bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Herpes zoster vaccination and new diagnoses of dementia: A quasi-randomized study in Australia
Authors: Pomirchy Michael , Bommer Christian , Pradella Fabienne , Michalik Felix , Peters Ruth , Geldsetzer Pascal
Published: June 2024

Increasing evidence suggests that neurotropic herpesviruses could play a role in the development of dementia, possibly through a neuroinflammatory process. Herpes zoster (HZ) vaccination has been reported to lead to a reduced probability of being diagnosed with dementia in several correlational studies and in a prior analysis by our team in Wales. This present study constitutes the first investigation to use a quasi-randomized study design in an electronic health record dataset from a large and diverse nation (Australia) to aim to determine the effect of HZ vaccination on dementia. In Australia, starting on November 1 2016, live-attenuated HZ vaccination was provided for free to individuals aged 70 to 79 years of age through primary care providers. Thus, those whose 80thbirthday was just a few days prior to November 1 2016 never became eligible, whereas those whose 80thbirthday was just a few days later were eligible. The key advantage of our approach is that one would not expect that these population groups who differ in their age by only a minute degree would, on average, differ in any of their health characteristics and behaviors. We used detailed primary healthcare records with week-of-birth information from 65 general practices across Australia. We analyzed our data using a regression discontinuity approach. Our sample consisted of 101,219 patients. As expected, patients born just before versus shortly after the date-of-birth eligibility threshold (November 2 1936) for HZ vaccination were well-balanced in their past preventive health services uptake and chronic disease diagnoses. There was an abrupt increase of 15.7 (95% CI: [12.2 – 19.3], p < 0.001) percentage points in the probability of ever receiving HZ vaccination between patients born shortly before versus shortly after the eligibility threshold. The eligibility rules of the HZ vaccination program, thus, created comparison groups just on either side of the date-of-birth eligibility threshold who were similar to each other, except for a large difference in their probability of receiving the intervention (HZ vaccination) of interest. Eligibility for HZ vaccination (i.e., being born shortly before versus shortly after November 2 1936) decreased the probability of receiving a new dementia diagnosis over 7.4 years by 2.0 percentage points (95% CI: [0.3 – 3.7], p = 0.021). Being eligible for HZ vaccination did not affect the probability of taking up other preventive health services (including other vaccinations), nor the probability of being diagnosed with other common chronic conditions than dementia. This study provides important evidence on the potential benefits of HZ vaccination for dementia because its quasi-randomized design allows for conclusions that are more likely to be causal than those of the existing associational evidence.
CLINICOPATHOLOGICAL AND MOLECULAR CHARACTERISTICS OF PLASMA CELL RICH REJECTION IN RENAL TRANSPLANT BIOPSIES
Authors: du Long Romy , Florquin Marie S.N. Chevalier , Bemelman Frederike J. , Claessen Nike , Peters-Sengers Hessel , Florquin Sandrine , Kers Jesper
Published: June 2024

Background

Plasma cell rich rejection (PCRR) is an uncommon, ill-defined type of renal allograft rejection in the current literature considered a subtype of T cell-mediated rejection (TCMR). PCRR has poorer clinical outcome and is often refractory to classic immunosuppressive therapy. Our study analyzed clinical course, Banff lesion scores and mRNA expression of PCRR compared to (late) rejection.

Methods

We retrospectively scored and reclassified the last known biopsy of 263 renal transplant recipients, morphologically classified as rejection according to the 2019 Banff classification. mRNA expression analysis was performed using the Nanostring B-HOT panel on a subset of cases. PCRR was compared to (late) TCMR, ABMR and mixed rejection for renal function follow-up and graft survival.

Results

mRNA analysis revealed uniquely expressed genes in PCRR includingLOX,CPA3,IL4,IL17F,andMMP12. PCRR is enriched for genes related to mast cells, memory B- and T-cells and transcripts involved in NK cells and allograft fibrosis with heterogeneity in gene expression in biopsies with PCRR. PCRR might be a late event compared to late TCMR and ABMR, with a higher degree of total inflammation and fibrosis. Graft survival and renal function was similar to late TCMR and ABMR during a 5-year follow-up period after renal biopsy.

Conclusion

PCRR represents a distinct late-onset stage of inflammation displaying diverse gene expression patterns, with presence of mainly mast cells, NK cells and transcripts involved in renal allograft fibrosis. Clinical outcomes in patients with PCRR appeared more similar to late TCMR and ABMR.
Admission systolic blood pressure and obesity correlate with fatal and severe acute COVID-19 in the population of New Orleans, LA
Authors: Fusco Dahlene , Liu Sharon , Theberge Marc , Pulapaka Anuhya V. , Zha Yitian , Rittmeyer William , Maylin Marlowe , Rothwell W. Ben , Adhikari Prateek , Raynaud Peter , Ferdinand Keith , Drouin Arnaud
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND

In New Orleans, Louisiana (NOLA), the population’s very high social vulnerability led to the establishment of an early epicenter for severe acute COVID-19. Anticipating future respiratory virus outbreaks, identifying low-cost correlates of outcome relevant to special populations is crucial.

