bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular and cellular dynamics of the developing human neocortex at single-cell resolution
Authors: Wang Li , Wang Cheng , Moriano Juan A. , Chen Songcang , Zuo Guolong , Cebrián-Silla Arantxa , Zhang Shaobo , Mukhtar Tanzila , Wang Shaohui , Song Mengyi , de Oliveira Lilian Gomes , Bi Qiuli , Augustin Jonathan J. , Ge Xinxin , Paredes Mercedes F. , Huang Eric J. , Alvarez-Buylla Arturo , Duan Xin , Li Jingjing , Kriegstein Arnold R.
Published: January 2024

The development of the human neocortex is a highly dynamic process and involves complex cellular trajectories controlled by cell-type-specific gene regulation1. Here, we collected paired single-nucleus chromatin accessibility and transcriptome data from 38 human neocortical samples encompassing both the prefrontal cortex and primary visual cortex. These samples span five main developmental stages, ranging from the first trimester to adolescence. In parallel, we performed spatial transcriptomic analysis on a subset of the samples to illustrate spatial organization and intercellular communication. This atlas enables us to catalog cell type-, age-, and area-specific gene regulatory networks underlying neural differentiation. Moreover, combining single-cell profiling, progenitor purification, and lineage-tracing experiments, we have untangled the complex lineage relationships among progenitor subtypes during the transition from neurogenesis to gliogenesis in the human neocortex. We identified a tripotential intermediate progenitor subtype, termed Tri-IPC, responsible for the local production of GABAergic neurons, oligodendrocyte precursor cells, and astrocytes. Remarkably, most glioblastoma cells resemble Tri-IPCs at the transcriptomic level, suggesting that cancer cells hijack developmental processes to enhance growth and heterogeneity. Furthermore, by integrating our atlas data with large-scale GWAS data, we created a disease-risk map highlighting enriched ASD risk in second-trimester intratelencephalic projection neurons. Our study sheds light on the gene regulatory landscape and cellular dynamics of the developing human neocortex.
Arl2 Associates with Cdk5rap2 to Regulate Cortical Development via Microtubule Organization
Authors: Ma Dong-Liang , Lin Kun-Yang , Divya Suresh , Lin Jiaen , Gujar Mahekta R. , Aung Htet Yamin , Tan Ye Sing , Gao Yang , Vincent Anselm S. , Chen Teng , Wang Hongyan
Published: January 2024

ADP ribosylation factor-like GTPase 2 (Arl2) is crucial for controlling mitochondrial fusion and microtubule assembly in various organisms. Arl2 regulates the asymmetric division of neural stem cells inDrosophilavia microtubule growth. However, the function of mammalian Arl2 during cortical development was unknown. Here, we demonstrate that mouse Arl2 plays a new role in corticogenesis via regulating microtubule growth, but not mitochondria functions. Arl2 knockdown leads to impaired proliferation of neural progenitor cells (NPCs) and neuronal migration. Arl2 knockdown in mouse NPCs significantly diminishes centrosomal microtubule growth and delocalization of centrosomal proteins Cdk5rap2 and γ-tubulin. Moreover, Arl2 physically associates with Cdk5rap2 byin silicoprediction using AlphaFold Multimer andin vitrobinding assays. Remarkably, Cdk5rap2 overexpression significantly rescues the neurogenesis defects caused by Arl2 knockdown. Therefore, Arl2 plays an important role in mouse cortical development through microtubule growth via the centrosomal protein Cdk5rap2.
DrosophilaAsap regulates cellular protrusions via dArf6-dependent actin regulatory pathway
Authors: Kushwaha Shikha , Mallik Bhagaban , Mushtaq Zeeshan , Bisht Anjali , Kumar Vimlesh
Published: January 2024

Membrane protrusions are fundamental to cellular functions like migration, adhesion, and communication and depend upon the dynamic reorganization of the cytoskeleton. The GAP-dependent GTP hydrolysis of Arf proteins regulates actin-dependent membrane remodeling. Here, we show that the dAsap regulates membrane protrusions in S2R+ cells by a mechanism that critically relies on its ArfGAP domain and re-localization of actin regulators, SCAR, and Ena. While our data reinforce the preference of dAsap for Arf1 GTP hydrolysisin vitro, we demonstrate that induction of membrane protrusions in S2R+ cells depends on Arf6 inactivation. This study furthers our understanding of how dAsap-dependent GTP hydrolysis maintains a balance between active and inactive states of dArf6 to regulate cell shape.
Nuclear pores as conduits for fluid flow during osmotic stress
Authors: Hoffmann Patrick C. , Kim Hyuntae , Obarska-Kosinska Agnieszka , Kreysing Jan Philipp , Andino-Frydman Eli , Cruz-Leon Sergio , Cernikova Lenka , Kosinski Jan , Turoňová Beata , Hummer Gerhard , Beck Martin
Published: January 2024

