bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“We want more diversity, but …”: examining the antecedents and outcomes of diversity in organizations
Authors: Pinheiro Alan Bandeira , do Prado Nágela Bianca , Moraes Gustavo Hermínio Salati Marcondes de
Published: February 2025

Purpose

The aim of this article is to develop an original framework that explores how the adoption of diversity and inclusion policies mediates the relationship between board composition and market value.

Design/methodology/approach

Using secondary data from the Refinitiv Eikon database, 413 Latin American publicly traded companies were analyzed from 2018 to 2021. Three independent variables related to board composition were used. Firstly, they were tested as antecedents of diversity in organizations. Secondly, diversity was tested as a driver of market capitalization. Multivariate analysis was applied, and discussions were anchored in upper echelons theory.

Findings

The empirical results presented evidence that board size and independence positively affect diversity policies and program development in organizations. On one hand, in our analyses, gender diversity lost significance. On the other hand, findings reveal that companies that develop more diversity and inclusion policies tend to have a higher value in terms of market capitalization.

Originality/value

We propose a hierarchy process for firms to reach value, starting with board composition’s influence on diversity and, in a second stage, the diversity as a driver for market capitalization. Furthermore, although prior research has examined the relationship between diversity and firm performance, there is a research gap regarding emerging countries.
Navigating data visualization: service landscapes and librarian roles in academic libraries
Authors: Wang Guan , Noorhidawati A. , Yanti Idaya A.M.K. , Yuan Ye
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Under the dual influence of external data environments and growing internal demands, data visualization (DV) has become a crucial component of library services, introducing new trends in library practices. This study aims to: i) evaluate data visualization services (DVS) in Chinese academic libraries and ii) analyse the evolving roles and responsibilities of librarians within this context.

Design/methodology/approach

This exploratory study is based on an environmental scan of websites from academic libraries in China’s top-tier universities. Using purposive sampling, data were collected through semi-structured interviews from 24 experienced librarians across 16 academic libraries and analysed thematically using NVivo.

Findings

The findings reveal that libraries’ DVS practices are evolving to accommodate a broader user base, with librarians’ roles becoming more multidimensional, including stewards, trainers, collaborators and advocates. Emerging responsibilities, such as enriching DV resources, guiding users in data interpretation, developing users’ DV skills and promoting data-driven innovation, have become more prominent.

Practical implications

This research provides valuable insights into the evolving roles of librarians in the age of open data, while offering practical guidance and inspiration for libraries and librarians keen to implement DVS to support such initiatives. It assists libraries in better meeting user needs and promotes data-driven innovation.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to examine the practice of DVS in Chinese academic libraries. The findings affirm the importance of DVS and offer practicable strategies to strengthen its implementation, which pave the way for future studies on library services and librarian competencies in DV-related fields.
Enhancing student awareness of infrastructure inequities through sustainable, equitable and resilient infrastructure education
Authors: Rahat Rubaya , Calle Müller Claudia , ElZomor Mohamed
Published: February 2025

Purpose

While the efforts at the curriculum level to promote sustainability and resilience have been increasing, it is critical to determine effective approaches to advance the awareness of social equity of the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) students in such a context. This study aims to explore AEC students’ awareness and perception of societal inequalities within resilient infrastructure systems and investigate the efficacy of a training approach to cultivate concepts related to sustainable, equitable and resilient infrastructure (SERI).

Design/methodology/approach

The study surveyed AEC students and gathered data about students’ awareness of equity in resilient infrastructure systems, their desire to promote systemic change and relevant demographics. Furthermore, the study implemented training within a sustainability course and conducted a post-training survey.

Findings

The results revealed that although the majority of the students demonstrated a promising level of awareness, some students lacked knowledge related to infrastructure inequity issues. In addition, the findings indicated that guided training could improve the students’ understanding as well as boost their confidence to address and mitigate infrastructure inequity issues in resilient infrastructure development.

Originality/value

The findings of the study are valuable for increasing awareness of infrastructure equity and can motivate educators to develop targeted strategies and educational modules, ensuring that AEC students possess the essential knowledge and perspectives to develop equitable, sustainable and resilient infrastructures.
Presenting a self-adjusting algorithm for optimizing the stock portfolio according to the fundamental index and technical analysis
Authors: Asgari Hamed , Behnamian Javad
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study aims to optimize capital allocation across several stocks to maximize expected returns while minimizing risk. By enhancing the portfolio selection model with new constraints and a unique objective function, the research introduces improved strategies for achieving these financial objectives.

Design/methodology/approach

This research uses a Sharpe ratio index for portfolio comparison and introduces a self-adjusting algorithm based on a genetic algorithm, eliminating the need for manual parameter adjustments. The effectiveness of this methodology is assessed across various test cases, demonstrating its applicability and robustness in dynamic financial market conditions.

Findings

This study confirms that the proposed algorithm consistently outperforms traditional models, offering robustness across different market conditions. Results indicate significant risk management and return maximization, and improvements have been attributed to the innovative model enhancements and algorithmic adjustments.

