bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Size in the city: morphological differences between city and forest great tits have a genetic basis
Authors: Tomotani Barbara M. , Couweleers Mika , ten Brinke Bram , Walboom Anne , van Oers Kees , Visser Marcel E. 
Published: February 2025

AbstractAnimals living in cities are smaller than their conspecifics from rural areas but whether such differences are caused by genetic differences or food constraints remains untested. We performed a multi-generation common garden study where we raised great tits (Parus major), originating from eggs collected from multiple Dutch cities and forests under the same conditions for two generations. Offspring from city birds had a smaller tarsus than forest birds in both generations, demonstrating that these morphological differences are genetic. Next, we tested whether size differences are an adaptation to the low food abundance when offspring are raised in the city. Third generation birds of both origins were given food amounts mimicking being raised in forests or cities during the second part of their nestling development. While the treatment resulted in birds in the lower feeding frequency treatment to be smaller, city and forest birds responded the same way, suggesting that city birds do not cope better with reduced food availability. Our study shows that the smaller size of urban birds has a genetic basis and is not only caused by a plastic response to restricted resources in the urban environment. Our experiment does not provide evidence that these genetic differences have evolved as an adaptive response to a reduced food availability in cities.
Low levels of post-vaccination hemagglutination inhibition antibodies and their correlation with influenza protection among healthcare workers during the 2024/2025 A/H1N1 outbreak in Japan
Authors: Yamamoto Shohei , Mizoue Tetsuya , Ujiie Mugen , Horii Kumi , Takeuchi Junko S. , Konishi Maki , Sugiura Wataru , Ohmagari Norio 
Published: February 2025

AbstractBackgroundAfter the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic, during which the seasonal influenza epidemic was suppressed, Japan experienced a record-breaking influenza A/H1N1 outbreak in the 2024/2025 season. This situation also raises a concern about the immunogenicity of the annual quadrivalent inactivated influenza vaccine (QIIV). This study evaluated post-vaccination hemagglutination inhibition (HI) antibody titers and their association with influenza infection risk among healthcare workers.MethodsA serosurvey was conducted among staff at a national medical and research center in Tokyo in December 2024, one month after staff received the QIIV. HI antibody titers against vaccine strains were measured, and participants were followed for influenza infection until January 2025. Seroprotection was defined as an HI titer ≥40. A Cox proportional hazards model assessed the association between HI titers and infection risk among vaccinated participants.ResultsAmong 1,507 vaccinated participants, only 12.7% had seroprotective HI titers against A/H1N1. Around 90% had no influenza history for at least four seasons and had received repeated vaccinations over two seasons. Participants with HI titers <40 had a 4-fold higher infection risk than those with titers ≥40. A dose-response association was observed, even within the range below the titer of 40. Relative to titers <10, titers of 10 and 20 conferred 47.3% and 57.9% protection, respectively.ConclusionsAfter a prolonged period without a major influenza epidemic, HI titers against A/H1N1 were extremely low in vaccinated healthcare workers. Nonetheless, higher post-vaccination HI titers, even at relatively low levels, were associated with protection, supporting the benefit of vaccines.Main pointsDuring Japan’s record-breaking 2024/2025 influenza A/H1N1 outbreak, HI antibody titers against A/H1N1 were extremely low in vaccinated healthcare workers. Nonetheless, even relatively low post-vaccination HI titers conferred moderate protection, highlighting the benefits of vaccination despite reduced immunogenicity.
Mass spectrometry reveals novel features of tubulin polyglutamylation in the flagellum ofTrypanosoma brucei
Authors: Nisavic Marija , Chaze Thibault , Bonnefoy Serge , Janke Carsten , Bastin Philippe , Matondo Mariette , Chamot-Rooke Julia 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTTubulin polyglutamylation is a prominent feature of eukaryotic cilia and flagella. In the protist parasiteTrypanosoma brucei, nine different tubulin tyrosine ligase-like (TTLL) enzymes are potentially involved in tubulin glutamylation. Given this enzymatic diversity, it is important to qualitatively and quantitatively characterize tubulin polyglutamylation, in order to understand the trypanosome tubulin code and pave the way for functional assignments of different TTLLs. Robust mass spectrometry (MS) based proteomics approaches for analysis of posttranslational modifications have been developed in recent years, but none to study polyglutamylation. We therefore optimized a nanoLC-MS/MS pipeline, from sample preparation to data analysis, using synthetic polyglutamylated peptides for quantification. Applied to the flagellum ofT. brucei,our approach enabled the detection and quantification of C-terminal tubulin peptides with up to eleven supplementary glutamates on α-, and five on β-tubulin. In addition to the known E445 on α- and E435 on β-, a novel glutamylation site of β-tubulin was discovered at residue E438. Furthermore, our data revealed an increase in enzymatic detyrosination with increasing length of the glutamate chains, especially for α-tubulin. This indicates crosstalk between the modifications and different rates of detyrosination of the two tubulin types. Our results complement the existing knowledge of the tubulin code inT. bruceiand introduce an efficient analytical pipeline for the characterization of polyglutamylated proteins.
Artificial sweeteners differentially activate sweet and bitter gustatory neurons inDrosophila
Authors: Arntsen Christian , Grenon Jake , Chauvel Isabelle , Fraichard Stéphane , Dupas Stéphane , Cortot Jérôme , Audette Kayla , Musso Pierre-Yves , Stanley Molly 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTArtificial sweeteners are highly sweet, non-nutritive compounds that have become increasingly popular over recent decades despite research suggesting that their consumption has unintended consequences. Specifically, there is evidence suggesting that some of these chemicals interact with bitter taste receptors, implying that sweeteners likely generate complex chemosensory signals. Here, we report the basic sensory characteristics of sweeteners inDrosophila, a common model system used to study the impacts of diet, and find that all noncaloric sweeteners inhibited appetitive feeding responses at higher concentrations. At a cellular level, we found that sucralose and rebaudioside A co-activated sweet and bitter gustatory receptor neurons (GRNs), two populations that reciprocally impact feeding behavior, while aspartame only activated bitter cells. We assessed the behavioral impacts of sweet and bitter co-activation and found that low concentrations of sucralose signal appetitive feeding while high concentrations signal feeding aversion. Finally, silencing bitter GRNs reduced the aversive signal elicited by high concentrations of sucralose and significantly increased sucralose feeding behaviors. Together, we conclude that artificial sweeteners generate a gustatory signal that is more complex than “sweetness” alone, and this bitter co-activation has behaviorally relevant effects on feeding that may help flies flexibly respond to these unique compounds.
Two-dimensional stationary soliton gas
Authors: Bonnemain Thibault , Biondini Gino , Doyon Benjamin , Roberti Giacomo , El Gennady A. 
Published: February 2025

We study two-dimensional stationary soliton gas in the framework of the time-independent reduction of the Kadomtsev-Petviashvili (KPII) equation, which coincides with the integrable two-way “good” Boussinesq equation in the xy plane. This (2+0)D reduction enables the construction of the spatial analog of the kinetic equation for the stationary gas of KP solitons by invoking recent results on (1+1)D bidirectional soliton gases and generalized hydrodynamics of the Boussinesq equation. We then use the spectral kinetic theory to analytically describe two basic types of 2D soliton gas interactions: (i) refraction of a line soliton by a stationary soliton gas, and (ii) oblique interference of two soliton gases. We verify the analytical predictions by numerically implementing the corresponding KPII soliton gases via exact N-soliton solutions with N-large and appropriately chosen random distributions for the soliton parameters. We also explicitly evaluate the long-distance correlations for the two-component interference configurations. The results can be applied to a variety of physical systems, from shallow water waves to Bose-Einstein condensates.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Mental health outcomes and psychosocial hazards experienced by construction professionals with different demographic characteristics during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Zhang Shang , Duan Jie , Sunindijo Riza Yosia 
Published: February 2025

PurposeThe COVID-19 pandemic and the corresponding control measures have harmed the mental health of professionals working in the construction industry. Existing research has also indicated that demographic characteristics are leading variables causing differences in individual’s perceptions on mental health and psychosocial hazardous factors. Combining these, this research aims to compare the differences and similarities of the perceived mental health outcomes and psychosocial hazards among construction professionals with different demographic characteristics during the pandemic.Design/methodology/approachUsing a questionnaire survey, data were collected from 531 construction professionals working in Chinese construction companies, which were analyzed quantitatively using mean score comparative analysis, Mann–Whitney U test and Kruskal–Wallis H test, as well as Spearman’s correlation analysis.FindingsThe results indicate that construction professionals with different ages, years of working experience and positions are exposed to different psychosocial hazards, resulting in different mental health conditions during the pandemic. Age and years of working experience are also strong predictors of the level of depression and anxiety experienced by construction professionals; that is, mental ill health tends to decrease with the increase of age and experience. Male department/unit heads, working in a company office environment for a private company and aged 31–40 years old with 11–20 years of working experience, tend to have the best mental health condition. In contrast, psychosocial hazards are more likely to produce the most serious impact on male site-based construction professionals working for a state-owned company, either with less than one year of working experience or in a senior management position.Originality/valueDespite the significant contribution of the construction industry to the global economy, the differences and similarities of the mental health outcomes and psychosocial hazards among construction professionals with different demographic characteristics during the pandemic remain unknown. This research, therefore, reveals the mental health outcomes and psychosocial hazard impacts among different types of construction professionals during the pandemic. Specifically, this research unveils the important personal characteristics which are closely associated with poor mental health and the stronger impacts of psychosocial hazards on the mental health of construction professionals during the pandemic. The results are valuable for governments and construction companies to formulate targeted mental health intervention strategies during future public health emergencies.
From theory to practice: a collaborative approach to social impact measurement and communication
Authors: Alkire Linda , Hesse Laura , Raki Amir , Boenigk Silke , Kabadayi Sertan , Fisk Raymond Paul , Mora Andres 
Published: February 2025

Purpose
This paper reports the collaborative achievements of transformative service researchers and nonprofit practitioners and their learning processes for refugee integration and social impact measurement. The purpose of the paper is to present the process of a cocreating a toolkit designed to help non-profit organizations (NPOs) measure and communicate the social impact of their initiatives. Collaboration with a UK-based NPO resulted in the development of a practical toolkit designed to identify and report social impacts that are typically challenging or difficult to measure.

Design/methodology/approach
Following a three-phase co-creative process model over two years, the project team began by co-defining impact metrics in partnership with an NPO specializing in personalized employment support, language and digital skills training and job search assistance for refugees. This led to the codesign of a social impact measurement strategy. The final phase involved coproducing a social impact reporting toolkit that offers comprehensive guidance to bridge existing gaps in measurement practices and empowers NPO employees to effectively measure and communicate social impact.

Findings
The study found that, although the NPO collected extensive data, its focus was primarily on individual-level economic outcomes, often overlooking broader social impact measurements. The cocreated toolkit addresses this oversight by providing resources for a holistic assessment.

Practical implications
The toolkit equips NPOs with a user-friendly resource for effectively measuring and communicating the social impact of their initiatives, supporting their operational and funding requirements.

Social implications
By improving how social impact is measured and communicated, the toolkit can positively influence funding decisions and enhance the support available to refugees, thereby facilitating their integration into host societies.

Originality/value
This paper highlights two key contributions: (1) the development of a co-produced social impact reporting toolkit consisting of five modules and (2) the co-creation process itself. Through collaboration between the academic team and the NPO, the toolkit was designed to meet both theoretical standards and practical needs, tailored specifically for small to medium-sized NPOs, particularly those working in refugee integration.
Soft skills development in work-based learning: a systematic literature review
Authors: Urkia-Basterra Iraia , Imaz Agirre Ainara , Álvarez-Huerta Paula 
Published: February 2025

PurposeThe purpose of this systematic literature review is to identify which soft skills are developed during work-based learning (WBL) programmes in higher education contexts. Additionally, the study sought to identify strategies used to promote soft skills development within work-based learning programmes.Design/methodology/approachThe authors used the PRISMA-P protocol to guide the methodology and ensure the transparency and reproducibility of the paper. In total, 36 papers were considered eligible from the search conducted in two databases between 2013 and 2024.FindingsFindings indicate that while there is some overlap in the soft skills mentioned, great variety exists due to the complexity of soft skills frameworks. The soft skills most frequently referenced were communication and teamwork skills. Regarding strategies, a few articles mention reflection and personal connections for enhancing soft skills development; however, further research is needed in this area.Practical implicationsA clearer understanding of skill development could significantly benefit higher education institutions, students and related organisations. This understanding may enhance programme quality and better prepare students for their future.Originality/valueAlthough research on the development of soft skills in the context of WBL programmes is still limited, there is increasing evidence suggesting they may be an effective means of fostering these skills. This paper presents an overview of the research conducted to date and outlines potential avenues for further investigation.
Leveraging social media for trade construction contractors’ success: issues and measures from a qualitative perspective
Authors: Ebekozien Andrew , Thwala Wellington Didibhuku , Ahmed Mohamed Ahmed Hafez 
Published: February 2025

PurposeTrade construction contractors (TCC) (domestic or nominated subcontractors) are key stakeholders engaged by the main contractors in construction activities. Social media platforms may be germane in promoting small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) such as TCC. Studies regarding the role of social media platforms in TCC success are scarce in Nigeria. Therefore, the research investigates trade construction contractors’ success in leveraging social media platforms and the usage’s encumbrances.Design/methodology/approachThis study adopted a qualitative research design using a virtual interview method to solicit data from 26 experts. A purposive sampling technique was utilised to engage selected participants in Lagos and Abuja, Nigeria. This study achieved saturation from the collected data, and a thematic analysis was adopted to analyse the data.FindingsFindings show that embracing social media platforms by TCC practitioners will improve productivity and profitability. Also, findings reveal that financial constraints, high operation and implementation costs, lack of awareness, hesitation to adopt, unclear benefits, reluctance to deploy a new system and network issues are hindrances faced by trade construction contractors using social media platforms in Nigeria. The study suggested measures to mitigate these hindrances.Originality/valueThe findings stir new insights for TCC practitioners to embrace social media platforms better to reap their full benefits. The outcome would lead to TCC firms’ productivity and profitability.
Revenue–expenditure nexus of Indian states: panel ARDL approach
Authors: Baxi Himani , Mehta Dhyani 
Published: February 2025

PurposeIn India’s federal system, rising expenditure responsibilities and limited tax-raising powers challenge states’ fiscal stability. Analyzing the short- and long-term revenue–expenditure nexus and identifying fiscal consolidation strategies is crucial to managing fiscal deficits effectively.Design/methodology/approachThe present study delves into the short- and long-term causal relationships between state expenditures and taxes, utilizing panel data from 29 Indian states. The use of panel autoregressive distributed lag.FindingsThe estimates confirm that the growth of state government spending and state government income (state gross domestic product) positively impacts state government taxes. Therefore, these findings lend support to the spend-tax hypothesis, both in the short run and long run. The estimates of spend-tax causality also suggest that states may not necessarily need to be concerned about controlling their expenditure and increasing fiscal deficits.Practical implicationsStates in India can garner the necessary financial resources through either their own taxes or their share in central taxes to fulfill their expenditure needs. This, indeed, is an advantage of the federal system.Originality/valueThe outcomes of this investigation also prompt the necessity for a fresh assessment of the spend-tax hypothesis utilizing the variables of state expenditure and states’ owned tax income, excluding any form of central transfers. This study can be further added to the literature on causal link between expenditure and states’ own revenue in India and also reevaluate the progression of fiscal decentralization in the country.Peer reviewThe peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-03-2024-0232
Bank accounting conservatism and capital management
Authors: Casciello Raffaela , Maffei Marco , Meucci Fiorenza 
Published: February 2025

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to investigate if and how conditional conservatism influences capital management practices in the context of European listed banks.Design/methodology/approachWe use multiple fixed effects regression models with robust standard errors to test the research hypotheses on a sample of 2,883 bank-year observations for EU-listed banks from 2010 to 2020.FindingsThe study provides evidence that the adoption of conditional conservatism policies constrains upward capital management. In addition, this study shows that such influence is mediated by two channels: earnings management and loan portfolio quality. Regarding the first channel, this study shows that the adoption of conditional conservatism hinders upward earning management which, in turn, negatively impacts upward capital management, all else being equal. For the second channel, this study shows that the adoption of conditional conservatism improves the quality of the loan portfolio, which hinders upward capital management because of less risky assets in the portfolio.Research limitations/implicationsThis study contributes to banking literature by shedding light on the factors that may favor or obstruct capital management.Practical implicationsThis study can be useful for bank regulators and standard setters to define new regulatory policies and standards that can hinder the use of manipulative accounting practices.Originality/valueThis is the first study exploring the association between bank accounting conservatism and capital management, thus asking whether some factors like earnings management and loan portfolio quality may act as mediating channels in this relationship.
Resurfacing a historic canal of Old Dhaka: research through design for promoting natural and cultural heritage tourism
Authors: Fatemi Md. Nawrose , Rahman Tahmina , Shawpnil S. M. Ehsan Ul Haque , Ferdousi Nabila 
Published: February 2025

PurposeTo encourage natural and cultural heritage tourism, this study intends to offer a sustainable approach to resurfacing a historic canal in Old Dhaka, Bangladesh. Dholaikhal, the canal that was once a vital artery of Old Dhaka, has been encroached upon and buried beneath box culverts to accommodate the city’s road network development, resulting in environmental deterioration and the loss of cultural significance.Design/methodology/approachThis study employs a mixed-method research approach that incorporates multidisciplinary techniques after exploring the canal’s historical trace and present condition thoroughly through historical and contextual study, map regression, land use pattern analysis, transect walks, photographic documentation and a design workshop.FindingsFindings unfold the scope of reviving the forgotten existence of Dholaikhal, indicating actionable steps for intervention. The proposed regeneration of Dholaikhal and its adjacent surroundings confirms a symbiotic relationship between heritage preservation and tourism development by focusing on ecological restoration and cultural preservation through community engagement.Practical implicationsThe study offers practical recommendations for implementing the suggested design solutions, focusing on fostering collaboration and offering invaluable perspectives for policymakers, urban designers and local residents. It also establishes a model for revitalizing urban waterways of historical significance, therefore promoting a balanced coexistence between the city’s natural and cultural heritage.Originality/valueThis research engages a mixed-method approach to preserving natural heritage, proposing a holistic model that simultaneously considers ecological awareness, historical relevance and community engagement.