bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pulmonary fibroblast activation duringAspergillus fumigatusinfection enhances lung defense via immunomodulation and tissue remodeling
Authors: Guirao-Abad José P. , Shearer Shannon M. , Bowden Jon , Kasprovic Daniel A. , Grisham Christina , Ozdemir Mustafa , Tranter Michael , Wang Yunguan , Askew David S. , Kanisicak Onur
Published: December 2024

Aspergillus fumigatusis the etiologic agent of invasive aspergillosis, a life- threatening fungal pneumonia that is initiated by the inhalation of conidia (spores) into the lung. If the conidia are not cleared, they secrete large quantities of hydrolytic enzymes and toxins as they grow, resulting in extensive damage to pulmonary tissue. Stromal fibroblasts are central responders to tissue damage in many organs, but their functional response to pulmonary injury caused byA. fumigatushas not been explored. In this study, we employed cell lineage tracing, targeted cell ablation, and single-cell RNA sequencing to monitor the dynamics of fibroblast behavior upon exposure toA. fumigatusin both immunocompetent and immunosuppressed hosts. The results demonstrate that a subset of pulmonary fibroblasts becomes activated in an immunocompetent host in response to a challenge withA. fumigatusconidia, acquiring a gene expression program reflecting the acquisition of new immunomodulatory properties as well as enhanced extracellular matrix (ECM)-secreting ability. Remarkably, through targeted ablation of fibroblasts that express the profibrotic activation marker periostin, we demonstrate that the progression of an invasiveA. fumigatusinfection in an immunosuppressed host is accelerated by the absence of periostin lineage cells and is accompanied by severe alveolar hemorrhage and angioinvasion. These findings uncover a novel protective role for fibroblasts in limiting the severity ofA. fumigatus-induced pulmonary injury and emphasize the importance of the pulmonary stroma in host defense against this invasive fungal infection.
Supervised non-negative matrix factorization on cell-free DNA fragmentomic features enhances early cancer detection
Authors: Tran Trung Hieu , Pham Ngoc Tan , Nguyen Van Thien Chi , Vo Dac Ho , Nguyen Thi Hue Hanh , Tran Thi Trang , Tran Thanh Truong , Vo Truong Dang Huy , Dao Thi Huyen , Nguyen Huu Tam Phuc , Phan Thi Van , Ha Thi Minh Thi , Ngo Thi Dieu Huong , Tran Nhat Huy , Tran Nhat-Thang , Hoang Thanh Quang , Nguyen Viet Binh , Le Van Cuong , Nguyen Xuan Chung , Nguyen Thi Minh Phuong , Nguyen Van Hung , Tran Nu Thien Nhat , Dang Thi Ngoc Quynh , Tran Manh Hoang , Nguyen Phuc Nguyen , Pham Thi Anh Tuyet , Vo Duy Long , Doan Thuy Nguyen , Nguyen Viet Hai , Tran Quang Dat , Dang Quang Thong , Ho Le Minh Quoc , Nguyen Vu Tuan Anh , Nguyen Sao Trung , Nguyen Hoai-Nghia , Tran Le Son , Giang Hoa , Phan Minh-Duy , Nguyen Trong Hieu
Published: December 2024

Background

Cell-free circulating DNA (cfDNA) fragments exhibit non-random patterns in their length (FLEN), end-motif (EM), and distance to nucleosome position (ND). While these cfDNA features have shown promise as inputs for machine learning and deep learning models in early cancer detection, most studies utilize them as raw inputs, overlooking the potential benefits of pre-processing to extract cancer-specific features. This study aims to enhance cancer detection accuracy by developing a novel approach to feature extraction from cfDNA fragmentomics.

Methods

We implemented a supervised non-negative matrix factorization (SNMF) algorithm to generate embedding vectors capturing cancer-specific signals within cfDNA fragmentomic features. These embeddings served as input for a machine learning model to classify cancer patients from healthy individuals.

Results

We validated our framework using two datasets: an in-house cohort of 431 cancer patients and 442 healthy individuals (dataset 1), and a published cohort comprising 90 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients and 103 individuals with cirrhosis or hepatitis B (dataset 2). In dataset 1, we achieved an AUC of 94% in pan-cancer detection. In dataset 2, our framework achieved an AUC of 100% for HCC vs healthy classification, 99% for HCC vs non-HCC patients classification, and 96% for identifying HCC patients among a mixed group of non-HCC patients and healthy donors.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates the efficiency of SNMF-transformed features in improving both pan-cancer detection and specific HCC detection. Our approach offers a significant advancement in leveraging cfDNA fragmentomics for early cancer detection, potentially enhancing diagnostic accuracy in clinical settings.
Candida albicans: a comprehensive view of the proteome
Authors: Gomez-Artiguez Leticia , de la Cámara-Fuentes Samuel , Sun Zhi , Hernáez María Luisa , Borrajo Ana , Pitarch Aída , Molero Gloria , Monteoliva Lucía , Moritz Robert L. , Deutsch Eric W. , Gil Concha
Published: December 2024

