bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of hypersensitivity pneumonitis guideline on the pathologic diagnosis of interstitial pneumonia
Authors: Ozasa Mutsumi , Bychkov Andrey , Zaizen Yoshiaki , Tabata Kazuhiro , Uegami Wataru , Yamano Yasuhiko , Kataoka Kensuke , Johkoh Takeshi , Mukae Hiroshi , Kondoh Yasuhiro , Fukuoka Junya
Published: June 2021

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) and interstitial pneumonia (IP) have several overlapping characteristics, and a high diagnostic concordance rate of HP is rarely obtained. New guideline, highly influenced by pathology, were devised for its diagnosis. We recently reported that the 2020 HP guideline may result in a possible overdiagnosis of fibrotic HP (fHP) through multidisciplinary discussion. Here, we attempted to investigate the impact of the 2020 HP guideline on the pathological diagnosis of cases previously diagnosed as IP. We classified 247 cases with fibrotic IP diagnoses sourced from 2014–2019 into three categories according to the 2020 HP guideline: typical, probable, and indeterminate HP. The original pathological diagnosis and categorization based on the 2020 HP guideline were compared. The clinical data including serum data and pulmonary function tests were compared among groups. The number of cases that changed to HP from an original diagnosis other than HP based on the guideline was 56 (23%). The clinical data of these cases bore a greater resemblance to cases diagnosed as indeterminate for HP than those diagnosed as typical or probable. The ratio of typical and probable HP to the total cases was significantly lower when using a transbronchial lung cryobiopsy (TBLC). Based on the new guideline, the pathological diagnosis of HP efficiently excluded HP cases but increased the rate of HP diagnosis for cases with fibrotic IP that may not suit an HP diagnosis. Thus, a TBLC may not be useful when imparting findings for fibrotic HP diagnosis using the new criteria.

Key messages

What is the key question? >

Does the 2020 HP Guideline improve pathological diagnosis?

What is the bottom line? >

By applying the new guideline, about 1/4 of the pathological diagnoses were changed from not chronic HP to probable or typical fHP, but most of the changed cases showed a clinical picture closer to not chronic HP.

Why read on? >

To understand that simple application of the pathological criteria of the HP guideline may cause a misleading diagnosis.
Digital embryos – A novel technical approach to investigate perceptual categorization in pigeons (Columba livia) using machine learning
Authors: Pusch Roland , Packheiser Julian , Koenen Charlotte , Iovine Fabrizio , Güntürkün Onur
Published: June 2021

Pigeons are classic model animals to study perceptual category learning. A theoretical understanding of the cognitive mechanisms of categorization requires a careful consideration of the employed stimulus material. Optimally, stimuli should not consist of real-world objects that might be associated with prior experience. The number of exemplars should be theoretically infinite and easy to produce. In addition, the experimenter should have the freedom to produce 2D- and 3D-versions of the stimuli and, finally, the stimulus set should provide the opportunity to identify the diagnostic elements that the animals use. To this end, we used the approach of “virtual phylogenesis” of “digital embryos” to produce two stimulus sets of objects that meet these criteria. In our experiment pigeons learned to categorize these stimuli in a forced-choice procedure. In addition, we used peck tracking to identify where on the stimulus the animals pecked to signal their choice. Pigeons learned the task and transferred successfully to novel exemplars. Using a k-nearest neighbor classifier, we were able to predict the presented stimulus class based on pecking location indicating that pecks are related to features of interest. We further identified potential strategies of the pigeons through this approach, namely that they were either learning one or two categories to discriminate between stimulus classes. These strategies remained stable during category transfer, but differed between individuals indicating that categorization learning is not limited to a single learning strategy.
Foregut organ progenitors and their niche display distinct viscoelastic properties in vivo during early morphogenesis stages
Authors: Dzementsei Aliaksandr , Barooji Younes F. , Ober Elke A. , Oddershede Lene B.
Published: June 2021

Material properties of living matter play an important role for biological function and development. Yet, quantification of material properties of internal organs in vivo, without causing physiological damage, remains challenging. Here, we present a non-invasive approach based on modified optical tweezers for quantifying sub-cellular material properties deep inside living zebrafish. Material properties of cells within the gut region of living zebrafish are quantified as deep as 150 μm into the biological tissue. The measurements demonstrate differential mechanical properties of the developing foregut organs progenitors: Gut progenitors are more elastic than any of the neighboring cell populations at the time when the developing organs undergo substantial displacements during morphogenesis. The higher elasticity of gut progenitors correlates with an increased cellular concentration of microtubules. The results infer a role of material properties during morphogenesis and the approach paves the way for quantitative material investigations in vivo of embryos, explants, or organoids.
Systematic identification of a CDYL1-dependent decrease in lysine crotonylation at DNA double-strand break sites functionally uncouples transcriptional silencing and repair
Authors: Abu-Zhayia Enas R. , Machour Feras E. , Bishara Laila A. , Ben-Oz Bella M. , Ayoub Nabieh
Published: June 2021

