bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Luxury fashion start-up brands' digital strategies with female Gen Y in the Middle East
Authors: Ramadan Zahy , Nsouli Nour Zakaria 
Published: June 2021

PurposeWith US$ 320 bn spent on luxury fashion in the Middle East and a growing digital consumer presence, local start-ups must form an integrated online relationship with millennials in order to recruit and retain a viable customer base. Nonetheless, these elements are yet to be extensively and properly researched as the literature is still scarce vis-à-vis this area.Design/methodology/approachA mixed qualitative approach was adopted using both in-depth interviews and focus groups. Two qualitative studies were conducted, with a total of 13 elite respondents and 28 consumer respondents from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) using semi-structured interviews. Four focus groups were also conducted in both countries with six participants each group for triangulation of the findings.FindingsThe findings enhance current understanding pertaining to Gen Ys' motivations when selecting and engaging online with a luxury fashion start-up brand. The study suggests a detailed strategic framework that can be used in an integrated omni-channel approach. It also discusses the different touchpoints that play a role in influencing luxury consumption across different motivation stages.Originality/valueThe literature relating to digital strategies for luxury fashion start-up brands in the Middle East is still nascent. This study fills a considerable gap in the literature related to such brands that are aiming to stay relevant amidst the growing impact of the digital landscape on luxury fashion brand shoppers in the Middle East.
Trinidad and Tobago and money laundering control: a country committed to strengthening the link
Authors: Murray-Bailey Sherene Alicia 
Published: June 2021

Purpose
In 2008, the author wrote on the Concept of “Money Laundering Control: The Missing Link in Trinidad and Tobago. Now, approximately two years after that seminal assessment, the author has re-assessed the domestic anti-money laundering (AML) framework, with particular reference to the controls in place to address money laundering (ML) and the confiscation of the proceeds of crime. This paper aims to assess the efficiency and effectiveness of the newly implemented regime and considers whether it meets international standards.

Design/methodology/approach
This analysis embraces a pluralist approach. Within this assessment, a case study method is used with contextual qualitative analysis. Empirical data is analyzed and causal connections are linked to the analysis.

Findings
This research highlights catalytic change and creativity in addressing deficiencies within the AML architecture in Trinidad and Tobago. Upon analysis, it is pellucid that a radically altered criminal justice landscape has emerged and a more aggressive and targeted approach to address ML and the confiscation of the proceeds of crime is apparent. The result is a shift in paradigm with tangible outcomes to suggest that the strategies have borne fruit and that the twin island Republic is indeed committed to strengthening the link.

Research limitations/implications
Findings are limited to Trinidad and Tobago and to the period ended April 2020.

