bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An Efficient and Interpretable Foundation Model for Retinal Image Analysis in Disease Diagnosis
Authors: Dai Wei , Chen Zhen Ji , Yao Yinghao , Chen Yu , Fang Jiyuan , Bai Qingshi , Xu Chuang , Wu Huimin , Ding Huaiyuan , Yang Hui , Zhuo Ran , Zhang Riyan , Yuan Jian , Ye Cong , Wang Hong , Xu Liangde , Yang Yongxin , Yu Xiaoguang , Hospedales Timothy , Qu Jia , Su Jianzhong 
Published: February 2025

AbstractArtificial intelligence (AI) foundation models for colour fundus photography (CFP) have been extensively studied and demonstrated great potential for advancing ocular and systemic health screening. However, their high computational demands and limited clinical interpretability constrain real-world clinical application. These models rely on self-supervised learning with massive unlabeled datasets to address the scarcity of high-quality annotations, but often generate irrelevant features and fail to improve interpretability due to the absence of medical knowledge integration. Thus, we propose HRVRL, a lightweight, knowledge-prompt foundation model that leverages a novel hierarchical representation learning framework based on retinal biological features. Over 150,000 instances were generated for pretraining through multi-level image augmentation of 267 vascular-labeled images. A progressive learning strategy enables HRVRL to capture retinal-specific features from coarse to fine scales. HRVRL demonstrates remarkable resource efficiency, requiring only 0.04 GB of memory, processing 24 images per second, and completing pretraining within one day using a single GPU. It outperforms existing foundation models in 20 of 24 downstream tasks related to ocular and systemic disease diagnosis and severity grading. HRVRL also offers high clinical interpretability, with quantitative assessments showing strong concordance between model predictions and clinical criteria and outperforming in all 10 tasks. In diabetic retinopathy (DR) analysis, HRVRL achieves superior diagnostic lesion recognition (median accuracy of 0.710 versus 0.1–0.235 for existing models;P< 0.001) and significant improvements in type-specific lesion detection under a zero-shot setting (18-fold for hemorrhages, 4-fold for microaneurysms, hard exudates, and soft exudates;P< 0.001). We demonstrate that HRVRL provides clinically interpretable predictions with transparent decision-making processes for individual cases. In conclusion, HRVRL achieves unprecedented resource efficiency and enhanced clinical interpretability, enabling practical deployment in resource-limited settings to improve ocular and systemic disease diagnosis.
Co-designing age-specific meal plans using locally available foods for under-five children in Tanzania: A human-centered design protocol
Authors: Usiri Aminieli Itaeli , Charles Samson , Mhidze Aneth Gabriel , Kiwelu Jackline Estomihi 
Published: February 2025

