Examining the persistence of telecommuting after the COVID-19 pandemic

This study focuses on the long-term impacts of COVID-19 on telecommuting behavior. We seek to study the future of telecommuting, in the post-pandemic era, by capturing the evolution of observed behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic. To do so, we implemented a comprehensive multi-wave nationwide panel survey (the Future Survey) in the U.S. throughout 2020 and 2021. A panel Generalized Structural Equation Model (GSEM) was used to investigate the effects of two perceptual factors on telecommuting behavior: (1) perceived risk of COVID-19; and (2) perceived telecommuting productivity. The findings of this study reveal significant and positive impacts of productivity and COVID-risk perception on telecommuting behavior. Moreover, the findings indicate a potential shift in preferences toward telecommuting in the post-pandemic era for millennials, employees with long commute times, high-income, and highly educated employees. Overall, a potential increase in telecommuting frequency is expected in the post-pandemic era, with differences across socio-economic groups

A Dynamic Approach Toward Examining Telecommuting and Its Impacts on Other Daily Activities

Telecommuting emerged with advancing technology, including personal computers, widespread internet access, and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools This transition accelerated due to unforeseen events, most notably the COVID-19 pandemic, compelling rapid adaptations in organizations. At the same time, other ICT-related behaviors, like online shopping, also underwent transformation, resulting in significant changes in urban mobility patterns. This study conducts a comprehensive exploration of telecommuting behavior and its wide-ranging impacts on modern life. First, the study understands the future of telecommuting, particularly in the post-pandemic era, where COVID-19 is no longer a concern. We analyze how telecommuting preferences evolved during the pandemic when COVID-19 remained a threat, but risk perceptions potentially changed. We employed a panel Generalized Structural Equation Model (GSEM) utilizing data from nationwide surveys conducted in 2020 and 2021. This model examines the influence of two unobserved factors on telecommuting behavior: (1) the perception of risk related to COVID-19 exposure, and (2) perceived productivity while telecommuting. Second, this study investigates the frequency of telecommuting and its interrelationship with online shopping in the "new normal" post-pandemic era. Using data from a late 2021 survey, we developed a GSEM framework to understand the factors influencing decisions regarding telecommuting and online shopping frequency. These determinants include attitudes, perceptions, travel behaviors, and socio-demographic characteristics. Third, we aim to study the impact of telecommuting decisions on daily activity patterns. We aim to gain comprehensive insights into how telecommuting reshapes people’s day-to-day routines and activities including household responsibilities, leisure activities, and time allocation. The study explores broader changes in telecommuting trends since the onset of the pandemic. It assesses the frequency of telecommuting across different socio-demographic groups and compares individuals’ expectations for telecommuting frequency with their actual practices. This comprehensive examination not only contributes to academic knowledge but also provides practical insights for individuals, organizations, and policymakers navigating the evolving work and lifestyle dynamics in the post-pandemic era

Best Practice Operation of Reversible Express Lanes for the Kennedy Expressway

Reversible lanes in Chicago’s Kennedy Expressway are an available infrastructure that can significantly improve traffic performance; however, a special focus on congestion management is required to improve their operation. This research project aims to evaluate and improve the operation of reversible lanes in the Kennedy Expressway. The Kennedy Expressway is a nearly 18-mile-long freeway in Chicago, Illinois, that connects in the southeast to northwest direction between the West Loop and O’Hare International Airport. There are two approximately 8-mile reversible lanes in the Kennedy Expressway’s median, where I-94 merges into I-90, and there are three entrance gates in each direction of this corridor. The purpose of the reversible lanes is to help the congested direction of the Kennedy Expressway increase its traffic flow and decrease the delay in the whole corridor. Currently, experts in a control location switch the direction of the reversible lanes two to three times per day by observing real-time traffic conditions captured by a traffic surveillance camera. In general, inbound gates are opened and outbound gates are closed around midnight because morning traffic is usually heavier toward the central city neighborhoods. In contrast, evening peak-hour traffic is usually heavier toward the outbound direction, so the direction of the reversible lanes is switched from inbound to outbound around noon. This study evaluates the Kennedy Expressway’s current reversing operation. Different indices are generated for the corridor to measure the reversible lanes’ performance, and a data-driven approach is selected to find the best time to start the operation. Subsequently, real-time and offline instruction for the operation of the reversible lanes is provided through employing deep learning and statistical techniques. In addition, an offline timetable is also provided through an optimization technique. Eventually, integration of the data-driven and optimization techniques results in the best practice operation of the reversible lanes.IDOT-ICT-195Ope

