Hiking is a widely practiced outdoor activity with well-known cardiovascular and mental health benefits. However, its popularity among individuals with chronic conditions and across varying fitness levels raises safety concerns, especially in mountainous environments. Current trail planning tools typically rely on generic metrics, without considering individual cardiovascular risk or functional capacity. To address this gap, a novel digital system named MOVE was developed. Based on a patented algorithm, MOVE integrates user-specific characteristics, such as age, sex, body mass index, physical activity level, cardiovascular risk factors, and chronic conditions, with trail features, such as slope, elevation, and altitude. The system provides estimated cardiorespiratory fitness (eCRF), classifies cardiovascular risk according to ESC guidelines, and generates personalized predictions of hiking time, energy expenditure, heart rate ranges, and relative effort. Following its public release in late 2024, the app was widely adopted in spring-summer 2025, with over 3000 hikes recorded. Users included individuals with a wide range of eCRF and cardiovascular risk profiles, highlighting MOVE's potential for real-world applicability. The app was particularly used in collaboration with Alpine tourist regions, supported by trail signage and QR codes. Nearly one-third of hikes were classified as high-effort, mainly in individuals with lower eCRF or greater trail demands. MOVE represents a promising step towards personalized outdoor physical activity. Future developments include real-time tracking, adaptive feedback, wearable integration, and AI-driven modelling. This approach may enhance safety and accessibility of hiking, particularly for at-risk populations, supporting public health through safe engagement with nature-based exercise.
US life expectancy declined after 2014 amid rising drug-poisoning and suicide mortality. We assessed whether recent, large statutory minimum-wage increases affected these outcomes. Using 2010-2019 National Vital Statistics System mortality data, we analyzed adults aged 25 and up and exploited cross-state adoption and differential exposure by education (no college versus at least some college) in a triple-differences framework. To address staggered adoption and treatment heterogeneity, we implemented a two-stage imputation estimator. We studied deaths per capita for poisonings, drug overdoses, opioid-related overdoses, and suicides. Twenty-six states (including Washington, D.C.) enacted statutory minimum wage increases while 25 did not. Pre-treatment placebo estimates show little evidence of systematic pre-existing trends that would confound the results. Average post-treatment mortality effects associated with minimum wage increases are generally small: poisonings -0.9% (95% CI -6.8%, +5.0%); suicides -1.0% (-7.5%, +5.5%); overdoses +0.5% (-5.2%, +6.2%); opioid-involved overdoses -2.8% (-10.2%, +4.6%). When restricting to states with 50% statutory hikes or higher, we reach similar conclusions. At magnitudes observed during 2010-2019, minimum-wage increases had, at most, modest effects on deaths of despair and are unlikely to meaningfully reduce drug overdose or suicide mortality in the medium term.
In recent years, escalating trade frictions have exerted substantial shocks on the financial security of Chinese households. Drawing on data from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) for 2014-2022, this study constructs a standard difference-in-differences (DID) model, taking the 2018-2019 U.S. tariff hikes as a quasi-natural experiment. We systematically assess the impact of trade frictions on household financial vulnerability and explore the underlying mechanisms. The findings indicate: (1) trade frictions significantly increase the financial vulnerability of Chinese households; (2) households in urban and export-oriented regions, households with less-educated heads, and those lacking business income, property income, or social security coverage are disproportionately affected; and (3) Trade frictions weaken household financial resilience mainly through employment and income shocks, with price and savings channels playing secondary roles, while asset volatility and especially debt burdens exert the weakest effects. This study provides critical evidence for understanding how external macroeconomic shocks are transmitted to the household level. The findings also offer practical insights for enhancing household economic resilience, strengthening risk-coping capacity, and supporting the broader strategy of expanding domestic demand.
