bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Omani SME perceptions towards Islamic financing systems
Authors: Al Balushi Yasmeen , Locke Stuart , Boulanouar Zakaria 
Published: June 2019

Purpose
This paper aims to investigate small and medium enterprises’ (SMEs) owner–managers’ awareness, willingness and perceptions concerning Islamic financing instruments as an alternative sourcing decision in SMEs’ businesses.

Design/methodology/approach
The research employed mixed methods to gather data. A questionnaire survey was conducted via face-to-face interviews with 385 SME owner–managers operating in Muscat, Oman’s capital city, along with face-to-face discussion on Islamic finance with 86 SME owner–managers. Descriptive and thematic analysis were used to analyse the data.

Findings
The findings indicate that SME owner–managers are aware of Islamic banking principles and have knowledge of Islamic financial instruments, despite Islamic finance being new to Oman. Interestingly, although the majority of the participants indicated their intention to adopt this new finance method, they were motivated by special requirements other than finance. Their positive perception of Islamic financing methods could play a significant role in developing the Islamic banking industry.

Research limitations/implications
The research is limited in that its data came only from Omani SME owner–managers in Muscat. Future research could investigate wider samples. Secondly, the study’s findings lack generalisability to larger and public enterprises, because only SME owner–managers were surveyed.

Practical implications
This study will be important for policy makers concerned about SMEs’ financing, Islamic financial institutions and new entrants into the Islamic banking industry, as it provides empirically evidence of Omanis’ views, and more specifically those of Omani SME owner–managers, on the recent introduction of Islamic finance into the country. The insights this study offers should help them to develop the strategies required to attract SMEs and to construct policies and regulations to improve Oman’s Islamic banking industry.

Originality/value
The research is significant, as it is the first study to investigate the awareness, willingness and perceptions of Omani SMEs regarding Islamic banking in Oman. Even though all Omanis are Muslims, Oman was the last of the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council countries to introduce Islamic finance. Thus, this emerging market provides an important basis from which to extend future research on Islamic finance to other potential Islamic finance markets.
Toward multi-dimensional and developmental notion of researcher positionality
Authors: Lu Hangyan , Hodge Warren A. 
Published: June 2019

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to argue for a multi-dimensional and developmental notion of researcher positionality in conducting qualitative research, in lieu of the dichotomous notion of outsider and insider. The former emphasizes the agentive role researchers play in knowledge production, whereas the latter has been much challenged as oversimplified and insufficient in understanding the dynamic interactions in which field researchers engage.Design/methodology/approachThe paper borrows Milner’s (2007) four-level framework of research personality to reflect on one cross-cultural narrative inquiry study.FindingsReflective stories revealed that researcher positionality captures threads of intersectionality as well as inter- and intra-personal dynamics, and thus better informs the research process than what concept of insider/outsider dichotomy can do.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper enriches the discussion of research positionality in qualitative research by involving a cross-cultural study where the researcher moved to-and-fro two sites.Practical implicationsThe paper suggests a methodological and practical way of raising researcher’s awareness and agency relative to positionality by exposing the researcher to cross-cultural settings.Originality/valueWhile the multi-dimensional aspect of researcher positionality and its relatedness to research findings has been much discussed, not much acknowledgment has been given to the developmental aspect of research positionality.
Proteolytic, lipidergic and polysaccharide molecular recognition shape innate responses to house dust mite allergens
Authors: Jacquet Alain , Robinson Clive 
Published: June 2019

