bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Marketing halal investment in Jordan: an investigation of Muslims’ behavioral intention to invest in Hajj fund sukuk
Authors: Almrafee Mohammad Nabeel
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the effect of several factors on Muslims' intentions to invest in the Hajj fund Sukuk, Jordan. The study's hypothesis and model were derived from previous studies.

Design/methodology/approach

The present study was undertaken based on a self-administered questionnaire of 356 Jordanians who are Muslims and non-investors in Hajj Fund Sukuk. The sample was selected using a purposive sampling method. The data were analyzed using Smart-PLS version 4.

Findings

The results indicated that social influence, knowledge, religion and return on investment significantly affect the purchase intention of Jordanian Muslims to invest in Hajj Fund Sukuk.

Research limitations/implications

There are some limitations to this study. First, the study was done in Jordan; thus, additional research might be conducted in other parts of the Islamic world to learn more about the perception of investing in Islamic Sukuk, particularly Hajj Sukuk. Second, while the present study used a quantitative research technique to achieve its purpose, it would be advantageous if the researchers used more qualitative techniques, such as interviews or focus groups, in the future to explore additional factors that may impact Muslims' intent to invest in Hajj Fund Sukuk.

Practical implications

The findings of the current study could help practitioners in the Islamic sukuk industry by identifying the key factors that encourage Muslims to invest in Hajj sukuk. They may use the results of this study in the formulation of marketing policies and the development of marketing strategies to persuade more investors to invest their money in these sukuk.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first study carried out to better understand the main factors that may influence Muslims to invest in Hajj Sukuk in the Jordanian context. Hence, this study contributes to increasing the body of knowledge in the area of Islamic marketing in general and in the field of Islamic sukuk investment specifically.
Role of strategic knowledge management practices in enhancing strategic perspectives of an organisation to improve entrepreneurial performance
Authors: Shaik Aqueeb Sohail , Jain Monika , Mendiratta Aparna , Alarifi Ghadah , Arrigo Elisa
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the significance and impact of strategic knowledge management (SKM) practices and organisational change capacity (OCC) in improving strategic thinking and strategic orientation in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and their contribution in overall improvement of entrepreneurial performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Quantitative research methodology using partial least square structural equation modelling with data of 296 sample from the target group as managers and owners from various SMEs in the UK has been used in the study.

Findings

The findings suggest that SMEs that invest in SKM and OCC are more proficient at adjusting to fluctuations in the business landscape and develop effective strategies that lead to improved entrepreneurial performance. The study provides evidence that SKM encompasses more than just the acquisition and use of information. It also involves the establishment of a learning and innovation culture that facilitates strategic thinking and direction. Similarly, OCC is not just about implementing change but also about developing the agility and flexibility to adapt to market changes, consumer demands and technology.

Practical implications

According to the research, SMEs may boost their entrepreneurial performance and keep a competitive advantage in the modern, dynamic business environment by investing in SKM and OCC. The capacity of SMEs to implement SKM and organisational change should be encouraged and supported by policymakers and practitioners, who should also offer the necessary tools and assistance to do so.

Originality/value

This study offers a valuable addition to the previously published works on SKM and OCC within SMEs. It offers empirical data that highlights the significance of SKM and OCC in fostering strategic thinking, strategic orientation and ultimately, boosting entrepreneurial performance. The study also highlights the challenges faced by SMEs in implementing SKM and OCC and provides recommendations for overcoming these challenges.
Expressing learners’ competences through the use of pedagogically-informed knowledge mapping: case study in constructing a holographic projector
Authors: Nitchot Athitaya , Gilbert Lester
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Our study aims to focus on the application of knowledge mapping to provide pedagogically-structured learners' competences.

Design/methodology/approach

We conducted an experiment examined the associations between the pedagogical quality of students’ pedagogically-informed knowledge (PIK) maps, class assignment scores and perceptions of PIK mapping’s uses.

Findings

The results showed that higher assignment scores were significantly predicted by higher quality PIK maps, ratings for PIK mapping were significantly higher than other mappings, and the learners’ experience of PIK mapping led to a significant change of attitude towards mapping as a learning activity and to a positive opinion of the value of PIK mapping in particular. Interestingly, there was no significant relation between learners’ opinion ratings of the uses of PIK mapping in learning and their assignment scores.

Originality/value

Questions remain on the generalizability of the findings, and on the features of a PIK map which are particularly useful to a learner. This study investigated the value of PIK mapping in the context of a practical class on the building of simple DIY (do-it-yourself) holographic projectors; it may be thought that the applied nature of the topic was more suited to the PIK mapping of learner competences and intended learning outcomes than a more theoretic classroom topic on holography. A future study is planned to address this issue.
Configuration analysis of asymmetric trust between infrastructure PPP project participants
Authors: Li Huimin , Dai Boxin , Cao Yongchao , Su Limin , Li Feng
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Trust is the glue that holds cooperative relationships together and often exists in an asymmetric manner. The purpose of this study is to explore how to mitigate the issue of losses or increased transaction costs caused by opportunistic behavior in a soft environment where trust asymmetry is quite common and difficult to avoid.

