scholarly journals Exploring Owner Perceptions of the Impacts of Seasonal Weather Variations on Canine Activity and Potential Consequences for Human–Canine Relationships

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 3302
Author(s):  
Emily J. Hall ◽  
Anne J. Carter ◽  
Mark J. Farnworth
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Weather Conditions ◽  
Exercise Duration ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Winter Weather ◽  
Cooling Strategies ◽  
Baseline Activity ◽  
Hot Weather ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Seasonal Weather

Climate change is leading to more instances of seasonal weather variation. Studies have explored the impact of adverse winter weather on dog walking, but the impact on the dog’s overall activity levels have not been previously considered. This study explored dog owner perceptions of the effects of both summer and winter weather on their dog’s activity levels. An international online survey recruited 3153 respondents between May and December 2018, to explore the impact of summer and winter weather conditions on baseline activity levels. Owners reported their dogs were more impacted by cold (48.2% less likely to exercise their dog in the cold) and ice (64.0% less likely), than rain (25.3% were less likely). In hot weather, over 80% of owners reported reduced exercise duration and vigour for their dogs. Carrying water or walking near water to facilitate activity in the summer was the most popular mitigation strategy (90.8%). Participation in dog sports appeared to reduce the impact of winter weather on canine activity and increase owner awareness of cooling strategies to facilitate summer activity. Strategies to promote safe activity participation are needed to maintain canine activity levels amidst rising global temperatures, including better understanding of cooling strategies for exercising dogs.

scholarly journals Perceived impact of meteorological conditions on the use of public space in winter settlements

2020 ◽  
Vol 64 (4) ◽  
pp. 631-642
Author(s):  
Agneta Larsson ◽  
David Chapman
Keyword(s):  
Public Space ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Ground Surface ◽  
Weather Conditions ◽  
Public Spaces ◽  
Meteorological Conditions ◽  
Ambient Conditions ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Survey Responses ◽  
The Impact

AbstractThis study aimed to assess the impact of meteorological conditions on the use of public space in Scandinavia and Canada. Between September 21 and December 18, 2017, a cross-sectional online survey ‘EAMQ-Climate: space’ was distributed via web-based platforms. Survey responses were received from 361 residents (258 people from Scandinavia and 103 from Canada). The relative impact of the meteorological determinants on the use of public space was calculated, and a factor analysis was performed. Disparities between Canada and Scandinavia as well as between the climate zones represented were analysed using ANOVA. Overall results showed that the most significant meteorological enablers for the use of outdoor public spaces in winter were solar gain, snowfall and snow-covered surfaces. The main barriers were slush-covered and icy surfaces, rainfall and darkness. Wind and cold were conditions with less influence. The impact of rain and ice, however, differed between climatic zones. It was also established that, when addressing the meteorological impact on avoiding the use of public spaces in winter, it is vital to discriminate between conditions related to a) the ground surface and b) ambient conditions, as well as the particular significance of c) snow and sun, and d) darkness. For the design of public space in winter cities, we conclude that designers need to focus on a wider range of weather conditions than sun, wind and cold, and include snow, rainfall, slushy and icy ground and poor visibility. The study suggests that winter public space has a higher climatic design requirement to be successful than streets and pathways that are mainly used for soft mobility.

scholarly journals Sports Participation, Demographic Factors and Knee Symptom Severity in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

2021 ◽  
pp. 154-167
Author(s):  
Moaath A. Alamir ◽  
Abdulaziz F. Altammami ◽  
Faris H. Binyousef ◽  
Ahmed A. Alharbi ◽  
Feras A. Alrakaf
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Symptom Severity ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Sport Participation ◽  
Sports Participation ◽  
Exercise Duration ◽  
Severe Form ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Lequesne Index ◽  
The Impact

