Application of virtual reality to assess thermal, visual perception, and users' adaptive behaviors for sedentary activities

VR technology has shown to effectively explore the psychological and physiological effects of the built environment on users. This study investigates multisensory integration using VR technology, focusing on same-modal and cross-modal effects during sedentary activities. A survey-based approach was employed to collect data from participants within a controlled climate setting. A virtual replica of Monash Makerspace was developed to assess its thermal, visual impact, and behavioral responses. The results revealed significant differences in the same modal effects, however, no significant differences in cross-modal effects were observed regarding the influence of visual stimuli on thermal sensations, preferences, and comfort. Conversely, cross-modal effects of thermal conditions on visual perceptions demonstrated significant differences in visual sensation and comfort, except for visual preferences. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in physiological responses between IVEs and among thermal conditions. The findings indicate that warm yellow lights are only suitable and comfortable for users during cool temperatures. In contrast, cool white light was most preferred and comfortable across conditions for users. A small number of participants preferred the lighting in between the two visual scenarios evaluated. The insight can inform the design of new buildings and retrofitting of existing ones to accommodate user comfort, particularly given that Australian buildings maintain indoor thermal conditions between 18ºC to 30ºC across seasons. Nevertheless, the study has some limitations, including that participants were exposed to these visual scenarios and thermal conditions for a short duration, which does not represent the long-term adaptation effects. Also, the study was conducted using students within the age bracket of 18-40 years, limiting the generalizability of the findings to younger or older groups

Laboratory performance assessment of low-cost water level sensor for field monitoring in the tropics

As Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) is a key strategy in integrated urban water management worldwide, there is a need for robust monitoring of WSUD systems. Being economical and flexible for operation and communication, low-cost sensor systems show great potential to mainstream digital water management. Yet, such systems are insufficiently tested, casting doubt on the reliability of their measurements. Here, we document a robust testing approach for a pressure transducer water level low-cost sensor (KIT0139) and a traditional sensor (OTT PLS) in both laboratory and field conditions. We tested six different devices under three temperatures relevant to tropical climate: 25, 30, 35 °C and proposed a field calibration approach. Results reveal that the low-cost sensors were robust as the six individual devices performed consistently under different testing conditions. After calibration, low-cost sensors provided sufficient accuracy (±10mm) and precision for water levels more than 0.05m. While varying water flow direction did not significantly influence the performance, we showed that calibration should be done for individual devices. In addition, large (>5 °C) variations in water temperature and varying wet/dry conditions may also influence the performance of the low-cost sensors. The field calibration approach was validated in a 3-month experiment, confirming that this model of low-cost sensor can effectively replace traditional sensors in the field in tropical climates. Our study confirms that systematic and thorough testing is needed for low-cost sensors systems to realize their full potential for scientific-grade applications. We provide practical recommendations to conduct such testing from the laboratory to the field

FABP7 in Hepatic Macrophages Promotes Fibroblast Activation and CD4+ T-Cell Migration by Regulating M2 Polarization During Liver Fibrosis

Hepatic macrophages respond to various microenvironmental signals and play a central role in maintaining hepatic homeostasis, dysregulation of which leads to various liver diseases. Fatty acid-binding protein 7 (FABP7), an intracellular lipid chaperone for polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), is highly expressed in liver macrophages. However, the mechanisms by which FABP7 regulates hepatic macrophage activation remain unclear. Therefore, we aimed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the effects of FABP7 on the functions of hepatic macrophages in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) and liver fibrosis models. In this study, we found that FABP7-deficient macrophages exhibited impaired M2 polarization, which reduced the fibrotic response of myofibroblasts and CD4+ T-cell infiltration into the liver tissues in a carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatic fibrosis model. In vitro, FABP7-deficient macrophages exhibited decreased levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-γ and its target genes, including C-C motif chemokine ligand (CCL)-17 and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), compared to the wild-type (WT) macrophages post-interleukin (IL)-4 stimulation. However, these effects were inhibited by a PPARγ inhibitor. IL-4-stimulated WT macrophages also promoted CD4+ T-cell migration and hepatic fibroblast (TWNT-1 hepatic stellate cell [HSC]) activation, indicated by increased mRNA levels of actin alpha 2, smooth muscle (ACTA2), and collagen type I alpha 1 (COL1A1); however, these effects were inhibited in FABP7-deficient macrophages. Overall, FABP7 in hepatic macrophages modulated the crosstalk between hepatic fibroblasts and T cells by regulating M2 polarization. Therefore, regulation of hepatic macrophage function by FABP7 is a potential therapeutic target for liver fibrosis