Previously, we showed that CDYL1 is recruited to DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) to promote homology-directed repair (HDR) and foster transcriptional silencing. Yet, how CDYL1 elicits DSB-induced silencing is not fully understood. Here, we systematically identify a CDYL1-dependent local decrease in the transcriptionally active marks lysine crotonylation (PanKcr) and crotonylated histone residue H3K9cr at AsiSI-induced DSBs, which correlates with transcriptional silencing. Mechanistically, we reveal that CDYL1 crotonyl-CoA hydratase activity counteracts PanKcr and H3K9cr at AsiSI sites, which triggers the eviction of the transcriptional elongation factor ENL and foster transcriptional silencing. Furthermore, genetic inhibition of CDYL1 hydratase activity blocks the reduction in H3K9cr and alleviates DSB-induced silencing, while HDR efficiency unexpectedly remains intact. Therefore, our results functionally uncouple the repair and silencing activity of CDYL1 at DSBs. In a broader context, we address a long-standing question concerning the functional relationship between HDR and DSB-induced transcriptional silencing, suggesting that they may occur independently.

Highlights

Systematic identification of a local decrease in lysine crotonylation PanKcr and H3K9cr at AsiSI-induced DSBs that correlates with transcriptional silencing.

CDYL1 crotonyl-CoA hydratase activity downregulates Kcr at DSBs.

Kcr reduction at DSBs promotes ENL eviction and fosters transcriptional silencing.

CDYL1 roles in DSB-induced transcriptional silencing and HDR are functionally uncoupled.
COVID-19 Mortality is Associated with Impaired Innate Immunity in Pre-existing Health Conditions
Authors: Lee Matthew E. , Chang Yung , Ahmadinejad Navid , Johnson-Agbakwu Crista E. , Bailey Celeste , Liu Li
Published: June 2021

Background

COVID-19 poses a life-threatening endangerment to individuals with chronic diseases. However, not all comorbidities affect COVID-19 prognosis equally. Some increase the risk of COVID-19 related death by more than six folds while others show little to no impact. To prevent severe outcomes, it is critical that we comprehend pre-existing molecular abnormalities in common health conditions that predispose patients to poor prognoses. In this study, we aim to discover some of these molecular risk factors by associating gene expression dysregulations in common health conditions with COVID-19 mortality rates in different cohorts.

Methods

We focused on fourteen pre-existing health conditions, for which age-and-sex-adjusted hazard ratios of COVID-19 mortality have been documented. For each health condition, we analyzed existing transcriptomics data to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between affected individuals and unaffected individuals. We then tested if fold changes of any DEG in these pre-existing conditions were correlated with hazard ratios of COVID-19 mortality to discover molecular risk factors. We performed gene set enrichment analysis to identify functional groups overrepresented in these risk factor genes and examined their relationships with the COVID-19 disease pathway.

Results

We found that upregulated expression of 70 genes and downregulated expression of 181 genes in pre-existing health conditions were correlated with increased risk of COVID-19 related death. These genes were significantly enriched with endoplasmic reticulum (ER) function, proinflammatory reaction, and interferon production that participate in viral transcription and immune responses to viral infections.

Conclusions

Impaired innate immunity in pre-existing health conditions are associated with increased hazard of COVID-19 mortality. The discovered molecular risk factors are potential prognostic biomarkers and targets for therapeutic interventions.
Infection of mouse neural progenitor cells by Toxoplasma gondii affects in vitro proliferation, differentiation and migration
Authors: Pires Luiza Bendia , Barbosa Helene Santos , Santiago Marcelo Felippe , Adesse Daniel
Published: June 2021

Congenital toxoplasmosis constitutes a major cause of pre- and post-natal complications. Fetal infection with Toxoplasma gondii influences development and can lead to microcephaly, encephalitis, and neurological abnormalities. Few studies have attempted to explain the impact of T. gondii infection on the physiology of mature nerve cells, and no systematic study concerning the effect of infection of neural progenitor cells by T. gondii in the biology of these progenitors is available. We infected cortical intermediate progenitor cell cultivated as neurospheres obtained from E16.5 Swiss Webster mice with T. gondii (Me49 strain) tachyzoites to mimic the developing mouse cerebral cortex in vitro. Infection decreased cell proliferation as detected by Ki67 staining at 48 and 72 hours post infection (hpi) in floating neurospheres, resulting in reduced cellularity at 96 hpi. Neurogenic and gliogenic potential, assessed in plated neurospheres, was shown to be impaired in infected cultures, as indicated by neurofilament heavy chain (NF-200) and GFAP staining, respectively. To further investigate the impact of infection on neuronal differentiation, Neuro2a neuroblasts were infected and after 24 hpi, neurogenic differentiation was induced with serum withdrawal. We confirmed that infection induces a decrease in neuroblast-neuron differentiation rates in cells stained for NF-200, with reduced neuritogenesis. Migration rates were analyzed in plated neurospheres. At 120 h after plating, infected cultures exhibited decreased overall migration rates and altered the radial migration of nestin-, GFAP- and NF-200-positive cells. These findings indicate that T. gondii infection of neural progenitor cells may lead to reduced neuro/gliogenesis due to an imbalance in cell proliferation alongside an altered migratory profile. If translated to the in vivo situation, these data could explain, in part, the cortical malformations observed in congenitally infected individuals.
Population and Individual Firing Behaviors in Sparsely Synchronized Rhythms in The Hippocampal Dentate Gyrus
Authors: Kim Sang-Yoon , Lim Woochang
Published: June 2021

