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In March 2020, a Suburban Taskforce was established by Members of Parliament (MPs) in the UK. This Taskforce argued that the experiences of suburbs in England were poorly understood by policy-makers and developers, practitioners, and the general public. Over the two years of research and engagement that followed, a key consideration to emerge was the management of change and particularly in the context of growth pressures evident in Outer London. This has synergies with recent trends in suburban research that turn away from negative framings of places in extended metropolitan areas, such as 'edgeness' (not in the city) and 'in-between-ness' (neither urban nor rural activity). Instead, there is increasing focus on suburban cultural dynamics and political ecology. Drawing on these ideas, this paper looks at suburbs as landscapes with natural and built elements, as well as diverse activities, and focuses on the processes of blending. The evidence and views presented to the Taskforce are used to investigate the blended landscapes of Outer London. The paper explores the elements and development rationalities in two London Boroughs, Sutton and Waltham Forest, and the context that shapes choices. The findings suggest that, while not discounting the significance of growth pressures and limits to local control, suburban landscapes are heavily influenced by responses to local socio-economic concerns, historic urban form, and the politics of local development. The paper concludes by reflecting on the directions of change in the study areas, and the significance of dynamics of ongoing blending of the landscapes across outer parts of major cities.

Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of daily screening for medical readiness to participate in early mobilisation in the paediatric intensive care unit (PICU), on reducing time to mobilisation and to explore the safety-, feasibility-, and patient-level barriers to the practice. Methods: An interventional study with a historical control group was conducted in a PICU in a tertiary teaching hospital in Australia. The Early Mobilisation Screening Checklist was applied at 24e48 h of PICU stay with the aim to reduce time to commencing mobilisation. All patients aged term to 18 years admitted to the PICU for >48 h were included in this study. Data on time to mobilisation and patient characteristics were collected by an unblinded case note audit of children admitted to the PICU over 5months in 2018 for the baseline group and over a corresponding period in 2019 for the intervention group. Measurements and main results: A total of 71 children were enrolled. Survival analysis was used to compare time to mobilisation between groups, and a cox regression model found that children in the intervention group were 1.26 times more likely to participate in mobility, but this was not statistically significant (P ¼ 0.391, log rank test for equality of survival functions). Early mobilisation was safe, with no adverse events reported in 177 participant mobilisation days. Feasibility was demonstrated by 62% of participants mobilising within 72 h of admission. Mechanical ventilation during stay (P ¼ 0.043) and days receiving sedation infusion (% of days) (P ¼ 0.042) were associated with a decreased likelihood of participating in mobility. Conclusions: Implementation of routine screening alone does not significantly reduce time to commencing mobility in the PICU. Early mobilisation in the PICU is safe and feasible and resulted in no adverse events during mobilisation. Patient characteristics influencing participation in mobility warrant further exploration. Refereed/Peer-reviewed

The changing climate is closely related to changes in the bioclimate. This research deals with the present bioclimate and its projected evolution over the entirety of the natural and agricultural lands of south-eastern Europe and individual countries (Bulgaria, Greece, Kosovo, N. Macedonia, Romania, and Serbia). For this purpose, an ultrahigh spatial resolution of the de Martonne bioclimatic index pattern was elaborated and analysed for the first time. The survey is performed over the reference period (1981–2010) and future time frames (2011–2040; 2041–2070; 2071–2100) under SSP370 and SSP585 emission scenarios. On a territorial level, both natural and agricultural areas appear as highly impacted by the future changes of bioclimate; the highest xerothermic trend is expected to influence the latter areas, mostly in 2071–2100 and under the higher emission scenario. The natural areas will face an expansion in the semidry class from 0.9% (of the total area) during the reference period to 5.6% during 2071–2100 under the RCP8.5 scenario as the dominant extremely humid class falls from 53.5% to 32.9% for the same periods and scenario. On the other hand, agricultural areas will face a more intense xerothermic alteration going from 4.9% to 17.7% for the semidry class and from 41.1% to 23.5% for the dominant very humid class for the same periods and scenario. This study presents the spatial statistics per country for the selected scenarios and periods to provide information for stakeholders. This study’s results highlight the necessity for intensifying adaptation plans and actions aiming at the feasibility of agricultural practices and the conservation of natural areas.

Γαλανού, Ε. 2022. Πλατεία Ομονοίας: Τόπος πολλαπλών συναντήσεων, 6-15. Βουλιάκης, Π. 2022. Η Αριστοτελική εισβολή στον μεσαίωνα, 16-24. Σιούλη-Κατάκη, Ζ. 2022. Λαογραφία, δημοτικό και ρεμπέτικο τραγούδι, 25-36. Δουλγερίδης, Δ. 2022. Το Φιντανάκι: μια ηθογραφία του μεσοπολέμου, 37-43. Γκολομάζου, Θ. 2022. Σχεδιασμός προγράμματος εκπαίδευσης ενηλίκων, 44-52. Τσίρος, Σ. 2022. Αρχεία, καταγραφές και εξουσία: η κατασκευή της σύγχρονης μνήμης, 53-61, Archive Journal 2022 ,Volume 18, Issue 2

