Physical Measures Research Articles

Quantum Interpretation for Measurements in Physics

The postulate in the Copenhagen interpretation is for quantum measures that in experiments from a set of operators only a subset of commuting operators can be measured simultaneously, the rest remains undetermined. As example the Stern-Gerlach measure shows for spin a 90 degree change and measures for instance spin up and down of the outcome particles only in the z-direction. The spacial xy-coordinates remain undetermined.Using octonion coordinates [1,2] for the quantum range this view can be applied to all octonion base GF triples which use the three noncommuting Pauli matrices. The coordinates are enumerated by indices 0,1,2,…,7. Entanglements of different GF are possible. Two examples are the spin-lepton cases 123 (for xyz) and 145 (1 for electrical EM charge, 4 for magnetism, 5 for leptonic mass) either in the gyromagnetic relation (EM) or the helicty (neutral leptons).A in the second case the Copenhagen interpretation is extended to a quantum interpretation for measurements of the GF. The systems and energies involved can be different. The neutrino N oscillations show that also the Heisenberg uncertainties HU play a role. Spin is aligned with the space coordinate 1 and the momentum p = mv on 6. The HU means that 1,6 cannot be measured sharp. Hence the leptonic kg measure 5 changes for p along the world line of N stochasticaly, observed as oscillation. The kg GF is 257 and has 6 possible values for leptons. The weights of the three GF coordinates are mostly positive real or complex numbers. There are seven octonion GF 123, 145, 167 (for electromagnetic interaction EMI), 246 (for heat, acoustics), 257, 347 (for rotational energy), 356 (for a nucleon inner dynamics). Beside these are for the strong interaction SI three more GF 126 as rgb-graviton , 345 for its dual Dg and 037 for a newly postulated color charge force cc.The new cc force has a different symmetry than the Pauli quaternions.The six complex cross ratios invariant under the Moebius transformations of the Riemannian sphere are discussed in relation to quantum measures.

Evaluation of the Production and Preservation Ability of Four Varieties of Onions (Allium cepa L., Alliaceae) in Korhogo, Northern Côte d’Ivoire

Aims: The study was investigated the ability of producing and preserving fresh onion bulbs from various varieties to fit sustainable onion culture in Ivorian agroclimatic conditions. Study Design: Four onion varieties, namely Dayo, Safari, Red Star and Red Jewel, were cultivated, and their fresh bulbs harvested and stored for the investigation of both physical and environmental parameters during the storage. Place and Duration of Study: The onion culture and the physical and environmental measures were carried out from the experimental field and at the laboratory of Peleforo GON COULIBALY University, Korhogo, Côte d’Ivoire, over a period from December 2021 to September 2022. Methodology: Onion bulbs of different varieties were cultivated on the experimental site. Thus, 10 kg of onion fresh bulbs per variety were collected in bags and stored in the store under ambient conditions, and then environmental (temperature and humidity) and physical (sprouting, rotting and loss rate, physiological weight loss and dry matter) parameters were determined at 30 days intervals stages for four months storage period. The statistical processing consisted of the comparison of means according to the ANOVA test, the study of correlation between parameters and the multivariate PCA analysis. Results: The production yield varies between 17.16 and 23.69 t/Ha with the best production rates observed from Red Jewel and Red Star varieties. The average temperature was recorded between 26°C and 27.9°C while the average humidity increases from 77% (June) to 85% (September). Red Star and Red Jewel varieties assumed the highest bulbs loss rates with respective values of 81.58% and 90.38%, while Dayo and Safari varieties displayed losses of 19.88% and 14.29% over the four months storage. Sprouting represents the main causes of the losses of both red onion varieties. Furthermore, the weight loss and the dry matter vary according to the onion variety and the storage duration. After 4 months storage, the physiological weight loss of preserved onion bulbs remains minimal for Dayo and Safari varieties, while it’s more significant from red onions reaching 14.83% for Red Jewel. The dry matter content of the onion bulbs decreases with the storage during with Dayo and Safari provided higher values. Conclusion: The red onion varieties Red Jewel and Red Star display more production potential for onion bulbs. But Dayo and Safari onion bulbs seem to have good preservation abilities compared to the red varieties under the storage conditions studied.

