Shifts in food acquisition during the COVID-19 pandemic may have affected diet. Assessing changes in diet is needed to inform food assistance programs aimed at mitigating diet disparities during future crises. This longitudinal study assessed changes in diet among a low-income, racially diverse population from March-November 2020.

Survey data were collected from 291 adults living in Austin, TX. Multivariable ordinal logistic regression models assessed the relationship between changes in consumption of fresh, frozen, and canned fruits and vegetables (FV), and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) and the following food acquisition factors: food security, difficulty finding food, food bank usage, and food shopping method.

Adjusted models indicated individuals with consistent food insecurity had increased odds of reporting a higher category of consumption for frozen (aOR = 2.13, P < 0.05, CI:1.18-3.85) and canned (aOR = 4.04, P < 0.01, CI:2.27-7.20) FV and SSB (aOR = 3.01, P < 0.01, CI:1.65-5.51). Individuals who reported using a food bank were more likely to report increased consumption of frozen (aOR = 2.14, P < 0.05, CI:1.22-3.76) and canned FV (aOR = 2.91, P < 0.01, CI:1.69-4.99).

Shifts in food acquisition factors were associated with changes in diet. Findings demonstrate the need for more robust food assistance programs that specifically focus on all dimensions of food security.

Disaster response plans play a major role in mitigating the impact of climate-related disasters on community food access. This study examined existing disaster response plans in 5 US locations that experienced the costliest hurricanes since 2017 (states: Florida, Texas, Louisiana; territories: Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands) to assess how existing disaster response plans and response efforts address food-related issues across 4 key domains: availability, accessibility, agency, and acceptability.

A content analysis of disaster response plans was conducted. Disaster response plans were complemented by a review of gray literature and media sources examining the post-hurricane aftermaths. Disaster plans were coded using a deductive analysis approach guided by the Disaster Food Security Framework.

The analysis revealed significant disparities in planning and resources between territories and states. Findings highlight political and structural drivers of disparities in food access, particularly in US territories. State-mandated procedures resulted in a consistent level of effectiveness in their food distribution strategies.

These disparities underscore the need for targeted policy reforms and enhanced federal support to ensure equitable food security during disasters.

Recently, many industrial exoskeletons for supporting workers in heavy physical tasks have been developed. However, the efficiency of exoskeletons with regard to physical strain reduction has not been fully proved, yet. Several laboratory and field studies have been conducted, but still more data, that cannot be obtained solely by behavioral experiments, are needed to investigate effects on the human body.

This paper presents an approach to extend laboratory and field research with biomechanical simulations using the AnyBody Modeling System. Based on a dataset recorded in a laboratory experiment with 12 participants using the exoskeleton Paexo Shoulder in an overhead task, the same situation was reproduced in a virtual environment and analyzed with biomechanical simulation.

Simulation results indicate that the exoskeleton substantially reduces muscle activity and joint reaction forces in relevant body areas. Deltoid muscle activity and glenohumeral joint forces in the shoulder were decreased between 54 and 87%. Simultanously, no increases of muscle activity and forces in other body areas were observed.

This study demonstrates how a simulation framework could be used to evaluate changes in internal body loads as a result of wearing exoskeletons. Biomechanical simulation results widely agree with experimental measurements in the previous laboratory experiment and supplement such by providing an insight into effects on the human musculoskeletal system. They confirm that Paexo Shoulder is an effective device to reduce physical strain in overhead tasks. The framework can be extended with further parameters, allowing investigations for product design and evaluation.