METHODS

89 patients with acute COVID-19, enrolled March to August 2020 in the ClinSeqSer longitudinal observational study.

RESULTS

The cohort’s population, ∼70% Black, 53% female and 55% obese, reflects exactly that of greater urban NOLA; In contrast, pre-COVID hypertension (HTN) is 83% and 1.5 to 2-fold the state’s prevalence (43% among White, 56% among Black residents). Black patients are younger than White (∼50% vs <= 30% in 45-64 years age bracket). Outcomes were 47% severe, including 17% fatal, and 30% non-fatal (high flow or intubated), and identical by race/age. Obesity, BMI, admit systolic blood pressure (SBP), pulse BP, and CRP level, but not race, sex, age, type 2 diabetes, HTN, number or specific anti-HTN drugs, correlated with fatal and severe outcomes. Patients with admission SBP ≥140 mmHg reached severe clinical state sooner than those with lower SBP.

CONCLUSIONS

The very high proportion of pre-COVID HTN in this acute COVID cohort correlates with high social vulnerability. Obesity and SBP on admission stand out as risks for fatal and severe outcomes of acute COVID. The findings support further study of acute COVID admit SBP as a potential correlate of outcome, and the potential role for interactions between a single strain of SARS CoV-2 and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone blood pressure axis.
Trends and Predictors of Outcomes of Primary Intracerebral Hemorrhage in Very Elderly Patients
Authors: Gilotra Kevin , Janssen Melissa , Zhang Xiaoyue , Mani Racheed , Swarna Sujith , Wang Cassie , Dashti Reza
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Primary intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is known to have poor management outcomes. Very elderly patients (age>80) might have a significantly higher incidence of worse management morbidity and mortality after primary ICH. The aim of this study was to explore presenting status and pre-existing comorbidities in very elderly patients and compare the inpatient management outcomes with younger counterparts.

Methods

The Stony Brook ICH database is a retrospective cohort of 814 patients that presented with primary ICH from January 2011 to January 2021. Demographic data, presenting symptoms, pre-existing medical conditions, and imaging findings were recorded. Inpatient outcomes and functional state presented as modified Rankin Scale (MRS) at discharge were evaluated.

Results

Our results indicate very elderly patients had significantly higher baseline MRS and comorbidities such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and atrial fibrillation at presentation. Similarly, usage of statins, antiplatelets, and anticoagulants were significantly higher in this age group. Very elderly patients were also found to have higher average volume of hematoma at presentation. Our results indicate significantly higher discharge MRS, and inpatient mortality in the very elderly group.

Conclusion

Present study demonstrates a wide variety of pre-existing factors that correlate with worse outcomes amongst very elderly patients presenting with primary ICH. Given the importance of aging population as a major healthcare issue in many parts of world, it is crucial to continue exploring these associations in future research. Findings of this study can be utilized to plan further prospective studies on this topic.
EPLINα controls integrin recycling from Rab21 endosomes to drive breast cancer cell migration
Authors: Jäntti Niklas Z. , Moreno-Layseca Paulina , Chastney Megan R. , Dibus Michal , Conway James R. W. , Leppänen Veli-Matti , Hamidi Hellyeh , Eylmann Kathrin , Oliveira-Ferrer Leticia , Veltel Stefan , Ivaska Johanna
Published: June 2024

EPLIN, an actin-binding protein, has been described as both a tumour promoter and tumour suppressor in different cancers. EPLIN isoform(α or β)-specific functions, which remain largely unknown, could explain these opposing roles. We observed distinct EPLIN-isoform localization; EPLINα is recruited to actin in plasma membrane ruffles and endosomes, while EPLINβ resides on actin stress fibers. We identified two EPLIN actin-binding regions and demonstrated EPLINα interaction with Rab21, an established regulator of β1-integrin endosomal traffic. EPLINα co-localizes with Rab21 and F-actin on recycling endosomes in an actin binding-dependent manner and supports β1-integrin recycling and cell migration. Using BioID, we identified coronin 1C as an EPLIN proximal protein, which localizes at Rab21-containing endosomes in an EPLINα-dependent manner. EPLINα expression was linked to increased breast cancer cell motility, and high EPLINα-to-EPLINβ ratio correlated with a mesenchymal phenotype in patient samples. Our work unveils unprecedented EPLIN isoform-specific functions relevant to breast cancer and beyond.
A genome-wide association study of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in a large Korean population highlights its role in cholesterol metabolism
Authors: Oh Kwangyeon , Yuk Minju , Yang Soyoun , Youn Jiyeong , Dong Qian , Wang Zhaoming , Song Nan
Published: June 2024

