bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oral hygiene practice, status, and periodontitis among dental outpatient elderly in tertiary hospitals: a cross-sectional study in Dhaka, Bangladesh
Authors: Kanta Sadia Mehjabeen , Sharmin Sifat , Sharower Golam , Farhana Zaki , Kundu Shuvojit Kumar , Das Sadhan Kumar , Kamil Anton Abdulbasah , Rahman Mohammad Meshbahur
Published: October 2024

Background

Oral health significantly affects older people’s quality of life, overall health, and well-being. The study aimed to assess oral hygiene practice, status, and periodontitis among elderly patients.

Methods

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among elderly patients attending dental outpatient departments of tertiary hospitals in Dhaka city from January to December 2022. Data from two hundred and twenty-seven elderly patients were collected by face-to-face interview through a pretested, semi-structured questionnaire and oral examination using the Oral Hygiene Index Simplified (OHI-S), and Community Periodontal Index component of CPITN. Statistics were presented in frequency, mean, percentage, chi-square test, fisher’s exact test, and binary logistic regression.

Results

Among 227 elderly patients, the mean (± SD) age was 55.75 (±8.20) years; 51% were female, and 49% were male. Among respondents, 70.48% cleaned their teeth regularly, 61.23% cleaned their teeth once daily, 70.5% used toothbrushes and toothpaste for cleaning their teeth, and only 2.2% used interdental aids. More than half of the respondents, 54%, had poor oral hygiene status, and 55.5% had periodontitis. A significant association existed between periodontitis, age, gender, educational status, occupation, and monthly family income. Older adults aged 66 years and above were 7.2 times more likely to have periodontitis (ORadj: 12.637, 95% CI: 3.371-47.371, p < 0.0001). Respondents who engaged in labour work were more likely to have periodontitis than the service holders (ORadj:5.855, 95% CI: .594-57.75, p < 0.130). Periodontitis was significantly associated with oral hygiene practices and oral hygiene status. Elderly who did not clean their teeth regularly were roughly 15 times more likely to develop periodontitis (ORadj: 9.474, 95% CI: 3.636- 24.689, p < 0.0001). Older adults who did not use toothpaste and toothbrush were 5.1 times more likely to develop periodontitis (ORadj: 3.792, 95% CI: 1.758- 8.178, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

More than half of the elderly individuals in the study had periodontitis and poor oral hygiene. The research found that the increase in periodontitis was linked to respondents’ socio-demographic characteristics and oral hygiene practices. These findings underscore the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene and getting regular dental checkups for older adults.
Exploring Protein-DNA Binding Residue Prediction and Consistent Interpretability Analysis Using Deep Learning
Authors: Liu Yufan
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Accurately identifying DNA-binding residues is a crucial step in developing computational tools to model DNA-protein binding properties, which is essential for binding pocket discovery and related drug design. Although several tools have been developed to predict DNA-binding residues based on protein sequences and structures, their performance remains limited, and proteins with crystal structures still represent only a small fraction of DNA-binding proteins. Additionally, the process of extracting handcrafted features for protein representation is labor-intensive. In this study, we combined the strengths of pre-trained protein language models and attention mechanisms to propose a sequence-based method: an attention-based deep learning approach for accurately predicting DNA-binding residues, incorporating a contrastive learning module. Our method outperformed all other sequence-based models across two prevalent benchmark datasets. Furthermore, we developed a structure-based graph neural network (GNN) model to demonstrate the impact of the contrastive module. A common limitation of existing models is their lack of interpretability, which hinders our ability to understand what these models have learned. To address this, we introduced a novel perspective for interpreting our sequence-based model by analyzing the consistency between attention scores and the edge weights generated by the GNN model. Interestingly, our results show that large-scale pre-trained protein language models, together with attention mechanisms, can effectively capture structural information solely from protein sequence inputs.
Critical role for the TGF-β1/mTORC1 signalling axis in defining the transcriptional identity ofCTHRC1+ pathologic fibroblasts
Authors: Wilson Jo-Anne AM , Walters Rachel , Guillotin Delphine , Kaminski Naftali , Parolo Silvia , Platé Manuela , Chambers Rachel C
Published: October 2024