AbstractHouse dust mites (HDMs) are sources of an extensive repertoire of allergens responsible for a range of allergic conditions. Technological advances have accelerated the identification of these allergens and characterized their putative roles within HDMs. Understanding their functional bioactivities is illuminating how they interact with the immune system to cause disease and how interrelations between them are essential to maximize allergic responses. Two types of allergen bioactivity, namely proteolysis and peptidolipid/lipid binding, elicit IgE and stimulate bystander responses to unrelated allergens. Much of this influence arises from Toll‐like receptor (TLR) 4 or TLR2 signalling and, in the case of protease allergens, the activation of additional pleiotropic effectors with strong disease linkage. Of related interest is the interaction of HDM allergens with common components of the house dust matrix, through either their binding to allergens or their autonomous modulation of immune receptors. Herein, we provide a contemporary view of how proteolysis, lipid‐binding activity and interactions with polysaccharides and polysaccharide molecular recognition systems coordinate the principal responses which underlie allergy. The power of the catalytically competent group 1 HDM protease allergen component is demonstrated by a review of disclosures surrounding the efficacy of novel inhibitors produced by structure‐based design.
Keeping heart homeostasis in check through the balance of iron metabolism
Authors: Vela Driton 
Published: June 2019

AbstractHighly active cardiomyocytes need iron for their metabolic activity. In physiological conditions, iron turnover is a delicate process which is dependent on global iron supply and local autonomous regulatory mechanisms. Though less is known about the autonomous regulatory mechanisms, data suggest that these mechanisms can preserve cellular iron turnover even in the presence of systemic iron disturbance. Therefore, activity of local iron protein machinery and its relationship with global iron metabolism is important to understand cardiac iron metabolism in physiological conditions and in cardiac disease. Our knowledge in this respect has helped in designing therapeutic strategies for different cardiac diseases. This review is a synthesis of our current knowledge concerning the regulation of cardiac iron metabolism. In addition, different models of cardiac iron dysmetabolism will be discussed through the examples of heart failure (cardiomyocyte iron deficiency), myocardial infarction (acute changes in cardiac iron turnover), doxorubicin‐induced cardiotoxicity (cardiomyocyte iron overload in mitochondria), thalassaemia (cardiomyocyte cytosolic and mitochondrial iron overload) and Friedreich ataxia (asymmetric cytosolic/mitochondrial cardiac iron dysmetabolism). Finally, future perspectives will be discussed in order to resolve actual gaps in knowledge, which should be helpful in finding new treatment possibilities in different cardiac diseases.
The impact of demographic factors on newborn TSH levels and congenital hypothyroidism screening
Authors: Heather Natasha L. , Derraik José G. B. , Webster Dianne , Hofman Paul L. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractContextOptimal newborn screening thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH) cut‐offs are contentious. Analysis of demographic factors that impact screen TSH levels may help explain international variance and provide guidance to screening programmes.ObjectiveTo determine the influence of demographic factors on newborn screening TSH levels and screening performance parameters.Design and SettingNational, retrospective population study using blood spot TSH cards from the New Zealand newborn screening programme in 2010‐2015.Patients325 685 blood spot cards.Main Outcome MeasuresLikelihood of exceeding specific TSH thresholds (TSH ≥5, ≥10 and ≥15 mIU/L) and group‐specific screening performance parameters.ResultsThe likelihood of high TSH levels differed between ethnic groups. Pacific Island infants were more than twice as likely to have high‐normal TSH levels (≥5 and ≥10 mIU/L) and nearly twice as likely to have a positive screen (≥15 mIU/L) as New Zealand Europeans. Māori or Chinese ethnicity, male sex, younger gestational age and greater socio‐economic deprivation scores were also associated with high‐normal TSH levels. At a TSH threshold ≥15 mIU/L, screening sensitivity was lowest (88.89% vs 95.83% overall) and PPV greatest (88.89% vs 62.84%) amongst Asian infants. Early samples were more than three times as likely to reach the screen‐positive threshold and more likely to yield a false‐positive result (PPV 20.00% vs 68.87%, P = 0.004).ConclusionsNewborn TSH levels are impacted by a number of demographic variables, particularly ethnicity and age at sample collection. Screening performance may be improved through the use of targeted thresholds.
Varicella zoster virus in solid organ transplantation: Guidelines from the American Society of Transplantation Infectious Diseases Community of Practice
Authors: Pergam Steven A. , Limaye Ajit P. ,   the AST Infectious Diseases Community of Practice
Published: June 2019

