bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antecedents of Islamic credit card adoption in Pakistan: an empirical study based on the decomposed theory of planned behavior
Authors: Jawaid Syed Tehseen , Saleem Almas , Sharif Ilma
Published: June 2024

Purpose

In the past three decades, the expansion of Islamic banking has been recognized as one of the most significant financial developments across the world, and to enhance their market share in the highly competitive global banking market, these Islamic banking institutions must continue to be innovative. Credit cards are popularized worldwide; developing countries are also intrinsically motivated to adopt this product for performing financial transactions; however, understanding the factors influencing Islamic credit card (ICC) adoption remains limited, and the ICC still needs to attain adequate market share in the banking sector. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the determinants of ICC in Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

For empirical estimation, sample data from 499 respondents, including ICC users and individuals willing to use ICC, is utilized through partial least square structural equation modeling.

Findings

The results show that attitude, compatibility, perceived behavioral control and religiosity are positive, while complexity negatively affects ICC adoption. In contrast, social influence, trust and satisfaction are insignificant determinants of ICC’s intention to use in Pakistan.

Originality/value

As a banking service, ICCs are viewed as a new banking product in Pakistan and have limited scope in the literature. Therefore, this study contributes to the existing literature by providing more integrating policy insights to academians and banking managers on ICC service in Pakistan.
Sustainable strategic planning and management influence on sustainable performance: findings from halal culinary MSMEs in Southeast Asia
Authors: Sari Rini Kurnia , Alfarizi Muhammad , Ab Talib Mohamed Syazwan
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate the impact of sustainable strategic planning and management (SSPM) on sustainable performance (ecological, social and economic) among micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) in the culinary sector in Southeast Asia (SEA).

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a quantitative approach surveying 300 halal-certified MSMS culinary businesses in the SEA region. Data were gathered using an online survey platform and analyzed using the partial least squares structural equation modeling technique.

Findings

Green management (GRM), digital transformation management (DTM) and Halal Business Management (HBM) exert a significant influence on SSPM. Furthermore, SSPM positively influences the sampled halal culinary MSMEs’ ecological, social and economic performances in SEA. The study also reveals that GRM, DTM and HBM positively influence Islamic ethics compliance and good governance.

Research limitations/implications

This study sheds light on the often-ignored MSME business in the halal culinary sector in SEA. Examining sustainable and strategic planning synergy strengthens the development of a comprehensive framework for SSPM and could encourage more MSMEs to practice sustainable business operations. Moreover, the research also underlines the urgent need to harmonize halal standards in the SEA region. The approach would intensify multilateral support for economic growth and halal trade between SEA countries and beyond.

Originality/value

This study addresses the research gap in the strategic and sustainable management of halal culinary MSMEs within the developing and vast SEA economic region. This research is among the few, if not the first, that combines the GRM, DTM and HBM influence on SSPM and examines the impact on sustainable, ethical and good governance performances. The insights derived from this study contribute to formulating robust, sustainable policies, fostering avenues for sustainable initiatives and enhancing regional and global cooperation for a sustainable future.
Mandatory audit partner rotation and stock price crash risk: causal evidence from a natural experiment
Authors: Fan Yunqi , Hu Guanglei , Chen Xiaoxue
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine whether mandatory audit partner rotation is associated with future stock price crash risk.

Design/methodology/approach

This study makes use of a regulatory change from the Ministry of Finance of China and the China Securities Regulation Commission, which requires mandatory rotation of audit partners since 2004, as a natural experiment to establish causality and applies a difference-in-difference research design.

Findings

Audit partner rotation leads to a significant decrease in future stock price crash risk in the departing partner’s final year of tenure preceding mandatory rotation, consistent with peer monitoring argument of mandatory rotation. Inconsistent with other arguments, including client-specific knowledge, fresh perspective and auditor independence, no significant effect takes a place in the incoming partner’s first year of tenure following mandatory rotation. Mechanism analysis documents that mandatory audit partner rotation reduces stock price crash risk by improving audit quality and constraining managerial empire building.

Originality/value

The results shed new light on the capital market consequence of mandatory audit partner rotation and the cause of stock price crash risk.
Specialized complementary assets and disruptive innovation: digital capability and ecosystem embeddedness
Authors: Sun Yaowu , Zhou Yiting
Published: June 2024

Purpose

With the widespread penetration of digital technologies, disruptive innovation is not developed by a single firm but is increasingly achieved by an ecosystem. However, limited research has examined the mechanisms involved in achieving disruptive innovation in the context of digitalization and ecosystems. To address this gap, we explore the impact of three dimensions of specialized complementary assets (SCAs) within the innovation ecosystem, human capital SCA (HCSCA), production SCA (PSCA) and marketing SCA (MSCA), on disruptive innovation in core firms through the mediation of digital capability, comprising digital operation capability (DOC) and digital resource collaborative capability (DRCC). Furthermore, innovation ecosystem embeddedness is examined as a moderator between digital capability and disruptive innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data were collected from 234 core firms in China’s high-tech industry. Hierarchical regression, AMOS, and PROCESS tools were used to examine the data.

