bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Myo-optogenetics: optogenetic stimulation and electrical recording in skeletal muscles
Authors: Kim Jeong Jun , Wyche Isis S. , Olson William , Lu Jiaao , Bakir Muhannad S. , Sober Samuel J. , O’Connor Daniel H.
Published: June 2024

Complex movements involve highly coordinated control of local muscle elements. Highly controlled perturbations of motor outputs can reveal insights into the neural control of movements. Here we introduce an optogenetic method, compatible with electromyography (EMG) recordings, to perturb muscles in transgenic mice. By expressing channelrhodopsin in muscle fibers, we achieved noninvasive, focal activation of orofacial muscles, enabling detailed examination of the mechanical properties of optogenetically evoked jaw muscle contractions. We demonstrated simultaneous EMG recording and optical stimulation, revealing the electrophysiological characteristics of optogenetically triggered muscle activity. Additionally, we applied optogenetic activation of muscles in physiologically and behaviorally relevant settings, mapping precise muscle actions and perturbing active behaviors. Our findings highlight the potential of muscle optogenetics to precisely manipulate muscle activity, offering a powerful tool for probing neuromuscular control systems and advancing our understanding of motor control.
De Novo Design of Integrin α5β1 Modulating Proteins for Regenerative Medicine
Authors: Wang Xinru , Guillem-Marti Jordi , Kumar Saurav , Lee David S. , Cabrerizo-Aguado Daniel , Werther Rachel , Alamo Kevin Alexander Estrada , Zhao Yan Ting , Nguyen Adam , Kopyeva Irina , Huang Buwei , Li Jing , Hao Yuxin , Li Xinting , Brizuela-Velasco Aritza , Murray Analisa , Gerben Stacey , Roy Anindya , DeForest Cole A. , Springer Timothy , Ruohola-Baker Hannele , Cooper Jonathan A. , Campbell Melody G. , Manero Jose Maria , Ginebra Maria-Pau , Baker David
Published: June 2024

Integrin α5β1 is crucial for cell attachment and migration in development and tissue regeneration, and α5β1 binding proteins could have considerable utility in regenerative medicine and next-generation therapeutics. We use computational protein design to create de novo α5β1-specific modulating miniprotein binders, called NeoNectins, that bind to and stabilize the open state of α5β1. When immobilized onto titanium surfaces and throughout 3D hydrogels, the NeoNectins outperform native fibronectin and RGD peptide in enhancing cell attachment and spreading, and NeoNectin-grafted titanium implants outperformed fibronectin and RGD-grafted implants in animal models in promoting tissue integration and bone growth. NeoNectins should be broadly applicable for tissue engineering and biomedicine.

One-Sentence Summary

A de novo-designed fibronectin substitute, NeoNectin, is specific for integrin α5β1 and can be incorporated into biomaterials for regenerative medicine.
Photoactivated SOPP3 enables APEX2-mediated proximity labeling with high spatio-temporal resolution in live cells
Authors: Qu Dajun , Li Yaxin , Liu Qian , Cao Biao , Cao Mengye , Zou Peng , Zhou Hu , Zhang Wenjuan , Pan Weijun
Published: June 2024

Protein interactome characterized via proximity labeling (PL) and proteomic analysis is important for mechanism study in biomedical research. However, exogenous H2O2required for engineered peroxidase, like APEX2, is cytotoxic, while biotin ligases-based PL have poor temporal resolution. Here, we showed that SOPP3, an engineered photosensitizer, could trigger APEX2 mediated PL within seconds under blue light illumination, without exogenous H2O2or cytotoxicity. We demonstrated that APEX2 plus photoactivated SOPP3 could catalyze spatially restricted biotinylation at endoplasmic reticulum-mitochondria contact sites and cell-cell interface. Through fusing APEX2 and SOPP3 as a chimeric probe, we showed that APEX2-SOPP3 also works well in multiple subcellular locations, including cell surface. Notably, either APEX2 plus SOPP3, or chimeric APEX2-SOPP3 requires 10 folds lower illumination power, compared to that for light-oxygen-voltage protein alone mediated PL, and has better response to illumination in terms of PL in time course with little cytotoxicity. Thus, this new PL technology paves an avenue to characterize molecular dynamics of key biomedical events with high spatial-temporal resolution, efficiency, and flexible applicability.
Whole-population perspective is needed for analyses and actions to address linear growth faltering in low- and middle-income countries
Authors: Roth Daniel E. , Watson Kelly M. , Bassani Diego G.
Published: June 2024

Linear growth faltering (LGF), or slower than normal growth in height, is widely considered an indicator of suboptimal conditions affecting children’s development and health in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Recently, Benjamin-Chung and collaborating members of the Healthy Birth, Growth and Development Knowledge integration (HBGDki) consortium described the early onset and low reversal rates of LGF in 32 cohort studies that followed over 52,000 children from birth to 24 months of age in 14 countries. Their adoption and extension of conventionally used growth metrics to describe faltering patterns led to findings that echo a long-standing assumption that LGF in resource-constrained settings occurs mainly during early infancy and is mostly irreversible thereafter. Here, we discuss limitations of their methods and suggest an alternative approach that leads to different conclusions about the rate and timing of LGF in LMICs.
Exploring the dynamics of design thinking in management education and training: a critical review, taxonomic analysis and practical implications
Authors: Bathla Arushi , Chawla Ginni , Hofaidhllaoui Mahrane , Dabic Marina
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Applying critical analysis as the methodological framework for assessing the literature, the review seeks to present a summary and evaluation of the existing body of knowledge. This approach helps to establish the basis for developing forthcoming recommendations.

