bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prospective relationships between left ventricular mass, brachial and central blood pressures in participants from the UK Biobank
Authors: Sharman James E. , Takeuchi Fumihiko , Protogerou Athanase , Weber Thomas , Wassertheurer Siegfried , Marwick Thomas H.
Published: February 2025

Background:

Central SBP purports to aid hypertension management. This concept is founded on cross-sectional studies; however, findings are mixed and few report longitudinal relationships between changes in blood pressure (BP) and outcomes. This study aimed to determine associations of changes in brachial BP and central BP with changes in left ventricular mass index (LVMi), as an important hypertension-related clinical outcome.

Methods:

Standard brachial BP and central BP (Vicorder, Skidmore Medical, UK; a type 1 device, using SBP/DBP calibration) were measured at the same time as cardiac MRI for LVMi among adults from the UK Biobank Cohort Study assessed prospectively at two time points (2014+ and 2019+). Analysis was by linear regression adjusted for demographic and clinical characteristics.

Results:

Data were evaluable for 681 participants (aged 50.1 ± 7.1 years, 54% women) followed over 3.2 ± 1.6 years [mean ± standard deviation (SD)]. Cross-sectional analysis showed the association of brachial SBP with LVMi [β ± standard error (SE) 3.47 × 10−2 ± 6.39 × 10−3 g/m2.7/mmHg] and central SBP with LVMi (β ± SE = 3.52 × 10−2 ± 6.40 × 10−3 g/m2.7/mmHg) were comparable (P < 0.001 both). In longitudinal analysis, associations between the changes in BP and changes in LVMi were identical for both central and brachial SBP (β ± SE = 0.011 ± 0.003 g/m2.7/mmHg; P < 0.001 both). Findings were unchanged if participants were stratified by age, LVMi quartile, BP category or central BP phenotype.

Conclusion:

Changes over time in standard brachial BP provide similar information to central BP on changes over time in LVMi. Whether these findings are generalizable must be further investigated in other cohorts and by other types of central BP devices.
Efficacy and safety of sacubitril-valsartan in hypertension patients with end-stage kidney disease on maintenance dialysis: a meta-analysis
Authors: Nguyen Dung Viet , Pham Giang Thai , Pham Son Nguyen , Nguyen Hoai Thi Thu
Published: February 2025

The aim of this meta-analysis was to assess the efficacy and safety of sacubitril-valsartan in hypertension patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) undergoing dialysis. We searched the Medline, Cochrane, Embase, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases for studies reporting outcomes after SV treatment. All analyses were performed utilizing the random effects models. Nineteen studies comprising 1597 patients with concomitant hypertension and ESKD undergoing dialysis were included. After sacubitril-valsartan treatment, significant reductions in both SBP and DBP were observed (mean change in SBP: -11.09 mmHg [95% confidence interval, 95% CI: –14.51,–7.66] and DBP: -4.37 mmHg [–6.36,–2.38]). Compared to conventional treatment, patients treated with sacubitril-valsartan had a lower risk of cardiovascular hospitalization (risk ratio: 0.63 [0.44,0.90]). Sacubitril-valsartan treatment showed a trend toward reducing the risk of all-cause mortality, although this was not statistically significant (risk ratio: 0.66 [0.27,1.60]). Evaluation of echocardiographic parameters among studies including hypertension patients with heart failure indicated that SV improved LVEF (mean change: +7.04%[+3.19, +10.90]), however this effect was more pronounced in the HFrEF patients (P
interaction=0.0003). Sacubitril-valsartan also reduced LVSd, LVDd, LAD, and E/e’ ratio (P < 0.05). The risks of severe hyperkalemia and symptomatic hypotension were comparable between sacubitril-valsartan treatment and conventional treatment (P > 0.05). The present study revealed that sacubitril-valsartan treatment is well tolerated and could have potential benefits in hypertension patients with ESKD on dialysis by effectively controlling blood pressure, improving LVEF, reversing cardiac remodeling, and reducing the risk of cardiovascular hospitalization.
Neutron Activation Dose Assessment Based on a Human Head Phantom Post-BNCT
Authors: Wu Guanchao , Lin Zuokang , Zhang Zijian , Lin Zhiyuan , Zhu Yinan , Dai Ye , Dai Zhimin
Published: February 2025

This study aims to assess the residual radioactivity produced in the human head phantom following irradiation from a boron neutron capture therapy neutron source based on a 2.8 MeV proton accelerator. Using Monte Carlo software to simulate irradiation on a head phantom based on ICRP Publication 110, it was found that, in addition to the nuclides 24Na, 38Cl, and 42K reported in other literature, 32P is the nuclide that contributes the most to the internal exposure dose in patients post-BNCT. Calculations indicate that the effective dose resulting from 60 min of irradiation activation ranges between 148 and 401 μSv, which is relatively low. This study also analyzed the dose rate at a distance of 60 cm from the activated head. Approximately 5 min after irradiation ends, short-lived nuclides such as 19O and 20F decay completely, reducing the dose rate to below 1 μSv h−1. Although nuclides like 24Na will continue to emit radiation, the dose rate remains at a safe level.
An updated systematic review, meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis of the efficacy and safety of en bloc transurethral resection vs. conventional transurethral resection for non-muscle-invasive bladder tumor
Authors: Xu Zhunan , Wang Qihua , Bing Li , Hao Xuexue , Ren Congzhe , Chen Xiangyu , Liu Li , Liu Xiaoqiang
Published: February 2025

