bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Deciphering Cross-Cohort Metabolic Signatures of Immune Responses and Their Implications for Disease Pathogenesis
Authors: Fu Jianbo , Unen Nienke van , Sarlea Andrei , Nguyen Nhan , Jaeger Martin , Botey-Bataller Javier , Koeken Valerie A.C.M. , Bree L. Charlotte de , Mourits Vera P. , Moorlag Simone J.C.F.M. , Temba Godfrey , Kullaya Vesla I. , Mast Quirijn de , Joosten Leo A.B. , Xu Cheng-Jian , Netea Mihai G. , Li Yang 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe intricate interplay between circulating metabolites and immune responses, though crucial to disease pathophysiology, remains poorly understood and underexplored in systematic research. Here, we performed a comprehensive analysis of the immune response and circulating metabolome in two Western European cohorts (534 and 324 healthy individuals) and one from sub-Saharan Africa (323 healthy donors). At metabolic level, our analysis uncovered sex differences in the correlation between phosphatidylcholine and cytokine responses uponex-vivostimulations. Notably, sphingomyelin showed a significant negative correlation with the monocyte-derived cytokine production in response toStaphylococcus aureusstimulation, a finding validated through functional experiments. Subsequently, employing Mendelian randomization analysis, we established a link between sphingomyelin and COVID-19 severity, providing compelling evidence for a modulatory effect of sphingomyelin on immune responses during human infection. Collectively, our results represent a unique resource (https://lab-li.ciim-hannover.de/apps/imetabomap/) for exploring metabolic signatures associated with immune function in different populations, highlighting sphingomyelin metabolism as a potential target in treating inflammatory and infectious diseases.
Community Perceptions, Knowledge, and Experiences of Pre-eclampsia: An Exploratory Study in Uganda
Authors: Kagoya Enid Kawala , Nsubuga Allan G , Authairwe Irene , Nakatudde Prossy , Asiimwe Catherine , Gidudu Chispus , Ajalo Elizabeth , Waako Paul , Wandabwa Julius , Arach Lawrence , Atwakire Grace Mbabazi , Musaba Milton , Kibuuka Ronald , Nyangoma Faith , Mbanago Sheilla , Mugabi Joshua , Chemutai Violet , Atugonza Jesca , Ewaala Byron Jonathan , Nakawuka Betty , Okello Francis , Mugahi Richard , Jackline Akello , Twineamatsiko Andrew , Adroma Moses , Mugabe Kenneth 
Published: December 2024