We investigate population and individual firing behaviors in sparsely synchronized rhythms (SSRs) in a spiking neural network of the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG). The main encoding granule cells (GCs) are grouped into lamellar clusters. In each GC cluster, there is one inhibitory (I) basket cell (BC) along with excitatory (E) GCs, and they form the E-I loop. Winner-take-all competition, leading to sparse activation of the GCs, occurs in each GC cluster. Such sparsity has been thought to enhance pattern separation performed in the DG. During the winner-take-all competition, SSRs are found to appear in each population of the GCs and the BCs through interaction of excitation of the GCs with inhibition of the BCs. Sparsely synchronized spiking stripes appear successively with the population frequencyfp(= 13 Hz) in the raster plots of spikes. We also note that excitatory hilar mossy cells (MCs) control the firing activity of the GC-BC loop by providing excitation to both the GCs and the BCs. SSR also appears in the population of MCs via interaction with the GCs (i.e., GC-MC loop). Population behaviors in the SSRs are quantitatively characterized in terms of the synchronization measures. In addition, we investigate individual firing activity of GCs, BCs, and MCs in the SSRs. Individual GCs exhibit random spike skipping, leading to a multi-peaked inter-spike-interval histogram, which is well characterized in terms of the random phase-locking degree. In this case, population-averaged mean-firing-rateis less than the population frequencyfp. On the other hand, both BCs and MCs show “intrastripe” burstings within stripes, together with “interstripe” random spike skipping. Thus, the population-averaged(X= MC and BC) is larger thanfp, in contrast to the case of the GCs. MC loss may occur during epileptogenesis. With decreasing the fraction of the MCs, changes in the population and individual firings in the SSRs are also studied. Finally, quantitative association between the population/individual firing behaviors in the SSRs and the winner-take-all competition is discussed.
Development, validation, and application of the ribosome separation and reconstitution system for protein translation in vitro
Authors: Trainor Brandon M. , Pestov Dimitri G. , Shcherbik Natalia
Published: June 2021

The conventional view regarding regulation of gene expression is based on transcription control. However, a growing number of recent studies has revealed the important additional impact of translational regulation. Eukaryotic translational machinery appears to be capable of reprogramming mRNA translation to generate proteins required to maintain a healthy cellular proteostasis under particular physiological conditions or to adapt to stress. Although the mechanisms of such remarkable regulation are beginning to emerge, recent studies have identified the ribosome as one of the major constituents of translation-dependent control of gene expression that is especially important during stress. Built of RNA and proteins, ribosomes are susceptible to environmental and intracellular stresses. How stress-modified ribosomes regulate translation and whether they play a role in stress-induced gene expression remain largely elusive. This knowledge gap is likely due to the lack of an appropriate experimental system. Canonical approaches based on exposing cells or cell-free extracts to stressors provide inconclusive results due to off-target effects of modifying agents. Here we describe a robust and simple in vitro assay that allows separation of yeast ribosomes from other translational machinery constituents, followed by reconstitution of the translation reaction. This ribosome separation and reconstitution assay (RSR) is highly advantageous, as it allows modification of ribosomes without compromising other key translational components, followed by supplementing the ribosomes back into translation reactions containing undamaged, translationally-competent yeast lysate. Besides addressing the impact of ribosome-derived stress on translation, RSR can also be used to characterize mutated ribosomes and ribosomes devoid of associated factors.
Fixing and Binding Antibodies to Suspension Cells in Preparation for Staining
Authors: Rodig Scott J.
Published: June 2021

Staining of suspension cells after fixation, described here, is normally used only to detect cell-surface antigens. Once cells are fixed and permeabilized, the antibodies are added. The antibodies can be labeled directly or they can be detected by using a labeled secondary reagent that will bind specifically to the primary antibody. Detection reagents for cell staining can be labeled with fluorochromes, enzymes, gold, or iodine. Because the cells are in suspension, the washing steps are tedious, and care should be taken not to centrifuge for long durations or at high speeds.
Elliptical plasma-filled waveguide as a new standard short-period undulator
Authors: Hadad Mansour , Yousefnejad Sirous , Saeidi Farhad , Rahighi Javad , Shokri Babak
Published: June 2021

Undulators as the sources of high-brilliance synchrotron radiation are of widespread interest in new generations of light sources and free-electron lasers. Microwave propagation in a plasma-filled elliptical waveguide can be studied as a standard short-period undulator. This structure as a lucrative insertion device can be installed in the storage ring of third- and fourth-generation light sources to produce high-energy and high-brilliance synchrotron radiation. In this article, the propagation of the transverse electric modes in a plasma-filled waveguide with an elliptical cross-section is investigated, and the field components, the cut-off frequencies and the electron beam trajectory are calculated. With due consideration of the electron beam dynamics and in order to achieve a standard short-period undulator, parameters such as the dimensions of the waveguide elliptical cross-section, the microwave frequency and the plasma density are calculated.
Exoskeleton cloud-brain platform and its application in safety assessment
Authors: Xu Fashu , Huang Rui , Cheng Hong , Fan Min , Qiu Jing
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This paper aims at the problem of attaching the data of doctors, patients and the real-time sensor data of the exoskeleton to the cloud in intelligent rehabilitation applications. This study designed the exoskeleton cloud-brain platform and validated its safety assessment.

Design/methodology/approach

According to the dimension of data and the transmission speed, this paper implements a three-layer cloud-brain platform of exoskeleton based on Alibaba Cloud's Lambda-like architecture. At the same time, given the human–machine safety status detection problem of the exoskeleton, this paper built a personalized machine-learning safety detection module for users with the multi-dimensional sensor data cloned by the cloud-brain platform. This module includes an abnormality detection model, prediction model and state classification model of the human–machine state.

Findings

These functions of the exoskeleton cloud-brain and the algorithms based on it were validated by the experiments, they meet the needs of use.

Originality/value

This thesis innovatively proposes a cloud-brain platform for exoskeletons, beginning the digitalization and intelligence of the exoskeletal rehabilitation process and laying the foundation for future intelligent assistance systems.
Preliminary investigation of interdisciplinary trainee’s improvement in knowledge about autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Ryan Tybytha D. , Brunson McClain Maryellen , Merrill Anna , Dahir Naima , Harris Bryn , Irby Sarah M.
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often receive services from a variety of professionals. However, not all providers receive adequate training in ASD. The Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) program includes a core competency of increasing knowledge about neurodevelopmental and related disabilities. This study attempted to assess trainees’ ASD knowledge and self-reported confidence in working with individuals with ASD and sought to understand if training through the LEND program increases these competencies. Additionally, the purpose of this study is to determine factors that predict ASD knowledge and self-reported confidence in providing services to this population, specifically in an interdisciplinary trainee sample.

Design/methodology/approach

Participants were 170 interdisciplinary LEND trainees during the 2017–2018 academic year. Participants across the USA completed online pre- and posttraining surveys. The survey included demographics, ASD knowledge, questions assessing training experiences, perceived ASD knowledge and self-reported confidence.

Findings

A one-way analysis of variance determined that there was a statistically significant difference in measured ASD knowledge across disciplinesF(7, 148) = 5.151,p < .001. Clinical trainees (e.g. psychology, pediatrics and speech) exhibited more measured ASD knowledge than nonclinical trainees (e.g. neuroscience, legal). Additionally, training experiences, self-reported confidence and perceived ASD knowledge were predictors of measured ASD knowledge. Moreover, trainees increased their measured ASD knowledge, self-reported confidence and had more experiences with individuals who have ASD at the end of the training year.

Originality/value

These findings suggest that the LEND program may assist in the preparation of professionals to work with individuals with ASD. Training opportunities, including educational and practical experience, to train interdisciplinary providers who will work with individuals with ASD are advised.
Proposal of a radially differential type magnetic-geared motor
Authors: Takahara Kazuaki , Hirata Katsuhiro , Niguchi Noboru , Suzuki Hironori , Ukaji Hajime
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a new magnetic-geared motor (MGM) which can easily increase the gear ratio up to approximately several hundred. The operational principle is described, and the relationship between the maximum transmission torques of each layer of the differential harmonic magnetic gear is investigated using a mathematical model and finite element method (FEM).

Design/methodology/approach

The operational principle and maximum transmission torque are described using a mathematical model. The FEM is used to investigate the operational principle and torque characteristics.

Findings

As the proposed model can realize a larger gear ratio than the conventional model, the torque constant can be approximately 100 times as large as that of the conventional model.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed and conventional models have the same shape stator, and it is not optimized.

Originality/value

The relationship between the maximum transmission torques of each layer is described, and this helps the design of a differential type MGM.
Social impact investing as a neoliberal construction: ego and altruism in the post-colonial space of Oaxaca, Mexico
Authors: Alvi Farzad Haider
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This paper examines social impact investing (SII), a growing source of investment from the Global North to the Global South celebrated as a new way of doing good in low-income countries, but bearing elements of neoliberalism that can reify post-colonial contexts.

Design/methodology/approach

A microfoundational, autoethnographic approach is used based on the author’s experiences and emotional epiphanies while engaged in an activist entrepreneurial enterprise. The author’s goal was to effect positive social change with Indigenous Mexican producers of mezcal liquor.

Findings

Despite the best of intentions and following best practices for SII, the expected altruistic outcomes were eclipsed by inadvertent post-colonial behaviours. Neoliberal foundations of financialization gave primacy to the perspectives and egos of the investors rather than meaningful impact for the Indigenous beneficiaries.

Research limitations/implications

Based on the findings, three areas are presented for further research. First, how Global North social impact investors balance the ego of their motivations with the altruism of intended outcomes for beneficiaries. Second, what ownership structures of Global North investments allow for social benefits to flow through to intended beneficiaries. Third, how post-colonial power imbalances can be redressed to give an equal position to Global South beneficiaries as people, rather than financial metrics indicating only that they have become less poor.

Originality/value

By using autoethnographic methods that expose the vulnerability of the researcher, unique insights are generated on what happens when good intentions meet with a post-colonial context. The neoliberal underbelly of SII is revealed, and ways to make improvements are considered.
Is capital conservation buffer or regulatory leverage better at improving bank efficiency? The case of an emerging market
Authors: Korein Sarah , Abotalib Ahmed , Trojak Mariusz , Abou-El-Sood Heba
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This paper is motivated by the heated debates preceding the introduction of additional regulatory requirements of Basel III on capital conservation buffer (CCB) and regulatory leverage (RLEV) in banks of emerging markets. The paper aims to examine which policy ratio can improve bank efficiency (BE), in one of the most resilient banking settings in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis is performed on a sample of 13 banks for the period 2010–2018 in Egypt and proceeds in two steps. In the first step, the data envelopment analysis model is used to derive bank-specific efficiency scores. In the second step, BE scores are regressed on the two types of regulatory capital and a set of control variables.

Findings

The paper is motivated by regulatory debates on the viability of RLEV and CCB in enhancing BE. The results show that higher RLEV and CCB are associated with a reduction in BE and that RLEV is highly associated with BE compared to CCB. Hence, results are relevant to policymakers in designing measures for improving BE in emerging markets.

Originality/value

The findings contribute to a small but growing stream of research on capital adequacy in emerging markets. This study provides results on the viability of risk-based vs non-risk-based capital requirements. The findings are also relevant to bank regulators in similar emerging market settings in their efforts to introduce and phase in minimum leverage requirements according to Basel III.
Comparison of mental burden across different types of cancer patients in Nepal: a special focus on cervical cancer patients
Authors: Roy Chowdhury Soumi , Bohara Alok K. , Drope Jeffrey
Published: June 2021

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to assess the differential impact of gender and cancer sites on mental burden across different types of cancer and control patients.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on a primary survey undertaken in 2015–2016 of 600 cancer and 200 control patients across five hospitals of Nepal. The data was analyzed using propensity score matching methods and treatment effect weighting estimators.

Findings

The authors find that of all the types of patients covered under this study, cervical cancer patients suffered from a greater intensity of anxiety and lack of functional wellbeing. On an average, all other female, male cancer patients, and control patients experience significantly lower intensity of mental burden in the range of 1.83, 2.63 and 3.31, respectively when compared to patients of cervical cancer. The results are robust across all the four treatment effect estimators and through all the measures of mental burden. The implications of suffering from cervical cancer, as a unique gynecological cancer was studied in-depth. An effect size analysis pointed out to the dysfunctional familial relationship as additional causes of concern for cervical cancer patients.

Originality/value

An important finding that emerged is that female cancer patients especially those who have cervical cancer should be given special attention because they appear to be the most vulnerable group. Further work is needed to delineate the reasons behind a cervical cancer patient facing higher amount of stress.
Islamic banks’ brand personality and customer satisfaction: an empirical investigation through SEM
Authors: Jan Muhammad Tahir , Shafiq Ali
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Brand personality plays an important role in affecting customer satisfaction. The Muslim population is estimated to reach 30% of the world’s population, and it is considered as the fastest-growing religion in the world. To tap into this market, it is important to explore various aspects of business, in general, and marketing, in particular, from the perspective of Muslim consumers. The present research also attempts to do the same by proposing a conceptual model related to the brand personality of Islamic Banks, named, Islamic Banks’ Brand Personality (IBBP) and its impact on customer satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper analyses the causal relationship that exists between the variables related to Islamic brand personality and customer satisfaction. For this purpose, data was collected quantitatively from 337 customers of different Islamic banks, through a self-administered questionnaire. The data analysis was conducted using SPSS and AMOS software. Factor analysis was performed to extract and decide on the number of factors underlying the measured variables of interest. Structural equation modelling was then used to examine the variables and the fitness of the proposed model.

Findings

The result revealed that five out of the total six hypotheses were supported. In this case, trustworthiness and Shariah compliance resulted in the strongest impact on customer satisfaction followed by sincerity and justice.