Originality/value
As a country with a medium to high ML risk, the possible negative socio-economic effects of ML cannot be underscored. Disruption of ML and the confiscation of the proceeds of crime are, therefore, imperative. This paper considers the progress made in addressing these pertinent issues and assists in assessing the effects of the reformation efforts undertaken by Trinidad and Tobago.
Modular growth and functional heterophylly of the phreatophyte Ziziphus lotus: A trait‐based study
Authors: Torres‐García M. Trinidad , Salinas‐Bonillo Maria Jacoba , Pacheco‐Romero Manuel , Cabello Javier 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe variation of plant functional traits, from the cell to the whole‐plant level, is a central question in trait‐based ecology with regard to understanding ecological strategies and adaptations that result from environmental drivers. Here, we analyzed whole‐plant and leaf traits of the phreatophyte Ziziphus lotus (L.) Lam., a long‐lived shrub that dominates one of the few terrestrial groundwater‐dependent ecosystems (GDEs) in Mediterranean Basin drylands. We (a) assessed architectural traits and growth patterns, (b) analyzed leaf morpho‐functional traits (specific leaf area [SLA] and stomata pore index [SPI]) and physiological traits (gas exchange rates), as well as their variations within individuals, and (c) evaluated temporal variations in modular growth (i.e., sequential iteration of structural units) between growing seasons and in leaf traits within seasons. Z. lotus' growth pattern was based on the repetition of modules composed of shoots (short and long) and branches (flowering and plagiotropic) that promoted a functional differentiation between vegetative and reproductive structures, respectively. We identified morpho‐functionally distinct leaves (i.e., heterophylly) borne on different types of branches. Leaves on flowering branches had higher SLA and water use efficiency (WUEi), but lower SPI and transpiration rates than leaves on vegetative ones. We also observed trade‐offs in the elongation of vegetative and flowering structures between growing seasons: the shorter the long shoots, the larger the flowering branches. The modular differentiation and heterophylly of Z. lotus might contribute to prioritizing the investment of resources of this phreatophyte, either for growth or reproduction, and could improve the efficiency in uptake and conservation of resources in drylands.
High‐frequency hospital users: The tail that wags the readmissions dog
Authors: Fouayzi Hassan , Ash Arlene S. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo describe the characteristics of high‐frequency hospital users (four or more hospitalizations in a year) and the consequences of including or excluding their data from a readmission‐based measure.Data sources2015 and 2016 Massachusetts Medicaid data.Study designWe compare demographics, morbidity burden, and social risk factors for high‐ and low‐frequency hospital users, and membership in 17 accountable care organizations. We evaluate how excluding hospitalizations of high‐frequency users from a 30‐day readmission measure (with or without risk adjustment) changes its rate and variability and affects performance rankings of accountable care organizations. The outcome is readmission within 30 days; each live discharge from a hospital contributes one observation.Data collection/extraction methodsWe studied 74 706 hospitalizations of 42 794 MassHealth members, 18–64 years old, managed‐care‐eligible, and ever hospitalized in 2016.Principal findingsAmong adult managed‐care‐eligible MassHealth members with at least one acute hospitalization, 8.7% were high‐frequency hospital users; they contributed 30.2% of hospitalizations and 69.4% of readmissions. High‐frequency users were more often male (77.1% vs. 50.0%; P < 0.001) and sicker (mean medical morbidity score was 3.3 vs. 1.9; P < 0.001) than others. They also had significant social risks: 33.1% with housing problems, 44.1% disabled, 83.2% with serious mental illness, and 77.1% with substance abuse disorder (vs. 22.0%, 27.3%, 60.2%, and 50.0%, respectively, for other hospital users [all P values <0.001]). Fully 50.7% of hospitalizations for high‐frequency users led to 30‐day readmissions (vs. 9.7%), contributing 72.0% of the variance in 30‐day readmission, and substantially affecting judgments about the relative performance of accountable care organizations.ConclusionsA small group of high‐frequency hospital users have a disproportionate effect on 30‐day readmission rates. This negatively affects some Medicaid ACOs, and more broadly is likely to adversely affect safety net hospitals. How these metrics are used should be reconsidered in this context.
Concentration‐QT modelling of the novel DHFR inhibitor P218 in healthy male volunteers
Authors: Täubel Jӧrg , Lorch Ulrike , Ferber Georg , Spencer Christopher S. , Freier Anne , Coates Simon , El Gaaloul Myriam , Donini Cristina , Chughlay Mohamed Farouk , Chalon Stephan 
Published: June 2021