We describe a new release of theCandida albicansPeptideAtlas proteomics spectral resource (build 2024-03), providing a sequence coverage of 79.5% at the canonical protein level, matched mass spectrometry spectra, and experimental evidence identifying 3382 and 536 phosphorylated serine and threonine sites with false localization rates of 1% and 5.3%, respectively. We provide a tutorial on how to use the PeptideAtlas and associated tools to access this information. TheC. albicansPeptideAtlas summary web page provides “Build overview”, “PTM coverage”, “Experiment contribution”, and “Dataset contribution” information. The protein and peptide information can also be accessed via theCandidaGenome Database via hyperlinks on each protein page. This allows users to peruse identified peptides, protein coverage, post-translational modifications (PTMs), and experiments identifying each protein. Given the value of understanding the PTM landscape in the sequence of each protein, a more detailed explanation of how to interpret and analyse PTM results is provided in the PeptideAtlas of this important pathogen.

Candida albicansPeptideAtlas web page:https://db.systemsbiology.net/sbeams/cgi/PeptideAtlas/buildDetails?atlas_build_id=578
Thermodynamic limit in the two-qubit quantum Rabi model with spin-spin coupling
Authors: Grimaudo R. , Falci G. , Messina A. , Paladino E. , Sergi A. , Solano E. , Valenti D.
Published: December 2024

The occurrence of a second-order superradiant quantum phase transition is brought to light in a quantum system consisting of two interacting qubits coupled to the same quantized field mode. We introduce an appropriate thermodynamic limit for the integrable two-qubit quantum Rabi model with spin-spin interaction. Namely, this limit is determined by the infinite ratios of the spin-spin and the spin-mode couplings to the mode frequency, regardless of the spin-to-mode frequency ratios.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
A fully contained sample holder capable of electron-yield detection at soft X-ray energies
Authors: Gunther S. Olivia , Smith Patrick W. , Branson Jacob A. , Ditter Alexander S. , Minasian Stefan G. , N'Diaye Alpha T. , Schacherl Bianca , Shuh David K.
Published: December 2024

A holder has been developed that enables electron yield-detected soft X-ray spectroscopy of fully contained samples at low temperature. Crucially, this design uses elements of the sample containment to collect ejected electrons, removing the need to expose samples directly to the vacuum environment of the spectrometer. The design is modular and should be adaptable to a number of different endstation configurations, enabling spectroscopy of air-sensitive, radioactive and vacuum-sensitive (biological) samples.
PGMweb: an online tool for visualizing the X-ray beam path through plane grating monochromators
Authors: Wang Patrick Yuheng , Bazan da Silva Murilo , Hand Matthew , Wang Hongchang , Chang Peter , Beilsten-Edmands Victoria , Kim Timur K. , Lee Tien-Lin , Sawhney Kawal , Walters Andrew C.
Published: December 2024

We present here a newly developed software tool (called PGMweb) for computing and simulating the X-ray beam path through a plane grating monochromator (PGM), a key component in soft X-ray beamlines at modern synchrotron and free-electron laser facilities. A historical overview of the development of PGMs is presented, with special attention dedicated to the collimated PGM optical scheme found at several X-ray facilities worldwide. The analytical expressions that fully describe the geometry of a PGM are derived and have been implemented as functions in a Python library (pyplanemono). PGMweb is distributed as a web-based application that can be run in any modern browser without installation, making its use very straightforward for X-ray beamline designers and beamline scientists alike.
Intention to engage in inter-contractor cooperation: a belief elicitation study in the construction industry
Authors: Moshood T.D. , Ling Yee Voon , Chai Changsaar , Lee Chia Kuang
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Partnering has been introduced to the construction field to improve project delivery efficiency. However, little research outlines the factors influencing the intention to form partnerships. This paper aims to investigate the relationships between attitude, subjective norm perceived behavioural control (PBC) and intention to form partnering, as well as to elicit behavioural, normative and control beliefs regarding partnering formation. The study also examines the relationships between these beliefs and their respective constructs within the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) framework.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to achieve these objectives, a two-stage approach was employed. First, a belief elicitation study (BES) involving 20 construction industry professionals was conducted to elicit salient beliefs. Subsequently, a TPB survey was administered to 99 contractors from grades G4 to G7. Partial Least Square analysis assessed the factors influencing the intention to form partnering.

Findings

The results supported six hypotheses, while six others were unsupported. Perceived usefulness significantly influenced attitude towards intention to form partnering, followed by attitude itself, which also significantly influenced intention. The project management team and sole proprietors had significant effects on the subjective norms, while facilitating conditions and consensus on appropriation significantly affected PBC.

Practical implications

This research contributes to the existing literature by providing empirical evidence on the role of intention in partnering formation. Moreover, by applying the BES, this research extends the TPB model of intention to form partnering in construction projects, offering valuable insights for future research and practice.