Changing environmental conditions necessitate an immediate cellular adaptation to ensure survival.Dictyostelium discoideum, a bacteriovore slime mold present in the soil of most terrestrial ecosystems, is known for its ability to tolerate drastic changes in osmolarity. How the cells cope with the resulting mechanical stress remains understudied. Here we show thatD. discoideumhas extraordinarily elaborate and resilient nuclear pores that serve as conduits for massive fluid exchange between cytosol and nucleus. We capitalize on the unique properties ofD. discoideumcells to quantify flow across the nuclear envelope that is necessitated by changing nuclear size in response to osmotic stress. Based on mathematical concepts adapted from hydrodynamics, we conceptualize this phenomenon as porous flow across nuclear pores. This type of fluid flow is distinct from the canonically characterized modes of nucleocytoplasmic transport, i.e. passive diffusion and active nuclear transport, because of its dependence on pressure. Our insights are relevant in any biological condition that necessitates rapid nuclear size changes, which includes metastasizing cancer cells squeezing through constrictions, migrating cells and differentiating tissues.
Cryo-electron tomography reveals how COPII assembles on cargo-containing membranes
Authors: Pyle Euan , Miller Elizabeth A. , Zanetti Giulia
Published: January 2024

Proteins traverse the eukaryotic secretory pathway through membrane trafficking between organelles. The COPII coat mediates the anterograde transport of newly synthesised proteins from the endoplasmic reticulum, engaging cargoes with a wide range of size and biophysical properties. The native architecture of the COPII coat and how cargo might influence COPII carrier morphology remain poorly understood. Here, we have reconstituted COPII-coated membrane carriers using purifiedS. cerevisiaeproteins and cell-derived microsomes as a native membrane source. Using cryo-electron tomography with subtomogram averaging, we demonstrate that the COPII coat binds cargo and forms largely spherical vesicles from native membranes. We reveal the architecture of the inner and outer coat layers and shed light on how spherical carriers are formed. Our results provide insights into the architecture and regulation of the COPII coat and advance our current understanding of how membrane curvature is generated.
Quantification of cellular phototoxicity of organelle stains by the dynamics of microtubule polymerization
Authors: Mahapatra Shivam , Ma Seohee , Dong Bin , Zhang Chi
Published: January 2024

Being able to quantify the phototoxicity of dyes and drugs in live cells allows biologists to better understand cell responses to exogenous stimuli during imaging. This capability further helps to design fluorescent labels with lower phototoxicity and drugs with better efficacy. Conventional ways to evaluate cellular phototoxicity rely on late-stage measurements of individual or different populations of cells. Here, we developed a quantitative method using intracellular microtubule polymerization as a rapid and sensitive marker to quantify early-stage phototoxicity. Implementing this method, we assessed the photosensitization induced by organelle dyes illuminated with different excitation wavelengths. Notably, fluorescent markers targeting mitochondria, nuclei, and endoplasmic reticulum exhibited diverse levels of phototoxicity. Furthermore, leveraging a real-time precision opto-control technology allowed us to evaluate the synergistic effect of light and dyes on specific organelles. Studies in hypoxia revealed enhanced phototoxicity of Mito-Tracker Red CMXRos that is not correlated with the generation of reactive oxygen species but a different deleterious pathway in low oxygen conditions.

Teaser

Microtubule dynamics in live cells allow quantification of cellular phototoxicity of fluorescent dyes in various conditions
Mannose Supplementation Curbs Liver Steatosis and Fibrosis in Murine MASH by Inhibiting Fructose Metabolism
Authors: Hong John G. , Carbajal Yvette , Trotman Joshaya , Glass Mariel , Sclar Victoria , Alter Isaac L. , Zhang Peng , Wang Liheng , Chen Li , Petitjean Matthieu , Friedman Scott L. , DeRossi Charles , Chu Jaime
Published: January 2024

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) can progress to cirrhosis and liver cancer. There are no approved medical therapies to prevent or reverse disease progression. Fructose and its metabolism in the liver play integral roles in MASH pathogenesis and progression. Here we focus on mannose, a simple sugar, which dampens hepatic stellate cell activation and mitigates alcoholic liver diseasein vitroandin vivo. In the well-validated FAT-MASH murine model, oral mannose supplementation improved both liver steatosis and fibrosis at low and high doses, whether administered either at the onset of the model (“Prevention”) or at week 6 of the 12-week MASH regimen (“Reversal”). Thein vivoanti-fibrotic effects of mannose supplementation were validated in a second model of carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis.In vitrohuman and mouse primary hepatocytes revealed that the anti-steatotic effects of mannose are dependent on the presence of fructose, which attenuates expression of ketohexokinase (KHK), the main enzyme in fructolysis. KHK is decreased with mannose supplementationin vivoandin vitro,and overexpression of KHK abrogated the anti-steatotic effects of mannose. Our study identifies mannose as a simple, novel therapeutic candidate for MASH that mitigates metabolic dysregulation and exerts anti-fibrotic effects.
Λ
polarization from vortex rings as the medium response for jet thermalization
Authors: Ribeiro Vítor Hugo , Chinellato David Dobrigkeit , Lisa Michael Annan , Serenone Willian Matioli , Shen Chun , Takahashi Jun , Torrieri Giorgio
Published: January 2024