Baseline Characteristics of Participants in STAREE: A Randomized Trial for Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease Events and Prolongation of Disability-Free Survival in Older People.

The risk-benefit balance of statin use in healthy older people is uncertain. We describe the baseline characteristics of the STAREE (Statins in Reducing Events in the Elderly) trial, which is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial among community-dwelling older people; the trial evaluated the effect of atorvastatin 40 mg for the prevention of major cardiovascular events (cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction or stroke), and on disability-free survival (survival free of both dementia and persistent physical disability). STAREE enrolled people aged ≥70 years from 1583 general practices across Australia with no history of clinical cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or dementia. Baseline data collected included demographic, clinical, cognitive (Modified Mini-Mental State Examination), psychological (Center for Epidemiologic Studies Short Depression Scale), lifestyle, medical, physical, blood and urine measures, and quality of life. Demographic and clinical characteristics of study participants were then compared with publicly available landmark statin trials. A total of 9971 participants were recruited (mean±SD age 74.7±4.5 years, 4023 (40%) ≥75 years, 52% women) between July 2015 and March 2023. The mean low-density lipoprotein cholesterol was 3.27 mmol/L (SD=0.72; 126 mg/dL). Hypertension was reported by 43% of participants and the mean blood pressure was 136/80 mm Hg. Compared with previous landmark statin trials that included primary prevention cohorts, STAREE is unique in including such a large number of older (≥75 years) independent-living people. STAREE is the largest primary prevention trial of statins powered to address the important clinical outcomes of major cardiovascular events, disability-free survival, and cognition in older people. https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT02099123.

OGC O02 - Measurement of functional, psychosocial, and quality of life impacts of Robotic versus Hybrid Oesophago-gastrectomy

Abstract Background Since the introduction of Robotic-Assisted Minimally-Invasive Oesophago-gastrectomy (RAMIO), comparisons to other surgical approaches have focussed primarily on peri-operative and oncological outcomes. Few studies have focused on quality-of-life measures once the patient has been discharged home. We sought to compare physical, psychosocial, sleep, pain and employment related measures at six weeks following discharge in patients undergoing RAMIO versus Hybrid Oesophago-gastrectomy. Method We performed a prospective cohort study comparing RAMIO and Hybrid Oesophago-gastrectomy. Twenty-five consecutive patients on a curative surgical pathway were recruited to each group. Participants were contacted via telephone pre-operatively and six weeks post-operatively. Parameters studied were: physical activity, social activity, sleep, pain control, and employment. Psychological wellbeing was measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and quality of life with the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer questionnaires C30 (all cancer patients) and OG25 (patients undergoing oesophago-gastric cancer treatment). Results were analysed using Chi Square and Mann-Whitney-U statistical tests. Results There were no differences in age, ASA, or anaerobic threshold between study groups. At six weeks the RAMIO group was more likely than Hybrid to have returned to pre-operative physical and social activity (physical 7/25 vs. 1/25, p=0.04, social 13/25 vs. 5/25, p=0.03). The RAMIO group stopped regular analgesia earlier, and required fewer opiates. Patients were more likely to return to work in the RAMIO group (7/15 vs. 1/12,p=0.04). The RAMIO group had fewer cases of depression (2 vs. 9, p=0.03), lower QLQ C30 and OG25 scores, and reported higher overall health and quality of life scores (p=0.001). Conclusion We have demonstrated an improvement in physical and social activity, a faster return to work, a reduction in analgesia requirements, lower rates of depression and improved health and quality of life, six weeks post-operatively when comparing RAMIO to hybrid oesophago-gastrectomy. This study has highlighted additional considerations for the selection of surgical modality in oesophago-gastrectomy beyond peri-operative outcomes. Further investigation across a larger sample size and longer time frame to quantify the full spectrum of potential benefits of robotic oesophago-gastric surgery is warranted.

