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Ruan MZC, Meer E, Kaur G, Namiri NK, Ashraf DC, Winn BJ, Kersten R, Vagefi MR, Grob S. Eye and Orbit Injuries Caused by Electric Scooters and Hoverboards in the United States. Clin Ophthalmol 2024; 18:809-816. [PMID: 38504934 PMCID: PMC10949383 DOI: 10.2147/opth.s452750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction To evaluate eye and orbital injuries in non-powered scooter, electric-scooter (e-scooter), and hoverboard riders in the United States (US) between 2014 and 2019. Methods The National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) was queried for head and neck injuries by body part codes related to non-powered scooters and powered scooters/hoverboards from 2014 to 2019. The NEISS complex sampling design was used to obtain US population projections of injuries and hospital admissions. Keywords were queried in case narratives to analyze trends in location, type, and mechanism of eye and orbit injuries. Results Since their introduction, a 586% (p=0.01) increase in e-scooter injuries and 866% (p<0.001) increase in hoverboard injuries were observed with an increase in hospital admissions seen in young adults (18-34) in urban areas (e-scooter: 5980% and hoverboard: 479%). Descriptive narratives of the trauma noted eye injuries in 242 unweighted NEISS cases with only 30 cases appropriately documented under body part code 77: eyeball. Eye injuries increased 96.9% during the study period (p=0.23). Specifically, the most common ophthalmic injuries reported included eyebrow (40.9%) and eyelid (11.3%) lacerations, periorbital contusions (18.7%), orbit fractures (6.6%), and corneal abrasions (5.1%). Conclusion There was a significant increase in both head and neck injury cases and hospital admissions related to e-scooters. Eye and orbit injuries similarly increased but were underreported by body part code compared to injury narratives. Orbital fractures were reported more frequently in injuries from e-scooters than non-powered scooters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merry Z C Ruan
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Elana Meer
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Gurbani Kaur
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Nikan K Namiri
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Davin C Ashraf
- Division of Oculofacial Plastic and Orbital Surgery, Department of Ophthalmology, Oregon Health & Sciences University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Bryan J Winn
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Division of Oculofacial Plastic and Orbital Surgery, Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Robert Kersten
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Division of Oculofacial Plastic and Orbital Surgery, Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - M Reza Vagefi
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Division of Oculofacial Plastic and Orbital Surgery, Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Seanna Grob
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Division of Oculofacial Plastic and Orbital Surgery, Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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Abduljabbar RL, Liyanage S, Dia H. A systematic review of the impacts of the coronavirus crisis on urban transport: Key lessons learned and prospects for future cities. CITIES (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2022; 127:103770. [PMID: 35663145 PMCID: PMC9135703 DOI: 10.1016/j.cities.2022.103770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2021] [Revised: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant impact on the transport sector worldwide. Lockdown and physical distancing requirements continue to be enforced in many cities leading to severe travel restrictions and travel demand reduction to limit the spread of the disease. This article provides bibliometric evidence-based insights into how the pandemic has exposed the vulnerability of established public transport systems and shared mobility solutions. It shows how some transport interventions can accelerate the shift to sustainable urban mobility practices such as micro-mobility and active transport. To accomplish this, the article examines recent studies (244 publications) from the Scopus database using a rigorous systematic literature review approach covering the period from January 2020 to February 2021. Importantly, the mapping of bibliographic coupling and co-citation analysis showed four heterogeneous clusters representing research efforts into "environment", "travel behavior and mode choice", "public transport", and "interventions". Inductive reasoning is used to analyze the disruptions that cities have encountered worldwide, the rapid interventions that were put in place, the aftershocks and the short and long-term impacts. Finally, the paper summarizes the lessons learned and opportunities ahead, and the challenges that must be overcome. The article also outlines pathways to build on the momentum of sustainable practices as part of a holistic approach for enabling resilient transport solutions for the new urban world.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Hussein Dia
- Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia
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McVicar J, Keske MA, Daryabeygi-Khotbehsara R, Betik AC, Parker L, Maddison R. Systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the effects electric bikes have on physiological parameters. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2022; 32:1076-1088. [PMID: 35274374 PMCID: PMC9546252 DOI: 10.1111/sms.14155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a universal need to increase the number of adults meeting physical activity (PA) recommendations to help improve health. In recent years, electrically assisted bicycles (e-bikes) have emerged as a promising method for supporting people to initiate and maintain physical activity levels. To the best of our knowledge, there have been no meta-analyses conducted to quantify the difference in physiological responses between e-cycling with electrical assistance, e-cycling without assistance, conventional cycling, and walking. METHODS A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. We identified short-term e-bike studies, which utilized a crossover design comparing physiological outcomes when e-cycling with electrical assistance, e-cycling without electrical assistance, conventional cycling, or walking. Energy expenditure (EE), heart rate (HR), oxygen consumption (VO2 ), power output (PO), and metabolic equivalents (METs) outcomes were included within the meta-analysis. RESULTS Fourteen studies met our inclusion criteria (N = 239). E-cycling with electrical assistance resulted in a lower energy expenditure (EE) [SMD = -0.46 (-0.98, 0.06), p = 0.08], heart rate (HR) [MD = -11.41 (-17.15, -5.68), p < 0.000, beats per minute], oxygen uptake (VO2 ) [SMD = -0.57 (-0.96, -0.17), p = 0.005], power output (PO) [MD = -31.19 (-47.19 to -15.18), p = 0.000, Watts], and metabolic equivalent (MET) response [MD = -0.83 (-1.52, -0.14), p = 0.02, METs], compared with conventional cycling. E-cycling with moderate electrical assistance resulted in a greater HR response [MD 10.38 (-1.48, 22.23) p = 0.09, beats per minute], and VO2 response [SMD 0.34 (-0.14, 0.82) p = 0.16] compared with walking. CONCLUSIONS E-cycling was associated with increased physiological responses that can confer health benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenna McVicar
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michelle A Keske
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Andrew C Betik
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lewan Parker
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ralph Maddison
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
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Bagdatli MEC, Ipek F. Transport mode preferences of university students in post-COVID-19 pandemic. TRANSPORT POLICY 2022; 118:20-32. [PMID: 35125682 PMCID: PMC8799352 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranpol.2022.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 outbreak very quickly disrupted the order of human beings. While many sectors have been trying to cope with the ongoing COVID-19 process, they have also been trying to plan the new process for after the pandemic. Transport is one of the sectors most affected by the pandemic and it is necessary to produce the right political formulations for the post-pandemic period. For this reason, it is necessary to carefully examine the changing user demands in various segments of society due to COVID-19 and reveal effective post-pandemic transport policies. This study contributes to this requirement. Accordingly, this study investigated the transport mode preferences of university students in post-pandemic period in Istanbul, one of the important metropolises of the world, via the use of a survey. The reason for university students were focused on was that the mobility of university students is very high and in addition, they are more flexible than other age groups in using different transport modes. The main findings obtained from the study show that there will be a significant change in demand in transport modes after the pandemic. In particular, while a critical decrease may be observed in the travel demand for public buses, shared minibuses and LRT in public transport in post-pandemic period, a high increase in demand for private car use is highly probable. In addition, the research results indicate that COVID-19 can cause an increase in use of e-scooter/hoverboard and active travel modes. The results obtained through the statistical analysis and the discussions based on these results can make a significant contribution to the post-pandemic transport policies of cities with high university student populations and various transport modes, such as Istanbul.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fatima Ipek
- Department of Civil Engineering, Engineering Faculty, Nigde Omer Halisdemir University, 51240, Nigde, Turkey
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Does Car Sharing Contribute to Urban Sustainability from User-Motivation Perspectives? SUSTAINABILITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/su131910588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Mobility, its current state and development perspectives in the future creates challenges with respect to sustainability, the first of which is the uncontrolled increase in greenhouse gas emissions in the last few decades, while road transport is one of the “sinners” creating long-term negative impact. The second is the dominance of car travel and car usage in the passenger transportation segment before the latest COVID-19 pandemic accelerated environmental problems. Although recent trends show new, greener patterns in consumption, there is still a relatively low share of consumers acknowledging the importance of sustainable and green preferences. This research study aims to investigate car sharing from users’ perspectives and to determine the most significant factors