We performed a systematic study on the formation of vorticity rings as the process for jet thermalization in the medium created in high-energy nuclear collisions. In this work, we expanded our previous analysis to a more realistic framework by considering noncentral events and fluctuations in the initial condition. We simulate the formation and evolution of the flow vortex structure in a relativistic viscous hydrodynamic model and study the sensitivity of the proposed “ring observable” (RΛt) that can be measured experimentally through the polarization of Λ hyperons. We show that this observable is robust with respect to fluctuating initial conditions to capture the jet-induced vortex flow signal and further study its dependence on different model parameters, such as the jet's velocity, position, the fluid's shear viscosity, and the collision centrality. The proposed observable is associated with the formation of vorticity in a quark-gluon plasma, showing that the measurement of particle polarization can be a powerful tool to probe different properties of jet-medium interactions and to understand better the polarization induced by the transverse and longitudinal expansions of the medium.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Efficient precision simulation of processes with many-jet final states at the LHC
Authors: Bothmann Enrico , Childers Taylor , Gütschow Christian , Höche Stefan , Hovland Paul , Isaacson Joshua , Knobbe Max , Latham Robert
Published: January 2024

We present a scalable technique for the simulation of collider events with multijet final states, based on an improved parton-level event file format and scalable I/O. The method is implemented for both leading- and next-to-leading-order QCD calculations. We perform a comprehensive analysis of the computing performance and validate our new framework using Higgs-boson plus multijet production with up to seven jets. We make the resulting code base available for public use.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Thermal conductivity of evolving quark-gluon plasma in the presence of a time-varying magnetic field
Authors: Singh Kamaljeet , Dey Jayanta , Sahoo Raghunath
Published: January 2024

The effect of the temperature evolution of quark-gluon plasma (QGP) on its thermal conductivity and elliptic flow is investigated here in the presence of a time-varying magnetic field. Thermal conductivity plays a vital role in the cooling rate of the medium or its temperature evolution. The magnetic field produced during the early stages of (noncentral) heavy-ion collisions decays with time, where electrical conductivity plays a significant role. As the medium expands, the electrical and thermal properties change, reflecting the effect in various observables. In this study, we have calculated the thermal conductivity of the QGP medium, incorporating the effects of temperature and magnetic field evolution. We discovered that conductivity significantly depends on the cooling rate, and its value increases due to temperature evolution. Furthermore, the influence of these evolutions on the elliptic flow coefficient is measured, and elliptic flow decreases due to the evolution. We also extend our study for the case of Gubser flow, where, along with the longitudinal Bjorken expansion, the radially transverse expansion is also present.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Vacua in locally de Sitter cosmologies, and how to distinguish them
Authors: Toussaint Vladimir , Louko Jorma
Published: January 2024

(1+1)-dimensional locally de Sitter–Friedmann-Robertson-Walker cosmologies with compact spatial sections allow cosh, sinh, and exponential evolution laws, each with a freely specifiable spatial circumference parameter, and the value of this parameter has an invariant geometric meaning for the cosh and sinh evolution laws. We identify geometrically preferred states for a quantized massive scalar field on these cosmologies, some singled out by adiabatic criteria in the distant past, with an ambiguity remaining due to a massive zero mode, and others induced from the Euclidean vacuum on standard (1+1)-dimensional de Sitter space by a quotient construction. We show that a comoving quantum observer, modelled as an Unruh-DeWitt detector, can distinguish these states from the Euclidean vacuum on standard de Sitter space. Numerical plots are given in selected parameter regimes. We also evaluate the field’s stress-energy tensor expectation value for those states that are induced from the Euclidean vacuum by a quotient construction.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Flavor-violating Higgs and
Z
boson decays at a future circular lepton collider
Authors: Kamenik Jernej F. , Korajac Arman , Szewc Manuel , Tammaro Michele , Zupan Jure
Published: January 2024

Recent advances in b, c, and s quark tagging coupled with novel statistical analysis techniques will allow future high energy and high statistics electron-positron colliders, such as the FCC-ee, to place phenomenologically relevant bounds on flavor violating Higgs and Z decays to quarks. We assess the FCC-ee reach for Z/h→bs,cu decays as a function of jet tagging performance. We also update the standard model (SM) predictions for the corresponding branching ratios, as well as the indirect constraints on the flavor violating Higgs and Z couplings to quarks. Using the type III two Higgs doublet model as an example of beyond the standard model physics, we show that the searches for h→bs,cu decays at FCC-ee can probe new parameter space not excluded by indirect searches. We also reinterpret the FCC-ee reach for Z→bs,cu in terms of the constraints on models with vectorlike quarks.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Spectral narrowing of a phonon resonance in time-domain sum-frequency spectroscopy
Authors: Kiessling R. , Wolf M. , Paarmann A.
Published: January 2024