AbstractBackgroundInfant and young child nutrition is fundamental to individual health and national economic growth. Malnutrition remains a major challenge, particularly in developing countries such as Tanzania. Despite being food-producing regions, Njombe and Iringa continue to experience high rates of undernutrition among children under five, largely due to knowledge gaps and poor feeding practices among caregivers.AimTo co-design age-specific meal plans using locally available foods in Njombe and Iringa, Tanzania. Research seeks to develop culturally, and economically feasible meal plans to improve child nutrition in Tanzania.MethodsA five-step Human centered design approach will be employed: (1)Explorationthrough focus group discussions and key informant interviews to understand caregivers feeding challenges; (2)Co-designto develop meal plans incorporating affordable, locally available; (3)Validation and Refinementthrough focus group discussion and stakeholder feedback; (4)Implementationwith trained Community Health Workers supporting caregivers in the adoption of meal plan; and (5)Evaluationusing qualitative and quantitative methods to assess effectiveness and adoption over a one-year period. A total of 208 participants will be purposefully selected. Thematic analysis will be conducted using NVivo 12 software to identify key challenges caregivers face, facilitators, and locally available and affordable foods to be used in co-design of meal plan.Expected resultsThe findings will provide insights about feeding challenges caregivers of under five children faces, meal plan prototypes tested and scaled up if proven successful. Successful implementation of these age specific meal plans, this study anticipates improved caregiver knowledge and practices regarding infant and young child feeding, increased dietary diversity, and enhanced nutritional outcomes among children under five children in Tanzania.
Cross-cohort analysis of expression and splicing quantitative trait loci in TOPMed
Authors: Orchard Peter , Blackwell Thomas W. , Kachuri Linda , Castaldi Peter J. , Cho Michael H. , Christenson Stephanie A. , Durda Peter , Gabriel Stacey , Hersh Craig P. , Huntsman Scott , Hwang Seungyong , Joehanes Roby , Johnson Mari , Li Xingnan , Lin Honghuang , Liu Ching-Ti , Liu Yongmei , Mak Angel C.Y. , Manichaikul Ani W. , Paik David , Saferali Aabida , Smith Joshua D. , Taylor Kent D. , Tracy Russell P. , Wang Jiongming , Wang Mingqiang , Weinstock Joshua S. , Weiss Jeffrey , Wheeler Heather E. , Zhou Ying , Zoellner Sebastian , Wu Joseph C. , Mestroni Luisa , Graw Sharon , Taylor Matthew R.G. , Ortega Victor E. , Johnson Craig W. , Gan Weiniu , Abecasis Goncalo , Nickerson Deborah A. , Gupta Namrata , Ardlie Kristin , Woodruff Prescott G. , Zheng Yinan , Bowler Russell P. , Meyers Deborah A. , Reiner Alex , Kooperberg Charles , Ziv Elad , Ramachandran Vasan S. , Larson Martin G. , Cupples L. Adrienne , Burchard Esteban G. , Silverman Edwin K , Rich Stephen S. , Heard-Costa Nancy , Tang Hua , Rotter Jerome I. , Smith Albert V. , Levy Daniel ,   NHLBI TOPMed Consortium Multi-Omics Working Group,   NHLBI TOPMed Consortium, Aguet François , Scott Laura , Raffield Laura M. , Parker Stephen C.J. 
Published: February 2025

AbstractMost genetic variants associated with complex traits and diseases occur in non-coding genomic regions and are hypothesized to regulate gene expression. To understand the genetics underlying gene expression variability, we characterize 14,324 ancestrally diverse RNA-sequencing samples from the NHLBI Trans-Omics for Precision Medicine (TOPMed) program and integrate whole genome sequencing data to performcisandtransexpression and splicing quantitative trait locus (cis-/trans-e/sQTL) analyses in six tissues and cell types, most notably whole blood (N=6,454) and lung (N=1,291). We show this dataset enables greater detection of secondary cis-e/sQTL signals than was achieved in previous studies, and that secondary cis-eQTL and primary trans-eQTL signal discovery is not saturated even though eGene discovery is. Most TOPMed trans-eQTL signals colocalize with cis-e/sQTL signals, suggesting many trans signals are mediated by cis signals. We fine-map European UK BioBank GWAS signals from 164 traits and colocalize the resulting 34,107 fine-mapped GWAS signals with TOPMed e/sQTL signals, finding that of 10,611 GWAS signals with a colocalization, 7,096 GWAS signals colocalize with at least one secondary e/sQTL signal. These results demonstrate that larger e/sQTL analyses will continue to uncover secondary e/sQTL signals, and that these new signals will benefit GWAS interpretation.
Neutrophil derived microvesicles induce endothelial cell dysfunction associated with atherosclerotic plaque erosion
Authors: Dow Reece , Card Erin , Gurung Sangam , Evans Paul C. , Ridger Victoria 
Published: February 2025

