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Postpandemic After-School Activities Among Youths in Australia
No full textData source: Supplemental content, https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.43637ImportanceThe long-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on after-school activity patterns among youths remain poorly understood, hindering the development of policies to promote beneficial engagement.ObjectiveTo examine longitudinal changes in after-school activity participation before (2019), during (2020 to 2021), and after (2022) the COVID-19 pandemic and assess whether these changes differed by sex.Design, setting, and participantsThis longitudinal cohort study used linked yearly census survey data from the Well-Being and Engagement Collection (WEC) survey in South Australia. Participants were youths starting year 6 of school on January 29, 2019, who progressed to starting year 9 by January 31, 2022. Data analyzed were collected in weeks 2 to 5 of term 2 (May 2019 to May 2022).ExposureCOVID-19 pandemic.Main outcomes and measuresWeekly frequency of engagement in 11 after-school activities was measured in the WEC survey. Ordinal logistic regression models examined the trajectory of after-school activity participation. The results were visualized as estimated proportions over time.ResultsA total of 14 350 participants (mean [SD] age in 2019, 11.7 [0.5] years; 7232 [50.4%] male) contributing 36 572 observations were included in the analysis. Participation in music, art, reading for fun, hanging out with friends, tutoring, and sports declined during and after the pandemic. Among these participants, youths who never participated in art (2019, 25.7% [95% CI, 24.5%-27.0%]; 2022, 70.4% [95% CI, 68.8%-72.0%]) and reading for fun (2019, 10.8% [95% CI, 10.1%-11.6%]; 2022, 52.6% [95% CI, 50.5%-54.8%]) showed the largest changes. Conversely, time spent watching television, doing chores, and playing electronic games showed meaningful increases but returned to prepandemic levels in 2022. Social media was the only activity that showed consistent increases during the 4 years, demonstrating the greatest growth. Everyday use increased from 26.0% (95% CI, 24.6%-27.3%) in 2019 to 85.4% (95% CI, 84.1%-86.7%) in 2022. Females spent more time on social media than males, while males experienced a more pronounced decline in reading.Conclusions and relevanceThis cohort study found associations between the COVID-19 pandemic and after-school activity participation patterns among youths, with rapid increases in social media use compared with all other activities. These associations largely persisted 3 years after the onset of the pandemic. These findings provide a timely benchmark for evaluating forthcoming policies aimed at restricting youth access to social media platforms. Interventions to support activities such as sports, art, and music are warranted
Mattering is the cornerstone of nurses' meaningful work and well-being
No full textDo you feel that you truly matter in your workplace or that your efforts are recognised and valued by your colleagues and nurse leaders? These are critical questions for nurses today, as the answer impacts individual well-being and the broader health care system. Mattering is not only feeling valued and adding value; it is a fundamental human need to feel appreciated, respected and recognised. Numerous studies show that mattering is linked with thriving, belonging, inclusion, fairness, well-being and agency
Selective comminution for upgrading nickel and cobalt in nickel laterite ores
No full textThis study evaluates batch wet grinding of sized limonitic nickel laterite in a laboratory stirred mill to determine optimal conditions for nickel and cobalt upgrading. The effects of sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP) dispersant, grinding time, and feed size fractions were investigated. The optimal grinding time for nickel upgrade was 0.1 min for −1180 + 600, −600 + 300, and −300 + 150 µm fractions using 5 % SHMP. The best results were observed in the −1180 + 600 and −600 + 300 underscreen fractions, where nickel grades increased from 0.89 % and 0.87 % to 1.18 % and 1.06 %, with enrichment ratios of 1.3 and 1.2 and recoveries of 72 % and 73 %, respectively. In contrast, cobalt was predominantly enriched in the overscreen fractions alongside Mn and Si, regardless of processing conditions. Compositing underscreen fractions resulted in a total nickel grade of 1.05 % with an enrichment ratio of 1.4, while cobalt was enriched 1.5 times in the combined overscreen with a grade of 0.25 %. Grinding an unsized feed led to only marginal Ni grade increases, emphasizing the importance of feed sizing before grinding. Implications for downstream processing were assessed, proposing two extraction strategies: (1) HPAL processing for the −150 µm fraction, with combined underscreen and overscreen materials allocated to tank leaching and heap leaching/RIMM, respectively; or (2) combining underscreen material with the −150 µm fraction (∼92 % of the total ore) for HPAL processing, while overscreen treatment route remains unchanged. Both strategies optimize resource utilization, improve process efficiency, and enhance metal recovery without material loss