Sum-frequency generation (SFG) spectroscopy provides a versatile method for the investigation of noncentrosymmetric media and interfaces. Here, using tunable picosecond infrared (IR) pulses from a free-electron laser, the nonlinear optical response of 4H-SiC, a common polytype of silicon carbide, has been probed in the frequency and time domain by infrared-visible vibrational SFG spectroscopy. In the SFG spectra we observe a sharp resonance near the longitudinal optical phonon frequency, arising from linear optical effects due to the epsilon-near-zero regime of the IR permittivity. In the time domain, the buildup of the SFG intensity is linked to the free-induction decay of the induced coherent IR polarization. When approaching the frequency of the phonon resonance, a slower polarization dephasing is observed as compared to off-resonant IR excitation. Thus, by introducing a temporal delay between the IR and the visible up-conversion pulse we are able to demonstrate spectral narrowing of the phonon SFG resonance, as corroborated by model calculations.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Crystals in the community and the classroom
Authors: Murray Claire , Maynard-Casely Helen E. , Harrington Ross , McCready Stephanie , Sneddon Duncan J. , Thomas Lynne , Warren Anna J.
Published: January 2024

The growing pressure on school curricula has meant crystals and the science of crystallography have been cut from or made optional for many educational programs. This omission is a serious disservice to the history and understanding of modern sciences, given that crystallography underpins many of the greatest advancements in science over the past century, is a critical component of many modern research papers and patents, and has 29 Nobel Prizes awarded in the field. This contribution describes a simple activity to target classroom and public engagement with crystallography, using marshmallows or equivalent sweets/candy to represent atoms and cocktail sticks to represent bonds, together with examples of how crystals are studied and how they are useful. Though it has a simple basis, this activity can be extended in numerous ways to reflect the aims of the demonstrator, and a few of these are described.
L2-convergence of Yosida approximation for semi-linear backward stochastic differential equation with jumps in infinite dimension
Authors: Abidi Hani , Amami Rim , Pettersson Roger , Trabelsi Chiraz
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The main motivation of this paper is to present  the Yosida approximation of a semi-linear backward stochastic differential equation in infinite dimension. Under suitable assumption and condition, an L2-convergence rate is established.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors establish a result concerning the L2-convergence rate of the solution of backward stochastic differential equation with jumps with respect to the Yosida approximation.

Findings

The authors carry out a convergence rate of Yosida approximation to the semi-linear backward stochastic differential equation in infinite dimension.

Originality/value

In this paper, the authors present the Yosida approximation of a semi-linear backward stochastic differential equation in infinite dimension. Under suitable assumption and condition, an L2-convergence rate is established.
Exploring contemporary patterns of cultural consumption: offline and online film watching in the UK
Authors: Hanchard Matthew , Merrington Peter , Wessels Bridgette , Yates Simeon
Published: January 2024

This paper focuses on patterns of film consumption within cultural consumption more broadly to assess trends in consumerism such as eclectic consumption, individualised consumption and omnivorous/univorous consumption and whether economic background and status feature in shaping cultural consumption. We focus on film because it is widely consumed, online and offline, and has many genres that vary in terms of perceived artistic and entertainment value. In broad terms, film is differentiated between mainstream commercially driven film such as Hollywood blockbusters, middlebrow “feel good” movies and independent arthouse and foreign language film. Our empirical statistical analysis shows that film consumers watch a wide range of genres. However, films deemed to hold artistic value such as arthouse and foreign language feature as part of broad and wide-ranging pattern of consumption of film that attracts its own dedicated consumers. Though we found that social and economic factors remain predictors of cultural consumption the overall picture is more complex than a simple direct correspondence and perceptions of other cultural forms also play a role. Those likely to consume arthouse and foreign language film consume other film genres and other cultural forms genres and those who “prefer” arthouse and foreign language film have slightly more constrained socio-economic characteristics. Overall, we find that economic and cultural factors such income, education, and wider consumption of culture are significant in patterns of film consumption.
Developing a computational ontology to understand the relational aspects of audience formation
Authors: Hanchard Matthew , Merrington Peter , Wessels Bridgette , Rogers Kathy , Pidd Michael , Yates Simeon , Forrest David , Higson Andrew , Townsend Nathan , Smits Roderik
Published: January 2024