Originality/value

This study investigates the relationships between attitude, subjective norm PBC and intention to form partnering, as well as to elicit behavioural, normative and control beliefs regarding partnering formation. The study also examines the relationships between these beliefs and their respective constructs within the TPB framework.
The impact of quality management systems on organizational resilience
Authors: Al Balushi Mohammed
Published: December 2024

Purpose

For decades, quality management systems (QMS) have played an important role in the performance of organizations. Yet, with the unprecedented uncertainty surrounding the business environment, organizational resilience has become vital for business continuity. As organizations need to ensure both high performance and resilience, this paper aims at investigating how ISO 9001 implementation impacts organizational resilience.

Design/methodology/approach

The research deploys a qualitative methodology, with an outsider–insider approach. 32 semi-structured interviews were conducted, plus one final reflective interview. Interview questions dealt with resilience constructs: problem identification and prioritization, resource mobilization, organizational learning, sensemaking, self-organization, creativity and innovation, entrepreneurial spirit, mindfulness and coupling. The questions also dealt with how ISO 9001 implementation impacted each construct of organizational resilience.

Findings

The results show that ISO 9001 implementation enhanced resilience, mainly by promoting process-orientation and ensuring consistent practice of risk management across the organization. The results also suggest that at a certain point, when units became very highly process-oriented, ISO impact faded or disappeared as units had already been beyond that level before ISO implementation. This indicates a significant role played by the organizational structure when it comes to both ISO 9001 implementation and organizational structure.

Originality/value

This study is unique as it is the first – within the reviewed literature – to examine how a QMS, in particular ISO 9001, impacts firm’s ability to overcome adverse conditions. It also highlights the fundamental role the organizational structure plays to both effectively implement ISO 9001 and enhance organizational resilience.
Understanding criminogenic features: case studies of cryptocurrencies-based financial crimes
Authors: Carletti Rossella , Luo Xiaojun , Adelopo Ismail
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to comprehensively examine the intricate relationship between cryptocurrency and criminal enterprises, shedding light on the methods, mechanisms and implications of cryptocurrency use in various financial crimes.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper conducts a thematic analysis of 51 cryptocurrency-related financial crime cases to identify criminogenic features of cryptocurrencies, key tools and features of cryptocurrency-related financial crimes. Based on the case study, policy-changing recommendations and big-data analytics tools are proposed for law enforcement agencies to combat cryptocurrency crimes.

Findings

This study found that decentralisation, pseudo-anonymity and borderless nature of cryptocurrencies enable cross-border financial flows and make transaction tracking a complex challenge. Popularity and market capitalisation used to play a dominant role in criminals’ choice of cryptocurrency as Bitcoin was associated with most cryptocurrency-related crimes before 2019. An increasing number of other cryptocurrencies, such as privacy coins and stablecoins, have been utilised for financial crimes recently. Cryptocurrency has also become an essential source of terrorist financing.

Research limitations/implications

Due to the open access to cryptocurrency transaction data, powerful big-data analytics tools should be developed to help law enforcement departments proactively detect cryptocurrency-related crimes.

Practical implications

It is important and urgent for cryptocurrency exchange companies, mixing services and wallet providers to implement strict anti-money laundering and know-your-customer measures to help combat cryptocurrency-related crimes and create a sustainable future for cryptocurrencies.

Originality/value

There is a lack of studies to reveal the current trend of cryptocurrency crimes; the relationship between criminogenic features of cryptocurrency and types of financial crimes; as well as the approaches used to facilitate different types of cryptocurrency-related financial crimes. These gaps will be addressed through thematic analysis on 51 crypto crime cases.
Nutrient exchange within common mycorrhizal networks is altered in a multispecies environment
Authors: Řezáčová Veronika , Weremijewicz Joanna , Michalová Tereza
Published: December 2024

Although it is known that arbuscular common mycorrhizal networks (CMNs) mediate below‐ground interactions between one or two species, little is understood about their role in mediating interactions among multiple, co‐occurring plant species.

We investigated the CMN‐mediated interactions among two Central European species, Inula conyzae and Crepis biennis within pots and the impact of a third plant, an invasive Echinops sphaerocephalus, on these relationships. We examined changes in C‐to‐P exchange within a CMN formed by Funneliformis mosseae sourced from Central Europe by tracking plant C cost with 13C signatures of 16:1ω5 and P acquisition to hosts with 33P only accessible to CMNs.

When only native plants were present, the C cost was consistent for both species, despite CMNs favouring C. biennis with P uptake. In the presence of E. sphaerocephalus, CMNs also favoured C. biennis with P, but while C. biennis and E. sphaerocephalus provisioned similarly large portions of 13C, I. conyzae provided less. Mycorrhizal P acquisition, therefore, was the costliest for E. sphaerocephalus, which likely mitigated some I. conyzae's C cost even though both received a low proportion of 33P from CMNs.