Limfatičke malformacije

Lymphatic malformations are abnormal cystic dilatations of lymphatic vessels. They are present at birth, but often can only be detected later in life. Simple lymphatic malformations are limited to certain anatomical regions, while complex diffuse abnormalities can affect the entire organism. Simple lymphatic malformations are divided into macrocystic (cysts >1cm) and microcystic (cysts <1cm). According to the ISSVA classification from 2015, the term lymphangioma is abandoned and the term lymphatic malformation is introduced, which is intended to clearly indicate that it is not a tumor formation. The clinical course is characterized by long asymptomatic periods with short-term inflammatory or infectious episodes and episodes of intracystic bleeding. In the case of voluminous changes, the diagnosis can be made at the transition from the second to the third trimester of pregnancy by ultrasound examination or fetal magnetic resonance. Ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging are diagnostic methods of choice in the postpartum period as well. The purpose of the treatment is not to completely remove the formation, but to limit the symptoms to the extent that would preserve functionality and provide an appropriate appearance. Treatment methods are the expectant method for asymptomatic disease, sclerotherapy, surgical resection, drug treatment, laser treatment and physical therapy measures. When there is no life-threatening airway obstruction, sclerosing is the method of choice. Bleomycin as a sclerosant provides good results with mild side effects. Therapy with rapamycin (sirolimus) allows for a large percentage of reduction in formation, but it is important to monitor possible side effects

Sex differences in the associations of accelerometer-determined physical activity with physical and cognitive function in older adults living in long-term care

Older adults residing in long-term care often experience declines in physical and cognitive functions despite the access to in-house physical activity (PA) programs. This study aimed to evaluate the associations of PA with physical function and global cognitive function in older adults living in long-term care, while examining potential sex differences. A cross-sectional analysis of baseline data from a two-arm cluster randomized controlled trial was conducted, involving 67 participants (34 men, 33 women). PA levels were assessed using tri-axial accelerometers. Physical function, including muscular strength, postural sway, and Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and cognitive function were measured. Spearman correlation analysis revealed no significant associations between PA metrics and muscular strength, postural sway, or global cognitive function across the entire samples (p ≥ 0.091). Multiple linear regression models were developed for the entire sample, males, and females to examine the associations between PA and physical function measures and global cognitive function. After adjustments for confounders, light PA was significantly associated with higher SPPB sub-scores (gait: β = 0.600, p < 0.001; sit-to-stand: β = 0.574, p < 0.001), faster usual gait speed (β = 0.659, p = 0.012), and shorter sit-to-stand times (β = −0.305, p = 0.041) across the whole sample. Similar significant associations were observed in males between light PA and SPPB scores (total: β = 0.319, p = 0.040; gait: β = 0.532, p < 0.001; sit-to-stand: β = 0.417, p = 0.009), usual gait speed (β = 0.762, p = 0.017), and sit-to-stand times (β = −0.677, p < 0.001). In females, a significant association was found between light PA and global cognitive function (β = 0.319, p = 0.012) after adjusting for confounders. This study highlights sex differences in the association of accelerometer-determined PA with physical and cognitive function in older adults living in long-term care, with LPA showing beneficial effects, especially for physical function in males and for cognitive function in females.