What is collected and how it is described and interpreted ,depends on the approach and attitude of the archivists of each collection. Certainly, this in turn affects the way in which the history of people and objects is treated and remembered. Curators value, collect and preserve objects which built the concepts of identity in multiple contexts. In turn, the concepts of identity are confirmed and justified, and objects are sometimes validated as evidence for the history of a given identity. Joan Schwartz & Terry Cook believe that curators are constantly reinventing and reinterpreting the archives. Considering the above mentioned, in this essay the opinion of the authors is commented on using specific examples., Archives, recordings and power: the construction of modern memory, {"references":["Bastian, J.A. 2009. \"Flowers for Homestead: A Case Study in Archives and Collective Memory\", The American Archivist, 72(1): 113-132. doi.org/10.17723/aarc.72.1.k751734304667050.","Bracha, R. 2012. \"Artists and the film archive: re-creation—or archival replay\". Arch Sci, 13(2-3), 133–141. doi.org/10.1007/s10502-012-9181-6","Brown, C. 2013. \"Memory, identity and the archival paradigm: introduction to the special issue\". Arch Sci 13, 85-93. doi.org/10.1007/s10502-013-9203-z.","Caron, D.J., Kellerhals, A. 2013. \"Archiving for self-ascertainment, identity-building and permanent self-questioning: archives between skepticism and certitude\". Arch Sci 13:, 207-216. doi.org/10.1007/s10502-012-9189-y","Harris, V. 2002. \"The archival sliver: power, memory, and archives in South Africa\". Arch Sci 2, pp. 63-86. doi.org/10.1007/BF02435631","Hedstrom, M. 2002. \"Archives, memory, and interfaces with the past\". Archi Sci 1-2: 21-43. doi.org/10.1007/BF02435629","Kaplan, E. 2000. \"We Are What We Collect, We Collect What We Are: Archives and the Construction of Identity\". The American Archivist, 63(1): 126-151. http://www.jstor.org/stable/40283823144","Katz Thor, R. 2018. Beyond the Witness, Stockholm: Art and Theory Publishing ISBN 978-91-88031-61-7","Klein, K.L. 2000. \"On the emergence of memory in historical discourse\". Representations, 69, 127-150. doi.org/10.2307/2902903","Lowenthal, D. 2006. \"Archival perils, an historian's plaint\". Archives-London-British Records Association, 114, 49-57. doi.org/10.3828/archives.2006.6","Παπαϊωάννου, Ηρ. 2021, Ο φωτογράφος Κώστας Ζημέρης (1886-1980) αναδρομή στο έργο του, Βόλος: Δ/νση Αρχείων, Μουσείων και Βιβλιοθηκών του ΔΟΕΠΑΠ – ΔΗΠΕΘΕ Βόλου","Raz, G. 2005. Actuality of Banality: Eyal Sivan's \"The Specialist\" in Context. Shofar, 24(1): 4–21. http://www.jstor.org/stable/42944117","Sivan, E. (Director) 1979. The Specialist: Portrait of a Modern Criminal [Film]. AMYTHOS Film & TV Productions - Israel","Taylor, H.A. (1980-81). \"Family History: some new Directions and their Implications for the Archivist\". Archivaria, 11: 228-231","Διαδίκτυο","Brothman, B. 2001. \"The Past That Archives Keep: Memory, History, and the Preservation of Archival Records\". Archivaria, 51: 48-80. Διαθέσιμο στο https://archivaria.ca/article/view/12794, ανάκτηση 10/06/2022"]}

Validation is critical for quantifying accuracy, errors and limitations of models’ results. This study examines the ability of ENVI-met model to simulate thermal conditions in high spatial resolution. Field measurements from 11 central sites (squares and parks) across the greater area of Athens, Greece, incorporating 15 days of campaigns in July and August were used. Air temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, grey globe temperature and total solar radiation were monitored at 1.1 m above the ground using a mobile meteorological station. In addition, Mean Radiant Temperature, Physiologically Equivalent Temperature (PET) and Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) were calculated incorporating in-situ measurements. The full force method for ENVI-met initial conditions was applied, using hourly data from the nearest meteorological stations. Validation metrics including Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), Mean Absolute Error (MAE) and the index of agreement (d) were used to measure the model accuracy. The results showed that air temperature is simulated with adequate accuracy (MAE = 1.6 ⁰C and d = 0.8) while PET and UTCI also present a high percentage of agreement (MAE = 5.3 ⁰C and 3.3 ⁰C; d = 0.7 and 0.8, respectively). Overall, the study provides further confidence that the ENVI-met can be utilized as a reliable model for further research analysis.

The number of studies on mitigation and adaptation strategies aiming at the improvement of the urban microclimate increased remarkably during the last decades. Most studies are focusing on the impact of various design layouts, on thermal environment and pedestrians’ thermal sensation. The present study examines the effect of shading trees with different leaf area densities (LAD) on the microclimate and thermal sensation in an urban open area, namely the Syntagma square, Athens, Greece. The microclimatic model ENVI-met was applied to simulate thermal conditions during a summer day when a field monitoring survey has taken place in that square. The Physiologically Equivalent Temperature index (PET) was employed to estimate thermal conditions in the square and the nearby areas. Model results showed that dense vegetation (LAD above 2) has a greater cooling effect compared to sparse vegetation (LAD between 1 and 1.5 and LAD between 0.5 and 1.0) resulting thus to a decrease in daily air temperature and PET at around 0.7 oC and 4 oC, respectively, in areas under tree canopies. Further analysis quantified the effects of various vegetation leaf densities on thermal conditions and thus the importance of the existence of dense vegetation in urban squares under Mediterranean climate conditions.

Public open spaces improve the quality of life in cities and form places for community gatherings and outdoor activities. This study examines the preference of pedestrians for the design features of urban squares. Field surveys on the perception of environmental stimuli were conducted in five squares in Athens, Greece in three seasons (summer, autumn and winter), while a mobile station monitored environmental conditions at the moment of the interview. The questionnaire included an item on the preference for improvement of urban design features (i.e., vegetation, water elements, view, and sport spaces) at the monitoring sites. Overall, 1,858 pedestrians participated in the survey. Of these, 84.4% reported a preference for the monitoring site to be improved for urban design. More vegetation (60.7%) and adding water elements (28.9%) were the most popular suggestions. The preference for increasing vegetation was prevalent in all three seasons (summer, 63.8%; autumn, 61.5%; winter, 57.3%; p=0.05). The preference for water elements was more prevalent in summer (39.6%) than autumn (31.5%) and winter (17.3%; p

The present paper focuses on the development of a methodology that simulates micrometeorological thermal conditions in an urban context based on weather station data. The micrometeorological conditions at Syntagma square, the central square of Athens, Greece were simulated by ENVI-met software in order to evaluate the thermal conditions experienced by its users. Located in the heart of city’s commercial activity, the square attracts many visitors, especially during summer months, when extreme thermal conditions could be encountered. ENVI-met can simulate the necessary factors for the estimation of thermal sensation through thermal indices, i.e. air temperature, mean radiant temperature, relative humidity, and wind speed. The meteorological data needed as input were obtained from the nearest weather station. In-situ micrometeorological measurements recorded at the height of 1.1m, were used to validate the simulated results. ENVI-met simulations were performed at a high spatial and temporal resolution. The appropriate adjustments were made to the modeling procedure to achieve a successful and resource-effective simulation.

The integration of the datasets from three different field surveys on thermal sensation conducted at eight different sites of the area of Athens, Greece was examined. All three surveys were carried out with similar methodologies so data integration can be considered meaningful. The surveys included micrometeorological measurements and questionnaire-based interviews during different seasons focusing on human thermal sensation. The participants self-reported their thermal sensation classified in predetermined classes, i.e. very cold, cold, cool, neither cool nor warm, warm, hot, very hot. However, despite the similarities, one of the surveys used a five-point (±2, ±1, 0) thermal sensation scale whereas the other two a seven-point (±3, ±2, ±1, 0) scale. The present study focused on the transformation of the five-point to a seven-point thermal sensation scale. The middle and extreme classes of both scales were considered to coincide, so the rescaling method involved fitting a common sigmoid curve in all three datasets and reassigning points ±1 of the five-point scale to ±1 and ±2 of the seven-point one. For this purpose, air temperature, grey-globe temperature and Physiological Equivalent Temperature were used as possible independent variables.