Aims: to explore the prevalence of knee symptoms in the general population of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and evaluate the impact of sports participation and other demographic variables on the progression of knee symptoms in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Study design:  Cross-sectional study Place and duration of study: A self-administered online survey was conducted in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia between September 2020 to March 2021. Methodology: A total of 589 participants age 18 or older who reported concerns of knee symptoms and provided written informed consent were enrolled in the study. We excluded respondents who had undergone knee surgery (n = 16) and those diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis or other types of arthritis (n = 25). We collected demographic information (eg, age, gender, types of engaged sports, sports participation hours, and frequency of participation per week) and knee symptoms and severity using the Lequesne index tool. Results: Advanced age was significantly associated with a higher severity score (P < .001). We found a statistically significant association between body mass index and knee symptom severity. We noted no severe knee symptoms in participants engaging in weightlifting. Most participants (64.7%) reported that walking was their most frequent exercise, and knee symptoms were common. Of respondents who walk as their primary sport, 10.6% of them are considered disabled with a severe form of knee pain according to the Lequesne index (which uses the term “handicapped” rather than disabled). Conclusion: Older and overweight respondents had a high prevalence of knee symptoms. Interestingly, the prevalence rates of individuals without knee symptoms did not differ regarding sport participation. Sports participation frequency did not change the prevalence or severity of knee symptoms, while longer exercise duration was associated with lower knee symptom severity rates.

scholarly journals Toward efficient energy consumption in middle income housing buildings in Egypt

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 180-189
Author(s):  
Ibrahim Rizk Hegazy
Keyword(s):  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Energy Efficient ◽  
Energy Use ◽  
Energy Analysis ◽  
Weather Conditions ◽  
Energy Performance ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Efficient Energy ◽  
Hot Weather ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Current research pays special attention to the application of approaches that promote sustainable design in a built environment and ensure energy efficiency. In this context, the form of housing buildings is an important parameter that has a meaningful impact on the use of energy in housing buildings. Hence, this research attempts to study the impact of the form of housing buildings on energy efficiency taking into account the mid-hot weather conditions in one of the middle-income housing buildings in new communities in Egypt. To achieve the research aim, a comparative analysis is carried out using parametric numerical analysis—DesignBuilder energy analysis—to compare the various hypothetical proposals for different building configurations. The study determines that the efficiency of energy use in buildings depends to a large extent on their forms that will help urban designers and planners to propose the best energy performance in the form of housing buildings in the stage of conceptual design suitable for other environmental, social and economic urban planning issues. These results should be incorporated into the building codes adopted in Egypt’s new cities in order to reach more energy-efficient housing buildings in Egypt.

scholarly journals A Study Protocol to Determine Heat-Related Health Impacts among Primary Schoolchildren in South Africa

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (15) ◽  
pp. 5531
Author(s):  
Shalin Bidassey-Manilal ◽  
Caradee Yael Wright ◽  
Thandi Kapwata ◽  
Joyce Shirinde
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Climate Models ◽  
Neuropsychological Test ◽  
Panel Study ◽  
Weather Conditions ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Mitigation Measures ◽  
Hot Weather ◽  
The Impact

Climate models predict that the global average temperature of Earth will rise in the future. Studies show that high classroom temperatures can affect the ability of the student to learn and function. It is important to understand the impact that heat will have on the health, wellbeing, and academic performance of learners, as they spend a significant amount of time in classrooms compared to any other environment. A follow-up panel study among 20 public primary schools in the Gauteng province (South Africa) will be carried out, in which Grade 4 learners will be selected to complete an hourly heat-health symptom questionnaire. A Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) test will be used to determine their memory and attention span. A nursing practitioner will measure body weight, height, and temperature. Lascar data loggers will be used to measure indoor classroom temperature. School principals will complete a questionnaire on existing school coping mechanisms and policies in place that help deal with hot weather conditions. This is the first study to quantitatively assess the effects of heat on learners’ health, well-being and school performance in South Africa. The outcomes of this study will enable policymakers and public officials to develop appropriate school heat adaptation and mitigation measures and will assist in channeling their resources where it is most needed.

Architectural traits of fruiting shoots in Juglans regia (Juglandaceae) related to fruiting habit and environmental conditions

2010 ◽  
Vol 58 (2) ◽  
pp. 141 ◽  
Author(s):  
Damijan Kelc ◽  
Franci Stampar ◽  
Anita Solar
Keyword(s):  
Juglans Regia ◽  
Weather Conditions ◽  
Basal Diameter ◽  
Shoot Morphology ◽  
Vegetative Buds ◽  
Shoot Architecture ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Hot Weather ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Architectural Traits