Effects of physical activity on depression and physical fitness among Shanghai junior high school students

This study explores the relationship between light physical activity (LPA) and moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), depression and physical fitness among Shanghai junior high school students. A nationwide offline survey was conducted in Shanghai between August and December 2023 using a purposive sampling design. A total of 432 questionnaires were administered to six seventh-grade classes and eighth-grade classes from six schools in Shanghai; 416 responses were included in the final analysis. SPSS software version 29, the Correlation and Multiple Linear Regression techniques were employed to analyze the collected data. Higher levels of LPA and MVPA were correlated with lower levels of depression. However, only LPA was a significant positive predictor for depression among Shanghai junior high school students. MVPA did not show significant predictive power for depression. Only MVPA was positively correlated with 50 meters (50M), standing long jump (SLJ), 800/1000 meters (800/1000M), and total physical fitness (TPF), but not for sitting forward bend (FB) and vital capacity (VC); various measures of physical fitness were found highly correlated with each other. MVPA was also a significant positive predictor for 800/1000M, SLJ, 50M and TPF but not for VC and FB. LPA did not show significant predictive power for any physical fitness measures. The findings highlighted the importance of MVPA in enhancing physical fitness outcomes, while LPA primarily impacted depression levels. Various measures of physical fitness were highly interrelated. The results underscored the significance of promoting MVPA to improve physical fitness and reduce depressive symptoms in this population.

A service evaluation of the uptake and effectiveness of a digital delivery of the NHS health check service

ObjectivesTo compare the uptake, effectiveness and costs of a digital version of the National Health Service (NHS) Health Check (DHC) to the standard face-to-face NHS Health Check (F2F).Participants and settingA...

Effects of immersive virtual reality stimulation and/or multicomponent physical exercise on cognitive and functional performance in hospitalized older patients with severe functional dependency: study protocol for a randomized clinical trial

BackgroundHospital-associated functional decline affects nearly one-third of the hospitalized older adults. The aim of this trial is to investigate the effect of a cognitive stimulation intervention provided via immersive virtual reality (IVR), with or without a multicomponent physical exercise intervention (ME) in hospitalized patients aged 75 or older with severe functional dependency at admission (Barthel Index < 60 points).MethodsThis clinical randomized controlled trial will be conducted in the Acute Geriatric Unit of a tertiary hospital in Spain. A total of 212 acute patients will be enrolled according to the following criteria: age ≥ 75, Barthel Index < 60, able to collaborate, expected length of stay ≥ 5 days, absence of clinical instability and severe dementia (Global Deterioration Scale 7) or other end-stage disease. Patients will be randomly assigned to a control group (CG) or any of the three intervention groups (IG): IVR, ME, or IVR + ME. The IVR group will watch ad-hoc videos showing Spanish regional landscapes and villages, approximately 4 min per day for three consecutive days. The ME group will undergo aerobic and strength exercise for progressive training of the upper and lower limbs. The IVR + ME group will do both cognitive and physical intervention. The primary outcomes will be cognitive and physical measures at discharge. Mood, quality of life, isometric strength, and acceptance of IVR will be also assessed.DiscussionThis project has the potential to enhance physical and psychological well-being of patients with severe functional dependency hospitalized for acute conditions, using technology. Virtual reality is expected to be favourably perceived by hospitalized older adults. This intervention represents a novelty in the geriatric patients’ care, comprising IVR and/or ME dispensed within the patient’s room, and including patients who are commonly excluded from research clinical trials.Trial registrationThis study was approved by the Navarra Clinical Research Ethics Committee on May 17th, 2023 (PI_2023/60). The trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, registration number NCT06340282, 24th May 2024.

Acceptability and utility of a broad test battery to evaluate physical functioning and frailty in community-based settings for people experiencing homelessness and addiction–Findings from the LEAP trials