Originality/value

Incorporating a new objective function prioritizing the price-to-earnings ratio and introducing technical analysis constraints significantly enhance portfolio profitability and risk management. Another key contribution is the self-adjusting algorithm streamlining parameter adjustments, fostering more dynamic and accurate responses to market changes. These contributions have not been observed in prior research, providing a novel approach to the portfolio selection problem.
Customer adoption of green banking: an extended theory of planned behavior
Authors: Jain Anshul , Behera Biswajit , Kochhar Khyati
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Green banking has evolved in the financial sector to reduce the negative impact of economic progress. However, customers’ behavior remains indifferent towards bank’s green initiatives across nations. Therefore, this study examines the various factors affecting the behavior of Indian banking customers towards green banking by extending the theory of planned behavior (TPB).

Design/methodology/approach

The study employed a quantitative research approach and distributed a self-administered questionnaire. Data from the 293 green banking service users in India’s Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) have been collected using purposive and snowball sampling techniques. SPSS 26 and SmartPLS 3 were used to analyze data.

Findings

The findings explained that environmental concern substantially predicts customer attitude, subjective norms and perceived behavior control towards green banking. Moreover, all the constructs within the TPB model were found to substantially impact customers’ inclination to adopt green banking, thereby leading to actual behavior.

Research limitations/implications

Academically, the findings have broadened the TPB model’s application by adding a new construct in the context of green banking while confirming its applicability. Practically, it advises financial regulators and banking personnel to prioritize establishing a conducive environment for customers, characterized by the accessibility of green banking services under favorable conditions and at affordable rates.

Originality/value

The study enhanced the understanding towards green banking by correlating different variables and extending the TPB model using SmartPLS 3 in the domain of green banking.
Long‐term real‐world effectiveness of deucravacitinib in psoriasis: A 52‐week prospective study stratified by prior apremilast or biologic therapy
Authors: Hagino Teppei , Saeki Hidehisa , Fujimoto Eita , Kanda Naoko
Published: February 2025

Real‐world evidence on the long‐term effectiveness of deucravacitinib, a selective tyrosine kinase 2 inhibitor for psoriasis, remains limited, particularly in patients with different histories of systemic treatments. We evaluated the 52‐week effectiveness of deucravacitinib in patients with psoriasis, stratified by a history of apremilast or biologic usage. This prospective, single‐center study included 110 patients with moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis who received daily deucravacitinib (6 mg). Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) scores during the treatment were analyzed in subgroups stratified by a history of apremilast or biologic usage. Deucravacitinib decreased PASI and DLQI scores for 52 weeks in psoriasis patients, both with and without prior apremilast or biologic usage. The percent reductions from baseline PASI or DLQI at week 52 were similar in apremilast‐experienced patients (92% or 77.9%) and apremilast‐naive patients (88.3% or 81.6%), respectively. The achievement rates of PASI 100 or absolute PASI ≤1 at week 52 in apremilast‐experienced patients (30.8% or 61.5%) were slightly higher than those in apremilast‐naive patients (20.5% or 46.2%). The percent reductions from baseline PASI or DLQI at week 52 in biologic‐naive patients (91.6 or 82.8%) were slightly higher than those in biologic‐experienced patients (57.6% or 63.6%), respectively. The achievement rates of PASI 75, 100 or absolute PASI ≤1 at week 52 in biologic‐naive patients (84.4%, 24.4%, or 53.3%) were slightly higher than those in biologic‐experienced patients (57.1%, 14.3%, or 28.6%), respectively. Deucravacitinib generated sustained 52‐week effectiveness in diverse patient subgroups, supporting its role as a universal treatment for psoriasis.
Native seed density and non‐native invasive species arrival order independently affect biotic resistance to invasion
Authors: Lee Jangho , Singh Kripal , Byun Chaeho
Published: February 2025

An essential objective in ecological restoration is enhancing the biotic resistance of native plant communities by promoting competition between invasive and native species. However, little is known about how the sowing density of native species and the arrival order of invasive species affect the biotic resistance of native plant communities.

We established a competition experiment in the Republic of Korea involving a mix of four native species and an invasive species, leveraging the concepts of density and priority effects. The native seeds of four species were sown at three relative densities (low, medium, and high), and the targeted invasive species (Ageratina altissima L.) was introduced at different time points (2 weeks ahead of the native species, simultaneously, and 2, 4, and 6 weeks after the native species). The biotic resistance of native species was computed by the average relative competitive index (RCIavg) using the density, cover, and height of invasive species.

The biotic resistance of native species increased with increasing seed densities. The RCI values were 0.43, 0.64, and 0.78 for low, moderate, and high seed densities, respectively. Furthermore, delaying invasion enhanced the resistance of native species and competitively excluded invasion if invasive species arrived 4 and 6 weeks after native species. These findings underscore the interactions between density and priority effects, revealing that sowing native species early at high densities improves the resistance of native communities to invasion.

Based on Pearson correlation coefficients (r), the RCIavg of resident plants was influenced by plant density, cover, and height. Monthly observations of plant cover clearly showed a consistent increase in the cover of native species in high‐density plant communities, and this was sustained for the entire duration of the experiment.

Synthesis and applications. This study reveals that sowing diverse native species at high seed densities and priority effects can promote biotic resistance and competitively exclude invasive species from ecological restoration sites.
Caesarean Scar Endometrial Defects Contribute to Post‐Caesarean Abnormal Uterine Bleeding and Chronic Endometritis: A Retrospective Case–Control Study
Authors: Wang Yanpeng , Han Yongshu , Guo Xiaoyan , Wei Qianqian , Xia Yan , Gao Leilei , Wang Huihua , Lu Xue , Shu Jing
Published: February 2025

Objective

To explore the role of endometrial defects in the pathogenesis of abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB).