Objective:

En bloc transurethral resection of bladder tumor (ERBT) for non-muscular invasive bladder tumor (NMIBC) has been used in clinical practice, but its efficacy and safety have not been conclusional. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ERBT and conventional transurethral resection of bladder tumor (cTURBT) for NMIBC.

Methods:

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing ERBT and cTURBT in the treatment of NMIBC were searched in Pubmed, Embase, Clinicaltrials.gov and Cochrane, 12 RCTs were included for systematic review and meta-analysis using RevMan 5.4.

Results:

A total of 12 RCTs involving 2097 patients with NMIBC were included and analyzed. The results showed the rate of identification of detrusor muscle in specimens (Odds Ratio (OR) 1.90; P = 0.03) was higher in ERBT group, and bladder perforation (OR 0.30; P = 0.004), obturator nerve reflex (OR 0.18; P = 0.001), catheter indwelling time (MD −0.64; P = 0.002), length of hospital stay (MD-0.58; P = 0.002), tumor recurrence rate 3 months after surgery (OR 0.42; P = 0.03), tumor recurrence rate 6 months after surgery (OR 0.21; P = 0.007), the recurrence rate of the same site 1 year after surgery (OR 0.23; P<0.0001) and bleeding rate (OR 0.30; P = 0.0005) were significantly lower in ERBT group than that in cTURBT group. There was no significant difference in residual tumor (OR 0.62; P = 0.07), Re-TURBT (OR 0.71; P = 0.19), hemoglobin deficit (MD-0.81; P = 0.29), urethral stricture (OR 0.67; P = 0.42), resection time (MD 2.31; P = 0.16), operative time (MD 1.17; P = 0.49), 1 year (OR 0.61; P = 0.13), 2 years (OR 0.94; P = 0.76), 3-year tumor recurrence rate (OR 1.03; P = 0.86) and the risk of progression at 12 month (OR 0.68; P = 0.79) between the two groups.

Conclusions:

Our results showed that ERBT can improve the rate of identification of detrusor muscle in specimens and reduce the 3-month, 6-month tumor recurrence rate and recurrence rate of the same site 1 year after surgery. In addition, ERBT has fewer complications, and shorter catheter indentation time and hospital stay. The laser ERBT can also decrease tumor residual rate and re-TURBT.
Respiratory infections in lung transplant recipients
Authors: Hinze Christopher Alexander , Simon Susanne , Gottlieb Jens
Published: February 2025

Purpose of review

Morbidity and mortality rates after lung transplantation still remain higher than after other forms of solid organ transplantation, primarily due to a higher risk of infections and the development of chronic lung allograft dysfunction. Thus, a tiered approach highlighting the most significant respiratory pathogens including common opportunistic infections along with diagnostic, treatment and prevention strategies, including vaccination and prophylaxis is needed.

Recent findings

The need for intense immunosuppressive therapy to prevent rejection, coupled with the transplanted lung's constant exposure to environment and impaired local defence mechanisms leads to frequent infections. Viral and bacterial infections are most frequent while fungal infections mainly involve the tracheobronchial tract but may be fatal in case of disseminated disease. Some infectious agents are known to trigger acute rejection or contribute to chronic allograft dysfunction. Invasive testing in the form of bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage is standard and increasing experience in point of care testing is gained to allow early preemptive therapy.

Timely diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing monitoring are essential, but this can be difficult due to the wide variety of potential pathogens.
Mycobacterium abscessus group pulmonary disease
Authors: Griffith David E.
Published: February 2025

Purpose of review

Mycobacterium abscessus is the second most isolated nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) respiratory pathogen in United States. It is also among the most difficult to treat NTM respiratory pathogens. The purpose of this review is to highlight current opportunities and limitations in the management of M. abscessus pulmonary disease and ways to optimize therapy to avoid treatment choices that make management of these patients even more difficult.

Recent findings

The main themes of the manuscript emphasize recognition of M. abscessus drug resistance mechanisms and their implication for limiting M. abscessus treatment response. The dichotomy between favorable outcomes for macrolide-susceptible vs. macrolide-resistant M. abscessus isolates is discussed in detail as well as the limitations in our current in-vitro susceptibility testing of M. abscessus isolates.