AbstractThese updated guidelines from the American Society of Transplantation Infectious Diseases Community of Practice review the diagnosis, prevention, and management of varicella zoster virus (VZV) in the pre‐ and post‐transplant period. Primary varicella is an uncommon complication post‐solid‐organ transplant (SOT), except among pediatric transplant patients and those seronegative for VZV. As the majority of SOT recipients are seropositive for VZV, herpes zoster (HZ) occurs frequently following SOT, particularly among recipients who are older (≥65 years of age) and those receiving more intensive immunosuppression. Transplant providers should aware of the increased risk for HZ‐related complications such as dissemination, organ‐specific involvement, and post‐herpetic neuralgia. Treatment for localized zoster is primarily given as oral regimens, but those with more complicated presentations or those at risk for dissemination should be treated initially with IV therapy. Available antiviral prophylaxis regimens and vaccination strategies for varicella and HZ among these immunosuppressed patients remain a mainstay for prevention in the pre‐and post‐transplant periods. Finally, we discuss important approaches to addressing post‐exposure prophylaxis and infection control practices for those SOT patients with documented VZV infections.
Outcomes of DCD kidneys recovered for transplantation with versus without pre‐mortem heparin administration
Authors: Narvaez J. Reinier F. , Noyes Katia , Nie Jing , Kayler Liise K. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractBackgroundPre‐mortem heparin administration during donation after circulatory death (DCD) organ recovery may be particularly important to improve perfusion and prevent graft thrombosis. However, pre‐mortem heparin administration is not universally practiced in the US and scarce data exist regarding its efficacy.MethodsUsing a national transplant registry data, we identified DCD kidneys recovered for transplantation from January 1, 2003, to March 10, 2017, and examined discard and outcomes after transplantation using bivariate and multivariable analyses. Organs with unknown or missing donor heparin status (n = 193), seropositive HIV (n = 10), HTLV (n = 33), hepatitis B (n = 26), or hepatitis C (n = 648) were excluded.ResultsOf 24 861 DCD kidneys recovered with (n = 22 557) or without pre‐mortem heparin administration (n = 2304), discard occurred in 19.1% and 20.8%, respectively (P = 0.05). On multivariate analysis, heparin use was not associated with discard (aOR 1.02, 95% CI 0.89‐1.17, P = 0.820). Overall graft survival of no‐heparin (n = 1791) vs heparin groups (n = 17 968) was similar on univariate and multivariate analysis (aHR 0.98, 95% CI 0.87‐1.09, P = 0.640).ConclusionDCD kidneys from donors that have not received pre‐mortem heparin administration have acceptable transplant outcomes and are not associated with discard.
Local niche differences predict genotype associations in sister taxa of desert tortoise
Authors: Inman Richard , Fotheringham A. Stewart , Franklin Janet , Esque Todd , Edwards Taylor , Nussear Kenneth 
Published: June 2019