Findings

The results reveal the following: (1) HCSCA and PSCA positively affect disruptive innovation, while MSCA is negatively correlated with disruptive innovation. (2) Digital capability mediates the relationship between HCSCA and disruptive innovation, as well as PSCA and disruptive innovation. However, it suppresses the negative impact of MSCA on disruptive innovation. (3) Innovation ecosystem embeddedness strengthens the influence of DOC on disruptive innovation, but weakens the influence of DRCC on disruptive innovation.

Originality/value

The findings advance the knowledge of disruptive innovation, SCAs within the innovation ecosystem, digital capability and innovation ecosystem embeddedness. They also provide practical insights into the effective implementation of disruptive innovation.
Microstructure and mechanical behavior of Sn15Bi-xAg\Cu solder joints during isothermal aging
Authors: Wang Fengjiang , Yang Dapeng , Yin Guoqing
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to focus on the reliability of Sn15Bi–xAg and Sn15Bi–xCu solder joints during isothermal aging.

Design/methodology/approach

The effects of Ag or Cu additions on the microstructure, interfacial metallic compound layer and shear strength of Sn–15Bi (Sn15Bi) based solder joints during were investigated. The effects of Ag or Cu additions on the microstructure and tensile properties of Sn15Bi-based bulk solders were also investigated to provide a comprehensive analysis. The interfacial morphology and microstructure were observed by scanning electron microscopy and the composition in the structure was examined by energy dispersive spectrometer. The shear tests were carried out on the as-soldered and as-aged joints using a ball shear tester.

Findings

The results revealed that by adding Ag or Cu, the microstructure of Sn15Bi solder can be refined. Ag addition increased the tensile strength of Sn15Bi solder but had little effect on elongation. However, Cu addition decreased the tensile strength and elongation of Sn15Bi solder. For solder joints, Ag addition increased the shear strength and toughness of Sn15Bi/Cu joints but Cu addition decreased the shear strength and toughness of Sn15Bi/Cu joints.

Originality/value

The authors can potentially provide a replacement for Sn40Pb traditional solder with Sn15Bi solder by alloying Ag or Cu due to its lower cost and similar melting point as Sn–Pb solder.
Sign of slant receiver for skewed alpha-stable noise shift keying-based random communication system
Authors: Ahmed Areeb , Savaci Ferit Acar
Published: June 2024

Purpose

In contrast to traditional communication systems, slower data rate has always remained a weak link for non-traditional random communication systems (RCSs), which use alpha-stable (a-stable) noise as a carrier. This paper aims to introduce a fast receiver for skewed a-stable noise shift keying (SkaSNSK)-based RCSs.

Design/methodology/approach

The introduced receiver is based on the sign of slant estimator (SoSE), which provides rapid estimation of the skewed a-stable random noise signals (RNSs) received from the additive white Gaussian noise channel. The SoSE-based receiver minimizes the number of samples required to extract the encoded information from the received RNSs. This is achieved by manipulating the antipodal properties of the slant/skewness parameter of the a-stable carrier. Hence, a high data rate with relatively low complexity is guaranteed.

Findings

In comparison with the previously introduced sinc, logarithmic and modified extreme value method-based receivers, the proposed SoSE-based receiver also achieves improved bit error rate (BER) along with the better covertness values so that the essence of security provided by SkaSNSK-based RCSs remains intact.

Research limitations/implications

Because of the selected range of the associated parameters of the a-stable noise as a carrier, the BER vs MSNR results are may lack applicability for the complete range of values. Therefore, further research is required to produce results in different ranges.

Practical implications

The study includes implications for the hardware development based on the proposed communication scheme.

Originality/value

It can be seen that the paper fulfils the desired need of a fast receiver design for RCS.
Latitudinal specificity of plant–avian frugivore interactions
Authors: Ten Caten Cleber , Dallas Tad
Published: June 2024

Broad‐scale assessments of plant–frugivore interactions indicate the existence of a latitudinal gradient in interaction specialization. The specificity (i.e. the similarity of the interacting partners) of plant–frugivore interactions could also change latitudinally given that differences in resource availability could favour species to become more or less specific in their interactions across latitudes.

Species occurring in the tropics could be more taxonomically, phylogenetically and functionally specific in their interactions because of a wide range of resources that are constantly available in these regions that would allow these species to become more specialized in their resource usage.

We used a data set on plant–avian frugivore interactions spanning a wide latitudinal range to examine these predictions, and we evaluated the relationship between latitude and taxonomic, phylogenetic and functional specificity of plant and frugivore interactions. These relationships were assessed using data on population interactions (population level), species means (species level) and community means (community level).

