bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Occupational Accidents in the Malaysian Construction Industry from 2015 to 2023: A Study on ISO 45001 Implementation, Impact on Workers, and Safety Recommendations
Authors: Krishnasamy Viwegananthan , Abdul Rahman Irman , Mohamed Faizal
Published: January 2025

This research embarks on a comprehensive investigation into the landscape of occupational accidents within the Malaysian construction industry spanning the period from 2015 to 2023, addressing a crucial knowledge gap concerning the prevalence, trends, and implications of workplace safety incidents. Despite the construction sector's pivotal role in driving economic development, its persistent high incidence of occupational accidents presents a pressing need for proactive measures to safeguard workers' well-being and ensure sustainable growth. Leveraging quantitative data obtained from the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH), this study conducts a meticulous analysis of accident frequency, severity, and distribution across various states and years, unveiling significant regional disparities and shedding light on key contributing factors to accident occurrence. The study incorporates an analysis of ISO 45001 implementation status within construction companies, revealing stark differences in accident rates between certified and non-certified entities. Certified companies consistently demonstrate lower accident rates, suggesting a potential correlation between ISO 45001 compliance and improved safety performance. These findings underscore the significance of ISO 45001 certification in promoting safer work environments and reducing the incidence of occupational accidents within the Malaysian construction industry. The findings highlight the urgent imperative for collaborative action among stakeholders to fortify safety regulations, enhance enforcement mechanisms, and instill a robust culture of safety within the construction industry. By examining the efficacy of legislative frameworks, regulatory enforcement, and industry practices, the research underscores the critical importance of concerted efforts aimed at mitigating workplace hazards and fostering a safer working environment for all. Moreover, the study's substantive insights and actionable recommendations offer invaluable guidance for policymakers, regulatory authorities, industry stakeholders, and relevant organizations, facilitating informed decision-making and fostering transformative changes to enhance occupational safety standards within Malaysia's construction sector.
The Influence of Environmental Characteristics on the Outdoor Activities of the Elderly: A Case Study at Labor Square, Qingdao City, China
Authors: Lu Jing , Misni Alamah
Published: January 2025

The construction of age-friendly cities has emerged as a social development objective in response to the growing senior population. Outdoor activities can enhance the elderly's physical and psychological health, and an attractive outdoor setting can draw them in and encourage them to participate in more frequent and higher-quality outdoor activities. Nevertheless, research on the social and environmental traits of Chinese seniors in outdoor settings still needs to be done. To properly develop outdoor spaces in urban community parks, this study aims to investigate the outdoor activity preferences of senior citizens. Labor Square in Qingdao, China, was chosen as the research site because of its outdoor setting, and data were collected through the "System for Observing Play and Recreation in Communities" (SOPARC) to analyse the number and characteristics of age-friendly cities where older people live in different periods and different environmental areas. The findings indicate that older adults in Qingdao Labor Square love playing cards and square dancing. These two activities had the most significant number of participants during the survey. In addition, an excellent biological environment (more shrubs, shade trees, and pergolas with climbers) can encourage senior citizens to use the outdoors during the day, while open spaces are more alluring in the evening. This article investigates the outdoor activities that older people choose, as well as the characteristics of residential outdoor environments which offer a foundation for enhancing both the outdoor environment and senior health. These serve as a resource for designers.
The Social Dimensions of Place and Place Quality Indicators in Urban Space
Authors: Çetinkaya Erol Zehra , Ciravoğlu Ayşen
Published: January 2025

The concept of place quality emerged from the social indicators movement, which emphasizes the significance of social issues. Accordingly, place quality encompasses not merely the quality of the physical environment but also the quality of the social environment. However, sets of indicators to measure quality in urban spaces mostly focus on the quality of the physical environment. In this context, the aim of the present study is to create a place quality indicator set, which includes indicators about the relationship of society with the urban space emphasizing the social dimensions of place quality. For this aim, a two-stage process was conducted in the study. In the first stage of the study, a conceptual reading was performed on place to be able to identify the social dimensions of place quality. According to the results of this study, the social dimension of place is associated with the concepts of "experience", "identity" and "belonging". In this context, in order to be able to discuss place quality, it is necessary to talk about the indicators that will promote spatial experience, sustain continuity of identity in space, and ensure spatial belonging. In this scope, in the second stage, in studies which contain quality indicators in the urban space, those regarding the social dimension of place were sought. A systematic literature review was performed in the Web of Science database for the selection of studies to be examined. Sixteen sources with the highest association with the subject were determined among the 209 sources. Content analysis was used in evaluating the sources. As a result of the content analysis conducted by the MAXQDA 2022 software, a total of 30 indicators were created under the themes of "experience", "identity" and "belonging". The value of the study lies in the creation of a set of indicators that assess the quality of place based on the concepts of experience, identity and belonging. Moreover, the indicator set is a valuable contribution to the field as it can be utilized by both research and local government entities and is open to ongoing improvement
ASSESSING SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION PRACTICES IN NIGERIA: CHALLENGES, OPPORTUNITIES, AND STRATEGIES FOR ADVANCEMENT
Authors: Unegbu Hyginus C.O. , YAWAS Danjuma S. , Dan-asabe Bashar
Published: January 2025