AbstractAimsTo investigate spatial congruence between ecological niches and genotype in two allopatric species of desert tortoise that are species of conservation concern.LocationMojave and Sonoran Desert ecoregions; California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, USA.MethodsWe compare ecological niches ofGopherus agassiziiandGopherus morafkaiusing species distribution modelling (SDM) and then calibrate a pooled‐taxa distribution model to explore local differences in species–environment relationships based on the spatial residuals of the pooled‐taxa model. We use multiscale geographically weighted regression (MGWR) applied to those residuals to estimate local species–environment relationships that can vary across the landscape. We identify multivariate clusters in these local species–environment relationships and compare them against models of (a) a geographically based taxonomic designation for two sister species and (b) an environmental ecoregion designation, with respect to their ability to predict a genotype association index for these two species.ResultsWe find non‐identical niches for these species, with differences that span physiographic and vegetation niche dimensions. We find evidence for two distinct clusters of local species–environment relationships that when mapped, predict an index of genotype association for the two sister taxa better than did either the geographically based taxonomic designation or an environmental ecoregion designation.Main conclusionsExploring local species–environment relationships by coupling SDM and MGWR can benefit studies of biogeography and conservation. We find that niche separation in habitat selection conforms to genotypic differences between sister taxa of tortoise in a recent secondary contact zone. This result may inform decision making by agencies with regulatory or land management authority for the two sister taxa addressed here.
Incorporating habitat suitability into community projections: Ant responses to climate change in the Australian Wet Tropics
Authors: Nowrouzi Somayeh , Bush Alex , Harwood Tom , Staunton Kyran M. , Robson Simon K. A. , Andersen Alan N. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractAimStudies of climate change impacts on animal distributions typically consider only the direct impacts of a changing climate, under the assumption that future areas of suitable climate will otherwise remain ecologically suitable. Here we assess both the direct and indirect impacts of climate change on rain forest ant communities, where substantial shifts are projected to occur for both climate and habitat types.LocationAustralian Wet Tropics (AWT).MethodsGeneralized Dissimilarity Modelling was used to model turnover in the composition of ~300 rain forest ant species sampled at 150 sites across six mountains spanning five degrees of latitude. Ants were sampled within the leaf litter, on the litter surface and on tree trunks. By modelling the rate of turnover among sites, we determined the current effective area of similar ecological environments (SEE) for ant communities and consequently the expected change in species persistence when habitat shifts under two climate projections for the years 2035, 2055 and 2085. We compared results when SEE considered only the direct effects of a changing climate, with those when changes in habitat were also included.ResultsThe rain forest ant communities modelled will lose a substantial proportion of SEE under both climate change scenarios. Under combined direct (changes in climate) and indirect (changes in rain forest habitat) impacts of climate change, >90% of the communities in the region were predicted to lose up to half their similar habitats compared with 50%–60% when only considering direct climate change impacts. The highest risk of reduction in area of SEE is projected in drier inland areas of the AWT, where profound compositional turnover is linked to dramatic changes in rain forest vegetation, including extensive conversion into savanna.Main conclusionsOur findings emphasize the importance of incorporating habitat suitability into future projections of species turnover under a changing climate, particularly for habitats where vegetation structure is projected to undergo profound change.
U‐shaped association of vigorous physical activity with risk of metabolic syndrome in men with low lean mass, and no interaction of physical activity and serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D with metabolic syndrome risk
Authors: Yeap Bu B. , Dedic Deila , Budgeon Charley A. , Murray Kevin , Knuiman Matthew W. , Hunter Michael , Zhu Kun , Cooke Brian R. , Lim Ee M. , Mulrennan Siobhain , Walsh John P. , Green Daniel J. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractBackgroundThere is uncertainty over how lean mass, physical activity (PA) and 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25‐OH‐D) status interact on metabolic syndrome (MetS) risk in adults.AimsTo test the hypothesis that these factors additively influence MetS risk.MethodsFour thousand eight hundred and fifty‐eight adults (54.6% female) mean ± SD age 58.0 ± 5.8 years, body mass index 28.1 ± 4.8 kg/m2, resident in Busselton, Western Australia. PA assessed by questionnaire (all/total and vigorous), lean mass using dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry (% total body mass), serum 25‐OH‐D via immunoassay, analysed using multivariable logistic regression.ResultsIn men, lower total PA was associated with MetS (no vs >24 h/week odds ratio (OR) = 3.1; ≤8 vs >24 h/week OR = 1.8, both P < 0.001), as was lower lean mass (low vs high OR = 20.4; medium vs high OR = 7.4, both P < 0.001). Men with low lean mass exhibited a U‐shaped relationship of vigorous PA with MetS risk (covariate‐adjusted: 0 vs 4–8 h/week OR = 2.1, P = 0.037; >12 vs 4–8 h/week OR = 4.3, P = 0.002; interaction P = 0.039). In women, low PA (0 vs >24 h/week OR = 2.1, P = 0.003) and lean mass (low vs high OR = 13.1; medium vs high OR = 7.2, both P < 0.001) were associated with MetS risk. Low 25‐OH‐D status was associated with MetS in men (low vs high OR = 4.1; medium vs high OR = 2.3, both P < 0.001) and women (OR = 3.5 and 2.1 respectively, both P < 0.001) with no PA interaction.ConclusionsMen and women with high lean mass have low risk of MetS regardless of PA. Low lean mass identifies men who may benefit most from increasing PA, with an optimal level associated with lowest risk. 25‐OH‐D and PA do not interact on MetS risk.
Synthesis of molybdenum carbide nanoparticles using pulsed wire discharge in mixed atmosphere of kerosene and argon
Authors: Chu Ngo Minh , Hieu Nguyen Duy , Do Dung Thi Mai , Sarathi Ramanujam , Nakayama Tadachika , Suematsu Hisayuki 
Published: June 2019