Echinops sphaerocephalus altered mineral nutrient and C exchange proportions between native plants and their CMN, suggesting that this species alters below‐ground plant interactions and that not only specific characteristic of plant host and fungal partner but also the wider plant community mediates resource exchanges between CMNs and individual plants.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Unravelling a Latent Pathobiome Across Coral Reef Biotopes
Authors: Oliveira Vanessa , Cleary Daniel F. R. , Polónia Ana R. M. , Huang Yusheng M. , Rocha Ulisses , Voogd Nicole J. de , Gomes Newton C. M.
Published: December 2024

Previous studies on disease in coral reef organisms have neglected the natural distribution of potential pathogens and the genetic factors that underlie disease incidence. This study explores the intricate associations between hosts, microbial communities, putative pathogens, antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and virulence factors (VFs) across diverse coral reef biotopes. We observed a substantial compositional overlap of putative bacterial pathogens, VFs and ARGs across biotopes, consistent with the ‘everything is everywhere, but the environment selects’ hypothesis. However, flatworms and soft corals deviated from this pattern, harbouring the least diverse microbial communities and the lowest diversity of putative pathogens and ARGs. Notably, our study revealed a significant congruence between the distribution of putative pathogens, ARGs and microbial assemblages across different biotopes, suggesting an association between pathogen and ARG occurrence. This study sheds light on the existence of this latent pathobiome, the disturbance of which may contribute to disease onset in coral reef organisms.
Selective Pressure Influences Inter‐Biome Dispersal in the Assembly of Saline Microbial Communities
Authors: Menéndez‐Serra Mateu , Cáliz Joan , Triadó‐Margarit Xavier , Alonso David , Casamayor Emilio O.
Published: December 2024

Selection and dispersal are the primary processes influencing community assembly at both global and regional scales. Although the effectiveness of dispersal is often examined within the same biome, microscopic organisms demonstrate the capability to colonise and thrive across different biomes. In this study, we evaluated the relationship between (i) aquatic, (ii) sedimentary and (iii) aerial microbial communities, and how local selective pressures influence the potential impact of inter‐biome dispersal, focusing on the salinity gradient stress over time in ephemeral saline lakes. Our taxonomic ordination analyses revealed that the three communities were distinctly segregated yet interconnected by shared populations. Organisms prevalent across the three biomes exhibited cosmopolitan behaviour based on global databases, indicating an inherent ability to cross biome boundaries. Cosmopolitan groups dominated the planktonic community at lower salinities but gradually diminished as salinity increased, resulting in communities dominated by aquatic specialists with more restricted environmental distributions. The aerial community was primarily composed of generalists, although airborne halophiles were also identified, suggesting long‐range dispersal as a source of colonisers in isolated extremophile environments. Our findings contribute to a better understanding of the dynamic interplay between dispersal and selective pressures on community assembly across biomes, highlighting the significance of aerial microbiota in remote colonisation.
Opportunities and Barriers for Politicians' Interaction With Citizens on Social Media in the 2020s: An Updated Framework for Future Research
Authors: Severin‐Nielsen Majbritt K. , Clement Sanne Lund
Published: December 2024

Social media has provided politicians new opportunities to engage in a continuous dialogue with citizens. While politicians did not take advantage of this potential in their early social media usage, scholars have suggested that politicians utilize social media more for interactions with citizens in the 2020s. Against this backdrop, the aim of the current study is to update the existing knowledge on the opportunities and barriers politicians experience for interacting with citizens on social media in a time, when knowledge and skills to use social media have been built up within the political system. Based on an interview study among Danish parliamentary members in 2021 (n = 18), a most‐likely case of online interactions, we find that politicians utilize the platforms for indirect forms of interactions but only to a limited extent engage in direct conversations on social media due to limited resources and experiences of online incivility. However, the study also identifies some opportunities for direct interactions. Most significantly, politicians were more willing to interact on platforms with less online incivility. Furthermore, the interviews revealed that social media acts as a facilitator of politicians' offline interactions with citizens rather than the place, where the interactions take place. The findings have implications for how scholars ought to study politicians' online interaction behaviors.
Antibody development for the diagnosis of Oryctes rhinoceros nudivirus
Authors: Kim Hyun‐Soo , Kim Eunsun , Kim Kyungbo , Yoon June‐Sun
Published: December 2024