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between postural control and fundamental motor skills in girls. An observational cross-sectional study was conducted in 47 girls, aged 8–10 years. Postural control (postural sway centre of pressure) was evaluated during tandem stance, leading with dominant and non-dominant limbs with eyes open and closed, using an AMTI force platform. Fundamental motor skills were assessed using the Test of Gross Motor Development 2nd Edition, examining total, locomotor and object control scores. Data were analysed using linear regression, adjusted for body mass index percentile and household income. For locomotor skills, significant relationships were found with a number of postural sway outcomes for adjusted and unadjusted analyses (r − 0.287 to r − 0.425, p ≤ 0.042). Total motor skill score was significantly related to postural sway in the tandem dominant eyes closed condition for unadjusted and adjusted analyses (r ≥ −0.294, p ≤ 0.04). In conclusion, our findings indicate that postural control may be important for fundamental motor skill proficiency and movement quality in pre-adolescent girls, particularly for locomotor skills. Our study provides evidence supporting the clinical practice of assessing postural control in girls presenting with motor skill deficits. Refereed/Peer-reviewed

To improve outcomes for vulnerable children, there is a pressing need to strengthen collaboration between services that support children and families known to child protection. There is potential for shared service goals to enhance interprofessional collaboration in this field. To better understand shared service goals as an enabler of interprofessional collaboration, a scoping review was undertaken to critically explore (i) goals for children and for their parents/caregivers held by services for children and families known to child protection (ii) interprofessional practices underpinning these goals. Ninety-one studies met the inclusion criteria. Safety, family preservation and increasing parenting capacity were identified as the most universally common goals across the range of services included in the review. Findings to enhance interprofessional collaboration are presented including: the role and value of shared goals at both the organizational and individual client level, as well as interprofessional practices that underpin the attainment of these shared goals. Recommendations for future research are made including the need to explore involvement of consumers in design and evaluation of collaborative approaches and how work to support children’s wellbeing is balanced with work to improve the context in which they live. Refereed/Peer-reviewed

Purpose To determine the validity and test–retest reliability of using ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) elicited during a submaximal 20-m Shuttle Run Test (20mSRT) to predict VO2peak in children and investigate acute affective responses. Methods Twenty-five children (14 boys; age, 12.8 ± 0.7 years; height, 162.0 ± 9.3 cm; mass, 49.9 ± 7.7 kg) completed four exercise tests (GXT, 2 submaximal 20mSRT, maximal 20mSRT). The Eston–Parfitt RPE scale was used, and affect was measured with the Feeling Scale. Submaximal 20mSRT were terminated upon participants reporting RPE7. The speed-RPE relationship from the submaximal 20mSRTs was extrapolated to RPE9 and 10 to predict peak speed and then used to estimate VO2peak. Results Repeated measures ANOVA to examine the validity of using submaximal RPE to predict VO2peak resulted in a Gender main effect (boys = 46.7 ± 5.1 mL kg−1 min−1; girls = 42.0 ± 5.1 mL kg−1 min−1) and Method main effect (p 2peak from the maximal 20mSRT, but not between measured and estimated VO2peak at RPE9 and RPE10. Intraclass correlation analysis revealed excellent reliability (~ 0.9) between the two submaximal 20mSRTs. Significant differences (p Conclusions The results of this study provide evidence that RPE reported during a submaximal 20mSRT can be used to predict VO2peak accurately and reliably. In this study, the submaximal 20mSRT ending at RPE7, provided better predictions of VO2peak while minimising aversive end-point affect, especially in girls.

Childhood obesity is an “urgent and serious challenge,” with over 340 million children worldwide classified as overweight or obese.1 The World Health Organization has declared war, releasing an implementation plan to end childhood obesity.2 Four of the 6 key actions identified in the plan relate to physical activity and obesity management and are therefore relevant to pediatric physical therapy. Although this article is not all-encompassing, it does highlight 10 key points designed to encourage pediatric physical therapists to seek out more information and become leaders for positive action in childhood overweight/obesity (Figure). Refereed/Peer-reviewed

Photosynthetically active (PAR) and ultraviolet-A (UVA) radiation have important effects on plant processes, affecting both health and ecology of the natural ecosystems. Studies dealing with the composition of global solar radiation Rs in PAR and UVA wavelengths are thus important. The present work is aimed at the investigation of the relationships of PAR, UVA with Rs, assessing the key factors that affect the corresponding ratios PAR/Rs and UVA/Rs at a high-altitude mountainous environment. The study was conducted in a protected Natura-2000 forest in Greece at a high altitude (1896 m a.s.l.) site and covers a time period of about 5 years (2014–2019). The analysis was performed on a monthly, seasonal and annual basis using hourly data. Results show that PAR/Rs and UVA/Rs present annual values 0.438 ± 0.031 and 0.034 ± 0.007, respectively with low monthly and seasonal variability. Further, sky clearness was found to have a significant effect on the composition of incident Rs, with PAR/Rs values to increase from 0.417 ± 0.013 to 0.483 ± 0.037 as sky conditions change from clear to overcast. The respective UVA/Rs values were 0.031 ± 0.002 and 0.045 ± 0.011. The hourly ratios become minimum at noon, whereas the magnitude of Rs was found to have a negative effect. In addition, PAR/Rs and UVA/Rs were increasing with relative humidity, optical thickness and relative optical air mass and decreasing with saturation vapor pressure, vapor pressure deficit, and to a less degree with air temperature. Concluding, at the high altitude Mediterranean forest site, Rs composition to PAR and UVA appears to be affected mainly by atmospheric clearness and by the geometric characteristics of the incident radiation rays, whereas atmospheric clearness was affected mainly by air humidity. © 2021

International audience; An apparent kinetic model is developed for a novel chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process of silicon oxynitride (SiO x N y) films from tris(dimethylsilyl)amine (TDMSA) and O 2 , operating at moderate temperature (600-650 • C) and at atmospheric pressure. The definition of reaction pathways and the extraction of kinetic information is based on recently reported results of the gas phase composition, complemented by solid phase characteristics obtained by spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE) and ion beam analyses (IBA). Incorporation of carbon (up to 20 at. %) is considered alongside nitrogen (up to 25 at.%) for variable O 2 flow rates (0.3-1.2 sccm). This combined gasand solid-phase analysis is utilized to identify the main gaseous species and provide insight into the deposition mechanism. A silicon-and a nitrogen-centered radical intermediates are considered as the primary species of the mechanism, based on evidence from gas phase characterizations. A third, fictitious, nitrogen-and carboncontaining molecule is also conceptualized to account for carbon incorporation. Eight chemical reactions are defined alongside their respective kinetic parameters and are implemented in the ANSYS® FLUENT® computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code. Upon validation, the model allows for the successful prediction of local deposition rates and SiO x N y film composition containing non-negligible carbon, marking it as the first kinetic model able to represent the main chemical mechanisms involved in the CVD of a four-component material. The reported combined approach could be applied to other existing or new CVD chemistries forming multicomponent thin films, favoring their implementation in original applications.