BackgroundPhysical function deficits and frailty are commonly reported in people experiencing homelessness and addiction. Typically, geriatric, or general physical performance measures are employed to evaluate these constructs. Objectives and settingWe aimed to investigate the feasibility of a broad test battery to evaluate physical functioning and frailty in a non-geriatric community-based population of people experiencing homelessness and addiction. Design and methodsPhysical function and the presence of frailty was evaluated using combined data from two linked low-threshold exercise pre-post intervention studies (LEAP I and II). ParticipantsSeventy-four participants attending an open-access day-service centre (18 to 65 years) were evaluated. Participants with acute confusion or behavioural issues, or major medical condition precluding safe participation were excluded. InterventionA broad test battery was performed which evaluated physical functioning and frailty. Main outcome measuresOutcome measures included were the Short Physical Performance Battery, Single Leg Stance, Chair Stand Test, 10 m and 2 minute Walk Tests, limb circumference, dynamometry, Clinical Frailty Scale, SHARE-Frailty Instrument, numerical pain rating and Short Form-12. ResultsTest completion was 100% for all outcomes except pain rating (81% and 79% for LEAPI and II, respectively), and balance and walking tests (95% and 93% in LEAP II). A ceiling effect was detected for the Short Physical Performance Battery. ConclusionHigh feasibility of the test batteries was demonstrated. An optimised test battery was proposed based on findings. This has important implications for clinicians working in inclusion health settings. Clinical Trial Registration NumberClinical Trials.gov: NCT05700305. Contribution of the Paper•This paper proposes a suitable test battery to enable clinicians to evaluate physical functioning and frailty in people experiencing homelessness and addiction challenges in community settings.•There is a paucity of research evaluating outcome measures for this population and no core outcome set has been reported.•This test battery would allow the effect of treatment and targeted interventions to be evaluated in this marginalised population.

Postoperative Grip Strength and Range of Motion Correlated with Better Patient-Reported Outcomes Following Surgical Management of Distal Radius Fractures

Abstract Background The common methods for assessing postoperative outcomes in patients with distal radius fractures (DRFs) are mostly observational. In contrast to these traditional assessment tools, postoperative assessments based on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) are becoming more popular. The aim of this study was to analyze the postoperative radiological measurements and physical examination measures as predictive measures for patient-reported satisfying outcomes defined by the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score and the Gartland and Werley score. Purpose The aim of this study was to inspect whether postoperative radiological and physical examination measurements are associated with better PROs. This correlation would be beneficial to assess surgery's success and predict patient's recovery process, helping with coordination of patient's expectations postsurgery. Study Design This is a retrospective cohort study. Methods Eligible patients were those who underwent Open Reduction Internal Fixation (ORIF) of DRFs and answered the DASH and Gartland and Werley questionnaires with a minimal follow-up period of 6 months and a 2-year median follow-up time; during follow-up, physical examination measures and radiographic measures were taken. Results This study has found that older patients have a higher probability to achieve better PROs postsurgery and ROM has been found as a factor correlated with DASH score and Gartland and Werley score. A model combining grip strength, supination, and extension was able to predict the DASH score with 63% of variance: DASH score = 88.864–(0.288 × grip strength) – (0.371 × supination) – (0.270 × extension). Conclusions Due to the high prevalence of DRFs and their debilitating effect on patients' functionality, a credible assessment tool must be defined to predict postsurgery patient satisfaction and help in the patient selection process. Level of Evidence III.

The Effect of Two Somatic-Based Practices Dance and Martial Arts on Irisin, BDNF Levels and Cognitive and Physical Fitness in Older Adults: A Randomized Control Trial.