Design/methodology/approach

This study focuses on examining asymmetric trust between the government and the private sector in public-private partnership (PPP) projects. Drawing upon both project realities and relevant literature, the primary conditional variables influencing asymmetric trust are identified. These variables encompass power perception asymmetry, information asymmetry, interaction behavior, risk perception differences and government-side control. Subsequently, through the use of a survey questionnaire, binary-matched data from both the government and the private sector are collected. The study employs fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to conduct a configurational analysis, aiming to investigate the causal pathways that trigger asymmetric trust.

Findings

No single conditional variable is a necessary condition for the emergence of trust asymmetry. The pathways leading to a high degree of trust asymmetry can be categorized into two types: those dominated by power perception and those involving a combination of multiple factors. Differences in power perception play a crucial role in the occurrence of high trust asymmetry, yet the influence of other conditional variables in triggering trust asymmetry should not be overlooked.

Originality/value

The findings can contribute to advancing the study of trust relationships in the field of Chinese PPP projects. Furthermore, they hold practical value in facilitating the enhancement of trust relationships between the government and the private sector.
The social sustainability improvement strategy for supporting the green library concept at Taman Ismail Marzuki library
Authors: Sulaiman Muhammad Fadhil , Laksmi Laksmi
Published: March 2024

Purpose

This study aims to describe and examine the strategy used by the Taman Ismail Marzuki Library for increasing its social sustainability capabilities.

Design/methodology/approach

The research questions in this study are (1) What is the TIM Library’s social sustainability strategy for supporting the green library concept? and (2) What are the impediments and facilitators to implementing the green library concept in the TIM Library through a social sustainability process? This study adopted a qualitative approach, using a case study method, in research conducted over the period July–November 2022. The data collection methods used were purposive sampling, interviews, observations and document analysis.

Findings

This study’s findings indicate that the TIM library’s social sustainability strategy supports economic sustainability up to the independence stage, whereas environmental sustainability is still at the empowerment stage. The green library concept is sustainable due to the library’s commitment to the “third place” concept and library cooperation. The TIM Library’s continuing strategy to use creative community development programs to attract public interest and change the library’s perception in the community should help it realize the green library concept.

Practical implications

Libraries can use the research findings to guide their strategies for community engagement and inclusivity.

Social implications

The paper suggests that policymakers supporting libraries can consider incorporating elements of the Green Library concept and community development stages into policies to enhance the societal impact of libraries.

Originality/value

The significance of this study is that it uncovers strategies to help public libraries meet the requirements of the green library concept.
The J-curve effect in agricultural commodity trade: an empirical study of South East Asian economies
Authors: Trofimov Ivan D.
Published: March 2024

Purpose

In this paper we examine the validity of the J-curve hypothesis in four Southeast Asian economies (Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand) over the 1980–2017 period.

Design/methodology/approach

We employ the linear autoregressive distributed lags (ARDL) model that captures the dynamic relationships between the variables and additionally use the nonlinear ARDL model that considers the asymmetric effects of the real exchange rate changes.

Findings

The estimated models were diagnostically sound, and the variables were found to be cointegrated. However, with the exception of Malaysia, the short- and long-run relationships did not attest to the presence of the J-curve effect. The trade flows were affected asymmetrically in Malaysia and the Philippines, suggesting the appropriateness of nonlinear ARDL in these countries.

Originality/value

The previous research tended to examine the effects of the real exchange rate changes on the agricultural trade balance and specifically the J-curve effect (deterioration of the trade balance followed by its improvement) in the developed economies and rarely in the developing ones. In this paper, we address this omission.
The patterns of the past and future agenda in international branding: a literature review
Authors: Ramos Manoella Antonieta
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to, first, analyze the past years of research on international branding and, second, building on an early literature review, to analyze patterns in the field and suggest future research.

Design/methodology/approach

The analyzed papers were compiled using the Web of Science and Scopus databases. The author searched papers published between 2007 and 2023 that used terms related to international branding in their title, abstract and keywords.

Findings

This paper structures and identifies key institutions, papers, regions and authors in the field. It provides an overview of the past years of research in the area. The study identifies important gaps in the literature and suggests further research dealing with, for example, the B2B sector and emerging markets.

Originality/value

Despite the increase in international branding studies, few literature reviews have been published since 2007. This review fills this research gap. It identifies future research areas dealing with branding in the B2B sector, branding in emerging markets, branding process and implementation studies using longitudinal methods and more practical research.
A scoping review and analysis of green construction research: a machine learning aided approach
Authors: Fernando Ashani , Siriwardana Chandana , Law David , Gunasekara Chamila , Zhang Kevin , Gamage Kumari
Published: March 2024

Purpose

The increasing urgency to address climate change in construction has made green construction (GC) and sustainability critical topics for academia and industry professionals. However, the volume of literature in this field has made it impractical to rely solely on traditional systematic evidence mapping methodologies.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employs machine learning (ML) techniques to analyze the extensive evidence-base on GC. Using both supervised and unsupervised ML, 5,462 relevant papers were filtered from 10,739 studies published from 2010 to 2022, retrieved from the Scopus and Web of Science databases.