influencing their choice of sharing services to ensure upscaling of car sharing and, thus, contribute to urban sustainability. This research study contributes to the overall scientific discussion on car sharing and its role within urban sustainability, particularly with the following: (1) deeper investigation of car sharing and its users motivation perspectives in Latvia; (2) analyses of the most significant motivational factors for car-sharing users and aspects of sustainability; and (3) the insight into the generational differences triggering a number of car-sharing users. The existing and potential users of car sharing were surveyed in order to determine the motivational factors for its usage and attitudes towards it. Socio-demographic variables in statistical analysis were used to identify economic and environmental factors that meaningfully influence the choice of car-sharing services. The results of this study can support further development in new car-sharing business models and the value proposition for consumers in Latvia, as well as preparing policy recommendations on the promotion of sustainable transport. These findings are also useful to academics for the investigation of recent trends in car sharing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Stavroulakis PJ, Tzora VA, Riza E, Papadimitriou S. Transportation, the pathogen vector to rule them all: Evidence from the recent coronavirus pandemic. JOURNAL OF TRANSPORT & HEALTH 2021; 22:101087. [PMID: 36570714 PMCID: PMC9765011 DOI: 10.1016/j.jth.2021.101087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 04/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION It is common knowledge that mobility refers to a distinct vector for pathogens, but the importance of prevention and the infusion of public health practices within transportation systems is not manifest. Replication studies of this effect are important because transportation remains veiled in modern societies, since its demand is not direct, but derived. METHODS Variables mirroring transportation and logistics' systems intensity (trade data, the logistics performance index, and investment in transportation) are cross-tabulated with epidemiological data from the recent coronavirus pandemic. As the samples of the data pertain to a dependent commonality, the statistical hypothesis test applicable is McNemar's test. In addition, the statistical power of the test(s) is calculated as a marker of methodological validity and reliability. To further strengthen the analytical methodology, a plethora of descriptive statistics have been calculated and multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) has been conducted. RESULTS This work confirms that the domain of transportation bears a strong association with not only mortality of a disease, but its recovery rates as well. All crosstabs provide statistically significant results and the statistical power calculated is very high, signifying the appropriateness of the methodology and the very low probability of Type II error. The MCA results are significant, as well. CONCLUSIONS The impact, or even the presence of transportation is veiled, as transportation comprises of derived demand dynamics. As such, its activities and even the prerequisites for its efficient operations many times go unnoticed. This work replicates a known effect, that mobility exacerbates the presence of a pathogen. The significance of this research lies on the fact that distinct indicators that reflect transportation and logistics are (though a robust calculatory methodology) statistically associated with epidemiological data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J Stavroulakis
- Department of Management and International Business, School of Business and Economics, The American College of Greece, Ag. Paraskevi, Greece
- Department of Maritime Studies, School of Maritime and Industrial Studies, University of Piraeus, Piraeus, Greece
| | - Vasiliki A Tzora
- Department of Business Administration, School of Economics, Business, and International Studies, University of Piraeus, Piraeus, Greece
| | - Elena Riza
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology, and Medical Statistics, University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Stratos Papadimitriou
- Department of Maritime Studies, School of Maritime and Industrial Studies, University of Piraeus, Piraeus, Greece
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Lee J, Baig F, Pervez A. Impacts of COVID-19 on individuals' mobility behavior in Pakistan based on self-reported responses. JOURNAL OF TRANSPORT & HEALTH 2021; 22:101228. [PMID: 34518800 PMCID: PMC8426114 DOI: 10.1016/j.jth.2021.101228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED The COVID-19 pandemic has been extremely disturbing mobility behavior due to travel restrictions and perceived COVID-19 threats. Recently, researchers from developed countries have shown interest in quantifying the impacts of the COVID-19 on individuals' mobility; however, similar research themes in lower income developing countries like Pakistan have not been sufficiently explored. Therefore, the objectives of the study are; 1) to explore the changes in self-reported individual's mobility behavior-trip frequencies by mode and by purpose in three COVID-19 severity periods; 2) to quantify the effects of respondents' personal (i.e., age, gender, education, and living place), and perceived details (i.e., safety perceptions, the COVID-19 threat perceptions) on the change in mobility behavior in the COVID-19 severity change; 3) to analyze the willingness to use public transportation in