Children with obesity experience musculoskeletal pain and reduced physical function and wellbeing, which collectively impact their fitness, strength, motor skills and even their ability to undertake simple tasks like walking and climbing stairs. Disrupting obesity-related disability may be critical to increasing children’s physical activity. Thus, barriers to movement should be considered by health practitioners to improve the efficacy of prescribed physical activity. This applied clinical review highlights key subjective and objective findings from a hypothetical case scenario, linking those findings to the research evidence, before exploring strategies to enhance movement and increase physical activity. Refereed/Peer-reviewed

Purpose of Review The study aims to highlight the clinical importance of assessing and managing neuromusculoskeletal health in pediatric obesity and to support translation of evidence into practice. Recent Findings A growing evidence base suggests that children with obesity experience neuromusculoskeletal impairments and physical complications including increased pain, reduced muscle strength, impaired balance and motor skill, gait deviations, postural malalignment, greater fatigue, and potentially reduced flexibility and sub-optimal bone health. Such evidence supports the need to screen, assess, and optimize neuromusculoskeletal health as part of pediatric obesity management. Summary The likelihood of children with obesity experiencing neuromusculoskeletal impairments is high and can impact the way a child moves, and their interest or capacity to engage in physical activity and exercise. Barriers to movement should be minimized to promote optimal development of the neuromusculoskeletal system and to support engagement in sufficient physical activity for weight management. Healthcare professionals should screen for neuromusculoskeletal impairments as well as personalize interventions and modify standardized exercise interventions to optimize obesity treatment. Further research should explore whether neuromusculoskeletal impairments influence the success of obesity treatment or whether they improve following obesity treatment.

In adults, ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) can be used to predict maximal oxygen uptake, estimate time to exhaustion, assess internal training load and regulate exercise intensity. However, the utility of RPE in children is less researched and therefore, warrants investigation. The purpose of this scoping review is to map out the literature around the application of RPE specifically during aerobic exercise in paediatric populations. Seven bibliographic databases were systematically searched. Grey literature searching and pearling of references were also conducted. To be included for the review, studies were required to comply with the following: (1) participants aged ≤ 18 years asymptomatic of any injuries, disabilities or illnesses; (2) applied RPE in aerobic exercise, testing and/or training; (3) included at least one measure of exercise intensity; and (4) be available in English. The search identified 22 eligible studies that examined the application of RPE in children. These studies involved a total of 718 participants across ten different countries. Nine different types of RPE scales were employed. Overall, the application of RPE in paediatric populations can be classified into three distinct themes: prediction of cardiorespiratory fitness/performance, monitoring internal training loads, and regulation of exercise intensity. The utility of RPE in paediatric populations remains unclear due to the small body of available research and inconsistencies between studies. However, findings from the included studies in this scoping review may show promise. Further research focussing on child-specific RPE scales across various sports, subgroups, and in field-based settings is needed. Refereed/Peer-reviewed

The adverse physical impacts of childhood obesity are increasingly being recognized. The objective of this study is to examine relationships between physical function and adiposity in youth. An umbrella review searched seven databases from inception to May 2019 for systematic reviews examining associations between adiposity and physical function in 0–20‐year‐olds. Findings were synthesized using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health Framework and NHMRC FORM. Seventeen of 21 systematic reviews reported impairments to body function, including cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), muscle function, balance/coordination, gait biomechanics, pain and injury. Six reviews reported activity restrictions in motor skills, running speed/agility and functional mobility, and two found inverse associations between adiposity and physical health‐related quality of life (p‐HRQOL). Some causal relationships indicated that adiposity inversely predicted p‐HRQOL/CRF and CRF/muscle function inversely predicted adiposity. Assessments of physical function were heterogeneous and impacts on participation in life situations meaningful to the individual were largely unknown. Substantial evidence associates childhood overweight/obesity with reduced physical function. Associations were mainly cross‐sectional, with causative evidence for some outcomes. Comprehensive physical function assessments by qualified health professionals are needed, along with targeted interventions to address deficits. Research should further examine causality of relationships, underlying mechanisms and participation challenges in real‐life contexts. Refereed/Peer-reviewed

This study investigated whether male runners improve running performance, running economy, ankle plantar flexor strength,and alter running bio mechanics and lower limb bone mineral density when gradually transitioning to using minimalist shoes for 100% of weekly running. The study was a planned follow-up of runners (n = 50) who transitioned to minimalist or conventional shoes for 35% of weekly structured training in a previous 6-week randomised controlled trial. In that trial,running performance and economy improved more with minimalist shoes than conventional shoes. Runners in each group were instructed to continue running in their allocated shoe during their own preferred training programme for a further 20 weeks while increasing allocated shoe use to 100% of weekly training. At the 20-week follow-up, minimalist shoes did not affect performance (effect size: 0.19; p = 0.218), running economy (effect size: ≤ 0.24; p ≥ 0.388), stride rate or length(effect size: ≤ 0.12; p ≥ 0.550), foot strike (effect size: ≤ 0.25; p ≥ 0.366), or bone mineral density (effect size: ≤ 0.40; p ≥0.319). Minimalist shoes increased plantar flexor strength more than conventional shoes when runners trained with greater mean weekly training distances (shoe∗distance interaction: p = 0.036). After greater improvements with minimalist shoes during the initial six weeks of a structured training programme, increasing minimalist shoe use from 35% to 100%over 20 weeks, when runners use their own preferred training programme, did not further improve performance, running economy or alter running biomechanics and lower limb bone mineral density. Minimalist shoes improved plantar flexor strength more than conventional shoes in runners with greater weekly training distances. Refereed/Peer-reviewed

Titin, the largest muscle protein, plays an important role in passive tension, sarcomeric integrity and cell signaling within the muscle. Recent work has also highlighted a role for titin in active muscle and the N2A region found in skeletal muscle titin and in some isoforms of cardiac titin has been linked to this function. The N2A region is a multi-domain region composed of four immunoglobulin domains (I80-I83) and a disordered region called the insertion sequence. Previously, our lab has shown that the N2A region binds F-actin in a calcium dependent manner, but it is not known which domains within this region are critical for this binding to occur. In this work, we have used co-sedimentation to demonstrate that only constructs containing the I80 domain are capable of binding F-actin. In addition, binding was only observed in constructs containing at least 3 immunoglobulin domains suggesting a length-dependence to binding. Finally, the calcium-dependence of N2A binding is lost when I83 is not present, consistent with the calcium stabilization that has been reported for this domain. Based on these results, we propose that I80 is critical for initiating binding to F-actin and that I83 is responsible for the calcium dependence.