Predictably favorable treatment outcomes for patients with M. abscessus pulmonary disease remain elusive. New antibiotic combinations offer promise but await clinical testing in prohibitively expensive trials. Some new approaches such as phage therapy have been introduced, but so far, none are universally available or reliably effective. Clinicians and patients are left to struggle with imperfect treatment strategies in the hopes that some will emerge to justify larger treatment trials.
Health Status of Lewy Body Dementia Caregivers Predicts Psychological Response to Peer Mentoring Intervention
Authors: Suresh Madhuvanthi , Woo Katheryn , Ouyang Bichun , Fleisher Jori E.
Published: February 2025

Individuals with Lewy body dementia (LBD) rely on family caregivers. Caregiving demands limit caregivers’ ability to attend to their own health needs, increasing their vulnerability to the psychological effects of caregiving. We previously piloted a peer mentoring intervention with experienced (mentor) and less experienced (mentee) LBD caregivers. Matched mentor-mentee dyads spoke weekly for 16 weeks, guided by an intervention handbook. LBD knowledge and attitudes towards dementia improved postintervention. We hypothesized that caregiver health status moderates response to peer mentoring. Post hoc analyses (N = 30 dyads) showed that 75% of mentees and 66% of mentors endorsed ≥1 comorbidity. Mentees and mentors with comorbidities showed greater improvement in LBD knowledge postintervention (P = 0.039) and dementia attitudes post-training (P = 0.016), respectively. Caregivers with comorbidities and thus greater exposure to health care may derive excess benefit from an effective LBD caregiver intervention than healthier counterparts, enhancing both the objective knowledge and their confidence in caring for their loved ones.
Coffee consumption is associated with later age-at-onset of Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Kuzovenkova Dariia , Liu Lang , Gan-Or Ziv , Senkevich Konstantin
Published: February 2025

Observation studies suggest that coffee consumption may lower the risk of Parkinson’s disease (PD). The aim of this study was to explore the causal relationship and genetic association between coffee consumption and the age-at-onset (AAO), risk, and progression of PD. Using Mendelian randomization, we identified a significant association between coffee consumption and delayed PD AAO (IVW: OR, 1.91; 95% CI 1.53–2.38; P=8.072e-09), but no causal association or genetic correlation with PD risk or progression. Our findings suggest a potential protective causal effect of higher coffee consumption on PD AAO, with no evidence of an association with PD risk or progression.
Spaces and sequences in the hippocampus: a homological perspective
Authors: Babichev A. , Vashin V. , Dabaghian Y.
Published: February 2025

Topological techniques have become a popular tool for studying information flows in neural networks. In particular, simplicial homology theory is used to analyze how cognitive representations of space emerge from large conglomerates of independent neuronal contributions. Meanwhile, a growing number of studies suggest that many cognitive functions are sustained by serial patterns of activity. Here, we investigate stashes of such patterns usingpath homology theory—an impartial, universal approach that does not requirea prioriassumptions about the sequences’ nature, functionality, underlying mechanisms, or other contexts.

We focus on the hippocampus—a key enabler of learning and memory in mammalian brains—and quantify the ordinal arrangement of its activity similarly to how its topology has previously been studied in terms of simplicial homologies. The results reveal that the vast majority of sequences produced during spatial navigation are structurally equivalent to one another. Only a few classes of distinct sequences form an ordinal schema of serial activity that remains stable as the pool of sequences consolidates. Importantly, the structure of both maps is upheld by combinations of short sequences, suggesting that brief activity motifs dominate physiological computations.

This ordinal organization emerges and stabilizes on timescales characteristic of spatial learning, displaying similar dynamics. Yet, the ordinal maps generally do not reflect topological affinities—spatial and sequential analyses address qualitatively different aspects of spike flows, representing two complementary formats of information processing.

Significance statement

This study employs path homology theory to examine serial patterns of neuronal activity in the hippocampus, a critical region for learning and memory. While the traditional, simplicial homology approaches used to model cognitive maps, path homology provides a universal framework for analyzing the ordinal arrangement of neuronal sequences without presupposing their nature or function. The findings reveal that a limited number of distinct sequence classes, supported by combinations of short activity motifs, form a stable ordinal schema over timescales corresponding to periods of spatial learning. Notably, the ordinal maps derived from these sequences do not capture topological affinities, highlighting that spatial and sequential analyses address distinct but complementary dimensions of neural information processing.
Cholesterol-mediated Lysosomal Dysfunction inAPOE4Astrocytes Promotes α-Synuclein Pathology in Human Brain Tissue
Authors: Mesentier-Louro Louise A. , Goldman Camille , Ndayisaba Alain , Buonfiglioli Alice , Rooklin Rikki B. , Schuldt Braxton R. , Uchitelev Abigail , Khurana Vikram , Blanchard Joel W.
Published: February 2025