Fibrosis, defined as the abnormal deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM), represents the concluding pathological outcome in a number of inflammatory, immune-mediated and metabolic diseases. Recent single cell RNA-sequencing studies have highlighted the diversity and functional heterogeneity of fibroblast populations in multiple fibrotic conditions. These include a novel pathogenic population of high collagen-producing fibroblasts, characterised by expression of the secreted glycoprotein, collagen triple helix repeat containing 1 (CTHRC1). The cardinal pro-fibrotic mediator TGF-β1 has been widely implicated in promoting fibrogenesis and is a potent inducer ofCTHRC1andCOL1A1expression. In addition to the canonical Smad signalling pathway, TGF-β1-induced collagen I production is under critical regulatory control by the mTORC1/4E-BP1 signalling hub. Using pharmacological inhibition in combination with gene-editing approaches, we now demonstrate that the role of the mTORC1 axis extends to the regulation of over a third of all TGF-β1 regulated matrisome genes. We provide further evidence that the global transcriptome of TGF-β1-stimulated fibroblastsin vitromatches that of a subpopulation of the high collagen expressingCTHRC1+ pathological fibroblast population in the IPF lung. In contrast, the TGF-β1 induced transcriptome of fibroblasts in which mTORC1 signalling is disrupted (byRPTORgene editing using CRISPR-Cas9) does not map to any fibroblast population present in human control or fibrotic lung. Using the novel and selective mTORC1 inhibitor RMC-5552, we further demonstrate a direct functional link between mTORC1 signalling and the acquisition of key marker genes which define theCTHRC1+fibroblast population in IPF. These data demonstrate, for the first time, a critical role for the mTORC1 signalling hub in determining the transcriptional identity of theCTHRC1+pathological fibroblast population and provide strong scientific support for targeting mTORC1 as a therapeutic strategy in IPF and potentially other fibrotic conditions associated with dysregulated TGF-β1 signalling in the fibrotic niche.
Provision of medical Same Day Emergency Care services within the UK: analysis from the Society for Acute Medicine Benchmarking Audit
Authors: Atkin C , Perrett M , Holland M , Cooksley T , Knight T , Varia R , Subbe C , Lasserson DS , Sapey E
Published: October 2024

Aim

To evaluate current provision of medical Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC) services within the UK, and current utilisation of these pathways in the assessment of unplanned medical attendances.

Design

Survey data was used from the Society for Acute Medicine Benchmarking Audit (SAMBA), including anonymised patient-level data collected annually using a day of care survey

Setting

Hospitals accepting unplanned medical attendances within the UK, 2019-2023. Participants: 34,948 unplanned and 4,342 planned attendances, across 188 hospital sites

Results

29.8% of unplanned medical attendances received their initial medical assessment within SDEC services, with the proportion increasing over time. 82.4% of patients assessed in SDEC services were discharged without overnight admission. Assessment in SDEC services was less likely in male patients, patients with frailty, and older adults (all p<0.005).

Selected operational standards for SDEC delivery were met in 64-91% of hospitals. Most hospitals (82%) accepted referrals from emergency department triage and 63% accepted referral directly from the paramedic team. 38% of hospitals did not use a recognised selection criteria to identify suitable patients for SDEC and only 8% used a criteria designed to identify patients suitable for discharge. Overall, 34.7% of medical attendances discharged without overnight admission received their medical assessment in locations other than SDEC.

Conclusions

Medical SDEC provides assessment for one third of patients seen through acute medicine services. Although the proportion of patients assessed within SDEC is increasing, further innovation and improvements are needed to ensure appropriate patients access this service.

Strengths and limitations of this study

-Medical same day emergency care (SDEC) has been widely adopted in the UK to deliver care to patients without overnight hospital admission, however there is limited evidence guiding development of this service.

-This study compares hospital-level data describing SDEC service structure and processes, and patient level data for over 35,000 patient attendances at 188 hospitals in the UK.

-This is the largest evaluation of medical SDEC to date and demonstrates an increase in the use of SDEC for medical patients nationally.

-The participation rate was higher amongst hospitals in England compared to the other three UK nations, which may limit generalisability.
Perceptions of Complementary, Alternative, and Integrative Medicine: Insights from a Large-Scale International Cross-Sectional Survey of Surgery Researchers and Clinicians
Authors: Ng Jeremy Y. , Lin Brenda X. , Cramer Holger
Published: October 2024

Background

Given the potential benefits of complementary, alternative, and integrative medicine (CAIM) in perioperative care and the high prevalence of their use alongside conventional treatments, understanding perceptions of CAIM during surgery is important.

Methods

A survey was conducted among authors who published in surgery journals. 40,074 clinicians and researchers were invited to participate. The survey included questions on demographics and CAIM perceptions.

Results

The survey received 599 responses, with most identifying as both researchers and clinicians (n=331, 55.3%). Mind-body therapies (n=212, 47.1%) were considered the most promising CAIM areas for surgery. Most respondents believed CAIM therapies are safe (n=184, 46.2%) but were uncertain about their effectiveness (n=153, 38.6% disagreed and n=169, 42.7% were neutral). Many agreed on the value of CAIM research (n=310, 77.9%), increased funding (n=224, 55.9%), and clinician training through formal (n=215, 52.9%) and supplementary (n=246, 61.8%) education.