Design

Retrospective case–control study.

Setting

Two tertiary centres.

Population or Sample

We included 155 patients with caesarean scar defects (CSDs) who underwent hysteroscopy (69 AUB, 86 non‐AUB). Thirty patients with AUB were successfully matched with 30 patients without AUB after propensity score matching (PSM) based on CSD size and number of previous caesarean sections, which indicate myometrial defect severity.

Methods

Hysteroscopic features of CSD before and after PSM were compared between two groups. Pathological features of 13 patients in each group with biopsies of the CSD surface and uterine endometrium were compared, including endometrial thickness determined by haematoxylin–eosin staining, vascular density identified by CD31 staining and chronic endometritis assessed by plasma cells stained with CD138.

Main Outcome Measures

Incidence of hysteroscopic and pathological features of CSD.

Results

Before PSM, the AUB group exhibited larger diverticulum sizes and more severe myometrial CSD defects than the non‐AUB group. After PSM, five features of endometrial defects demonstrated statistically significant differences: in situ haemorrhage, bloody mucus, epithelial deficiency, exposed blood vessels and hyperplastic vessels. Pathological assessments also revealed significant differences in endometrial thickness of CSD, local vascularization and plasma cell count at CSD between the AUB and non‐AUB groups.

Conclusions

Endometrial defects at caesarean scars contribute more to AUB than myometrial defects.
When Teaching and Learning Microbiology Engage Societal Needs
Authors: Valderrama María‐José , Nebreda Etna , López‐Ejeda Noemí , Linares María
Published: February 2025

This article explores the integration of community‐based learning into microbiology education, using as an example the Service‐Learning (S‐L) programme ‘Movies in company for preventing diseases’ implemented at the Complutense University of Madrid. The programme exemplifies how academic knowledge can be effectively applied to address societal issues focused on disadvantaged populations. The issue describes the basis and quality criteria for designing a S‐L in clinical microbiology: real needs identification, student's curricular connection, social engagement and learning link, assessment of active participation of students, commitment outside university campus and recognition and assessment. The impact on university participants and community partners and the contribution to university social responsibility is also presented. The S‐L programme fosters social engagement in all participants, both students and university tutors, and positively impacts community underserved members by providing crucial health information and support. The success of this programme highlights its potential as a model for integrating academic learning in microbiology with societal needs and emphasises the role of universities in addressing global challenges.
Chest Discomfort, Left Ventricular Hypertrophy, Global T‐Wave Inversion, and Short PR Interval Points to a Particular Cardiac Condition. What Could Be the Diagnosis?
Authors: Li Jing‐Xiu , Di Xin‐Xin , Gao Min , Li Xue‐Qi , Wang Yan‐Lin , Zheng Jie
Published: February 2025

This article describes a 44‐year‐old female with Fabry disease presenting with a 7‐year history of chest discomfort, extremity pain, and hypohidrosis. ECG revealed sinus bradycardia (52 bpm), a short PR interval (100 ms) with a delta wave, and a QRS complex (126 ms) showing a complete right bundle branch block. T‐wave inversion and ST‐segment depression were observed in leads I, AVL, II, aVF, and V2–V6. Genetic testing confirmed Fabry disease (GLA: c.700_702del). Short PR interval with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) poses a diagnostic challenge, requiring advanced imaging and genetic testing to differentiate Fabry disease from other cardiomyopathies.
Assessment of surgical smoke knowledge and exposure symptoms of the operating room team: a Turkish sample
Authors: Gezer Derya , Bozkul Gamze
Published: February 2025

Backgrounds

The aim of this study was to assess the level of knowledge of operating room (OR) staff about surgical smoke and to examine its negative effects on health.

Methods

A descriptive and cross‐sectional design was used. The study population consisted of the health care team working in the OR of a university and a state hospital. The sample consisted of 113 participants who met the inclusion criteria and agreed to participate in the study. Data were collected using a data collection form based on the literature. A P‐value of >0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

The mean age of the participants was 36.10 ± 8.13 years. 61.9% of the participants had not received training on surgical smoke. It was determined that 85% of the participants were bothered by surgical smoke, always experiencing discomfort from the odour (39.9%), occasionally pain or burning in the throat (33.6%), and rarely vision impairment (31.9%) due to exposure to surgical smoke.

Conclusions

The level of knowledge of the healthcare team working in the OR about the risks of surgical smoke and prevention measures is inadequate. Exposure to surgical smoke has been linked to adverse effects such as eye irritation, headaches, and respiratory symptoms.
Women in oral and maxillofacial surgery: the Australasian experience
Authors: Woo Ven Min , Jensen Emilija Daina , Candy Kristen Anne
Published: February 2025

Background

There continues to be an underrepresentation of women in oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMS) despite an increase in the number of female medical and dental students. This study aims to characterize the number of female OMS surgeons and the number of female specialists among surgical and dental specialties in Australia.

Methods

The number of registered dental and medical specialists was publicly available from the Health Workforce (2013–2022). Data was requested from the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons (RACDS) and Australia and New Zealand Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (ANZAOMS) regarding distribution by sex, surgical and dental specialty. The results were collated descriptively.

