Response to Commentary: Hand and Grasp Selection in a Preferential Reaching Task: The Effects of Object Location, Orientation, and Task Intention

Unveiling the relation between household energy conservation and subjective well-being: Insights from structural equation modeling

Electricity is essential to Pakistan's economy and, it helps to improve the living standards of people. However, the state has long suffered from problems like imbalances in the supply of energy, excessive energy use, and frequent power outages. The present study focused on investigating the relationship between energy-saving behavior, consumption, and subjective well-being in households in urban areas of Punjab, Pakistan. Using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), the research analyzed how different features of electricity use and energy-saving practices affect the quality of life for families in the region. According to research findings, a strong intention to save electricity is also linked to enhanced subjective well-being. When families have an intention toward conserving energy, they feel a more positive change in overall households' subjective well-being while electricity consumption which is measured in terms of electricity bills, negatively affects the household well-being. The current research concludes that some families can experience a financial benefit from lower energy bills, and others would need assistance switching to more environment-friendly energy habits. Governments must adopt price-control mechanisms and electricity subsidies for low-income groups to encourage ethical energy usage and well-being, while also undertaking awareness programs aimed at a varied audience.

Age-group differences in beginning-state comfort reveal an increase in motor planning capabilities

Objects can be grasped in different ways to ensure a movement plan is aligned with the intended action. The current study assessed grasp posture in joint action object manipulation in children (ages 6–11, n = 68), young adults ( n = 21), and older adults ( n = 23). Participants performed two actions (pickup and pass; pickup and pass for use) within two movement contexts (using a dowel as if it were the actual object; actual object use), using two objects (glass and hammer) that differed in use-dependent experience. Beginning-state comfort (prioritizing a comfortable initial hand posture for an object recipient) was assessed. Taken together, findings support the notion that the ability to anticipate the intended action, and thus consider an action partner in one’s action plan, increases with age. With age and use-dependent experience, it can be argued that there is a shift from stimulus-driven, familiar responses, to considering affordances and task demands. Together, findings add to our understanding of changes in motor planning capabilities across the life span.