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The effects of air pollution on health outcomes are well‐established. However, little is known about perceptions of air pollution and how it may influence exercise behaviours. The aim of this study was to understand the perceived importance of air pollution during planned exercise, and where relevant, explore how those perceptions may differ between those living in different locations. A questionnaire was disseminated to several running and cycling clubs in the United Kingdom, covering population characteristics to determine urban, rural or coastal residents and exercisers, self‐reported asthma, perceptions of air quality during active travel, planned exercise and attitudes towards learning more about the topic. Anonymised responses were gained from 381 adult participants (≥18 years and 60% female), 119 of whom answered questions related to active travel. More than half (54%) of all respondents think about the air quality they are exposed to during exercise and how it may affect their health. More urban than rural respondents (59% vs. 47% and p = 0.03) think about air quality and the impact it may have on their health when exercising. There were insufficient coastal respondents for direct comparison. Most survey respondents (57%) state that they would take the most severe course of action regarding exercise behaviour by avoiding it altogether during periods of heavy road traffic. Individuals with self‐reported asthma (n = 60), irrespective of place of residence, are the most likely to be conscious of the potential effects of air pollution on their health and exercise performance compared to counterparts without self‐reported asthma. Highlights: Most survey respondents (57%) stated that they would avoid outdoor exercise altogether if they perceived the road traffic volume to be high.More urban than rural residents (59% vs. 47% and P = 0.03) think about how the air quality that they are exposed to during outdoor exercise may affect their health.Individuals with self‐reported asthma, irrespective of place of residence, are the most likely to be conscious of the potential effects of air pollution on their health and exercise performance.Regardless of location, the majority of all participants (69%) would like to learn more about air quality and the impact it could have on their health during their exercise routines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first time I visited Tunisia was in the 1960s not long after the country had gained its independence from France and President Bourguiba was in power. The country was [...]

Laos and Cambodia are remote and mysterious countries with an ancient culture and a history of foreign occupation and political upheaval. Today the tourists visit the delightful city of Luang [...]

This study investigated the effect of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) cycling elevation training mask (ETM) in moderately trained participants on both aerobic (...O2max) and anaerobic power performance. Sixteen participants, five females (25.8 ± 7.6 years) and eleven males (22.2 ± 3.5 years) took part in this randomized controlled trial. Participants were assigned to the experimental group (ETM, n = 8 participants) wearing an ETM or the control group (CON, n = 8 participants) without the ETM. ...O2max was determined during a standardized protocol using Cortex Metalyzer-3B on a cycle ergometer. Peak and average power were calculated a 30-second Wingate test. Participants completed 4-weeks (two sessions a week) of high-intensity cycle training. Each training session consisting of 4 separate bouts of 4-minutes of high-intensity cycling exercise. After the training period, ETM reported an increment in ...O2max (effect size (d) = 1.19), peak power (d = 0.77), and average power (d = 0.76). CON reported an increment only in ...O2max (d = 1.00). No-between group differences were found in any parameter (ANCOVA), therefore the two protocols should be considered equally effective. In conclusion, this study reported that both HIIT protocols significantly enhance ...O2max in a very short training period (4 weeks). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jeddah today is a phenomenon. It is an ancient Arabian city. The core is traditionally Arab, a highly compact complex of fine 19th century merchant houses and humbler dwellings, deep [...]

This paper shows that in a rational expectations equilibrium with different types of agents who are informed and uniformed about a piece of information, price variability may increase as the proportion of agents who are informed increases. This is a surprising result and the paper establishes the conditions under which price variability will increase as the percentage of informed agents increases.

I visited Dubrovnik first in 1965. It felt very exciting to visit Yugoslavia, ruled by Marshall Tito, in the eastern bloc, behind the so-called 'iron curtain.' It was August and [...]

Venice is a magical city at any time, but during the annual Carnival, held usually in February depending upon when Easter occurs, the city has a further fascination. If as [...]