The objective of the present study was to compare some basic architectural traits of annual shoots (1YS) in common walnut (Juglans regia L.), and to evaluate the impact of extreme drought and heat on the fruiting and growing response of the annual shoots. Measurements were conducted on three cultivars that have a terminal-bearing fruiting habit (Franquette), intermediate fruiting behaviour (Zdole-59) and a lateral-bearing fruiting habit (Fernor). Across 3 years, the mean 1YS of Franquette were one-third longer than those of the other two cultivars and their mean basal diameter was larger than that in Fernor and almost equal to that in Zdole-59. For Franquette, the length : diameter ratio showed a slender shoot morphology, whereas the shoot morphology was more compact in Fernor and Zdole-59. The 1YS of Franquette and Fernor had equal fruiting potential, with 2.8 and 2.7 fruits per shoot, respectively. Short but thick 1YS with the highest number of vegetative buds indicated dense branching and the good growing capacity of Zdole-59. The number of vegetative buds per 1YS changed during the 3 years in all cultivars, whereas the number of flowering buds per 1YS did not change in Franquette. Extreme dry and hot weather during the spring and summer of 2003 caused a reduction of 35–58% in length and a reduction of 2–16% in the basal diameter of the 1YS, regardless of fruiting behaviour. In the less vigorous, but highly productive lateral-bearer Fernor, unsuitable weather conditions in 2003 affected flower differentiation and resulted in significantly fewer fruits in 2004. The mean daily temperature in the period March–August was negatively correlated with the 1YS diameter and the number of vegetative buds per 1YS, whereas the mean precipitation during the same period showed a positive relationship with the length and diameter of the 1YS. Information obtained through shoot-architecture analysis could be useful in cultivar choice for new orchards, especially at a time of great climatic changes. Simple predictions for further development of the annual shoots could also be made.

scholarly journals Students’ Perceptions of the Impact of Online Education on Health during COVID-19: A Survey Study

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-27
Author(s):  
Krishna Prasad K. ◽  
Vinayachandra ◽  
Geetha Poornima K. ◽  
Rajeshwari M.
Keyword(s):  
Online Education ◽  
Empirical Research ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Emotional Health ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
The Impact

Purpose: This empirical research aims to see whether students in higher educational institutions are satisfied with technology-assisted Online Education during the COVID-19 pandemic and its effect on their physical mental and emotional health. The findings of this study could help policymakers and healthcare professionals develop effective psychological therapies and cost-efficient recommendations for preventing negative feelings among general people who are solitary at home. Methodology: To demonstrate the demographic and other selected features of the respondents, a descriptive analysis was done. Due to the non-normal distribution of the data, a non-parametric test was employed to investigate the significant correlations between sample characteristics and the level of health problems during the COVID-19 outbreak. The connection between gender, education level, and age group vs the stated level of health problems was evaluated using a One-Way ANOVA test for independence. Findings/Result: It was found that too much exposure to mobile and laptop screens is currently one of the major disadvantages of online education and leads to a feeling of isolation and fear. It may indicate distress and an increased abnormal or obsessive tendency like picking nails, sucking the thumb, and pulling the hair. Excessive use of gadgets even resulted in mental health problems, stress sensations, anxiety, excitation or thrill, headaches, tiredness of the muscle, eye and ear strains, obesity or overweight, faintness, irregular sleep patterns, mental disturbance, back pain, aching shoulders, neck, and muscles pain, etc. Online education also affected the physical activity levels of students like bad postures, later bedtimes, longer sleep rise discontinuation, and later waking times which has been associated with motionless and lazy lifestyles. Originality: The study used data collected through an online survey to learn how students are dealing with online education, which has been around for a long time but is still underutilized, and how satisfied they are with it. During June 2021, data was obtained. The online survey form was kept open for a week to allow respondents to reply. The participating population does not have a regional boundary Paper Type: Empirical research.

scholarly journals Developing Roadway Safety Models for Winter Weather Conditions Using a Feature Selection Algorithm

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Bryce Hallmark ◽  
Jing Dong
Keyword(s):  
Feature Selection ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Negative Binomial ◽  
Weather Conditions ◽  
Winter Weather ◽  
Crash Frequency ◽  
Frequency Model ◽  
Roadway Safety ◽  
Selection Framework ◽  
The Impact