Results

There were 49 registered OMS surgical trainees with RACDS in 2023, 7 (14%) of whom were female. There were a total of 304 members of ANZAOMS in the same year, 33 (10.86%) were female. Female surgical specialists compromised of 16.6% of all registered surgical specialists and female dental specialist compromised of 31.3% of total registered specialists.

Conclusion

While there has been a steady increase in the number of females in OMS, the number remains low; especially when compared to other surgical and dental specialties. There remains a need to further the opportunities for women aspiring to be OMS surgeons.
Local environments, accessibility and affordability: A qualitative analysis of alcohol purchasing across different socio‐economic areas in Victoria, Australia
Authors: Caluzzi Gabriel , Kepa Klaudia , Torney Alexandra , Livingston Michael , Mojica‐Perez Yvette , Taylor Nicholas , Callinan Sarah , Pennay Amy
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Alcohol purchasing practices—linked to consumption practices and potential harms—vary across socio‐economic environments. While there is an epidemiological link between purchasing and harm, little qualitative research unpacks purchasing practices with an eye to socio‐economic status (SES). Drawing on qualitative interviews, this paper takes an ecological approach to examine how people in different SES areas discuss their alcohol purchasing practices to understand how SES influences alcohol purchasing.

Methods

This analysis draws on 45 interviews with people who drink alcohol in Victoria, Australia conducted in 2023–2024. Participants were purposively recruited from low, middle and high SES neighbourhoods. All interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed thematically.

Results

Accessibility to alcohol outlets influenced purchasing patterns, with those in low SES neighbourhoods facing barriers to accessing on‐premises venues. Neighbourhood‐level norms shaped feelings of safety and enthusiasm for attending on‐premises venues, often tied to local gentrification. Low SES neighbourhood participants were more constrained by on‐premises costs but less conscious of alcohol budgeting, in contrast to the middle and high SES neighbourhood participants, who were more intentional about their budgeting. Participants from all groups noted cost of living concerns influenced alcohol affordability, contrasting this with the continued affordability of cheap wine.

Discussion and Conclusion

This analysis provides important context as to how neighbourhood SES can influence purchasing practices. Notably, the emphasis on off‐premises purchasing was common across the groups, influenced by cost of living pressures and perceived affordability of wine.
Einfluss eines dermatologischen Rehabilitationsprogramms auf das kardiovaskuläre Risiko bei Patienten mit Psoriasis
Authors: Attar Jomana Al , von Martial Sophia , Troost Kaija , Neumeister Tobias , Ehrchen Jan , Steinbrink Kerstin , Muke Jochen , Tsianakas Athanasios
Published: February 2025

Hintergrund und Ziele

Psoriasis vulgaris ist eine chronisch entzündliche Hauterkrankung, die mit zahlreichen kardiovaskulären Begleiterkrankungen und letztlich erhöhter Sterblichkeit einhergehen kann. Dermatologische Rehabilitationsprogramme sind neben der klassischen ambulanten Versorgung oder der akutstationären Behandlung eine zusätzliche therapeutische Option für Patienten mit Psoriasis. Diese Studie zielte darauf ab, die Auswirkungen einer dermatologischen Rehabilitation auf kardiovaskuläre Risikofaktoren, kardiorespiratorische Fitness und Lebensqualität in der Klinik für Dermatologie und Allergologie des Medizinischen Rehabilitationszentrums Bad Bentheim, Deutschland, zu untersuchen.

Patienten und Methodik

Diese prospektive Studie umfasste 105 Patienten (Alter > 18) mit bekannter Psoriasis und/oder Psoriasis (pustulosa) palmoplantaris, die sich einem dreiwöchigen Rehabilitationsprogramm unterzogen. Verschiedene patientenbezogene Ergebnisse, einschließlich Dermatologic Life and Quality Index (DLQI), Patient Global Assessment (PtGA), körperliche Aktivität, Pruritus sowie Nikotin‐ und Alkoholkonsumanamnese wurden erfasst. Darüber hinaus wurden der Body‐Mass‐Index (BMI) und die körperliche Fitness bewertet. Die Studienparameter wurden bei Aufnahme, Entlassung vor Ort und nach 3 und 6 Monaten telefonisch erhoben.

Ergebnisse

Signifikante Verbesserungen der kardiorespiratorischen Fitness (p < 0,001), des Body‐Mass‐Index (p < 0,001), der Lebensqualität (p < 0,001), der subjektiven Einschätzung der Krankheitsaktivität durch den Patienten (p < 0,001) sowie des Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) (p < 0,001) wurden festgestellt.

Schlussfolgerungen

Die Ergebnisse unterstreichen die Bedeutung eines Rehabilitationsprogramms für Patienten mit Psoriasis aufgrund seiner positiven und nachhaltigen Auswirkungen auf kardiovaskuläre Risikofaktoren.
Konfokale Line‐Field optische Kohärenztomographie in Lichen planopilaris und frontal fibrosierender Alopezie: eine Pilotstudie
Authors: Nutz Marie‐Christine , Deußing Maximilian , Hartmann Daniela , Lange Silvan , Senner Sonja , Eyssele Tamara , Schuh Sandra , French Lars E. , Welzel Julia , Sattler Elke C.
Published: February 2025

Hintergrund und Ziele

Lichen planopilaris (LPP) und frontal fibrosierende Alopezie (FFA) sind häufige Ursachen von vernarbender Alopezie. Während mehrere Studien die Nützlichkeit nichtinvasiver bildgebender Verfahren wie der konfokalen Lasermikroskopie (KLM) und der optischen Kohärenztomographie (OCT) in der Diagnostik narbiger Alopezie gezeigt haben, sollen in dieser Studie charakteristische Merkmale der narbigen Alopezie bei LPP/FFA mit Hilfe der konfokalen Line‐Field‐OCT (LC‐OCT) identifiziert werden.