AbstractPulsed wire discharge was used to prepare nanoparticles of molybdenum and its carbides from Mo wires in a gas mixture of argon and kerosene at pressures of 100, 50, and 25 kPa. The different pressures affected the carburization process and particle formation. The most effective pressure was 25 kPa, where the volume fraction of MoC was identified by Rietveld refinement of X‐ray diffraction data to be 98.4%. The particle size distribution was also obtained from transmission electron microscopy measurements, and the smallest geometric mean diameter was determined tobe 24.3 nm for the sample prepared at 25 kPa.
Organizational learning in hospitals: A realist review
Authors: Lyman Bret , Jacobs Jonathan D. , Hammond Emily L. , Gunn Margaret M. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractAimTo establish a middle‐range theory of organizational learning in hospitals.DesignA realist review of the literature, conducted according to established standards for realist and meta‐narrative evidence syntheses. Middle‐range theory development was performed according to Smith and Liehr's recommendations.Data sourcesTwo comprehensive scientific databases and six discipline‐focused databases spanning health care, life sciences, business, sociology, and psychology were searched from inception to 12 May 2016.Review methodsCitations meeting the inclusion criteria were appraised using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Data extraction was guided by a focus on the contextual factors, mechanisms, and outcomes associated with organizational learning.ResultsThe initial search yielded 2,332 citations, 147 of which were ultimately included in the review. The included citations were generally of high quality. Reviewed evidence indicates certain aspects of organizational context can be conducive to mechanisms of organizational learning, leading to a range of positive organizational outcomes.ConclusionThis review updates and expands on a previous review of the literature on organizational learning in hospitals, refines the concept of organizational learning in hospitals, and provides a middle‐range theory of organizational learning in hospitals.ImpactThis updated review provides a strong evidence base for future work on the topic of organizational learning in hospitals. The refined concept of organizational learning makes it possible to develop reliable, valid research instruments that better reflect of the full scope of organizational learning. Finally, the middle‐range theory guides researchers and clinical leaders as they advance the science and practice of organizational learning.
Pathogenesis of fulminant type 1 diabetes: Genes, viruses and the immune mechanism, and usefulness of patient‐derived induced pluripotent stem cells for future research
Authors: Hosokawa Yoshiya , Hanafusa Toshiaki , Imagawa Akihisa 
Published: June 2019

AbstractWe reviewed fulminant type 1 diabetes, a recently established subtype of type 1 diabetes, from the aspects of genes, viruses, immune mechanism and usefulness of patient‐derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). In an analysis of the pancreas of patients with fulminant type 1 diabetes, viral antigens and viral receptors were expressed in β‐cells, as well as macrophages and T lymphocytes surrounding the β‐cells. These findings suggest that the β‐cells of patients with fulminant type 1 diabetes are destroyed during an immune response against viral infection of the pancreas. Recently, fulminant type 1 diabetes was induced by treatment with anti‐programmed cell death 1 antibodies, suggesting that immune regulatory mechanisms are also involved in the onset of this disease. We generated iPSCs from patients with fulminant type 1 diabetes for the first time. We also successfully differentiated patient‐derived iPSCs into insulin‐producing cells in vitro, and produced a disease model. The proportion of cytokine‐induced apoptotic cells among insulin‐positive cells was higher in the iPSCs from patients with fulminant type 1 diabetes than in iPSCs from healthy control participants. We carried out ribonucleic acid sequencing in insulin‐producing cells differentiated from patient‐derived iPSCs, and are now attempting to identify new biomarkers for the disease.