The Nigerian construction industry stands at a critical juncture, facing challenges and opportunities in its journey towards sustainable development. This study aims to investigate the current state of sustainable construction practices and sustainability challenges in Nigeria, with a focus environmental, social and economic domains. Three hundred and fifty questionnaires were distributed to respondents from the construction companies used for the study out which three hundred and thirty seven were utilized for data analyses in Linear Structural Relation (LISREL) using Confirmatory Factor Analyses tool. The result of the data analyses indicates a moderate to weak sustainable construction practices with the factor loadings ranging from 0.55 to 0.65 for the variables across all the constructs. This implies inconsistent practices or lack of commitment to sustainable construction practices by the construction companies. The result also shows high level of sustainability challenges with environmental sustainability challenges emerging the highest of threat followed by social sustainability and economic sustainability challenges. The result reflects a relatively positive scenario where the respondents are aware of and acknowledge sustainability challenges.  These findings offer critical insights for policymakers, industry practitioners, and researchers seeking to enhance sustainability efforts within the Nigerian construction sector, guiding strategic interventions and decision-making processes to address sustainability challenges effectively and foster a more sustainable construction industry.
EVALUATION OF MARKER AND MARKERLESS AUGMENTED REALITY (AR) APPS IN ENHANCING LEARNING TOWARDS TRAINING FOR WELDING PROCESS
Authors: Mahmod @ Wahab Rohidatun , Mohd Latif Muhammad Afif Mirza , Mohd Fohimi Nor Azirah , Hussin Norasikin , Mohd Nasir Siti Shareeda
Published: January 2025

Welding plays an essential role in the development and fabrication of specific metals that must be joined perfectly. It is widely used all around the world and comes in handy in manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and construction. Therefore, specialized workers are required for the welding process. Unfortunately, it is also a very dangerous process, and many accidents have been reported regarding welding-related injuries. Thus, this study aims to design and develop Augmented Reality apps as learning tools for welding processes and evaluate these AR app. The SOLIDWORKS, BLENDER and UNITY software were used in the design and development process of the AR apps. The evaluation of AR Apps was done by 20 students with Diploma in mechanical engineering part 3 from UITM’ Pulau Pinang. Results gathered showed that the average Task Completion Time (TCT) for the AR Marker group was better (28.37% lower) compared to the AR Markerless group. Moreover, participants also gave positive feedback on learning through both AR apps, which are more efficient in aspects of accuracy, performance, and stability. Therefore, the implementation of AR apps will benefit new users who experience new processes earlier before having actual processes or machines. Also, this new technology will be expanded and used in any field of study, including education and other industries.
CYBERGOGY TOOLS AND TECHNOLOGIES AIDED AWARENESS IN SAFETY AND HEALTH MANAGEMENT
Authors: Abd Rani Nadia , Ruzita M. Yusoff  , M. Osman N Rafidah , Ali Normawar , Manaf N. Shahidah , Abdul Aziz Faieza , Abdul Rahman Hemdi
Published: January 2025

Digital transformation is being implemented across various sectors to enhance user experiences and improve understanding of processes within resources and outcomes. This includes fostering a safety culture and incorporating occupational safety and health programs, training, and tools to identify and address good and bad safety practices. New emerging technologies have the potential to address challenges in this area and establish best practices for a safe and healthy environment. Computer graphics, emerging technologies, computational dynamics, and simulation have been aggressively adopted since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The state of the art explores the role of digital technology transformation in identifying hazards and assessing risks for occupational safety and health management across different sectors. Due to these current issues, numerous emerging technologies are converging into digital solutions for the future generation. Immerging technologies are expected to revolutionise people understandings and views of the world and its objects, allowing individuals to perceive, and experience environments in new and enriched ways that will benefit safety and health awareness. As a result, digital transformation holds significant educational and developmental potential, aided user experience by engaging learners and enhancing the self-determination process with cybergogy tools in hazard management and risk assessment for safety and health practices.
AUGMENTED REALITY-ASSISTED PLC LEARNING: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF STUDENT MOTIVATION
Authors: Abdul Aziz Faieza , Abdul Rahman Afina , Mahmod @ Wahab Rohidatun , Mohd Shukri Norhamidi
Published: January 2025

Laboratory experience is crucial in engineering education, as it enables students to design and conduct real experiments, fostering the development of their specific skills and aptitudes. However, students often face challenges when working with complex laboratory equipment, leading to longer experiment completion times. Augmented Reality (AR) and Mixed Reality (MR) offer the potential to enhance the learning experience by alleviating these difficulties. These technologies also improve concept comprehension and overall understanding of experiments. In this paper, we present an augmented reality application for a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) experiment, designed to assist students in operating laboratory equipment more easily. The study investigates the impact of AR on students' laboratory skills, learning methods, and motivation through effectiveness results. A total of 35 participants from the Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering were introduced to AR technology. The study validates the effectiveness of AR using a questionnaire-based survey completed at the end of the experiment. Additionally, the study provides a comparative analysis of improvement percentages (POI) by examining data such as Task Completion Time (TCT), error counts, and the number of hints used in both paper-based and AR-based instruction experiments. Furthermore, this study assesses the understanding of MR applications. The findings suggest that AR and MR technologies are highly suitable for engineering education, offering efficiency and substantial benefits to students.
Uniform Stretch Behavior of Creased Units
Authors: Zhang Qian , Meloni Marco , Feng Jian , Cai Jianguo
Published: January 2025