Patienten und Methodik

Die Kopfhaut von 51 Patienten (26 LPP, 24 FFA, 1 LPP und FFA) wurde prospektiv an drei definierten Lokalisationen (1) narbiges Areal = Läsion, (2) Narben‐Haar‐Grenze = Übergangszone und (3) gesundes Areal mit der LC‐OCT hinsichtlich folgender vordefinierter Kriterien untersucht: keine (gesunden) Haarfollikel, destruierte Haarfollikel, dermale Sklerose, kein Rimming der dermalen Papillen, epidermales und dermales Entzündungsinfiltrat, infundibuläre Hyperkeratose, erweiterte Blutgefäße, Hypervaskularisation, Melanophagen und epidermale Pigmentinkontinenz.

Ergebnisse

Der Vergleich der Übergangszone mit den gesunden Kontrollstellen ergab vier wesentliche LC‐OCT Merkmale in LPP/FFA: dermale Sklerose (100,0%), dermales Entzündungsinfiltrat (90,2%), infundibuläre Hyperkeratose (60,8%) und Hypervaskularisation (76,5%).

Schlussfolgerungen

Die LC‐OCT erkennt spezifische Kriterien für pathologische Veränderungen in LPP/FFA um die Haarfollikel in der Epidermis und Dermis und kann daher für weitere Studien zur Untersuchung von narbiger Alopezie verwendet werden.
BCC‐Diagnose neu überdenken: Automatisierung der konzeptspezifischen Erkennung von BCC in dermatoskopischen Bildern
Authors: Wang Zheng , Hu Hui , Liu Zirou , Lin Kaibin , Yang Ying , Liu Chen , Chen Xiao , Zhang Jianglin
Published: February 2025

Hintergrund

Das Basalzellkarzinom (BCC) ist eine weit verbreitete Form von Hautkrebs, bei der die inhärente Subjektivität der Dermatoskopie eine diagnostische Herausforderung darstellt. Bestehende KI‐Systeme, die hauptsächlich Einblicke auf der Bildebene bieten, haben nicht die notwendige Interpretierbarkeit, die für effektive klinische Entscheidungen und die Patientenaufklärung entscheidend ist.

Patienten und Methoden

In unserer Studie wurde ein verfeinerter BCC‐Datensatz aus dem Human‐Machine Adversarial Model (HAM10000) entwickelt, der von Klinikern kommentiert wurde, um wichtige diagnostische Merkmale zu identifizieren. Wir haben die Architekturen ResNet50 und Mask R‐CNN integriert, um die Leistung des Modells durch die Synthese von merkmalbasiertem Wissen zu verbessern. Statistische Analysen, wie gruppierte Balken‐ und Liniendiagramme, bestätigten die Verbesserung unseres klinischen Diagnose‐Bewertungsschemas.

Ergebnisse

Das RFSD‐BCC System verbesserte die Diagnosestellung von Basalzell‐karzinomen durch eine höhere Sensitivität, Spezifität und Genauigkeit signifikant. Das System erreichte eine Fläche unter der Präzisions‐Erinnerungskurve von 0,84, die mit hohen R2‐Werten und niedrigen MAEs sehr nahe an den von Ärzten gestellten Diagnosen liegt. Der RFSD‐BCC erhöhte die Sensitivität um 7%, die Spezifität um 11%, die Genauigkeit um 10% und den Intraklassen‐Korrelationskoeffizienten um 6%, was die Effektivität des Systems in klinischen Umgebungen belegt.

Schlussfolgerungen

Das RFSD‐BCC‐System verbessert die BCC‐Diagnostik durch die Integration von Merkmalkombinations‐Modellen, die sowohl die Sensitivität als auch die Spezifität erhöhen. Es liefert interpretierbare Diagnosen, die eine Brücke zwischen KI‐Analyse und klinischer Praxis bilden und mit deren Hilfe die korrekte Diagnosestellung durch die Ärzte und das Verständnis des Patienten für seine Erkrankung deutlich verbessern können.
Climate‐Associated Genetic Variation and Projected Genetic Offsets for Cryptomeria japonica D. Don Under Future Climate Scenarios
Authors: Uchiyama Kentaro , Ujino‐Ihara Tokuko , Nakao Katsuhiro , Toriyama Jumpei , Hashimoto Shoji , Tsumura Yoshihiko
Published: February 2025