AimsGiven the increasing emergence of drug resistance in Plasmodium, new antimalarials are urgently required. P218 is an aminopyridine that inhibits dihydrofolate reductase being developed as a malaria chemoprotective drug. Assessing the effect of new compounds on cardiac intervals is key during early drug development to determine their cardiac safety.MethodsThis double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled, parallel group study evaluated the effect of P218 on electrocardiographic parameters following oral administration of seven single‐ascending doses up to 1000 mg in 56 healthy volunteers. Participants were randomized to treatment or placebo at a 3:1 ratio. P218 was administered in the fasted state with standardized lunch served 4 hours after dosing. 12‐lead ECGs were recorded in triplicate at regular intervals on the test day, and at 48, 72, 120, 168, 192 and 240 hours thereafter. Blood samples for pharmacokinetic evaluations were collected at similar time points. Concentration‐effect modelling was used to assess the effect of P218 and its metabolites on cardiac intervals.ResultsConcentration–effect analysis showed that P218 does not prolong the QTcF, J‐Tpeak or TpTe interval at all doses tested. No significant changes in QRS or PR intervals were observed. Two‐sided 90% confidence intervals of subinterval effects of P218 and its metabolites were consistently below the regulatory concern threshold for all doses. Study sensitivity was confirmed by significant shortening of QTcF after a meal.ConclusionOral administration of P218 up to 1000 mg does not prolong QTcF and does not significantly change QRS or PR intervals, suggesting low risk for drug‐induced proarrhythmia.
New evidence on Islamic and conventional bank efficiency: A meta‐regression analysis
Authors: Chaffai Mohamed E. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThis paper aims to conduct a comparison of the efficiency of Islamic banks (IBs) versus conventional banks (CBs) based on meta‐analysis. Empirical studies in this field, mainly in MENA or Gulf Cooperation Country regions, usually provide mixed conclusions and we do not know the reasons of this discrepancy in the results. We conduct a meta‐regression analysis (MRA) that is based on 35 studies and includes 484 estimates of efficiency scores by bank type among other characteristics. We employ Bayesian averaging technique to identify the main covariates explaining the heterogeneity of the results. Our findings suggest, first, no evidence of the superiority of one banking system over the other, neither in terms of technical, cost or profit efficiency. Second, we identify several important bank's and sample characteristics that have also important impacts on the provided efficiency estimates. Third, when we compare the studies into those who conduct a deep statistical comparison of the efficiency distributions by bank type and those who omit to do it, we find that CBs outperform IBs, suggesting a potential publication bias. Finally, with respect to the inefficiency, MRA suggests that the regions banking systems suffer from the inability of banks to maximize profit, so they are much less profitable than it should be. There are also some managerial deficiencies linked to cost minimization, rendering the region's banking system costly, compared to some deficiencies in the overall banking production process itself (technical efficiency).
Increased epithelial galectin‐13 expression associates with eosinophilic airway inflammation in asthma
Authors: Yi Lingling , Zhang Shuchen , Feng Yuchen , Wu Wenliang , Chang Chenli , Chen Dian , Chen Shengchong , Zhao Jianping , Zhen Guohua 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundAirway eosinophilic inflammation is a central feature in asthma which is mainly driven by type 2 response. The expression of galectin‐13 was up‐regulated in a parasitic infection model which is also characterized by type 2 immune response. We hypothesized that galectin‐13 may be involved in airway eosinophilic inflammation in asthma.ObjectiveTo unveil the role of galectin‐13 in asthma airway inflammation.MethodsWe measured galectin‐13 expressions in bronchial brushings, sputum, and plasma of asthma patients (n = 54) and healthy controls (n = 15), and analysed the correlations between galectin‐13 expression and airway eosinophilia. We used human bronchial epithelial cell line 16HBE to investigate the possible mechanism by which galectin‐13 participates in eosinophilic inflammation.ResultsThe expression of galectin‐13 was markedly increased in subjects with asthma compared to controls. Epithelial galectin‐13 mRNA levels in asthmatic subjects were strongly correlated with eosinophilic airway inflammation (the percentage of sputum eosinophils, the number of eosinophils in bronchial submucosa and FeNO) and the expression of Th2 signature genes (CLCA1, POSTN and SERPINB2). Inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) treatment reduced plasma galectin‐13 levels, and baseline plasma galectin‐13 levels reflect the response to ICS treatment. In cultured 16HBE cells, knockdown of galectin‐13 suppressed IL‐13‐stimulated MCP‐1 and eotaxin‐1 expression by inhibiting the activation of EGFR and ERK.Conclusions & Clinical RelevanceGalectin‐13 is a novel marker for airway eosinophilia in asthma, and may contribute to allergic airway eosinophilic inflammation by up‐regulating the expression of MCP‐1 and eotaxin‐1. Plasma galectin‐13 levels may be useful for predicting responses to ICS treatment.
Thyroid FNA terminology: The case for a single unified international system for thyroid FNA reporting
Authors: Poller David N. , Cochand‐Priollet Beatrix , Trimboli Pierpaolo 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe use of reporting terminologies for thyroid FNA cytology enables standardisation and international alignment of the reporting of thyroid cytology results, which is essential. There are currently three major internationally recognised systems: Bethesda (TBS), UK RCPath (Thy), and Italian (TIR). A fourth terminology system used in Japan has identical categories to TBS but with different nomenclature. The aim of this review is to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the TBS, UK RCPath, and TIR systems, and to make the case for international terminology harmonisation and standardisation.
Assessing seizure burden in pediatric epilepsy using an electronic medical record–based tool through a common data element approach
Authors: Fitzgerald Mark P. , Kaufman Michael C. , Massey Shavonne L. , Fridinger Sara , Prelack Marisa , Ellis Colin , Ortiz‐Gonzalez Xilma , Fried Lawrence E. , DiGiovine Marissa P. ,   CHOP Pediatric Epilepsy Program Collaborative, Melamed Susan , Malcolm Marissa , Banwell Brenda , Stephenson Donna , Witzman Stephanie M. , Gonzalez Alexander , Dlugos Dennis , Kessler Sudha Kilaru , Goldberg Ethan M. , Abend Nicholas S. , Helbig Ingo 
Published: June 2021