Early mucosal responses following a randomised controlled human inhaled infection with attenuated Mycobacterium bovis BCG

The development of an effective vaccine against Mycobacterium tuberculosis is hampered by an incomplete understanding of immunoprotective mechanisms. We utilise an aerosol human challenge model using attenuated Mycobacterium bovis BCG, in BCG-naïve UK adults. The primary endpoint of this study (NCT03912207) was to characterise the early immune responses induced by aerosol BCG infection, the secondary endpoint was to identify immune markers associated with in-vitro protection. Blinded volunteers were randomised to inhale 1 × 107 CFU aerosolised BCG or 0.9% saline (20:6); and sequentially allocated to bronchoscopy at day 2 or 7 post-inhalation (10 BCG, 3 saline each timepoint). In the bronchoalveolar lavage post-aerosol BCG infection, there was an increase in frequency of eosinophils, neutrophils, NK cells and Donor-Unrestricted T cells at day 7, and the frequency of antigen presenting cells decreased at day 7 compared with day 2. The frequency of interferon-gamma+ BCG-specific CD4+ T cells increased in the BAL and peaked in the blood at day 7 post-BCG infection compared to day 2. BAL cells at day 2 and day 7 upregulated gene pathways related to phagocytosis, MHC-II antigen loading, T cell activation and proliferation. BCG's lack of key virulence factors and its failure to induce granulomas, may mean the observed immune responses do not fully recapitulate Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. However, human infection models can provide unique insights into early immune mechanisms, informing vaccine design for complex pathogens

Business Model Innovation: A Spatiotemporal Exploration

© 2025 Nermin AzabagicInterest in Business Model Innovation (BMI) has flourished in the last two decades, helping to establish it as a key concept, in both industry practice, and academic research. BMI is a complex, multifaceted phenomenon. This PhD thesis examines BMI as a process in which a firm deliberately makes important changes to key elements of its existing business model or develops an entirely new one. The PhD research is specifically focusing on the actors, activities, and interactions involved, using a spatiotemporal perspective to explore relevant contextual (spatial) and temporal factors shaping BMI. By means of a systematic review of the field, this PhD research examines the key definitions and concepts related to BMI, taking stock of the current state of BMI literature. As a result of the review, a taxonomy of spatiotemporally related boundary conditions is proposed. By means of qualitative research methods, the PhD research furthermore explored the process of BMI in established firms. Prior research has found that established firms find BMI challenging, due to cognitive constraints including path-dependency, industry dominant logic, and managers’ bounded rationality. Hence, a focus on established firms can add insights on how these challenges are addressed during BMI. Partnering with IBM Consulting, this PhD research examined, first, how strategy and design consultants work with established firms to undertake BMI. This research finds that activities inspired from the temporal categories of the present and near/distant future can address actors’ cognitive constraints and help unleash creative leaps needed for BMI. These insights contribute theoretically to the cognitive and temporal perspective on BMI. For managers, a process model is provided, with temporally ordered activities, which can help facilitate BMI. This thesis also explored how human actors interface with non-human actors, i.e. GenAI tools, in the context of BMI. A study of strategy consultants using GenAI for BMI uncovered a set of tensions when working with GenAI, including those related to confidence, trust, reliance and perceptions of value. Applying a paradox theory lens, this research identified an overarching paradoxical tension between automation and augmentation, which unfolds at the individual and task level. Consultants tended to navigate a precarious balance between gaining value from automation and/or augmentation, while protecting their own value within the organisation, and with their clients. Findings highlight a range of paradoxical management strategies, which have potential to lead to either vicious, or virtuous cycles. These insights contribute to paradox theory, demonstrating a multi-level paradoxical tension between automation and augmentation, while offering managers insights on how to manage the tensions in the fast-evolving world of GenAI. The overarching contribution of this PhD thesis is to illuminate a range of previously under-explored aspects of the BMI process in established firms, including actors, activities and interactions, through a spatiotemporal perspective. Overall findings indicate a need for elevating the focus on the future as a temporal category; deeper exploration of the balance between creative and analytical activities; and further examination of GenAI’s evolving role in BMI. Lastly, this research suggests that paradox theory may be a helpful frame to study the many tensions embedded in the complex undertaking that is BMI