High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) is a representative biomarker of systemic inflammation and is associated with numerous complex diseases. To explore the biological pathways and functions underlying chronic inflammation, we conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) and several post-GWAS analyses of the hsCRP levels. This study was performed on data from 71,019 Koreans and is one of the largest East Asian studies. Overall, 69 independent single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified, including 12 novel variants located withinSHE, RP11-740C1.2, FCRL6, STEAP1B, AC002480.5, TOMM7, SPPL3, RP11-216P16.6, RP11-209K10.2, CTC-490E21.12, CYP2F2P, CBLC,andPVRL2. The implicated genes and pathways are primarily involved in cholesterol metabolism and the immune response. A phenome-wide association study was performed based on a polygenic risk score constructed using 69 hsCRP-associated SNPs. Notably, the alleles associated with higher hsCRP levels appeared to be associated with lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (P=1.69 × 10-33, β=−1.47). Our findings provide evidence of a link between hsCRP and cholesterol as well as the clinical importance of hsCRP. Specifically, we suggest that genetically determined hsCRP levels may be useful for predicting the potential risk of cardiovascular or other diseases related to lipid metabolism.

Author’s summary

Chronic inflammation is associated with numerous complex diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Previous studies have shown that East Asians have lower levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), a biomarker of inflammation, than other ancestry groups. To identify East Asian-specific single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with chronic inflammation, we conducted a genome-wide association study and secondary genetic analyses on hsCRP in 71,019 Korean individuals. In total, 69 SNPs were identified, of which 12 were novel. A majority of the identified SNPs are located within genes (LEPR,IL6R, andAPOE) that are involved in cholesterol metabolism and immune response. Notably, we found genetically determined hsCRP level may contribute to decrease cholesterol level, in contrast to previous epidemiological studies. Therefore, we suggest genetically determined hsCRP as a clinical tool for predicting the potential risk of abnormal cholesterol metabolism and its related diseases.
Mapping protein distribution in the canine photoreceptor sensory cilium and calyceal processes by ultrastructure expansion microscopy
Authors: Takahashi Kei , Sudharsan Raghavi , Beltran William A.
Published: June 2024

Photoreceptors are highly polarized sensory neurons, possessing a unique ciliary structure known as the photoreceptor sensory cilium (PSC). Vertebrates have two subtypes of photoreceptors: rods, which are responsible for night vision, and cones, which support daylight vision and color perception. Despite identifying functional and morphological differences between these subtypes, ultrastructural analyses of the PSC molecular architecture in rods and cones are still lacking. In this study, we employed ultrastructure expansion microscopy (U-ExM) to characterize the molecular architecture of the PSC in canine retina. We demonstrated that U-ExM is applicable to both non-frozen and cryopreserved retinal tissues with standard paraformaldehyde fixation. Using this validated U-ExM protocol, we revealed the molecular localization of numerous ciliopathy-related proteins in canine photoreceptors. Furthermore, we identified significant architectural differences in the PSC, ciliary rootlet, and calyceal processes between canine rods and cones. These findings pave the way for a better understanding of alterations in the molecular architecture of the PSC in canine models of retinal ciliopathies.
Epigenetic regulation of TERRA transcription and metacyclogenesis by base J inLeishmania major
Authors: Kieft Rudo , Reynolds David , Sabatini Robert
Published: June 2024

The hyper-modified DNA base J helps control termination of Pol II transcription at polycistronic transcription units (PTUs) inT. bruceiandL. major, allowing epigenetic control of gene expression. The Telomere Repeat-containing RNA (TERRA) is synthesized inT. bruceiby Pol I readthrough transcription of a telomeric PTU. While little is understood regarding TERRA synthesis and function, the hyper-modified DNA base J is highly enriched at telomeres inL. majorpromastigotes. We now show that TERRA is synthesized by Pol II inL. majorand loss of base J leads to increased TERRA. For at least one site, the increased TERRA is by Pol II readthrough transcription from an adjacent PTU. Furthermore, Pol II readthrough defects and increased TERRA correlate with increased differentiation of promastigotes to the infectious metacyclic life stage and decreased cell viability. These results help explain the essential nature of base J inLeishmaniaand provide insight regarding epigenetic control of coding and non-coding RNA expression and parasite development during the life cycle ofL. major.
Make-or-break prime editing for bacterial genome engineering
Authors: Rengifo-Gonzalez Monica , Mazzuoli Maria-Vittoria , Janssen Axel B. , Rueff Anne-Stéphanie , Burnier Jessica , Liu Xue , Veening Jan-Willem
Published: June 2024

CRISPR-Cas9 has revolutionized genome engineering by allowing precise introductions of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). However, genome engineering in bacteria is still a complex, multi-step process requiring a donor DNA template for repair of DSBs. Prime editing circumvents this need as the repair template is indirectly provided within the prime editing guide RNA (pegRNA). Here, we developed make-or-break Prime Editing (mbPE) that allows for precise and effective genetic engineering in the opportunistic human pathogenStreptococcus pneumoniae. In contrast to traditional prime editing in which a nicking Cas9 is employed, mbPE harnesses wild type Cas9 in combination with a pegRNA that destroys the seed region or protospacer adjacent motif. Since most bacteria poorly perform template-independent end joining, correctly genome-edited clones are selectively enriched during mbPE. We show that mbPE is RecA-independent and can be used to introduce point mutations, deletions and targeted insertions, including protein tags such as a split luciferase, at selection efficiencies of over 93%. mbPE enables sequential genome editing, is scalable, and can be used to generate pools of mutants in a high-throughput manner. The mbPE system and pegRNA design guidelines described here will ameliorate future bacterial genome editing endeavors.
Under or Over? Tracing Complex DNA Structures with High Resolution Atomic Force Microscopy
Authors: Holmes Elizabeth P. , Gamill Max C. , Provan James I. , Wiggins Laura , Rusková Renáta , Whittle Sylvia , Catley Thomas E. , Main Kavit H. S. , Shephard Neil , Bryant Helen. E. , Gilhooly Neville S. , Gambus Agnieszka , Račko Dušan , Colloms Sean D. , Pyne Alice L. B.
Published: June 2024

The topology of DNA plays a crucial role in the regulation of cellular processes and genome stability. Despite its significance, DNA topology remains challenging to determine due to the length and conformational complexity of individual topologically constrained DNA molecules. We demonstrate unparalleled resolution of complex DNA topologies using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) in aqueous conditions. We present a new high-throughput automated pipeline to determine DNA topology from raw AFM images, using deep-learning methods to trace the backbone of individual DNA molecules and identify crossing points. Our pipeline efficiently determines which segment passes over which, including the handling of challenging crossings, where the path of each molecule may be harder to resolve. We demonstrate the wider applicability of our tracing method by determining the structure of stalled replication intermediates fromXenopusegg extracts, including theta structures and late replication products. By developing new methodologies to accurately trace the DNA path through every crossing, we determine the topology of plasmids, knots and catenanes from theE. coliXer recombination system. In doing so we uncover a recurrent depositional effect and reveal its origins using coarse-grained simulations. Our approach is broadly applicable to a range of nucleic acid structures, including those which interact with proteins, and opens avenues for understanding fundamental biological processes which are regulated by or affect DNA topology.
Giant Graviton Expansion from Bubbling Geometry: Discreteness from Quantized Geometry
Authors: Deddo Evan , Liu James T. , Pando Zayas Leopoldo A. , Saskowski Robert J.
Published: June 2024

The superconformal index of half-BPS states in N=4 supersymmetric Yang-Mills with gauge group U(N) admits an expansion in terms of giant gravitons, IN(q)=I∞(q)∑m=0∞qmNI^m(q), where m is the number of giant gravitons and I∞(q) is the graviton index. The expansion can be viewed as the implementation of trace relations for finite N. We derive this expansion directly in supergravity from the class of half-BPS solutions due to Lin, Lunin, and Maldacena in type IIB supergravity. The moduli space of these configurations can be quantized using covariant quantization methods. We show how this quantization leads to the precise expression for the expansion in terms of giant gravitons. Our proposal provides a derivation of the giant graviton expansion directly in terms of quantized supergravity degrees of freedom, and it recovers discrete data via quantum geometries that are classically nonsmooth.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Production of Dark Sector Particles via Resonant Positron Annihilation on Atomic Electrons
Authors: Arias-Aragón Fernando , Darmé Luc , Grilli di Cortona Giovanni , Nardi Enrico
Published: June 2024

Resonant positron annihilation on atomic electrons provides a powerful method to search for light new particles coupled to e+e−. Reliable estimates of production rates require a detailed characterization of electron momentum distributions. We describe a general method that harnesses the target material Compton profile to properly include electron velocity effects in resonant annihilation cross sections. We additionally find that high-Z atoms can efficiently act as particle physics accelerators, providing a density of relativistic electrons that allows one to extend by several times the experimental mass reach.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Advancing corporate sustainability: empowering the young consumers to reduce food waste for the sake of our planet
Authors: Ting Siong-Hoh , Leong Choi-Meng , Lim Tze-Yin , Kuek Thiam Yong , Lim Bibiana Chiu Yiong
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Food waste among young consumers is a significant concern that threatens food sustainability due to consumption behaviour. This study has integrated the Theory of Interpersonal Behaviour to extend the Theory of Planned Behaviour to measure young consumer’s intention to reduce food waste in a developing country context. Bringing in emotion, habits, and facilitating conditions to predict the consumers' attitudes, this study assesses the intention to reduce food waste for corporate sustainability from the perspective of consumption.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a quantitative approach and purposive sampling, 205 samples were collected from the young generation aged 18 to 30, who frequently have meals at home. The PLS-SEM technique was employed to examine the hypothesised model.

