bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Summary of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases workshop on Alternative Therapies to Penicillin for the Treatment of Syphilis
Authors: Cato Krista , Chuang Eleanore , Connolly Kristie L. , Deal Carolyn , Hiltke Thomas 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
The dramatic increase in syphilis cases in the United States in recent years is a serious public health concern. Periodic shortages of benzathine penicillin (BPG), the mainstay of syphilis treatment, create challenges for management of syphilis in the U.S. and worldwide. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) convened working groups of experts to assess the landscape of syphilis treatments for uncomplicated adult syphilis, syphilis in pregnant persons, congenital syphilis, and neurosyphilis. The working groups came together at a workshop entitled “Alternative Therapies to Penicillin for the Treatment of Syphilis” on February 13-14, 2024, to share their findings regarding promising alternative treatments, research gaps, and challenges. Discussions focused on utilizing existing antibiotics, with a preference for those with favorable safety profiles and demonstrated success against syphilis or other infectious diseases. Clinical research on alternative treatments is complicated by the high effectiveness of penicillin and by differences in clinical, physiological, cultural, and socioeconomic considerations across different patient populations and geographic settings. In addition, current diagnostic tests and tests-of-cure create challenges for clinical trial design. Various potential trial designs were discussed, focusing on subjects with different types and stages of disease. This summary of the workshop is presented to inform plans for future research, including clinical trials on alternatives to penicillin for the treatment of syphilis.
Impact of a Prototype 29:1 Ratio Grid on Image Quality and Radiation Dose in Abdominal Angiography
Authors: Werncke Thomas , Becker Lena S. , Maschke Sabine K. , Brüsch Inga , Rumpel Regina , Wacker Frank K. , Meyer Bernhard C. 
Published: December 2024

Objectives
The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of a prototype grid with a 29:1 ratio (r29) and a 15:1 (r15) grid on the image quality (IQ) and radiation dose in abdominal angiography.

Materials and Methods
Six typical abdominal angiographic image scenarios were created in 4 pigs. Polymethylmethacrylate and aluminum plates were used to add 10 cm of patient equivalent thickness to simulate different body types. Fluoroscopic images were acquired with a source-to-image receptor distance of 120 cm. Tantalum- and iron-specific acquisition protocols at different IQ levels were acquired. IQ of radiation dose equivalent image pairs, created with the r29 and r15 grids, respectively, was quantitatively evaluated using contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) measurements. Differences in radiation dose were estimated using the dose-weighted CNR. Two blinded readers compared IQ of these images using a Likert scale. In a second step, the readers selected pairs of the r29 and r15 images with subjectively equivalent IQ. Radiation doses were then compared.

Results
Compared with the r15 grid, the r29 grid images achieved similar CNR at an average of 26% (±12%) lower radiation dose at a mean patient equivalent thickness of 26 cm and 36 cm. Both readers noted a significant increase in IQ (P < 0.001) for dose equivalent images, whereas the interobserver agreement was 0.59. For the selected IQ equivalent images, a radiation dose reduction of 38% (±17%; P < 0.001, interobserver agreement 0.92) was noted when using the r29 grid.

Conclusions
The use of an r29 grid at a large source-to-image receptor distance can significantly improve the IQ compared with the r15 grid at the same radiation dose in abdominal angiography or can reduce radiation dose while preserving IQ.
The Rule of Fours—Clinical and Radiographic Parameters for Trans-articular Distal Interphalangeal Joint Kirschner Wire Insertion
Authors: Honeywill Conor , Giddins Vanessa , Faulkner Harrison , Lawson Richard , Graham David , Sivakumar Brahman Shankar 
Published: December 2024

Background
Distal phalangeal and interphalangeal joint injuries are common, and confer a significant burden to the individual, healthcare system and society. Operative intervention (when required) may involve retrograde trans-articular Kirschner wire (K-wire) fixation. Safe wire passage through the center of the distal interphalangeal joint (DIPJ) and associated phalanges is key in maintaining alignment and reducing complications. There is little evidence to guide optimal wire entry point and passage.

Purpose
The aim of this study was to determine soft tissue and radiographic landmarks to guide optimal trans-articular k-wire placement at the DIPJ.

Methods
A retrospective cohort study was conducted at a single institute, with 100 uninjured lateral phalangeal radiographs with a clear sagittal projection assessed by 3 independent assessors. Each assessor drew a line of ideal insertion, traversing the isthmus of the middle and distal phalanges, and the midline of the DIPJ, with soft tissue and bony parameters identified.