Design/methodology/approach

The articles were selected through a Systematic Literature Review following the PRISMA guidelines, and utilising Scopus, Web of Science, Science Direct, and the Education Resources Information Center database. Field taxonomy is presented based on the outcomes.

Findings

Through a critical review, we offer narrative arguments that document the shortcomings in the existing literature by scrutinising study designs and highlighting suboptimal approaches. Finally, we issue a call to action for future research, envisioning its potential to reorient and reconstruct the field while enhancing the quality of future studies. This proactive stance aims to foster the development of more competent and insightful perspectives, theories, and policy recommendations within design thinking in management education and training.

Practical implications

The research in this field holds significant potential for providing valuable practical and policy insights, contingent upon the rigorous and thorough execution of studies.

Originality/value

This article presents a robust critical review of 57 state-of-the-art articles investigating design thinking in the context of management education and training.
Hey Siri! does he love me? Unveiling the phenomena of emotional detachmentamong seafarers
Authors: Rath Alisha , Das Raman Lal , Jena Lalatendu Kesari
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The challenges seafarers face are unique due to the nature of their work. Individuals in this profession face unique stressors such as limited interaction with people, isolation from society, confined workspaces, unpredictable weather conditions and exposure to hazardous situations. Quantitative methods used in studies on seafarers’ well-being fail to capture the individual experiences, emotions and motivations that make up their rich tapestry. The prevailing reliance on close-ended questionnaires is a hindrance to seafarers’ expression of subjective experiences and difficulties. It is essential to prioritize their well-being, both from a humanitarian standpoint and an economic perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

For this study, the authors coted qualitative data using open-ended semi-structured questionnaires from 35 (35) merchant navy sailors. The drive of the study was clearly stated to the respondents by the researchers. The study focuses on the emotional detachment of seafarers and follows a two-phase sampling process: criterion sampling and snowball sampling. The sampling methods are chosen in accordance with the purpose of the study.

Findings

The in-depth qualitative inquiry and detailed analysis of interview excerpts generated three broad themes that explain the occurrence of emotional detachment among seafarers. The qualitative study advances the knowledge base of the intricate phenomena of mariner’s emotional detachment. The themes illuminate the causes and outcomes of emotional detachment, also necessitating the need for intervention.

Originality/value

This study highlights the issue of seafarers at work, which tends to affect their personal and professional lives. The lived experiences of seafarers help us understand the issue of emotional detachment from a better and more in-depth perspective. This certainly helps companies and policymakers customize their interventions to seafarers’ needs.
Does bancassurance influence the financial performance of the insurance industry? A case study of life insurance company in a developing country
Authors: Ghoniem Yasmin Ahmed Sayed Ahmed
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the impacts of bancassurance contracts on the financial performance of the Egyptian insurance market from 2011 to 2022.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve this main objective, a mixed methodological approach was adopted: a quantitative methodological approach through analyzing the content of Misr Life Insurance (MLI) Firm’s annual reports from 2011 to 2022. This period frame includes three crucial eras in the history of Egypt: the period covered by the two revolutions in Egypt, the period of political and economic stability and the COVID-19 period. Furthermore, a paired sample test was conducted for two related samples to examine the differences between the averages of financial indicators of MLI Firm for the period prior to and after the bancassurance. Additionally, a qualitative case study approach was adopted, focusing on the MLI Firm in Egypt. To support and confirm the results from quantitative content analysis, an interview was conducted with a financial manager from MLI Company.

Findings

Generally, the analysis reveals that the financial performance indicators of MLI are significantly influenced by bancassurance because of the variations between the financial performance of MLI Company before and after bancassurance, as the company’s financial performance rose after the bancassurance experience. Therefore, the current research suggests promoting awareness of bancassurance contracts in Egypt to boost financial performance and economic development through bulletins.

Research limitations/implications

The research has limitations because of its mixed methodological approach, focusing on annual reports, the Egyptian life insurance environment and the insurance sector.

Practical implications

The findings of this research are probably going to be helpful in clarifying the state of bancassurance in the Egyptian insurance industry for a wide range of interested parties, including managers, investors and scholars. More specifically, this research provides insights into MLI’s financial performance from 2011 to 2022. It aids investors in making informed decisions, boosts shareholder trust and encourages new business in the Egyptian insurance industry.