Findings

The findings supported all the hypotheses mentioned where attitudes, subjective norms (SN) and perceived behavioural control (PBC) affect the intention to reduce food waste among young consumers. Furthermore, the other variables, namely, habits, emotions and facilitating conditions, also significantly impact the attitudes of the young generation.

Originality/value

Understanding young consumers' food waste behaviour is vital from the social, economic, and environmental perspectives. This study showcases a comprehensive food waste behaviour model among young consumers by integrating the Theory of Interpersonal Behaviour and the Theory of Planned Behaviour to examine the intention to minimise food waste. Practically, this study offers insights to business practitioners and communities in managing food waste from the young consumer perspective. Socially, this study supports the United Nations' (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 12 by contributing to global food waste reduction efforts.
Exploring the diversity of emotion in hospitality and tourism from big data: a novel sentiment dictionary
Authors: Yu Yunyun , Chen Jiaqi , Mehraliyev Fuad , Hu Sike , Wang Shengbin , Liu Jun
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Although the importance and variety of emotions have been emphasized in existing literature, studies on discrete emotions remain limited. This study aims to propose a method for more precise recognition and calculation of emotions in massive amounts of online data on attraction visitor experiences and behaviour, by using discrete emotion theory.

Design/methodology/approach

Using HowNet’s word similarity calculation technique, this study integrated multiple generic dictionaries, including the sentiment vocabulary ontology database of the Dalian University of Technology, the National Taiwan University Sentiment Dictionary and the Boson Dictionary. Word2vec algorithm filters emotion words unique to hospitality and tourism in 1,596,398 texts from Sogou News, Wikipedia and Ctrip reviews about attractions, and 1,765,691 reviews about attractions in China.

Findings

The discrete sentiment dictionary developed in this study outperformed the original dictionary in identifying and calculating emotions, with a total vocabulary extension of 12.07%, demonstrating its applicability to tourism.

Research limitations/implications

The developed new dictionary can be used by researchers and managers alike to quickly and accurately evaluate products and services based on online visitor reviews.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to construct a sentiment dictionary based on discrete emotion theory applicable to hospitality and tourism in the Chinese context. This study extended the applicability of affective psychology to hospitality and tourism using discrete emotion theory. Moreover, the study offers a methodological framework for developing a domain-specific sentiment dictionary, potentially applicable to other domains in hospitality.
New ways of working and psychological well-being: work intensity as a target variable of job resources
Authors: Soucek Roman , Voss Amanda S. , Drexler Hans , Moser Klaus
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Digitalization and flexibility of workplaces as aspects of new ways of working are associated both positively and negatively with employees’ well-being. However, the mechanisms behind this relationship are not clear yet. We present work intensity as a link between new ways of working and psychological well-being. Furthermore, we address two job resources to alter this association: autonomy and boundary control.

Design/methodology/approach

Overall, 1,099 employees of a public administration organization participated in the survey and answered a web-based questionnaire. The organization was in the transition to new ways of working including the introduction of a digital filing system and remote work.

Findings

The results of regression analyses provided evidence that flexibility and dissolution of boundaries were positively related to work intensity, which in turn was associated with emotional exhaustion and work engagement. Thus, new ways of working were negatively associated with psychological well-being, mediated by work intensity. Further analyses revealed that the job resources of autonomy and boundary control moderated the relationship between flexibility respectively dissolution of boundaries with work intensity. Thus, these job resources acted as buffering factors and mitigated the association of new ways of working with work intensity.

Originality/value

The results indicated that work intensity could be perceived as a conceptual bridge between new ways of working and psychological well-being providing a promising target variable for the deployment of job resources to preserve employees’ well-being.
Appraisal of knowledge and attitudes of local people towards importance of conservation of the archaeological heritage. Case of the Hippone site in Annaba (Algeria)
Authors: Hafiane Hedahdia Imene , Boukhemis Kaddour
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Numerous studies have shown that perceptions and attitudes of the local population can be key elements in the process of enhancing heritage and developing tourism within an area. In this context, this article aims to investigate the awareness, perceptions, and attitudes of the inhabitants of the city of Annaba in Algeria toward the importance of conserving the Hippone archaeological site.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, a survey was administered to a cohort comprising 220 residents of Annaba city. The acquired dataset underwent rigorous analysis utilizing statistical software (SPSS) version 26. The analytical framework encompassed descriptive statistics, chi-square analyses, and ordinal logistic regression, facilitating a nuanced examination of the collected data.

Findings

The empirical outcomes delineate a predominant awareness among respondents regarding the latent heritage potential intrinsic to the surveyed site. Moreover, the populace demonstrates a cognizance of the consequential role that the conservation of said site can play in fostering economic, social, and cultural development within their urban milieu. Subsequent statistical scrutiny discloses a discernible correlation between respondents' attitudes and demographic variables, particularly age and education.