Results
The mean distance from the dorsal aspect of the nail plate to the line of ideal insertion was 3.86 mm, with a disparity between sexes noted. The distance from the dorsum of the soft tissue to the line of ideal insertion was expressed as a proportion of the total soft tissue diameter—the line of ideal insertion traversed approximately 40% of total width at the DIPJ and DIPJ soft tissue crease.

Discussion
The results suggest that a simple ‘rule of fours’ can be utilized to allow expedient and optimal passage. The entry point should be midline in the coronal plane, approximately 4 mm volar to the dorsal surface of the nail plate and aimed at a point 40% volar to the dorsal aspect of the soft tissue envelope at the level of the DIPJ crease. These guidelines are easily replicable and conveyable; additionally, they can guide insertion in the absence of fluoroscopy.
Comparison of Culturing Methods of Primary Vaginal Fibroblasts
Authors: Cardenas-Trowers Olivia O. , Parsons Tammee M. , Zhao Jing , Perkerson Ralph B. , Glembotski Christopher C. , Zenhausern Frederic , Gurtner Geoffrey C. , Alperin Marianna , Kanekiyo Takahisa 
Published: December 2024

Importance
Vaginal fibroblast function is altered in people with pelvic organ prolapse. Thus, it is important to study vaginal fibroblasts to better understand the pathophysiology of prolapse.

Objective
This study aimed to compare 3 culturing methods of primary vaginal fibroblasts.

Study Design
This was an in vitro study. Patients who were undergoing surgery for vaginal prolapse were recruited. Excess vaginal epithelial tissue that would have otherwise been discarded was collected. The vaginal fibroblasts from each participant were cultured via (1) 3-hour digest, (2) coverslip, and (3) gelatin-coat methods. Differences in the efficiency of cell isolation, expression of known fibroblast-associated genes, and cellular function were compared between the 3 methods using one-way analysis of variance and Tukey test for post hoc pairwise comparisons (P < 0.05).

Results
Five patients with pelvic organ prolapse were recruited. Fibroblasts cultured via the 3-hour digest method became confluent within 3–5 days in a 100-mm dish compared to 2–3 weeks in a 6-well dish for the coverslip and gelatin-coat methods. Cells from all culture methods expressed similar amounts of vimentin and α smooth muscle actin. There were no significant differences in morphology; gene expression levels of MMP1, MMP2, ACTA2, COL1A1, COL3A1, and LOXL1 on qPCR; cell viability; proliferation; and migration between the 3 culturing methods.

Conclusion
Culturing primary vaginal fibroblasts via the 3-hour digest, coverslip, and gelatin-coat methods similarly resulted in reliable primary vaginal fibroblast growth and function.
Analysing consumer switching behaviour and financial antecedents to determine the intention to use central bank digital currency: evidence from the Indian economy
Authors: Desai Rajesh 
Published: December 2024

PurposeThe present research aims to study the behavioural intention to use the digital currencies issued by the central bank through the lens of technology acceptance and switching behaviour perspective. The study also proposes to analyse the role of financial constructs to explain the adoption intention.Design/methodology/approachThe current study develops a model by integrating the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) and the push–pull–mooring (PPM) theory of switching behaviour. It amends the same by including financial literacy, financial inclusion and trust. A sample data of 419 respondents has been collected through a structured questionnaire and the PLS-SEM approach has been used for data analysis.FindingsThe findings suggest that UTAUT and PPM models can significantly predict individuals' readiness to adopt the central bank digital currency (CBDC). More precisely, performance expectancy, social influence, government support, relative advantage and task-technology fit jointly determine the adoption behaviour. Besides, the financial constructs also affect the intention to use CBDC.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is largely based on a quantitative approach with cross-sectional data from an Indian sample. Thus, the findings may benefit from a longitudinal approach with mixed-method data analysis. However, the study elaborates on several implications for policymakers and research scholars.Originality/valueThe present study uniquely integrates the technology adoption perspective with switching behaviour applied to the migration studies. Given the nascent stage of CBDC implementation in many countries, the current study uses a triangulation approach to enhance the understanding of its adoption behaviour.
Exploring the impact of environmental regulations and green innovation on corporate investment and cash management: evidence from Asian economies
Authors: Farooq Umar , Thavorn Jakkrit , Tabash Mosab I. 
Published: December 2024