Findings

Key themes in GC encompass green building materials, construction techniques, assessment methodologies and management practices. GC assessment and techniques were prominent, while management requires more research. The results from prevalence of topics and heatmaps revealed important patterns and interconnections, emphasizing the prominent role of materials as major contributors to the construction sector. Consistency of the results with VOSviewer analysis further validated the findings, demonstrating the robustness of the review approach.

Originality/value

Unlike other reviews focusing only on specific aspects of GC, use of ML techniques to review a large pool of literature provided a holistic understanding of the research landscape. It sets a precedent by demonstrating the effectiveness of ML techniques in addressing the challenge of analyzing a large body of literature. By showcasing the connections between various facets of GC and identifying research gaps, this research aids in guiding future initiatives in the field.
308‐nm excimer light is effective for palmoplantar pustulosis regardless of the presence or absence of focal infection: Single‐center real‐world experience of treatment for palmoplantar pustulosis
Authors: Niimura Yoshiko , Kamata Masahiro , Ishikawa Takeko , Nagata Mayumi , Ito Makoto , Watanabe Ayu , Egawa Shota , Uchida Hideaki , Hiura Azusa , Fukaya Saki , Hayashi Kotaro , Fukuyasu Atsuko , Tanaka Takamitsu , Tada Yayoi
Published: March 2024

Palmoplantar pustulosis (PPP) is relatively rare and recognition of PPP is different in different countries. Therefore, real‐world data are limited. Local phototherapy for the palms and the soles is commonly used to treat PPP due to tolerable safety. However, data on the effectiveness of 308‐nm excimer light are limited. In our study, we retrospectively investigated the effectiveness of treatments for PPP, especially phototherapy (308‐nm excimer light), in our department. In addition, we examined whether smoking status and focal infection affected responsiveness to treatment of PPP. Patients who were diagnosed with PPP by board‐certified dermatologists and visited our hospital from April 2015 to August 2018 were analyzed in this study. We collected data on PPP area severity index (PPPASI) before treatment. We also collected data on PPPASI in May to August 2018 as “after treatment” from all patients. Patients who received any treatment for less than 3 months were excluded. Nineteen patients (16 women and three men) were analyzed in this study. In patients treated with phototherapy (n = 12), PPPASI significantly decreased from a mean ± SD of 16.5 ± 10.3 to 4.5 ± 3.6 (p = 0.004), whereas it did not in patients treated without phototherapy (n = 7). Patients who quit smoking showed a significant decrease in PPPASI after treatment (16.8 ± 12.7 to 2.4 ± 2.9, p = 0.008). Regarding focal infection, in patients treated without phototherapy, the reduction rate of PPPASI was significantly lower in patients with focal infection than in those without focal infection (17.7 ± 21.5%, 71.1 ± 19.3%, p = 0.035), indicating that focal infection is associated with intractability. Meanwhile, in patients treated with phototherapy, PPPASI decreased regardless of the presence or absence of focal infection. In conclusion, our study demonstrated the effectiveness of local phototherapy consisting of 308‐nm excimer light, regardless of focal infection. Patients who quit smoking were responsive to any treatment, indicating the importance of smoking cessation.
Automatic stack velocity picking using a semi‐supervised ensemble learning method
Authors: Wang Hongtao , Zhang Jiangshe , Zhang Chunxia , Long Li , Geng Weifeng
Published: March 2024

Picking stack velocity from seismic velocity spectra is a fundamental method in seismic stack velocity analysis. With the increase in the scale of seismic data acquisition, manual picking cannot achieve the required efficiency. Therefore, an automatic picking algorithm is urgently needed now. Despite some supervised deep learning–based picking approaches that have been proposed, they heavily rely on sufficient training samples and lack interpretability. In contrast, utilizing physical knowledge to develop semi‐data‐driven methods has the potential to efficiently solve this problem. Thus, we propose a semi‐supervised ensemble learning method to reduce the reliance on manually labelled data and improve interpretability by incorporating the interval velocity constraint. Semi‐supervised ensemble learning fuses the information of the estimated spectrum, nearby velocity spectra and few‐shot manual picking to recognize the velocity picking. Test results of both the synthetic and field datasets indicate that semi‐supervised ensemble learning achieves more reliable and precise picking than traditional clustering‐based techniques and the currently popular convolutional neural network method.
Religion and public administration at the micro level: The lens of street‐level bureaucracy theory in democracies
Authors: Golan‐Nadir Niva
Published: March 2024

The dynamics between religion and state in public administration implementation theories has garnered scholarly interest over the past decade. However, these two realms of study are rarely combined. In this research note, I explore religion and, more specifically, the implementation of religion‐based policies by street‐level bureaucrats, as a public service like any other. I point to the more commonly studied aspect of this realm, namely the influence of personal religious tendencies on the exercise of discretion by the individual street‐level bureaucrat. Further, I discuss the supply of religion‐based services by street‐level bureaucrats in democracies, and the actions they are willing to take (such as promote co‐production or policy entrepreneurship) when religion constraints them from supplying certain public services.

Points for practitioners

Street‐level bureaucrats are influenced by their religious perceptions during policy implementation.

These workers may also be constrained by religion‐based policies during implementation, hence provide inadequate public services or not supplying them at all.

Citizens may be dissatisfied with the inadequate services and the burdens it imposes on their lives.

Street‐level bureaucrats who cannot supply certain services due to religion‐based constraints may take on co‐production or policy entrepreneurship strategies outside the standard scope of their job description in order to supply them.
Cellulitis in the Emergency Department: A prospective cohort study with patient‐centred follow‐up
Authors: Nightingale Rachael S , Etheridge Nimai , Sweeny Amy L , Smyth Graham , Dace William , Pellatt Richard A.F. , Snelling Peter J , Yadav Krishan , Keijzers Gerben
Published: March 2024

Objective

There is substantial practice variation in the management of cellulitis with limited prospective studies describing the course of cellulitis after diagnosis. We aimed to describe the demographics, clinical features (erythema, warmth, swelling and pain), patient‐reported disease trajectory and medium‐term follow‐up for ED patients with cellulitis.

Methods

Prospective observational cohort study of adults diagnosed with cellulitis in two EDs in Southeast Queensland, Australia. Patients with (peri)orbital cellulitis and abscess were excluded. Data were obtained from a baseline questionnaire, electronic medical records and follow‐up questionnaires at 3, 7 and 14 days. Clinician adjudication of day 14 cellulitis cure was compared to patient assessment. Descriptive analyses were conducted.

Results

Three‐hundred patients (mean age 50 years, SD 19.9) with cellulitis were enrolled, predominantly affecting the lower limb (75%). Cellulitis features showed greatest improvement between enrolment and day 3. Clinical improvement continued gradually at days 7 and 14 with persistent skin erythema (41%) and swelling (37%) at day 14. Skin warmth was the feature most likely to be resolved at each time point. There was a discrepancy in clinician and patient assessment of cellulitis cure at day 14 (85.8% vs. 52.8% cured).

Conclusions

A clinical response of cellulitis features can be expected at day 3 with ongoing slower improvement over time. Over one third of patients had erythema or swelling at day 14. Patients are less likely than clinicians to deem their cellulitis cured at day 14. Future research should include parallel patient and clinician evaluation of cellulitis to help develop clearer definitions of treatment failure and cure.
The role of spleen radiomics model for predicting prognosis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients receiving definitive radiotherapy
Authors: Guo Longxiang , Liu Ao , Geng Xiaotao , Zhao Zongxing , Nie Yu , Wang Lu , Liu Defeng , Li Yi , Li Yuanlin , Li Dianxing , Wang Qiankun , Li Zhichao , Liu Xiuli , Li Minghuan
Published: March 2024

Background

The spleen plays an important role in systemic antitumor immune response, but whether spleen imaging features have predictive effect for prognosis and immune status was unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate computed tomography (CT)‐based spleen radiomics to predict the prognosis of patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) underwent definitive radiotherapy (dRT) and to try to find its association with systemic immunity.

Methods

This retrospective study included 201 ESCC patients who received dRT. Patients were randomly divided into training (n = 142) and validation (n = 59) groups. The pre‐ and delta‐radiomic features were extracted from enhanced CT images. LASSO‐Cox regression was used to select the radiomics signatures most associated with progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Independent prognostic factors were identified by univariate and multivariate Cox analyses. The ROC curve and C‐index were used to evaluate the predictive performance. Finally, the correlation between spleen radiomics and immune‐related hematological parameters was analyzed by spearman correlation analysis.

Results

Independent prognostic factors involved TNM stage, treatment regimen, tumor location, pre‐ or delta‐Rad‐score. The AUC of the delta‐radiomics combined model was better than other models in the training and validation groups in predicting PFS (0.829 and 0.875, respectively) and OS (0.857 and 0.835, respectively). Furthermore, some spleen delta‐radiomic features are significantly correlated with delta‐ALC (absolute lymphocyte count) and delta‐NLR (neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio).

Conclusions

Spleen radiomics is expected to be a useful noninvasive tool for predicting the prognosis and evaluating systemic immune status for ESCC patients underwent dRT.
Co‐action and changes in alcohol use during a smoking cessation attempt
Authors: Vinci Christine , Lam Cho Y. , Etcheverry Paul E. , Correa‐Fernandez Virmarie , Cano Miguel Ángel , Cinciripini Paul M. , Wetter David W.
Published: March 2024

Aims

Three smoking cessation studies (CARE, Break Free, Por Nuestra Salud [PNS]) were used to measure changes in average alcohol consumption, binge drinking and alcohol‐related problems during a smoking cessation attempt and to explore co‐action with smoking abstinence.

Design

CARE and PNS were longitudinal cohort cessation studies; Break Free was a two‐arm randomized clinical trial.

Setting

Texas, USA.

Participants

Participants were current smokers who were recruited from the community and received smoking cessation interventions. All participants received nicotine replacement therapy and smoking cessation counseling. CARE included 424 smokers (1/3 White, 1/3 African American and 1/3 Latino); Break Free included 399 African American smokers; PNS included 199 Spanish‐speaking Mexican‐American smokers.

Measurements

Weekly alcohol consumption was collected multiple times pre and post‐quit, and binge drinking and alcohol‐related problems were collected at baseline and 26 weeks post‐quit. Analyses included only those who indicated current alcohol use.

Findings

Average alcohol consumption decreased from baseline to 26 weeks post‐quit in CARE (F = 17.09, P < 0.001), Break Free (F = 12.08, P < 0.001) and PNS (F = 10.21, P < 0.001). Binge drinking decreased from baseline to 26 weeks post‐quit in CARE (F = 3.94, P = 0.04) and Break Free (F = 10.41, P < 0.001) but not PNS. Alcohol‐related problems decreased from baseline to 26 weeks post‐quit in CARE (Chi‐sq = 6.41, P = 0.010) and Break Free (Chi sq = 14.44, P = 0.001), but not PNS.

Conclusions

Among current drinkers, alcohol use/problems appear to decrease during a smoking cessation attempt and remain low through 26 weeks after the quit attempt. Little evidence was found for co‐action, with smoking abstainers and relapsers showing similar change in alcohol use/problems.
Vulval dermatoses: A review of referrals to dermatology
Authors: Warner Sophie , Oakley Amanda
Published: March 2024

We undertook a retrospective observational review of patients referred to a tertiary dermatology department with vulval complaints over 12 months. The most common provisional diagnoses made by the referrer and final dermatology diagnoses were lichen sclerosus (54% and 38%), dermatitis (12.7% and 16.5%) and psoriasis (5.1% and 6.3%). Referrers may benefit from further education about skin diseases of the vulva, topical steroids for vulval complaints and the importance of clinical photography.
Scapular fractures: A regional and rural perspective
Authors: Flaaten Nordan , Moslim Huissan , Tang Eric , Varrall Ruth
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Scapular fractures (SFs) have historically been associated with severe trauma and multiple injuries. Recent studies have demonstrated improved outcomes. However, SFs have never been studied from a strictly rural or Australian perspective.

Objective

The study's objective was to assess whether associations still exist between a fractured scapula and trauma scores, mortality rates, and other commonly associated injuries in a regional Australian trauma centre.

Design

The study design examined prospectively collected data from a regional hospital between the years 2012 to 2021 presenting to the emergency department with traumatic SFs. Primary outcomes of interest were mortality rate, method of injury, ISS scores, and associated injuries.

Findings

One hundred and five patients had a SF. The median age was 49 with 93 (89%) being male. Most fractures were located in the body of the scapula (80%). The primary mechanism of injury was motorbike accidents (36%), falls (24%), and motor vehicle accidents (22%). Two patients died from their injuries (1.9%). Thirty‐four percent demonstrated mild trauma scores, with 36% moderate, 28% severe, and 1.9% critical. Commonly observed associated injuries included chest wall fractures, vertebral fractures, thoracic injuries, brain injury, and abdominal trauma.

Discussion

A minority of SFs were associated with severe or critical trauma, and overall, patients who sustained a SF had a low mortality rate. These findings suggest that patients from regional areas have similar outcomes to those from more urban centres in other parts of the world.

Conclusion

Given these results, a re‐examination of whether SFs are a reliable marker of severe trauma should be considered.
Nasal allergen‐neutralizing antibodies correlate closely with tolerated intranasal allergen challenge dose following grass pollen subcutaneous immunotherapy in patients with local allergic rhinitis
Authors: Eguiluz‐Gracia Ibon , Parkin Rebecca V. , Layhadi Janice A. , Palmer Elizabeth , Meng Xun , Zhu Rongfei , Sahiner Umit , Durham Stephen R. , Torres Maria Jose , Mayorga Cristobalina , Rondon Carmen , Shamji Mohamed H.
Published: March 2024

Background

Local allergic rhinitis (LAR) is defined by chronic nasal symptoms, absence of atopy, positive nasal allergen challenge (NAC) and a good response to subcutaneous allergen immunotherapy (SCIT). We sought to investigate SCIT capacity to induce local and systemic blocking antibodies in LAR patients.

Methods

A RDBPC study of grass SCIT was performed, with participants receiving either SCIT (Group A; n = 10) or placebo (Group B; n = 14) in the first 6 months. Both groups subsequently received SCIT for 12 months at Year 2. Nasal and serum antibodies (IgG4, IgA1 and IgA2) and their inhibitory capacity were measured at multiple timepoints.

Results

The allergen concentration tolerated increased significantly at 6 months (Group A; p = .047) and 24 months (Group B; p = .049) compared with baseline and persisted until the end of the study. Induction of serum sIgA1 to Phl p was seen in Groups A and B, albeit the former being induced earlier (1.71‐fold, p = .027). A significant induction in sIgG4 to Phl p 1 and 5 was observed in serum of Group A (p = .047 and p = .0039) and sIgA2 to Phl p in Group B (p = .032 and p = .0098) at 18 and 24 months, respectively. Both local and systemic blocking antibodies can inhibit allergen–IgE complexes binding to CD23 on B cells, and this correlated with level of allergen tolerated intra‐nasally in Group A (serum; 𝜌 = −.47, p = .0006, nasal; 𝜌 = −.38, p = .0294).

Conclusions

Grass pollen SCIT induced functional systemic blocking antibodies that correlate with the concentration of allergen tolerated following NAC, highlighting their potential as a biomarker of SCIT in LAR.
Bayesian reduced rank regression models generalizable neural fingerprints that differentiate between individuals in magnetoencephalography data
Authors: Haakana Joonas , Merz Susanne , Kaski Samuel , Renvall Hanna , Salmelin Riitta
Published: March 2024

Recent magnetoencephalography (MEG) studies have reported that functional connectivity (FC) and power spectra can be used as neural fingerprints in differentiating individuals. Such studies have mainly used correlations between measurement sessions to distinguish individuals from each other. However, it has remained unclear whether such correlations might reflect a more generalizable principle of individually distinctive brain patterns. Here, we evaluated a machine‐learning based approach, termed latent‐noise Bayesian reduced rank regression (BRRR) as a means of modelling individual differences in the resting‐state MEG data of the Human Connectome Project (HCP), using FC and power spectra as neural features. First, we verified that BRRR could model and reproduce the differences between metrics that correlation‐based fingerprinting yields. We trained BRRR models to distinguish individuals based on data from one measurement and used the models to identify subsequent measurement sessions of those same individuals. The best performing BRRR models, using only 20 spatiospectral components, were able to identify subjects across measurement sessions with over 90% accuracy, approaching the highest correlation‐based accuracies. Using cross‐validation, we then determined whether that BRRR model could generalize to unseen subjects, successfully classifying the measurement sessions of novel individuals with over 80% accuracy. The results demonstrate that individual neurofunctional differences can be reliably extracted from MEG data with a low‐dimensional predictive model and that the model is able to classify novel subjects.
Abundant post‐fire recruitment and rapid seedling maturity emphasise regular burning is beneficial for conserving the Vulnerable Purple‐flowered Wattle (Acacia purpureopetala)
Authors: Williams Paul , Ford Andrew , Collins Eleanor
Published: March 2024

Purple‐flowered Wattle (Acacia purpureopetala) has a Vulnerable status under the Queensland Nature Conservation Act (1992) and is listed as Critically Endangered under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (1999). It grows in eucalypt woodlands of North Queensland. Its post‐fire response was examined to better understand its ecology and management requirements. Before and after fire surveys found Purple‐flowered Wattle is a fire‐killed ‘obligate seeder’ with abundant fire‐promoted germination, but limited recruitment in the absence of fire, highlighting the importance of regular burning for generating new plants. Nearly half of Purple‐flowered Wattle seedlings began producing seed in their second year, indicating a population tolerant of frequent burning. Combined, the abundant fire‐promoted recruitment and rapidly maturing seedlings suggest regular patchy fires that allow some mature plants to survive unburnt while promoting recruitment in burnt areas would benefit the population. A laboratory trial found percentage germination after 3 weeks was significantly higher for seeds treated by soaking in hot water for 5 minutes (31% germination), compared with those soaked in ambient temperature water (4% germination). However, by 5 weeks, germination differences between seed treatment were not statistically significant. The apparent discrepancy where unheated seeds eventually germinated in a laboratory setting, yet in situ germination was almost completely restricted to the post‐fire environment, warrants further investigation. It may be that successful germination and seedling establishment in woodlands requires the rapid removal of physical dormancy, or perhaps keeping unheated seed constantly moist for 5 weeks in a laboratory trial is simply an unnatural treatment producing a germination response not relevant to ecosystem function. The abundant fire‐triggered germination and rapid maturity of seedlings, combined with the known population number (>4,000 plants) and distribution range (850 km2), support existing recommendations that Purple‐flowered Wattle warrants a Vulnerable rather than Critically Endangered Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (1999) status, as is current at the state level. Management that includes regular patchy burning with good soil moisture that reduces the extent and intensity of individual fires is likely to benefit the long‐term preservation of this restricted species and associated species of its ecosystems.
Inter‐hospital transfer for thrombectomy: transfer time is brain
Authors: Seners Pierre , Khyheng Maeva , Labreuche Julien , Lapergue Bertrand , Pico Fernando ,   the ETIS investigators
Published: March 2024

Background and purpose

Patients with acute ischaemic stroke and a large vessel occlusion who present to a non‐endovascular‐capable centre often require inter‐hospital transfer for thrombectomy. Whether the inter‐hospital transfer time is associated with 3‐month functional outcome is poorly known.