Originality/value

This research strives to establish a novel field of study, as there are few studies in developing countries that introduce empirical evidence on the impact of bancassurance on the financial performance of insurance firms in Egypt.
Analyzing the achievement of the sustainable development goals (SDGs) in Saudi Arabia and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Guermazi Imene , Gharbi Mohamed Wajdi
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the relationship between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA)’s expenses in the health and social fields and the achievement of sustainable development goals (SDGs) 1 (elimination of poverty) and 3 (good health and well-being). This paper also examines the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on these expenses and goals.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper observes the public expenses and the targets of the SDGs of KSA during 1981–2022. This paper tests the stationarity of the variables and then uses the ordinary least square model or the autoregressive distributed lag model, depending on the unit root test results. This paper also observes the change in target goals between the two years of the pandemic and the two preceding years.

Findings

The results show the influence of social expenditure on the progress of SDG-1, whereas the impact of health expenditure on SDG-3 is not significant. This paper also proves the impact of the pandemic on public expenses and social SDGs.

Practical implications

This paper attracts the attention of policymakers to the importance of assessing their SDG initiatives and the consequent outcomes. Additionally, this paper documents the initiatives for sustainable development in KSA, an important emerging country. Given the universal nature of the SDGs and the importance of KSA as an economic power with a large youth human capital potential, the findings offer insights applicable beyond KSA and provide valuable lessons for governments worldwide regarding the optimization of public spending for SDG achievement. Moreover, monitoring SDG advancement in this important country helps assess the progress of the the United Nations (UN)’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Therefore, This paper helps boost the completion of this agenda and contributes to the bottom-up approach of the UN 2030 Vision, implicating all categories of stakeholders, including the academic community.

Originality/value

This paper furthers the literature on SDG achievement by analyzing the relationship between public expenses and SDGs. This paper contributes to the debate concerning the best methodology suitable for SDG valuation and adds to the few studies using autoregressive tests. Moreover, this paper enriches the scarce studies dealing with emerging countries and reviews the assessment of SDGs in KSA. Additionally, this paper investigates the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the assigned resources for SDGs and, consequently, on the related indicator scores.
The effect of industry sector and profit-loss sharing financing on credit risk of Islamic banks in Indonesia considering COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Wicaksono Sakti Arief , Wulandari Permata , Hendranastiti Nur Dhani
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected economic activity both globally and nationally, which also has an impact to banking sector and Islamic banking is no exception. This study aims to see how the impact of Islamic bank financing in seven sectors affected by the COVID-19 to the credit risk of Indonesian Islamic banks. In addition, this study also tries to see whether the proportion of mudharabah-musharaka or profit-loss sharing (PLS) financing also affects credit risk in Indonesian Islamic banks.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses fixed effect panel data regression over the period 2011–2020.

Findings

The results of this study show that wholesale and retail trade financing will increase credit risk in Indonesian Islamic banks as a policy implication. In terms of the proportion of PLS financing, it shows that a larger share of PLS financing will reduce credit risk in Islamic banks.

Originality/value

This paper demonstrates that despite the industry’s perception of PLS as riskier than murabaha-based instruments. According to the research, PLS financing will lower credit risk in Islamic banks. This study found that PLS contributes to overall economic stability by shifting the function of Islamic banks from a simple lending body to an active market catalyst/manager/consultant to market players seeking financial aid.
Advantage of foreignness in a digital world: role of long tail users
Authors: Zhou Nan
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This study aims to explore the advantage of foreignness in a digital world.

Design/methodology/approach

Usage data for 251 days of 32 travel mobile applications installed on a major mobile phone brand in China are examined. Results support the author’s arguments.

Findings

Foreign mobile apps enjoy higher daily usage time than local apps. Next, the author consider how foreign apps can maximize their advantage, that is, increase daily usage time. The author argue that a multinational enterprise (MNE) can digitally enter a country that has numerous immigrants from its home country because of the high number of potential long tail users. A high level of diversity of international experience of MNEs increases the ability to understand and satisfy the specific needs of long tail users, thereby increasing daily usage time of foreign mobile apps. To maximize the advantage of foreignness in a digital world, MNEs can also carefully select business models that do not heavily rely on network effect, given the difficulty of generating network effect by long tail users.

Originality/value

Previous studies focus on the liability of foreignness or outsidership that MNEs encounter in the digital world, whereas this study argues that foreignness brings certain benefits, such as the capability to satisfy the specific needs of long tail users.
How does government attention matter in waste classification governance? – evidence from 31 provinces in China
Authors: Yang Ranran , Liu Zhaojun , Li Jingjing , Jiao Jianling
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Waste classification plays an important role in reducing pollution, promoting waste recycling and resource utilization. This paper aims to explore the multiple reasons that affect the performance of waste classification governance.