Despite concerns about the loss of industry, industrial land, and buildings in high-value post-industrial cities, there is concurrently a renewed enthusiasm around the potential of “new” urban manufacturing and its contribution to the socio-economic diversity of cities. Yet, little is known about how planning policy can best support the retention and growth of urban manufacturing. To advance this agenda, this article proposes that we need a better understanding of industrial building typologies and resultant urban form. Using concepts developed by Julienne Hanson to analyse residential morphologies undergoing transformation under modernism, we apply these concepts to investigate the industrial, mixed-use contexts in two areas of London with concentrations of urban manufacturing—Hackney Mare Street and Old Kent Road. The research presented examines how both areas have evolved historically to produce distinctive urban tissues and a range of industrial building typologies. The article reveals that, despite territorial similarities in the late 19th century, the mixed land uses and smaller plot sizes of Hackney Mare Street have allowed for a more resilient development pattern, whereas the greater separation of land uses, large plot sizes, and inward-facing development in the Old Kent Road has facilitated its reimagination for large-scale regeneration. We conclude that greater attention needs to be paid to the relationship between urban manufacturing and built urban form if policies that aim to protect or support the revival of manufacturing in cities are to avoid negative unintended consequences.

Vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF) plays a critical role in stimulating angiogenesis in normal and disease states. Anti-VEGF antibodies have been developed to manage pathological angiogenesis. Bevacizumab, sold under the brand name Avastin, is a humanized mAb that binds VEGF and blocks its binding to its signaling receptor, VEGF receptor 2, and is used to treat patients with a variety of cancers or retinal disorders. The ability of Avastin to modulate other nonreceptor interactions of VEGF has not been fully defined. In this study, we investigated Avastin's capacity to modulate VEGF165 binding to porcine aortic endothelial cells and to heparin and fibronectin (FN) across a range of pH values (pH 5–8). We observed that Avastin slightly enhanced VEGF binding to heparin and that heparin increased VEGF binding to Avastin. In contrast, Avastin inhibited VEGF binding to cells and FN, yet Avastin could still bind to VEGF that was bound to FN, indicating that these binding events are not mutually exclusive. Avastin binding to VEGF was dramatically reduced at acidic pH values (pH 5.0–6.5), whereas VEGF binding to FN and nonreceptor sites on cells was enhanced. Interestingly, the reduced Avastin–VEGF binding at acidic pH was rescued by heparin, as was Avastin's ability to inhibit VEGF binding to cells. These results suggest that heparin might be used to expand the clinical utility of Avastin. Our findings highlight the importance of defining the range of VEGF interactions to fully predict antibody activity within a complex biological setting.

Bevacizumab (known by the tradename Avastin) is an antibody that binds VEGF and blocks its binding to VEGF receptors on endothelial cells, and is used to treat cancers and other diseases associated with excessive vascular growth. Our previous findings showed enhanced VEGF binding to Avastin in the presence of heparin, indicating that colocalizing heparin with Avastin could enhance VEGF inhibitory activity. Thus, the aim of the present study was to determine if conjugating Avastin and heparin to one another would lead to enhanced anti-VEGF activity. Avastin was conjugated to either biotin or streptavidin, and biotin–heparin was used to bring the two molecules into close proximity via biotin–streptavidin binding. Radioligand binding assays with 125 I-VEGF and cell migration assays using human umbilical vein endothelial cells were used to evaluate the impact of heparin on Avastin binding and activity. We found that bringing Avastin and heparin together, either on a surface or through streptavidin conjugation of Avastin, led to increased VEGF binding compared to that with each molecule alone. The heparin-mediated increase in VEGF binding was also noted at acidic pH where Avastin showed decreased VEGF binding. Conditions where Avastin and heparin showed enhanced VEGF binding also showed reduced VEGF-induced migration of human umbilical vein endothelial cells. These findings suggest design principles for a modified Avastin-based inhibitor of angiogenesis.

The evolving retail landscape in the digital age has resulted in opportunities and novel capabilities for retailers. This paper identifies four key challenges facing retailers based on insights from practitioners and academics using the customer journey framework as a guide. It then considers evidence from both practice and theory on how contemporary retailers might best innovate in the face of these challenges, to get “the right message to the right shopper at the right time.” Historically, retail was largely constrained to focus on individual touchpoints as manufacturers drove the majority of communication decisions. More recently, with the ability of e-commerce to capture the shopper decision journey more comprehensively, retailers are better able to understand what the right message would be as well as where, when, and how to deliver it to reach the most responsive shoppers to achieve the retailer’s strategic objectives in each phase of the journey. It is within this context that this paper considers the following key challenges: 1) When is the right time to communicate with a given shopper?, 2) What is the right way to communicate with a given shopper?, 3) What is the right way to leverage in-store collateral?, and 4) How do we cultivate the right long-term relationship with a shopper?

Light availability and its composition in components affecting plant growth as photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), are of critical importance in agricultural and environmental research. In this work, radiation data for the period 2009–2014 in a forest site in Greece were analyzed to identify the effect of meteorological variables on the formation of the photosynthetically active to global solar radiation ratio. The temporal changes of the ratio are also discussed. Results showed that the ratio values are higher in summer (0.462) and lower in autumn (0.432), resulting in an annual average of 0.446. In addition, for the investigated site, which was characterized by relatively high water content in the atmosphere, the atmospheric water content and clearness were found to be the most influential factors in the composition of the global solar radiation in the wavelengths of PAR. On the contrary, temperature and related meteorological attributes (including relative humidity, vapor pressure deficit and saturation vapor pressure) were found to have minor effect.

Purpose:Stride-to-stride fluctuations in running-stride interval display long-range correlations that break down in the presence of fatigue accumulated during an exhaustive run. The purpose of the study was to investigate whether long-range correlations in running-stride interval were reduced by fatigue accumulated during prolonged exposure to a high training load (functional overreaching) and were associated with decrements in performance caused by functional overreaching.Methods:Ten trained male runners completed 7 d of light training (LT7), 14 d of heavy training (HT14) designed to induce a state of functional overreaching, and 10 d of light training (LT10) in a fixed order. Running-stride intervals and 5-km time-trial (5TT) performance were assessed after each training phase. The strength of long-range correlations in running-stride interval was assessed at 3 speeds (8, 10.5, and 13 km/h) using detrended fluctuation analysis.Results:Relative to performance post-LT7, time to complete the 5TT was increased after HT14 (+18 s; P < .05) and decreased after LT10 (–20 s; P = .03), but stride-interval long-range correlations remained unchanged at HT14 and LT10 (P > .50). Changes in stride-interval long-range correlations measured at a 10.5-km/h running speed were negatively associated with changes in 5TT performance (r –.46; P = .03).Conclusions:Runners who were most affected by the prolonged exposure to high training load (as evidenced by greater reductions in 5TT performance) experienced the greatest reductions in stride-interval long-range correlations. Measurement of stride-interval long-range correlations may be useful for monitoring the effect of high training loads on athlete performance.

Background Nature play is growing in popularity as children’s play spaces are transforming from traditional playgrounds into more nature-based play spaces with considerable financial and resource investment from government bodies. This has resulted in the re-development of children’s play spaces to incorporate more natural elements such as trees, plants and rocks. Despite this, it is unclear whether there is empirical evidence to support claims that play in nature is beneficial for child health and development. Aim To conduct a systematic review examining the impacts of nature play on the health and developmental outcomes of children aged 2–12 years. Methods Seven electronic databases were searched (MEDLINE, ERIC, Embase, PsycINFO, The Cochrane Library, The Joanna Briggs Institute and Emcare) from inception to July/August 2018 (search updated July/August 2019). The Inclusion criteria were children aged 2–12 years with no health/developmental conditions. The exposure/intervention of interest was unstructured, free play in nature. Critical appraisal of included studies was conducted using the McMaster Critical Appraisal Tool. Descriptive synthesis was then undertaken using the NHMRC FORM Framework. Results Out of 2927 articles identified, 16 studies met the inclusion criteria. The nature play exposure/intervention was heterogeneously described, and a plethora of outcome measures were used. Nature play had consistent positive impacts on physical activity outcomes and cognitive play behaviours (imaginative and dramatic play). However, there remain some concerns regarding the quality of the evidence base, heterogeneity in intervention description and parameters in the outcome measures used. Conclusions While the positive impacts of nature play were encouraging in terms of physical activity and cognitive development, nature play stakeholders should focus on producing a universal definition for nature play, the development of standardised outcome measures and the conduct of robust research designs. Implications of these findings suggest the need for the development of standardised guidelines to inform practice and policy in the design of children’s play spaces in different contexts Refereed/Peer-reviewed

The aim of this study was to describe and undertake an initial evaluation of a student-led assessment service for children with possible motor-skill difficulties. A secondary analysis of cross-sectional descriptive clinical data collected from 2015 to 2016 was undertaken. Children (N = 102) were assessed in preschools by physiotherapy students (supervised by qualified physiotherapists). Key outcomes included the following: Children’s Activities Scale, Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2, and demographic/service-usage/onward referral statistics. The results highlighted that for every five children referred/assessed, two were at risk of motor-skill difficulties (∼43%). About 66% of children were subsequently referred on or monitored (40% requiring multidisciplinary follow-up). Conversely 34% of children did not require further services. In conclusion, a student-led assessment service may be a sustainable and feasible option to assist children at risk of motor-skill difficulties, enabling onward referral. Additional evaluation is required to garner stakeholder feedback.

The aim of this study was to characterize the prevalence and seasonal variation of vitamin D (vit D) deficiency/insufficiency in healthy children and adolescents in Greece, and to explore its relationship with the use of sunscreens. The serum level of 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25(OH)D) was measured in 376 children and adolescents (184 males and 192 females) with a mean age of 7.6 ± 4.9 years, at different time points over a period of 13 months. The prevalence of low serum 25(OH)D level, including deficiency and insufficiency, was 66.2%. The lowest mean 25(OH)D was observed in the month of January (17.9 ± 6.8 ng/mL) and the highest in September, July, August, and October (34.6 ± 8.7, 33.0 ± 9.4, 30.1 ± 8.2, and 30.1 ± 10.6 ng/mL, respectively). Higher levels of serum 25(OH)D were detected in the children to whom sunscreens had been applied on the beach (p = 0.001) or off the beach (p &lt, 0.001). The subjects with deficiency and insufficiency were significantly older than those with normal levels of 25(OH)D, but no significant differences were demonstrated according to gender. This study emphasizes the high prevalence of low serum levels of 25(OH)D and their seasonal variation in children living in a region characterized by many hours of sunshine. Our data suggest that the real-life use of sunscreens during the summer months allows sufficient sunlight to be received to enable production of vit D at a level adequate to maintain normal serum levels. Vit D supplements should be given to children during the months of lower sun exposure.

Heatwaves—excessively hot ambient conditions that are considered a serious threat to human health—are often associated with poor air quality. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of an early heatwave episode in an industrialized plain in the eastern Mediterranean region (Thriasio, Greece) on human thermal discomfort and urban air quality. The heatwave occurred in mid (15–20) May 2020, shortly after some of the restrictions that were improsed to halt the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Greece were lifted (on 4 May). The discomfort index (DI) and the daily air quality index (DAQI) were calculated on an hourly basis throughout spring 2020 (March, April, May) using data from two stations that measure meteorological parameters and air pollutant concentrations in the Thriasio Plain. The analysis showed that the air temperature increased during 7–17 May to levels that were more than 10 °C above the monthly average value (25.8 °C). The maximum measured air temperature was 38 °C (on 17 May). The results showed a high level of thermal discomfort. The DI exceeded the threshold of 24 °C for several hours during 13–20 May. Increased air pollution levels were also identified. The average DAQI was estimated as 0.83 ± 0.1 and 1.14 ± 0.2 at two monitoring stations in the region of interest during the heatwave. Particulate matter (diameter < 10 μm) appeared to contribute significantly to the poor air quality. Significant correlations between the air temperature, DI, and AQSI were also identified.