Methods

Acute stroke patients enrolled between January 2015 and December 2022 in the prospective French multicentre Endovascular Treatment of Ischaemic Stroke registry were retrospectively analysed. Patients with an anterior circulation large vessel occlusion transferred from a non‐endovascular to a comprehensive stroke centre for thrombectomy were eligible. Inter‐hospital transfer time was defined as the time between imaging in the referring hospital and groin puncture for thrombectomy. The relationship between transfer time and favourable 3‐month functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale 0–2) was assessed through a mixed logistic regression model adjusting for centre and symptom‐onset‐to‐referring‐hospital imaging time, age, sex, diabetes, referring hospital National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, Alberta Stroke Programme Early Computed Tomography Score, occlusion site and intravenous thrombolysis use.

Results

Overall, 3769 patients were included (median inter‐hospital transfer time 161 min, interquartile range 128–195; 46% with favourable outcome). A longer transfer time was independently associated with lower rates of favourable outcome (p < 0.001). Compared to patients with transfer time below 120 min, there was a 15% reduction in the odds of achieving favourable outcome for transfer times between 120 and 180 min (adjusted odds ratio 0.85; 95% confidence interval 0.67–1.07), and a 36% reduction for transfer times beyond 180 min (adjusted odds ratio 0.64; 95% confidence interval 0.50–0.81).

Conclusions

A shorter inter‐hospital transfer time is strongly associated with favourable 3‐month functional outcome. A speedier inter‐hospital transfer is of critical importance to improve outcome.
Elastin and collagen fibres in cutaneous wound healing
Authors: Gardeazabal Leire , Izeta Ander
Published: March 2024

Skin forms the outer barrier of the body. Upon injury, successful wound healing in normal skin restores tissue damage and counteracts the loss of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and cells. Collagens and elastin are the most abundant structural proteins of the ECM. In homeostasis, collagen type I is the prevalent form, but it is replaced by type III collagen upon wounding, and only later remodelled. In turn, unsuccessful healing results in scars, which tend to be inflexible and inelastic as compared to normal elastic dermis. Scar inelasticity may be due to the absence of mature elastin fibre formation and cross‐linking. In this review, the available information on the process of formation of new collagen and elastic fibres during wound healing is analysed. The distinct roles of elastin and collagen proteins during healing are revisited and future research directions proposed which may help improve clinical management of open wounds and scars.
The bidirectional connection between family functioning and psychopathology: A network analysis in a large sample of adolescents with anorexia nervosa and their parents
Authors: Monteleone Alessio Maria , Marchetto Chiara , Cascino Giammarco , Criscuolo Michela , Carfagno Marco , Castiglioni Maria Chiara , Caramadre Annamaria , Barone Eugenia , Zanna Valeria
Published: March 2024

Family functioning is a risk and maintaining factor for anorexia nervosa (AN). This study aims to identify specific areas of family functioning according to adolescents and parental perspectives associated with eating and general psychological symptoms in people with AN. Four‐hundred‐forty‐five adolescents with AN or atypical AN and their parents were enrolled. Adolescents completed the Eating Disorder Inventory‐3, the Youth Self‐Report questionnaire, and the Family Assessment Device (FAD). Their parents filled in the FAD. A network analysis was conducted including all subscales. The bridge function analysis was applied to identify the bridge nodes connecting each community constituted of family functioning perception with the communities of adolescents' eating and general psychological symptoms. Family communication was the node most strongly connecting fathers and mothers' perception of family functioning and adolescents' eating symptoms. Problem solving was the node with the highest bridge expected influence between mothers' family functioning and adolescents' general psychopathology. General functioning and problem solving were the bridge nodes between adolescents' view of family functioning and eating and general psychopathology. Maturity fear, interpersonal insecurity, and interpersonal alienation were the bridge nodes between adolescents' eating symptoms and mothers, fathers, and adolescents' family functioning communities respectively. Family members must be involved in the therapeutic process to improve family communication and problem solving diverting their attention toward emotional needs and interpersonal difficulties of adolescents with AN. Developing autonomy and independence from parents and building trustworthy relationships with peers may be favored by improving familiar dynamics and may contribute to prevent the maintenance of AN.
“One man, one life, one marriage”: A qualitative analysis of Hmong women's divorce experiences
Authors: Her Malina , Xiong Zha Blong , Yunizar Cahya Haniva
Published: March 2024