AbstractObjectiveImprovement in epilepsy care requires standardized methods to assess disease severity. We report the results of implementing common data elements (CDEs) to document epilepsy history data in the electronic medical record (EMR) after 12 months of clinical use in outpatient encounters.MethodsData regarding seizure frequency were collected during routine clinical encounters using a CDE‐based form within our EMR. We extracted CDE data from the EMR and developed measurements for seizure severity and seizure improvement scores. Seizure burden and improvement was evaluated by patient demographic and encounter variables for in‐person and telemedicine encounters.ResultsWe assessed a total of 1696 encounters in 1038 individuals with childhood epilepsies between September 6, 2019 and September 11, 2020 contributed by 32 distinct providers. Childhood absence epilepsy (n = 121), Lennox‐Gastaut syndrome (n = 86), and Dravet syndrome (n = 42) were the most common epilepsy syndromes. Overall, 43% (737/1696) of individuals had at least monthly seizures, 17% (296/1696) had a least daily seizures, and 18% (311/1696) were seizure‐free for >12 months. Quantification of absolute seizure burden and changes in seizure burden over time differed between epilepsy syndromes, including high and persistent seizure burden in patients with Lennox‐Gastaut syndrome. Individuals seen via telemedicine or in‐person encounters had comparable seizure frequencies. Individuals identifying as Hispanic/Latino, particularly from postal codes with lower median household incomes, were more likely to have ongoing seizures that worsened over time.SignificanceStandardized documentation of clinical data in childhood epilepsies through CDE can be implemented in routine clinical care at scale and enables assessment of disease burden, including characterization of seizure burden over time. Our data provide insights into heterogeneous patterns of seizure control in common pediatric epilepsy syndromes and will inform future initiatives focusing on patient‐centered outcomes in childhood epilepsies, including the impact of telemedicine and health care disparities.
Different ways of managing risk as reported in 10‐Ks: A supervised learning approach
Authors: Friberg Richard , Seiler Thomas 
Published: June 2021

AbstractWe use supervised learning on annual reports of publicly listed US firms (10‐Ks) to build textual measures of risk management via derivatives, insurance, diversification, long‐run contracts, and credit lines. Validation exercises favor these supervised learning‐based measures over those based on word lists. Panel regressions (1996–2015) indicate that firms using one form of risk management are more likely to also use other forms. In contrast, intensive use of one risk management technique associates with less intensive use of other methods. Findings are consistent with a model featuring fixed costs of organizational capacity for managing risks and increasing marginal costs of hedging.
Nitrogen supply and physical disturbance shapes Arctic stream nitrogen uptake through effects on metabolic activity
Authors: Myrstener Maria , Thomas Steven A. , Giesler Reiner , Sponseller Ryan A. 
Published: June 2021

Abstract

Climate change in the Arctic is altering the delivery of nutrients from terrestrial to aquatic ecosystems. The impact of these changes on downstream lakes and rivers is influenced by the capacity of small streams to retain such inputs. Given the potential for nutrient limitation in oligotrophic Arctic streams, biotic demand should be high, unless harsh environmental conditions maintain low biomass standing stocks that limit nutrient uptake capacity.