AbstractAtherosclerosis is a major cause of death globally. It is characterised by the development of fibro-fatty lesions in the artery wall that can impede blood flow and lead to myocardial infarction. Historically, research has focused primarily on plaque rupture. However, the importance of erosion of the endothelium leading to thrombosis in plaques with lower lipid content, fewer inflammatory cells and a thick fibrous cap has emerged. Neutrophils have recently been implicated in plaque erosion through the induction of endothelial cell dysfunction. Neutrophils produce 0.1-1μm extracellular vesicles (microvesicles) from their cell membrane that are linked with atherosclerotic plaque progression. The hypothesis that neutrophil microvesicles affect plaque erosion through driving endothelial cell dysfunction and platelet adhesion was investigated. Peripheral blood neutrophils and platelets were isolated from healthy subjects and neutrophils stimulated with native LDL to induce microvesicle release. These microvesicles were found to contain proteases capable of degrading extracellular matrix proteins. Incubation of human coronary artery endothelial cells with neutrophil microvesicles lead to an increase in apoptosis and detachment, and a decrease in migration and proliferation in the endothelial cells. Moreover, microvesicles induced an increase in both platelet P-selectin expression and platelet-endothelial cell interaction. This study demonstrates the propensity of neutrophil microvesicles to promote functions within human coronary artery endothelial cells that may predispose the endothelium to erosion and thrombosis and identifies a potential link between a known risk factor for atherosclerosis, elevated LDL cholesterol, and the production of neutrophil microvesicles. These findings highlight the need for further research to better understand the effects of neutrophil microvesicles in atherosclerosis.
Intracellular competition shapes plasmid population dynamics
Authors: Rossine Fernando , Sanchez Carlos , Eaton Daniel , Paulsson Johan , Baym Michael 
Published: February 2025

AbstractConflicts between levels of biological organization are central to evolution, from populations of multicellular organisms to selfish genetic elements in microbes. Plasmids are extrachromosomal, self-replicating genetic elements that underlie much of the evolutionary flexibility of bacteria. Evolving plasmids face selective pressures on their hosts, but also compete within the cell for replication, making them an ideal system for studying the joint dynamics of multilevel selection. While theory indicates that within-cell selection should matter for plasmid evolution, experimental measurement of within-cell plasmid fitness and its consequences has remained elusive. Here we measure the within-cell fitness of competing plasmids and characterize drift and selective dynamics. We achieve this by the controlled splitting of synthetic plasmid dimers to create balanced competition experiments. We find that incompatible plasmids co-occur for longer than expected due to methylation-based plasmid eclipsing. During this period of co-occurrence, less transcriptionally active plasmids display a within-cell selective advantage over their competing plasmids, leading to preferential fixation of silent plasmids. When the transcribed gene is beneficial to the cell, for example an antibiotic resistance gene, there is a cell-plasmid fitness tradeoff mediated by the dominance of the beneficial trait. Surprisingly, more dominant plasmid-encoded traits are less likely to fix but more likely to initially invade than less dominant traits. Taken together, our results show that plasmid evolution is driven by dynamics at two levels, with a transient, but critical, contribution of within-cell fitness.
Whole genome characterisation of EnterotoxigenicEscherichia colicirculating in Zambia
Authors: Silwamba Suwilanji , Simuyandi Michelo , Mwape Kapambwe , Luchen Charlie C , Chibesa Kennedy , Chibuye Mwelwa , Mwape Innocent , Liswaniso Fraser , Ngombe Harriet , Chauwa Adriace , Mubanga Cynthia , Dougan Sam , Ojok David , Moono Andrew , Sukwa Nsofwa , Muyoyeta Monde , Chisenga Caroline C , Chilengi Roma , Kwenda Geoffrey , von Mentzer Astrid 
Published: February 2025