Maintaining healthy brain function during ageing is of great importance, especially for the self-sufficiency of older adults. The main aim of this study was to determine the effects of dance and martial arts on exerkines Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) and irisin blood serum levels. This randomized controlled trial examined the effects of dance and martial arts on serum Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) and irisin levels, as well as cognitive function, mood, and physical measures in older adults. Seventy-seven independently living older adults (mean age 70.3±3.8 years) were randomized into three groups: dance (DG), martial arts (MaG), and control (CG), followed over 12weeks. Generalized linear models were used to assess the interventions' effects. There was a significant increase in BDNF levels in both the DG (1.8 ± 4.9, p < 0.05) and MaG (3.5 ± 6.3, p < 0.05), while CG experienced a decrease (-4.9 ± 8.2, p < 0.05). Between-group effects were significant for BDNF, with DG and MaG showing higher levels than CG (p < 0.05). No significant changes in irisin levels were found. Cognitive performance, particularly attention and mental flexibility (measured by the Trail Making Test A and B), significantly improved in the DG compared to CG (p < 0.05). Additionally, participants in DG showed improved mood based on the Geriatric Depression Scale (p < 0.05) compared to CG. Anthropometric T-scores were significantly associated with changes in irisin levels (p < 0.05) after intervention. The study found that dance and martial arts upregulated BDNF levels, with dance showing notable improvements in cognitive function and mood in older adults. Changes in anthropometric measures were linked to increased irisin levels. These findings suggest that both dance and martial arts may promote healthy brain function in aging populations. NCT05363228.

Acute carpal tunnel syndrome after atraumatic rupture of the flexor tendons: a case report

Acute carpal tunnel syndrome (ACTS) is a rare entity, mainly associated with traumatic causes, although patients with predisposing factors such as taking anticoagulants or tendinopathies may debut with an atraumatic ACTS. This case study presents the case of a 77-year-old male patient, anticoagulated, who began with rapidly progressive pain and swelling in the right wrist, radiating towards the medial territory, with no history of traumatic triggering event. Examination showed paraesthesia in the volar aspect of the first to third fingers of the hand and increased pain on passive mobilisation of the fingers. Given the progressive evolution of the condition and the lack of response to both physical and pharmacological measures, the carpal tunnel was opened surgically. During surgery, a significant haematoma was observed secondary to the rupture of the deep flexor tendons of the fourth and fifth fingers inside the canal. Following release of the carpal tunnel, complete recovery of the symptomatology occurred. In conclusion, a high degree of clinical suspicion is necessary in a patient with an examination suggestive of ACTS. The treatment of choice is urgent surgical decompression of the carpal tunnel. Early intervention allows resolution of symptoms and reduces complications.

Age- and Gender-Specific Reference Values for Physical Performance in Tunisian Youth Basketball Players

Background/Objectives: Physical performance is becoming increasingly critical in basketball, as it directly influences players’ agility, power, and endurance. This study aimed to assess the progression of body composition and physical performance metrics across different ages and genders, establishing age- and gender-specific reference values for Tunisian basketball athletes. Methods: A total of 469 Tunisian basketball players (239 boys and 230 girls) were assessed and grouped by age. Anthropometric measures—including standing and sitting height, body mass, leg length, body mass index, fat mass, fat-free mass, body fat percentage, wingspan, and leg muscle volume—were collected alongside physical performance metrics. Performance tests included countermovement and squat jumps, change-of-direction speed, maximal oxygen uptake, flexibility, the five-jump test, and 5 m, 10 m, and 20 m sprints with and without the ball. Normative data were generated based on age and gender categories. Results: The findings revealed significant age-related improvements in both anthropometric and performance parameters. Boys consistently outperformed girls in physical and fitness-related measures, with gender differences becoming more pronounced with age. Stepwise regression analyses indicated that, for boys, body fat percentage, leg muscle volume, standing height, and wingspan were the best predictors of physical performance. For girls, body fat percentage, standing height, and sitting height were identified as key predictors. Conclusions: The newly established Tunisian reference values for physical performance in youth basketball provide valuable benchmarks that can support the development of explosive power and strength in players, aiding in talent identification and potentially enhancing individual and team performance outcomes.

Stair climbing outperforms gait speed in predicting postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer: a prospective study.