Research limitations/implications

Several limitations warrant acknowledgment in this study. Primarily, the sample size, comprising 220 respondents, precludes its claim to statistical representativeness for the entire population. Additionally, the variables operationalized in this study to gauge residents' attitudes may benefit from refinement or expansion for enhanced precision. Despite these constraints, the amassed data proffer valuable insights into comprehending the levels of knowledge and attitudes prevalent among the local populace in Annaba regarding their archaeological site, Hippone. Future investigations would benefit from an expanded sample size to fortify the robustness of these findings.

Originality/value

This article discusses the importance of including local communities in heritage management, representing an exploration into the local population's knowledge, awareness, and attitudes concerning the imperative of conserving Algerian heritage. It also highlights the need to review the current heritage protection and management policy in the country.
Market power and Shariah compliance on Islamic banks: Does public listing matter?
Authors: Mukhibad Hasan
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This study aims to explain the effect of customer loyalty, financial performance and market power on Shariah compliance (SC).

Design/methodology/approach

This study investigates 101 fully-fledged Islamic banks (IBs) from 27 countries, and panel data regression methods were used to analyze the data. This study uses alternative empirical models and the generalized method of moment (GMM) system to address endogeneity problems.

Findings

This study finds that high profitability causes a decrease in SC. High levels of competition cause the IBs to make policies to increase their SC. However, the effect of competition on SC depends on the ownership status of the IBs – high levels of competition cause unlisted IBs to increase their SC. However, for listed IBs, severe competition weakens their SC.

Research limitations/implications

This study focuses on interest-free IB deposit products as SC indicators.

Practical implications

This paper suggests regulators should control the IBs’ competition to increase the level of competition among IBs and conventional banks to increase the SC.

Originality/value

This study develops two SC indicators that focus on the relationship between the rate of return for investment account holders (RRIAH) and the interest rate (IR): the difference between the IR and the RRIAH and the elasticity of the RRIAH with the IR.
Halal beauty supply chain and sustainable operational excellence: a moderator of the post-SARS-CoV-2 mitigation strategy
Authors: Fernando Yudi , Mergeresa Fineke , Wahyuni-TD Ika Sari , Hazarasim Nurul Sabrina
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is twofold. The first objective is to examine the impact of the halal beauty supply chain (HBSC) on sustainable operational excellence (SOE). The second objective is to investigate Post-SARS-CoV-2 mitigation strategies executed by halal beauty companies in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

The questionnaire was distributed via an online survey, and data were analyzed from 143 beauty firms and their supply chains. This study used a structural equation modeling technique to test the validity of the research model and hypotheses.

Findings

This study found that halal transportation, halal manufacturing, halal packaging and post-SARS-CoV-2 mitigation strategies had a significant and direct effect on SOE. The halal procurement was the only predictor that affected the SOE when the post-SARS-CoV-2 mitigation strategy was computed as a moderator in the research model.

Practical implications

Consumers have the right to determine what is a good product by researching it before purchase and consumption. Muslim customers must pay attention and seek information on how the product is manufactured and distributed using sustainable materials according to Shariah law. This is because consumers are responsible for both themselves and others. Companies must view consumer awareness of product qualities as a business opportunity. Halal beauty companies should frequently execute risk mapping and mitigation strategies to decrease risk, improve revenues and attain sustainable business objectives.

Originality/value

Although the HBSC encompasses numerous complicated areas, such as strategic marketing, operations, as well as behavioral and Shariah compliance, there is a deficiency of literature on how firms mitigate risk in the halal supply chain. This study proposes a framework for a HBSC that achieves and leverages SOE.
Navigating the path to sustainable energy transition in Oman: a systematic literature review and future research opportunities
Authors: Zubairu Nasiru , Mohammed Ahmed , Zohny Zeinab
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Despite the increasing demand for renewable energy (RE) as a low-carbon energy source, the transition to RE is very slow in many regions, including Oman, the case country for this study. It is critical to offer strategic insights to energy supply chain participants towards the sustainable transition to renewable energy (STRE). The purpose of this study is to identify viable RE sources in Oman as a case study of a GCC member country, develop a comprehensive framework of STRE, and suggest future research opportunities.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper addressed this problem through a country/regional study of Oman by conducting a systematic literature review (SLR) of RE-related peer-reviewed publications spanning over 21 years from January 2000 to February 2021. The qualifying articles are evaluated using template analysis qualitatively to identify viable renewable energy sources, build a holistic framework of STRE and recommend future research opportunities.