AbstractBackgroundPre-eclampsia and related hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are the second leading cause of maternal mortality globally, with 95% of the burden in low and middle in countries. In Uganda, these conditions account for 16% of maternal deaths. Pre-eclampsia, which affects 2-8% of pregnancies worldwide, significantly impacts both maternal and perinatal health due to complications and iatrogenic preterm delivery. Effective management hinges on understanding the condition, early symptom recognition, and timely healthcare seeking. However, patient perspectives and experiences on pre-eclampsia in low-and middle-income countries remain underexplored.ObjectiveThis study aimed to explore knowledge, myths, and experiences related to pre-eclampsia among women of reproductive age in Mbale city, Eastern Uganda, to understand their impact on health-seeking behaviours.MethodsAn explorative qualitative study was conducted using in-depth interviews with 81 women aged 18-49 years, recruited during a community outreach initiative on pre-eclampsia. Data were collected over 6 days between 21st-26th/May/2024 using a semi-structured interview guide. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed thematically using ATLAS.ti software.ResultsParticipants demonstrated a limited understanding of pre-eclampsia, with common misconceptions including associating it with swollen feet, body weakness, marital distress, multiple pregnancies, high blood pressure and witchcraft reflecting a mix of accurate and misguided understandings. Participants showed varying responses to pre-eclampsia, with some relying on traditional remedies and others seeking modern medical care. Management strategies included herbal treatments and unconventional remedies.ConclusionThe study highlights a critical gap in accurate knowledge and awareness of pre-eclampsia among women in Mbale City. Misconceptions and reliance on traditional medicine contribute to delays in seeking appropriate care. Culturally tailored educational interventions are needed to improve awareness, and understanding of pre-eclampsia, and promote timely medical care, essential for improving maternal and neonatal outcomes in low-income settings.
Accelerating Tuberculosis Diagnosis in Mozambican Prisons Using Digital Chest X-rays with Computer Aided Detection: Preliminary Results from a Longitudinal, Comprehensive Health Intervention
Authors: Olotu Amadin A. , Chiramal Justy Antony , Boehm Rachel A. , Nair Aswathy M. , Chawla Sanya , Vicente Mário A. , Matusse Dulcidio A. , Uate Sérgio T. , Munguambe Amândio S. , Prophete Edwin J. , Brown Victoria M. , Anli Cremilde M. , Vijayan Shibu , Calder Ivan R. , Spaulding Anne C. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractBackgroundMozambique has a high burden of tuberculosis (TB) and in 2021, an estimated 18,000 incident cases nationwide were not diagnosed. Global estimates suggest that 47% of TB disease in prisons is undiagnosed. We implemented an integrated-care-model health intervention to enhance the diagnosis and treatment of TB disease, provide TB preventive treatment (TPT), and identify and treat other undiagnosed health conditions.MethodsBeginning from July 11, 2023, and through the 2nd quarter of 2024 we conducted active case-finding for TB using digital chest x-rays with computer aided detection (DCXR-CAD), in three prisons in Maputo, Mozambique. We conducted clinical assessments for other health conditions and delivered TPT.ResultsOf 7912 individuals screened, 264 new cases of TB disease were notified, a TB screening yield of 3.34% and a number needed to screen of 30, and 1346 persons were initiated on TPT. Other conditions were diagnosed and treated including HIV (28), malnutrition (830), and skin conditions (462).ConclusionsStrengthening local infrastructure and implementing DCXR-CAD for screening gave a substantial TB yield in this population. Paying attention simultaneously to preventing TB and addressing other health conditions in this vulnerable population was important.
Mapping single-cell rheology of ascidian embryos in the cleavage stages using AFM
Authors: Kotani Takahiro , Matsuo Tomohiro , Yokobori Megumi , Tsuboyama Yosuke , Miyata Yuki , Fujii Yuki , Kuribayashi-Shigetomi Kaori , Okajima Takaharu 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTDuring early embryo development, cell division is highly organized and synchronized. Understanding the mechanical properties of embryonic cells as a material is crucial for elucidating the physical mechanism underlying embryogenesis. Previous atomic force microscopy (AFM) studies on developing embryos revealed that single cells of ascidian embryos in the cleavage stage stiffened and softened during cell division. However, how embryonic cells, as a compliant material, exhibit viscoelastic properties during the cell cycle remains poorly characterized. In this study, we investigated the rheological properties of embryonic cells in the animal hemisphere in the cleavage stages using stress-relaxation AFM and approach-retraction force curve AFM techniques. The AFM measurements revealed that developing single cells followed a power-law rheology observed in single-cell rheologyin vitro. The embryonic cells increased the modulus (stiffness) and decreased the fluidity (the power-law exponent) towards cell division. We found three rheological states in developing embryos during the cell cycle. The correlation between the cell modulus and the fluidity during the cell cycle was collapsed onto a master curve with a negative correlation, indicating that embryonic cells tightly interacting with the neighboring cells conserved the universality of rheological behavior observed in single cellsin vitro.SIGNIFICANCEUnderstanding the rheological properties of embryonic cells is crucial to elucidate the origin and mechanism of the functional and morphological changes in cells during embryogenesis. AFM-based microrheology revealed that single cells of ascidian embryos in the animal hemisphere in the cleavage stages followed a single power-law rheology, which has no characteristic time scale. Furthermore, the rheological parameters, such as cell stiffness and fluidity, were collapsed onto a master curve with a negative correlation during the cell cycle. These rheological behaviors are similar to those observed in single cells in vitro, indicating that the embryonic cells tightly interacting with each other conserved the intrinsic rheological behaviors of isolated single cells.
A comparative analysis of planarian regeneration specificity reveals tissue polarity contributions of the axial cWnt signalling gradient
Authors: Cleland James P. , Vu Hanh T.-K. , Dickmann Johanna E. M. , Rozanski Andrei , Werner Steffen , Schuhmann Andrea , Shevchenko Anna , Rink Jochen C. 
Published: December 2024