PurposeThis study explores the complex interaction of environmental policies on corporate cash and capital investment decisions.Design/methodology/approachThe study utilizes a 10-year dataset from 2010 to 2019, comprising publicly listed firms from 10 prominent Asian countries. The analysis was conducted by employing the System GMM.FindingsThe regression has revealed that most of the business investments are negatively affected by environmental regulation (ENR), while green innovation (GNI) is positively significant to investments. Moreover, we indicated that ENR raises the cash balance, while GNI tends to reduce it. There was a strong negative correlation found between cash reserves and investment; this implies a crowding-out effect: excess liquidity dilutes the propensity for capital expenditure. The findings emphasized cash balances as a moderator in the relationship between environmental policies and investments. More specifically, maintaining greater cash reserves is an insulating mechanism against the otherwise damaging impact of stringent ENR on corporate investment decisions and a protective measure for financial soundness against external environmental stress.Practical implicationsIt is especially important considering the heterogeneous effects obtained across high-income, upper-middle-income and lower-middle-income countries, responding differentially to environmental policies. The results show support for a balanced integration of fiscal incentives, subsidies or tax credits, especially in lower-middle-income countries, to promote sustainable practices without imposing prohibitive compliance costs.Originality/valueThe current analysis supplements the new insights regarding the transformation channel of environmental policies into industrial investment and how cash holdings diversify this channel.
Exploring the effect of information literacy skills and digital skills on knowledge sharing and research productivity
Authors: Sulehri Imran Ghaffar , Rafiq Muhammad , Arshad Alia 
Published: December 2024

Purpose
Digital skills and information literacy skills (IL) are essential for teaching staff in universities that make them able to perform their academic tasks (knowledge sharing and creation) effectively and efficiently. This study aims to explore the effect of these skills on knowledge sharing and research productivity of university teachers in Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach
This study was conducted by adopting a survey research design followed by quantitative research method. Faculty members from the top three general category universities in Pakistan were the population of the study. The research participants were approached through a systematic random sampling technique. The statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) software was used to test the developed hypotheses.

Findings
This study has presented novel results and portrayed significant positive effect of information literacy skills and digital skills on knowledge sharing and research productivity of universities’ faculty members. It shows that both skills are essential for teaching staff to enhance their knowledge sharing and research output.

Originality/value
This study has revealed the effect of digital skills and IL skills on knowledge sharing and research productivity. This study has added a substantial amount of literature in existing body of knowledge. The study has provided pertinent implications for management bodies as well as it enhances literature on IL skills and digital skills for knowledge sharing and optimum research output.
Limitations of and proposals for L/C application of optional on-board B/L under the IncotermsⓇ2020 FCA rules
Authors: Lee Ki Young , Lee Yangkee 
Published: December 2024

PurposeThis study examines the limitations of the practical application of letter of credit transactions requiring an on-board bill of lading under the FCA and presents opinions on the practical use of FCA-ruled bills of lading for letter of credit transactions.Design/methodology/approachIt is very significant that the IncotermsⓇ2020 FCA rules have added new content regarding the optional description of the on-board bill of lading. However, even if the seller has received the on-board bill of lading, there is a limitation in that the bank may not judge the presented documents as a consistent presentation for payment. Identifying these limitations and suggesting solutions are very important for future international commerce transactions. This study is conducted in the following order. First, we review the UCP regulations that banks apply to confirm the consistency of transportation documents in letter of credit transactions. Second, we confirm the limitations in applying the selective description of the on-board bill of lading newly established in the FCA rules proposed by the ICC to letter of credit transactions. Lastly, necessary opinions are presented on how the buying and selling parties can properly utilize the Incoterms in letter of credit transactions.FindingsThe establishment of the ICC’s Incoterms 2020 FCA rule’s on-board bill of lading option regulation is intended to resolve merchants’ inconvenience caused by the document screening standards of banks that ignore changes in the trade environment such as the emergence of containers and maintain traditional ship trading practices. It can be interpreted. However, there are still problems with the presentation of on-board bills of lading under FCA rules, and there are also problems with practices between merchants and banks. Existing prior research is limited to dealing with the problems of using FOB rules in container transportation and the limitations of the onboard bill of lading option provisions of FCA rules. The Fourth Industrial Revolution has also affected trade, ushering in the digital era. Trade platforms developed with new technologies are either under development or being prepared for commercialization.Originality/valueThis study reaffirmed the main implications covered in previous studies and proposed the use of multimodal transport documents rather than bills of lading as an alternative to problems that may arise in letter of credit transactions that require on-board bills of lading under FCA rules. Above all, it presented opinions on changes in banks’ practices that require on-board bills of lading in letter of credit transactions, which are inconsistent with the mainstream container-based intermodal transportation.
Modeling structure of inflation in Türkiye: DCC-GARCH and Markov switching model
Authors: Uğurlu Erginbay , Ojaghlou Mortaza , Lau Evan 
Published: December 2024

Purpose
Recent surges in inflation have posed significant challenges for Türkiye, with the annualinflation rate culminating at 83.45% by the close of 2022. The purpose of the study is to take a closer look at the details behind the rising inflation trend in Türkiye.