Design/methodology/approach

Content analysis of the existing waste classification policies is conducted using the Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) model. Based on this analysis, influencing factors are identified through the technology-organization-environment (TOE) research framework. The condition configurations and action paths that cause differences in governance performance are derived using the fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis method (fsQCA).

Findings

The results show that there are spatial and temporal disparities in waste classification policies among different provinces/cities. In most situations, the implementation effect of policy combinations is better than that of a single type of policy, with mandatory policies playing a key role. Additionally, a single influencing factor cannot constitute the bottleneck of high governance performance. Policy topics coordinate with environmental and technical factors to influence governance performance. Finally, in light of China's actual governance situation, several targeted implications are proposed for the practical optimization of local government waste classification governance.

Originality/value

This paper presents a novel approach by integrating multiple heterogeneous data sources from both online and offline channels, adopting a public-government perspective and applying the fsQCA method to investigate the combined effects of technical, organizational and environmental factors on waste classification governance performance across 31 provinces and cities in China.
Job design in blue- and white-collar jobs: the influence of transformational leadership on job crafting and i-deals
Authors: Mainka Danina , Pestotnik Annika , Altmann Sarah
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Whereas job crafting and idiosyncratic deals (i-deals) have primarily been studied in white-collar jobs, there is a lack of research on job design in less skilled and highly structured work. Our study addresses this gap by analyzing the effects of transformational leadership on job crafting and i-deals in blue- and white-collar jobs.

Design/methodology/approach

To test our hypotheses, we surveyed 285 employees (31.9% blue-collar employees and 68.1% white-collar employees) in the German craft industry, using structural equation modeling for data analysis.

Findings

Our results show that transformational leadership is a strong predictor of job crafting and i-deals but that its influence depends on the occupational group. More specifically, the moderating role of the occupational group in the relationship between transformational leadership and job crafting differs regarding job crafting’s dimensions. Concerning i-deals, transformational leadership’s influence on both development and task i-deals is stronger in white-collar jobs than it is in blue-collar jobs.

Practical implications

The study provides new insights into the important role of the work context in which leadership takes place. In particular, these insights can guide leaders in how to manage different occupational groups to engage them in proactive behaviors.

Originality/value

This study is the first to compare the contextual roles of blue- and white-collar jobs with regard to job design. By examining the influence of transformational leadership on job crafting and i-deals in two occupational groups, our study contributes to research on the role of work context in the effectiveness of transformational leadership in encouraging employees to engage in proactive behaviors.
A detailed study on human height estimation model that combines video surveillance systems with 3D laser scanning
Authors: Ciampini Claudio , Zomparelli Federico , Groutas Stefano
Published: June 2024

The increase of video surveillance systems has highlighted the interest in forensic anthropometric analysis of subjects who commit crimes and are captured by cameras during their criminal activities. There are different methodologies for human height estimation. Forensic researchers developed a methodological approach that allows the height of a subject to be estimated through a combined model of 3D laser scanning acquisition and video images acquired by video surveillance systems. The proposed study had highlighted three limits: not assessments had been made for image correction to limit the distortion effect, the method had been tested by only one laboratory and probably height assessment was dependent on the ergonomics. To overcome these limitations, in this paper the analysis was repeated by correcting the images to compare the new results obtained with the previous ones. Furthermore, the same methodological approach was applied by estimating the height of a mannequin, to limit the ergonomic effects, and proposing the same study to three different forensic laboratories to compare the results. The presented study demonstrates the reliability and repeatability of the system, as the results obtained by the three laboratories are very similar. They have obtained the same trend and the maximum estimate distance is approximately 6 cm. Furthermore, it has showed that the accuracy of results is dependent on image correction, which has little impact (approximately 1 cm more accurate on the corrected frame than the normal frame) on the height evaluation and they are not dependent to the ergonomics of the subject captured.
Ineffective coping (00069): A Walker and Avant conceptual analysis
Authors: Alcântara Cavalcante Yanka , Costa Bessa Cristina , Feitosa Francisca Evangelista Alves , Lopes Marcos Venícios de Oliveira , da Silva Viviane Martins , Rebouças Cristiana Brasil de Almeida , Guedes Nirla Gomes
Published: June 2024

Purpose

To analyze the diagnostic concept of “ineffective coping” (00069) proposed by NANDA‐I, using Walker and Avant's framework.

Data sources

The theoretical framework of Walker and Avant was used for the concept analysis. A search was performed in the Virtual Health Library portal using the keywords “ineffective coping” and “enfrentamento ineficaz.”

Data synthesis

According to the literature, ineffective coping is defined as an adoption of inadequate psychosocial and behavioral strategies in response to a set of contextual stressors that negatively affect well‐being and lifestyle.

Conclusions

The concept created for ineffective coping has the potential to address the psychosocial elements associated with life experiences in the face of coping mechanisms.