SummaryPlanarians exhibit remarkable whole-body regeneration abilities. The formation of heads at forward-facing wounds and tails at rearward-facing wounds suggests an intrinsic tissue polarity guiding regeneration. While the underlying mechanisms remain unclear, reports of double-headed regenerates from increasingly narrow tissue fragments have long been hypothesised to reflect gradient-based polarity specification. Here, we systematically re-examine this hypothesis in the modern model speciesSchmidtea mediterraneaand a representative of the genus likely used in the original studies,Girardia sinensis. While we never observed double-heads inS. mediterranea,G. sinensisreadily regenerated double-heads in a manner dependent on piece length, anatomical position and body size. We found that the reduced regeneration robustness ofG. sinensiswas partially explained by wound site-symmetric expression of the head determinantnotum, which is highly anterior-specific inS. mediterranea. Exploring what else might mediate head/tail regeneration specificity inG. sinensis, we examined the role of the conserved tail-to-head cWnt signalling gradient. By developing a time-resolved pharmacological approach to reduce the cWnt gradient slope without affecting wound-induced cWnt signalling dynamics, we observed an increased incidence of double-headed regenerates. In addition, the body size-dependence of double-head formation correlated with the decreasing steepness of the cWnt gradient due to scaling. Taken together, our results indicate that the slope of the cWnt gradient may contribute to planarian head/tail regeneration specificity. Furthermore, they suggest that planarian tissue polarity is composed of multiple parallely-acting polarity cues, the differential reliance on which contributes to the observed interspecies variation in regeneration specificity.
The impact of loan risk compensation policy in the short food supply chain: is blockchain-enabled financing more efficient?
Authors: Xue Ning , Huo Hong , Han Chunjia , Yang Mu , Arya Varsha , Panigrahi Prabin Kumar , Gupta Brij B. 
Published: December 2024

PurposeThis study aims to explore conditions for the application of blockchain-enabled financing versus traditional prepayment. It seeks to understand how a short food supply chain can choose more efficient financing pattern under loan risk compensation policy, crucial for designing an optimal short food supply chain.Design/methodology/approachEmploying Stackelberg game, decisions of the short food supply chain regarding the adoption of different financing patterns are modeled. The theoretical model’s outcomes are validated using data from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China, including publicly available market prices and costs of soybeans and wheat over the past decade. Adjusted market prices are derived using consumer price index for residential prices to eliminate the impact of inflation.FindingsThe loan risk compensation rate, prepayment discount rate, blockchain-enabled financing interest rate and distribution of crop output create three distinct scenarios, prompting members of the short food supply chain to form various financing pattern preferences. Simultaneously, loan risk compensation effectively improves supply chain performance. Moreover, the impact of risk compensation is more pronounced at lower output rates.Originality/valueThis research emphasizes that the blockchain-enabled financing pattern is not always dominant. Government departments can shape the financing pattern preferences of supply chain members by adjusting risk compensation rate, thereby promoting the application of the blockchain-enabled financing pattern. This paper contributes to the literature on the adoption of blockchain technology for financing short food supply chain by delving into the issue of financing pattern selection.
Female physicians in senior management positions during a crisis: a constructive multimodal communication framework of feminine leadership
Authors: Grebelsky-Lichtman Tsfira , Gur-Dick Michal 
Published: December 2024

Purpose
The purpose of the present study is to explore multimodal, i.e. verbal and nonverbal, gendered communication patterns of female physicians in senior management positions (governmental and health authorities) during a crisis.