Using the H5P interactive tool to teach critical thinking and text analysis skills to online students
No full textTeaching critical thinking and text analysis skills is relevant for many courses and programs. In this chapter, we explain how we used the interactive H5P tool to teach critical thinking and text analysis skills to pre-bachelor external students. Developing the text analysis activities in H5P has allowed us to combine the various quiz-style activities available in this tool to break down a text analysis into more manageable, smaller tasks. The instant feedback facility available in H5P allowed us to provide frequent, instant feedback to students that to some extent replicates the kind of guidance a tutor could provide in a face-to-face tutorial
Effect of work-to-rest ratio on acute responses to repeated-sprint training in hypoxia in elite track endurance cyclists
No full textRepeated-sprint training in hypoxia (RSH) is increasingly used by athletes to improve repeat sprint ability in normoxia. However, the physiological responses to varying protocols remain unclear. This study aimed to determine how different RSH protocols affect acute physiological responses in elite cyclists. Nineteen elite cyclists were prescribed four RSH sessions (FiO2: 14.5%) using three protocols: RSH-6: 4 sets × 5 reps (6 s sprint:24 s rest, W:R1:4), RSH-10: 3 sets × 5 reps (10 s sprint:20 s rest, W:R1:2), and RSH-6/10: 4 sets × 5 reps (sets 1 and 3-6 s sprint:24 s rest; sets 2 and 4-10 s sprint:20 s rest). Data were analysed using linear mixed models. Mean and peak power (p = 0.006), mean and peak torque (p = 0.001) and muscle re-oxygenation (p = 0.001) were greater in 6 s sprints. The 10 s sprints resulted in higher work per sprint(p = 0.001), larger sprint decrement (p = 0.001), higher blood lactate accumulation (p = 0.001), and greater muscle oxygen desaturation (p = 0.001). To improve neuromuscular capabilities (i.e. PPO and torque) cyclists should use shorter duration sprints with 1:4 W:R ratios. Alternatively, longer sprints and 1:2 W:R ratios are better suited to target metabolic adaptations
Comparing maximum lifespan of a new flexible keel versus non-articulated prosthetic feet
No full textThe number of amputees worldwide is increasing for different reasons, such as diseases, accidents, and acts of violence. In developing countries, conventional prosthetic feet like the Solid Ankle Cushion Heel (SACH) foot are commonly used because of their affordability, ease of maintenance, and use. To improve the features of the SACH foot, a new prosthetic foot was developed that resembles it but has a flexible keel. The new foot consists of a wooden keel, carbon fiber reinforced polymer support, and a flexible filler material, silicone rubber, that provides flexibility to the foot's movement. The process of pouring liquid silicone rubber and rice husk ash into a metal mold. The new foot was tested for fatigue foot life and dorsiflexion angle using devices such as the Fatigue Foot Tester and dorsiflexion tester to estimate its expected life. The outcomes were relative to those of the SACH feet, and it was found that the new foot has a better fatigue life of 510,382 steps compared to 473,241 steps for the SACH foot. Additionally, the new foot has a higher dorsiflexion angle of 5.7° compared to 2.3° for the SACH foot
Post-error slowing during motor sequence learning under extrinsic and intrinsic error feedback conditions
No full textPost-error slowing, described as an error-corrective index of response binding during motor sequence learning, has only been demonstrated in the serial reaction time task under conditions where extrinsic error feedback is presented. The present experiment investigated whether post-error slowing is dependent on, or is influenced by, extrinsic error feedback. Thirty participants (14 females, Mage = 21.9 +/- 1.8 years) completed the serial reaction time task with or without presentation of extrinsic error feedback. Post-error slowing was observed following response error whether feedback was presented or not. However, presentation of extrinsic error feedback increased post-error slowing across practice and extended the number of responses that were slowed following an error. There was no evidence of feedback effects on motor sequence learning or explicit awareness. Instead, feedback appeared to function as a performance factor that reduced response error rates relative to no feedback conditions. These findings illustrate that post-error slowing in motor sequence learning is not reliant on or a result of presentation of extrinsic error information. More specific to the serial reaction time task paradigm, the present findings demonstrate that the common practice of presenting error feedback is not necessary for investigating motor sequence learning unless the aim is to maintain low error rate. However, doing so might inflate reaction time in latter training blocks