AbstractBackgroundEnterotoxigenicEscherichia coli(ETEC) is a significant cause of diarrheal disease, particularly in low—and middle-income countries, including Zambia. ETEC pathogenesis is driven by colonisation factors (CF) and enterotoxins, and increasing antimicrobial resistance compounds the global health burden. Despite its impact, limited genomic data exists for ETEC strains in Sub-Saharan Africa.MethodsThis study conducted whole-genome sequencing of 62 ETEC isolates collected from children under five years old presenting with moderate-to-severe diarrhoea in Lusaka, Zambia. Genomic DNA was extracted, sequenced using the Illumina MiSeq platform, and analysed for phylogenetic relationships, toxin profiles, CF combinations, AMR genes, and plasmid incompatibility groups. Sequences were processed using bioinformatics tools, including SPAdes for genome assembly and Abricate for virulence and AMR profiling.ResultsThe isolates displayed diverse phylogenetic groupings, predominantly within phylogroups A (22 isolates) and B1 (29 isolates). Forty-five serotypes and 39 sequence types were identified, with ST155, ST4, and ST847 being most prevalent. 35% of isolates lacked a known CF, but CS6-only stains were the most common (8%). The most frequent toxin profile was LTh (31%); AMR analysis revealed 350 resistance genes, with Sul2 (14%) and blaTEM-1 (10%) being predominant. ∼89% of isolates exhibited genomic multidrug resistance. Plasmid analysis identified IncFII as the most prevalent incompatibility group (19%).ConclusionThis study highlights the genomic diversity of ETEC in Zambia, revealing concerns about multidrug resistance and identifying virulence profiles. These findings reiterate the urgent need for enhanced surveillance and targeted interventions, including vaccine development, to combat ETEC-related diarrhoea effectively.Authors SummaryDiarrhoea caused by a bacteria called Escherichia coli is a significant health problem for young children in Zambia and many similar countries. Despite its profound impact, not much is known about the types of ETEC found in Zambia. In this study, we collected this type of bacteria from children under five years old who had diarrhoea and studied them in detail using advanced genetic tools. We discovered that the bacteria are very diverse, with different groups, toxin types, and ways of attaching to the host. Worryingly, most bacteria were resistant to several antibiotics, potentially making treatment challenging. This research helps us understand how ETEC spreads and causes illness in Zambia, showing the urgent need for tracking, improved treatments, and vaccines to protect children from this serious disease.
The relationship between employee engagement practices, voice and mental health: exploring the mediating role of interpersonal justice and empathetic leadership
Authors: Khan Muskan , Kumari Arpana , Jain Ajay K. , Srivastava Shalini 
Published: February 2025

PurposeLittle is established about the mechanism through which employee voice is connected to employee mental health. Drawing from social exchange theory, this study examines how employee engagement practices are associated with employee voice, which further influences employee mental health. In addition, the study includes parallel mediation and examines whether perceived interpersonal justice (PIJ) and empathetic leadership (EL) mediate the relationship between employee engagement practices and employee voice.Design/methodology/approachThree time-lagged surveys of 457 employees in the Indian information technology (IT) sector were accomplished.FindingsAs hypothesised, employee engagement practices have a positive influence on employee voice. Secondly, employee voice has a positive influence on the employee’s mental health. PIJ and EL were also found to be significant parallel mediators for the relationship among employee engagement practices and employee voice.Practical implicationsThis study displays the positive influence of employee engagement practices on employee voice. Further, the employee’s voice influences the employee’s mental health. Therefore, it suggests means for improving its pervasiveness in an organisation.Originality/valueThis research paper is an important contribution as it is one of the few studies examining the role of PIJ and EL as parallel mediators of employee engagement practices and employee voice. It also answers repeated calls for more research on employee mental health in the IT sector.
Towards a career perspective on lifelong development: applying a multiple-stakeholder approach to explore the concept
Authors: Kuijpers Marinka A.C.T. , Draaisma Aniek J. , Semeijn Judith H. , Van der Heijden Beatrice I.J.M. 
Published: February 2025

PurposeIn this study, we propose that a contemporary definition of lifelong development, based on scientific literature and qualitative research in 12 Dutch organisations, be applied. This definition integrates several different perspectives on lifelong learning.Design/methodology/approachTo begin with, a conceptual definition was formulated in collaboration with partners and experts from the field. After that, 34 interviews were conducted consisting of one employee, one manager and one human resource (HR) officer from each participating organisation. This was done using an epistemic interview method.FindingsFrom our findings, we conclude that lifelong development is regarded and practised differently by the various respondents; lifelong development is aimed at achieving personal or organisational goals and mutual interests are rarely addressed. However, there seems to be a growing recognition of the importance of integrating the two perspectives.Originality/valueIn order to promote a dialogue regarding stakeholder perspectives, we propose that a definition of lifelong development be applied, one that combines the economic and the more psychological meaning-making perspectives. In doing so, attention should not only be paid to current goals but also to the future goals of individuals and organisations so that future developments can be anticipated. This will then serve as a point of departure for further research and (inter)national, regional and organisational practice.
Connectivity agency in telework: a qualitative analysis of facilitators and barriers
Authors: Booker Luke , Mowbray Paula K , Townsend Keith , Chan Xi Wen 
Published: February 2025