Design/methodology/approach
Due to the time-varying nature of the relationship of the variables, dynamic conditional correlation-generalized autoregressive conditionally heteroscedastic (DCC-GARCH) models and the Markov switching model are used as analytical tools. Leveraging the DCC methodology proposed by Tse and Tsui (2002), this study examined time-varying correlations, while the effect of the weighted sum of past correlations was captured using the DCC-GARCH approach introduced by Engle (2002).

Findings
The findings from the DCC models highlight that the exchange rate plays the most pivotal role in influencing inflation, closely followed by the money supply. In addition, the Markov switching analysis, rooted in the Phillips curve concept, identified two statistically significant regimes. The results emphasize that components of the money supply and the exchange rate stand out as primary drivers of Türkiye’s heightened inflation rates. To promote sustainable development in Turkey, the Central Bank should focus on inflation targeting, managing the money supply to align with GDP growth and adopting adaptive inflation responses.

Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is the first attempt to use a combination of the DCC and Markov switching models to examine Turkish inflation from December 2005 to October 2022, according to a thorough review of previous research. Such an innovative method provides a new perspective on inflationary patterns throughout this time. In addition, this study departs from traditional approaches by including money supply measures in the analysis.
Islamic fintech: navigating the regulatory framework and promoting financial inclusion in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries
Authors: Kismawadi Early Ridho 
Published: December 2024

Purpose
This study undertakes a comparative analysis of the regulatory framework for sharia-compliant financial technology (fintech) in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations. The purpose of this study is to identify the strengths and weaknesses of this regulatory framework as well as enhance opportunities and best practices. This study also investigates the potential impact of Islamic fintech on financial inclusion in the GCC nations.

Design/methodology/approach
This study uses a qualitative research methodology, including semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders in the Islamic fintech industry, such as entrepreneurs, investors, regulators and policymakers. This study recruited interview participants from the Islamic fintech industry in GCC countries, including Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar and Kuwait.

Findings
This study’s main finding is that Islamic fintech has the potential to promote financial inclusion in GCC countries. According to this study’s findings, Islamic fintech provides a more ethical and accessible alternative to traditional banking services, particularly for individuals and businesses that are underserved or excluded from mainstream financial services.

Practical implications
This study has practical implications for policymakers and regulators in GCC countries, providing valuable insights for promoting the growth and development of the Islamic fintech industry while ensuring that the regulatory framework is conducive to its growth. This study contributes to the broader literature on regulatory frameworks for fintech by highlighting the need for regulatory frameworks to adapt to technological advances in the rapidly evolving fintech field.

Originality/value
This study derives originality and value from a comparative analysis of the regulatory framework for Islamic fintech in GCC nations and its prospective impact on financial inclusion.
The effectiveness of green demarketing campaigns: the moderating role of corporate social responsibility orientation
Authors: Yoon Hye Jin , Lee Yoon-Joo , Ko Youngjee , Joo Jinho 
Published: December 2024

PurposeThis research aims to investigate the effectiveness of integrated marketing communication (IMC) messages in demarketing campaigns, particularly considering the consumer’s background in corporate social responsibility orientation (CSRO).Design/methodology/approachA 2 (publicity type: green, demarketing) × 2 (ad type: green, demarketing) between-subjects experiment assessed the impact of green marketing and demarketing strategies on consumers with varying levels of CSRO. The study utilized a mix of green and demarketing publicity and advertisements to explore their effects on the perception of the brand’s honesty. Additionally, the research investigated the mediating role of “brand as honest” in shaping purchase intention and anticipated product satisfaction.FindingsResults revealed that for individuals with lower CSRO, the combination of green or demarketing strategies had no significant impact on the perception of the brand’s honesty. However, for those with higher CSRO, the brand was perceived as more honest when demarketing publicity was followed by a demarketing (vs green) advertisement. These effects on purchase intention (if one needed to buy a product of this type) and anticipated product satisfaction (which could help lower repeat and follow-up purchases) occurred through the mediating role of “brand as honest.”Originality/valueBased on the belief congruence theory, this research contributes to the existing literature by specifically focusing on the effectiveness of IMC messages in demarketing campaigns, considering consumers’ CSRO backgrounds. The study offers original insights into the interplay between demarketing strategies, brand perception and consumer behavior.