BackgroundStair climbing test (SCT) and gait speed test (GST) are two physical performance measures, both of which are associated with postoperative outcomes. However, few studies have compared these two tests for the prognostic value. MethodsA prospective study was conducted in patients undergoing radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer. Handgrip strength (HGS) test, 7-steps SCT and 6-meters GST were performed before surgery. Body compositions were analyzed using abdominal computed tomography (CT). Sarcopenia was diagnosed by low HGS plus either low muscle mass or quality. ResultsA total of 548 patients were included in this study. Time of GST and SCT were both significantly correlated with HGS, skeletal muscle index and skeletal muscle density, but not with subcutaneous or visceral fat area. Low SCT performance (SCT time ≥12.65s) was associated with higher incidence of postoperative complications and longer postoperative length of stay, whereas low GST performance (GST time ≥5.45s) did not. Low performance in SCT and GST were both associated with worse overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) after surgery. Low SCT performance was an independent predictor for postoperative complications, OS, and DFS, whereas low GST performance was not significant in multivariate analyses adjusting for the same covariates. The combination of sarcopenia with low SCT performance showed higher accuracy in predicting postoperative complications and mortality compared with sarcopenia combined with low GST performance. ConclusionSCT outperformed GST in predicting outcomes after radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer, either as a singular indicator or in combination with sarcopenia assessments.

Continuity in public transport provision during the Covid-19 pandemic – responding to organisational and health challenges facing workers

PurposeThis paper explores and analyses the major challenges faced by both customer-facing and office-based public transport employees during the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic and the responses of their employers to their concerns.Design/methodology/approachQualitative semi-structured interviews and focus groups were carried out, involving 39 employees and directors representing a wide range of professionals working in the transport sector in three European countries, Poland, Ireland and the UK. Data were analysed through thematic analysis and the emerging issues explored.FindingsMajor employee challenges included: access to resources for safe working; worker mental health and well-being; and the effects of changing working practices, particularly flexible working, on their wider household circumstances and work–life balance (especially combining childcare responsibilities with work). First, physical health safety measures (such as PPE) were put in place for all workers, although sometimes with delays. Second, concerning practical support for mental health and well-being at work, the findings highlight that their employers’ practical support was considered limited by some customer-facing participants. In contrast, participants working from home were offered considerably greater employer support for their well-being, including increased and regular communication regarding work and non-work-related topics to tackle isolation and lack of social interactions. Third, work–life balance, and especially childcare were significant issues for those working from home. To improve organisational resilience, employer support for workers needs to better reflect employees’ job role, work setting and location, as well as their household demands such as childcare.Practical implicationsThe lessons learned from this study contribute to future employer responses and practices and their organisational resilience, both in times of major crises and also for improving mental-health and childcare support in normal times.Originality/valueThe study considers the role of employee perspectives on organisational resilience and service continuity in public transport during a crisis and in three countries. Importantly, the data were gathered contemporaneously during the early stages of the pandemic, and so are not influenced by retrospective rationalisation or uncertain recollections.

Methods for Quantifying Source-Specific Air Pollution Exposure to Serve Epidemiology, Risk Assessment, and Environmental Justice.

Identifying sources of air pollution exposure is crucial for addressing their health impacts and associated inequities. Researchers have developed modeling approaches to resolve source-specific exposure for application in exposure assessments, epidemiology, risk assessments, and environmental justice. We explore six source-specific air pollution exposure assessment approaches: Photochemical Grid Models (PGMs), Data-Driven Statistical Models, Dispersion Models, Reduced Complexity chemical transport Models (RCMs), Receptor Models, and Proximity Exposure Estimation Models. These models have been applied to estimate exposure from sources such as on-road vehicles, power plants, industrial sources, and wildfires. We categorize these models based on their approaches for assessing emissions and atmospheric processes (e.g., statistical or first principles), their exposure units (direct physical measures or indirect measures/scaled indices), and their temporal and spatial scales. While most of the studies we discuss are from the United States, the methodologies and models are applicable to other countries and regions. We recommend identifying the key physical processes that determine exposure from a given source and using a model that sufficiently accounts for these processes. For instance, PGMs use first principles parameterizations of atmospheric processes and provide source impacts exposure variability in concentration units, although approaches within PGMs for source attribution introduce uncertainties relative to the base model and are difficult to evaluate. Evaluation is important but difficult-since source-specific exposure is difficult to observe, the most direct evaluation methods involve comparisons with alternative models.