Conclusions

Surgery clinicians and researchers show strong interest in more CAIM education and research. This study’s findings can guide the development of resources and training programs to improve CAIM knowledge and perceptions.
Emergent strategies for climate protection among German hospitals — A survey of hospital administrative leaders
Authors: Schmidt Lara , Bohnet-Joschko Sabine
Published: October 2024

Hospitals emit large amounts of greenhouse gas emissions during healthcare delivery due to their extensive resource utilization and substantial waste generation. By implementing climate actions, hospitals can significantly contribute to climate protection in healthcare. This paper delves into the climate protection efforts of German hospitals, with a specific focus on the emergent strategies of hospital administrative leaders and the employee engagement within the framework of Stakeholder Theory. The investigation is based on primary data from an online survey of hospital administrative leaders in German hospitals. Employing a hierarchical cluster analysis, the study identifies four distinct clusters of hospitals. These clusters vary significantly in their organization and communication strategies regarding climate protection and allocation of responsibilities, indicating that German hospitals prioritize climate protection to varying degrees. The findings suggest that employee engagement depends on how hospital administrative leaders organize and communicate the topic of climate protection in their institutions. The study underscores the importance of strategic leadership for climate protection in hospitals.
Improving Split-HaloTag through Computational Protein Engineering
Authors: Wilhelm Jonas , Nickel Lennart , Lin Yin-Hsi , Hiblot Julien , Johnsson Kai
Published: October 2024

Split-HaloTag can be used to transform transient molecular interactions into permanent marks through chemical labeling, thereby enabling the recording of transient physiological events in individual cells. However, applications of split-HaloTag-based recorders can be limited by slow labeling rates. To address this issue, we have engineered an improved version of cpHaloΔ, the larger fragment of the split-HaloTag system. Using computational techniques, we identified stabilizing point mutations and designed a structured linker connecting the original N and C termini of the circular permutated protein, thereby significantly improving thermostability and activity of cpHaloΔ. These modifications decrease the time and substrate concentrations required for split-HaloTag-based assays and can expand their dynamic range and sensitivity.
Promoter- and Enhancer-Dependent Cohesin Loading Initiates Chromosome Looping to FoldTcrbLoci for Long-Range Recombination
Authors: Allyn Brittney M. , Hayer Katharina E. , Oyeniran Clement , Nganga Vincent , Lee Kyutae , Sacan Ahmet , Oltz Eugene M. , Bassing Craig H.
Published: October 2024

Cohesin-mediated chromosome looping regulates diverse processes, including antigen receptor (AgR) gene assembly by V(D)J recombination. To understand mechanisms that coordinate genome topologies, we focused on a genetically tractable AgR locus,Tcrb. Cohesin loading and initiating loop extrusion (LE) from a nearby CTCF-binding element (CBE) required the promoter of the most 5’Vβ segment, creating long-range contacts with target downstream DJβ segments within the recombination center (RC). CBEs flanking the RC have multiple functions: terminators of LE originating in the Vβ cluster, initiators of LE in the RC, and insulation of enhancer activity. Deletion of theTcrbsuper-enhancer abolished loop extrusion from the neighboring RC but spared long-range contacts, indicating that unidirectional loop extrusion from upstream Vβ segments was sufficient. Thus, Vβ promoter- or enhancer-dependent cohesin loading initiates LE in opposite directions across the locus to assemble a broadTcrbrepertoire, a finding that has broad implications for genomic architecture and function.
IGF-1 IMPACTS NEOCORTICAL INTERNEURON CONNECTIVITY IN EPILEPTIC SPASM GENERATION AND RESOLUTION
Authors: Ballester-Rosado Carlos J. , Le John T. , Lam Trang T. , Anderson Anne E. , Frost James D. , Swann John W.
Published: October 2024

Little is known about the mechanisms that generate epileptic spasms following perinatal brain injury. Recent studies have implicated reduced levels of Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1) in these patients’ brains. Other studies have reported low levels of the inhibitory neurotransmitter, GABA. In the TTX brain injury model of epileptic spasms, we undertook experiments to evaluate the impact of IGF-1 deficiencies on neocortical interneurons and their role in spasms. Quantitative immunohistochemical analyses revealed that neocortical interneurons that express glutamic acid decarboxylase, parvalbumin, or synaptotagmin 2 co-express IGF-1. In epileptic rats, expression of these three interneuron markers were reduced in the neocortex. IGF-1 expression was also reduced, but surprisingly this loss was confined to interneurons. Interneuron connectivity was reduced in tandem with IGF-1 deficiencies. Similar changes were observed in surgically resected neocortex from infantile epileptic spasms syndrome (IESS) patients. To evaluate the impact of IGF-1 deficiencies on interneuron development, IGF-1R levels were reduced in the neocortex of neonatal conditional IGF-1R knock out mice by viral injections. Four weeks later, this experimental maneuver resulted in similar reductions in interneuron connectivity. Treatment with the IGF-1 derived tripeptide, (1–3)IGF-1, abolished epileptic spasms in most animals, rescued interneuron connectivity, and restored neocortical levels of IGF-1. Our results implicate interneuron IGF-1 deficiencies, possibly impaired autocrine IGF-1 signaling and a resultant interneuron dysmaturation in epileptic spasm generation. By restoring IGF-1 levels, (1–3)IGF-1 likely suppresses spasms by rescuing interneuron connectivity. Results point to (1–3)IGF-1 and its analogues as potential novel disease-modifying therapies for this neurodevelopmental disorder.
Human formin FHOD3-mediated actin elongation is required for sarcomere integrity in cardiomyocytes
Authors: Valencia Dylan A , Koeberlein Angela N , Nakano Haruko , Rudas Akos , Harui Airi , Spencer Cassandra , Nakano Atsushi , Quinlan Margot E
Published: October 2024