Implications for nursing practice

This analysis may contribute to the improvement of nursing care for patients experiencing difficult situations in their lives, as well as the challenges of nursing interventions that promote positive adaptation.
Association of BNT162b2 SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccination during pregnancy with postnatal outcomes in premature infants
Authors: Tamir‐Hostovsky Liran , Maayan‐Metzger Ayala , Gavri‐Beker Ayelet , Watson Douglas , Leibovitch Leah , Strauss Tzipi
Published: June 2024

Aim

The effect of COVID‐19 vaccine given during pregnancy on premature infants is unknown. This study aims to determine the association between maternal COVID‐19 vaccine with postnatal outcome in premature infants.

Methods

This is a single‐centre retrospective case–control study of infants born before 35 weeks gestation to mothers who received SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccine during pregnancy compared with infant born to non‐vaccinated mothers.

Results

A total of 78 infants in each group were included. Infants in the vaccinated group had less respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) (p = 0.02) and less need for respiratory support (p = 0.002), and maternal vaccine had a protective effect on RDS [adjustable OR 0.38 (0.17–0.85)]. Vaccination during the first compared to the second trimester was associated with earlier gestational age (32.3 ± 2.1 vs. 33.3 ± 1.1 weeks, p = 0.03).

Conclusion

We demonstrated that maternal SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccine is not associated with postnatal adverse effect in premature infants and potentially has a protective effect on RDS. Earlier gestational age among the infants born to mothers who received COVID‐19 vaccine during the first trimester did not translate to higher rate of postnatal complications. These findings might suggest that COVID‐19 vaccine is safe in high‐risk pregnancies, but timing of administration should be considered. Further studies are needed to confirm our findings and the biological mechanism.
Endoscopic excision of breast fibroadenoma through inframammary fold: Feasibility, safety and medium‐term outcomes
Authors: Thakur Vipul , Jamwal Sonakshi , Irrinki Santosh R. N. Naga , Khare Siddhant
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Endoscopic‐assisted surgery for breast tumors has the advantage of inconspicuous scars, less breast volume loss, and nipple areolar distortion. A novel endoscopic‐assisted technique through inframammary fold for excision of fibroadenomas is presented.

Materials and Surgical Technique

Endoscopic‐assisted excision of fibroadenoma(s) through inframammary fold was performed in four patients after informed written consent via three ports (12, 5, and 5 mm). Breast Cancer Treatment Outcome Score‐12 (BCTOS‐12) was used to evaluate patient satisfaction after surgery.

Discussion

No intraoperative and wound complication was noted. On median follow‐up of 26.5 months, patients reported satisfactory responses to aesthetic and functional outcomes. No scar related complications were noted. Endoscopic‐assisted excision of fibroadenoma through inframammary fold can be a safe and feasible option with good aesthetic outcomes.
Where rookies prevail: Digital habitus and age‐based earnings differentials in online legal services
Authors: Yao Yao , Liu Sida
Published: June 2024

This research investigates how and why the digitalization of work can disrupt age‐based earnings stratification in an occupation. Analysing a service archive dataset from a major online legal service platform in China, the study finds that, contrary to the traditional patterns of income inequality, younger lawyers earn more than older lawyers in the digital legal field. Further analyses of the platform's service records and interviews with lawyers working on this platform suggest that the platform's work content and work distribution mechanism make mature lawyers’ human, social and symbolic capital less useful. Meanwhile, the preferences of platform clients place added value on younger lawyers’ digital habitus and turn it into a new form of cultural capital, manifested in their proficiency and effectiveness in digital communication. By examining habitus and capital in the emerging digital legal field, this research deepens the understanding of the impact of digital technologies on knowledge‐intensive occupations.
Measuring homoplasy I: comprehensive measures of maximum and minimum cost under parsimony across discrete cost matrix character types
Authors: Hoyal Cuthill Jennifer F. , Lloyd Graeme T.
Published: June 2024

Here, we propose, prove mathematically and discuss maximum and minimum measures of maximum parsimony evolution across 12 discrete phylogenetic character types, classified across 4467 morphological and molecular datasets. Covered character types are: constant, binary symmetric, multistate unordered (non‐additive) symmetric, multistate linear ordered symmetric, multistate non‐linear ordered symmetric, binary irreversible, multistate irreversible, binary Dollo, multistate Dollo, multistate custom symmetric, binary custom asymmetric and multistate custom asymmetric characters. We summarize published solutions and provide and prove a range of new formulae for the algebraic calculation of minimum (m), maximum (g) and maximum possible (gmax) character cost for applicable character types. Algorithms for exhaustive calculation of m, g and gmax applicable to all classified character types (within computational limits on the numbers of taxa and states) are also provided. The general algorithmic solution for minimum steps (m) is identical to a minimum spanning tree on the state graph or minimum weight spanning arborescence on the state digraph. Algorithmic solutions for character g and gmax are based on matrix mathematics equivalent to optimization on the star tree, respectively for given state frequencies and all possible state frequencies meeting specified numbers of taxa and states. We show that maximizing possible cost (gmax) with given transition costs can be equivalent to maximizing, across all possible state frequency combinations, the lowest implied cost of state transitions if any one state is ancestral on the star tree, via the solution of systems of linear equations. The methods we present, implemented in the Claddis R package, extend to a comprehensive range, the fundamental character types for which homoplasy may be measured under parsimony using m, g and gmax, including extra cost (h), consistency index (ci), retention index (ri) or indices based thereon.
climetrics: an R package to quantify multiple dimensions of climate change
Authors: Taheri Shirin , Naimi Babak , Araújo Miguel B.
Published: June 2024