The pathological hallmark of neurodegenerative disease is the aberrant post-translational modification and aggregation of proteins leading to the formation of insoluble protein inclusions. Genetic factors likeAPOE4are known to increase the prevalence and severity of tau, amyloid, and α-Synuclein inclusions. However, the human brain is largely inaccessible during this process, limiting our mechanistic understanding. Here, we developed an iPSC-based 3D model that integrates neurons, glia, myelin, and cerebrovascular cells into a functional human brain tissue (miBrain). Like the human brain, we found pathogenic phosphorylation and aggregation of α-Synuclein is increased in theAPOE4miBrain. Combinatorial experiments revealed that lipid-droplet formation in APOE4 astrocytes impairs the degradation of α-synuclein and leads to a pathogenic transformation that seeds neuronal inclusions of α-Synuclein. Collectively, this study establishes a robust model for investigating protein inclusions in human brain tissue and highlights the role of astrocytes and cholesterol inAPOE4-mediated pathologies, opening therapeutic opportunities.
A ternary switch determines ERα LBD conformation
Authors: McDougal Daniel P. , Pederick Jordan L. , Novick Scott , Jovcevski Blagojce , Warrender Annmaree K. , Pascal Bruce D. , Griffin Patrick R. , Bruning John B.
Published: February 2025

The transcription factor estrogen receptor α (ERα) is the primary driver of ER+ breast cancer progression and a target of multiple FDA-approved anticancer drugs. Ligand-dependent activity of ERα is determined by the conformation of helix-12 (H12) within the ligand binding domain (LBD), but how H12 transitions from an unliganded (apo) state to active (estrogen-bound) or inactive (SERM/SERD-bound) states remains unresolved. Here, we present the first crystal structure of an apo ERα LBD, revealing a third distinct H12 conformation that regulates receptor activity. Structural mass-spectrometry, small-angle X-ray scattering, functional analysis and molecular dynamics simulations reveal that the apo conformation of H12 is stable in the absence of ligand, but is destabilised by Y537S and D538G breast cancer mutations driving constitutive activation. We propose a model in which H12 functions as a ternary molecular switch to determine receptor activity. These findings provide critical insights into the ligand-dependent and -independent regulation of ERα and have significant implications for therapeutic intervention.
Dynamics and emergence of metachronal waves in the ciliary band of a metazoan larva
Authors: Poon Rebecca N. , Jékely Gáspár , Wan Kirsty Y.
Published: February 2025

Both natural and synthetic ciliary arrays exhibit diverse coordination patterns. Proper coordination of cilia is essential for the normal physiology of many organisms, from single cells to humans. Yet despite decades of research the mechanisms of cilia coordination remains disputed, particularly the question of how coordinated waves of activity known as metachronal waves arise in different ciliated systems. In many aquatic larvae that rely on ciliary motility to swim, the cilia are often arranged ornately in arrays or bands, within which robust metachronal waves propagate. Here, to resolve the origins of ciliary metachronism, we target the equatorial ciliary band of the marine annelid,Platynereis dumerelii, using whole-body high-speed imaging, and physical and biological manipulations. The results reveal an unprecedented wave structure featuring strong coupling within individual multiciliated cells that breaks down across cell boundaries, and absence of global coupling across the organism. Using laser ablation to create gaps in the ciliary band, we quantify the resulting disruption to wave propagation, revealing the extent of interciliary phase-locking and implicating steric interactions as an important contributor to coordination. The larvae also exhibit spontaneous whole-body ciliary arrests which allow us to study wave emergence and re-establishment for the first time, revealing a novel role of the animal’s nervous system in the dynamic coupling of cilia.
Graviton- and inflaton-mediated dark matter production after large field polynomial inflation
Authors: Bernal Nicolás , Harz Julia , Mojahed Martin A. , Xu Yong
Published: February 2025

Polynomial inflation is a simple cosmological scenario, which fits the cosmic microwave background data well. It provides testable predictions for the tensor-to-scalar ratio and the running of the spectral index. In this work, we investigate the production of Dirac dark matter (DM) within the framework of large-field polynomial inflation. We study all relevant production channels including (i) nonthermal production through inflaton decays and scatterings, and (ii) thermal production from scattering of standard model particles mediated by inflatons and gravitons. In contrast to small-field polynomial inflation, where inflaton decay dominates DM production, we find that graviton-mediated processes can be dominant in the large-field scenario. For DM lighter than the inflaton, we demonstrate that the interplay between graviton- and inflaton-mediated production channels give rise to nontrivial relations between the DM mass and the reheating temperature required to account for the DM relic abundance.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Note on the local calculation of decoherence of quantum superpositions in de Sitter spacetime
Authors: Li Ran
Published: February 2025

We study the decoherence effect of quantum superposition in de Sitter (dS) spacetime due to the presence of the cosmological horizon. Using the algebraic approach of quantum field theory on curved spacetime, we derive the precise expression for the expected number of entangling particles in the scalar field case. This expression establishes the relation between the decoherence and the local two-point correlation function. Specifically, we analyze the quantum superposition performed by a local observer at the center of dS spacetime. We compute the entangling particle numbers in scalar field, electromagnetic field, and gravitational field scenarios. It is demonstrated that the quantum spatial superposition state can be decohered by emitting entangling particles into the cosmological horizon. Our setup is equivalent to an accelerating observer in five-dimensional Minkowski spacetime. The results for the scalar and electromagnetic cases are consistent with those obtained in Wilson-Gerow [Decoherence by warm horizons, .], which investigated the decoherence effect from the perspective of an accelerating observer in Minkowski spacetime. However, our result fixes the numerical prefactor of the gravitational decoherence.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Peierls substitution and Hall motion in exotic Carroll dynamics
Authors: Zeng H. X. , Zhao Q. L. , Zhang P. M. , Horvathy P. A.
Published: February 2025