The Korean rhinoceros beetle, Trypoxylus dichotomus, an edible insect in the Republic of Korea, is an important insect for industrial farming, with various uses ranging from medical purposes to pets. However, there have been difficulties in the production and management of this species over the past 10 years as a result of nudivirus. This virus belongs to the family Nudiviridae, and infection with this virus proves fatal for rhinoceros beetles. The goal of this work was to develop an antibody for fundamental research on virus diagnosis. The ODV‐E66 gene encoding an envelope protein was selected for antibody production. The peptide region was derived from in silico analysis considering the conserved motif region and secondary structure of the peptide. In addition, the final peptide immunogen was validated by analyzing the physicochemical properties of the peptide to increase the rate of antibody formation. The production of polyclonal antibodies was induced by injecting peptide immunogens into rabbits. Antibody activity was evaluated using the enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. As a result, we confirmed that antibody formation was possible with nudivirus mimotopes, and we also confirmed that the antigen–antibody reaction differs depending on the peptide. These results suggest a new perspective for diagnosing insect viruses and contribute to the broader knowledge of peptide immunogens.
Odorant binding protein TcOBPC02 contributes to phytochemical defense in the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum
Authors: Gao Shanshan , Guo Mengyi , Yu Weicheng , Miao Wenbo , Ya Haofei , Liu Dongfeng , Li Ruimin , Zhang Kunpeng
Published: December 2024

The red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum, is an agricultural and storage pest with a global distribution. Studies have shown that eucalyptol has strong contact toxicity against larvae of this beetle, whereas odorant binding proteins (OBPs) are known to contribute to larval defenses against this phytochemical toxin. However, the mechanisms underlying the protective effect of insect OBPs against eucalyptol remain unclear. Here, TcOBPC02 from T. castaneum was cloned and characterized. Gene expression profile analysis showed that TcOBPC02 is highly expressed at early larval and early pupal stages. Additionally, tissue expression profiling revealed that, in the adult, TcOBPC02 was most highly expressed in the head, followed by the epidermis, whereas in larvae, TcOBPC02 was mainly expressed in hemolymph and the epidermis. These developmental stages and tissues that exhibit high TcOBPC02 expression are closely related to the detoxification of heterologous substances. Furthermore, the mRNA level of TcOBPC02 was significantly increased after exposure to eucalyptol, whereas TcOBPC02‐targeted RNA interference increased the susceptibility of T. castaneum to eucalyptol, indicating that TcOBPC02 participates in the tolerance of this beetle to eucalyptol. Additionally, recombinant TcOBPC02 was expressed in Escherichia coli and isolated, enabling a straightforward fluorescence competition binding assay. In combination, these results have demonstrated that TcOBPC02 is required for defenses against phytochemicals in T. castaneum. This study provides a theoretical basis for understanding the mechanisms underlying the degradation of exogenous toxicants in insects and adds to the repertoire of potential target genes for pest control.
Estimating potential climate change effects on pollinating insects: A multi‐taxa study in the Republic of Korea
Authors: Rahimi Ehsan , Jung Chuleui
Published: December 2024

The impact of climate change on insects, particularly pollinators such as bees, butterflies, moths and hoverflies, has been the focus of numerous studies. In this context, recognizing a gap in research on pollinators in the Republic of Korea, we employed species distribution models (SDMs) to assess the potential impacts of climate change on 206 species of pollinating insects in the Republic of Korea under two climate change scenarios: SSP245 and SSP585. Our results showed that under the SSP245 scenario, two bee species are projected to increase by 24.3% on average, whereas five species will decrease by 61.3%. For butterflies, 12 species will increase by 144.6%, whereas 35 species will decrease by 86.1%. For hoverflies, six species will increase by 75.7% and 13 species will decrease by 68.8%. For moths, 37 species will increase by 131% and 96 species will decrease by 90.8%. Under the worst‐case climate change scenario (SSP585), one bee species is expected to see its distribution range increase by an average of 161%, whereas six other species might experience a reduction of 73.2% on average. For butterflies, 15 species are projected to expand their range by an average of 157%, whereas 32 species could face an average decrease of 89.7%. In the case of hoverflies, ten species are anticipated to grow their distribution range by 117.9% on average, whereas nine species might decrease by an average of 90.8%. Lastly, for moths, 38 species are expected to expand their range by an average of 199%, whereas 95 species could contract their range by an average of 87%.
Penitentiaries: Bringing microbiological literacy to the fringes of society
Authors: de Lorenzo Víctor
Published: December 2024

This report highlights a science outreach effort for prisons launched by the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) in collaboration with the NGO Solidarios para el Desarrollo. The Microbiology‐focused part of the initiative aims at educating inmates on some basic facts, in order to raise awareness about microorganisms and their impact on daily life. The outline of the talks, inspired by the International Initiative for Microbial Literacy, aims to encourage this collective to move from passive listeners into active participants, helping them understand that Earth is a microbial planet, and that their bodies harbour vast microbiomes that affect their health and social interactions. The talks introduce Microbiology using simple metaphors and emphasize the role of beneficial microorganisms. By explaining the power of microscopes, inmates are shown the hidden microbial world that surrounds them, sparking interest and curiosity. The talks also cover microbial biotechnology, using examples such as bioplastics, anti‐cavity bacteria, and skin microorganisms designed for acne prevention. Overall, this outreach initiative seeks to provide inmates with valuable scientific knowledge, fostering curiosity and critical thinking. Despite the challenges of delivering such content in a prison setting, the initiative demonstrates that even marginalized groups can benefit from microbiological literacy, helping them to both endure their terms and eventually reintegrate into society.
Integrating oral health into primary care: a proof‐of‐concept for dry mouth management in the Australian community pharmacy setting
Authors: Calache H , Martin R , Loton C , Taing M‐W , Mc Namara K , Smith L , Christian B
Published: December 2024