Climate change affects biodiversity in a variety of ways, necessitating the exploration of multiple climate dimensions using appropriate metrics. Despite the existence of several climate change metrics tools for comparing alternative climate change metrics on the same footing are lacking. To address this gap, we developed ‘climetrics' which is an extensible and reproducible R package to spatially quantify and explore multiple dimensions of climate change through a unified procedure. Six widely used climate change metrics are implemented, including 1) standardized local anomalies; 2) changes in probabilities of local climate extremes; 3) changes in areas of analogous climates; 4) novel climates; 5) changes in distances to analogous climates; and 6) climate change velocity. For climate change velocity, three different algorithms are implemented in the package including; 1) distanced‐based velocity (‘dVe'); 2) threshold‐based velocity (‘ve'); and 3) gradient‐based velocity (‘gVe'). The package also provides additional tools to calculate the monthly mean of climate variables over multiple years, to quantify and map the temporal trend (slope) of a given climate variable at the pixel level, and to classify and map Köppen‐Geiger (KG) climate zones. The 'climetrics' R package is integrated with the 'rts' package for efficient handling of raster time‐series data. The functions in 'climetrics' are designed to be user‐friendly, making them suitable for less‐experienced R users. Detailed descriptions in help pages and vignettes of the package facilitate further customization by advanced users. In summary, the 'climetrics' R package offers a unified framework for quantifying various climate change metrics, making it a useful tool for characterizing multiple dimensions of climate change and exploring their spatiotemporal patterns.
Policy mobilities, ‘informational infrastructures’ and the ‘digital turn’: Towards a research agenda
Authors: Ward Kevin
Published: June 2024

This paper draws together elements of the academic literature on policy mobilities on the one hand, and on the ‘digital turn’ on the other. It argues that COVID‐19 accelerated the digitalization of everyday life asking we think through how those already existing informational infrastructures supporting the mobility of policies are continuing to evolve, as are the methods available for researching them. This has potential consequences for how cities practice policy comparison exchange, and learning and how these processes are studied. This paper sets out a three‐pronged schema to take seriously the intersection of policy mobilities and the digital. They are policy mobilities through the digital, policy mobilities produced by the digital and policy mobilities of the digital. It concludes by outlining fruitful areas for a future research agenda.
The role of electrochemotherapy in the treatment of locally advanced or recurrent eyelid‐periocular basal cell carcinoma: long‐term results
Authors: Vass Attila , Polgár Nóra , Sándor Szilvia Alexa , Ágoston Dóra , Rózsa Petra , Csányi Ildikó , Ócsai Henriette , Baltás Eszter , Oláh Judit , Kis Erika Gabriella , Tóth‐Molnár Edit
Published: June 2024

Background

While electrochemotherapy (ECT) is increasingly utilized as a highly effective method in the treatment of tumors in the head and neck region, there is significantly less data available for eyelid‐periocular skin tumors. Our group reported the first extensive case series of eyelid‐periocular basal cell carcinoma (BCC) patients with short‐term follow‐up treatment with ECT. The present study aims to report our long‐term results of eyelid‐periocular BCC cases treated with ECT.

Methods

The treatments were performed according to the ESOPE (European Standard Operating Procedures on Electrochemotherapy) guidelines using the Cliniporator™ device. All patients received bleomycin‐based ECT, administered intratumorally or intravenously. Tumor response was evaluated using the RECIST 1.1 criteria.

Results

The results of 19 patients treated with ECT are presented. Four patients had locally advanced primary tumors, while 15 patients had recurrent tumors. Bleomycin was administered intratumorally in four patients and intravenously in 15 patients. The overall response was 100%, while the complete response rate proved to be 95%. In three cases (15.8%), recurrence was observed during the mean follow‐up period of 78.9 months.