the post-pandemic period. METHODS A web-based questionnaire survey was conducted from September 2020 to November 2020, resulting in 565 responses. Descriptive analysis, random parameter bivariate probit modeling, and structural equation modeling are adopted to achieve the objectives. RESULTS The results reflect the change in individuals' mobility behavior in three severity periods of COVID-19, including before outbreak, during the most serious period, and after the most serious period. A substantial reduction in individuals' mobility was observed during the most serious period, which is recovering back to normal. The results also indicate the relationship of individuals' personal and perceived characteristics with the change in mobility in COVID-19 severity changes from before-to-serious and from the serious-to-after most serious period. CONCLUSION The COVID-19 pandemic has been affecting individuals' mobility behavior in Pakistan. The study's findings provide insightful information for the transportation agencies to better prepare for sustainable transportation management in the post-pandemic era.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaeyoung Lee
- School of Traffic and Transportation Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410075, PR China
| | - Farrukh Baig
- School of Traffic and Transportation Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410075, PR China
| | - Amjad Pervez
- School of Traffic and Transportation Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410075, PR China
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The Impact of the Pandemic on Vehicle Traffic and Roadside Environmental Pollution: Rzeszow City as a Case Study. ENERGIES 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/en14144299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The development of the COVID-19 pandemic and the related lockdown had a major impact on vehicle traffic in cities. Based on available data from the selected city of Rzeszow, Poland, it was decided to assess changes in vehicle traffic and the impact of these changes on roadside environmental pollution. As part of the research, data from the first half of 2020 regarding vehicle traffic on selected streets of the city and on the city’s inlet routes were analyzed. For the selected road sections, changes in hourly traffic volume in 2020, compared with 2019, were also determined. With data on traffic volume, an attempt was made to estimate the impact of changes in traffic volume on air pollution in the city. Research on air pollution from motor vehicles was focused on a selected section of a city road that was equipped with an automatic air pollution measurement station located very close to the road. Additionally, at the road intersection and in the vicinity of the measuring station, a sensor was installed in the roadway to count passing vehicles. A preliminary analysis of air pollution data revealed that factors such as wind speed and direction and outside temperature had a large impact on measurement results. To eliminate the influence of these factors and to obtain data concerning only contamination originating from motor vehicles traveling along the road, an appropriate mathematical model of the traffic flow–roadside environment system was built. This model was designed to determine the air pollution in the vicinity of the road generated by traffic flow. The constructed model was verified, and the conditions for its use were determined in order to study the impact of traffic and roadside environment on the level of air pollution from harmful exhaust substances. It was shown that at certain times of the day, especially at low temperatures, other sources of harmful emissions related to home heating play a major role in air pollution in the city.
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Cycling in the Era of COVID-19: Lessons Learnt and Best Practice Policy Recommendations for a More Bike-Centric Future. SUSTAINABILITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/su13094620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected our cities in monumental ways with no sector likely being more severely impacted than transport. Lockdowns, physical spacing, transport restrictions and stay-at-home guidelines have transformed personal mobility and highlighted the mistakes of an unbalanced pro-car culture that defined a century of urban planning. One immediate effect of the virus in relation to travel demand and supply was the emergence of active travel modes because of their unique ability to provide a socially distanced way of transport. Cycling is one of the modes that has enjoyed significant attention. Numerous cities have reallocated street and public space to cyclists and introduced pro-bike interventions like pop-up cycle lanes, e-bike subsidies, free bike-share use and traffic calming measures. This newly found outbreak-induced momentum creates an opportunity to establish a new ethos that allows the promotion of potentially permanent strategies that may help cycling to be (re-)established as a robust, mainstream and resilient travel mode for inner city trips and not as a second-class alternative operating under the automobile’s giant shadow. This paper provides a state-of-the-art description of the anti-COVID cycling-friendly initiatives that have been introduced globally, the successes and failures of these initiatives, the lessons learnt that can help us redefine the bicycle’s role in local societies today and a best cycling practice policy guide for planning a more bike-centric future.
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