Against the backdrop of China's booming edible fungi industry, shortages and price hikes of traditional cultivation substrates have emerged as critical bottlenecks. Meanwhile, the disposal of a large amount of ginger straw produced during the ginger cultivation process is also a major challenge. To address these issues, this study explored ginger straw as an alternative substrate for Pleurotus geesteranus and Hericium erinaceus, focusing on the optimization of substrate formulas and their effects on the nutritional quality of the fungi. Superior strains were first screened, after which the addition ratios of ginger straw (10-40%) were optimized. Commercial characteristics, nutritional components, and safety indicators of the fruiting bodies were determined, and a comprehensive quality evaluation was conducted using the membership function method. Results indicated that excellent strains of both fungi were selected: the optimal ginger straw addition ratio was 15-30% for P. geesteranus and 15% for H. erinaceus. Compared with the conventional cottonseed hull substrate, the optimized formulas significantly increased the biological efficiency (BE) by 9.08-27.1% for P. geesteranus and 9.16% for H. erinaceus. They also improved the contents of key nutrients (e.g., proteins and amino acids), enhanced total antioxidant capacity, and optimized the composition of flavor-contributing amino acids. This study offers a novel approach for the efficient utilization of ginger straw, provides technical and theoretical support for the low-cost and high-quality cultivation of edible fungi, and contributes positively to the development of ecological circular agriculture.
Starting in 2022, the United States launched a new round of monetary policy tightening, adopting a dual-track strategy of sustained interest rate hikes and balance sheet reduction. These measures have generated significant spillover effects on China's stock market. Against this backdrop, this paper employs an event study and regression analysis to investigate the short-term market response of Chinese A-share listed firms to U.S. monetary tightening shocks. The analysis captures firms' overseas exposure from three dimensions-trade, investment, and financial channels. Empirical results reveal that trade exposure is positively associated with cumulative abnormal returns (CARs), while both investment and financial exposures exert significant negative effects. The paper further discusses the differentiated moderating mechanisms of managerial resource allocation capacity and VC background across the three types of overseas exposures. Heterogeneity analysis shows that the influence of overseas exposure on market performance varies by firms' technological intensity. Firms with high investment exposure-particularly those involved in foreign ownership, cross-border M&A, and greenfield investment-perform worse under policy shocks.
Moderate-altitude residence (1600-2400 m) elicits altitude acclimatization and reduces acute mountain sickness (AMS) after rapid ascent to higher altitude (HA). Cross-sectional studies suggest lower-altitude residence (800-1200 m) provides similar benefits, but conclusions are unclear due to a lack of control. Determine whether moderate-altitude residents (MAR, 1200 m) experience less AMS than low-altitude residents (LAR) after active or passive ascent to HA (3600 m). Seventy-eight soldiers (mean ± standard deviation; age = 26 ± 5 yr; women = 8) were tested at their baseline residence at 331 m (LAR; n = 41) or 1200 m (MAR; n = 37), transported to Taos, NM (2845 m), hiked ( n = 39) or were driven ( n = 39) to 3600 m and stayed for 4 d. AMS was assessed using the Environmental Symptoms Questionnaire twice on day 1 (HA1), five times on days 2 and 3 (HA2, HA3), and once on day 4 (HA4). Daily peak cerebral factor score (AMS-C) was recorded; if AMS-C was ≥0.7, individuals were considered sick that day. Ascent condition (active vs passive) did not demonstrate a significant main or interaction effect on AMS. The MAR versus LAR experienced lower AMS incidence on HA1 (16% vs 44%, P = 0.008) and HA2 (19% vs 39%, P = 0.05), similar incidence on HA3 (14% vs 29%, P = 0.08), and lower incidence on HA4 (0% vs. 17%, P = 0.007). AMS-C was lower in MAR versus LAR on HA1 (0.40 ± 0.49 vs 0.74 ± 0.86, P = 0.04), HA2 (0.30 ± 0.34 vs 0.86 ± 0.88, P = 0.001), HA3 (0.30 ± 0.36 vs 0.56 ± 0.69, P = 0.03), and HA4 (0.09 ± 0.14 vs 0.35 ± 0.58, P = 0.01). MAR exhibited an approximately threefold reduction in the odds of developing AMS at HA1 (odds ratio [OR] = 0.25, P = 0.01), HA2 (OR = 0.37, P = 0.05), and HA3 (OR = 0.38, P = 0.09) compared with LAR. Residence at 1200 m induces a threefold reduction in the odds of developing AMS after rapid ascent to 3600 m.