Contractility and cell motility depend on accurately controlled assembly of the actin cytoskeleton. Formins are a large group of actin assembly proteins that nucleate new actin filaments and act as elongation factors. Some formins may cap filaments, instead of elongating them, and others are known to sever or bundle filaments. The Formin HOmology Domain-containing protein (FHOD)-family of formins is critical to the formation of the fundamental contractile unit in muscle, the sarcomere. Specifically, mammalian FHOD3L plays an essential role in cardiomyocytes. Despite our knowledge of FHOD3L’s importance in cardiomyocytes, its biochemical and cellular activities remain poorly understood. It has been proposed that FHOD-family formins act by capping and bundling, as opposed to assembling new filaments. Here, we demonstrate that FHOD3L nucleates actin and rapidly but briefly elongates filaments after temporarily pausing elongation,in vitro. We designed function-separating mutants that enabled us to distinguish which biochemical roles are req`uired in the cell. We found that human FHOD3L’s elongation activity, but not its nucleation, capping, or bundling activity, is necessary for proper sarcomere formation and contractile function in neonatal rat ventricular myocytes. The results of this work provide new insight into the mechanisms by which formins build specific structures and will contribute to knowledge regarding how cardiomyopathies arise from defects in sarcomere formation and maintenance.
Stability of inorganic ionic structures: the uniformity approach
Authors: Shevchenko Alexander P. , Blatov Vladislav A.
Published: October 2024

The crystal structure uniformity is numerically estimated as the standard deviation of the crystal space quantizer 〈G
3〉. This criterion has been applied to explore the uniformity of ionic sublattices in 21465 crystal structures of inorganic ionic compounds. In most cases, at least one kind of sublattice (whole ionic lattice, cationic or anionic sublattice) was found to be highly uniform with a small 〈G
3〉 value. Non-uniform structures appeared to be either erroneous or essentially non-ionic. As a result, a set of uniformity criteria is proposed for the estimation of the stability of ionic crystal structures.
Aerodynamic study of a leading-edge rotating cylinder in a cambered aerofoil (NACA2412)
Authors: K.B. Ravichandrakumar , Ganapathy Subramanian Lalgudi Ramachandran
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Flow separation over an aircraft’s wing beyond a specific angle of attack is challenging. Flow boundary layer manipulation has been investigated to improve aerofoil lift and mitigate flow separation difficulties including stall and drag. This is solved via active or passive flow control. Active flow control method moving surface boundary (MSB) enhances shear flow momentum, making it effective. MSB is easier than suction and blowing. Asymmetrical airfoils, which generate lift in aircraft wings, have received less MSB research than symmetrical ones. The purpose of this study is to asses the design efficacy of MSB’s NACA 2412 aerofoil.

Design/methodology/approach

To observe the performance of MSB in NACA 2412, a computational model has been created, and aerodynamical performance has been analyzed.

Findings

The study results show that the NACA 2412 with MSB has better aerodynamic efficiency than the NACA 2412 base design. It works best when it reaches its optimal speed and the delay in flow separation works well.

Research limitations/implications

Limitations may include specific aerofoil applicability, external factors and simulation constraints. Implications guide future research for broader insights and applications.

Practical implications

Improving asymmetrical aerofoil performance, mitigating stall effects, reducing drag and optimizing designs with moving surface boundary. Insights gained can enhance overall aircraft efficiency and flow control techniques.

Originality/value

The MSB flow control in a chambered aerofoil is less explored and not explored enough in wing-based aerofoils, and the optimal cylinder speed ratio trend has been discussed at each angle of attack studied.
A vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) unmanned aircraft vehicle trajectory control model with air-launched missiles
Authors: Sivrioglu Selim , Basaran Sinan
Published: October 2024

Purpose

In today’s technology, the significance of unmanned aerial vehicles is steadily increasing. Many unmanned aerial vehicles design, especially those used for military purposes, have achieved autonomy from human operators. Undoubtedly, one of the most crucial features of these aircraft is their vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) capability. Inspired by quadrotor methodology, this paper aims to conduct, a modeling of an aircraft with VTOL capabilities.

Design/methodology/approach

The impact of releasing air-launched missiles, considered as the useful payload carried during the flight of the aircraft, has been taken into account in this modeling. The release of air-launched missiles disrupts both the symmetric structure of the system and alters the mass and inertia parameters. Simulations were conducted to investigate scenarios involving the simultaneous release of all air-launched missiles and their release at different times.

Findings

The investigation focused on determining how quickly an aircraft, aiming to consecutively hit targets, can return to its desired trajectory. The time interval between the consecutive releases of two air-launched missiles has been identified.

Originality/value

It is crucial for a VTOL-capable aircraft to possess a unique modeling structure to examine its capability of releasing air-launched missiles in various scenarios. This entails understanding not only the aircraft’s VTOL functionality but also its ability to effectively release missiles in different operational conditions.
Research on the flow velocity characteristics of oil contaminated with particulates using PIV
Authors: Chen Bin , Liu Ge
Published: October 2024

Purpose

The paper aims to clarify the influence of the equivalent particles number (EPN) change on the flow velocity characteristic.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper opted for an exploratory study using PIV technology to obtain the transient flow toxicity vector of oil in the square pipeline.

Findings

The paper provides empirical insights about the influence of EPN on the flow average velocity which is most prominent in the middle of the pipeline, and smaller EPN values have a greater impact.

Originality/value

These influence laws of EPN can be used to obtain the dynamic characteristics of oil, which provides theoretical support for oil pollution control and effective treatment measures and lays a preliminary foundation for the online monitoring of particles in oil.
Incumbents’ marketing deterrence strategies and potential entrants’ time-to-entry: evidence from the US airline industry
Authors: Aghaie Sina , Kamran-Disfani Omid , Darani Milad , Saljoughian Mohammad Mike
Published: October 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate how incumbent firms’ marketing deterrence strategies, price-cuts and quality improvement, influence potential entrants’ (PEs) entry timing into incumbents’ markets and examine the moderating role of incumbents’ market-level resources and capabilities (R&Cs).

Design/methodology/approach

To test the hypotheses, an accelerated failure time model is applied to a rich data set of entry threats between 1997 and 2019 in the US airline industry.

Findings

The findings show that while quality improvements delay PEs’ entry, price-cuts expedite it. Furthermore, PEs are more likely to be deterred by price-cuts when incumbents possess high market-level R&Cs. However, such R&Cs do not moderate the link between incumbents’ quality improvement and PEs’ entry timing.

Research limitations/implications

Market entry in this research is conceptualized and defined as a large resource deployment into a market and operationalized as a binary variable. However, PEs might rather choose a minor resource deployment instead to establish a foothold in new markets. It would be fruitful for future research to examine various levels of participation in a new market and examine how the incumbents’ marketing deterrence strategies affect PEs’ entry timing. Doing so would provide us with a deeper understanding of the difference between actual/full market entry and micro/minor market entry.

Practical implications

This research examines the impact of incumbents’ marketing deterrence strategies in a contingency framework and highlights the crucial role of R&Cs in implementing such deterrence strategies. Doing so provides actionable insights to managers who craft strategies to protect their markets against PEs.

Originality/value

Previous research illustrates that incumbent firms commonly respond to competitors’ entry threats by cutting prices and improving quality. While antecedents of these deterrence strategies have been extensively investigated, the consequences have yet to be empirically examined.
Who is the entrepreneurial educator? A transferability perspective to tease out antecedents needed to form a signature pedagogy
Authors: Hägg Gustav , Jones Colin , Wraae Birgitte
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Entrepreneurial education (EE) has grown rapidly and become important for how we prepare future generations for work. However, a less addressed piece of the puzzle is: who is the entrepreneurial educator? In this paper, our aim draws upon Palmer’s (1998) idea of wholeness, where we seek to connect the two problem spaces of the role diversity of entrepreneurial educators and how the educator is closely tied to the evolutionary development of the domain in constructing signature pedagogies that could cater for the issue of a low capitalization rate.

Design/methodology/approach

We problematize on a conceptual level the entry-level personas that have been addressed in prior literature by using the processes of transferability and evolutionary theory to tease out how variability among educators could create antecedents to form a signature pedagogy.

Findings

We recognize four archetypes: the experienced entrepreneur, the entrepreneurship scholar, the academic scholar and the pedagogical expert. Our problematization on the variance of the four archetypes provides a fertile ground to engage in addressing “the elephants in the room” in EE, the capitalization rate of graduates and the importance of developing a signature pedagogy, acknowledged in other domains, to enhance legitimacy.

Originality/value

The paper provides a nuanced outlook on who is teaching in the entrepreneurial classroom and problematizes from an evolutionary perspective the potential future paths to continue staying relevant for society as well as justifying our presence as a legit domain in academia.
Taken for granted or wilfully ignored? Seeking legitimacy for the entrepreneurship educator
Authors: Walmsley Andreas , Wraae Birgitte
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This study offers insights into how the entrepreneurship educator (EE) is legitimised in higher education.

Design/methodology/approach

This exploratory study is based on content analysis of 73 university programme specifications, 61 university strategies and 35 job advertisements. The study uses Suchman’s (1995) conceptualisation of organisational legitimacy to assist in categorising the results according to type of legitimacy.

Findings

Connections are made between the legitimacy of the EE and wider societal discourses surrounding the legitimacy of enterprise/entrepreneurship as expressed in university strategies. Attempts to legitimise the EE specifically, as opposed to “the educator” more broadly understood, are quite limited. Programme specifications mainly offer a cognitive form of legitimacy relating to teaching, with elements of pragmatic legitimacy arising from educators’ links to industry and research prowess. Job descriptions are more focused on the educator’s research as a form of legitimation.

Research limitations/implications

The study creates a baseline of knowledge surrounding the legitimacy of the EE, which raises important questions as to how the educator is supposed to add value in relation to different stakeholders.

Originality/value

The concept of legitimacy, despite widespread application in other disciplines, has found very limited application in the study of EE. Using three sources of data, the paper offers a first application of Suchman’s (1995) conceptualisation of legitimacy to entrepreneurship education. It thereby offers a critical perspective on the role of the EE as shaped by institutional norms.
The Shariah non-compliance (SNC) disclosure index of Islamic banks in Malaysia
Authors: Mohamed Marina , Ibrahim Norhazlina
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the Shariah non-compliance (SNC) disclosure index for all 16 Malaysian Islamic banks from 2015 to 2020.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative research methodology was adopted that included content analysis. The data were gathered from banks’ annual reports from 2015 to 2020. To achieve this, firstly, the disclosure index was developed by examining the disclosure requirements of the regulator and previous studies. The index was then used to measure the level of disclosure index for all these banks.

Findings

The overall average SNC disclosure index for the Islamic banks from 2015 to 2020 remained low at 0.57. However, the values were comprised of mandatory and voluntary items. For the former, the SNC disclosure index was quite high at 0.82, but for the voluntary items, the value was 0.40. Progressive improvement can be observed in the disclosure practices of the majority of the Islamic banks between 2015 and 2020; nevertheless, certain banks displayed a deterioration in their disclosure practices.

Research limitations/implications

This study has several limitations, including the index used, the research period and the fact that it was restricted to SNC events.

Practical implications

These findings add value for information users by assuring them of the accountability of Islamic banks in terms of transparency, as well as their effectiveness in managing and mitigating SNC events. Regular monitoring and strong enforcement by the regulator are essential to achieve full compliance with the stipulated requirements.

Originality/value

This study offers a disclosure index for analysing SNC events in depth by segregating the disclosure into mandatory and voluntary items for each Islamic bank and making recommendations for future research. In addition, it provides a broad overview of current trends in SNC and the associated issues, as well as insights for regulators and the public in terms of the transparency levels of Islamic banks in relation to SNC event disclosure.
University campuses’ location-allocation: a case study of Egypt with insights from the Japanese context
Authors: Mohammed Ahmed M.S. , Ukai Tetsuya
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to identify the most suitable location for a university campus in Egypt based on governorates’ social needs by employing the analytic hierarchy process (AHP). The paper, then, reflects the findings retrieved from the Egyptian context on the Japanese context to reveal how different countries deal with the location-allocation decision problem for university campuses.

Design/methodology/approach

The AHP is employed to evaluate and rank Egyptian governorates based on 13 distinct criteria obtained from governmental open-source databases. These criteria measure the social needs of each governorate, guiding the decision on the location of new university campuses.

Findings

The results expose a disparity between Egypt's current campus development plan and recommendations derived from AHP analysis. The location-allocation decision for new university campuses appears to be influenced by subjective assessments, indicating a gap between planned developments and identified social needs. Additionally, contextual social and cultural differences between developing and developed countries impact the identification and fulfilment of the demand for a new university campus.

Originality/value

This paper contributes by offering decision-makers a robust location-allocation framework. It serves as a valuable tool for policy formulation in establishing new public universities in both developing and developed countries. Comparative analysis with the Japanese context enriches the understanding of how countries address the location-allocation decision problem for university campuses, emphasising the significance of context-specific considerations in such decisions.
An examination of Pacific nations’ legislatures’ interactions with Supreme Audit Institutions and the impact on audit quality
Authors: Cordery Carolyn J. , Hay David , Taufa Sione
Published: October 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report a study of public accountability within the political and economic structures that characterise Pacific nations. The authors examine audit quality with respect to Pacific Island nations’ governmental reporting to investigate ways to improve accountability in a region that is economically and environmentally challenged.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors examine whether audit quality in Pacific Island nations is associated with the practical arrangements of Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs), taking into account external factors. The “practical arrangements” include the independence of a SAI (regarding its staffing and funding) and also the requirement for it to report to the Executive. The financial setting in each jurisdiction has been seen to impact the quality of financial reporting and auditing. The authors examine mediating factors such as income, political stability and education that may also impact audit quality. This study uses publicly available databases as well as jurisdictional annual reports and the associated audit opinions and management letters (where available). Jurisdictional reports on public financial management were also analysed.