The particle with first-order dynamics proposed by Dunne, Jackiw, and Trugenberger (DJT) to justify the Peierls substitution is obtained by reduction from both of the planar two-parameter centrally extended Galilean and Carroll systems. In the latter case the extension parameters κexo and κmag generate noncommutativity of the coordinates resp. behave as an internal magnetic field. The position and momentum follow uncoupled anomalous Hall motions. Consistently with partial immobility, one of the Carroll boost generators is broken but the other remains a symmetry. Switching off κexo, the immobility of unextended Carroll particles is recovered. The Carroll system is dual to an uncharged anyon on the horizon of a black hole which exhibits the spin-Hall effect. Physical applications are shortly reviewed.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Mesoscopic hydrodynamic model for spreading, sliding, and coarsening compound drops
Authors: Diekmann Jan , Thiele Uwe
Published: February 2025

We revisit the mesoscopic hydrodynamic description of the dynamics of sessile partially wetting compound drops, i.e., of drops that consist of two immiscible nonvolatile partially wetting liquids and are situated on a smooth rigid solid substrate. We briefly discuss and complete existing dynamic models employing a gradient dynamics approach. Thereby, the underlying energy features capillarity and wettability contributions for all relevant interfaces in full-curvature formulation. Establishing transparent consistency relations between macroscopic and mesoscopic parameters, we obtain mesoscopic Neumann and Young laws that are also fully consistent with the macroscopic ones. In particular, we discuss the minimal requirements for the wetting energy that ensure the full spectrum of macroscopic parameters for partially wetting cases is addressed by the mesoscopic model. Subsequently, we distinguish long-wave and full-curvature variants of the dynamical model based on properties of the energy, and employ the latter to illustrate the usage of the mesoscopic model. As examples, we chose the spreading of individual compound drops on one-dimensional horizontal substrates, sliding compound drops on one-dimensional inclined substrates, and the coarsening of drop ensembles on one- and two-dimensional horizontal substrates. In each case, the discussion emphasizes occurring qualitative changes in the drop configurations.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Gatemonium: A Voltage-Tunable Fluxonium
Authors: Strickland William M. , Elfeky Bassel Heiba , Baker Lukas , Maiani Andrea , Lee Jaewoo , Levy Ido , Issokson Jacob , Vrajitoarea Andrei , Shabani Javad
Published: February 2025

We present a new style of fluxonium qubit, gatemonium, based on an all-superconductor-semiconductor hybrid platform. The linear inductance is achieved using 600 planar Al-InAs Josephson junctions (JJs) in series. By tuning the single junction with a gate voltage, we demonstrate electrostatic control of the effective Josephson energy, tuning the weight of the fictitious phase particle. One- and two-tone spectroscopy of the gatemonium transitions further reveal details of the hybrid plasmon-fluxon spectrum. Accounting for the nonsinusoidal current-phase relation of the single junction, we fit the measured spectra to extract charging and inductive energies. We conduct time-domain characterization of the plasmon modes and find that energy-relaxation times are limited by inductive loss, possibly in the thin aluminum film. We discuss future directions for this platform in gate-voltage-tunable high-plasma-frequency enhanced-impedance junction arrays, and enhanced coherence times for voltage-tunable architectures.

Published by the American Physical Society
2025
Exploring the impact of network brokerage behavior in mutual fund retail markets
Authors: Cheah Chee Wei , Ewe Soo Yeong , Ho Helen Hui Ping
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study advances network brokerage theory by examining both benefits-driven and altruistic brokerage behaviors within the mutual fund retail markets of emerging economies.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a methodological combination of netnographic observations and in-depth interviews with fund investors, social influencers, sales agents and staffs from do-it-yourself (DIY) investment platforms, it uncovers the digital evolution of the mutual fund industry.

Findings

Our findings illuminate a significant pivot from traditional retail channels to third-party DIY investment platforms, a change accelerated by the recent pandemic. This shift underscores a critical theoretical extension by spotlighting the altruistic actions of social influencers, or key opinion leaders (KOLs), challenging the prevalent focus on solely benefits-driven motives in network brokerage literature. Furthermore, the study reveals a diminishing significance of arbitrage network brokering amidst the industry’s digital overhaul.