Coupling shared E-scooters and public transit: a spatial and temporal analysis

The integration of shared e-scooters with public transit is a promising solution for urban mobility\u27s first/last-mile challenge. This study explores spatiotemporal factors influencing this integration, using 35-day e-scooter trip data from Chicago. Employing a random-effect negative binomial approach, we modeled the frequency of e-scooter trips to access/egress to/from bus stops and train stations. Results indicate that weather conditions, design features like intersection density, and multimodal network density significantly influence usage. The transit system characteristics such as service frequency have a positive effect on the integration of e-scooters and trains while a similar effect for bus and e-scooter integration was not significant. Furthermore, safety-related variables such as accident and crime rates as well as demographic characteristics were also revealed to be significant factors in our study. These findings offer vital insights to urban planners and policymakers for infrastructure, safety enhancements, and interventions to encourage efficient e-scooter-public transit integration

Diagnosing non-tuberculous mycobacterial cervicofacial lymphadenitis in children: An updated sstematic review

Nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) cervicofacial lymphadenitis is a disease that most frequently occurs in young immunocompetent children. With a reported incidence ranging between 0,6 and 4,5 per 100.000 children, it is a rare disease .The condition has a characteristic clinical course, which eventually leads to cutaneous fistula formation and spontaneous drainage .it is important to establish the diagnosis at an early stage.Nevertheless, widespread controversy exists regarding correct diagnosing NTM cervicofacial lymphadenitis

Best Practice Operation of Reversible Express Lanes for the Kennedy Expressway

Reversible lanes in Chicago’s Kennedy Expressway are an available infrastructure that can significantly improve traffic performance; however, a special focus on congestion management is required to improve their operation. This research project aims to evaluate and improve the operation of reversible lanes in the Kennedy Expressway. The Kennedy Expressway is a nearly 18-mile-long freeway in Chicago, Illinois, that connects in the southeast to northwest direction between the West Loop and O’Hare International Airport. There are two approximately 8-mile reversible lanes in the Kennedy Expressway’s median, where I-94 merges into I-90, and there are three entrance gates in each direction of this corridor. The purpose of the reversible lanes is to help the congested direction of the Kennedy Expressway increase its traffic flow and decrease the delay in the whole corridor. Currently, experts in a control location switch the direction of the reversible lanes two to three times per day by observing real-time traffic conditions captured by a traffic surveillance camera. In general, inbound gates are opened and outbound gates are closed around midnight because morning traffic is usually heavier toward the central city neighborhoods. In contrast, evening peak-hour traffic is usually heavier toward the outbound direction, so the direction of the reversible lanes is switched from inbound to outbound around noon. This study evaluates the Kennedy Expressway’s current reversing operation. Different indices are generated for the corridor to measure the reversible lanes’ performance, and a data-driven approach is selected to find the best time to start the operation. Subsequently, real-time and offline instruction for the operation of the reversible lanes is provided through employing deep learning and statistical techniques. In addition, an offline timetable is also provided through an optimization technique. Eventually, integration of the data-driven and optimization techniques results in the best practice operation of the reversible lanes.</jats:p

The Prevalence of Weight Disorders in Children and Adolescents in Lorestan Province: Comparison of Three Different Criteria in A Cross-sectional Study

Background: Anthropometric studies in children and adolescents are important to screen changes in growth and puberty. Hence, standard percentiles and cutoffs are set by the World Health Organization (WHO), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and Iranian national criteria. This study aimed to examine and compare the prevalence of weight disorders in children and adolescents in Lorestan province according to different criteria.&#x0D; Methods: Children and adolescents (6–18 years) were randomly selected from the urban and rural areas by the multistage stratified cluster sampling method. All Iranian citizens aged who resided in Lorestan province for at least one year were eligible to participate in this study. After obtaining consent forms, researchers gathered the accurate anthropometrics and body mass index (BMI) measurements.&#x0D; Results: A total of 866 children and adolescents took part in the study, 447(51.6%) of whom were girls and 419 (48.4%) were boys. The overall prevalence of overweight and obesity was 17% in boys and 12.5% in girls. The prevalence of underweight in girls was 5.8%; while in boys it was 4.5%. The total prevalence rate of underweight according to the national criteria was 5.2%. However, this rate increased to 12% and 12.6% by using WHO and CDC cut-off points, respectively. The highest prevalence of overweight was obtained by CDC (15.8%), followed by WHO (13%); while national cut-off points resulted in 9.7%. Furthermore, 9.2% of the studied population was found to be obese by WHO; while this rate was 4.2%, and 5% by CDC and national cut-off points.&#x0D; Conclusion: This study indicated the coexisting prevalence of underweight and obesity and high prevalence of overweight among children and adolescents in Lorestan province. Furthermore, using the WHO and CDC criteria leads to overestimating the prevalence of weight disorder compared to the national cut-off points in Iran.</jats:p