Findings

The authors find that public sector audit quality is low in many Pacific countries, concluding that public accountability is impaired. While the authors recommend changes to the practical arrangements that can improve audit quality, the mediating factors also impact audit quality. They argue that a renewed focus on financial capability could enhance public accountability in these nations, but there are limiting factors that are difficult to overcome.

Practical implications

There are problems in providing accountability for public sector activities in Pacific nations. The authors suggest that improvements to the appointment and funding of SAIs to enhance their independence will help to reduce these issues.

Originality/value

The authors present a framework for analysing SAIs’ practical arrangements and audit quality that includes variables that may mediate the effects of these practical arrangements. They apply the model to 20 Pacific jurisdictions, showing that the practical arrangements of a SAI directly impact audit quality. Nevertheless, there are instances where audit quality is poor despite good practical arrangements, implying that mediating factors also play a substantial role in determining audit quality of a SAI.
Profitability’s impact on firm value in Indonesia’s real estate firms: a panel data investigation
Authors: Khalifaturofi’ah Sholikha Oktavi , Setiawan Rahmat
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Profitability is crucial for a company’s sustainability. This study aims to examine the influence of profitability and specific variables on the value of real estate companies in Indonesia.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a sample of 42 real estate companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange from 2017 to 2023. A static panel regression approach was adopted, with the best model being the fixed effect model, verified through a robustness test.

Findings

The results indicate that the fixed effect model is the most effective in explaining firm value. Profitability, proxied by return on assets (ROAs), does not significantly impact firm value. This finding is confirmed by robustness tests using another profitability measure, return on equity (ROE). Additionally, company size negatively and significantly impacts firm value, while activity ratio and leverage have a positive and significant effect. Liquidity and company growth do not significantly affect firm value.

Research limitations/implications

The research is limited to Indonesian real estate firms, cautioning against broad generalization to other countries or industries. The study could not demonstrate the influence of profitability on the value of real estate companies. Instead, firm value is influenced by company size, activity ratio and leverage.

Practical implications

Real estate firms should increase their activity, optimize funding and consider company size to enhance firm value.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the Indonesian real estate sector by revealing that profitability does not enhance firm value. Indonesian real estate companies generally have low profitability and firm value.
Navigating ideals: effects of curvy and thin models in Instagram fashion advertising on body type preferences and clothing purchase intentions
Authors: Ferdousi Jannatul Shimul , Bradley Graham L. , Carlini Joan , Seekis Veya
Published: October 2024

Purpose

In light of the challenge the fashion industry faces to be more body shape-inclusive, several brands now feature curvy models (large breasts and buttocks, wide hips and a small waist) in their online advertising. Gaps exist in the understanding of the influence of these models on young consumers’ perceptions of body ideals and advertising effectiveness. This study aims to investigate how brief exposure to idealized thin and curvy models in Instagram fashion advertising affects young female consumers’ body type preferences and clothing purchase intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 245 late-adolescent girls, aged 17–19 years, through online questionnaires. Participants were randomly assigned to view Instagram fashion advertising featuring thin or curvy models before reporting on study variables.

Findings

Results revealed that girls expressed a preference for the body type to which they were exposed. However, they indicated a higher intention to purchase clothes worn by thin models than those worn by curvy models despite rating both thin and curvy models as equally attractive. This effect held even when controlling for participants’ body size.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first known study to experimentally examine the effects of curvy models featured in Instagram fashion advertising on late-adolescent girls’ body type preferences and clothing purchase intentions. The study shows that purchase intentions do not necessarily follow body type preferences. Findings also highlight the role that advertisement content has in promoting idealized, yet frequently unattainable, body types. Marketers are encouraged to weigh the ethical implications of their use of these extreme body types.
Anomalous latitudinal gradients in parasitoid wasp diversity—Hotspots in regions with larger temperature range
Authors: Castellanos‐Labarcena Jessica , Steinke Dirk , Adamowicz Sarah J.
Published: October 2024

Knowledge of global patterns of genetic diversity is essential for biodiversity conservation as this parameter describes the ability of a species to respond to environmental changes. Ichneumonoids parasitoid wasps are among the few taxa showing an anomalous latitudinal diversity gradient.

Using the largest georeferenced molecular dataset for this group, we used a macrogenetics approach to examine latitudinal patterns and predictors of intraspecific genetic diversity. We calculated the mean nucleotide diversity of mitochondrial DNA barcode sequences at three geographic levels: grid cells, latitudinal bands and climatic zones.

Nucleotide diversity values were consistently higher at northern temperate latitudes, peaking at 50°. We found a positive but weak relationship between intraspecific diversity and the latitude, between intra‐ and interspecific diversity, and a positive effect of the temperature range.