Originality/value

Concluding with an insightful discussion on its implications to policymakers and practitioners and acknowledging potential limitations, this research offers valuable perspectives for understanding the dynamics of network brokerage in the context of digital transformation within consumer financial markets.
Effectiveness of board of directors and risk-taking: the mediating role of Shari’ah supervisory board of Bangladesh Islamic financial institutions
Authors: Islam Md. Mohidul , Islam Md. Aminul , Hassan Md. Sharif , AlHalaseh Rula
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study aims to assess the effectiveness of the Shari’ah supervisory board (SSB) and its impact on risk-taking in the presence of a strong and effective board of directors (BoD) among Islamic financial institutions (IFIs) in Bangladesh.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is conducted as a sample and extracted data from bank annual reports of 16 IFIs in Bangladesh from 2011 to 2020. To overcome the endogeneity, the research has applied the two-step systems generalized method of moments model with Arellano−Bover and Blundell−Bond estimators.

Findings

The results indicated that the indices of BoD and SSB negatively influence each other’s credit risk, particularly in the Southeast Asian context, focusing on IFIs in Bangladesh. In addition, the SSB mediated risk-taking positively when coupled with a strong BoD.

Practical implications

This paper emphasizes how the multiple board systems and their impact on risk-taking make the unique governance structure. Risk-sharing, avoiding fixed-up interest rates and ethical investing are controlled by the dual board’s contributions to financial stability. SSB contributes significantly to improve the regulatory coordination and product innovation in the global financial system to combat unethical profits from society.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature gap of the dual board’s role of governance. It is believed to be one of the first studies that provide empirical evidence and theories on SSB’s mediating role in the context of socio-economic, cultural and policy with other similar contexts of subcontinent particularly in Bangladeshi’s IFIs.
Does sustainability performance reflect the quality of internal controls?
Authors: Jizi Mohammad , Thomas Edward
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This paper aims to examine whether firms’ environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance indicates higher quality internal controls. The authors argue that commitment to high ESG performance is indicative of a commitment to quality corporate governance and impactful ESG practices are presumed to be achieved when pursued within a system of strong internal controls.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors obtain financial and ESG-related information for firms on the Financial Times Stock Exchange (FTSE)-350 for the years 2010–2018. Following prior literature, the authors use audit report lag as a measure of auditor effort. Controlling for various factors that proxy for audit clients’ inherent risk, the authors hypothesize that the remaining variance in audit report lag is related to audit clients’ control risk, and test whether ESG performance explains some of that remaining variance. To measure ESG performance, the authors use two variables to proxy firm’s ESG performance, an ESG disclosure score and being listed on the FTSE4GOOD index. Thomson Reuters provides a weighted average and industry adjusted ESG disclosure score. The FTSE4Good listing status was manually collected. Random-effect GLS panel regression model is used to estimate relationships. The authors reran their regressions using the generalized linear model and the two-stage least square model and the authors used an industry adjusted audit report lag and the lagged value of ESG and FTSE4GOOD to ensure the robustness of the results.

Findings

Regressing audit report lag on different measures of ESG performance, the authors find that better ESG performance is associated with lower audit report lag. The results remain consistent when replacing ESG with FTSE4Good and applying alternative econometrical techniques. The authors also find that female board representation facilitates lower audit report lag.

Originality/value

This study provides an alternative methodological approach to indicate firms’ internal control quality. In addition, auditors can benefit from firms’ ESG performance/disclosure to assess their client’s governance, internal control quality and project that on the audit risk and the level of effort required.
Experiences of asylum interviews by asylum officials, interpreters and asylum seekers in Finland
Authors: Skrifvars Jenny , Ilmoni Anna , Siegfrids Linnea , Galán Maria , Selim Hedayat , Stevens Laura , Korkman Julia , Antfolk Jan
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Recent legal psychological research has highlighted shortcomings in asylum interviews; however, few studies have examined how the interview participants (interviewer, interpreter and asylum seeker) experience and perceive the interviews. The purpose of this study was to explore how these interview participants experience rapport and communication within asylum interviews, as well as to investigate how well interviewers’ and interpreters’ views align with empirical evidence regarding best-practice interviewing.

Design/methodology/approach

Interviewers (n = 62), interpreters (n = 63) and asylum seekers (n = 49) answered an online survey with mainly closed questions about preparation, rapport, interview content, interpretation and overall experiences of the interviews. Interviewers and interpreters reported experiences from interviews conducted in 2021, whereas asylum seekers referred to their interview experiences from 2016 to 2022. Data were explored descriptively.