The sexual abuse of adolescent boys in humanitarian emergencies: A qualitative study of how international humanitarian organisations are responding

Background: Over the last decade, public health research has increasingly shown that humanitarian emergencies can negatively impact the wellbeing of adolescents. However, recent studies have largely not addressed the differentiated impact on adolescent boys or how humanitarians are responding. Objective: We sought to understand how humanitarian organisations respond to child sexual abuse against adolescent boys in humanitarian emergencies. Participants and setting: Sixteen humanitarian staff based in Geneva, Switzerland, and 35 humanitarian staff and 52 child protection caseworkers from the Rohingya refugee crisis response in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh. Methods: We employed a critical ethnographic research design. Between September 2018 and October 2019, we conducted interviews with humanitarians in Geneva, as well as interviews, focus group discussions, and observation of the humanitarian response to the Rohingya refugee crisis in Bangladesh. Results: Sexual abuse of adolescent boys is present in numerous humanitarian emergencies and boys appear to be at risk in certain contexts, including workplaces, streets, and shelters. Humanitarian actors are responding through individualised casework but referrals to services are often limited by the operating environment. The most promising approaches to support survivors are specifically accessible to adolescent boys and provided by services that boys trust. Of note, humanitarian responsibility for adolescent boy survivors appears to be a context-specific negotiation between humanitarian sectors and this may be causing difficulties in the delivery of effective interventions. Conclusion: Humanitarian actors should employ a more systematic approach to supporting adolescent boys that experience child sexual abuse, as an important matter for adolescent rights and health equity

An exploratory study into the well-being of elderly Indian migrants living in the outer metropolitan areas of Melbourne

© 2025 Rukku Paramkulangara ThomasThe elderly Indian population living in the outer metropolitan areas of Melbourne has been increasing rapidly over the past decade. According to Blackberry and Morris (2023), outer suburbs of Australian cities, marked by considerably lower population density and considerable distances from the major business hubs, are usually selected by migrants because of relative affordability and the availability of more extensive living space. They can more easily accommodate extended families of the Indian population in regional areas of Australia. The ratio of the elderly Indian population to younger persons is invariably increasing due to the extended family dynamics that are part of the Indian culture and the Indian community in Victoria is one of the largest in Australia. About 3 percent of Melbourne’s population comprises of the Indian community including Indian-born migrants and since 2001, the number of Indian-born migrants in Melbourne has more than tripled. Elderly migrants face unique hurdles associated with their migration into a new country, including language barriers, cultural differences, and lack of same culture social groups which means a lack of social and financial support. social integration of the elderly migrants and the host country largely depends on each other’s acceptance. For better social support, the host country and the migrant community should have positive attitudes and acceptance towards each other. Although migration provides growth opportunities, it can also negatively impact the well-being of the older persons in a migrant community. Therefore, a study into the enablers and the barriers of these elderly Indian migrants in outer metropolitan areas of Melbourne in accessing social support and well-being is important. This qualitative study sampled of 25 participants in the age group 60-75, drawn from Indian community in regional outer metropolitan areas of Melbourne. Interviews with semi structured open ended questions were employed for data collection. All the meetings were recorded through the Zoom platform. Braun and Clarke’s Thematic Analysis was employed for data Analysis and NVIVO was the chosen method for data analysis. A narrative methodology was selected to present the findings. The findings of the study were classified into enablers and barriers. The identified barriers were Communication issues, Logistic issues, Cultural disagreement, Unawareness about social support services, Lack of technical skills, and experience of discrimination. The study also identified the following enablers that facilitated the elderly in getting access to social support. They were categorized as support from home country and support from religious organizations and communities, Engaging in Indian community events, knowing about Centrelink and responsibility of looking after their grandchildren and spending time with them. The implications of this study are that suggest that a significant number of elderly migrants face various problems because of language difficulties, geographical isolation, and cultural competence in service delivery while a number of them enjoy strong communal support, cultural programs, and family care. The cultural dimension also covers an important segment concerning the ready availability of services for this demographic in Melbourne. Most elderly Indian migrants have relatively poor command over English, and this hampers their ability to communicate with GPs, and other providers of health as well as those providing social services. Hence, they become more isolated. Thus, it specifies the necessity of employing bilingual service providers as defined within the cultural competence theory. Special attention should be paid to service provisions that take into account language, culture, accessibility to transport, and information provision of what support services are available to them. It is also possible to elaborate a more stringent and appropriate strategy that considers the cultural, linguistic, and other barriers so that the elderly migrants can receive appropriate support services that will enhance their integration into the new society. The findings will be of interest to practitioners working with this population to minimise the social fractures and significant for those health and human services that serve older Indian population