Despite the rising divorce rates in some immigrant communities in the US, there has been scant scholarly attention on how immigrants experience divorce, particularly on the role of culture in the divorce process. The primary goal of the present study was to explore the diverse divorce experiences of Hmong immigrants in the United States. As a patrilineal and patriarchal community, divorce is generally frowned upon, with Hmong women often experiencing shame and stigma. A narrative design with nine Hmong women was used to capture their intricate stories that highlight such experiences. Using a thematic analysis, our findings highlighted the complexity and cultural nuances the women in our sample encountered from initiating divorce to the divorce itself: (1) No wants a divorce, (2) Divorce is the “last straw”, (3) Varying divorce pathways, and (4) Navigating systems as a Hmong woman. For those who have increased knowledge of both the US American court system and divorce laws along with the traditional Hmong mediations, they may be more equipped in navigating systems. Yet as Hmong divorce practices are performed by Hmong men, Hmong women may struggle with finding their voice or support needed to advocate for their divorce. In such cases, the US court system may be more appealing in assisting their cause (e.g., custody). Professionals working with such communities should be culturally aware and attuned to the different marriage and divorce practices to understand both cultural and legal barriers for those seeking a divorce.
Some subtleties of whiteness in the workplace: Steps for shifting the paradigm
Authors: Hardy Kenneth V.
Published: March 2024

This paper asserts that whiteness is a major ideological framework that is subtlety interwoven into our institutional structures and is a major organizing principle in the workplace. Efforts to increase racial equity, inclusion, and belongingness within the workplace and throughout society at large are ineffectual and virtually impossible without addressing the deleterious effects of whiteness. Addressing these pervasive subtleties in the workplace requires more than changing the complexion of an organization; instead, it also involves devoting ample attention to promoting widespread cultural change by being intentional about dismantling whiteness. An illustrative list of four preliminary steps for shifting the racial paradigm by attending to the ideology of whiteness in the workplace is provided.
Intradermal testing of iodinated contrast media: Should we test up to pure or with diluted compounds only?
Authors: Schmid Adrian A. , Hungerbühler Martin N. , Lombardo Paolo , Boehm Ingrid B.
Published: March 2024

Background

Intradermal testing (IDT) with iodinated contrast media (ICMs) is an established diagnostic tool in patients with ICM hypersensitivity. Currently, it is unclear which test concentration is the more useful one, up to pure or up to 1:10 diluted ICMs.

Methods

We searched the literature database PubMed for eligible papers dealing with ICM allergy and their IDT results. We analyzed the data presented by the papers and compared the pooled groups tested with diluted and undiluted ICMs.

Results

We identified 29 eligible original papers, and extracted data of 1137 patients that formed the study population. Although in the cohort tested with diluted ICMs the number of tested ICMs was greater, the percentage of positive tests was significantly less (9.0% vs. 24.7%; P < 0.0001; OR 0.30 [0.26–0.34]). The frequency of positive tested culprit ICMs was also lesser in the group tested with diluted ICMs (31.0% vs. 72.5%; P < 0.0001; OR 0.17 [0.12–0.23]). The number of drug provocation tests (DPTs) was greater in patients with diluted IDTs (374 vs. 89; P < 0.0001; OR 2.54 [1.93–3.36]). We detected an increased sensitivity in patients with undiluted tests (0.774 vs. 0.282) and a nearly identical specificity in both groups (1 vs. 0.983).

Conclusions

For the first time, we show that IDT up to pure ICM concentrations is superior to using diluted ICMs only. Possibly, we can reduce the number of DPTs when performing IDTs with pure ICMs. In the undiluted group, there were no hints for skin irritations or unspecific test reactions.
Mesoscale mosaics of interannual variations in surface temperature, chlorophyll a concentration, and their relation in a coastal fishing ground
Authors: Sato Mitsuhide , Tsubono Takaki , Yamaguchi Jun , Takeda Shigenobu
Published: March 2024

To test the potential of high‐resolution satellite image analysis for assessing and predicting the mesoscale (<10 km in this study) effects of climate and environmental change on temperature and primary productivity in fishing grounds, we conducted satellite image analysis around an island in a coastal strait west of Japan from 2018 to 2023. We observed a distinct north–south gradient in sea surface temperature (SST) and chlorophyll a concentration (CHL) over approximately 20 km of the transect, which was likely affected by the current system. The model configuration suggests that the frequency of southward currents during winter–spring can control the magnitude of spring phytoplankton blooms. In the study region, an increase in SST at a rate of 0.06–0.13°C y−1 occurred during the study period, accompanied by a decrease in CHL. The north–south gradient in the rate of change suggests that the variation in the temperature and flow rate of the Kuroshio Current into the study area was due to these abrupt changes. The relationship between the annual mean SST and CHL was also spatially heterogeneous, showing a higher sensitivity of CHL to SST in the southwest of the island than in the north. In addition to the intrusion of warm and oligotrophic Kuroshio waters, the spread of less saline and more eutrophic coastal waters likely influenced this spatial heterogeneity. The satellite image analysis in the present study successfully revealed mesoscale mosaics of environmental conditions in coastal fishery grounds.