Revealing the spatial distribution of adaptive genetic variation is both a challenging and crucial task in evolutionary ecology, essential for understanding local adaptation within species, and in management, for predicting species responses to future climate change. This understanding is particularly important for long‐lived tree species, which may not be able to migrate quickly enough to adapt to rapid climate changes and may need to rely on their standing genetic variation. In this study, we focused on Cryptomeria japonica, a major component of Japan's temperate forests and an important forestry species adapted to the humid environment of monsoon Asia. We extracted climate‐associated genetic variation from the entire genome and evaluated its distribution and vulnerability under future climate scenarios using spatial modeling techniques. We analyzed 31,676 high‐quality SNPs from 249 individuals across 22 natural populations of C. japonica, covering its entire distribution range. We identified 239 candidate climate‐associated SNPs and found winter temperature, summer precipitation, and winter precipitation as the most significant factors explaining the genetic variation in these SNPs. The climate‐associated genetic variation deviated from non‐associated (neutral) genetic variation in the opposite (the Sea of Japan and Pacific Ocean) sides of Japanese archipelago, suggesting natural selection of different climate conditions in these regions. Difference in estimated allele frequency at the climate‐associated loci (genetic offset) between the present and future (2090 in the SSP5‐8.5 scenario) climate conditions was predicted to be larger in three areas (not only southwestern Japan but also coastal area on the Sea of Japan side and inland area on the Pacific Ocean side in northeastern Japan). This prediction implies the discrepancy between standing genetic variation at the present and that adaptive to the future climate in these areas, which underscores the necessity for proactive management to adjust the adaptive genetic variation.
Structural analysis of the ribosome assembly factor Nep1, an N1‐specific pseudouridine methyltransferase, reveals mechanistic insights
Authors: Saha Sayan , Kanaujia Shankar Prasad
Published: February 2025

Nucleolar essential protein 1 (Nep1; also known as ribosomal RNA small subunit methyltransferase Nep1) is a crucial factor in forming small ribosomal subunits in eukaryotes and archaea. Nep1 possesses an S‐adenosyl‐L‐methionine (SAM)‐dependent SpoU‐TrmD (SPOUT) ribosomal RNA (rRNA) methyltransferase (MTase) fold and catalyzes pseudouridine (Ψ) methylation at specific sites of the small subunit (SSU) rRNA. Mutations in Nep1 proteins result in a severe developmental disorder in humans and reduced growth in yeast, suggesting its role in ribosome biogenesis. In this study, the crystal structures of Nep1 from the archaebacterium Pyrococcus horikoshii (PhNep1), both in its apo and holo (adenosine or 5‐methylthioadenosine bound) forms have been reported. The structural analysis of PhNep1 revealed an α/β fold featuring a deep trefoil knot akin to the SPOUT domain, with two novel extensions—a globular loop and a β–α–β extension. Moreover, the cofactor‐binding site of PhNep1 exhibits a preformed pocket, topologically similar to that of other SPOUT‐class MTases. Further, structural analysis of PhNep1 revealed that it forms a homodimer coordinated by inter‐subunit hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions. Moreover, the results of this study indicate that PhNep1 can specifically methylate consensus RNAs, having a pseudouridine (ψ) located at position 926 of helix 35 (h35) of 16S rRNA in P. horikoshii. The stability of the Nep1–RNA complex seems to be primarily assisted by the conserved arginine residues located at the dimeric interface.
Interactions Between Climate Mean and Variability Drive Future Agroecosystem Vulnerability
Authors: Sinha Eva , Xu Donghui , Morris Kendalynn A. , Drewniak Beth A. , Bond‐Lamberty Ben
Published: February 2025

Agriculture is crucial for global food supply and dominates the Earth's land surface. It is unknown, however, how slow but relentless changes in climate mean state, versus random extreme conditions arising from changing variability, will affect agroecosystems' carbon fluxes, energy fluxes, and crop production. We used an advanced weather generator to partition changes in mean climate state versus variability for both temperature and precipitation, producing forcing data to drive factorial‐design simulations of US Midwest agricultural regions in the Energy Exascale Earth System Model. We found that an increase in temperature mean lowers stored carbon, plant productivity, and crop yield, and tends to convert agroecosystems from a carbon sink to a source, as expected; it also can cause local to regional cooling in the earth system model through its effects on the Bowen Ratio. The combined effect of mean and variability changes on carbon fluxes and pools was nonlinear, that is, greater than each individual case. For instance, gross primary production reduces by 9%, 1%, and 13% due to change in mean temperature, change in temperature variability, and change in both temperature mean and variability, respectively. Overall, the scenario with change in both temperature and precipitation means leads to the largest reduction in carbon fluxes (−16% gross primary production), carbon pools (−35% vegetation carbon), and crop yields (−33% and −22% median reduction in yield for corn and soybean, respectively). By unambiguously parsing the effects of changing climate mean versus variability and quantifying their nonadditive impacts, this study lays a foundation for more robust understanding and prediction of agroecosystems' vulnerability to 21st‐century climate change.
The HAT Inhibitor ISOX‐DUAL Diminishes Ischemic Areas in a Mouse Model of Oxygen‐Induced Retinopathy
Authors: Nakanishi Kengo , Takamura Yoshihiro , Nakano Yusei , Inatani Masaru , Oki Masaya
Published: February 2025

