bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Supercritical fluid extrusion of pea flour and pea protein concentrate: Effects on functional and structural attributes
Authors: Hosseini Abdul Fateh , Iqbal Aamir , Rizvi Syed S. H.
Published: December 2024

This research investigated the effectiveness of supercritical fluid extrusion (SCFX) to modify the functional and structural characteristics of pea protein concentrate (PPC) and pea flour (PF). The results indicate that the SCFX process favorably modified the hydration properties of PPC and PF needed for developments in the structural and textural qualities of the meat analogs and other similar products. The water‐holding capacity of extruded PPC and PF improved significantly. The SCFX‐extruded samples showed greater emulsifying activity and stability index compared to the unextruded samples. The reduced solubility of the extruded samples indicates changes in the native protein structure and further denaturation due to the SCFX process. Denaturation is a prerequisite for protein texturization to produce meat analogs. Enhanced exposure of sulfhydryl (SH) groups indicates the favorable modification of the protein structure after extrusion. Free SH groups participate in covalent intramolecular disulfide linkages during the solidification process, enhancing the fibrous degree and formation of anisotropic structures. Additionally, the increase in surface hydrophobicity observed in the extruded samples demonstrates the ability of the SCFX process to enhance hydrophobic interactions among protein molecules, resulting in a stronger network formation. Overall, these findings showed the potential of SCFX processing as an innovative technique to effectively modify the structural and functional properties of PPC and PF, thereby enhancing their potential utility in creating novel food products from pea proteins.
Bacterial Communities From Two Freshwater Aquaculture Systems in Northern Germany
Authors: Clols‐Fuentes Júlia , Nguinkal Julien A. , Unger Patrick , Kreikemeyer Bernd , Palm Harry W.
Published: December 2024

The microbial communities in aquaculture systems are primarily affected by changes in water quality, fish metabolism, feeding strategies and fish disease prevention treatments. Monitoring changes in aquatic microbiomes related to aquaculture activities is necessary to improve management strategies and reduce the environmental impact of aquaculture water discharge. This study assessed the effects of activities within two fish farms on water microbiome composition by analysing the water entering and leaving both systems. Additionally, pathogenic bacterial species associated with common fish diseases were identified. The abundance, diversity and identity of microorganisms were evaluated using 16S rRNA hypervariable gene region amplicon sequencing. Proteobacteria (38.2%) and Bacteroidetes (31.3%) were the most abundant phyla in all water samples. Changes in microbiome composition after passage through the fish tanks were observed in several taxa, such as Nitrospirae, Chloroflexi, Deferribacteres and Cyanobacteria. Flavobacterium sp. and Pseudomonas sp. were the predominant potential pathogens and heterotrophic bacteria detected in both farms. Several chemolithotrophic bacteria and archaea were found in the natural reservoir used for aquaculture activities, while water microbiomes in the aquaculture systems were generally dominated by heterotrophic organisms.
A bibliometric analysis of root canal irrigation: From laboratory to clinical practice
Authors: Deng Yudi , Zhang Jinglan , Wang Xinran , Yang Lei , He Qiang , Huang Dingming , Tan Xuelian
Published: December 2024

The study aims to conduct a bibliometric analysis on root canal irrigation to elucidate the development of this domain and pose the future research trends. Of 6722 articles retrieved from Clarivate Analytics' Web of Science Core Collection and PubMed, 6650 publications were included for bibliometric analysis. Irrigation field had received emerging attention for the last half century, peaking at 399 in 2022. The United States was revealed as the most influential contributor, with Journal of Endodontics representing the most voluminous resource. Franklin R Tay was regarded as the most productive author, while Siqueira, Jose. F. was the most prominent. Both keywords cluster analysis and burst analysis revealed the main research branch fields were irrigation protocols. Within this branch, the discussion of irrigants (with a frequency of 1135) ranked first. This bibliometric study revealed the research hotspot of irrigants, while suggesting the future directions of irrigants' creations and micro‐level mechanism elucidation.
Regulation of lipid storage and inflammation in the liver by CEACAM1
Authors: Najjar Sonia M. , Shively John E.
Published: December 2024