A methodological approach to generate local solutions that promote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander social and emotional wellbeing on Kaurna Country, Australia
No full textAboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities are diverse, strong and faced with adverse social circumstances and unacceptable health and wellbeing outcomes wrought by colonisation. The need for strengths-based initiatives that tailor services according to local knowledges is well accepted, yet few studies have evaluated self-determined strategies to redress the social determinants of health. We describe a research approach where principles of Indigenous methodology guide application of implementation science methods to generate, implement and evaluate local solutions from the perspectives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Partnerships with local communities and service organisations are paramount. The co-design phase collected critical insights regarding community needs, challenges and service gaps, and identified shortfalls in local strategic policy. A co-designed theory of systems change articulates mechanisms to strengthen policy, optimise the health and social service system, and empower and connect communities. A developmental approach to the implementation and evaluation of individual, community and service system initiatives will generate new evidence regarding efforts to tackle social factors and promote wellbeing.Anna Dawson, Eugene Warrior, Odette Pearson, Mark Boyd, Judith Dwyer, Kim Morey, Tina Brodie, Kurt Towers, Sonia Waters, Cynthia Avila, Courtney Hammond, Katherine Lake, Uncle Frank Lampard, Uncle Frank Wanganeen, Olive Bennell, Darrien Bromley, Toni Shearing, Nathan Rigney, Schania Czygan, Nikki Clinch, Natasha Howard, Alex Brow
Variety-seeking and time of day: a replication
No full textRoehm and Roehm (2004, Marketing Letters, 15, 213–221) investigated the relationship between variety-seeking behavior and the time of day at which choices are made. Using two experimental studies in the USA, they found variety-seeking was lower in the afternoon than in the morning. However, Gullo, Berger, Etkin, and Bollinger (2019, Journal of Consumer Research, 46(1), 20–35) found a different effect. Using one empirical and three experimental studies in the USA, the authors showed that variety-seeking increased throughout the day. To shed light on the different findings, we carry out a replication using a unique dataset from the UK, which tracks individual purchases of food and drinks for out of home consumption over a period of three years. Similar to Gullo et al. (2019), we found variety-seeking increases from the morning to the afternoon. Additionally, we found a post-lunch dip. Our results as such lend further support to the matching mechanism between variety-seeking and diurnal level proposed by Gullo et al. (2019) rather than the compensating mechanism suggested by Roehm and Roehm (2004)
Runtime Analysis of Evolutionary Multitasking for Classical Benchmark Problems
No full textEvolutionary multitasking has gained significant attention in the evolutionary computation literature in recent years. Here an evolutionary algorithm is used to compute good or optimal solutions for not just a single but several (possibly related) tasks. We provide a first runtime analysis of evolutionary multitask algorithms and investigate generalized versions of OneMax, LeadingOnes, and Jump which are classical benchmark functions frequently studied in the area of runtime analysis. Our theoretical investigations point out significant speed ups when using evolutionary multitasking instead of several runs of the classical (1+1) EA. In particular, our analysis reveals how progress is shared between the different tasks using uniform crossover in an evolutionary multitasking algorithm. We complement our asymptotic theoretical analysis by experimental investigations which provide further insights into the actual speed ups dependent on the similarity of the given tasks for realistic problem sizes.Johannes Lengler, Aneta Neumann, Frank Neuman