Compared to ideal purely rotational creases, the introduction of rotational stiffness in the creases of origami/kirigami units inevitably alters the shape transformation process due to the interaction between the creases and the panels. The unfolding process of creased units with crease rotational stiffness involves two stages: the flattening process and the over-tensioning process. This paper focuses on the impact of crease rotational stiffness on the uniform stretching process of creased units of different modes and sizes. During the flattening process, the strain energy distribution for creased units in straight and inclined modes is analyzed, revealing the influence of geometric parameters through the use of a scale parameter, which can provide references for the design of creased units. In the over-tensioning process, the suppression effect of low over-tension strain levels on out-of-plane residual deformation in the flattened state of the creased units is systematically explained, with a significant influence from panel width. Additionally, it is discovered and explained that over-tension strain can lead to the overall rotation of certain areas in inclined creased units. Although this paper starts with a simple creased unit and overlooks the interactions between panels, the coupling deformation behavior between the crease and the panels during the tensioning process can still provide valuable insights for the deformation analysis of more intricate origami/kirigami structures.
Redesigning protonic ceramic electrochemical cells to lower the operating temperature
Authors: Liu Fan , Diercks David , Kumar Praveen , Seong Arim , Jabbar Mohammed Hussain Abdul , Gumeci Cenk , Furuya Yoshihisa , Dale Nilesh , Oku Takanori , Usuda Masahiro , Kazempoor Pejman , Ghamarian Iman , Liu Lin , Fang Liyang , Chen Di , Wang Zixian , Skinner Stephen , Duan Chuancheng
Published: January 2025

Protonic ceramic electrochemical cells (PCECs) can operate at intermediate temperatures (450° to 600°C) for power generation and hydrogen production. However, the operating temperature is still too high to revolutionize ceramic electrochemical cell technology. Lowering the operating temperature to <450°C will enable a wider material choice and reduce system costs. We present approaches to redesigning PCECs via readily fabricated single-grain–thick, chemically homogeneous, and robust electrolytes and a nano-micro positive electrode. At 450°C, the PCECs achieve a peak power density of 1.6 watt per square centimeter on H
2
fuel, 0.5 watt per square centimeter on NH
3
fuel, and 0.3 watt per square centimeter on CH
4
fuel in fuel cell mode. In steam electrolysis mode, a current density of >0.6 ampere per square centimeter with a Faradaic efficiency of >90% is achievable at 1.4 volt and 400°C. In addition, exceptional durability (>2000 hours) has been demonstrated, with a degradation rate of <0.01 millivolt per 100 hours in fuel cell mode at 400°C.
A claudin5-binding peptide enhances the permeability of the blood-brain barrier in vitro
Authors: Trevisani Martina , Berselli Alessandro , Alberini Giulio , Centonze Eleonora , Vercellino Silvia , Cartocci Veronica , Millo Enrico , Ciobanu Dinu Zinovie , Braccia Clarissa , Armirotti Andrea , Pisani Francesco , Zara Federico , Castagnola Valentina , Maragliano Luca , Benfenati Fabio
Published: January 2025

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) maintains brain homeostasis but also prevents most drugs from entering the brain. No paracellular diffusion of solutes is allowed because of tight junctions that are made impermeable by the expression of claudin5 (CLDN5) by brain endothelial cells. The possibility of regulating the BBB permeability in a transient and reversible fashion is in strong demand for the pharmacological treatment of brain diseases. Here, we designed and tested short BBB-active peptides, derived from the CLDN5 extracellular domains and the CLDN5-binding domain of
Clostridium perfringens
enterotoxin, using a robust workflow of structural modeling and in vitro validation techniques. Computational analysis at the atom level based on solubility and affinity to CLDN5 identified a CLDN5-derived peptide not reported previously called f1-C5C2, which was soluble in biological media, displayed efficient binding to CLDN5, and transiently increased BBB permeability. The peptidomimetic strategy described here may have potential applications in the pharmacological treatment of brain diseases.
Molecular dynamics at immune synapse lipid rafts influence the cytolytic behavior of CAR T cells
Authors: Gad Ahmed Z. , Morris Jessica S. , Godret-Miertschin Lea , Montalvo Melisa J. , Kerr Sybrina S. , Berger Harrison , Lee Jessica C. H. , Saadeldin Amr M. , Abu-Arja Mohammad H. , Xu Shuo , Vasileiou Spyridoula , Brock Rebecca M. , Fousek Kristen , Sheha Mohamed F. , Srinivasan Madhuwanti , Li Yongshuai , Saeedi Arash , R. Levental Kandice , Leen Ann M. , Mamonkin Maksim , Carisey Alexandre , Varadarajan Navin , Hegde Meenakshi , Joseph Sujith K. , Levental Ilya , Mukherjee Malini , Ahmed Nabil
Published: January 2025

Chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CART) targeting CD19 through CD28.ζ signaling induce rapid lysis of leukemic blasts, contrasting with persistent tumor control exhibited by 4-1BB.ζ-CART. We reasoned that molecular dynamics at the CART immune synapse (CARIS) could explain differences in their tumor rejection kinetics. We observed that CD28.ζ-CART engaged in brief highly lethal CARIS and mastered serial killing, whereas 4-1BB.ζ-CART formed lengthy CARIS and relied on robust expansion and cooperative killing. We analyzed CARIS membrane lipid rafts (mLRs) and found that, upon tumor engagement, CD28.ζ-CAR molecules rapidly but transiently translocated into mLRs, mobilizing the microtubular organizing center and lytic granules to the CARIS. This enabled fast CART recovery and sensitivity to low target site density. In contrast, gradual accumulation of 4-1BB.ζ-CAR and LFA-1 molecules at mLRs built mechanically tonic CARIS mediating chronic Fas ligand–based killing. The differences in CD28.ζ- and 4-1BB.ζ-CARIS dynamics explain the distinct cytolytic behavior of CART and can guide engineering of more adaptive effective cellular products.
Reduced circulating sphingolipids and
CERS2
activity are linked to T2D risk and impaired insulin secretion
Authors: Khan Saifur R. , Ye Wenyue W. , Van Julie A. D. , Singh Ishnoor , Rabiee Yasmin , Rodricks Kaitlyn L. , Zhang Xiangyu , Nicholson Rebekah J. , Razani Babak , Summers Scott A. , Futerman Anthony H. , Gunderson Erica P. , Wheeler Michael B.
Published: January 2025

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), a transient form of diabetes that resolves postpartum, is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes (T2D) in women. While the progression from GDM to T2D is not fully understood, it involves both genetic and environmental components. By integrating clinical, metabolomic, and genome-wide association study (GWAS) data, we identified associations between decreased sphingolipid biosynthesis and future T2D, in part through the
rs267738
allele of the
CERS2
gene in Hispanic women shortly after a GDM pregnancy. To understand the impact of the
CERS2
gene and risk allele on glucose regulation, we examined whole-body
Cers2
knockout and
rs267738
knock-in mice. Both models exhibited glucose intolerance and impaired insulin secretion in vivo. Islets isolated from these models also demonstrated reduced β cell function, as shown by decreased insulin secretion ex vivo. Overall, reduced circulating sphingolipids may indicate a high risk of GDM-to-T2D progression and reflect deficits in
CERS2
activity that negatively affect glucose homeostasis and β cell function.
Groundwater releases CO
2
to diverse global coastal ecosystems
Authors: Tomer Aprajita S. , McKenzie Tristan , Majtényi-Hill Claudia , Cabral Alex , Yau Yvonne Y. Y. , Call Mitchell , Chen Xiaogang , Correa Rogger E. , Davis Kay , Jeffrey Luke , Sadat-Noori Mahmood , Tait Douglas , Webb Jackie , Maher Damien T. , Henriksson Linnea , Bonaglia Stefano , Zhao Shibin , Cardenas M. Bayani , Santos Isaac R.
Published: January 2025

Coastal ecosystems play a major role in marine carbon budgets, but substantial uncertainties remain in the sources and fluxes of coastal carbon dioxide (CO
2
). Here, we assess when, where, and how submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) releases CO
2
to shallow coastal ecosystems. Time-series observations of dissolved CO
2
and radon (
222
Rn, a natural groundwater tracer) across 40 coastal systems from 14 countries revealed large SGD-derived CO
2
fluxes. The mean groundwater partial pressure of CO
2
was 35 times higher than surface seawater. The mean SGD-derived CO
2
flux was 148 ± 226 millimoles per square meter per day (mmol m
−2
day
−1
), resulting in a mean water-air CO
2
flux of 80 ± 133 mmol m
−2
day
−1
. Tidal rather than diel cycles drove CO
2
enrichment in most ecosystems. Tidally driven SGD was the primary CO
2
source in mangroves, salt marshes, tidal flats, estuaries, and canals. Overall, we expand current knowledge of marine carbon cycles by demonstrating SGD as an important source of CO
2
that requires inclusion in coastal carbon budgets.
Harnessing spatiotemporal transformation in magnetic domains for nonvolatile physical reservoir computing
Authors: Zhou Jing , Xu Jikang , Huang Lisen , Yap Sherry Lee Koon , Chen Shaohai , Yan Xiaobing , Ter Lim Sze
Published: January 2025