Findings

Findings confirm the potential of solar, wind, biomass and geothermal energies driven by environmental, economic and social sustainability concerns. However, results suggest that to fast-track the STRE, more emphasis should be accorded to solar and wind energies owing to the geographical composition of Oman. Findings reveal that policies and regulations, advanced and cost-effective technologies, subsidy regimes, grid connectivity and capacity, storage capacity and land availability influence the STRE. Gaps in the literature are identified from the results to clarify and suggest future research opportunities.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that conducted an SLR that was evaluated using the template analysis technique to build a novel and updated framework that facilitates a crystalline understanding of STRE to guide policymakers and professionals in strategic decision-making.
Exploring the impact of temporal resolution on detecting shifts in the invasive species niche: Insights from Lessepsian fishes
Authors: D'Amen Manuela , Bonora Nico , Azzurro Ernesto
Published: June 2024

In this study, we estimate the niche overlap between native and invaded ranges of 36 Lessepsian fish, focusing on how this estimate might vary in relation to the temporal resolution of sea surface temperature and salinity, which are the main niche axes determining their distribution. Specifically, we wanted to address the following questions: (i) Does the choice of temporal averaging method of variables influence the estimation of niche overlap for individual variables? (ii) Does this temporal resolution effect persist when conducting bivariate niche estimations?

Niches overlap was estimated by calculating two indices and these analyses were repeated at two temporal resolutions, matching observations to the classic ‘multidecadal’ average of environmental conditions and to the corresponding annual average of records. Results are compared with verify whether differences can be detected in the magnitude of niche commonality measured at annual or multidecadal temporal resolution.

The findings show that the temporal resolution of the data significantly influences estimates of overlap in the thermal niche. Specifically, our analysis indicates a considerable disparity between native and invasive niche regions for most species, particularly when evaluated over multidecadal periods compared with matching occurrence data to the annual mean values of years the occurrence was observed, that is matching occurrence data to a common average of ‘present’ conditions or to the annual mean values of years of observation. In particular, the largest overlaps between native and invaded niches occur along the salinity axis, regardless of temporal resolution. When considering both temperature and salinity together, the results remain unaffected by the temporal resolution of the environmental data. Almost 30% of the species show a different niche in their introduced range, and for the other species, the overlap between native and invaded ranges was reduced with respect to the univariate analyses.
Diet suitability through biological parameters in Ostrinia furnacalis (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) clades
Authors: Alam Aleena , Abbas Sohail , Ali Jamin , Liangzhu Wang , Shakeel Muhammad , Ullah Farman , Xiao Feng , Weibo Qin , Haichao Wu , Jiali Liu , Abbas Arzlan , Khan Khalid Ali , Ghramh Hamed A. , Zhiming Xie , Zhao Chen Ri
Published: June 2024

The Asian corn borer (ACB), Ostrinia furnacalis, (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), a significant threat to corn crops, necessitates comprehensive research on its populations, across multiple clades. This study addresses the efficacy of various diets, such as an antibiotic mixed diet of amoxicillin mixed with artificial diet, wheat germ flour artificial diet and fresh corn leaves, for the successful mass rearing of three clades of O. furnacalis, and investigates variations among the insects reared under laboratory conditions. We validate these findings for O. furnacalis clades using biological attributes. Notably, clade III demonstrated enhanced biological characteristics with an antibiotic mixed diet, in contrast to clades I and II, with higher growth indexes observed during mass rearing. Through revealing a suitable diet for the clade, this research advances our understanding of O. furnacalis dynamics and offers valuable insights for practical applications in an integrated pest management program.
Different gender of oxidative balance score on the risk of rheumatoid arthritis in the US population from NHANES
Authors: Meng Fanzhang , Lu Siyi , Li Leqing , Qian Tangliang , Zhang Chen , Liu Xiaoping , Hou Xiujuan
Published: June 2024

Background

Oxidative stress is associated with risk of pathogenesis between rheumatoid arthritis. The Oxidative Balance Score (OBS) is a systematic tool to assess the effects of diet and lifestyle in relation to oxidative stress. However, the association between OBS and rheumatoid arthritis has not been reported previously. We conducted a cross‐sectional study to investigate the complex association between OBS and rheumatoid arthritis in US adults.

Methods

Overall, 9747 participants were included in this cross‐sectional study. The exposure variable was OBS, which was scored by 16 dietary and four lifestyle factors. Multivariate logistic regression, subgroup analysis, and restricted cubic spline (RCS) regression were used to analyze the association between OBS and rheumatoid arthritis.

Results

Compared to the lowest OBS quartile group (Q1), the multivariate corrected odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval [CI]) for the highest quartile of OBS (Q4) was 0.69 (0.52–0.90) (p = .013 for trend); furthermore, the RCS showed a negative linear relationship between OBS and rheumatoid arthritis. According to subgroup and RCS analyses, there was a significant difference between the association of OBS and with rheumatoid arthritis in terms of gender (p = .049).

Conclusion

In conclusion, high OBS was negatively associated with the risk of rheumatoid arthritis. Gender has an effect on OBS in RA. Our results suggest that OBS can be used as a biomarker to predict rheumatoid arthritis.
Discretizing and validating Keyfitz' entropy for any demographic classification
Authors: Giaimo Stefano
Published: June 2024

Keyfitz's entropy originally is a shape measure of senescence for continuous‐time models. But a later formula of Keyfitz's entropy for discrete time also exists. de Vries et al. (2023) showed that this discrete‐time formula is not a genuine shape measure of senescence and proposed a new discrete‐time formula for entropy that qualifies as a shape measure. However, these authors obtained their new formula by discretizing an alternative version of Keyfitz' continuous‐time formula and not by following his original derivation, that is not by computing the elasticity of life expectancy to an age‐uniform mortality change. Hence, they regarded as a loose end of their work whether discretizing Keyfitz' original derivation would also lead to their new formula. These authors also deemed lack of direct applicability to stage‐classified models a major downside of the new formula they proposed.