We found that the specificity of plant–frugivore interactions is generally not different from null models. Although statistically significant relationships were often observed between latitude and the specificity of plant–frugivore interactions, the direction of these relationships was variable and they also were generally weak and had low explanatory power. These results were consistent across the three specificity measures and levels of organization, suggesting that there might be an interplay between different mechanisms driving the interactions between plants and frugivores across latitudes.
Amis Indigeneity in Taiwan
Authors: Alsford Niki J
Published: June 2024

This comment explores the cultural heritage and challenges of the Amis, Taiwan's largest recognized Indigenous group. Drawing on Povinelli's ‘The Cunning of Recognition,’ it argues that state recognition perpetuates power imbalances and commodifies Amis culture. It examines the Amis age‐set system, its role in preserving traditional knowledge, and its challenges due to modernization. It highlights the importance of community‐led initiatives like ’Etolan Style in fostering cultural expression, economic empowerment, and the revitalization of Amis heritage in a post‐colonial world.
Perspectives of young people with SEND on a supported internship programme in the UK
Authors: Stacey Emma , Dewey Jessica
Published: June 2024

Individuals with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) are currently underrepresented in employment, and supported internships have been promoted to increase the likelihood of young people with SEND gaining paid employment. The SEND Code of Practice and the Preparing for Adulthood agenda emphasise the need to improve future outcomes for young people with SEND. This study explored young people's views on a supported internship programme and perceived facilitators or barriers to preparing for adulthood. A qualitative approach was adopted, analysing semi‐structured interviews with eight young people with SEND on one supported internship programme. The findings indicated that the young people positively evaluated the supported internship, appreciating the availability of opportunities and the support provided while on the programme. Perceived barriers included adults not understanding or meeting their needs, perceptions of still being treated like children and the lack of availability of certain opportunities. Findings are discussed with relevance to existing research, and implications for practice and future research are also outlined.
Comparative study of antioxidant activities ofAllium sativum(a novel variety, HG17) andAllium ampeloprasum(SMG): Revealing the higher potential of HG17 and analyzing its phytochemicals
Authors: Monika Monika , Dua Anita , Sharma Sanjay , Gupta Sanjeev , Mittal Ashwani
Published: June 2024

Garlic, belonging to the genusAllium, is renowned for its rich antioxidant potential. Snow Mountain garlic (SMG) (Allium ampeloprasum) has been traditionally used for medicinal purposes because of its higher antioxidant potential. Considering its potential in medical therapies, we compared the antioxidant activity of SMG with a novel variety ofAllium sativum, Hisar garlic 17 (HG17). Comparative antioxidant activity data (2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl and 2,2‐azinobis (3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) revealed the higher antioxidant activity of HG17 than SMG, which prompted us to conduct a comprehensive phytochemical investigation to elucidate the factors contributing to antioxidant potential of HG17. To get a detailed antioxidant and phytoconstituents profiling, we differentially extracted HG17 by processing it in different forms (fresh, dry, heated, and aged) with two solvents (50% methanol andn‐butanol). Our data (antioxidant activities, total phenolics, and flavonoids) showed that dry garlic methanolic extract (DgM) had maximum potential than other HG17 forms/solvents, which concludes that different extraction techniques had direct impact on the phenolics/flavonoids and antioxidant potential of the extracts. Further, phytochemical analysis of HG17 extracts by high resolution liquid chromatograph mass spectrometer quadrupole time of flight validated the maximum potential of DgM. LCMS revealed the presence of garcimangosone C, osmanthuside A, and protoaphin aglucone polyphenols exclusively in DgM compared to other HG17 extracts, which possibly contributing in its high antioxidant potential. The overall differential extraction and LCMS data of HG17 strongly depict that it may be used as an alternative of SMG under diverse medical applications. HG17 higher antioxidant potential and rich array of unique phytochemicals make it valuable for food and pharmaceutical industries to integrate into functional foods/therapeutics.

Practical Application

Garlic unique phytochemical composition and its remarkable ability to scavenge different radicals make it valuable therapeutic asset to mitigate diseases associated with oxidative stress. SMG is well known for its anti‐arthritic and anti‐inflammatory properties. HG17 showed higher antioxidant potential than SMG and can be used as an alternative of SMG for anti‐arthritic properties.
Microencapsulation of peanut skin polyphenols for shelf life improvement of sunflower seeds
Authors: Bergesse Antonella Estefanía , Camiletti Ornella Francina , Vázquez Carolina , Grosso Nelson Rubén , Ryan Liliana Cecilia , Nepote Valeria
Published: June 2024