This review focuses on a special aspect of hepatic lipid storage and inflammation that occurs during nutritional excess in obesity. Mounting evidence supports that prolonged excess fatty acid (FA) uptake in the liver is strongly associated with hepatic lipid storage and inflammation and that the two processes are closely linked by a homeostatic mechanism. There is also strong evidence that bacterial lipids may enter the gut by a common mechanism with lipid absorption and that there is a set point to determine when their uptake triggers an inflammatory response in the liver. In fact, the progression from high uptake of FAs in the liver resulting in Metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) to the development of the more serious Metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatohepatitis (MASH) depends on the degree of inflammation and its progression from an acute to a chronic state. Thus, MASLD/MASH implicates both excess fatty acids and progressive inflammation in the aetiology of liver disease. We start the discussion by introduction of CD36, a major player in FA and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) uptake in the duodenum, liver and adipose tissue. We will then introduce CEACAM1, a major player in the regulation of hepatic de novo lipogenesis and the inflammatory response in the liver, and its dual association with CD36 in enterocytes and hepatocytes. We conclude that CEACAM1 and CD36 together regulate lipid droplet formation and inflammation in the liver.
The role of CEACAMs in neutrophil function
Authors: Skubitz Keith M.
Published: December 2024

Background

In addition to the long‐known antibacterial actions of neutrophils, neutrophils are recognized to have a variety of other effects and are functionally diverse. Neutrophils can either stimulate or inhibit B cells and T cells, regulate NK development and activity, augment or direct the resolution of inflammation, act as myeloid‐derived suppressor cells, modulate tumour growth and metastasis and trigger autoimmune diseases. CEACAMs 1, 3, 6 and 8 are expressed on human neutrophils.

Methods

A literature review was performed on the role of CEACAMs in neutrophil function.

Results

CEACAMs 1, 6 and 8 can be upregulated from intracellular stores, while CEACAM3, an opsonin‐independent phagocytic receptor, is constitutively expressed. CEACAM1 has an intracellular ITIM motif and an ITSM motif, and CEACAM3 has an ITAM‐like motif; CEACAMs 6 and 8 are glycosylphosphatidylinositol‐linked. CEACAM8 can also be released in a soluble form. These CEACAMs can interact with multiple other host CEACAMs as well as other molecules on bacteria, fungi and host cells, both transmitting and receiving signals. Known CEACAM‐binding pathogens bind the CFG face of the N domain which is also important in CEACAM‐CEACAM binding, although the ABDE face also appears to be involved in higher‐order oligomers.

Conclusions

Understanding the exact role of each individual CEACAM in human neutrophils is complicated by the fact that the neutrophil CEACAMs can interact with multiple ligands. The data demonstrates some of the many roles of CEACAMs in neutrophil function and the extensive role of the neutrophil in human biology beyond its classical role as a short‐lived phagocyte.
Mechanism and function of CEACAM1 splice isoforms
Authors: Dery Kenneth J. , Najjar Sonia M. , Beauchemin Nicole , Shively John E. , Kupiec‐Weglinski Jerzy W.
Published: December 2024

Background

Alternative splicing is a fundamental mechanism in the post‐transcriptional regulation of genes. The multifunctional transmembrane glycoprotein receptor carcinoembryonic antigen‐related cell adhesion molecule 1 (CEACAM1) undergoes extensive alternative splicing to allow for tunable functions in cell signalling, adhesion and modulation of immune and metabolic responses. Splice isoforms that differ in their ectodomain and short or long cytoplasmic tail (CEACAM1‐S/CEACAM1‐L) have distinct functional roles. The mechanisms that regulate CEACAM1 RNA splicing remain elusive.

Methods

This narrative review summarizes the current knowledge of the mechanism and function of CEACAM1 splice isoforms. Historical perspectives address the biological significance of the glycosylated Ig domains, the variable exon 7, and phosphorylation events that dictate its signal transduction pathways. The use of small antisense molecules to target mis‐spliced variable exon 7 is discussed.

Results

The Ig variable‐like N domain mediates cell adhesion and immune checkpoint inhibitory functions. Gly and Tyr residues in the transmembrane (TM) domain are essential for dimerization. Calmodulin, Calcium/Calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II delta (CamK2D), Actin and Annexin A2 are binding partners of CEACAM1‐S. Homology studies of the muCEACAM1‐S and huCEACAM1‐S TM predict differences in their signal transduction pathways. Hypoxia‐inducible factor 1‐α (HIF‐1‐α) induces alternative splicing to produce CEACAM1‐S under limited oxygen conditions. Antisense small molecules directed to exon 7 may correct faulty expression of the short and long cytoplasmic tail splicing isoforms.

Conclusion

More pre‐clinical and clinical studies are needed to elucidate the precise mechanisms by which CEACAM1 RNA splicing may be exploited to develop targeted interventions towards novel therapeutic strategies.
Evolution of CEACAM pathogen decoy receptors in primates
Authors: Zimmermann Wolfgang , Kammerer Robert
Published: December 2024

Background

CEACAM1 in leukocytes controls cell activation during inflammation. This and its expression in epithelial cells led to frequent independent appropriation of CEACAM1 as receptor by pathogens in humans and other species to gain host access and to downregulate its immune response. As a countermeasure, decoy receptors with CEACAM1‐like pathogen‐binding domains evolved. The granulocyte‐specific human CEACAM3 endocytic receptor diverts CEACAM1‐binding pathogens to neutrophils for internalization and destruction. The role of the glycosylphosphatidylinositol‐anchored CEACAM5 and CEACAM6 which can also bind CEACAM1‐targeting pathogens in humans is less clear.

Methods

We analyzed the selection of CEACAMs to avoid pathogen binding and to maintain similarity between pathogen receptors and decoy receptors in 148 primate species.

Results

Notably, functional CEACAM3 genes were not found in gibbons and New World monkeys. Interestingly, CEACAM6 in these primates exhibits similar high ratios of rates of nonsynonymous and synonymous substitution (dN/dS) in their pathogen‐binding N domain exons as found for CEACAM1. High dN/dS ratios are indicative of selection for diversification typically seen in pathogen receptors. Human CEACAM6 is expressed on granulocytes and epithelial cells. Therefore, CEACAM6 could substitute for the missing endocytic receptor CEACAM3. In nearly all investigated primate groups also N exons of the epithelially expressed CEACAM5 exhibit selection for diversification. In African populations, five high‐frequency polymorphisms are observed in the pathogen‐binding region of CEACAM5 (I80V, V83A, I100T, I112V, I113T) with 3‐4 polymorphisms combined in the same individual. These polymorphisms correspond to CEACAM1 pathogen‐binding domain sequences.

Conclusion

The glycosylphosphatidylinositol‐anchored CEACAM5 and CEACAM6 are under selection to maintain similarity to the pathogen receptor CEACAM1 in most primate species, indicating a function as decoy receptors.
Integration of Morphology‐Based and Molecular Techniques to Study the Most Significant Diatom Order (Thalassiosirales) of Phytoplankton in the River Danube
Authors: Ács Éva , Korponai János László , Kiss Keve Tihamér , Bíró Tibor , Duleba Mónika , Grigorszky István , Szekeres József , Vadkerti Edit , Somlyai Imre
Published: December 2024

Metabarcoding is a rapidly developing field for studying aquatic life and provides a promising alternative to microscopy. However, accurate assessments require that database errors and species boundaries be addressed, yet the use of only a short gene sequences in metabarcoding, may be insufficient for accurate species identification. This study examines the potential of metabarcoding in replacing traditional microscopic methods in planktic diatom identification.

Phytoplankton samples were collected monthly from May 2021 to April 2022 at 13 sites on the Hungarian section of the River Danube. Environmental variables were measured, and electron microscopy and metabarcoding analyses were conducted.

Both morphological and DNA analysis methods were used to study the Thalassiosirales order. Although there was some overlap in the taxa identified by both methods, there were also discrepancies, with certain taxa detected exclusively by one method. P‐distance analysis and BLAST search were used to correct misidentifications, revealing mismatches between database sequences and observed species.

Phytoplankton community exhibited varying temperature and nutrients optima and tolerance ranges, which influenced their distribution patterns. During spring, diatoms—particularly Thalassiosirales—dominated the phytoplankton, with proportions decreasing in summer. Algal biomass in the Danube was highest in March, decreasing sharply by the end of summer and remaining low until the end of the growing season, the decrease relating to changes in the TN:TP ratio, which was very low in the warm water period (mostly below 10), leading to nitrogen limitation.

Discrepancies between bioinformatic analysis and SEM observations revealed errors in the reference database. Our results clarify the functional group (FG) classification, which is important for both ecological status assessment and understanding of ecosystem functioning.

Temperature is one of the most fundamental drivers of microbial nitrogen dynamics in rivers. Global warming is driving up the average temperature of the Danube, creating more favourable conditions for denitrification since the speed of microbial processes is higher in warm water. The increasingly common nitrogen limitation could potentially limit algal growth.

Environmental factors, especially temperature and nutrient concentrations, significantly influenced the Danube's phytoplankton communities, with implications for ecosystem health and water quality assessment. Integrated approaches combining molecular techniques with traditional morphological analysis are needed for comprehensive ecological assessments, but accurate species identification and ecological status assessment require completeness in reference databases and the correction of database errors.
Submerged Macrophytes Can Maintain Stable Dominance Over Free‐Floating Competitors Through High pH
Authors: Szabó Sándor , Fedor Noémi , Koleszár Gergő , Braun Mihály , Korponai János , Kočić Aleksandra , Hilt Sabine , Oláh Viktor
Published: December 2024

Submerged and free‐floating macrophytes are the two main vegetation types that can alternatively dominate in small shallow ponds and ditches. Submerged macrophytes provide more aquatic ecosystem services and cause fewer problems with anoxia and greenhouse gas emissions than free‐floating plants, but are inferior competitors for light. High pH values have been proposed as a contributor to submerged plant dominance, but threshold values for pH‐induced growth reduction of floating plants by submerged macrophytes are not known.