Retinal ischemic disease results in significant visual impairment due to the development of fragile and disorganized, pathologically running blood vessels in the eye. Currently, the mainstay treatment for this disease is the intravitreal administration of anti‐VEGF drugs targeting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which induces angiogenesis. However, current anti‐VEGF drugs do not diminish the ischemic areas that lead to angiogenesis, making fundamental treatment challenging. Since retinopathy is an acquired disease caused by hypoxic stimulation from ischemia, we paid particular attention to histone acetylases. We conducted a drug screening experiment using a mouse model of oxygen‐induced retinopathy (OIR), which replicates retinal ischemic disease, through the intraperitoneal administration of 17 distinct inhibitors targeting histone acetyltransferases (HAT). The results indicated that, among the 17 inhibitors, only ISOX‐DUAL decreased neovascularization and ischemic regions. Furthermore, microarray analysis was conducted on the drug‐treated samples to refine genes altered by the administration of ISOX‐DUAL. There were 21 genes associated with angiogenesis, including Angpt2, Hmox1, Edn1, and Serpine1, exhibited upregulation in OIR mice and downregulation following treatment with ISOX‐DUAL. Furthermore, STRING analysis confirmed that the aforementioned four genes are downstream factors of hypoxia‐inducible factors and are assumed to be important factors in retinal ischemic diseases.
Determining PFAA Plume Stability Condition Quickly and Efficiently
Authors: McHugh Thomas E. , Adamson David T. , Actkinson Blake W. , Newell Charles J.
Published: February 2025

While petroleum plumes and even many chlorinated solvent plumes stabilize in size on a time scale of a few to several years, perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, particularly perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs), in groundwater pose a specific challenge for site investigation and remediation due to their recalcitrance, which creates a potential for much longer‐term plume expansion. Understanding the plume stability condition (i.e., is the plume expanding, stable, or shrinking) is essential for plume management and remedy selection, but resolving this trend using conventional monitoring methods can take 5 to 10 years or longer at many sites. This paper explores the difficulties in determining plume stability condition and presents four tools for evaluating stability condition more quickly and more efficiently: (1) high‐resolution spatial sampling, (2) high‐volume sampling, (3) passive integrative samplers, and (4) statistically based high‐frequency sampling. By employing these tools, site managers can optimize monitoring strategies to quickly discern if and how much PFAA plume expansion is occurring and make timely informed decisions regarding PFAA plume management.
Radial graded‐index chalcogenide glass lenses for mid‐infrared optics
Authors: Wei Chunjin , Yang Anping , Chen Qian , Qiu Tianying , Qi Sisheng , Wang Yong , Yang Zhiyong
Published: February 2025

Radial graded‐index (R‐GRIN) lens, which has two flat surfaces, is a self‐focusing lens. It can precisely control the beam focusing and simplify the optical system structure, showing great potential in the fields of advanced optics such as optical communication, optical sensing, and optical imaging. Although R‐GRIN lenses working in the visible to near‐infrared waveband have been widely used in fiber optics and microimaging, those operating in the mid‐infrared spectral region have not been commercially available due to the lack of efficient production technology. In this work, mid‐infrared Ge–As–Se–Te chalcogenide GRIN lenses are fabricated by an innovative technique suitable for mass production, and their potential for mid‐infrared optics is assessed. The R‐GRIN lenses are fabricated by assembling a glass rod and a series of glass tubes with gradually changing refractive indices (RIs) into a coaxial preform, drawing it into a cane, cutting the cane into disks, and heat‐treating them. The fabricated R‐GRIN lenses have a diameter of 4.0 mm, a length of 3.86 mm, and an RI contrast of ∼0.238 at 10 µm. The measurement using a 4.6‐µm single‐mode laser as the light source shows that the lenses have a focal length of ∼1.0 mm and can focus the beam with a diameter of 3.3 mm into a spot with a diameter of 0.67 mm. It therefore demonstrates good potential of Ge–As–Se–Te R‐GRIN lenses for mid‐infrared optics and provides a solution for mass production of high‐performance R‐GRIN lenses.
A Scoping Review of Instruments Used to Measure Resilience in Samples of Nurses
Authors: Cooper Alannah L. , Roberts Georgia , Hegney Desley G. , Brown Janie A.
Published: February 2025

Aim

To identify and critically appraise instruments that have been used to measure nurse resilience.

Design

A scoping review.

Data Sources

Comprehensive literature searches were conducted using four electronic databases CINAHL Ultimate, MEDLINE, PsycINFO and Emcare from the year 2012 to December 2024.

Methods

The titles, then abstracts, of retrieved articles were screened by the authors against inclusion and exclusion criteria, then full‐text screening was performed using Rayyan. Data about the study characteristics and the instruments used to measure nurse resilience were extracted. Copies of the instruments used to measure resilience were obtained and appraised.

Results

Of the n = 4694 publications identified in the initial search n = 386 were included in the scoping review. Studies originated in n = 45 countries, the majority were conducted in China (n = 119) and the United States of America (n = 53). Across the n = 386 included studies, n = 15 instruments to measure resilience were identified and critically appraised. The scores for the instruments critically appraised ranged from 0 to 6 out of a total possible score of 11. Synthesis of results examined instrument development, instrument features and application of instruments.

Conclusion

Critical appraisal of the instruments used to measure nurse resilience revealed significant deficiencies. None of the instruments included all of the key attributes and factors that influence nurse resilience. There was a predominant focus on individual factors and little consideration of the influence of nursing work environments. Due to the shortcomings of the existing instruments, there are currently substantial limitations in our understanding of nurse resilience and how to measure it.