In this article, we discuss an innovative audience research methodology developed for the AHRC-funded “Beyond the Multiplex: Audiences for Specialised Film in English Regions” project (BtM). The project combines a computational ontology with a mixed-methods approach drawn from both the social sciences and the humanities, enabling research to be conducted both at scale and in depth, producing complex relational analyses of audiences. BtM aims to understand how we might enable a wide range of audiences to participate in a more diverse film culture, and embrace the wealth of films beyond the mainstream in order to optimise the cultural value of engaging with less familiar films. BtM collects data through a three-wave survey of film audience members’ practices, semi-structured interviews and film-elicitation groups with audience members alongside interviews with policy and industry experts, and analyses of key policy and industry documents. Bringing each of these datasets together within our ontology enables us to map relationships between them across a variety of different concerns. For instance, how cultural engagement in general relates to engagement with specialised films; how different audiences access and/or share films across different platforms and venues; how their engagement with those films enables them to make meaning and generate value; and how all of this is shaped by national and regional policy, film industry practices, and the decisions of cultural intermediaries across the fields of film production, distribution and exhibition. Alongside our analyses, the ontology enables us to produce data visualisations and a suite of analytical tools for audience development studies that stakeholders can use, ensuring the research has impact beyond the academy. This paper sets out our methodology for developing the BtM ontology, so that others may adapt it and develop their own ontologies from mixed-methods empirical data in their studies of other knowledge domains.
A critical review of initial 3D printed products responding to COVID-19 health and supply chain challenges
Authors: Novak James I. , Loy Jennifer
Published: January 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly increased demand for medical and protective equipment by frontline health workers, as well as the general community, causing the supply chain to stretch beyond capacity, an issue further heightened by geographical and political lockdowns. Various 3D printing technologies were quickly utilised by businesses, institutions and individuals to manufacture a range of products on-demand, close to where they were needed. This study gathered data about 91 3D printed projects initiated prior to April 1, 2020, as the virus spread globally. It found that 60% of products were for personal protective equipment, of which 62% were 3D printed face shields. Fused filament fabrication was the most common 3D print technology used, and websites were the most popular means of centralising project information. The project data provides objective, quantitative insight balanced with qualitative critical review of the broad trends, opportunities and challenges that could be used by governments, health and medical bodies, manufacturing organisations and the 3D printing community to streamline the current response, as well as plan for future crises using a distributed, flexible manufacturing approach.
A quantitative analysis of 3D printed face shields and masks during COVID-19
Authors: Novak James I. , Loy Jennifer
Published: January 2024

In response to shortages in personal protective equipment (PPE) during the COVID-19 pandemic, makers, community groups and manufacturers around the world utilised 3D printing to fabricate items, including face shields and face masks for healthcare workers and the broader community. In reaction to both local and global needs, numerous designs emerged and were shared online. In this paper, 37 face shields and 31 face masks suitable for fused filament fabrication were analysed from a fabrication perspective, documenting factors such as filament use, time to print and geometric qualities. 3D print times for similar designs varied by several hours, meaning some designs could be produced in higher volumes. Overall, the results show that face shields were approximately twice as fast to 3D print compared to face masks and used approximately half as much filament. Additionally, a face shield typically required 1.5 parts to be 3D printed, whereas face masks required five 3D printed parts. However, by quantifying the print times, filament use, 3D printing costs, part dimensions, number of parts and total volume of each design, the wide variations within each product category could be tracked and evaluated. This data and objective analysis will help makers, manufacturers, regulatory bodies and researchers consolidate the 3D printing response to COVID-19 and optimise the ongoing strategy to combat supply chain shortages now and in future healthcare crises.
Anomie in the UK? Can cultural malaise threaten the fruition of the ideas-informed society?
Authors: Brown Chris , Luzmore Ruth , Groß Ophoff Jana
Published: January 2024

Background: The ideas-informed society represents a desired situation in which: (1) citizens see value in staying up to date, and; (2) citizens regularly keep themselves up to date by actively, openly and critically engaging with new ideas, developments and claims to truth. As a result, it is hoped citizens become increasingly knowledgeable, better able to make good decisions, and better positioned to support new progressive norms and beliefs. Yet despite these potential benefits, a substantive proportion of the population do not value staying up to date, nor attempt to do so.

Methods: With this research project we seek to identify whether the theoretical lens of anomie can account for why “ideas refusers” do not engage with ideas, as well as provide clues as to how they might be encouraged to do so. To explore the possible impacts of anomie on ideas-engagement we conducted four online focus groups, interviewing a purposive sample of ten individuals who previously indicated they were ideas refusers.

Results: Our findings identify eleven themes which seemingly account for why ideas refusers do not currently engage with ideas. Of these, ten are related to anomie, including themes which encapsulate feelings of frustration, anxiety, confusion and powerlessness regarding the complexities of modern society.

Conclusions: We also identify three areas of future focus that might help the ongoing development of the ideas-informed society. These are: (1) the more positive and relevant reporting of ideas; (2) supporting “healthy” face-to-face engagement with ideas; and (3) supporting effective ideas engagement through social media.
Co-producing health care – pragmatic principles and an illustration
Authors: Kaehne Axel , Bray Lucy , Horowicz Edmund
Published: January 2024

Co-production has received increasing attention from managers and researchers in public services. In the health care sector, co-production has become a by-word for the meaningful engagement of patients yet there is still a lack of knowledge around what works when co-producing services. The paper sets out a set of pragmatic principles which may guide anyone embarking on co-producing health care services, and provides an illustration of a co-produced Young People’s Health Research Group in England. We conclude by outlining some learning points which are useful when establishing co-production projects.
COVID-19 and employees’ mental health: stressors, moderators and agenda for organizational actions
Authors: Hamouche Salima
Published: January 2024

Background: This paper examines the impact of coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak on employees’ mental health, specifically psychological distress and depression. It aims at identifying the main stressors during and post COVID-19, examining the main moderating factors which may mitigate or aggravate the impact of COVID-19 on employees’ mental health and finally to suggest recommendations from a human resource management perspective to mitigate COVID-19’s impact on employees’ mental health.

Methods: This paper is a literature review. The search for articles was made in Google scholar, Web of Science and Semantic scholar. We used a combination of terms related to coronavirus OR COVID-19, workplace and mental health. Due to the paucity of studies on the COVID-19 impact on employees’ mental health, we had to draw on studies on recent epidemics.

Results: The identified literature reports a negative impact of COVID-19 on individual’s mental health. Stressors include perception of safety, threat and risk of contagion, infobesity versus the unknown, quarantine and confinement, stigma and social exclusion as well as financial loss and job insecurity. Furthermore, three dimensions of moderating factors have been identified: organizational, institutional and individual factors. In addition, a list of recommendations has been presented to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on the employee’s mental health, during and after the outbreak, from a human resource management perspective.

Conclusions: Coronavirus is new and is in a rapid progress while writing this paper. Most of current research are biomedical focusing on individuals’ physical health. In this context, mental health issues seem overlooked. This paper helps to broaden the scope of research on workplace mental health, by examining the impact of a complex new pandemic: COVID-19 on employees’ mental health, from social sciences perceptive, mobilizing psychology and human resource management.
Learning from COVID-19: design, age-friendly technology, hacking and mental models
Authors: White P.J. , Marston Hannah R. , Shore Linda , Turner Robert
Published: January 2024

In March 2020 the United Nations published an open brief for the creative community to propose interventions to the unfolding COVID-19 pandemic. However, when faced with unprecedented wicked problems such as these, the rigour of design and creative processes can tested. COVID-19 has demonstrated how important human centred design responses are in understanding the worldviews and ecosystems of users. Ad hoc design responses or design hacks have demonstrated that they have a role to play in how we create our future individual, community and societal ecosystems.

In terms of age friendly design, this pandemic makes us envision what should be, furthermore, how we could create better products and services through technology. For our ageing communities “Cocooning” and other social restriction measures have exposed technological deficiencies for the needs of older people and opens up questions of our future preparedness for a growing ageing society. Now more than ever, designers need to understand the behavioural mind-set of older people in their own ecosystem and understand existing mental models.

In this opinion piece we posit what acts of design hacking can lead us to greater understanding of users mental models and therefore better understanding of technology needs for both older and younger adults. While presenting various examples of how design hacking is conducted by citizens and participants alike, it shows that it offers designers differing perspectives, experiences and inspiration for technology.
Youth sport and COVID-19: a potential generation lost
Authors: Drummond Murray , Elliott Sam , Drummond Claire , Prichard Ivanka
Published: January 2024

This conceptual/study protocol paper provides important context around the role of sport in Australia where sport provides aspects of community agency through participation, organisation and volunteerism. It provides a descriptive analysis of how sport assists young people in developing physical and mental ”fitness” through its community orientation. However, it also provides discussion around the potential of a “generation lost” to sport as a consequence of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The conceptual nature of this paper means that the data collection underpinning this research has not yet been conducted. However, given that we have applied for human research ethics along with having accrued sporting clubs and organisations eager to be involved in the research, we are planning to roll out this research by mid 2020. The design will be based on mixed methods approach whereby large-scale surveys together with focus groups and interviews will be central to the research data collection process. This research is unique given the nature of the time in which it exists. The last global pandemic was around 100 years ago when sport did not play such a significant role in society. Understanding the implications of the pandemic on young people and to the sporting clubs and organisations will be key in re-establishing sport as a central component of community agency towards the physical and mental health of young people. The urgency of understanding this is key to assisting the loss of potential young people to sport and the benefits that go with it to the individual, the community, and society as a whole.
What role can videogames play in the COVID-19 pandemic?
Authors: Marston Hannah R. , Kowert Rachel
Published: January 2024

Video games are often thought of as trite activities for younger generations. However, research in game studies over the last few decades have revealed that games can be valuable tools for growth and connection, particularly among older generations. Exploring the ways digital games can be used as tools for connection has gained increased attention in recent months with global quarantines as a result of COVID-19. This article reviews the research that has examined the utility of digital games for older adults, focusing specifically on the ways in which games can be tools for social connectedness and psychological healing for older adults and intergenerationally. Special focus will be placed on the role games can play for post-traumatic stress among first responders.
Apart but not alone? A cross-sectional study of neighbour support in a major UK urban area during the COVID-19 lockdown
Authors: Jones Mat , Beardmore Amy , Biddle Michele , Gibson Andy , Ismail Sanda Umar , McClean Stuart , White Jo
Published: January 2024

Background: Evidence from a range of major public health incidents shows that neighbour-based action can have a critical role in emergency response, assistance and recovery. However, there is little research to date on neighbour-based action during the 2020 coronavirus pandemic. This article reports on a survey of people engaged in supporting their neighbours in weeks three and four of the UK COVID-19 lockdown.

Methods: Members of area-based and community of interest COVID-19 support groups in the Bristol conurbation were invited to complete an online survey. Of 1,255 people who clicked on the survey link, 862 responded; of these, 539 responses were eligible for analysis.