Design/methodology/approach
Using a mixed multi-variable design, repeated ANOVA tests, and planned contrasts, the authors analyzed television appearances of 20 female physicians in senior management positions during the COVID-19 crisis (March/2020-April/2021).

Findings
The findings revealed patterns of mixed-gendered communication structures. Verbally, female physicians primarily displayed a masculine/agentic communication style of assertiveness, control, confidence and rationality. Nonverbally, however, they expressed a feminine/communal communication style of emotional attention, interpersonal sensitivity, responsiveness, kindness and empathy. Moreover, the analysis delineated integrated multimodal constructive vs. inhibitive communication strategies for crisis communication of female physicians in senior management positions.

Research limitations/implications
In the current research the authors did not compare females to males in health management positions, which is their follow-up project, but the authors did examine studies of males and females in management positions in the political sphere, which supported their findings. Therefore, the authors were able to demonstrate theoretical implications of multimodal gendered communication frameworks of feminine leadership.

Practical implications
Delineating verbal and nonverbal gendered communicative structures of effective management in health sectors can help female physicians assume positions of leadership, serve as guide models for other female physicians and contribute to improving effective communication skills during a crisis.

Social implications
This study contributes to the attempts of promoting gender equity in medicine and management by presenting effective communication strategies in medical crises that can help to promote female physicians’ messages development, social influence, leadership and management success in the future.

Originality/value
This article presents constructive, multimodal gendered communication frameworks of female physicians in senior management positions used in television appearances during the global COVID-19 crisis. Most previous studies in this area have examined either verbal or nonverbal communication mode. The value of this multimodal examination provides insights that may enhance constructive communication of female physicians in senior management positions during a crisis.
Barriers to shippers’ resistance in adopting truck-sharing services
Authors: Islam Samsul , Uddin Mohammad Jasim , Wang Michael , Shi Yangyan , Venkatesh V.G. 
Published: December 2024

PurposeTruck-sharing stands out as an impactful strategy for minimizing emissions and optimizing the streamlined transport of goods. This study seeks to address a gap in understanding by investigating the barriers shippers face in adopting truck-sharing services.Design/methodology/approachThis study employs the innovation resistance theory to examine a range of potential barriers. A total of seven potential barriers are included in the investigation. Survey data from Bangladeshis are analyzed using an artificial neural network.FindingsThe barriers, ranked in importance, include image, tradition, value, usage, risk, psychological ownership and privacy concerns. Thus, psychological barriers (image and tradition) mostly underpin resistance to change, showing that the issue is more rooted in shippers' perceptions than operations. Also, they often do not find a financial cause to use truck-sharing services. Usage barriers, explicitly addressing the practical application of truck-sharing services, have now assumed the third position, underscoring their significance in overcoming the barriers.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings provide valuable insights for policymakers to reconsider their approaches in addressing the most formidable truck-sharing barriers.Practical implicationsThis insight holds implications for shippers and transport companies, offering strategic guidance to optimize their engagement with and support for such services.Originality/valueTo the best of our knowledge, this study examines shippers' reluctance to adopt truck-sharing services in a developing country.
(In)visibilized? Roma in social, family and workfare policy discourses in the authoritarian neoliberal context of Hungary
Authors: Vidra Zsuzsanna , Virágh Enikő Anna 
Published: December 2024