Conclusions

ECT can effectively treat locally advanced or recurrent BCC in the eyelid‐periocular skin region. Excellent tumor control can be achieved with good functional and cosmetic results without systemic adverse events with long interval follow‐up.
Exploring the impact of harvest year on the mineral composition of Mimosa scabrella Bentham honeydew honey from Santa Catarina (Brazil) using ICP‐MS and chemometric tools
Authors: Silva Bibiana , Gonzaga Luciano Valdemiro , Maltez Heloísa França , Samochvalov Kátia Bennett , Fett Roseane , Costa Ana Carolina Oliveira
Published: June 2024

This study investigated the variation in mineral elements in bracatinga (Mimosa scabrella Bentham) honeydew honeys produced biannually over three consecutive harvest years. The aim was to assess the relationship between the year of production and the concentration of fourteen rare earth elements and six trace elements analysed using ICP‐MS. The concentrations of the twenty elements varied (P < 0.001) among all the honey samples. The dominant rare earth elements were Eu, followed by Nd and La, while Pd and Au were the major trace elements. Cluster analysis (CA) and linear discriminant analysis (LDA) were performed using all the elements identified. The LDA categorised (83.3% accuracy) the bracatinga honeydew honey samples according to their harvest year. Discriminant functions, influenced by Ce, Tb, and Th, show distinct elemental patterns in bracatinga honeydew honeys, varying with harvest year. This reflects fluctuations in yearly climatic conditions and is important to guarantee accurate characterisation.
Genetic relationships between and within some Malawian cichlid genera
Authors: Hashem Shaharior , Kawai Koichiro , Kushida Tetsuyasu , Hamaoka Erika , Kofi Fatsi Patrick Senam , Saito Hidetoshi
Published: June 2024

Genetic relationships were examined for a total of 90 individuals of 90 species or species var. from 13 genera of Malawian cichlids based on the sequences of an amplified 991‐bp fragment of the mtDNA control region (mtDNA‐CR). In the network analysis, no exclusive clades were made by all the members of any genera in this study. However, congeneric clades were observed by genera Buccochromis, Copadichromis, Protomelas, and Sciaenochromis, whereas no congeneric clades were observed by genera Mylochromis, Nimbochromis, and Otopharynx. In non‐mbuna, an Aulonocara–Lethrinops group was divided into two groups, and the mean genetic distance of the larger group was much lower from mbuna than from other non‐mbuna. Overall mean genetic distance within a genus was generally low in mbuna, whereas it was relatively high in non‐mbuna. In the genetic tree of each genus, two or more large clades were observed, and some clades, such as those of Aulonocara hansbaenschi and Aulonocara nyassae in genus Aulonocara, Lethrinops micrentodon and Lethrinops sp. “gold harbor” in Lethrinops, and Otopharynx ovatus and Otopharynx brooksi in Otopharynx, were very deeply differentiated. Besides, a mbuna species, Pseudotropheus crabro, was extremely deeply differentiated from other members of this genus. These results suggest a widespread morphological convergence across the taxa in parallel with deep genetic differentiation in the long evolutionary story and some possibility of generation of the species of Aulonocara–Lethrinops group by hybridization of small non‐mbuna and mbuna species. Furthermore, taxonomical reexamination is necessary based on a strong support by genetic connection.
Risk factors for noncarious cervical lesions: A case–control study
Authors: Kong Weiyang , Ma Haoran , Qiao Feng , Xiao Mo , Wang Li , Zhou Liwen , Chen Yuxin , Liu Juan , Wang Yuanyuan , Wu Ligeng
Published: June 2024

Objectives

Noncarious cervical lesions (NCCLs) are multifactorial and can be caused by the anatomical structure of the teeth, erosion, abrasion and abnormal occlusion. The aim of this case–control study was to explore the risk factors for NCCLs.

Methods

Cone‐beam computed tomography was used to determine whether a wedge‐shaped defect existed at the cementoenamel junction. We compared 63 participants with NCCLs with 63 controls without NCCLs, matched for sex, age (±1 year) and toothbrushing‐related factors (e.g., type of bristle and brushing patterns, frequency and strength). All participants were asked to complete a questionnaire about self‐administered daily diet habits and health condition. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine the risk factors for NCCLs.

Results

Significant variables in the univariate analysis (i.e., p < .2) included frequency of carbonated beverage consumption, sella‐nasion‐point B angle (SNB) and Frankfort‐mandibular plane angle (FMA). Multivariate logistic regression demonstrated that the consumption frequency of carbonated beverages (odds ratio [OR] = 3.147; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.039–9.532), FMA (OR = 1.100; 95% CI, 1.004–1.204) and SNB (OR = 0.896; 95% CI, 0.813–0.988) was independent influencing factors. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) value of regression Model 1 (established with the frequency of carbonated beverage consumption, FMA, SNB and sleep bruxism) was 0.700 (95% CI, 0.607–0.792; p < .001), and that of regression Model 2 (established using the frequency of carbonated beverage consumption, FMA and SNB) was 0.704 (95% CI, 0.612–0.796; p < .001).