Risk assessment for chemicals including nanomaterials requires information on both the likely exposure to the chemicals, in terms of concentration, duration and form, and their hazard to the organisms they come into contact with. Case-by-case determination of exposure and hazard data for each individual nanomaterial variant is not possible due to the time and cost required, and thus there is a strong incentive to develop computational models that can predict human and environmental exposure to nanomaterials based on a reduced set of input parameters as part of an Integrated Approach to Testing and Assessment. Here we report the integration of two exposure models, one predicting human indoor exposure to nanomaterials (the multibox model) and the other predicting environmental exposure to nanomaterials in freshwater at the catchment scale (the NanoFASE water-soil-organism model). Both were developed in previous research projects, and NanoSolveIT has developed the Graphical User Interfaces and NanoSolveIT Application Programming Interface to allow users to access and run the models easily, either as stand-alone open software or via the NanoSolveIT Cloud platform. This represents the first steps toward establishment of a complete integrated in-silico platform for exposure, hazard, and risk assessment of nanomaterials.

Heatwaves-excessively hot ambient conditions that are considered a serious threat to human health-are often associated with poor air quality. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of an early heatwave episode in an industrialized plain in the eastern Mediterranean region (Thriasio, Greece) on human thermal discomfort and urban air quality. The heatwave occurred in mid (15-20) May 2020, shortly after some of the restrictions that were improsed to halt the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Greece were lifted (on 4 May). The discomfort index (DI) and the daily air quality index (DAQI) were calculated on an hourly basis throughout spring 2020 (March, April, May) using data from two stations that measure meteorological parameters and air pollutant concentrations in the Thriasio Plain. The analysis showed that the air temperature increased during 7-17 May to levels that were more than 10 degrees C above the monthly average value (25.8 degrees C). The maximum measured air temperature was 38 degrees C (on 17 May). The results showed a high level of thermal discomfort. The DI exceeded the threshold of 24 degrees C for several hours during 13-20 May. Increased air pollution levels were also identified. The average DAQI was estimated as 0.83 +/- 0.1 and 1.14 +/- 0.2 at two monitoring stations in the region of interest during the heatwave. Particulate matter (diameter < 10 mu m) appeared to contribute significantly to the poor air quality. Significant correlations between the air temperature, DI, and AQSI were also identified.

Στη διατριβή εξετάζονται τα συστήματα κατανομής αρμοδιοτήτων τεσσάρων ομοσπονδιακών κρατών: των Ηνωμένων Πολιτειών της Αμερικής, του Καναδά, της Ομοσπονδιακής Δημοκρατίας της Γερμανίας και του Βελγίου. Στο πρώτο μέρος αναλύονται οι αρχές της αυτονομίας και της συμμετοχής των ομόσπονδων οντοτήτων στην άσκηση της ομοσπονδιακής εξουσίας. Στο δεύτερο μέρος υποστηρίζεται η άποψη ότι η κατανομή αρμοδιοτήτων συνάδει με τις αρχές της δημοκρατίας και του κράτους δικαίου και αναπτύσσονται η αρχή της κυριαρχίας και ο δικαστικός έλεγχος της κατανομής. Η ανάλυση ακολουθεί τη συγκριτική μέθοδο και καταλήγει σε ομαδοποιήσεις κρατών με κριτήριο τις επιλογές που τα θεσμικά τους όργανα προκρίνουν στα κατ’ ιδίαν ζητήματα. Στη διατριβή αναδεικνύονται δύο κύριες τάσεις: μια κεντρομόλος τάση που κατατείνει στην ενίσχυση των αρμοδιοτήτων του ομοσπονδιακού κράτους και μια φυγόκεντρος τάση ενίσχυσης των αρμοδιοτήτων των ομόσπονδων οντοτήτων. Οι τάσεις αυτές οφείλονται στις διαφορετικές ιστορικές και πολιτικές καταβολές καθεμιάς από τις εξεταζόμενες ομοσπονδίες, εξισορροπούνται όμως από αντίρροπες τάσεις με αποτέλεσμα το ομοσπονδιακό σύστημα καθενός από τα εξεταζόμενα κράτη να είναι αμφοτεροβαρές και ισορροπημένο. Τούτο οφείλεται στη συνεχή προσαρμογή της λειτουργίας των θεσμικών οργάνων στις ανάγκες και την πολιτική εξέλιξη του φεντεραλισμού. This thesis examines the power allocation systems of four federal states: The United States of America, Canada, the Federal Republic of Germany and Belgium. The first part focuses on the principles of autonomy and participation of the federal entities in the exercise of federal power. The second part makes the argument that the allocation of powers is consistent with democracy and the rule of law and discusses the sovereignty principle and the judicial review of the allocation of powers. The analysis follows the comparative method and results in the grouping of the four federal states on the basis of the choices made by their institutions on each specific issue. The thesis identifies two key allocation trends: a centralist trend favouring the enhancement of federal powers and a centrifuge trend supporting the empowerment of federal entities. These trends are due to historical and political roots inherent in each federation, but are counterbalanced by opposite trends. As a result, the federal system of each of the four states is amphoteric and balanced. This is due to the ongoing functional adjustment of their institutions to the requirements and political evolution of federalism.

Potential evapotranspiration (PET) is a key parameter for climate classification and aridity assessment. The widely used UNEP (1992) classification system is based on the estimation of the aridity index AI, which requires annual average values of precipitation P and PET. For the calculation of PET the Thornthwaite's (1948) formula is, in principle, suggested. Recent studies use more advanced and accurate methods for PET estimation but apply to AI the same thresholds proposed by UNEP for aridity classification. This work deals with the uncertainties introduced by the use of different PET methods in the estimation of the aridity index AI. Specifically, the Hargreaves-Samani (HS) method and four of its modifications, three modifications of Thornthwaite's formula and the equation of Hamon, are evaluated against the widely used Thornthwaite's original method, by assessing their impact on the AI. Climatic data as monthly average values of at least 30 years of measurements from 122 stations in the Greek peninsula are used. Results show that AI is highly affected by the PET method adopted, resulting thus to changes in climatic classification of a region. Further, results imply the need for an adjustment of the threshold values that determine aridity classes according to the method each time adopted. Therefore, new threshold values for the aridity classes are developed and presented in this work. The proposed threshold values cover a range of sites that belong to semi-arid SA, sub-humid SH and humid H aridity classes of the Greek peninsula.

This article presents data collected during a web-based survey on expressions used to describe thermal sensation and comfort in the Greek language. The survey used a structured questionnaire and delivered through Google Forms. The survey was promoted through social networks and conducted in spring 2019. The data presented herein comprise of the participants’ responses to the questionnaire. A total of 359 questionnaires were completed. The participants were Greek speakers, older than 12, with at least a basic knowledge of the English language. The participants were asked to: (a) select the most appropriate translation, from English to Greek, of the nine-point ISO 10551 scale of perceptual judgment on personal thermal state, (b) formulate five, seven and nine-point thermal sensation scales, (c) report the category of the thermal sensation scale that signifies thermal comfort and (d) to assess the relative distances between the thermal sensation categories of the five, seven and nine-point thermal sensation scales. For the translation of the ISO 10551, the respondents were allowed to choose from a list of 30 Greek wordings. The data have been analysed in the research article entitled “Native influences on the construction of thermal sensation scales” [1] .