PurposeThis article explores how a disadvantaged ethnic minority is portrayed in government discourses related to social, family and workfare policies in an illiberal and authoritarian neoliberal system, using the case of Hungary and Hungarian Roma. In our paper, relying on the theory of post-raciality and, within this, the concepts of (in)visibilization, we aim to reveal to what extent Roma are perceived as the undeserving racialized poor.Design/methodology/approachWe deployed the policy frame analysis method to categorize policy discourse content into different frames: diagnostic (identification of the problem), prognostic (solutions to problems) and motivational (incentives for action to mobilize people). Three data sources were used: pro-government media articles, state-of-the-nation address speeches and the party manifesto of the governing party. The timeframe of the analysis was between 2010 and 2023. The dataset consisted of 75 documents.FindingsOnly in a few cases did we find racializing language, typically at the beginning of the analyzed period, which gradually disappeared from the discourse, followed by a more paternalistic tone. We conclude that the notions of merit and self-responsibilization have been successfully used to hide (invisibilize) the structural causes of ethnic inequalities and shift the responsibility to individual efforts. The most vulnerable Roma, who are excluded from the labor market, are perceived as not accepting the neoliberal and paternalistic “social contract.” At the same time, they are made invisible by being omitted from the official narrative.Originality/valueA wide range of literature tackles questions like how neoliberal authoritarianism is related to workfare policies and ethnic minorities. Much less is said about how vulnerable ethnic minority groups are perceived in authoritarian neoliberal regimes. This paper contributes to a better understanding of how such regimes perceive minorities: the use of the categories of racialized or non-racialized, and deserving or undeserving minorities.
Contingent convertible Ijara pricing model
Authors: Triki Ons , Abid Fathi 
Published: December 2024

Purpose
This study aims to conceive and develop a pricing model for the Ijara contingent convertible contract (ICCC, hereafter), considering the possibility that the lessee may default. The ICCC model grants the lessor the option of converting the unpaid amount into equity or recovering the leased equipment and selling it at market price in case of financial distress.

Design/methodology/approach
The ICCC is consistent with the profit-sharing approach and the new risk management techniques, which are compatible with Islamic philosophy. Relying on real options theory and the contingent claim approach, a closed-form solution of the firm’s assets is developed in a dynamic environment, where the rate of return is generated by a Cox-Ingersoll-Ross stochastic process.

Findings
Examining the numerical analysis reveals the impact of the firm value, the conversion or sell decision and the conversion ratio and volatility on the ICCC value. The value of the ICCC can increase substantially as the value of the firm approaches the conversion threshold. The conversion ratio as well as the asset market price play equally an important role in the decision to convert or sell.

Originality/value
This paper develops a pricing model for a contingent Ijara contract, which incorporates a conversion option to mitigate the lessee’s credit risk during periods of economic instability. The ICCC is a cooperative strategy that would be advantageous to all parties, including the lessor and lessee. In the event of a conversion, businesses may be able to continue operating thanks to this financial innovation, and the lessor may profit from the company’s recovery by freeing up more resources for the use of more profitable ventures.
Cleanliness is next to godliness: can money laundering be sharia-compliant?
Authors: Alenazi Abdulrazak , Chazi Abdelaziz , M Alotaibi Eid , Gleason Kimberly 
Published: December 2024

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to extend the current research to create a conceptual framework for the Islamic perspective on money-laundering (ML) activities.

Design/methodology/approach
The authors use a qualitative research approach through an analysis of texts from the Holy Quran, the traditions of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and Islamic scholars’ jurisprudence, as well as a literature review of the research regarding money laundering within the scope of Sharia law.

Findings
The authors document three examples of “grey areas” remaining for consideration within the context of anti-money laundering (AML) policy at Islamic banks and Islamic insurance companies: the proceeds of the secular predicate crimes of tax evasion, grey and black-market employment and inheritance issues.

Research limitations/implications
The authors open new avenues for future research to examine the ML and other financial crimes by comparing different legal jurisdictions to Sharia laws, i.e. country-by-country analysis. Future research can also further grain the Sharia perspective of ML and other financial processes by examining the detailed views of different Islamic schools of thought (i.e. Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi’i and Hanbali) or by considering additional ML typologies in light of Sharia law.

Practical implications
The results are of interest for policymakers, whereas by acknowledging the differences between Sharia and civil laws and their complementarity, more accurate regulations can be set to establish prudent operational AML/CTF frameworks for Islamic banks and insurance companies.

Social implications
For the Sharia advisory boards of Islamic financial and designated non-financial businesses and professions to enhance their monitory role as an additional layer of AML control.

Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is the first to provide consideration to the distinction between the concepts of secular illegality and Sharia prohibition in determining the permissible scope of activities to which Know Your Customer compliance should apply at Islamic banks and insurance companies.