Results: Respondents reported providing a wide range of support that went beyond health information, food and medical prescription assistance, to include raising morale through humour, creativity and acts of kindness and solidarity. A substantial proportion felt that they had become more involved in neighbourhood life following the lockdown and had an interest in becoming more involved in future. Neighbour support spanned all adult age groups, including older people categorised as being at-risk to the virus. With respect to most measures, there were no differences in the characteristics of support between respondents in areas of higher and lower deprivation. However, respondents from more deprived areas were more likely to state that they were involved in supporting certain vulnerable groups.

Conclusions: As with previous research on major social upheavals, our findings suggest that responses to the viral pandemic and associated social restrictions may increase existing social and health inequalities, and further research should explore this issue in more depth.
The monetary value of human life losses associated with COVID-19 in Turkey
Authors: Kirigia Joses Muthuri , Muthuri Rose Nabi Deborah Karimi , Nkanata Lenity Honesty Kainyu
Published: January 2024

Background: This study aimed to appraise the monetary value of human life losses associated with COVID-19 in Turkey. To our knowledge, it is the first study in Turkey to value human life losses associated with COVID-19.

Methods: A human capital approach (HCA) model was applied to estimate the total monetary value of the 4,807 human lives lost in Turkey (TMVHL) from COVID-19 by 15 June 2020. The TMVHL equals the sum of monetary values of human lives lost (MVHL) across nine age groups. The MVHL accruing to each age group is the sum of the product of discount factor, years of life lost, net GDP per capita, and the number of COVID-19 deaths in an age group. The HCA model was re-calculated five times assuming discount rates of 3%, 5%, and 10% with a national life expectancy of 78.45 years; and the world highest life expectancy of 87.1 years and global life expectancy of 72 years with 3% discount rate.

Results: The 4807 human life losses from COVID-19 had a TMVHL of Int$1,098,469,122; and a mean of Int$228,514 per human life. Reanalysis with 5% and 10% discount rates, holding national life expectancy constant, reduced the TMVHL by Int$167,248,319 (15.2%) and Int$ 429,887,379 (39%), respectively. Application of the global life expectancy reduced the TMVHL by 36.4%, and use of world highest life expectancy increased TMVHL by 69%. However, the HCA captures only the economic production losses incurred as a result of years of life lost. It ignores non-market contributions to social welfare and the adverse effects of economic activities.

Conclusions: Additional investment is needed to bridge the persisting gaps in international health regulations capacities, universal health coverage, and safely managed water and sanitation services.
Attitude and preventive practices towards COVID-19 disease and the impact of awareness training on knowledge of the disease among correctional officers
Authors: Okoro Johnson , Ekeroku Ambrose , Nweze Benedicta , Odionye Tobechukwu , Nkire Joel , Onuoha Martins , Ezeonwuka Chinenye , Owoh Jude
Published: January 2024

COVID-19 remains a public health emergency of international concern. Efforts at the global and national levels are being made to control its spread. The Nigerian Correctional Service is also proactive in the fight against the disease by organizing COVID-19 awareness training for correctional officers. We conducted a pre- and post-test assessment of COVID-19 knowledge among correctional officers in Enugu State Command to determine the impact of awareness training on their knowledge level. The study also assessed correctional officers’ attitude and preventive practices towards the disease.

The mean knowledge score was 19.34 out of 25, and the awareness training significantly improved the participants’ COVID-19 knowledge. We found a significant moderate, positive correlation between knowledge and attitude/practice, and a significantly higher knowledge level among those with higher educational qualifications.

Regular hand washing with soap and water (87.9%), wearing face masks (84.4%), and social distancing (83%) were practiced by the majority of the participants. The majority of the participants (53.2%) received COVID-19 information from multiple sources including the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and the World Health Organization.
Hyperglycemia in pregnancy diagnosed using glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in Uganda: a preliminary cross-sectional report
Authors: Bongomin Felix , Kyazze Andrew P. , Ninsiima Sandra , Olum Ronald , Nattabi Gloria , Nabakka Winnie , Kukunda Rebecca , Batte Charles , Ssekamatte Phillip , Baruch Baluku Joseph , Kibirige Davis , Cose Stephen , Andia-Biraro Irene
Published: January 2024

Background: Hyperglycemia in pregnancy (HIP) is a common medical complication during pregnancy and is associated with several short and long-term maternal-fetal consequences. We aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with HIP among Ugandan women.

Methods: We consecutively enrolled eligible pregnant women attending antenatal care at Kawempe National Referral Hospital, Kampala, Uganda in September 2020. Mothers known to be living with diabetes mellitus or haemoglobinopathies and those with anemia (hemoglobin <11g/dl) were excluded. Random blood sugar (RBS) and glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) were measured on peripheral venous blood samples. HIP was defined as an HbA1c ≥5.7% with its subsets of diabetes in pregnancy (DIP) and prediabetes defined as HbA1c1c of ≥6.5% and 5.7–6.4% respectively. ROC curve analysis was performed to determine the optimum cutoff of RBS to screen for HIP.