Background

Xerostomia (dry mouth) is a common yet severe problem, causing difficulty with eating, speaking, dental caries, and discomfort. Access issues to dental services, including cost and availability of dental practitioners, can delay timely diagnosis and management of dry mouth. Thus, there is a need for innovative approaches to manage xerostomia, involving non‐dental primary care health practitioners.

Methods/Designs

This proof‐of‐concept study assessed the feasibility of a co‐designed oral health education resource to enable pharmacists to support their clients in managing xerostomia. The co‐design process involved input from consumers with lived experience and an expert advisory group. Ten community pharmacists then participated in a pilot programme to deliver oral health advice on dry mouth to their clients. Pre‐ and post‐intervention surveys assessed the pharmacists' confidence, recommendations and knowledge on dry mouth.

Results

Through the co‐design process, several resources were developed, including an information guide for pharmacists, a flyer and a sticker for clients. Participating pharmacists had an increase in confidence, knowledge and ability to provide dry mouth management advice when supported by appropriate resources.

Conclusion

It is feasible for pharmacists to provide oral healthcare advice in a community pharmacy setting if they receive the right training, resources, and support.
Synergistic or Siloed? Communicative practices in dual‐earner parents' boundary navigation and implications for gendered work‐family experiences
Authors: Kelland Jasmine , Radcliffe Laura , Williams Grace , Gregory‐Chialton Jo
Published: December 2024

It is well established that in contemporary Western society, work and family (WF) are often navigated by both members of a parenting couple. However, existing understandings regarding the communicative processes by which both parents navigate, and relationally co‐construct WF boundaries together, remain somewhat of a theoretical blind spot. This study provides insights into the relational communicative practices that coupled, heterosexual parents engage in when navigating WF boundaries. Our couple‐level data collected during the UK Covid‐19 lockdown period, in which both parents simultaneously experienced boundary disruption, explore the communicative practices or ‘tactics’ engaged in to relationally navigate boundaries in this context. Utilising a novel multi‐method, qualitative approach constituting in‐depth interviews and daily diaries, we extend the concept of communicative tactics put forward by Kreiner et al.. Specifically, our findings uncover new relational patterns of communicative tactics utilised for WF boundary navigation, which we term ‘synergistic’ and ‘siloed’ communicative modes. We demonstrate how the tactics of ‘expectation setting’ and ‘confronting violators’, alongside the novel communicative tactic we term ‘re‐setting expectations’, can be enacted in very different ways depending upon the overarching communicative mode, thereby constituting distinct relational communicative approaches. We further demonstrate the role of (gendered) power dynamics on communicative practices revealing how such dynamics can impact upon prevailing gender (in)equality between parents. We conclude by discussing the implications of these findings for both future research and practice.
The double‐edged sword effect of leader humor on employee thriving at work
Authors: Xu Angela J. , Wang Lei , Sun Fufu
Published: December 2024

Despite the importance of leader humor in sustaining organizational effectiveness, little is known about how and when leader humor affects employee thriving, an important indicator of employee personal growth and organizational sustainable human capital. Drawing on and extending the socially embedded model of thriving at work, this study takes a balanced view and investigates the positive and negative impacts of leader humor on employee thriving. On the one hand, we propose that leader humor is related to information inadequacy, which hinders employee thriving. On the other hand, we argue that leader humor enables employees' positive affect, which enhances their level of thriving. Three‐wave data collected from 268 employees working in various industries support our hypotheses. The findings show that high‐quality information and affect resources exchange relationships with teammates (i.e., team–member exchange) alleviate the detrimental effect of leader humor on information adequacy but do not affect its beneficial effect on positive affect, which facilitates employee thriving as a whole. This study has practical implications on how practitioners can capitalize on leader humor and build a thriving workforce.
Representing time in documentation using the CIDOC CRM
Authors: Stead Stephen D.
Published: December 2024

This paper describes the evolution and use of key concepts in the CRM family of standards to document the relationship between the objects and events documented and time. It discusses the differences between phenomenological and declarative time and between absolute and relative dating and how they are implemented in the CRM. It considers the use of periods, spacetime volumes, and the concept of a presence, and finally explores the registration of dates.