Implications for the Profession

A profession‐specific comprehensive measure of nurse resilience needs to be developed to better capture the attributes of nurse resilience.

Impact

This review highlights the limitations of instruments applied to measure nurse resilience.

Reporting Method

The JBI scoping review framework.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.
Deep Listening Training to Bridge Divides: Fostering Attitudinal Change through Intimacy and Self‐Insight
Authors: Moin F. K. Tia , Itzchakov Guy , Kasriel Emily , Weinstein Netta
Published: February 2025

Deep, high‐quality listening that offers a nonjudgmental approach, understanding, and careful attention when speakers share disparate views can have the power to bridge divides and change speakers' attitudes. However, can people be trained to provide such listening while disagreeing with what they hear, and if so, are the effects of the listening training sufficient for creating perceptible change during disagreements? This study, conducted with delegates (N = 320) representing 86 countries experimentally tested a “deep” (otherwise termed “high quality“) listening training against a randomly assigned subgroup of attendees who served as a “waitlist” control. During a conversation with another participant on a subject about which they strongly disagreed, participants who had completed a 6‐h training over 3 weeks in high‐quality listening demonstrated improvements in their observed listening behaviors, reported higher levels of interactional intimacy with conversation partners, appeared to increase their self‐insight and subsequently, showed evidence of attitude change. Among the first studies to test semi‐causal outcomes of high‐quality listening training between attendees with diverse and contrary attitudes in a real‐world, cross‐national setting; we discuss the potential and limitations for listening training to support positive relations and an open mind in the context of discourse, disagreement and polarization.
Early‐stage randomised controlled trial of therapist‐supported online cognitive therapy for post‐traumatic stress disorder in young people
Authors: Smith Patrick , Ehlers Anke , Carr Ewan , Clark David M. , Dalgleish Tim , Forbes Gordon , Goldsmith Kimberley , Griffiths Helena , Gupta Monica , King Dorothy , Miles Sarah , Plant Dominic T. , Smith Anne , Steward Jess , Yule William , Meiser‐Stedman Richard
Published: February 2025

Background

Effective face‐to‐face treatments for Post‐Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) are available, but most young people with PTSD do not receive effective treatment. Therapist‐supported online Cognitive Therapy has the potential to improve accessibility of effective treatment. This early‐stage trial gathered data on the feasibility, acceptability, and initial signal of clinical efficacy of a novel online Cognitive Therapy program for young people with PTSD.

Methods

A two‐arm, parallel‐groups, single‐blind, early‐stage feasibility RCT compared online Cognitive Therapy to a waitlList condition. Participants were N = 31 adolescents (12–17 years‐old) with a diagnosis of PTSD, randomised in a 1:1 ratio using minimisation. Thresholds for progression to a larger trial were set a priori for recruitment rate, data completeness, and the initial signal of clinical efficacy. The primary clinical outcome was PTSD diagnosis at 16 weeks post‐randomisation. Secondary clinical outcomes were continuous measures of PTSD, depression, and anxiety at 16 weeks; and at 38 weeks in the online Cognitive Therapy arm.

Results

All pre‐determined feasibility thresholds for progression to a larger trial were met. We recruited to target at a rate of 1–2 participants/month. No patient dropped out of therapy; 94% of all participants were retained at 16 weeks. At 16‐weeks, the intention‐to‐treat (ITT) effect adjusted odds ratio was 0.20 (95% CI, 0.02, 1.42), indicating that the odds of meeting PTSD caseness after online therapy were 80% lower than after the waitlist (10/16 participants met PTSD caseness after therapy compared to 11/13 after WL). Effect‐size estimates for all secondary clinical outcomes were large‐moderate; improvements were sustained 38 weeks after online Cognitive Therapy.

Conclusions

Therapist‐supported online Cognitive Therapy for PTSD is acceptable to young people and has potential for meaningful and sustained clinical effects. A larger trial appears feasible to deliver. Further work is needed to refine the intervention and its delivery and to evaluate it in a larger confirmatory trial.
Stimulatory Effect of Mammalian Exosomes on Intradermal Fibroblast Proliferation
Authors: Kilasoniya Alina , Zabegina Lidia , Shalaev Andrey , Artemyeva Anna , Malek Anastasia
Published: February 2025

Background

This study investigates the potential of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in skin regeneration and rejuvenation. EVs, nanoscale vesicles released by various cell types, play a crucial role in intercellular communication.

Objective

To reaffirm the pivotal role of blood‐derived exosomes in intercellular communication and their potential for skin tissue regeneration, leveraging existing research, including human data, to advocate for exosomes as a viable cell‐free therapy for skin health.

Methods

The study employs a novel isolation technique combining PEG and Dextran with ultracentrifugation to extract EVs from plasma. Characterization techniques, including NTA, AFM, Cryo‐TEM, and FC, confirm the successful isolation and characterization of EVs.

Results

The study demonstrates positive effects of blood‐derived EVs on fibroblast proliferation, collagen, and elastin production in murine and human models. Despite advancements, challenges persist in obtaining consistent EVs quality and concentration. The findings support the clinical relevance of EVs in skin health and suggest potential applications for skin rejuvenation. Future research directions and study limitations are also discussed, contributing to the evolving understanding of EVs‐based therapies.