Combining physics with computational models is increasingly recognized for enhancing the performance and energy efficiency in neural networks. Physical reservoir computing uses material dynamics of physical substrates for temporal data processing. Despite the ease of training, building an efficient reservoir remains challenging. Here, we explore beyond the conventional delay-based reservoirs by exploiting the spatiotemporal transformation in all-electric spintronic devices. Our nonvolatile spintronic reservoir effectively transforms the history dependence of reservoir states to the path dependence of domains. We configure devices triggered by different pulse widths as neurons, creating a reservoir featured by strong nonlinearity and rich interconnections. Using a small reservoir of merely 14 physical nodes, we achieved a high recognition rate of 0.903 in written digit recognition and a low error rate of 0.076 in Mackey-Glass time series prediction on a proof-of-concept printed circuit board. This work presents a promising route of nonvolatile physical reservoir computing, which is adaptable to the larger memristor family and broader physical neural networks.
Subcycle modulation of light’s orbital angular momentum via a Fourier space-time transformation
Authors: de Oliveira Michael , Ambrosio Antonio
Published: January 2025

Achieving highly tailored control over both the spatial and temporal evolution of light’s orbital angular momentum (OAM) on ultrafast timescales remains a critical challenge in photonics. Here, we introduce a method to modulate the OAM of light on a femtosecond scale by engineering a space-time coupling in ultrashort pulses. By linking azimuthal position with time, we implement an azimuthally varying Fourier transformation to dynamically alter light’s spatial distribution in a fixed transverse plane. Our experiments demonstrate self-torqued wave packets that exhibit spiraling motions and rapid temporal OAM changes down to a few femtoseconds. We further extend this concept to generate angularly self-accelerating wave packets that adjust their OAM by redistributing their energy density across their spectral bandwidth, without external forces. The ability to tune the spatial-temporal properties of light on demand opens the possibility for exploring ultrafast light dynamics at fundamental timescales, with far-reaching implications for ultrafast spectroscopy, nano- and microstructure manipulation, condensed matter physics, and other related areas.
Beyond nature, nurture, and chance: Individual agency shapes divergent learning biographies and brain connectome
Authors: Barde Warsha , Renner Jonas , Emery Brett , Khanzada Shahrukh , Hu Xin , Garthe Alexander , Rünker Annette E. , Amin Hayder , Kempermann Gerd
Published: January 2025

Individual choices shape life course trajectories of brain structure and function beyond genes and environment. We hypothesized that individual task engagement in response to a learning program results in individualized learning biographies and connectomics. Genetically identical female mice living in one large shared enclosure freely engaged in self-paced, automatically administered and monitored learning tasks. We discovered growing and increasingly stable interindividual differences in learning trajectories. Adult hippocampal neurogenesis and connectivity as assessed by a high-density multielectrode array positively correlated with the variation in exploration and learning efficiency. During some tasks, divergence transiently collapsed, highlighting the sustained significance of context for individualization. Thus, equal environments and equal genes do not result in equal learning biographies because life confronts individuals with choices that lead to divergent paths.
TSLP acts on regulatory T cells to maintain their identity and limit allergic inflammation
Authors: Gurram Rama K. , Li Peng , Oh Jangsuk , Chen Xi , Spolski Rosanne , Yao Xianglan , Lin Jian-Xin , Roy Suyasha , Liao Matthew J. , Liu Chengyu , Yu Zu-Xi , Levine Stewart J. , Zhu Jinfang , Leonard Warren J.
Published: January 2025

Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) is a type I cytokine that promotes allergic responses and mediates type 2 immunity. A balance between effector T cells (T
effs
), which drive the immune response, and regulatory T cells (T
regs
), which suppress the response, is required for proper immune homeostasis. Here, we report that TSLP differentially acts on T
effs
versus T
regs
to balance type 2 immunity. As expected, deletion of TSLP receptor (TSLPR) on all T cells (
Cd4
Cre
Crlf2
fl/fl
mice) resulted in lower numbers of T helper 2 (T
H
2) cells and diminished ovalbumin-induced airway inflammation, but selective deletion of TSLPR on T
regs
(
Foxp3

YFP
-Cre/Y

Crlf2
fl/fl
mice) resulted in increased interleukin-5 (IL-5)– and IL-13–secreting T
H
2 cells and lung eosinophilia. Moreover, TSLP augmented the expression of factors that stabilize T
regs
. During type 2 immune responses, TSLPR-deficient T
regs
acquired T
H
2-like properties, with augmented GATA3 expression and secretion of IL-13. TSLP not only is a driver of T
H
2 effector cells but also acts in a negative feedback loop, thus promoting the ability of T
regs
to limit allergic inflammation.
Obesity reshapes regulatory T cells in the visceral adipose tissue by disrupting cellular cholesterol homeostasis
Authors: Elkins Cody , Ye Chengyu , Sivasami Pulavendran , Mulpur Roy , Diaz-Saldana Pamela P. , Peng Amy , Xu Miaoer , Chiang Yeun-po , Moll Samara , Rivera-Rodriguez Dormarie E. , Cervantes-Barragan Luisa , Wu Tuoqi , Au-Yeung Byron B. , Scharer Christopher D. , Ford Mandy L. , Kissick Haydn , Li Chaoran
Published: January 2025