Rapid ascent to high altitude (HA) in unacclimatized lowlanders elicits a series of hematologic, ventilatory, metabolic, and cardiovascular adaptations to counteract the lower partial pressure of oxygen. When ascent occurs faster than the body can acclimatize, high-altitude illnesses (HAIs) can occur. The most prevalent of the HAIs is acute mountain sickness (AMS), which can range in severity from mild (minor inconvenience) to severe (total incapacitation). Symptoms of AMS include headache, fatigue, gastrointestinal distress, dizziness, and in some cases sleep disturbances. Identifying individuals at risk for severe AMS, prior to their ascent to HA, would be useful to initiate appropriate prophylaxis approaches in those individuals prior to ascent. We previously reported eight urinary metabolites, measured prior to HA exposure, that discriminated individuals susceptible to moderate or severe AMS from those resistant to AMS (NoAMS). These metabolites include creatine, acetylcarnitine, 3-methylhistidine, N-methylhistidine, hypoxanthine, 1-methylnicotinamide, taurine, and 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate. This follow-on study examined 41 unacclimatized, physically active healthy soldiers (mean ± SD; age=26 ± 5yr) who were tested at their baseline residence (BLR, 331 m), transported to Taos, NM (2845 m), then immediately hiked (active ascent; n=21) or were driven (passive ascent; n=20) to a HA (3600 m) facility where they resided for four days. AMS was assessed using the shortened version of the Environmental Symptoms Questionnaire (ESQ) and AMS-C scores were calculated. Participants were categorized into resistant (NoAMS; AMS-C< 0.7), mild AMS (mAMS; AMS-C ≥0.7 but <1.53), and moderate to severe AMS (sAMS; AMS-C ≥1.53) groups. Urine samples collected at BLR and HA were analyzed using proton nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. BLR urinary metabolite profiles were significantly different (p ≤ 0.05) between sAMS vs. NoAMS individuals, identifying an AMS risk pattern prior to HA exposure. Differentially expressed metabolites in sAMS group included elevated levels of creatine, acetylcarnitine, 3-methylhistidine, isobutyrate, and decreased levels of N-methylhistidine, hypoxanthine, taurine and 1-methylnicotinamide. Interestingly, most of the metabolites that distinguish the different AMS groups are linked to energy production, corroborating findings from our previous study. As urinary levels of these metabolites directly or indirectly reflect the status of the metabolic pathways involved in energy production, these pathways can potentially influence physiologic outcomes to hypoxia.
Cognitive impairment is the growing challenge that requires early diagnosis and personalized management of neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer's disease. Neuroimaging modalities like Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) provide valuable structural and functional insights into brain changes associated with cognitive decline. However, existing deep learning (DL) based diagnostic models have the challenges in non-consideration of long-range spatial dependencies and contextual information across brain slices that lead to suboptimal classification accuracy. To overcome the limitations, this research introduces the framework that combines an Improved Vision Transformer (Im-ViT) with the Residual Simple Recurrent Unit (ResNet-SRU) based Multilayer Perceptron (MLP) to capture spatial and temporal dependencies in neuroimaging data. Preprocessing using Multiscale Gaussian Filter (MGF) enhances feature clarity by removing multiscale noise. In addition, the system integrates the Visual Working Memory (VWM)-based game therapy, where difficulty levels dynamically adapt using the proposed Iterative Hiking-based Reinforcement Learning (ItHRL) approach. The analysis of the proposed model based on various assessment measures like Accuracy, Recall, Precision, F-Score, Specificity, and Mean Squared Error (MSE) acquired the values of 99.62%, 99.33%, 98.97%, 99.56%, 99.62% and 0.018 respectively. The proposed model with combined detection and game therapy approach yield higher classification accuracy, faster convergence and patient engagement.
Comparisons in psychological research are often directional, with one entity (a group, situation, condition, or measurement) that is the "target" of the comparison being compared to a baseline or reference point (the "referent"). A particular unidirectional framing often gets entrenched in a research tradition. This can be problematic because people (including researchers) focus disproportionately on the target rather than on the referent of directional comparisons. They thus mainly seek explanations for differences or similarities in processes associated with the target. As a consequence, a unidirectional perspective obscures ideas and impedes theoretical progress, particularly if the designation of the referent was arbitrary (i.e., not representing a default) to begin with. We first examine mechanisms that entail unidirectionality in research traditions. Drawing primarily on social psychology (but with an eye toward the broader field of psychology), we review examples in which a dominant unidirectional perspective has been fruitfully challenged. We then present four case studies from domains characterized by unidirectionality in which reversing the direction of comparison could stimulate new insights. We provide guidelines for avoiding or reversing one-way theoretical paths and consider metaquestions that our analysis provokes. We end with limitations of our work and recommendations for future research.