Impact of the Agricultural Sector on Unemployment, Inequality and Rural Poverty: A Panel Regression Analysis in Indonesian Provinces

This study examined how the agricultural sector impacted unemployment, income inequality, and rural poverty across Indonesia’s provinces from 2015 to 2021. Using data from the Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) and a panel regression model, the research analyzed the relationships between these factors. It also explored the structural changes caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020-2021. The findings showed that the agricultural sector’s Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP), farmer exchange rates, and informal labor significantly influenced unemployment and income inequality in rural areas. However, the pandemic did not have a major effect on income inequality or poverty levels in these areas. The GRDP and value-added in agriculture played a crucial role in reducing rural poverty. The findings also showed that the COVID-19 pandemic did not directly increase or decrease the number of poor people, but it affected informal agricultural workers due to physical distancing measures. The research highlighted the agricultural sector’s importance in addressing unemployment and inequality during the pandemic in Indonesia.

Relationship between physical activity and neighborhood environment in preschool children during COVID-19.—A cross-sectional study using 24-hour activity records-

Maintaining physical activity and the development of physical and cognitive functions are essential especially in vulnerable populations such as children. Considering the substantial impact of the COVID-19 epidemic on preschool children and the lack of research focusing on this age group, this study examined the duration of physical activity among preschool-aged children on weekend days and its relationship with the environment. This study was conducted between October and November 2021, with the cooperation of 357 parents of preschoolers attending kindergartens, nurseries, and childcare centers. Physical activity was assessed using a 24h physical activity record. A questionnaire was used to collect basic data on the neighborhood environment. Stepwise multiple regression analysis was used to analyze the relationship between the five physical activity measures (sedentary time, screen time, indoor playing time, outdoor playing time, and going out time) and the questionnaire data. Our findings revealed a relationship between physical activity and the neighborhood environment; however, the R2 values were low. Despite low prediction accuracy, the results of this study were similar to those of previous studies, indicating a positive correlation of physical activity with the absence of undulating roads, a crime-free environment, and safety around the home. Overall, these findings emphasize the need for providing children with opportunities for outdoor physical activity and play in the context of the COVID-19 recovery phase for adherence to the relevant guidelines.

Actor-specific adaptation objectives shape perceived roles and responsibilities: lessons from Mumbai’s flood risk reduction and general considerations

Adaptation efforts need to be advanced significantly, involving multiple actors and a diverse portfolio of options. Despite this being well established, there is little understanding of different actors’ perceptions of adaptation goals and their associated expectations regarding roles and responsibilities to achieve them. In this analysis, we seek to address this gap by elucidating the diverging viewpoints held by various actor groups concerning adaptation objectives, target beneficiaries, and the distribution of roles and responsibilities for adaptation. Here, we use the case study of flood risk in Mumbai, drawing upon qualitative interview data collected through key informant interviews with diverse stakeholders including state, civil society, and academic actors. Interviews revealed stark disparities between state and non-state actors, in particular on the objective of efficiency, largely emphasized by state actors for physical infrastructure measures. Other contested objectives included ecosystem protection and fairness for vulnerable populations. The findings showed consensus on the importance of planning. Non-state actors heavily debated the lack of planning and implementation of institutional changes and ecosystem-based measures. They called for a stronger role of the state in caretaking and fairness for vulnerable populations, mainly through deeper institutional changes. Overall, the findings point to the urgent need for understanding how actors navigate competing priorities, make trade-offs, and negotiate conflicting viewpoints on the distribution of roles and responsibilities. This paper makes an empirical and conceptual contribution to the debates on “social contracts” for adaptation, offering an operationalization of the concept and application to a real-world example through an actor lens.