Regulatory T cells (T
regs
) accumulate in the visceral adipose tissue (VAT) to maintain systemic metabolic homeostasis but decline during obesity. Here, we explored the metabolic pathways controlling the homeostasis, composition, and function of VAT T
regs
under normal and high-fat diet feeding conditions. We found that cholesterol metabolism was specifically up-regulated in ST2
hi
VAT T
reg
subsets. T
reg
-specific deletion of
Srebf2
, the master regulator of cholesterol homeostasis, selectively reduced ST2
hi
VAT T
regs
, increasing VAT inflammation and insulin resistance. Single-cell RNA/T cell receptor (TCR) sequencing revealed a specific loss and reduced clonal expansion of ST2
hi
VAT T
reg
subsets after
Srebf2
deletion.
Srebf2
-mediated cholesterol homeostasis potentiated strong TCR signaling, which preferentially promoted ST2
hi
VAT T
reg
accumulation. However, long-term high-fat diet feeding disrupted VAT T
reg
cholesterol homeostasis and impaired clonal expansion of the ST2
hi
subset. Restoring T
reg
cholesterol homeostasis rescued VAT T
reg
accumulation in obese mice, suggesting that modulation of cholesterol homeostasis could be a promising strategy for T
reg
-targeted therapies in obesity-associated metabolic diseases.
Charting a new vision: lessons on
Vision & Change
from a network of biology educators
Authors: Hsu Jeremy L. , Misra Anjali , Wolyniak Michael J. , Goller Carlos C. , Mathews Stephanie , Swamy Uma , Newman Dina L. , Moore Michael E.
Published: January 2025

The 2011
Vision & Change
report outlined several recommendations for transforming undergraduate biology education, sparking multiple pedagogical reform efforts. Among these was the Promoting Active Learning and Mentoring (PALM) network, an NSF-funded program that provided mentorship and training to instructors on implementing active learning in the classroom. Here, we provide a perspective on how members of the biology education community in PALM view the recommendations of
Vision & Change
, drawing upon our experiences both as members of PALM and as leaders of an associated project funded by another NSF grant that hosted PALM alumni at various conferences. These efforts have allowed us to gain insight into how our alumni think of
Vision & Change
, including how they interpret its recommendations, the challenges and opportunities that they view for implementing these recommendations, and the areas they see as critical to be addressed in future national reports for supporting undergraduate biology education. We synthesize these voices here, providing perspectives from a diverse group of biology instructors on what they think about
Vision & Change
, and provide recommendations for the biology education community based upon these PALM community voices.
Excess Entropy of Metallic Glasses and Its Relation to the Glass-Forming Ability of Maternal Melts
Authors: Makarov A. S. , Konchakov R. A. , Afonin G. V. , Qiao J. C. , Kobelev N. P. , Khonik V. A.
Published: January 2025

The excess entropy ΔS with respect to the maternal crystal state has been determined from calorimetric data for 30 metallic glasses. It has been shown that the excess entropy in the supercooled liquid state ΔSsql is a universal characteristic of a glass independent of its thermal treatment. Six parameters often used to estimate the glass-forming ability of supercooled melts have been calculated for the same metallic glasses. It has been shown that all six parameters increase with ΔSsql and the glass-forming ability of supercooled melts increases with their structural disorder. A possible mechanism to implement this relation has been discussed.
Anomalous Behavior of Long-Wavelength Optical Phonons in a Relaxor Ferroelectric PbNi1/3Nb2/3O3
Authors: Derets N. K. , Fedoseev A. I. , Smirnova T. A. , Ko J.-H. , Lushnikov S. G.
Published: January 2025

The paper presents the results of studying the vibrational spectrum of the PbNi1/3Nb2/3O3 (PNN) crystal using Raman scattering in the temperature range from 100 to 650 K, including the region of the “diffuse phase transition” with a maximum permittivity at $${{T}_{m}} = 150{\kern 1pt} $$ K at a frequency of 10 kHz. Polarized light scattering spectra in PNN are similar to those observed in a number of studied relaxor ferroelectrics with a perovskite structure $$AB{\kern 1pt} '{\kern 1pt} B{\kern 1pt} ''{\kern 1pt} {{O}_{3}}$$. Analysis of the temperature evolution of phonon modes allowed us to identify special points in the dynamics of the PNN crystal lattice at $${{T}_{1}} = 280{\kern 1pt} $$ K and $${{T}_{m}} = 150{\kern 1pt} $$ K. It is shown that anomalies in the temperature behavior of optical phonons in the vicinity of $${{T}_{1}}$$ can be associated with the dynamics of polar nanoregions, the nature of which changes from dynamic to static. In the studied temperature range, a sequence of phase transformations is proposed for PNN crystals.
Effect of Electron-Deficient Substitution on the Spin Dynamics in FeGa3
Authors: Tkachev A. V. , Zhurenko S. V. , Bikmukhametova M. R. , Likhanov M. S. , Shevelkov A. V. , Gippius A. A.
Published: January 2025

The nuclear quadrupole resonance study of the electron-deficient substitution in the promising thermoelectric material FeGa3 resulting in the poorly studied Fe0.92Re0.08Ga3 and Fe0.92Mn0.08Ga3 compounds has been carried out. The doping of compounds of this structure type promotes the study of the dependence of the thermoelectric characteristics on the electronic structure and finally makes it possible to increase the thermoelectric efficiency, which is very important for applications. Both compounds exhibit pronounced signatures of the formation of an additional acceptor band inside the main band gap, which is determined by rhenium and manganese substituent atoms. Nuclear quadrupole resonance spectra, as well as nuclear spin–lattice relaxation and its temperature evolution, are significantly different for the compounds under study. This difference is due to different statistical distributions of substituent atoms (predominant formation of homo- and heterogeneous dumbbells in the rhenium- and manganese-substituted compounds, respectively) caused by their outer electron shells.
Generation and Absorption of Photons by a Two-Level Atom Ultrastrongly Coupled to an Electromagnetic Field
Authors: Kozlovskii A. V.
Published: January 2025

Within the Rabi quantum model, it has been shown theoretically that a two-level atom ultrastrongly coupled to an electromagnetic field generates or absorbs photons. Photons can be generated if the field is initially in the vacuum state. Under certain initial states of the atom + field system, the absorption of photons is possible in the field mode in the ultrastrong atom–field coupling regime. If the atom is initially in the ground (unexcited) state and the field is in the vacuum state, photons can be generated under resonance condition ωa ≈ ωf or ξ ≡ ωa/ωf ≈ 1, where ωa and ωf are the atomic transition and field frequencies, respectively, in the ultrastrong coupling regime. At the negative detuning when ξ $$ \ll $$ 1 or ωa$$ \ll $$ ωf, Rabi oscillations of the average number of photons $${{\langle \hat {n}\rangle }_{t}}$$ with $$0 \leqslant {{\langle \hat {n}\rangle }_{t}} \leqslant {{n}_{{\max }}} \gg 1$$ are observed in the case of the ultrastrong coupling with the atom–field coupling constant $$\tilde {g} \equiv {\text{|}}g{\text{|/}}{{\omega }_{{\text{f}}}} \sim 1$$; in this case, the population of the excited atomic state is Pe(t) ≈ 0.5. At a large positive detuning when ξ $$ \gg $$ 1, photons are not generated, i.e., $$\langle \hat {n}\rangle \approx 0$$, and the atom remains in the initial state, i.e., Pe(t) ≈ 0. The statistics of photons in the generation regime is nearly chaotic: the variance of photons is much larger than the level of the coherent field state (i.e., is super-Poisson). Field photons are absorbed without the excitation of the atom in the ultrastrong coupling regime in the case of the coherent initial state of the field $$(\langle \hat {n}(t = 0\rangle > 0)$$ for certain positive detuning values. In this case, the field becomes sub-Poisson.
Small bowel lymphangioma: a multidisciplinary approach to diagnostic uncertainty
Authors: Nichols Molly Mead , Lockhart Ruqayya , Rathbone Michael , Reading Nicholas , Sheshappanavar Vinayata , Davies John
Published: January 2025

Intra-abdominal lymphangioma, a rare benign lymphatic malformation resulting from an obstruction to lymphatic channels, often has non-specific clinical manifestations. Low incidence rates of this condition, paired with its unusual presentation and ambiguous radiological appearance, commonly lead to diagnostic uncertainty. This pathology can result in significant morbidity and mortality, emphasising the need to achieve early diagnosis and management despite these challenges.

Here, we discuss a case of a young woman with a small bowel lymphangioma presenting with abdominal pain and explore the difficulties and successes throughout this patient’s complex diagnostic and management journey.

This case reinforces the importance of strong multidisciplinary teamwork and communication, as well as the delivery of patient-centred care, when managing patients presenting with non-specific clinical signs and symptoms. The patient’s perspective highlights the impact such uncertainty can have on the patient experience, emphasising the importance of holistic patient management, considering a patient’s psychological as well as physiological needs.
Randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial protocol to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of lyophilised faecal microbiota capsules amended with next-generation beneficial bacteria in individuals with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis
Authors: Augustijn Quinten J. J. , Grefhorst Aldo , de Groen Pleun , Wortelboer Koen , Seegers Jos F ML , Gül Ismail Sahin , Suenaert Peter , Verheij Joanne , de Vos Willem M. , Herrema Hilde , Nieuwdorp Max , Holleboom Adriaan G.
Published: January 2025

Background

The spectrum of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is highly prevalent, affecting 30% of the world’s population, with a significant risk of hepatic and cardiometabolic complications. Different stages of MASLD are accompanied by distinct gut microbial profiles, and several microbial components have been implicated in MASLD pathophysiology. Indeed, earlier studies demonstrated that hepatic necroinflammation was reduced in individuals with MASLD after allogenic faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from healthy donors on a vegan diet. Here, we further investigate the therapeutic potential of gut microbiome modulation using a syntrophic combination of next-generation beneficial bacteria with FMT in individuals with advanced MASLD.

Methods and analysis

This trial is a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study investigating the therapeutic potential of lyophilised faecal microbiota capsules (LFMCs) in individuals with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis. In this study, 48 participants will be randomised 1:1 to receive either healthy vegan donor LFMCs or placebo for 24 weeks. In addition, all participants will be supplemented with a set of next-generation beneficial bacteria, includingAnaerobutyricum soehngenii, pasteurisedAkkermansia muciniphilaandBifidobacterium animalissubsp.lactis, as well as fructo-oligosaccharides. A liver biopsy will be performed at baseline and at the end of the trial. In addition, participants will be assessed through MRI, FibroScan, blood tests, faecal samples and continuous glucose monitoring. The first participant was enrolled on 25 April 2023.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval was obtained from the Medical Ethics Committee of the University Medical Centre of Amsterdam. The results of this study will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals.

Trial Registration number

The trial is registered on clinicaltrials.gov (NCT05821010).
Mediating effects of social support between telework and well-being: protocol for a systematic review
Authors: Vacchiano Mattia , Fernandez Guillaume , Fernandez-Garcia Javier
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Research on telework has grown dramatically in recent years, leading to a fragmented set of findings on its effect on workers’ well-being. One of the most studied social mechanisms concerns how telework alters the transmission of social support between family members and coworkers, which turns out to be a mediating factor between teleworking and well-being. This research contributes to the understanding of this issue by analysing the existing evidence on the effect of telework on social support and well-being before, during and after the pandemic.

Methods and analysis

Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, we will systematically synthesise evidence about the mediating effect of social support in the relation between telework and well-being. Three databases will be used to search the literature addressing this issue: Social Sciences Citation Index (Web of Science), Sociological Abstracts (PROQUEST) and SocINDEX with full text (EBSCOhost). Quantitative and qualitative studies published in peer-reviewed journals, in English and French, from January 2000 to June 2024 will be included in this systematic review. Double screening procedure with data quality assessments will be carried out by three researchers independently for up to 20% of the studies. Conflicts will be resolved for the completion of the remaining 80% of the studies by two researchers. The literature review aims to systematise the links between telework, social support and well-being by identifying the different dimensions and mechanisms that link these three aspects. The information will be synthesised using Qualitative Content Analysis. Additional analysis will be performed using the term frequency–inverse document frequency (TF-IDF).

Ethics and dissemination

This is a protocol for a systematic review. Aggregate published data is used; therefore, no ethical approval is required. The results of the review will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals and presentations at conferences.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42024554590.
Five principles to prioritise in small-scale surgical quality improvement: a qualitative study of the views of surgical improvement leaders
Authors: Ko Clifford Y , Giusti Alessandra , Martin Graham , Dixon-Woods Mary
Published: January 2025

Objective

Variations in the quality and safety of surgical care remain persistent. Efforts to improve are needed, but are themselves variably effective, with often disappointing impacts. When compared with large-scale, multisite and better resourced improvement efforts, the evidence base for small-scale quality improvement (QI) has remained under-developed and lacking in clarity on good practice. We aimed to identify experienced leaders’ views on the principles that should guide small-scale QI projects in surgery.

Methods

Two rounds of virtual focus groups were conducted with 10 QI leaders, comprising surgeons, anaesthetists and nurses from three countries (Ireland, the UK and the USA). All participants had formal training in improvement techniques and at least 10 years’ experience leading small-scale QI efforts in surgery. Analysis was informed by the principles of the constant comparative method together with content analysis.

Results

Analysis of the focus groups identified five principles to prioritise for small-scale surgical QI: ensure high-quality planning before project launch; understand the problem to be solved to define focused project aims; ensure improvement efforts are sensitive to time, capacity and local context; assemble the right improvement team and engage the relevant stakeholders; and use of a clear, structured framework to guide QI is likely to be very helpful.

Conclusions

This study identifies five principles likely to be useful in guiding better surgical QI in frontline settings. These principles can help inform a structured framework to support small-scale surgical improvement efforts.
Association between changes in walking time and all-cause mortality among survivors of the Great East Japan Earthquake: the Research Project for Prospective Investigation of Health Problems Among Survivors of the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Disaster (RIAS) study
Authors: Kuno Junji , Tsubota-Utsugi Megumi , Shimoda Haruki , Takusari Eri , Takanashi Nobuyuki , Onoda Toshiyuki , Tanno Kozo , Sakata Kiyomi
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Several studies have investigated the association between physical activity (PA) and all-cause mortality. However, no study has systematically examined the association between PA changes and all-cause mortality among residents of disaster-stricken areas. This study aimed to clarify the association between PA changes and the risk of all-cause mortality among survivors of the Great East Japan Earthquake.

Methods

At two time points from 2011 to 2012, 2138 men and 3683 women responded to a question about walking time. The cut-off value was set at 30 min, and PA changes were evaluated using responses regarding walking time over 2 years. Participants were classified into four groups according to PA changes: high stable, increasing, decreasing and low stable. Using a Cox regression model, multivariate-adjusted HRs and 95% CIs for all-cause mortality, according to PA changes, were calculated after adjusting for age, area, smoking status, drinking status, grip strength, psychological distress, obesity, hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidaemia, residential status and current job status.

Results

During the 5-year follow-up, 241 deaths occurred. Compared with that of the high stable group, the decreasing group had a higher risk of all-cause mortality; multivariate-adjusted HRs were 2.40 and 2.43 for men and women, respectively. Among women, the low stable group also had a higher risk of all-cause mortality compared with that of the high stable group.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate the importance of assessing PA and creating an environment to allow its maintenance as early as possible after large-scale natural disasters.