PurposeThe well-being of employees in distributed work has never been of more importance. This study aims to investigate the factors that empower or undermine the connectivity agency of teleworkers. Connectivity agency is an important form of autonomy for managing work–home boundaries, recuperation from work and psychological detachment. With this in mind it becomes vital to understand how connectivity agency is shaped by various contextual factors.Design/methodology/approachThis qualitative study draws upon data collected from 27 teleworkers representing a variety of industries and roles. We employed a semi-structured interview protocol and analysed the data using Tracy’s (2013) iterative coding technique.FindingsFactors that influence one’s likelihood or capacity to exercise connectivity agency exist at the individual, group or organisational level. Our data elucidate factors such as the provision of home and technological resources, the state of team norms and shared expectations and the level of organisational (dis)trust as having significant influence on whether a teleworker exercises connectivity agency, or whether attempts to do so fail altogether.Originality/valueWhilst we have a comprehensive understanding of types of connectivity agency behaviours, it is unclear how one’s agency may be influenced by contextual factors. The originality and key contribution of our study is in enriching our understanding of connectivity agency to appreciate it as a dynamic phenomenon that is shaped by various contextual factors. This presents a variety of important insights for professionals leading, implementing or partaking in distributed work.
Future directions for advancing Green Star NZ to achieve zero-carbon goals: insights from industry professionals
Authors: Liang Jiaxin , Vishnupriya Vishnupriya , Le An , Shen Xiong 
Published: February 2025

PurposeThe building industry is a critical sector that must significantly reduce its carbon emissions for New Zealand (NZ) to meet its 2050 zero-carbon goals. Green Star NZ, a leading Green Building Rating System in NZ, offers a structured framework for assessing and certifying building environmental performance. This research investigates industry professionals' perspectives on Green Star NZ’s effectiveness in achieving NZ’s zero-carbon goals, addressing gaps in existing literature.Design/methodology/approachThrough qualitative analysis of semi-structured interviews, the research identified key areas where Green Star NZ either supports or falls short of zero-carbon practices, according to 22 practising professionals. A thematic analysis method was used to analyse the data.FindingsThe results indicate that while Green Star NZ suits NZ, it faces adoption challenges due to few supportive policies, complex certification and material supply issues with sustainable materials. The study addressed these barriers through targeted policies, streamlined processes and market support for sustainable technologies. Moreover, cost is directly or indirectly tied to Green Star NZ.Originality/valueThis study offers insights and recommendations to improve Green Star NZ, assisting NZGBC and stakeholders in advancing towards a zero-carbon future. Implementing these suggestions can boost Green Star NZ’s effectiveness. Through the project experience and the viewpoints of industry professionals, it fills the research gap by assessing Green Star NZ’s framework, identifying challenges and proposing improvements. The findings also position NZ’s experience as a possible model, advancing global green building practices and providing policymakers with recommendations.
Supply-chain restructuring using the “China-plus-one” strategy: the push–pull–mooring perspective
Authors: Shih Yu-Yuan , Liu Meng-Chun , Lin Chih-An 
Published: February 2025

PurposeThe China-plus-one strategy is an increasingly attractive supply chain risk management strategy and has been adopted by many multinational enterprises. However, relevant research remains limited and warrants empirical validation. This paper addresses this research gap by investigating the determinants of emerging multinational enterprises’ adoption of a China-plus-one strategy.Design/methodology/approachThe China-plus-one adoption decision of 1,527 firms was predicted using a logistic model based on Taiwan’s official data – Investigation of Foreign Sales and Manufacturing, for the years 2020–2022. This database is administered by the Department of Statistics of the Ministry of Economic Affairs (DSMEA) in Taiwan. Analysis was conducted using SPSS 25.0.FindingsIt is suggested that customer pressure and supplier relocation, functioning as push forces, lead to the China-plus-one strategy adopted by Taiwanese firms. Regarding pull forces, lower production cost has a positive association with China-plus-one adoption, whereas sufficient local workforce supply does not have a significant effect. Finally, in terms of the mooring forces, local sales performance is negatively related to the strategy adoption, whereas local access to components shows a positive association with such strategy.Originality/valueThis research uniquely adopts the push–pull–mooring framework to examine factors affecting supply chain restructuring in international business, representing a novel domain for this framework.