Practical implications

The positive significant impact of trustworthiness and Shariah compliance on customer satisfaction attests to the importance of these variables in the development of a strong brand personality in the context of Islamic banks. Policymakers of the financial industry in general and the Islamic financial service industry, in particular, may benefit from the findings of this study.

Originality/value

There is a dearth of research conducted on investigating the impact of brand personality-related variables on the Islamic banking sector. The present research did not only develop variables of IBBP but also empirically tested their effect on customer satisfaction. This paper, therefore, offers invaluable insight into IBBP with its impact on customer satisfaction.
Mudharabah based crowdfunding as an alternative source of funding book publications in Malaysia
Authors: Ishak Muhammad Shahrul Ifwat , Kamaruddin Muhammad Huzaifah , Aderemi Abdulmajeed Muhammad Raji
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the applicability of mudharabah (partnership) based crowdfunding as an alternative fund to support the book publishing industry, particularly for self-publishers and small publishers.

Design/methodology/approach

This is an exploratory qualitative study whereby the data are obtained from library research and empirical studies. As for empirical data, it is sourced from semi-structured interviews with three types of groups: the book industry, the crowdfunding platform and Shari’ah experts.

Findings

The study found that mudharabah crowdfunding could overcome the book publishing industry’s financial problems. However, this requires special requirements for applicants (writers or publishers) to avoid fraudulent cases, as well as committed management in running the platform and a substantial crowd of loyal funders to maintain the platform. Simultaneously, even though mudharabah is a risky instrument, the risk can be mitigated by closely monitoring the progress of the project. As a result, this study proposes a special framework for mudharabah based crowdfunding to fund self-publishers and small publishers in Malaysia.

Research limitations/implications

This is an exploratory study, in which its findings may not be generalised due to the limited number of participants.

Practical implications

A special model for mudharabah based crowdfunding can be established through an online platform to support book publishing in Malaysia.

Social implications

As this mudharabah crowdfunding model has the potential to support the book industry financially, it could also nurture talented young writers while also preserving knowledge.

Originality/value

This study highlights a fresh and in-depth discussion both in theory and practice in proposing a special Islamic crowdfunding framework based on mudharabah as an alternative fund for the book industry, particularly to support self- and small publishers.
Style and meaning in translations of the Qur'anic verb-noun collocations into English
Authors: Qassem Mutahar
Published: June 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate seven prominent translations of the Qur'anic verb-noun collocations into English (Pickthall, 1930; AL-Hilali and Khan, 1977; Ali, 1934; Arberry, 1955; Shakir, 1999; Sarwar, 1981; Saheeh International, 1997) to unfold their renditions of the style and meaning of such Qur'anic verb-noun collocation into English.

Design/methodology/approach

The study follows a corpus-based research in a sense that the study is conducted on seven translations of the Noble Qur'an that have been taken form The Qur'anic Arabic Corpus, using linguistic and exegetical analyses. Based on Reiss’ model of text analysis (2000), the author analyses the intralinguistic and extralinguistic features of the Qur'anic verb-noun collocations.

Findings

Findings reveal that linguistic and exegetical analyses are perquisites for adequate rendition, which prevent deviation in meaning and translation loss. It is also found that Qur'anic collocations use unique literary techniques and devices, which hinder their natural and adequate renditions into English.

Originality/value

The novelty of this study lies in studying the architectural design of the Qur'anic verb-noun collocations in terms of the unique selection of words and style. Such unique architectural design of such collocations creates monumental hindrances in their rendition into other languages, which have not been given due attention in translation studies.
Effect of organizational learning and effectiveness on the operations, employees productivity and management performance
Authors: Tan Fatma Zerah , Olaore Gbemi Oladipo
Published: June 2021

Purpose

In today’s business world, competition is no longer about resources accumulated, but the emphasis is now placed more on the actual accumulation and utilization of knowledge within the organization. Attention has shifted drastically from just acquiring wealth in the organization to an era where knowledge and learning within the organization becomes more critical and important to the organizational survival and continuous growth as put forward by this paper. This paper investigated the effect of organizational learning and effectiveness on operations, employee productivity and management performance. This paper aims to add to scholarly works and knowledge on organizational learning.

Design/methodology/approach

Random and stratified sampling techniques were used. Data collection was done with the use of a questionnaire and analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis and hierarchical multiple regression.

Findings

The result from the data analyzed shows that there is a positive relationship between organizational learning and effectiveness, operations, employees’ productivity and management performance suggesting that organization learning impact is encompassing because it affects and influences the effectiveness and efficiency of all the staff at every level within the organization.

Practical implications

Organizations should strive and do everything possible to ensure organizational learning because this study is in an era where knowledge and learning within the organization are more critical and important to organizational survival and continuous growth.

Originality/value

The study demonstrates that the only way to fast-track growth in every sphere of the organization is to ensure organizational learning as it influences the effectiveness and efficiency of all the staff at every level within the organization.
Clinicopathological and prognostic study of primary cutaneous extranodal natural killer/T‐cell lymphoma, nasal type: A systematic review
Authors: Jung Joon Min , Yang Hee Joo , Won Chong Hyun , Chang Sung Eun , Lee Mi Woo , Lee Woo Jin
Published: June 2021

Comprehensive studies of primary cutaneous extranodal natural killer/T‐cell lymphoma (PCENKTL) are scarce. The objectives of this study are to describe PCENKTL in terms of its clinical features, histopathology, immunophenotypes, and prognosis, and to analyze factors affecting patient survival outcomes. We searched four databases and include studies with extractable data. We also searched the Asan Medical Center database for cases of PCENKTL. We include a total of 289 patients. The mean age at diagnosis was 52.8 years and the female to male ratio was 1:1.2. The most common clinical morphology was a subcutaneous nodule, followed by ulceration. About half of the patients presented with disseminated skin lesions. The median overall survival was 12.0 months and the 5‐year survival rate was 22.0%. There was no correlation between the clinical morphology or the histopathological features of the skin lesions with the patient outcomes. Advanced TNM stage, a disseminated skin lesion, tumor location on the leg or trunk, the presence of B symptoms, and a high International Prognostic Index score were associated with a worse prognosis, and chemoradiotherapy was associated with a better survival outcome as compared with chemotherapy alone in univariable analyses. In multivariable analyses, only advanced TNM stage and tumor location on the leg were associated with a worse prognosis. In conclusion, PCENKTL is an aggressive cutaneous lymphoma and its prognosis is associated with TNM stage and tumor location.
Substantial intraspecific variation in energy budgets: Biology or artefact?
Authors: Potter Tomos , Reznick David N. , Coulson Tim
Published: June 2021

Dynamic energy budget (DEB) theory provides a model of the intrinsic energetic trade‐offs that shape life histories, in terms of fluxes of energy through biological processes. In these models, life histories are a function of environmental conditions and of fundamental traits of the organism relating to the acquisition, allocation and use of energy.

These traits are described by the parameters of the DEB model, which are typically estimated from multiple data sources. DEB parameters have been estimated for over 2,500 species, and recent work has aimed to compare species on the basis of differences in parameter values. However, little is known about intraspecific variation in DEB parameters, and the reliability of comparisons between parameter sets is rarely tested.

We estimated DEB parameters for 16 populations of Trinidadian guppy. Our objectives were to determine whether DEB theory could characterise known life‐history differences between populations, and to assess whether differences in parameter values between populations were reliable indicators of biological differences.

We found substantial intraspecific variation in parameter values. The models accurately reproduced biological processes, and also predicted differences in resource allocation and metabolic rate consistent with known life‐history differences among these populations.

However, parameter estimates varied substantially as an artefact of the amount and types of data used to fit the models. This bias appeared to be systematic, influencing estimates for multiple populations in a comparable fashion. We show that similar patterns of growth and reproduction can be reproduced with very different parameter sets. Our results imply that comparisons of DEB parameters between models fit with different types of data may reflect artefactual rather than biological differences.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Predicting into unknown space? Estimating the area of applicability of spatial prediction models
Authors: Meyer Hanna , Pebesma Edzer
Published: June 2021

Machine learning algorithms have become very popular for spatial mapping of the environment due to their ability to fit nonlinear and complex relationships. However, this ability comes with the disadvantage that they can only be applied to new data if these are similar to the training data. Since spatial mapping requires predictions to new geographic space which in many cases goes along with new predictor properties, a method to assess the area to which a prediction model can be reliably applied is required.

Here, we suggest a methodology that delineates the ‘area of applicability’ (AOA) that we define as the area where we enabled the model to learn about relationships based on the training data, and where the estimated cross‐validation performance holds. We first propose a ‘dissimilarity index’ (DI) that is based on the minimum distance to the training data in the multidimensional predictor space, with predictors being weighted by their respective importance in the model. The AOA is then derived by applying a threshold which is the (outlier‐removed) maximum DI of the training data derived via cross‐validation. We further use the relationship between the DI and the cross‐validation performance to map the estimated performance of predictions. We illustrate the approach in a simulated case study chosen to mimic ecological realities and test the credibility by using a large set of simulated data.

The simulation studies showed that the prediction error within the AOA is comparable to the cross‐validation error of the trained model, while the cross‐validation error does not apply outside the AOA. This applies to models being trained with randomly distributed training data, as well as when training data are clustered in space and where spatial cross‐validation is applied. Using the relationship between DI and cross‐validation performance showed potential to limit predictions to the area where a user‐defined performance applies.

We suggest to add the AOA computation to the modeller's standard toolkit and to present predictions for the AOA only. We further suggest to report a map of DI‐dependent performance estimates alongside prediction maps and complementary to (cross‐)validation performance measures and the common uncertainty estimates.
Identification and characterisation of mitochondrial sequences integrated into the ovine nuclear genome
Authors: Féménia M. , Charles M. , Boulling A. , Rocha D.
Published: June 2021

Mitochondrial DNA sequences are frequently transferred into the nuclear genome, generating nuclear mitochondrial DNA sequences (NUMTs). Here, we analysed, for the first time, NUMTs in the ovine genome. We obtained 760 alignment matches covering 513.8 kbp of the sheep nuclear genome. After a merging step, we identified 390 NUMT regions with a total length of ~720 kbp, representing 0.02% of the nuclear genome. We discovered copies of all mitochondrial regions and found that most NUMT regions are intergenic or intronic. Ovine NUMTs are mostly not transcribed. However, we identified within some of the NUMTs, potential new genes encoding nuclear humanin isoforms. To rule out the possibility that the identified NUMTs could be artifacts of the Oar Rambouillet v1.0 genome assembly, we validated experimentally nine NUMT regions by PCR amplification. As we found several NUMT regions showing high similarity to the mitochondrial genome that potentially could pose a risk to ovine DNA mitochondrial studies, special care must be taken for the selection of primers for PCR amplification of mitochondrial DNA sequences.
Treatment with assisted reproduction technologies in women with acute hepatic porphyria
Authors: Vassiliou Daphne , Lindén Hirschberg Angelica , Sardh Eliane
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Acute porphyrias are rare disorders of the heme biosynthetic pathway and present with acute neurovisceral symptoms that can be induced by hormonal changes and medications. Women are far more likely to present with clinical symptoms than men, particularly during parts of their lifetime with changes in the level of female sex hormones such as ovulation, menstruation, and pregnancy. Treatment of ovulatory dysfunction and controlled ovarian hyperstimulation require the administration of hormones, which are considered porphyrinogenic. Women with acute hepatic porphyria have therefore been considered unsuitable for such treatments in the past.

Material and methods

We report on nine women with acute hepatic porphyria who underwent in vitro fertilization (IVF), preceded by ovarian stimulation. Their mean age at the start of IVF was 33.2 years (range 27–38 years). Two women had been diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome, two were treated for hyperprolactinemia, two had hypothyroidism, of which one also had type 1 diabetes, one had a uterus malformation, one had anovulatory cycles, and one used a sperm donor.

Results

All patients were able to undergo fertility treatment without experiencing severe porphyria attacks.

Conclusions

Women with acute hepatic porphyria considering fertility treatments should be assessed individually for potential risks, treatment should be planned in close collaboration with a porphyria specialist, and biochemical activity should be monitored regularly during ovarian stimulation. As we gather more knowledge, we hope that the porphyrinogenicity of the stimulation agents is re‐assessed and that more studies will shed light on the reproductive health of women living with acute hepatic porphyria.
Intermediate‐ and long‐term oncological outcomes of active surveillance for localized renal masses: a systematic review and quantitative analysis
Authors: Klatte Tobias , Berni Alessandro , Serni Sergio , Campi Riccardo
Published: June 2021

Objective

To evaluate intermediate‐ and long‐term oncological outcomes of active surveillance (AS) for localized renal masses (LRMs).

Methods

This systematic literature review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses statement and registered on PROSPERO (CRD42021230416). Studies on AS for LRMs with at least 3 years' follow‐up were eligible. Two review authors independently screened the literature, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias. The primary outcomes were metastasis rate, renal cell carcinoma (RCC)‐specific mortality (RCC‐SM) and all‐cause mortality (ACM). Pooled estimates were obtained from random‐effects models. Subgroup analyses were performed for small renal masses (SRMs; ≤4 cm) and non‐SRMs (>4 cm).

Results

We analysed 18 unique cohorts comprising 2066 patients. The pooled initial maximum tumour size was 2.8 cm (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.7–3.0) and the percutaneous biopsy rate was 28%. The pooled mean annual growth rate was 2.8 mm (95% CI 2.1–3.4). Within a pooled mean follow‐up of 53 months, 2.1% (95% CI 1.0–3.6) of patients developed metastatic disease, 1.0% (95% CI 0.3–2.1) died from RCC and 22.6% (95% CI 15.8–30.2) died from any cause. For patients with SRMs (nine studies, n = 987), the pooled metastasis rate was 1.8% (95% CI 0.5–3.7), RCC‐SM was 0.6% (95% CI 0–2.1), and ACM was 28.5% (95% CI 17.4–41.4). Across five studies reporting on outcomes of 239 patients with non‐SRMs, the pooled metastasis rate was 5.1% (95% CI 0–17.3), RCC‐SM was 2.1% (95% CI 0–8.9) and ACM was 29.1% (95% CI 13.6–47.3). This review is limited by non‐standardized inclusion criteria, definitions and follow‐up, data heterogeneity, limited patient numbers in sub‐analyses and absence of high‐quality studies.

Conclusions

Active surveillance is a safe intermediate‐ and long‐term management option for well‐selected patients with LRMs, especially those with SRMs. Limited data are available for non‐SRMs, but current evidence would support further evaluation of this approach in selected patients. It is not possible to draw definitive conclusions until more high‐quality data become available.