Inclement winter weather such as snow, sleet, and freezing rain significantly impacts roadway safety. To assess the safety implications of winter weather, maintenance operations, and traffic operations, various crash frequency models have been developed. In this study, several datasets, including for weather, snowplow operations, and traffic information, were combined to develop a robust crash frequency model for winter weather conditions. When developing statistical models using such large-scale multivariate datasets, one of the challenges is to determine which explanatory variables should be included in the model. This paper presents a feature selection framework using a machine-learning algorithm known as the Boruta algorithm and exhaustive search to select a list of variables to be included in a negative binomial crash frequency model. This paper’s proposed feature selection framework generates consistent and intuitive results because the feature selection process reduces the complexity of interactions among different variables in the dataset. This enables our crash frequency model to better help agencies identify effective ways to improve roadway safety via winter maintenance operations. For example, increased plowing operations before the start of storms are associated with a decrease in crash rates. Thus, pretreatment operations can play a significant role in mitigating the impact of winter storms.

scholarly journals Biochemical Effects of Petroselinum crispum (Umbellifereae) Fruit Oil on the Pyrethroid Susceptible and Resistant Strains of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jitrawadee Intirach ◽  
Anuluck Junkum ◽  
Nongkran Lumjuan ◽  
Udom Chaithong ◽  
Pradya Somboon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Aedes Aegypti ◽  
Biochemical Study ◽  
Petroselinum Crispum ◽  
Attractive Alternative ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Plant Oil ◽  
Baseline Activity ◽  
Resistant Strains ◽  
Fruit Oil ◽  
The Impact

As part of the ongoing screening research for local edible plants in Thailand, Petroselinum crispum fruit oil was considered as a potential bioinsecticide with proven antimosquito activity against both the pyrethroid susceptible and resistant strains of Aedes aegypti. Due to the comparative mosquitocidal efficacy on these mosquitoes, this plant oil is promoted as a natural alternative and attractive candidate for further study in monitoring resistance of mosquito vectors. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of P. crispum oil on the biochemical characteristics of the target mosquito larvae of Ae. aegypti, by determining quantitative changes of key enzymes responsible for xenobiotic detoxification, including glutathione-S-transferases (GSTs), &alpha;- and &beta;-esterases (&alpha;-/&beta;-ESTs), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), acid and alkaline phosphatases (ACP and ALP) and mixed-function oxidases (MFO). Three populations of Ae. aegypti, comprising the pyrethroid susceptible Muang Chiang Mai-susceptible (MCM-S) strain and the pyrethroid resistant Pang Mai Dang-resistant (PMD-R) and Upakut-resistant (UPK-R) strains, were used as test organisms. Biochemical study of Ae. aegypti larvae prior to treatment with P. crispum oil revealed that apart from AChE, the baseline activity of most defensive enzymes, such as GSTs, &alpha;-/&beta;-ESTs, ACP, ALP and MFO, in resistant UPK-R or PMD-R, was higher than that determined in susceptible MCM-S. However, after 24-h exposure to P. crispum oil, the pyrethroid susceptible and resistant Ae. aegypti showed similarity in biochemical features, with alterations of enzyme activity in the treated larvae, as compared to the controls. A significant increase in the activity levels of GSTs, &alpha;-/&beta;-ESTs, ACP and ALP was recorded in all strains of P. crispum oil-treated Ae. aegypti larvae, whereas MFO and AChE activity in these mosquitoes was decreased. The recognizable larvicidal capability on pyrethroid resistant Ae. aegypti, and the inhibitory effect on AChE and MFO, emphasized the potential of P. crispum oil as an attractive alternative application for management of mosquito resistance in current and future control programs.

scholarly journals P069 Results of an online survey exploring the effects of shielding during the COVID-19 pandemic on patients with spondyloarthritis (SpA)