Examining the spatial relationship between different levels of biodiversity and its drivers is particularly relevant considering climate change and its impact on species distribution. Yet, in insects, it has been challenging to integrate ecological, evolutionary and geographical components when analysing the processes leading to species richness gradients.
The what and how of warning messages: An experimental examination of instructing information and linguistic features use
Authors: Atwell Seate Anita , Liu Brooke F. , Kim Ji Y. , Lee Saymin , Hawblitzel Daniel
Published: October 2024

We conducted a between‐subjects experiment (N = 1626) to examine the effects of instructing information, an important theoretical keystone in crisis communication research, in predicting two key outcomes in the literature—protective behavioral intentions and message retransmission intentions. Given the communicative context, high‐impact weather warnings, we additionally considered the moderating role of linguistic features use in predicting these outcomes. Based upon theory and research in this area, we examined the mediating roles of self‐efficacy and perceived instructing information in predicting protective behavioral intentions and message retransmission intentions, respectively. Results mainly support our hypotheses. The instructing information conditions predicted the proposed intervening variable, which in turn predicted both outcomes. Linguistic features use moderated the direct effect of instructing information in predicting protective behavioral intentions, but not message retransmission intentions. The discussion focuses on the implications of these findings for crisis communication theory and practice.
General and special education teachers' attitudes towards evidence‐based practice
Authors: Rüger Lea , Scheer David
Published: October 2024

In the context of special and inclusive education, applying evidence‐based practice (EBP) is important for providing equal access to effective and efficient education for students, regardless of their ability status. However, there is a relevant research‐practice gap in this area. To better understand how teachers can be supported using evidence‐based interventions and to identify training and development needs, we developed a questionnaire on attitudes towards EBP and piloted it with a sample of 809 teachers in Germany. The factor structure was determined using categorical exploratory factor analysis in half of the sample and then confirmed using categorical confirmatory factor analysis in the other half. Good model fit and factor reliability were observed. The instrument is measurement‐invariant between general and special education teachers. As expected, we found more positive attitudes towards EBP among special education teachers. No significant differences were observed between the different age groups. Based on these findings, it can be assumed that the measurement instrument is suitable for use in implementation research, as well as in the evaluation of initial and in‐service teacher training programmes. Further studies on convergent, divergent and prognostic validities are necessary.
The effects of zinc supplementation on body fat mass in hemodialysis patients: An open‐label randomized controlled trial
Authors: Fukasawa Hirotaka , Yamawaki Mito , Furuya Jun , Omata Kyosuke , Kaneko Mai , Matsuyama Takashi , Yasuda Hideo , Furuya Ryuichi
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Zinc deficiency is highly prevalent in HD patients. On the other hand, it remains unknown about the role of zinc in their nutritional status.

Methods

We conducted an open‐label randomized controlled trial. We investigated (i) the relationship between serum zinc levels and body composition and (ii) the effects of zinc supplementation on the composition of 48 HD patients with zinc deficiency.

Results

Serum zinc levels were significantly correlated with body fat weight (p < 0.01), but not with nonfat tissue weight. Multiple regression analyses demonstrated that serum zinc levels were a significant independent predictor of body fat weight (p < 0.001). Furthermore, the weight of body fat significantly increased in the group that received 1‐year zinc supplementation (p < 0.05), but not in the group that did not.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that zinc deficiency plays an important role in fat metabolism in HD patients with its deficiency.
Morphology and distribution of antennal sensilla of Plautia stali (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae)
Authors: Roh Gwang Hyun , Oh Ji Hye , Lee Yeon Jeong , Huh Min‐Jung , Park Il‐Kwon , Park Chung Gyoo
Published: October 2024

In this study, the morphology and distribution of antennal sensilla of male and female adults of Plautia stali were investigated using scanning electron microscopy. In both sexes, the antennae of P. stali were composed of a scape, two‐segmented pedicels (P1 and P2) and two‐segmented flagellomeres (F1 and F2). There were no differences in the overall length and shape between males and females. Four basic types of sensilla (s. trichodea, s. basiconica, s. chaetica and s. coeloconica) were identified in each sex. Sensilla basiconica and s. chaetica were further divided into four and two subtypes, respectively. Among the sensilla, s. trichodea and s. basiconica subtype 4 were multiporous, indicating that these two types are involved in olfactory functions. There was an apical pore on the tip of s. basiconica subtypes 2 and 3, suggesting that they have contact chemosensory function. There was no pore on the cuticular surface of the other types of sensilla, suggesting that these types may be mechano‐, thermo‐ or hygroreceptors. Sexual dimorphism was not evident in the distribution of the four types of sensilla, although there were variations in the number and distribution of sensilla along with the antennae in both sexes. This study reveals information regarding the sensory function of each type of sensillum in P. stali.