The Grand Canal in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei offers abundant ecological resources and socio-economic value that can support physical activity and social interaction, yet its use remains largely spontaneous and underutilized for regional health promotion. This study quantifies how canal-adjacent space promotes hiking, jogging, and cycling, identifies correlating features and spatial heterogeneity, and proposes optimization recommendations. Using participant movement trajectories, we combine XGBoost with multiscale geographically weighted regression to assess factor importance and spatial nonlinearity. K-Means clustering classifies canal-adjacent areas into ecology (52.9%), service (29.5%), living (11.7%), and mixed (5.9%) types; Natural Breaks delineates advantage zones for physical activity. Promotion indices derived from factor weight coefficients quantifies conversion efficiency across spatial types. Illumination intensity and population density correlate strongly with three activity types. Hiking is mainly driven by slope gradient, accessibility to fitness facilities, and NDVI; jogging correlates with office complex, canopy height, and distance to bus station; cycling depends mostly on natural features. Effects are generally nonlinear and spatially heterogeneous, centering on the Beijing-Tianjin segment with decreasing influence toward the periphery. In addition, comparing the four spatial types, mixed spaces show the highest conversion efficiency. We propose targeted development strategies and a progressive spatial enhancement model to strengthen sports functions.
Background: Sunfish sailing requires a combination of morphological and neuromuscular characteristics to effectively manage sail control and maintain postural stability during hiking maneuvers. Objectives: We aimed to describe the anthropometric and neuromuscular characteristics of elite Colombian Sunfish sailors and explore potential sex-related patterns. Methods: Six competitive sailors (three men and three women) underwent anthropometric assessment and somatotype calculation. Neuromuscular performance was evaluated using handgrip strength (HGS), quadriceps maximal voluntary isometric contraction, rate of force development (RFD), one-repetition maximum (1RM) lower-limb assessment, countermovement jump (CMJ), trunk endurance tests, and the Y-balance test for dynamic balance. Descriptive statistics and standardized effect sizes (Hedges' g) were used to characterize between-sex patterns. Results: Anthropometric assessments suggested descriptive sex-related differences in body composition and skeletal dimensions, with a predominance of mesomorphic characteristics. Descriptive data suggested higher HGS values among men (g = 2.27-4.85), while lower-limb neuromuscular performance showed higher values among men across several RFD time windows (g = 0.81-1.45). Conversely, dynamic balance and trunk endurance outcomes showed minimal variation between sexes. Conclusions: This pilot study provides a preliminary physical profile of elite Colombian Sunfish sailors. The observed patterns in strength-related and morphological variables, especially HGS, quadriceps MVIC, and lower-limb power, should be interpreted as exploratory. Further research with larger samples is required to confirm these findings.
Forest-based physical activity has been proposed as a strategy to counteract age-associated declines in health, yet its mechanistic underpinnings remain unclear. Muscle oxygen saturation (SmO₂) may serve as a real-time marker of physiological adaptation during a physical activity. This study was conducted as an open-label intervention trial with facility-based allocation in 69 older adults (aged 66-78 years), comparing a forest trail hiking group (FTH, n = 34) with a control group (CON, n = 35). Participants in the FTH engaged in progressive low- to high-intensity hiking (120 min, twice weekly). SmO₂ of the vastus lateralis was continuously monitored, and pre- and post-intervention assessments included body composition, cardiopulmonary function, and immunological markers. During hiking, SmO₂ declined progressively, reaching a nadir at 60-90 min before partial recovery. After 12 weeks, the FTH showed reduced body fat, increased muscle mass, and improved VO₂max, FVC, FEV₁, and PEF, whereas the CON exhibited adverse trends. Immunological changes included decreased IL-6 and increased IL-10 and IL-12 in the FTH, alongside enhanced lymphocyte subsets. Ultimately, continuous SmO₂ monitoring provides an informative marker of muscle oxygen dynamics during prolonged outdoor activity. Forest trail hiking elicited broad physiological and immunological benefits in older adults, underscoring its therapeutic potential for healthy ageing. However, since the study did not incorporate functional immune assessments or specific biomarkers of immunosenescence, the findings should be interpreted cautiously and cannot be considered definitive evidence of immune function restoration.Trial registration: This study was retrospectively registered with the Clinical Research Information Service of the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention under Clinical Trials KCT0008712 on 18/08/2023.
