face a disaster of volcano eruptive; It is the factor of knowledge and attitude. There are several differences in the research findings for knowledge and attitude factors. One researcher establishes a link between preparedness and knowledge and attitudes, and several knowledge and attitude studies do not discuss the link between community preparedness and volcanic eruptions. Meanwhile, there is no mention of the relationship between community preparedness and volcanic eruptions in the policy and guiding considerations, disaster plans, early warning systems, or resource mobilization capabilities. There is a link between knowledge and attitudes toward community preparedness to face a volcanic eruption. In contrast, from 6 articles, there was no discussion about the relationships between policy factors and guidelines, disaster plans, early warning systems, and resource mobilization capacity for community preparedness to face a disaster of volcanic eruptions.

Rehabilitation Characteristics and Outcomes for Lung Transplantation for COVID-19: A Case Series.

Severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can result in irreversible lung damage, with some individuals requiring lung transplantation. The purpose of this case series is to describe the initial experience with the rehabilitation and functional outcomes of 9 patients receiving a lung transplant for COVID-19. Nine individuals, ranging in age from 37 to 68years, received bilateral orthotopic lung transplantation (BOLT) for COVID-19 between December 2020 and July 2021. Rehabilitation was provided before and after the transplant, including in-hospital rehabilitation, postacute care inpatient rehabilitation, and outpatient rehabilitation. Progress with mobility was limited in the pretransplant phase despite rehabilitation efforts. Following transplantation, 2 individuals expired before resuming rehabilitation, and 2 others had complications that delayed their progress. The remaining 5 experienced clinically important improvements in mobility and walking capacities. Considerable rehabilitation resources are required to care for individuals both before and after BOLT for COVID-19. Rehabilitation can have a profound impact on both functional and clinical outcomes for this unique patient population. There is limited literature on the rehabilitation efforts and outcomes for patients who received BOLT for COVID-19. Occupational therapists and physical therapists play an important role during the pretransplant and posttransplant recovery process for this novel patient population. Patients with a bilateral orthotopic lung transplant due to COVID-19 require a unique rehabilitation process. They have significant difficulties with activities of daily living and functional mobility across the pretransplant and posttransplant continuum of care, but progressive gains in functional performance may be possible with a comprehensive multidisciplinary rehabilitation program.

Technologies of inclusion in the frontier of urban renewal: State responses to community resistance in Abkouh neighborhood, Mashhad, Iran

ABSTRACT Abkouh, an informal settlement in the center of Mashhad, was designated as an urban renewal zone in order to be integrated functionally and economically with its surrounding. In the context of community’s resistance to the project, this article investigates different tactics adopted by the local state to manage residents’ discontents. The latter is described in different “technologies of inclusion” from compensation to cooperation and empowerment, which could be at the same time pro-market and communitarian. Each tactic was in response to community’s discontents with the aim of advancing the renewal plan on the one hand and (peacefully) demobilizing residents on the other hand. The case of Abkouh indicates that grassroots mobilization against urban renewal does not necessarily fall into the dichotomy of either opposing or aligning with neoliberalism, because these two trajectories often converge through the state’s technologies of inclusion. This fact limits the collective mobilization capacity of the community and enables the local state to control the particularistic concerns of residents through the use of divide-and-conquer tactics.

Al-ʿUcha

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Becoming homebound by choice and constraint: a mixed-methods look into ageing and mobility transitions

This paper focuses on the transition of mobility practices and more specifically how certain older individuals experience patterns of Déprises leading them to adopt a more homebound lifestyle. As individuals age and advance in their life cycle, their capacities for mobility are prone to change, along with their lifestyles. Sometimes these changes are voluntary and done in a proactive manner, sometimes they are the product of external events. In some instances, following a transition period, these changes can result in a loss of mobility capacities, a continuation or reconfiguration of activities, or sometimes even an extension of mobility capacities, and therefore autonomy. As shown in earlier research, this process takes place in ways that are as diverse as the life course of each individual. This diversity, however, is still underrepresented in research, where older adults are often studied as a block according to their age (65+, 75+). This paper aims to delve deeper into the events and process leading to transition in mobility capacities among diverse profiles of older adults living in urban and suburban environments. To do so, the paper first presents results from statistical analysis showing how mobility practices can differ in older adults of different age groups representing different moments of the life cycle. Focusing afterward on a specific profile (the Stay-at-home), the article uses interview data to illustrate how diverse events, decisions and adaptation strategies led diverse individuals to become more homebound over the course of ageing. The article exposes a diversity of situations among Stay-at-home individuals, with transitions that are chosen or suffered. We conclude on strategies this plurality of Stay-at-home use to maintain their mobility and how we can support them to help them keep their autonomy.