Findings

The views of interviewers and interpreters were mostly aligned with evidence-based interviewing recommendations. However, contrary to recommendations, interpreters reported favouring closed questions over open prompts. Most asylum seekers reported feeling nervous or afraid during the interviews, and three-fourths reported difficulties in sharing their experiences and disclosing personal information. This indicates that more work on how to build rapport in cross-cultural, interpreter-assisted interviews is needed. The interpreters’ preference for using closed questions presents a risk to interview quality that should be mitigated through training for interpreters as well as improved collaboration between interviewers and interpreters.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to explore experiences of asylum interviews from the perspectives of interviewers, interpreters and asylum seekers.
Developing a clinical assessment of skills and competencies exam preparatory course for international medical graduates in psychiatry: reflections and learnings
Authors: Awhangansi Sewanu , Asiodu Amaka , Akinfala Akinloye , Ojo Jumoke , Orimoloye Olamide , Sodiya Olusegun , Obienu Ifeyinwa , Inogbo Chinwe , Seun-Fadipe Champion , Adegbohun Abosede , Adeyemo Suraju , Ugalahi Theresa , Oluwaranti Oluwaseun , Okome Ifeoluwa , Itodo Odah , Akani Ruth , Medubi Adeyinka , Akhator-Eneka Nwife , Ogunwale Adegboyega , Archard Philip John
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This paper aims to focus on concerns unique to international medical graduates (IMGs) and doctors from global majority groups pursuing a career in psychiatry in the UK. It specifically addresses challenges affecting the differential attainment of IMGs in passing the Clinical Assessment of Skills and Competencies (CASC) examination – the final assessment for attaining Membership of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, affording entry to specialty training programmes.

Design/methodology/approach

Reflections are provided on learning from a CASC examination preparatory course specifically developed for IMGs in psychiatry, particularly those from global majority groups. The rationale for the course is set out as well as some of the challenges in designing and developing the course.

Findings

By reflecting on the experience of developing the course, the intersection of medical education, differential attainment and cultural disparities in training is addressed, alongside the role of group practice in exam preparation and support tailored to the needs of IMGs from global majority groups.

Originality/value

The reflections provided illuminate possible means of innovation to support the progression of IMGs and doctors from global majority backgrounds in the CASC, as a high stakes examination in medical training, and to support action to improve overall outcomes for this community in the field of psychiatry.
Patient-centered care in practice: hospital and online primary care settings
Authors: McColl-Kennedy Janet R. , Witell Lars , Frow Pennie , Cheung Lilliemay , Payne Adrian , Govind Rahul
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Drawing on value cocreation, this study examines health-care customers’ perceptions of patient-centered care (PCC) in hospital and online primary care settings. This study aims to address how are the key principles of PCC related, how the relationships between key PCC principles and outcomes (subjective well-being and service satisfaction) vary depending on the channel providing the care (hospital/online primary care) and what differences are placed on the involvement of family and friends in these different settings by health-care customers.

Design/methodology/approach

This study comprises four samples of health-care customers (Sample 1 n = 272, Sample 2 n = 278, Sample 3 n = 275 and Sample 4 n = 297) totaling 1,122 respondents. This study models four key principles of PCC: service providers respecting health-care customers’ values, needs and preferences; collaborative resources of the multi-disciplinary care team; health-care customers actively collaborating with their own resources; and health-care customers involving family and friends, explicating which principles of PCC have positive effects on outcomes: subjective well-being and service satisfaction.

Findings

Findings confirm that health-care customers want to feel respected by service providers, use their own resources to actively collaborate in their care and have multi-disciplinary teams coordinating and integrating their care. However, contrary to prior findings, for online primary care, service providers respecting customers’ values needs and preferences do not translate into health-care customers actively collaborating with their own resources. Further, involving family and friends has mixed results for online primary care. In that setting, this study finds that involving family and friends only positively impacts service satisfaction, when care is provided using video and not voice only.

Social implications

By identifying which PCC principles influence the health-care customer experience most, this research shows policymakers where they should invest resources to achieve beneficial outcomes for health-care customers, service providers and society, thus advancing current thinking and practice.

Originality/value

This research provides a health-care customer perspective on PCC and shows how the resources of the health-care system can activate the health-care customer’s own resources. It further shows the role of technology in online care, where it alters how care is experienced by the health-care customer.
Understanding acceptability of non-cash incentives to encourage voluntary blood donation: a psychographic approach
Authors: Chell Kathleen , Van Dyke Nina , Masser Barbara M. , Kruse Sarah P. , Davison Tanya E.
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This research aimed to better understand what influences the acceptability of non-cash incentives to encourage voluntary blood donation among those who have and have not donated blood.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper used data from two cross-sectional surveys with Australian blood donors (n = 768) and non-donors (n = 1,087).

Findings

Cost-benefit evaluation, embarrassment and deal proneness were found to be important predictors, explaining 4.4%–27.2% of the acceptability of six different types of non-cash incentives, in addition to demographic (age, gender, education, income), geographic (region) and behavioural (blood donor status) characteristics. Cost-benefit evaluation remained the strongest predictor, irrespective of blood donor status. People who were more embarrassed to receive an incentive generally for donating blood were slightly more accepting of health checks and charity donations, and less accepting of deal promotions. People who were more likely to respond to promotional deals generally were also more accepting of all types of incentives for blood donation; interaction effects demonstrated this was particularly true for non-donors.

Practical implications

Findings direct attention to factors that will improve the design and implementation of incentive programs to maximise their acceptability and impact without undermining organisational reputation, as well as point to psychographic characteristics that should be considered when evaluating the adoption and effectiveness of incentives for encouraging blood donation.