Predicting postoperative return to sport (RTS)/return to exercise (RTE) is challenging, particularly given the unclear impact of preexisting mood conditions. In sport/exercise participants who underwent spine surgery, the authors sought to evaluate the relationship between preoperative depression and postoperative sport/exercise participation and establish a threshold depression score predictive of RTS/RTE. A retrospective cohort study (2011-2022) was conducted of sport/exercise participants who underwent degenerative spine surgery. Moderate/severe depression was defined as a score ≥ 10 on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Primary outcomes were 1) RTS/RTE (yes/no), time to return (months), frequency of participation (hours and days per week); and 2) optimal PHQ-9 score predicting RTS/RTE. Secondary outcomes were patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), including the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Neck Disability Index (NDI). Multivariable regression controlled for age, sex, BMI, use of narcotics, surgical procedure, and preoperative PROM scores. Of 737 patients surveyed on sports/exercise participation, 150 (20.4%) reported preoperative sport/exercise. The mean patient age was 56.3 ± 13.8 years, and the mean follow-up was 6.0 ± 2.1 years. Thirty-four (22.7%) patients had moderate/severe depression. Common sports/exercises were hiking (55.3%), weight lifting (46.0%), and running/jogging (40.7%). Of the 150 patients, 127 (84.7%; 64.7% depressed vs 90.5% nondepressed, p < 0.001) returned to sport/exercise within 8.9 ± 3.7 months (13.0 ± 19.3 vs 8.1 ± 12.2 months, p = 0.147) postoperatively. Compared with their presymptom baseline, depressed patients engaged in fewer days (2.5 ± 1.9 vs 4.2 ± 1.4 days, p = 0.011) and hours (5.1 ± 4.8 vs 10.1 ± 7.3 hours, p = 0.047) of sport/exercise weekly, compared with their presymptom baseline. Preoperative depression predicted longer time to RTS/RTE (HR 0.6, 95% CI 0.4-1.0; p = 0.043). A PHQ-9 score of 7.2 (AUC 0.71, p = 0.001) predicted failure to RTS/RTE. Preoperative depression predicted worse long-term ODI (β 15.0, 95% CI 4.2-25.8; p = 0.007) and NDI (β 17.3, 95% CI 0.94-33.7; p = 0.039) scores. Sport/exercise participants undergoing degenerative spine surgery with moderate/severe depression were less likely to return to sport/return to exercise, returned later, and failed to regain presymptom levels of participation. Even mild depression (PHQ-9 score 7-9) predicted failure to return to sport/return to exercise. To facilitate successful return to sport/return to exercise, surgeons should screen all patients for depression and consider referring those with even mild depression for preoperative psychiatric optimization.
Continuous monitoring of pathological motor features is vital for post-stroke rehabilitation but remains challenged by power reliance and low sensitivity of wearable sensors. Here, we develop a high-sensitivity, self-powered breathable nanogenerator (BN-TENG) utilizing fish-scale-derived biological hydroxyapatite/carbon (Bio-HAp/C) fillers within electrospun polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) nanofibers. The Bio-HAp/C enhances electron-trapping capability, while a high-resilience ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) spacer optimizes contact-separation dynamics. The BN-TENG achieves a superior sensitivity of 16.28 V·N-1 and remarkable stability over 10,000 cycles. By implementing a multi-node sensing strategy, the sensor successfully captures complex hemiplegic patterns, including compensatory shoulder hiking, distal muscle spasticity, and postural asymmetry. By resolving subtle micro-vibrations missed by traditional electronics, this work provides a sustainable, autonomous interface for characterizing pathological motor features and assessing rehabilitation progress in hemiplegic patients.