Derived from industrial processing waste, peanut skins contain polyphenols that delay oxidative food spoilage. However, these compounds are susceptible to light, heat, and oxygen exposure. Microencapsulation provides a solution by offering protection from these factors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of peanut skin extract microcapsules on the chemical, microbiological, and sensory property and shelf life of sunflower seeds during storage. Five roasted sunflower seed samples were prepared: control (S‐C); added with butylhydroxytoluene (S‐BHT); coated with carboxymethyl cellulose (S‐CMC); coated with CMC and the addition of peanut skin crude extract (S‐CMC‐CE); coated with CMC and the addition of microcapsules (S‐CMC‐M20). Sensory acceptability was determined using hedonic testing. Chemical (peroxide value, conjugated dienes, hexanal and nonanal content, and fatty acid profile), microbiological, and descriptive analyses were carried out on samples stored for 45 days at room temperature. Shelf life was calculated using a simple linear regression. All samples were microbiologically fit for human consumption and accepted by consumer panelists, scoring above five points on the nine‐point hedonic scale. S‐CMC‐M20 exhibited the lowest peroxide value (6.59 meqO2/kg) and hexanal content (0.4 µg/g) at the end of the storage. Estimated shelf life showed that S‐MC‐M20 (76.3 days) extended its duration nearly ninefold compared to S‐C (8.3 days) and doubled that of S‐CMC‐CE (37.5 days). This indicates a superior efficacy of microencapsulated extract compared to its unencapsulated form, presenting a promising natural strategy for improving the shelf life of analogous food items.

Practical Application

Incorporating peanut skin extract microcapsules in coating sunflower seeds presents a promising strategy to extend the shelf life of lipid‐rich foods, capitalizing on the antioxidant properties of polyphenols. This innovative approach not only enhances nutritional quality but also addresses sustainability concerns by repurposing agro‐industrial byproducts, such as peanut skins. By meeting consumer demand for functional foods with added health benefits, this technique offers potential opportunities for the development of novel, value‐added food products while contributing to circular economy principles and waste management efforts.
Rare earth elements in biology: From biochemical curiosity to solutions for extractive industries
Authors: Rocha Raquel A. , Alexandrov Kirill , Scott Colin
Published: June 2024

Rare earth elements (REEs) are critical for our modern lifestyles and the transition to a low‐carbon economy. Recent advances in our understanding of the role of REEs in biology, particularly methylotrophy, have provided opportunities to explore biotechnological innovations to improve REE mining and recycling. In addition to bacterial accumulation and concentration of REEs, biological REE binders, including proteins (lanmodulin, lanpepsy) and small molecules (metallophores and cofactors) have been identified that enable REE concentration and separation. REE‐binding proteins have also been used in several mechanistically distinct REE biosensors, which have potential application in mining and medicine. Notably, the role of REEs in biology has only been known for a decade, suggesting their considerable scope for developing new understanding and novel applications.
Postoperative pain, recovery and discharge after robot‐assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy: A multicentre, single blinded, randomised controlled trial
Authors: Hallengren S. , Schening A. , Lindström A.‐C. , Radros J. , Eriksson J. , Blomqvist E. , Knutas R. , Fällman N. , Aly M. , Gupta A.
Published: June 2024

Background

General anaesthesia is standard of care for patients undergoing robot assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP). However, postoperative pain and bladder discomfort remains an issue, and optimising pain management could improve recovery and promote earlier home discharge. The main objective of this trial was to evaluate if patients receiving spinal anaesthesia are more frequently home ready at 8 pm on the same day compared with multimodal pain management following RALP under general anaesthesia.

Methods

This pragmatic, randomised controlled, multicentre trial was performed between January 2019 to December 2021. Patients undergoing RALP under general anaesthesia were randomised to either multimodal analgesia using parecoxib and morphine intra‐operatively (Group GM) or spinal anaesthesia with bupivacaine and sufentanil (Group GS). The primary aim, home readiness, was assessed using a post‐anaesthesia discharge scoring system.

Results

Of 202 patients analysed, 27% patients reached home readiness criteria after 12 h, 46% after 24 h and 79% after 48 h, without differences between the groups. Urge to pass urine was greater in group GM than in group GS (p ⟨0.001) and lasted for a median of two hours in both groups. More patients expressed satisfaction with postoperative care in group GS (p ⟨0.001). No other significant differences were found between the groups.

Discussion

We found no difference in time to home readiness between the groups. Approximately one‐fourth of the patients achieved home readiness the same day after surgery without difference between the groups. Fewer patients had urge, and patient satisfaction was greater in group GS.
Age‐related changes to macrophage subpopulations and TREM2 dysregulation characterize attenuated fracture healing in old mice
Authors: Clark Daniel , Brazina Sloane , Miclau Ted , Park Sangmin , Hsieh Christine L. , Nakamura Mary , Marcucio Ralph
Published: June 2024