It is intended as an introduction to the richness of the ontological toolset contained in the CRM and its application to recording time.
Limits and prospects of corporate citizenship. A specific conceptual perspective
Authors: Katona Klára
Published: December 2024

The concept of corporate citizenship as a form of corporate social responsibility theory challenged the traditionally accepted socio‐economic division of labor between government and corporations. Although the concept has been around for decades, its validity and applicability are still a matter of debate, with attention to the “chameleon” nature of the concept. Therefore, this paper defines and applies a conceptual framework to examine whether corporate social and political engagement is necessary and, if so, in what form it is beneficial for both the company and society. This is the objective of the present study. The method used in this paper is critical analysis, i.e. the evaluation of arguments both pro and con, and the comparison of these arguments with empirical evidence within the defined conceptual framework. The study shows that the demand for corporate activism is contradictory, so companies need to determine whose interests they represent or balance between different expectations. In addition to analyzing and evaluating corporate activism from a specific conceptual framework, the novelty of the study lies in its differentiated approach to corporate citizenship according to the scope of the companies and in the corresponding proposal for a new socio‐economic division of labor between governments and corporations.
The Transformative Potential of Artificial Intelligence for Public Sector Reform
Authors: Longo Justin
Published: December 2024

This article examines the experience with and potential application of artificial intelligence (AI) within the Canadian public service. Assessed are the ways in which AI is being applied to internal administration and operations, the bilingual requirements of Canada's federal government, public service delivery, policy analysis and advising, application adjudication, and monitoring and regulatory compliance. The response to date from the federal government on how to guide the use of AI in the public service is assessed, and options and prospects for the future are offered in conclusion.
The Role of Timing and Amount of Outdoor Play in Emotional Dysregulation in Preschool Children
Authors: Lee Jane J. , Flouri Eirini , Jackson Yo
Published: December 2024

Background

Currently, the time children spend playing outdoors is at an all‐time low. However, the existing literature suggests that outdoor play may have cognitive and emotional benefits for children.

Methods

The present study carried out a mediation analysis to explore whether amount and timing of outdoor play affects children's emotion regulation and whether working memory mediates these relations among 325 preschool children (Mage = 4.19, SD = 0.85) residing in a large Midwestern city in the United States.

Results

Results showed that greater amounts of outdoor play very early (i.e., wake‐up to noon) and very late (i.e., 6 PM to bedtime) in the day were related to greater emotional dysregulation. By contrast, greater amount of outdoor play from noon to 6 PM was related to lower emotional dysregulation. Importantly, the effect of amount of outdoor play from noon to 6 PM on emotion regulation was fully mediated by working memory.

Conclusion

The findings of the present study suggest that in early childhood outdoor play that supports children's circadian rhythms may have cognitive and, in turn, emotional benefits.
Featured Cover
Authors: Mancini Leonardo , Barootchi Shayan , Pirc Miha , Marchetti Enrico , Jung Ronald E. , Tavelli Lorenzo , Thoma Daniel S.
Published: December 2024

The cover image is based on the article 3D surface defect map for assessing buccolingual profile of single tooth gaps following alveolar ridge presrvation by Leonardo Mancini etal., https://doi.org/10.1111/cid.13377.

image
Theta Rhythm‐Based Attention Switch Training Effectively Modified Negative Attentional Bias
Authors: Li Guo , Cai Xueli , Wang Yifeng
Published: December 2024

Background

Attentional bias modification training (ABMT) is commonly employed to regulate negative attentional bias (NAB) and, in turn, to prevent or alleviate depressive symptoms. Recent advancements in attention switch theory have facilitated the development of a novel training paradigm that may enhance the efficacy of such interventions.

Methods

A total of fifty‐seven college students were assigned to two groups: one exhibiting NAB and the other without. Both groups underwent training with a novel paradigm integrating theta rhythm with the traditional dot‐probe task (DPT). The DPT was also administered as a pre‐ and post‐test measure.

Results

For individuals with NAB, rhythmic DPT effectively alleviates their NAB. Additionally, within the training procedure's DPT, flashing negative stimuli elicits faster responses when the probe appears at the positive stimulus' location. Baseline attention scores can negatively predict changes in subsequent corresponding attentional performance.

Conclusions

This study presents a novel training paradigm—the theta rhythm‐based DPT—that effectively modifies NAB. The mechanism underlying this intervention may be driven by positive salient stimuli at the critical trough, facilitating the switch of attention from negative to positive stimuli.
Unlocking Threshold Concepts: Transforming Student Identities through an International ‘Year‐Out’ Multidisciplinary Design Education Programme
Authors: Richardson Charles , Harrison Daniel
Published: December 2024

Industry demands that graduates excel in their academic disciplines while creatively solving problems and challenges across various contexts, while collaborating effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team. This paper reflects on key learnings and implications from delivery of an innovative and novel “year‐out” multidisciplinary design education programme for third‐year undergraduate students from multiple disciplinary backgrounds. The programme's core aim was to facilitate learning and application of a range of design tools and methods, while concurrently allowing students to apply knowledge and skills from their home disciplines. Bringing together students from a range of disciplines helped to create novel solutions to complex problems while fostering critical thinking, creativity, adaptability, communication and collaboration – key skills for graduate employability. This paper derives and interrogates key learnings associated with two years of programme delivery. With a focus on pedagogical approaches through the lens of Threshold Concepts, we provide recommendations that support students to develop their own agency, to make this transition possible.
A Business Model for Communication Design Enterprises
Authors: Kennedy Con
Published: December 2024