Kinesiophobia stands out as a significant psychological barrier that limits performance and participation in nature-based physical activities. To form the basis for the development of appropriate preventive strategies, this study aimed to determine the levels of kinesiophobia among individuals participating in trekking and hiking activities and to examine their associations with demographic and behavioral factors. The Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia was applied to 518 individuals who participated in trekking and hiking activities on the world-famous Lycian Way on the southern coast of Türkiye. Higher kinesiophobia scores were observed among females, older participants, and individuals with prior negative experiences, with small-to-moderate effect sizes (η2 = 0.011-0.069). A combined smoking and alcohol use variable was modestly associated with higher kinesiophobia scores (η2 = 0.021), whereas no statistically significant association was found with income status. The study highlights the importance of psychoeducational programs, cognitive-behavioral interventions, and confidence-based physical awareness exercises in relation to kinesiophobia among participants in trekking and hiking activities. However, due to the cross-sectional design, the findings should be interpreted as associations rather than causal relationships. Future longitudinal and experimental studies can examine the development of kinesiophobia in different age and experience groups in greater detail. In addition, the investigation of psychophysiological indicators and psychological adaptation processes after injury will make valuable contributions to the literature in terms of the prevention and management of kinesiophobia in trekking and hiking activities.
To describe the operative technique, dedicated intraoperative calibration workflow, and perioperative management protocol for 360° lumbar arthroplasty, a dual-approach, motion-preserving alternative to fusion addressing concurrent disc and facet pathology at a single lumbar level. Conventional fusion restricts segmental motion, potentially increasing stress on adjacent levels. The combination of the Prodisc L, artificial disc replacement, and the Total Posterior System from enables circumferential reconstruction of the lumbar motion segment while preserving physiologic kinematics. A novel intraoperative calibration device allows precise alignment of the Total Posterior System to the artificial disc replacement, optimizing segmental center of rotation and motion preservation. Patient selection, preoperative imaging, sequential anterior-posterior surgical technique, dedicated intraoperative center of rotation calibration protocol, device sizing, and postoperative rehabilitation protocols are detailed. Biomechanical validation of the calibration device is incorporated to support its clinical application. Early results of 24 patients over 2 years are encouraging. Total VAS and ODI scores decreased by 9 (89%) and 50 (88%) points, respectively. The SF36 PCS/MCS scores increased by 63/49 (114%/100%). A total of 9 patients were discharged the same day, while 14 were sent to a post-op rehab center for 1 to 3 days. Average return to light physical activity (swimming, golfing, fencing, hiking, gym) was 4 weeks (SD2.2). This 360° motion-preserving construct integrates validated anterior and posterior arthroplasty systems with a novel intraoperative calibration to restore both disc and facet function, representing an evolution in lumbar spine surgery.
First metatarsophalangeal (MTP) arthrodesis can effectively alleviate pain and correct deformity of the great toe but may introduce unique limitations to an active patient population, particularly in alpine-specific sports including Nordic and alpine skiing, snowboarding, hiking, trail running and biking. Limited literature evaluates return to these specific activities after first-MTP arthrodesis. This study aims to better define the ability to return to physical activity, with a focus on alpine sports and footwear modifications. Adults undergoing MTP arthrodesis with ≥1-year follow-up at a single academic institution were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic data, surgical complications, and radiographic union were recorded. A custom sports questionnaire was administered preoperatively and postoperatively across >20 sports, including outdoor and alpine sports, to assess return to activity. Paired t tests compared pre- to postoperative changes in patient-reported outcomes, with significance set to P <.05. The mean age was 58.8 years, and 57.3% were female. Ninety-six percent (43/45) of patients returned to sport by 12 months postoperatively, whereas 24.4% required more than 12 months to reach their maximum activity level. Nordic and alpine skiers and snowboarders were all able to return to the same or higher level of sport, but nearly half (40%) required boot modifications. Similarly, 42% of all patients in this study required some level of shoe modification for their respective sport. First-MTP arthrodesis supports high return-to-sport rates, including demanding alpine activities including skiing, snowboarding, and hiking. Up to 1 year is often required to reach maximum performance. Patients should be counseled on the potential need for footwear modification after surgery. These findings outline guidance for counseling of highly active patient populations. Further studies can help elucidate which factors contribute to the lack of return to sport for specific patients and sports. Level IV, retrospective case series.