Fracture healing complications increase with age, with higher rates of delayed unions and nonunions and an associated increase in morbidity and mortality in older adults. Macrophages have a dynamic role in fracture healing, and we have previously demonstrated that age‐related changes in macrophages are associated with attenuated fracture repair in old mice. Here, we provide a single cell characterization of the immune cells involved in the early phase of fracture healing. We show that there were multiple transcriptionally distinct macrophage subpopulations present simultaneously within the healing tissue. Fracture healing was attenuated in old mice compared to young, and macrophages from the fracture callus of old mice demonstrated a pro‐inflammatory phenotype compared to young. Interestingly, Trem2 expression was decreased in old macrophages compared to young. Young mice lacking Trem2 demonstrated attenuated fracture healing and inflammatory dysregulation similar to old mice. Trem2 dysregulation has previously been implicated in other age‐related diseases, but its role in fracture healing is unknown. This work provides a robust characterization of the macrophage subpopulations involved in fracture healing, and further reveals the important role of Trem2 in fracture healing and may be a potential driver of age‐related inflammatory dysregulation. Future work may further examine macrophages and Trem2 as potential therapeutic targets for management of fracture repair in older adults.
Interventions to improve emergency department throughput and care delivery indicators: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Youssef Elias , Benabbas Roshanak , Choe Brittany , Doukas Donald , Taitt Hope A. , Verma Rajesh , Zehtabchi Shahriar
Published: June 2024

Background

Emergency department (ED) crowding has repercussions on acute care, contributing to prolonged wait times, length of stay, and left without being seen (LWBS). These indicators are regarded as systemic shortcomings, reflecting a failure to provide equitable and accessible acute care. The objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions aimed at improving ED care delivery indicators.

Methods

This was a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing ED interventions aimed at reducing key metrics of time to provider (TTP), time to disposition (TTD), and LWBS. We excluded disease‐specific trials (e.g., stroke). We used Cochrane's revised tool to assess the risk of bias and Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations to rate the quality of evidence. The meta‐analysis was performed using a random‐effects model and Cochrane Q test for heterogeneity. Data were summarized as means (±SD) for continuous variables and risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and other major databases. A total of 1850 references were scanned and 20 RCTs were selected for inclusion. The trials reported at least one of the three outcomes of TTD, TTP, or LWBS. Most interventions focused on triage liaison physician and point‐of‐care (POC) testing. Others included upfront expedited workup (ordering tests before full evaluation by a provider), scribes, triage kiosks, and sending notifications to consultants or residents. POC testing decreased TTD by an average of 5–96 min (high heterogeneity) but slightly increased TTP by a mean difference of 2 min (95% CI 0.6–4 min). Utilizing a triage liaison physician reduced TTD by 28 min (95% CI 19–37 min; moderate‐quality evidence) and was more effective in reducing LWBS than routine triage (RR 0.76, 95% CI 0.66–0.88; moderate quality).

Conclusions

Operational strategies such as POC testing and triage liaison physicians could mitigate the impact of ED crowding and appear to be effective. The current evidence supports these strategies when tailored to the appropriate practice environment.
Moderate‐to‐severe cognitive impairment is associated with both recent and chronic alcohol misuse in people with HIV: The New Orleans alcohol use in HIV (NOAH) study
Authors: Fitzpatrick‐Schmidt Taylor , Oral Evrim , Welsh David A. , Molina Patricia E. , Ferguson Tekeda F. , Edwards Scott
Published: June 2024

Background

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) profoundly impacts the nervous system, leading to neurological deficits including HIV‐associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND). HAND represents the most common neurological comorbidity among people with HIV (PWH), and alcohol use may exacerbate cognitive deficits, especially in vulnerable populations. This study investigated relationships between alcohol use and cognition in an underserved cohort of PWH, on the hypothesis that alcohol misuse exacerbates cognitive deficits.

Methods

Data collected from participants (n = 259; 66.7% male; mean age 52 ± 10 years) enrolled in the New Orleans Alcohol Use in HIV (NOAH) study were utilized for cross‐sectional analysis. Cognitive function was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), and alcohol use was comprehensively measured using four metrics: the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), 30‐day timeline follow back (TLFB), lifetime drinking history, and phosphatidylethanol (PEth) levels.

Results

The average MoCA score among participants was 20.7 ± 4.5, with 86.5% demonstrating cognitive impairment (MoCA < 26). Individuals with MoCA scores below 18 (moderately or severely cognitively impaired) had a higher frequency of recent severe alcohol misuse and greater lifetime alcohol consumption. Participants at increased risk for AUD (AUDIT ≥ 16) also had worse global cognition and memory task performance than those with lower AUDIT scores; this was particularly true among those aged 50 and older. Analysis of the MoCA sub‐score data indicated that participants with increased AUD risk had impairments in the cognitive domains of language and memory.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate a high prevalence of cognitive impairment in the NOAH cohort and suggest that alcohol misuse contributes to global cognitive deficits in PWH, especially among individuals aged 50 and older. Further exploration of the impact of alcohol use on specific cognitive domains, including memory and language, should incorporate additional cognitive tasks. These findings highlight the importance of considering alcohol use and AUD risk as significant factors that may exacerbate cognitive deficits in vulnerable populations, including older PWH.
Ink‐based textile electrodes for wearable functional electrical stimulation: A proof‐of‐concept study to evaluate comfort and efficacy
Authors: Dell'Eva F. , Oliveri V. , Sironi R. , Perego P. , Andreoni G. , Ferrante S. , Pedrocchi A. , Ambrosini E.
Published: June 2024

Background

Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) represents a promising technique for promoting functional recovery in individuals with neuromuscular diseases. Traditionally, current pulses are delivered through self‐adhesive hydrogel Ag/AgCl electrodes, which allow a good contact with the skin, are easy‐to‐use and have a moderate cost. However, skin adherence decreases after a few uses and skin irritations can originate. Recently, textile electrodes have become an attractive alternative as they assure increased durability, easy integration into clothes and can be conveniently cleaned, improving the wearability of FES. However, as various manufacture processes were attempted, their clear validation is lacking. This proof‐of‐concept study proposes a novel set of ink‐based printed textile electrodes and compares them to adhesive hydrogel electrodes in terms of impedance, stimulation performance and perceived comfort.

Methods

The skin–electrode impedance was evaluated for both types of electrodes under different conditions. These electrodes were then used to deliver FES to the Rectus Femoris of 14 healthy subjects to induce its contraction in both isometric and dynamic conditions. This allowed to compare the two types of electrodes in terms of sensory, motor, maximum and pain thresholds, FES‐induced range of motion during dynamic tests, FES‐induced torque during isometric tests and perceived stimulation comfort.

Results

No statistically significant differences were found both in terms of stimulation performance (Wilcoxon test) and comfort (Generalized Linear Mixed Model).

Conclusion

The results showed that the proposed ink‐based printed textile electrodes can be effectively used as alternative to hydrogel ones. Further experiments are needed to evaluate their durability and their response to sterilizability and stretching tests.
Paediatric gender medicine: Longitudinal studies have not consistently shown improvement in depression or suicidality
Authors: McDeavitt Kathleen
Published: June 2024

Aim

Systematic literature reviews have found the evidence for hormonal interventions in paediatric‐age patients with gender dysphoria is of low certainty. Studies in this field have all been observational, and generally of low quality. Nevertheless, some experts assert that the observational studies in this field have consistently found improvement in mental health, and therefore constitute sufficient evidentiary basis for hormonal interventions. The present review sought to characterise results of the longitudinal clinical research studies that have reported depression and suicidality outcomes.

Methods

The present review collated, from examination of six existing reviews, 14 longitudinal clinical research studies that have specifically investigated depression and/or suicidality outcomes.

Results

Significantly positive depression outcomes were reported in six studies, and significantly positive suicidality outcomes in two studies. Outcomes were negative in the largest study. Notably, some studies articulated positive conclusions about hormonal interventions even in the setting of insignificant, small or negative findings.

Conclusions

Analysis of longitudinal clinical research in this field showed inconsistent demonstration of benefit with respect to depression and suicidality. This analysis suggests that, contrary to assertions of some experts and North American professional medical organisations, the impact of hormonal interventions on depression and suicidality in this population is unknown.
Letter: Third‐line therapy in acute severe ulcerative colitis, exploring the uncertainty and unanswered questions
Authors: Chetwood J. D. , Ding N. S.
Published: June 2024

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to García et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17938 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.18104.
Barriers to and facilitators for creating, disseminating, implementing, monitoring and evaluating oral health policies in the WHO African region: A scoping review
Authors: Verdugo‐Paiva Francisca , Urquhart Olivia , Matanhire‐Zihanzu Cleopatra N. , Martins‐Pfeifer Carolina Castro , Booth Emmett , Booth H. Austin , Aljarahi Hind , Button John , Pinto‐Grunfeld Camila , Villanueva Julio , Kohler Iliana V. , Glick Michael , Carrasco‐Labra Alonso
Published: June 2024

Objective

To advance oral health policies (OHPs) in the World Health Organization (WHO) African region, barriers to and facilitators for creating, disseminating, implementing, monitoring and evaluating OHPs in the region were examined.

Methods

Global Health, Embase, PubMed, Public Affairs Information Service Index, ABI/Inform, Web of Science, Academic Search Complete, Scopus, Dissertations Global, Google Scholar, WHO's Institutional Repository for Information Sharing (IRIS), the WHO Noncommunicable Diseases Document Repository and the Regional African Index Medicus and African Journals Online were searched. Technical officers at the WHO Regional Office for Africa were contacted. Research studies and policy documents reporting barriers to and facilitators for OHP in the 47 Member States in the WHO African region published between January 2002 and March 2024 in English, French or Portuguese were included. Frequencies were used to summarize quantitative data, and descriptive content analysis was used to code and classify barrier and facilitator statements.

Results

Eighty‐eight reports, including 55 research articles and 33 policy documents, were included. The vast majority of the research articles and policy documents were country‐specific, but they were lacking for most countries. Frequently mentioned barriers across policy at all stages included financial constraints, a limited and poorly organized workforce, deprioritization of oral health, the absence of health information systems, inadequate integration of oral health services within the overarching health system and limited oral health literacy. Facilitators included a renewed commitment to establishing national OHPs, recognition of a need to diversify the oral health workforce, and an increased understanding of the influence of social determinants of health among oral health care providers.

Conclusions

Most countries lack a country‐specific body of evidence to assist policymakers in anticipating barriers to and facilitators for OHPs. The barriers and facilitators relevant to disparate subnational, national, and regional conditions and circumstances must be considered to advance the creation, dissemination, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of OHPs in the WHO African region.
Developing Countries and Joint Statement Initiatives at the WTO: Damned if You Join, Damned if You Don't?
Authors: Azmeh Shamel
Published: June 2024

Limited progress in World Trade Organization (WTO) multilateral trade negotiations has led to calls to expand plurilateral processes through which groups of member states can negotiate new agreements. These calls have manifested in Joint Statement Initiatives (JSIs), covering issues such as investments and e‐commerce. To their proponents, JSIs offer a path to update rules and move towards flexible multilateralism. However, critics argue that JSIs marginalize developing countries and reinforce the dominance of advanced economies. Notwithstanding this criticism, a growing number of developing countries are joining these initiatives. Through data collected from in‐depth interviews with officials from 60 WTO member states, this article examines the drivers for growing JSI membership among developing countries. It illustrates that many are joining JSIs to avoid being excluded from agreements that might become binding in the future. While such membership is driven by fear of exclusion and the preference to ‘be in the room’, the negotiation processes of the JSIs often mean that developing countries have little actual influence over the negotiation outcomes. The article concludes that JSIs represent a significant change in the organization of multilateral trade negotiations and enable larger economies to restore their ‘go‐it‐alone power’ in multilateral trade governance.
A systematic review of the mechanisms influencing engagement in diabetes prevention programmes for people with pre‐diabetes
Authors: McMullen Britney , Duncanson Kerith , Collins Clare , MacDonald‐Wicks Lesley
Published: June 2024

Aims

To identify barriers and enablers that influence engagement in and acceptability of diabetes prevention programmes for people with pre‐diabetes. The results will provide insights for developing strategies and recommendations to improve design and delivery of diabetes prevention programmes with enhanced engagement and acceptability for people with pre‐diabetes.

Methods

This review used a critical realist approach to examine context and mechanisms of diabetes prevention programmes. Medline, Embase, PsycInfo, Cinahl, Web of Science, Scopus and Pre‐Medline were searched for English language studies published between 2000 and 2023. A quality assessment was conducted using Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools.

Results

A total of 90 papers met inclusion criteria. The included studies used a variety of quantitative and qualitative methodologies. Data extracted focused on barriers and enablers to engagement in and acceptability of diabetes prevention programmes, with seven key mechanisms identified. These included financial, environmental, personal, healthcare, social and cultural, demographic and programme mechanisms. Findings highlighted diverse factors that influenced engagement in preventive programmes and the importance of considering these factors when planning, developing and implementing future diabetes prevention programmes.

Conclusions

Mechanisms identified in this review can inform design and development of diabetes prevention programmes for people with pre‐diabetes and provide guidance for healthcare professionals and policymakers. This will facilitate increased participation and engagement in preventive programmes, potentially reducing progression and/or incidence of pre‐diabetes to type 2 diabetes and improving health outcomes.
Clonality and limited population diversity of Fusarium circinatum in Colombia
Authors: Ceriani C. , Wingfield M. J. , Fru F. , van Wyk S. , Rodas C. , Wingfield B. D. , Steenkamp E. T.
Published: June 2024

Fusarium circinatum is an important fungal pathogen of Pinus species utilized in commercial forestry worldwide. In Colombia, it was first found on nursery plants and later in plantations associated with basal cankers on young trees. In this study, we explored the population diversity of the pathogen in Colombia by analyzing 136 isolates collected from diseased nursery plants (2005–2007) and plantation trees (2017 and 2020). These were sourced from different geographical regions and Pinus species. Genotyping was performed using 10 microsatellite markers, while mating types were identified with PCRs targeting the MAT1 locus. Using microsatellites, a total of 33 multilocus haplotypes were detected. Genetic diversity indices showed low levels of diversity in both the overall collection and in specific collection groupings. The data also suggested that a small number of isolates had unique origins in the country (p < .05), and relatively low levels of population differentiation were detected between the nursery and plantation collections. All the isolates were scored as having the MAT1‐1 mating type, and no evidence for the random association among microsatellite alleles (p = .0001) was found. Overall, these data suggest that F. circinatum was introduced into Colombia a small number of times, likely on seed for nursery production. Furthermore, the data also indicate that the pathogen has spread from nurseries to the plantations via asexual reproduction and on asymptomatic plants. This has resulted in a highly clonal F. circinatum population in Colombia that has resulted from accidental introductions of the pathogen into a production nursery.
Genetic assessment of eight zoo populations of golden snub‐nosed monkey (Rhinopithecus roxellana) implication to the conservation management of captive populations
Authors: Luo Jinxia , Cai Yansen , Xie Yuchen , Jin Xianlin , Yu Jianqiu , Xu Mei , Liu Xuanzhen , Li Jing
Published: June 2024

Captive breeding programs play an important role in preserving the genetic diversity of endangered species. It is of utmost importance to conduct genetic assessment for captive populations in order to develop scientific breeding plans and conservation management strategies. Here, we genotyped 10 microsatellite loci and sequenced 368 bp of mitochondrial DNA control region for the golden snub‐nosed monkey (Rhinopithecus roxellana) from eight captive populations in China, and compared the genetic indices of captive populations with a wild population. Meanwhile, we performed paternity tests to verify the genealogical records and established genetic lineages. A total of 157 individuals were identified from 161 fecal samples, including 135 captive individuals (approximately 25% of captive individuals in China). Microsatellite analysis showed that the nine populations had moderate levels of genetic diversity, with polymorphism information content (PIC) ranging from 0.43 to 0.542; the genetic diversity of captive populations (average PIC: 0.503) was slightly higher than that of the wild population (PIC: 0.438). The Structure analysis indicated that individuals of the eight captive populations contained two different genetic components. We conducted either single‐blind or double‐blind paternity testing on 40 offspring of captive individuals and found that five offspring from two zoos (Nanjing Hongshan Forest Zoo and Shanghai Wild Animal Park) showed discrepant kinships from their pedigree records, probably due to the inaccuracies in pedigree records. By constructing genetic pedigrees, inbred offspring were found in Beijing Zoo, Shanghai Zoo, Hangzhou Zoo, and Chengdu Zoo. Analysis based on mitochondrial DNA showed a high level of genetic diversity in the eight captive populations (mean nucleotide diversity: 0.047). However, no nucleotide diversity was found in the wild population. This study conducted a genetic survey for captive golden snub‐nosed monkeys and will significantly benefit the genetic conservation management for captive populations in the future.
The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune: Exploring resilience in the third sector
Authors: Hyndman Noel , Lapsley Irvine , Liguori Mariannuziata
Published: June 2024

This Special Issue is based on a selection of papers initially presented at the conference on “Resilience and the Third Sector” (Institute of Public Sector Accounting Research, University of Edinburgh, November 2022). The third sector is pervasive in most societies and makes a distinctive and widely‐recognized contribution to the public good by building social capital, frequently affording a foundation for social cohesiveness. However, it is a fragile sector that is significantly affected by crises (the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune). These have the potential to curtail the capacity of third‐sector organizations (TSOs) to deliver societal benefits and, in the most extreme cases, even threaten their survival. Given this, the resilience of TSOs (albeit this term has multiple layers and manifold meanings) is critical. This paper explores a range of connotations linked to third‐sector resilience and explores contemporary evidence (including the papers in this Special Issue) as to how the sector identifies, manages, and learns from crises. In addition, it provides a brief outline research agenda as a basis for encouraging researchers to focus on resilience in TSOs and enhance knowledge. It is argued that more rigorous, evidence‐based research of this nature has the potential to positively influence practice in the sector, as well as policy formulation by government and others who steer TSOs.
Navigating centriolar satellites: the role of PCM1 in cellular and organismal processes
Authors: Begar Efe , Seyrek Ece , Firat‐Karalar Elif Nur
Published: June 2024

Centriolar satellites are ubiquitous membrane‐less organelles that play critical roles in numerous cellular and organismal processes. They were initially discovered through electron microscopy as cytoplasmic granules surrounding centrosomes in vertebrate cells. These structures remained enigmatic until the identification of pericentriolar material 1 protein (PCM1) as their molecular marker, which has enabled their in‐depth characterization. Recently, centriolar satellites have come into the spotlight due to their links to developmental and neurodegenerative disorders. This review presents a comprehensive summary of the major advances in centriolar satellite biology, with a focus on studies that investigated their biology associated with the essential scaffolding protein PCM1. We begin by exploring the molecular, cellular, and biochemical properties of centriolar satellites, laying the groundwork for a deeper understanding of their functions and mechanisms at both cellular and organismal levels. We then examine the implications of their dysregulation in various diseases, particularly highlighting their emerging roles in neurodegenerative and developmental disorders, as revealed by organismal models of PCM1. We conclude by discussing the current state of knowledge and posing questions about the adaptable nature of these organelles, thereby setting the stage for future research.