The Making Is the Story: Sovereignty, Sharing, and the Seven Sisters Cloak

In spring 2022, the authors co-led an experimental course and artists’ residency called “Decolonizing Museums.” The major outcomes were a possum-skin cloak (the first of its kind made in the United States) and a series of high-art photographs of project participants wearing the cloak. This project is part of an initiative to imagine and forge a Living Archive of Aboriginal Art, based in Australia. The objective: to radically reimagine what archives are and what they do, from Indigenous perspectives. The authors argue that photography-as-documentary practice (artists reflexively take photographs to document every aspect of their work) and photography-as-high-art-practice (a way of insisting on Indigenous forms of knowledge transmission and aesthetic expression) are inextricable from each other. These understandings of photography are also inextricable from cloak making: all of the making is all part of the story. The making is the story. In a collaborative visual essay, the authors mobilize photographs as an invitation to readers/viewers to be in relation with Indigenous knowledge holders and to join in the work of amplifying Indigenous sovereignty. The authors emphasize matriarchal knowledge transmission: women are leading efforts to reclaim autonomy over bodies and lands. The authors also call attention to intercultural collaboration as a source of innovation in both contemporary culture making and in pedagogy

Diet alters interspecific fecundity–size relationships in capital breeding insects

Species' life history traits, such as fecundity, and how they co-vary with other traits are central to models in population and community ecology. Within species, increasing fecundity with body size is often driven by nutritional quality of the diet. How and why fecundity varies among species is poorly understood but likely to be related, at least in part, to patterns of resource acquisition and allocation. This study tested for an interspecific, fecundity–size relationship among caddisfly species and tested whether fecundity covaried with larval diet. Data on fecundity and body size were collated for 102 species in 75 genera and 28 families from around the world. Species were assigned to one of four categories of larval diet (algivores, detritivores, filter-feeders, predators) and also two combined diet groups, differentiated by the prevalence of animal versus plant material. A limiting relationship best described the positive association between fecundity and body size of all caddisflies, where size set an upper limit to fecundity. Diet explained variation below the upper limit. Compared to species with plant-based diets, consumers of animal material had higher fecundity and diet-specific fecundity–size relationships with steeper slopes. All relationships were hypoallometric (slopes less than 1), indicating a disproportionate effect of size on fecundity: in each diet group, large-bodied species produced absolutely more, but proportionately fewer eggs than smaller-bodied species, suggesting size-related shifts in resource allocation. The largest species were detritivores, which is consistent with the Jarman–Bell principle that large animals are likely to have nutritionally poor diets. These diet-related patterns in fecundity may lead to diet-related patterns in population dynamics among species within freshwater communities that have not been considered previously