We assessed the drivers of nutrient uptake in two contrasting headwater environments in Arctic Sweden: one stream draining upland tundra and the other draining an alluvial valley with birch forest. At both sites, we measured nitrate (NO3−) uptake biweekly using short‐term slug releases and estimated rates of gross primary production (GPP) and ecosystem respiration from continuous dissolved oxygen measurements.

Catchment characteristics were associated with distinct stream chemical and biological properties. For example, the tundra stream maintained relatively low NO3− concentrations (average: 46 µg N/L) and rates of GPP (0.2 g O2 m−2 day−1). By comparison, the birch forest stream was more NO3− rich (88 µg N/L) and productive (GPP: 1.7 g O2 m−2 day−1). These differences corresponded to greater areal NO3− uptake rate and increased NO3− use efficiency (as uptake velocity) in the birch forest stream (max 192 µg N m−2 min−1 and 96 mm/hr) compared to its tundra counterpart (max 52 µg N m−2 min−1 and 49 mm/hr) during 2017. Further, different sets of environmental drivers predicted temporal patterns of nutrient uptake at these sites: abiotic factors (e.g. NO3− concentration and discharge) were associated with changes in uptake in the tundra stream, while metabolic activity was more important in the birch forest stream.

Between sites, variation in uptake metrics suggests that the ability to retain pulses of nutrients is linked to nutrient supply regimes controlled at larger spatial and temporal scales and habitat properties that promote biomass accrual and thus biotic demand.

Overall, constraints on biotic potential imposed by the habitat template determined the capacity of these high latitude streams to respond to future changes in nutrient inputs arising from climate warming or human land use.

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Sevoflurane alleviates hepatic ischaemia/reperfusion injury by up‐regulating miR‐96 and down‐regulating FOXO4
Authors: He Binghua , Yang Fan , Ning Yingxia , Li Yalan 
Published: June 2021

AbstractHepatic ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury represents an event characterized by anoxic cell death and an inflammatory response, that can limit the treatment efficacy of liver surgery. Ischaemic preconditioning agents such as sevoflurane (Sevo) have been highlighted to play protective roles in hepatic I/R injury. The current study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanism underlying the effects associated with Sevo in hepatic I/R injury. Initially, mouse hepatic I/R injury models were established via occlusion of the hepatic portal vein and subsequent reperfusion. The expression of forkhead box protein O4 (FOXO4) was detected using reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis from clinical liver tissue samples obtained from patients who had previously undergone liver transplantation, mouse I/R models and oxygen‐deprived hepatocytes. The morphology of the liver tissues was analysed using haematoxylin‐eosin (HE) staining, with apoptosis detected via TUNEL staining. Immunohistochemistry methods were employed to identify the FOXO4‐positive cells. Mice with knocked out FOXO4 (FOXO4‐KO mice) were subjected to I/R. In this study, we found FOXO4 was highly expressed following hepatic I/R injury. After treatment with Sevo, I/R modelled mice exhibited an alleviated degree of liver injury, fewer apoptotic cells and FOXO4‐positive cells. FOXO4 was a target gene of miR‐96. Knockdown of FOXO4 could alleviate hepatic I/R injury and decrease cell apoptosis. Taken together, the key observations of our study suggest that Sevo alleviates hepatic I/R injury by means of promoting the expression of miR‐96 while inhibiting FOXO4 expression. This study highlights the molecular mechanism mediated by Sevo in hepatic I/R injury.