Several international reports and studies indicate that the Communication Design sector has a skill deficit in entrepreneurship and business management, and a greater understanding of these topics is needed. Some authors advocate applying existing business models for design enterprises. However, the skill deficit prevails. It is worth noting that these reports discuss the entrepreneurship deficit in general terms without an explanation of the causes of this deficit or how to remedy the issue. Therefore, this paper explores the development of a Business Model specific for Design Entrepreneurs for deployment in Communication Design enterprises.

A theoretical framework for a specific business model for design entrepreneurs for application in their enterprises was developed by assessing the literature in the field, in which a previously unidentified connection between the themes of design and the entrepreneurship process was identified. This review evaluated themes for their applicability in a business model for design enterprises. This hypothesis was tested and evaluated through this study's primary phenomenological research, conducted through semi‐structured interviews with prominent and successful design entrepreneurs. Thematic analysis methods guided the research findings. The data analysis identified various themes that emerged from interviews. These themes helped further develop the theoretical framework and iterate a proposed entrepreneurship model applicable to design entrepreneurs. This proposed entrepreneurship model better explains the entrepreneurship process from the point of view of designers, meaning that the model is relevant and valuable to the sector.

This paper contributes to the academic knowledge of entrepreneurship by developing a framework for a business model, specifically for design entrepreneurs in the Communication Design sector. In addition, it proposes a thematic relationship between entrepreneurship and design processes, a connection that has not been explored in the literature before. This novel perspective enriches the academic discourse on entrepreneurship and design, offering new avenues for research and understanding.
Design Creativity in the Belly of the Beast
Authors: Smulders Frido
Published: December 2024

C‐K theory is about design creativity & innovation. Operational theory is about optimization and efficiency. C‐K theory is about the search for the new in the unknown. Operational theory is about squeezing out inefficiency in the known. C‐K theory works best under low pressure whereas operational theory works best under high pressure. C‐K theory provides a framework for an exploration of a metaphorically unknown jungle whereas operational theory provides the procedures for traveling by public transport.

This paper addresses the challenging situation of applying design creativity within tightly organized operational processes. Processes are tightly woven organizational routines which resemble the parasympathetic system of our digestion that proceeds autonomously. How can we break in and make room for design creativity?

From a situational perspective on C‐K theory, we then look at the theory of organizational routines. What are they and how are they created? These thoughts form the prelude to an exploration of the possible inclusion forces of routines, the forces that keep people within the behavior of the routines. Along the lines of a Deweyan inquiry, we look for integration of these elements to ultimately arrive at a proposal for resolution. Not easy, but fundamental.
Investigating the common genetic architecture and causality of metabolic disorders with neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Hong Hao , Fu Qi , Gu Pan , Zhao Jingyi , Dai Jinglan , Xu Kuanfeng , Yang Tao , Dai Hao , Shen Sipeng
Published: December 2024

Background

The co‐occurrence of metabolic dysfunction and neurodegenerative diseases suggests a genetic link, yet the shared genetic architecture and causality remain unclear. We aimed to comprehensively characterise these genetic relationships.

Methods

We investigated genetic correlations among four neurodegenerative diseases and seven metabolic dysfunctions, followed by bidirectional Mendelian randomisation (MR) to assess potential causal relationships. Pleiotropy analysis (PLACO) was used to detect the pleiotropic effects of genetic variants. Significant pleiotropic loci were refined and annotated using functional mapping and annotation (FUMA) and Bayesian colocalisation analysis. We further explored mapped genes with tissue‐specific expression and gene set enrichment analyses.

Results

We identified significant genetic correlations in nine out of 28 trait pairs. MR suggested causal relationships between specific trait pairs. Pleiotropy analysis revealed 25 931 significant single‐nucleotide polymorphisms, with 246 pleiotropic loci identified via FUMA and 55 causal loci through Bayesian colocalisation. These loci are involved in neurotransmitter transport and immune response mechanisms, notably the missense variant rs41286192 in SLC18B1. The tissue‐specific analysis highlighted the pancreas, left ventricle, amygdala, and liver as critical organs in disease progression. Drug target analysis linked 74 unique genes to existing therapeutic agents, while gene set enrichment identified 189 pathways related to lipid metabolism, cell differentiation and immune responses.

Conclusion

Our findings reveal a shared genetic basis, pleiotropic loci, and potential causal relationships between metabolic dysfunction and neurodegenerative diseases. These insights highlight the biological connections underlying their phenotypic association and offer implications for future research to reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases.