University of Bedfordshire

Hoda Wassif reminds us of the need for human connection.

In recent years, multifunctional cell regulation on a single chip has become an imperative need for cell research. In this study, a novel multi-functional micro-platform integrating wireless electrical stimulation, mechanical stimulation and electrical response recording of cells was proposed. Controlling cell fate by photoexcited radio stimulation of cells on photosensitive films can precisely orchestrate biological activities. This is the first report of combining hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) photosensitive films and a 532 nm green laser for cell stimulation and electrical response recording. Remote wireless electrical stimulation of nerve cells through photoelectric effects based on photosensitive films evoked a change in membrane potential and promoted the neurite growth and neuronal differentiation. These effects were confirmed in a cell model of the human neuroblastoma cell line. The electrical response of cells demonstrated that the photocurrent generated by laser irradiation of the photosensitive film induced a redistribution of ions inside and outside the cell. Furthermore, a mechanical stimulus was applied to cells using a probe placed above them. The chip was used as a signal output to simultaneously obtain the electrical response of cells. The ability of photosensitive films to precisely excite cellular activity offers a novel prospect for wireless electrical stimulation. This work provides a promising strategy for the design of multi-functional biological devices based on a single chip.

Although India’s organ donation rate is less than 1 per million population, significant disparities exist between the regions and centres within the country, leading to varying consent rates among different organ donation centres. Therefore, this study aimed to understand the experience of transplant coordinators and their barriers and facilitators in the deceased organ donation process across various organ donation centres in India. A phenomenological study using interviews was conducted among fourteen transplant coordinators purposefully recruited from public and private organ donation centres in India, with experience between six years and more than a decade. Audio recordings were transcribed and analysed using framework analysis. Five themes were identified namely: (1) supportive management policies, (2) infrastructure for the deceased organ donation process, (3) delays in the processing time, (4) active involvement in the identification process, and (5) explaining the concept of brain death. The study identifies that implementation priorities include strengthening teamwork, streamlining processes, optimising infrastructure for sensitive discussions, efficient donor identification, and empathetic handling of donor families’ grief stages. Collaborating with law enforcement, applying successful medico-legal strategies, improving family communication, and clarifying brain death concepts ethically and legally can boost consent rates, fostering informed decisions and possibly achieving self-sufficiency in deceased organ donation. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1038/s41598-024-80290-9.

Atlantic reef-building corals and coral reefs continue to experience extensive decline due to increased stressors related to climate change, disease, pollution, and numerous anthropogenic threats. To understand the impact of ocean warming and reef loss on the estimated extinction risk of shallow water Atlantic reef-building scleractinians and milleporids, all 85 valid species were reassessed under the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria, updating the previous Red List assessment of Atlantic corals published in 2008. For the present assessment, individual species declines were estimated based on the modeled coral cover loss (1989–2019) and projected onset of annual severe bleaching events (2020–2050) across the Atlantic. Species traits were used to scale species’ relative vulnerability to the modeled cover declines and forecasted bleaching events. The updated assessments place 45.88%–54.12% of Atlantic shallow water corals at an elevated extinction risk compared to the previous assessments conducted in 2008 (15.19%–40.51%). However, coral cover loss estimates indicate an improvement in reef coverage compared to the historic time-series used for the 2008 assessments. Based on this, we infer that, although remaining dangerously high, the rate of Atlantic reef coral cover decline has surprisingly slowed in recent decades. However, based on modeled projections of sea-surface temperature that predict the onset of annual severe bleaching events within the next 30 years, we listed 26 (out of 85) species as Critically Endangered in the IUCN Red List. Each of these species had previously been listed under a lower threatened category and this result alone highlights the severe threat future bleaching events pose to coral survival and the reef ecosystems they support.

Background Physical inactivity is an ongoing problem throughout the lifespan. For older people, inactivity has a negative impact on wellbeing, which worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic. Digital technologies can be employed to encourage uptake of social and physical activity through remotely delivered interventions to improve wellbeing, however, we need to understand older people’s perceptions and experiences of using digital technologies before implementing these interventions. Aims To explore the perceptions and experiences of older people on the use of digital technologies during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 community dwelling older people from Hertfordshire, United Kingdom who were all programme participants in a remotely delivered mind-body physical activity programme called Positive Movement. Interviews were conducted before programme participation. The audio recorded interviews were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. Results Four themes emerged from the data. The perceived impact of COVID-19 on social contact, perceived impact of COVID-19 on mental wellbeing, using digital platforms for health or exercise and using digital platforms for social contact. Discussion Participants reported reduced social contact due to COVID-19. Most participants reported using digital technologies for social inclusion rather than health reasons, and there were mixed views on the willingness to use digital technologies for physical activity. Conclusion Digital technologies offered a lifeline during COVID-19 to maintain social contact and their use was found acceptable by older people. Digital platforms such as Zoom can be further employed to conduct remotely delivered interventions with the aim to increase uptake of social and physical activity interventions within this population.

As a flexible biomolecule, the spatial structure of DNA is variable. The effects of concentration, metal cations, and low pH on DNA morphology were studied. For the high concentration of DNA, the cross‐linked branch‐like or network structures were formed. For the low concentration of DNA, isolated, random and freely loose linear DNA chains were presented. These phenomena were related to the intermolecular interactions. Branch‐like DNA structures were reformed with the addition of metal cations to the low concentration of DNA at pH 7–4, suggesting the negative charges of DNA were neutralized, thus transforming the spatial structure of DNA into a low charge density morphology and presenting the hypochromic effect. Compared to the monovalent alkaline metal cations, more negative charges of DNA were screened by the alkaline‐earth metal cations. Distinct DNA morphologies were observed for pH 3. The linear and condensed DNA structures were simultaneously observed, which was met regardless of the solution with or without the addition of metal cations. This was further confirmed by the absorbance of DNA. Compared to the pure DNA, bulky and aggregated DNA collapsed structures were formed when the sodium and magnesium cations were added to the reaction solution. In addition, it was verified that the condensed DNA structures failed to revert back to the chain structure by neutralizing acidic solutions with alkali, but the compacted DNA spheres became loose. The conductivities of various DNA morphologies were measured. They were morphology‐dependent. This study provides guidance for the behavior of DNA in the acidic solutions and further promotes the application of DNA in DNA‐based nano‐optoelectronic devices.

Waste crime is a pressing concern for the waste and resource industry as it is undermining investment, growth and jobs within the industry and threatening the natural environment. However, there is little knowledge of the scale of the problem, the types of criminality and motivations involved, and the precise nature of crime. Environmental regulators are building foresight capabilities to better understand the effect of current and future changes in markets, in technology and in the legislative environment on waste crime and associated behaviours. At the heart of this paper is the question: how can horizon scanning be adopted by environmental regulators to shape decision processes and build resilience to waste crime? We report our efforts to build a toolkit and guidance for conducting horizon scanning, aimed at supporting environmental regulators, investigators and intelligence analysts to build an understanding of—and interpretation of the consequences of—behavioural, market, technological and pollution trends in the waste sector. A review of the academic and grey literature provided insights to organisational approaches and design principles for public sector horizon scanning. Outputs guided discussion at a stakeholder workshop with waste regulators, criminal intelligence and industry professionals to explore institutional challenges and to agree broad design principles for a horizon scanning process. The toolkit supports environmental regulators in applying horizon scanning to policy and wider operational and delivery‐focused challenges; learning how to: (1) spot weak signals and emerging trends quickly, (2) examine the evidence around potential threats and opportunities for the future, and (3) take action on strategically important issues to minimise the impact of crime on the environment, society and business. The paper sets out further research needed to integrate horizon scanning with data analytics (e.g., predictive and hotspot analyses) to challenge assumptions about the patterns of change, based largely on historical trends, and to better manage these so there is greater adaptability to current and future trends.

The management of a food supply chain is difficult and complex because of the product's short shelf-life, time-sensitivity, and perishable nature which must be carefully considered to minimize food waste. Temperature-controlled perishable food supply chain provides the highly crucial facilities necessary to maintain the quality and safety of the product. The storage temperature is the most vital factor in maintaining both the quality and shelf-life of a perishable food. Adequate storage temperature control ensures that perishable foods are transported to the end-users in good quality and safe to consume. This paper presents perishable food storage temperature control through mathematical optimal control model where the storage temperature is regarded as the control variable and the deterioration of the perishable food’s quality follows the first-order reaction. The optimal storage temperature for a single perishable food is determined by applying the Pontryagin's maximum principle to solve the optimal control model problem. For multi-temperature commodities supply chain, an unsupervised machine learning (ML) method, called k-means clustering technique is used to determine the temperature clusters for a range of perishables. Based on descriptive analysis, it is observed that the k-means clustering technique is effective in identifying the best suitable storage temperature clusters for quality control of multi-commodity supply chain.

The world's steadily growing population and global heating due to climate change are a threat to food security. To meet this challenge, novel technologies are needed to increase crop production in a sustainable way. In this work, the use of luminescent down‐shifting (LDS) materials based on molecular Eu³⁺‐containing polyoxotitanates for plant growth enhancement is investigated. Using a systematic design strategy to optimize down‐shifting properties, conversion of the ultraviolet spectral range to the photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) is achieved with quantum yields as high as 68%. The prototype Eu³⁺‐compound can be incorporated into water‐based acrylic varnish that can be spray‐coated onto existing greenhouses. Comparing coated with uncoated greenhouses, basil plants produce 9% more leaf dry weight per plant, and a highly significant 10% increase in individual leaf dry weight. The coating reduces the amount of transmitted PAR by 8% but has advantageous effects on diffuse radiation and in reducing the internal mean temperature. Although there is some uncertainty as to the contribution of down‐shifting, with the bulk of the increase probably being due to higher diffused light and the reduction in maximum daily temperatures, this study establishes a model for the design of LDS paints for real‐world agricultural applications.

Background Traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) is associated with adverse health outcomes across the life course. In children, long-term exposure to TRAP is associated with asthma, acute lower respiratory infections and reduced lung growth. Low emission zones have been implemented widely in European cities, aiming to reduce TRAP by restricting/penalising the most polluting vehicles, but their impacts on health are poorly understood. London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) was established in central London in April 2019. Aim Using a natural experimental design, the CHILL Study aims to assess the impact of the ULEZ on lung growth of primary school-aged children. Methods Children aged 6–9 years were recruited from schools in central London (intervention) and Luton/Dunstable (comparator site), with cohorts established and baseline health assessments completed before the ULEZ was implemented. Follow-up health assessments were repeated annually for four years. Lung function was measured by spirometry, before and after bronchodilation. Children completed a questionnaire about asthma, inhaler use and mode of travel to school. A questionnaire was sent home for parents/carers to complete, including questions about asthma/allergy symptoms, quality of life and non-NHS health costs. Written parental consent and verbal assent from participants was obtained before assessment. Sub-studies added to the CHILL programme since its inception include: assessments of physical activity, cognitive function and mental health, and measurements of exposure biomarkers. Applications are in progress for extraction of GP and hospital record data for health economic analysis. Findings 3414 children (1664 in London, 1750 in Luton) were recruited from 84 primary schools, with 97% of participants completing the baseline health assessment and 77% successfully performing spirometry. 92% returned a parent/carer questionnaire. In the final year, 1591 participants were assessed (47% of recruited cohort), with annual loss to follow up being less than the 20% initially predicted. Cohorts were well matched for demographics and lung function at baseline across the two sites. The study was significantly disrupted during COVID, with data collection halted for more than 12 months. Conclusion We have established a large cohort and successfully completed data collection over five years. Final data analysis is in progress, with results pending.

Nursing students in undergraduate programmes exhibit comparable, sometimes higher, levels of poor mental health and substance use compared to the general population; however, this area remains under‐researched in New Zealand. The study involved 172 nursing students enrolled in the Bachelor of Nursing programme at one tertiary institution in Auckland, New Zealand. Employing a mixed‐methodology approach, a 29‐question survey comprising both open and closed questions was administered to explore the students' experiences with mental health and substance use, as well as their access to support services. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS version 29 descriptive statistics, while a general inductive approach guided the qualitative analysis. A significant proportion of participants (75%) reported experiencing emotional distress during their studies, with anxiety being the most prevalent (78.5%). A smaller percentage disclosed substance use (8.1%) including excessive alcohol use, cannabis use, nicotine use, vaping cannabis and some refusal to reveal substance use. Surprisingly, less than 1% ( n = 0.6) utilised institutional support services. Three qualitative themes were identified including emotional distress and associated effects, emotional and psychological impacts on nursing students' academic journey and tertiary support systems. The findings highlight the urgent need to address the mental health and addiction challenges experienced by nursing students, given their potential adverse effects on academic success and overall well‐being. Urgent action is needed to integrate mental health training into the curriculum and provide faculty support. In this study, the underutilisation and inadequacy of institutional support services signal a need for institutional reforms to provide access and personalised mental health support to nursing students. Providing essential skills and support for student success contributes to the overall well‐being of the nursing workforce.

The extracellular signal-regulated kinase 2 (ERK2) protein plays a pivotal role in regulating cell division cycles and signaling pathways essential for various biological processes. ERK2 inhibition is a promising therapeutic approach for diseases like cardiovascular deformities, neurodegenerative disorders, and other forms of cancers. The current study presents novel compounds potentially inhibiting ERK2 activity, thus disrupting its cellular functions. A thorough structural assessment of the available crystallographic information was undertaken. The protein’s active site was deciphered, and the experimental grid space of inhibitors interaction was allocated. The study proceeded further with a precise inhibitor search employing a “similarity search” algorithm based on the previously reported kinase inhibitors. Schematic virtual screening method combined with molecular docking steps were executed to enlist the probable hits. AI/ML-based pharmacokinetics properties helped streamline hits’ initial chemical space and select the most potent leads. Complexes formed by these compounds were analyzed for their stability by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Post dynamics statistical calculations, viz., protein backbone and ligand RMSD, the radius of gyration, and the constitutive amino acids fluctuations (RMSF), confirmed the protein–ligand association over a period of 300 ns. The magnitude of co-ordinations was estimated by intermolecular H-bond count and the MMGBSA calculations. The free energy landscape (FEL) and principal component analysis (PCA) demonstrated the thermodynamical feasibility of the complex formation with an affinity greater than the previously reported inhibitors. This study, thus, presents a promising avenue for advancing the drug discovery process by identifying novel ERK2 protein inhibitors with potential benefits for healthcare.

Aim : This study explores the impact of power dynamics between nurses and physicians in acute care settings, focusing on how these dynamics influence nursing autonomy and the implementation of Evidence-Based Practices (EBPs). It aims to identify strategies that promote interprofessional collaboration, enhance nurse leadership, and support shared decision-making to improve patient outcomes. Design : An exploratory qualitative methodological approach grounded in the philosophy of social constructivism was utilised in this study. Methods : Data were collected through non-participant observations, semi-structured interviews, and document analysis across two large NHS acute care hospitals in the Midlands. Thematic analysis, following Braun and Clarke’s framework, was used to identify key themes related to hierarchical barriers, nursing autonomy, and interprofessional collaboration. The participants included 37 staff nurses, ward managers, nurse managers, and physicians. Findings : The study revealed that hierarchical power imbalances, particularly medical dominance, significantly limit nursing autonomy and hinder EBP implementation. Nurses reported limited decision-making authority and were often excluded from critical care discussions. However, interprofessional collaboration, leadership development, and shared governance models were identified as effective strategies to reduce these power imbalances. Nurses who engaged in leadership training and participated in nurse-led initiatives experienced increased autonomy and reported improved patient care outcomes. Conclusion : Power imbalances hinder the implementation of EBPs by nurses in acute care settings. Enhancing nursing leadership, promoting interprofessional collaboration, and adopting shared governance models can empower nurses, improve autonomy, and enhance patient outcomes. Impact : The findings highlight the importance for healthcare organisations to invest in nursing leadership development, implement collaborative governance models, and foster interprofessional teamwork to support EBP implementation and improve patient care quality. Reporting Method : The study adheres to the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) guidelines. Patient/Public Contributions : Patients and the public were not directly involved in this study. However, the study’s focus on nurse-led initiatives has significant implications for improving patient care quality.

Introduction The NHS has made it mandatory for General Practices in England to proactively identify and manage older people with moderate and severe frailty since the GMS contract of 2017/2018. In Luton, stakeholders developed the Luton Framework of Frailty (LFF) to implement this national policy. The aim of this study was to explore the factors that affect the implementation of this national policy at a local level. Methods In-depth interviews were conducted with 18 commissioners and service providers, all of whom were involved in providing services for older people with different frailty levels (OPDFL). Purposive and snowball sampling methods were used, with thematic analysis used for data analysis. Results Two main themes with several sub-themes were found. The first theme was the tension within existing national policy initiatives to provide integrated care services for OPDFL, which illuminated their strengths and limitations. Participants felt that new initiatives, such as the development of Primary Care Networks and Enhanced Health in Care Homes, have improved primary care coordination. However, the traditional reactive approach for managing older people who are frail was thought to be counterproductive, when an approach that focused on prevention and early intervention would have been better. The second theme concerned the contextual factors that affect implementation of integrated care. These included having key leaders at a local level, the requirement for more funding, as well as the need for good working relationships among service providers. However, the lack of awareness about the care pathways among GPs was thought to be a reason for the variation in the implementation of the LFF. The COVID-19 pandemic was perceived as a challenge for the implementation of the LFF. Finally, polices were thought to succeed only if more resources are provided, while the term frailty should be used with caution due to the negative connotations of OPDFL towards this term. Conclusion The implementation of an integrated care programme for OPDFL can be affected by several factors. Having proactive national policies that facilitate coordination and, having key leaders locally, the need for more funding, and good working relationships, are some of the contextual factors that could facilitate a successful implementation. In contrast, the lack of awareness of the care pathways that have been introduced locally, insufficient resources to deliver the programmes efficiently and a lack of careful consideration of how the term frailty is used could hinder this being put into practice.

Background Sarcopenia is a leading cause of functional decline, loss of independence, premature mortality, and frailty in older adults. Reducing and breaking up sedentary behaviour is associated with positive sarcopenia and frailty outcomes. This study aimed to explore the acceptability, engagement and experiences of a remotely delivered sedentary behaviour intervention to improve sarcopenia and independent living in older adults with frailty. Methods This was a mixed-methods study. In-depth qualitative semi-structed interviews were conducted with a subset (N = 15) of participants with frailty (aged 74 ± 6 years) who had participated in the Frail-LESS (LEss Sitting and Sarcopenia in Frail older adults) intervention aimed at reducing sedentary behaviour. The interviews explored acceptability of the intervention overall and its individual components (a psychoeducation workbook, wrist-worn activity tracker, health coaching, online peer support and tailored feedback on sitting, standing and stepping). Process evaluation questionnaires with closed and scaled questions explored intervention engagement, fidelity and experiences. Results Overall acceptability of the intervention was good with most participants perceiving the intervention to have supported them in reducing and/or breaking up their sedentary behaviour. The wrist-worn activity tracker and health coaching appeared to be the most acceptable and useful components, with high levels of engagement. There was attendance at 104 of 150 health coaching sessions offered and 92% of participants reported using the wrist-worn activity tracker. There was a mixed response regarding acceptability of, and engagement with, the psychoeducation workbook, tailored feedback, and online peer support. Conclusions The Frail-LESS intervention had good levels of acceptability and engagement for some components. The findings of the study can inform modifications to the intervention to optimise acceptability and engagement in a future definitive randomised controlled trial. Trial registration The trial was registered with ISRCTN (number ISRCTN17158017).