Originality/value

This paper extends our understanding of what explains the acceptability of different incentive types to encourage voluntary blood donation, beyond geographic, demographic and behavioural characteristics of people who do and do not donate blood.
Is auditor-AC communication a good indicator of audit quality?
Authors: Wang Jiawei , Wang Yonghai
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study aims to investigate whether the communication between the external auditor and the audit committee (AC) impacts audit quality.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use textual analysis to develop a new auditor–AC communication metric based on public AC performance reports for the period 2013–2021 in China. The authors also use both high-dimensional fixed effects linear regression and logistic regression to examine the effect of auditor–AC communication on audit quality.

Findings

By correlating this new auditor–AC communication metric with established proxies for audit quality, as outlined by DeFond and Zhang (2014), the authors find that firms with more auditor–AC communication have higher financial reporting quality, a lower probability of material misstatements and more informative audit reports. Overall, auditor–AC communication contributes to the improvement of audit quality.

Research limitations/implications

The findings offer both practical and policy-oriented implications, particularly for policymakers in search of quantifiable audit quality indicators derived from the interactions between the auditor and the AC.

Originality/value

The study advances the field of audit quality by introducing a novel metric for auditor–AC communication. It provides empirical evidence to support the notion that the communication between the external auditor and the AC can improve audit quality.
Co-mentoring as a key element of effective professional learning: Touchstone 11
Authors: Hogan Zoe
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This article explores key features of effective professional learning as identified in research, exploring in-depth the potential of co-mentoring as a transformative model for teacher development.

Design/methodology/approach

This article focuses on the Foundation for Learning and Literacy’s (FFLL) Touchstone 11, which underscores the importance of continuous teacher professional development in equitably supporting student learning. Teachers play a pivotal role in fostering learning and literacy, yet they face significant challenges in accessing ongoing, embedded professional learning tailored to their practice. A brief review of the literature regarding key features of effective professional learning is followed by an in-depth exploration of co-mentoring in the context of a real-world education program.

Findings

Co-mentoring fosters reciprocal, non-hierarchical learning relationships, exemplified by the School Drama program – a collaboration between Sydney Theatre Company and The University of Sydney. This program paired teaching artists with classroom teachers to integrate drama into literacy education, leading to improved teacher confidence, student engagement and professional growth.

Originality/value

The article situates key features of effective professional learning as identified in the literature in the context of a real-world education program in Australia.
External Conjugate Boiling On Channels. A Graetz Problem With Multiple Solutions
Authors: Krikkis Rizos
Published: February 2025

In the present study a conjugate laminar Graetz problem in a channel with wall conduction is theoretically studied. The heat exchanger under consideration utilizes a hot fluid stream with embedded heat sources in the internal side of the channel and a boiling liquid at the external side. Because of the non-linear and non-monotonic boiling curve, a complex and interesting solution structure exists. When the wall conduction is accounted for the problem admits multiple solutions. For a certain range of the Conduction-Convection Parameter and the heat generation intensity up to five solutions have been determined featuring stable single and multi-mode temperature profiles. The Conduction-Convection Parameter and the heat generation intensity have a profound effect on the solution structure and the stability since multi-mode solutions are becoming unstable allowing only the single mode profiles to be stable. An important finding is that when the boiling heat flux is directly imposed as a boundary condition, neglecting wall conduction, it is not possible to capture the multiplicity since a unique temperature profile is predicted. The model developed is applicable to typical heat exchangers with phase change in general and to cryogenic applications in particular where there is a significant temperature difference between the boiling point of the cryogenic liquid and the inlet temperature of the hot fluid in the exchanger.
Resolving of Transportation Issue With High Activity Positron Emission Tomography Radiotracer Source to Long Distance Medical Imaging Centers
Authors: Hudait Arup Kumar , Chattopadhyay Sumita , Bera Subrata
Published: February 2025

In Indian scenario, single positron emission tomography (PET) radiotracer isotope production center is catering PET radiopharmaceuticals to multiple medical imaging centers, located far away from the production center. Road, rail, and air are the modes of transport that are being used to deliver PET source depending on the transportation time required for the receiving center. The longer transportation time leads to the reduction of source activity due to its own radioactive decay process. At present, carrier pot made of lead (LP-30) is utilized for transportation of activity of around 300 mCi. However, due to long distance of imaging centers from PET production center, transportation pots of 18F-FDG (T1/2= 109.8 min) source need to handle higher source strength in the order of 1500 mCi. To qualify the regulatory compliance and handling aspects during transportation, existing lead pot is found to be not suitable for transportation of high activity. Therefore, alternate design options have been explored that included an innovative design of container pot made of tungsten and tungsten-based alloy. Theoretical estimation of dose rate profile has been done using point kernel-based radiation shielding code IGSHIELD. Limited experimental verification of the theoretical predictions has also been done. It is found that containers made of tungsten alloy are appropriate for handling high activity 18F-FDG PET radiopharmaceuticals while transporting to imaging facilities that are far away.