Rheumatology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 60 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Meena Naja ◽  
Raj Amarnani ◽  
Madhura Castelino
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Joint Stiffness ◽  
Poor Sleep ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Physical Activity Levels ◽  
Reduced Physical Activity ◽  
Age Range ◽  
Exercise Classes ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background/Aims  The COVID-19 pandemic has created many challenges for patients with chronic rheumatological diseases. SpA - which includes ankylosing spondylitis (AS), axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and enteropathic arthritis - often affects young people who are otherwise fit and able. Many SpA patients take immunosuppressive medications and therefore were advised to shield. In view of this, we conducted a survey to better understand how shielding has affected the physical activity and symptoms of SpA patients during the pandemic. Methods  An online anonymised survey was created and advertised via social media from 4th June to 4th July 2020. Patients with SpA were invited to complete the survey which included 18 questions exploring the impact of the pandemic on their symptoms, physical activity levels and medication use. Results  There were 136 survey respondents, of whom 74.3% were female, with an age range from under 25 to over 75 years. The underlying diagnoses were PsA (60.5%), AS (28.4%), axSpA (10.5%) and enteropathic arthritis (0.8%). The majority (66.7%) of respondents were shielding; 44.1% were on disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (csDMARDs) and 56.6% were on biologics (bDMARDs). Most (94.1%) had continued their DMARDs throughout the shielding period. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use was reported to be increased in 18.6% of respondents, and unchanged in 69.0%. Compared to before the pandemic, 54.8% reported worsening joint stiffness and 45.6% reported worsening joint pain. Most respondents (67.6%) reported reduced levels of physical activity, the commonest reasons being: shielding (54.6%); increased fatigue (45.8%); concerns around social distancing (45.4%); poor sleep quality (38.6%); working from home (28.6%) and low mood (28.6%). Only 14.7% had attended a virtual exercise class. Conclusion  Approximately 2 in 3 patients with SpA reported they were shielding during the first wave of the pandemic. Similar numbers of patients reported reduced physical activity levels and increased joint stiffness over this time. It is important to acknowledge that given the nature of the anonymised survey, we cannot be certain if the same patients who were shielding were the same as those who had reduced levels of physical activity or worsening symptoms. We have, however, shown that over half of the surveyed patients attributed their reduced physical activity levels to shielding. Taking into account that social restrictions (either self-imposed or government advised) are likely to be ongoing, we believe that a focus should be placed on supporting patients to maintain their activity levels, through initiatives such as specialist virtual exercise classes. Disclosure  M. Naja: None. R. Amarnani: None. M. Castelino: None.

scholarly journals Biochemical Effects of Petroselinum crispum (Umbellifereae) Essential Oil on the Pyrethroid Resistant Strains of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae)

Insects ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jitrawadee Intirach ◽  
Anuluck Junkum ◽  
Nongkran Lumjuan ◽  
Udom Chaithong ◽  
Pradya Somboon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Essential Oil ◽  
Aedes Aegypti ◽  
Biochemical Study ◽  
Inhibitory Effect ◽  
Petroselinum Crispum ◽  
Attractive Alternative ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Baseline Activity ◽  
Resistant Strains ◽  
The Impact

In ongoing screening research for edible plants, Petroselinum crispum essential oil was considered as a potential bioinsecticide with proven antimosquito activity against both the pyrethroid susceptible and resistant strains of Aedes aegypti. Due to the comparative mosquitocidal efficacy on these mosquitoes, this plant essential oil is promoted as an attractive candidate for further study in monitoring resistance of mosquito vectors. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of P. crispum essential oil on the biochemical characteristics of the target mosquito larvae of Ae. aegypti, by determining quantitative changes of key enzymes responsible for xenobiotic detoxification, including glutathione-S-transferases (GSTs), α- and β-esterases (α-/β-ESTs), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), acid and alkaline phosphatases (ACP and ALP) and mixed-function oxidases (MFO). Three populations of Ae. aegypti, comprising the pyrethroid susceptible Muang Chiang Mai-susceptible (MCM-S) strain and the pyrethroid resistant Pang Mai Dang-resistant (PMD-R) and Upakut-resistant (UPK-R) strains, were used as test organisms. Biochemical study of Ae. aegypti larvae prior to treatment with P. crispum essential oil revealed that apart from AChE, the baseline activity of most defensive enzymes, such as GSTs, α-/β-ESTs, ACP, ALP and MFO, in resistant UPK-R or PMD-R, was higher than that determined in susceptible MCM-S. However, after 24-h exposure to P. crispum essential oil, the pyrethroid susceptible and resistant Ae. aegypti showed similarity in biochemical features, with alterations of enzyme activity in the treated larvae, as compared to the controls. An increase in the activity levels of GSTs, α-/β-ESTs, ACP and ALP was recorded in all strains of P. crispum oil-treated Ae. aegypti larvae, whereas MFO and AChE activity in these mosquitoes was decreased. The recognizable larvicidal capability on pyrethroid resistant Ae. aegypti, and the inhibitory effect on AChE and MFO, emphasized the potential of P. crispum essential oil as an attractive alternative application for management of mosquito resistance in current and future control programs.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document