Results: A total of 224 mothers with a mean (±SD) age 26±5 years were enrolled, most of whom were in the 2nd or 3rd trimester (94.6%, n=212) with a mean gestation age of 26.6±7.3 weeks. Prevalence of HIP was 11.2% (n=25) (95% CI: 7.7–16.0). Among the mothers with HIP, 2.2% (n=5) had DIP and 8.9% (n=20) prediabetes. Patients with HIP were older (28 years vs. 26 years, p=0.027), had previous tuberculosis (TB) contact (24% vs. 6.5%, p=0.003) and had a bigger hip circumference (107.8 (±10.4) vs. 103.3 (±9.7) cm, p=0.032). However only previous TB contact was predictive of HIP (odds ratio: 4.4, 95% CI: 1.2–14.0; p=0.022). Using HbA1c as a reference variable, we derived an optimum RBS cutoff of 4.75 mmol/L as predictive of HIP with a sensitivity and specificity of 90.7% and 56.4% (area under the curve=0.75 (95% CI: 0.70–0.80, p<0.001)), respectively.

Conclusions: HIP is common among young Ugandan women, the majority of whom are without identifiable risk factors.
Family violence screening and disclosure response: a public mental health service consumer survey
Authors: Fisher Caroline , Hebel Lisa , Bray Laura , Withiel Toni D.
Published: January 2024

Background: Family violence (FV) is a significant problem that has a bidirectional link with mental health functioning. This research aimed to investigate family violence screening and response practices in a Victorian public adult mental health service, NorthWestern Mental Health, from the consumer perspective.

Methods: A prospective, cross-sectional, electronic consumer survey was created, utilising the Royal Melbourne Hospital Patient Survey FV screening and response tool. Data were collected over a two-month time period, via iPad. Clinicians invited all consumers (age range 18 to 64 years) attending the service to participate on data collection days, unless any of the exclusion criteria were present: a) clinical interaction occurring in a non-confidential environment; b) acute distress/crisis; c) clinician concerns about affecting rapport; and d) cognitive impairment, known disability or diminished capacity preventing them from reading or understanding the survey questions. Categorical and Likert type survey responses were explored descriptively. All variables collected in the survey were provided, specifically the percentage of responses in each category for each question. Free-text responses were analysed using qualitative description of the text-box response content.

Results: 35 consumers participated. 47% reported being screened for at least one family violence issue on at least one occasion. 26% reported disclosing FV concerns. All those disclosing felt mildly or very supported by the clinician’s response, and two-thirds received assistance they found helpful. 9% reported wanting to disclose FV concerns but not feeling comfortable to do so. Consumers indicated that FV should be spoken about more, that receiving assistance is helpful, but that responses varied in quality depending on the discipline of the clinician.

Conclusion: FV screening rates were found to be suboptimal as unmet needs were identified. Further training and services changes are required to improve screening rates, increase client comfort to disclosure, and optimise the clinical response to disclosures.
Assessing health research institutions' knowledge transfer strategies from a developing country perspective: the case of Malawi
Authors: Mapulanga Patrick
Published: January 2024

The current paper sought to assess health research institutions in transferring knowledge from health research findings into decision and policy making in Malawi. The study employed both a qualitative and a multi-case study approach. Data was gathered through interviews. The study's participants were purposefully chosen directors of research institutions, public universities, and the ministry of health. Few research institutions compile a list of organisations that might benefit from their health research findings, and even fewer libraries have databanks or repositories. Policymakers rarely receive actionable messages from research institutions. Researchers are short on communication skills as well as time to transfer research findings into usable formats. Research centres including libraries should provide an opportunity for interacting and enhancing the use of research evidence. Individuals, research groups, institutions must all develop stakeholder interaction structures. Structures should define incentives and advancement opportunities for those working in health research institutions.
Entropy in the “entrepot”: examining the challenges of relief supply chains during COVID-19 pandemic relief item distribution operation-2020 in Uganda
Authors: Aryatwijuka Wilbroad , Nyiramahoro Ruth , Katarangi Asaph , Nsambu Kijjambu Frederick , Rukundo Aloysius
Published: January 2024

Background: The study focuses on the challenges encountered during the distribution of food and face-mask items during the first COVID-19 lock-down by various relief supply chain actors.

Methods: Data were collected from forty (40) relief actors through online (via Zoom and telephones) and face-to-face interviews, between January 2021 to March 2021. Data was coded based on per-determined themes after which it was further processed using Atlas ti. v7.57 to generate patterns.

Results: The study established challenges related to needs identification, procurement, warehousing, transportation, handling, beneficiary verification, and last-mile distribution. Additionally, the media and politics coupled with the emergence of new actors and governance issues were part of the challenges identified.

Conclusions: The identified challenges were internal and external to the relief supply chain; hence actors could have control over some while others were beyond their control. The findings could inform practitioners and policymakers on what challenges are likely to affect their operations, especially during a pandemic, and design appropriate coping mechanisms.