Conclusions

The consumption frequency of carbonated beverages and FMA was risk factors for NCCLs; the higher the frequency of carbonated beverage consumption and FMA, the higher was the probability of NCCLs. SNB was a protective factor for NCCL occurrence; the larger the SNB, the lower was the probability of NCCL occurrence. These findings have further clarified the aetiology of NCCLs and provided clinicians with valuable insights into strategies for preventing the loss of dental tissue.
Verbatim theatre as a creative approach to health professions education research translation
Authors: Brand Gabrielle , Peters Sarah , Dart Janeane
Published: June 2024

Context

Traditionally, the impact and outcomes from health professions education research (HPER) have focused on academic outputs, whereas in the humanities, research translation is conceptualised more broadly and creatively, including research‐based performances like verbatim theatre. Translating HPER findings through the emotive and embodied nature of a verbatim theatre performance provides a unique opportunity to translate research data and create alternative learning spaces for rich and valuable insights that aligns with transformative pedagogy.

Approach

In this paper, we describe the background of verbatim theatre, a form of performance, which draws on a research participants' testimony and lived experience and how we used this creative approach to translate HPER findings. We discuss the experiential process of bringing an interdisciplinary team together, health professions academics and an academic playwright to craft a verbatim theatre script that provided space to honour the breadth, depth and diversity of participant voices from a large (n = 100) qualitative research study exploring professionalism and sociocultural factors in health professions education (HPE). Furthermore, we discuss the powerful potential of drawing on research‐based performance to create alternative, safe and non‐threatening learning spaces to resonate with and experience HPER in new and transformative ways. Finally, we offer reflexive insights on the key opportunities and challenges we encountered in translating HPER into a verbatim theatre performance.

Conclusions

Verbatim theatre presents an innovative and creative way to communicate and translate HPER. This paper offers research and pedagogical insights in translating research into verbatim theatre to support transformative pedagogy and practice in HPE. In conclusion, we encourage other health professions researchers to consider this dynamic and creative approach to transforming HPE.
Dehydration and rehydration differently affect photosynthesis and volatile monoterpenes in bryophytes with contrasting ecological traits
Authors: Esteban Raquel , Pollastri Susanna , Brilli Federico , García‐Plazaola José Ignacio , Odriozola Iñaki , Michelozzi Marco , Loreto Francesco
Published: June 2024

Bryophytes desiccate rapidly when relative humidity decreases. The capacity to withstand dehydration depends on several ecological and physiological factors. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) may have a role in enhancing tolerance to desiccating bryophytes. However, the functions of VOCs in bryophytes have received little attention so far. We aimed to investigate the impact of a dehydration‐rehydration treatment on primary carbon metabolism and volatile terpenes (VTs) in three bryophytes with contrasting ecological traits: Vessicularia dubyana, Porella platyphylla and Pleurochaete squarrosa. First, we confirmed the desiccation sensitivity gradient of the species. Under fully hydrated conditions, the photosynthetic rate (A) was inversely associated with stress tolerance, with a lower rate in more tolerant species. The partial recovery of A in P. platyphylla and P. squarrosa after rehydration confirmed the desiccation tolerance of these two species. On the other hand, A did not recover after rehydration in V. dubyana. Regarding VT, each species exhibited a distinct VT profile under optimum hydration, with the highest VT pool found in the more desiccation‐sensitive species (V. dubyana). However, the observed species‐specific VT pattern could be associated with the ecological habitat of each species. P. squarrosa, a moss of dry habitats, may synthesize mainly non‐volatile secondary metabolites as stress‐defensive compounds. On the other hand, V. dubyana, commonly found submerged, may need to invest photosynthetically assimilated carbon to synthesize a higher amount of VTs to cope with transient water stress occurrence. Further research on the functions of VTs in bryophytes is needed to deepen our understanding of their ecological significance.
The role of phytomelatonin in plant homeostasis, signaling, and crosstalk in abiotic stress mitigation
Authors: Sati Hansika , Chinchkar Ajay V. , Kataria Priyanka , Pareek Sunil
Published: June 2024

In recent years, there has been an increase in the study of phytomelatonin. Having numerous functions in animals, melatonin produced by plants (phytomelatonin) is also a multi‐regulatory molecule with great potential in plant physiology and in mitigating abiotic stresses, such as drought, salinity, chilling, heat, chemical contamination, and UV‐radiation stress. This review highlights the primary functions of phytomelatonin as an anti‐stress molecule against abiotic stress. We discuss the role of phytomelatonin as a master regulator, oxidative stress manager, reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species regulator, and defense compounds inducer. Although there exist a handful of reviews on the crosstalk of phytomelatonin with other signaling molecules like auxin, cytokinin, gibberellin, abscisic acid, ethylene, nitric oxide, jasmonic acid, and salicylic acid, this review looks at studies that have reported a few aspects of phytomelatonin with newly discovered signaling molecules along with classical signaling molecules with relation to abiotic stress tolerance. The research and applications of phytomelatonin with hydrogen sulfide, strigolactones, brassinosteroids, and polyamines are still in their nascent stage but hold a promising scope for the future. Additionally, this review states the recent developments in the signaling of phytomelatonin with nitrogen metabolism and nitrosative stress in plants.