Here we do two separate things: we discretize Keyfitz' original derivation of entropy and we generalize the new discrete‐time formula for this quantity proposed by de Vries et al. (2023).

We show that the discrete‐time formula for entropy that de Vries et al. (2023) propose to supersede, while potentially problematic for studying senescence, is, as Keyfitz' original formula, an elasticity. Generalizing the work of de Vries et al. (2023) leads to a formula for entropy that can be directly applied as a shape measure of senescence to models with any demographic classification. We also prove convergence properties that validate the application of this general formula to models classified by stage.

We thus support and generalize the successful approach by de Vries et al. (2023) of obtaining new discrete‐time formulas for Keyfitz' entropy from a shape perspective: merits of shape measures of senescence, which capture the overall age‐pattern of mortality, should be based on their desirable properties and not necessarily on their means of derivation. Moreover, our work gives one more example of how in ecological and evolutionary modelling the passage from continuous to discrete time may be non‐obvious.
Response to Discretising and validating Keyfitz' entropy for any demographic classification
Authors: Bernard Connor , de Vries Charlotte , Jones Owen R. , Salguero‐Gómez Roberto
Published: June 2024

In recent years, demographers have parsed variation in survivorship into two distinct components: the shape and the pace of ageing. The pace of ageing is defined by measures of longevity such as mean life expectancy or maximum longevity, whereas measures of the shape of ageing attempt to classify different shapes of the survivorship curve. We recently published a paper pointing out that a commonly used discretization of a shape measure, Keyfitz' entropy, does not correctly classify survivorship curves into negatively and positively senescing curves (de Vries et al., 2023). In that paper, we also suggested an alternative, accurate discrete‐time version of Keyfitz' entropy. de Vries et al. (2023) ended with two open questions, both of which have been answered by Giaimo (2024) now: (1) Can a discrete‐time entropy measure of survivorship be generalized beyond age‐based population models? Giaimo (2024) introduce a new formula that achieves this. (2) Will a discretization of Keyfitz' derivation of his measure as the elasticity of lifespan to a uniform change in mortality lead to the same formula as a discretization of Keyfitz' result? Giaimo (2024) answers: no.

Here, we briefly discuss the implications of the results obtained by Giaimo (2024), and the implementation of his new formula into the Rpackage Rage, which is widely used for comparative demographic studies.

We showcase the strength of the new method by reanalysing a comparison of Keyfitz' entropy to another shape measure. We find that the comparison is significantly altered by using Giaimo's new Keyfitz' formula.

This example strengthens Giaimo's (2004) words of warning in approaching discretizations with attentiveness.
Is older age an appropriate criterion alone for ordering cervical spine computed tomography after trauma
Authors: Radmard Mahla , Tafazolimoghadam Armin , Hoseinyazdi Meisam , Shahriari Mona , Azadi Javad R. , Chanmugam Arjun , Yousem David M.
Published: June 2024

Background

Cervical spine computed tomography (CSCT) scans are frequently performed in older emergency department (ED) trauma patients based on the 65‐year‐old high‐risk criterion of the Canadian Cervical Spine Rule (CCR). We sought to determine the positivity rate of CSCT scans in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients to assess the current applicability of age in the CCR.

Methods

We reviewed CSCT ED reports from two institutional hospitals from 2018 to 2023. The primary variable was age; however, we also recorded fracture types and sites and type of treatments. Patients were separated into symptomatic and asymptomatic cohorts. We used a Fisher's exact test to compare variables between the asymptomatic and symptomatic groups and chi‐square tests for comparison between age groups.

Results

Of 9455 CSCTs performed in patients ≥ 65 years, 192 (2.0%) fractures were identified (113 females); 28 (0.30%) were in asymptomatic patients. The rates of fractures (1.6%) and asymptomatic fractures (0.18%) were lowest in the 65‐ to 70‐year age group. There were no distinguishing features as to the level or part of the vertebra fractured or surgical treatment rate between asymptomatic and symptomatic patients.

Conclusions

Cervical spine fractures in posttrauma patients ≥ 65 years are uncommon, with the lowest incidence in those 65 to 70 years old. Excluding asymptomatic individuals aged 65–70 from routine CSCT presents a minimal risk of missed fractures (0.18%). This prompts consideration for refining age‐based screening and integrating shared decision making into the clinical protocol for this demographic, reflecting the low incidence of fractures and the changing health profile of the aging population.