With the expansion of high-speed road mileage and the aging of road networks, maintenance workloads have increased dramatically. Accurately forecasting preventive maintenance costs is a practical approach to rationally control maintenance expenditure, enhance capital utilization efficiency, and ensure the long-term stable operation of the road network. However, the current predictive model for preventive maintenance costs fails to adequately account for variations in types of preventive maintenance measures, limiting their ability to capture the actual cost variation patterns under different engineering conditions. Consequently, there remains scope for improvement in prediction accuracy. In this study, we developed three meta-heuristic-optimized hybrid models, each tailored to a specific asphalt pavement preventive maintenance measure: 1) the fruit fly optimization algorithm (FOA)-enhanced XGBoost model for crack filling; 2) the hiking optimization algorithm (HOA)-enhanced RF model for surface sealing; 3) the particle swarm optimization (PSO)-enhanced BPNN model for overlay. A case study demonstrates that FOA-XGBoost (R² = 0.8622, MAE = 0.0552) improved XGBoost's R² by 0.0526. In contrast, HOA-RF (MSE = 0.0032, RMSE = 0.0565) outperformed RF with lower error metrics. Furthermore, PSO-BPNN achieved the highest R² (0.9277) and the lowest MAE (0.0419) compared to BPNN. All models maintained MAPE below 5%. To further support the reliability of the results, the Wilcoxon signed-rank test was conducted to assess the statistical significance of model performance differences. In addition, nested cross-validation and sensitivity analysis were performed to evaluate the robustness and stability of the proposed models. These findings indicate that the optimized hybrid model has demonstrated improvements in both predictive accuracy and stability. Consequently, the developed models may provide useful support for maintenance cost estimation and resource allocation in expressway maintenance management.
IntroductionActively recreating in natural environments enhances physical and mental health but also carries risk. We aimed to characterize wilderness day hikers and trail runners and examine factors that predict preparedness.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional survey in 4 distinct areas of Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado during June to August of 2024. English-speaking adults returning from a day hike or trail run were invited to participate. We classified visitors as prepared based on the gear they reported carrying.ResultsOf 801 potential participants approached, 586 day hikers (82.3%) and 68 trail runners (76.4%) agreed to participate. The overall average age was 40.7 y (range 18-82 y), 50.1% were female, and the most common state of residence was Colorado (47.3%). Day hikers tended to be older, travel in larger groups, and spend fewer days in the wilderness per year, whereas trail runners reported higher levels of experience and wilderness preparedness and were more likely to experience "close calls." A minority of participants met our definition of wilderness prepared, about half were altitude prepared, and approximately a quarter did not tell anyone where they were going or when they expected to return. Several measures of experience were associated with preparedness.ConclusionBoth equipment and knowledge are important for safely when enjoying and leaving wilderness settings. Yet, many wilderness users in Rocky Mountain National Park did not meet our definition of adequate preparation, especially those with less experience. Additional efforts to increase the proportion of wilderness day users who are prepared may help further improve visitor safety.
I embody the quintessential Californian spirit: Raised in Los Angeles, I spent weekends either at the beach or skiing at Big Bear, rode motorcycles, hiked the Sierras, and cherished the sounds of the Beach Boys and Creedence Clearwater Revival. Restless, undisciplined, and irreverent, I applied to only one college-UC Santa Barbara-mainly because that is where my high school friends were going. Although we like to think our intellect transcends culture, my childhood and teenage years were shaped by the rhythms of the 1960s: space flight, NASA, and virtually every episode of Star Trek (often watched multiple times). Unmoored, I entered college intending to major in biochemistry but drifted into chemistry while also immersing myself in the physics curriculum. I earned a PhD in chemical physics at Caltech, yet chose to work with a chemical engineer. When my thesis advisor was suddenly killed, I completed my dissertation at Xerox Palo Alto Research Center, working on solar cell materials alongside Cambridge-educated physicists. While my chemistry peers pursued academic postdocs, I went instead to IBM Yorktown Heights, dividing my time between silane reactor engineering and amorphous semiconductor physics. Would I ever become anchored? Here is the rest of the story that led to 43 years on the Berkeley faculty. Including motorcycles.