In this paper, we contribute to the discussion on how to best design human-centric MIR tools for live audio mixing by bridging the gap between research on complex systems, the psychology of automation and the design of tools that support creativity in music production. We present the design of the Channel-AI, an embedded AI system which performs instrument recognition and generates parameter settings suggestions for gain levels, gating, compression and equalization which are specific to the input signal and the instrument type. We discuss what we believe to be the key design principles and perspectives on the making of intelligent tools for creativity and for experts in the loop. We demonstrate how these principles have been applied to inform the design of the interaction between expert live audio mixing engineers with the Channel-AI (i.e. a corpus of AI features embedded in the Midas HD Console. We report the findings from a preliminary evaluation we conducted with three professional mixing engineers and reflect on mixing engineers' comments about the Channel-AI on social media.

The OpenRiskNet case studies (originally outlined in Deliverable 1.3) were developed to demonstrate the modularised application of interoperable and interlinked workflows. These workflows were designed to address specific aspects required to inform on the potential of a compound to be toxic to humans and to eventually perform a risk assessment analysis. While each case study targets a specific area including data collection, kinetics modelling, omics data and Quantitative Structure Activity Relationships (QSAR), together they address a more complete risk assessment framework. Additionally, the modules here are fine-tuned for the utilisation and application of new approach methodologies (NAMs) in order to accelerate the replacement of animals in risk assessment scenarios. These case studies guided the selection of data sources and tools for integration and acted as examples to demonstrate the OpenRiskNet achievements to improve the level of the corresponding APIs with respect to harmonisation of the API endpoints, service description and semantic annotation.

IntroductionDespite targeted efforts globally to address childhood overweight/obesity, it remains poorly understood and challenging to manage. Physiotherapists have the potential to manage children with obesity as they are experts in movement and physical activity. However, their role remains unclear due to a lack of physiotherapy-specific guidelines. This scoping review aims to explore existing literature, critically appraising and synthesising findings to guide physiotherapists in the evidence-based management of childhood overweight/obesity.MethodA scoping review was conducted, including literature up to May 2020. A review protocol exists on Open Science Framework athttps://osf.io/fap8g/. Four databases were accessed including PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Medline via OVID, with grey literature searched through google via “file:pdf”. A descriptive synthesis was undertaken to explore the impact of existing interventions and their efficacy.ResultsFrom the initial capture of 1871 articles, 263 intervention-based articles were included. Interventions included qualitative focused physical activity, quantitative focused physical activity and multicomponent interventions. Various outcome measures were utilised including health-, performance- and behaviour-related outcomes. The general trend for physiotherapy involvement with children who are obese appears to favour: 1) multicomponent interventions, implementing more than one component with environmental modification and parental involvement and 2) quantitative physical activity interventions, focusing on the quantity of bodily movement. These approaches most consistently demonstrated desirable changes across behavioural and health-related outcome measures for multicomponent and quantitative physical activity interventions respectively.ConclusionWhen managing children with obesity, physiotherapists should consider multicomponent approaches and increasing the quantity of physical activity, given consistent improvements in various obesity-related outcomes. Such approaches are well suited to the scope of physiotherapists and their expertise in physical activity prescription for the management of childhood obesity. Future research should examine the effect of motor skill interventions and consider the role of environmental modification/parental involvement as factors contributing to intervention success.

The influence of physiological acclimatization and psychological adaptation on thermal perception is well documented and has revealed the importance of thermal experience and expectation in the evaluation of environmental stimuli. Seasonal patterns of thermal perception have been studied, and calibrated thermal indices' scales have been proposed to obtain meaningful interpretations of thermal sensation indices in different climate regions. The current work attempts to quantify the contribution of climate to the long-term thermal adaptation by examining the relationship between climate normal annual air temperature (1971-2000) and such climate-calibrated thermal indices' assessment scales. The thermal sensation ranges of two thermal indices, the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) and the Physiological Equivalent Temperature Index (PET), were calibrated for three warm temperate climate contexts (Cfa, Cfb, Csa), against the subjective evaluation of the thermal environment indicated by interviewees during field surveys conducted at seven European cities: Athens (GR), Thessaloniki (GR), Milan (IT), Fribourg (CH), Kassel (DE), Cambridge (UK), and Sheffield (UK), under the same research protocol. Then, calibrated scales for other climate contexts were added from the literature, and the relationship between the respective scales' thresholds and climate normal annual air temperature was examined. To maintain the maximum possible comparability, three methods were applied for the calibration, namely linear, ordinal, and probit regression. The results indicated that the calibrated UTCI and PET thresholds increase with the climate normal annual air temperature of the survey city. To investigate further climates, we also included in the analysis results of previous studies presenting only thresholds for neutral thermal sensation. The average increase of the respective thresholds in the case of neutral thermal sensation was about 0.6 °C for each 1 °C increase of the normal annual air temperature for both indices, statistically significant only for PET though.

Background: This study examined relationships between adiposity, physical functioning, and physical activity. Methods: Obese (N = 107) and healthy-weight (N = 132) children aged 10-13 years underwent assessments of percent body fat (%BF, dual energy X-ray absorptiometry); knee extensor strength (KE, isokinetic dynamometry); cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF, peak oxygen uptake by cycle ergometry); physical health-related quality of life (HRQOL); and worst pain intensity and walking capacity [six-minute walk (6MWT)]. Structural equation modelling was used to assess relationships between variables. Results: Moderate relationships were observed between %BF and (1) 6MWT, (2) KE strength corrected for mass, and (3) CRF relative to mass (r -0.36 to -0.69, p ≤ 0.007). Weak relationships were found between %BF and physical HRQOL (r -0.27, p = 0.008); CRF relative to mass and physical HRQOL (r -0.24, p = 0.003); physical activity and 6MWT (r 0.17, p = 0.004). Squared multiple correlations showed that 29.6% variance in physical HRQOL was explained by %BF, pain, and CRF relative to mass; while 28.0% variance in 6MWT was explained by %BF and physical activity. Conclusions: It appears that children with a higher body fat percentage have poorer KE strength, CRF, and overall physical functioning. Reducing percent fat appears to be the best target to improve functioning. However, a combined approach to intervention, targeting reductions in body fat percentage, reductions in pain, and improvements in physical activity and CRF may assist physical functioning. Refereed/Peer-reviewed