In this study, we conducted laboratory experiments to test whether submerged plants (Ceratophyllum demersum) can effectively limit the growth of free‐floating competitors (Lemna gibba) by exceeding a critical threshold pH value. We used field data to test if and when such pH values can be achieved within dense submerged macrophyte stands.

The pH values that caused 50% reduction in fresh weight‐ and chlorophyll‐based growth of L. gibba were 9.6 and 9.8, respectively, and the growth was negligible above pH 10.0. The photochemical efficiency of photosystem II and chlorophyll content of the floating plants declined rapidly above pH 9 and 9.5, respectively. Similarly, phosphorus concentration decreased and dry matter content increased sharply in L. gibba fronds above pH 9.5, respectively. We thus expect a critical pH threshold for L. gibba at around 9.5.

Our mesocosm and field data show that the critical pH threshold for L. gibba growth is regularly exceeded within dense stands of bicarbonate‐using submerged macrophytes in lentic water‐bodies. Such conditions can be prevalent in the upper water layer during most of the day (12 h) in summer.

The literature showed that many duckweed species (and other common free‐floating plants) in temperate and tropical water bodies show growth inhibition above pH 8. Therefore, high pH created by submerged macrophytes that use HCO3− in photosynthesis can be a major mechanism by which dominance over free‐floating competitors is maintained in densely vegetated lentic eutrophic water bodies. We propose that alternative stable states occur between free‐floating and submerged macrophytes along a pH gradient. Active management of pH may, thus, help in maintaining the desired state.
Antitumor effects and immune‐mediated adverse events of durvalumab plus tremelimumab treatment for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Ito Takanori , Shimose Shigeo , Tani Joji , Tomonari Tetsu , Saeki Issei , Takeuchi Yasuto , Hatanaka Takeshi , Sasaki Kyo , Kakizaki Satoru , Kanayama Yuki , Yoshioka Naoki , Naito Takehito , Takeuchi Mamiko , Yasunaka Tetsuya , Sakata Masahiro , Iwamoto Hideki , Itano Satoshi , Shirono Tomotake , Tanabe Norikazu , Yamamoto Takafumi , Naganuma Atsushi , Nishina Sohji , Otsuka Motoyuki , Takami Taro , Takayama Tetsuji , Kawaguchi Takumi , Kawashima Hiroki ,   Hepatology InVestigator Experts in Japan (HIVE‐J) Study Group
Published: December 2024

Aim

Durvalumab plus tremelimumab (Dur/Tre) is a first‐line systemic treatment option for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (uHCC). However, the management of severe immune‐mediated adverse events (imAEs) is challenging. Therefore, we investigated the relationship between severe imAEs and antitumor responses in patients with uHCC treated with Dur/Tre.

Methods

We included 157 patients with uHCC treated with Dur/Tre in this multicenter, retrospective study and analyzed the relationship between progression‐free survival (PFS)/antitumor response and severe imAEs requiring high‐dose corticosteroid treatment.

Results

Thirty‐two patients (20.4%) developed severe imAEs, including enterocolitis/diarrhea (n = 10), liver injury (n = 9), interstitial lung disease (n = 5), rashes (n = 4), cytokine‐release syndrome/fever (n = 2), pancreatitis (n = 2), and others (n = 4) (median follow‐up period, 6.8 months). Infliximab was administered in six patients with steroid‐refractory enterocolitis. Although the objective response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR) were significantly higher with first‐line therapy than with later‐line therapy (p = 0.026), the frequency of severe imAEs was not significantly different (p = 0.221). The ORR and DCR in patients with and without severe imAEs were 15.6% and 17.6% and 65.6% and 47.2%, respectively, with no significant differences. Five patients with severe imAEs, including rashes and liver injury, showed objective responses (partial response + complete response). Among patients who achieved an objective response, the PFS at 10 months was good (100% and 70.3% with and without high‐dose corticosteroids, respectively).

Conclusions

Severe imAEs of Dur/Tre treatment requiring high‐dose corticosteroid treatment did not affect antitumor efficacy, which differed depending on the type of imAEs. Therefore, appropriately managing imAEs is essential to guide sequential treatment.
Investment Performance of Local Government Shop Properties in Oke-Ogun Area, Oyo State, Nigeria: Implication for Sustainable Development
Authors: Okunlola Johnson , Oyedele Joseph Bamidele , Afolayan Ayodeji Fisayo
Published: December 2024

Local Government property seems to be among the least utilized and optimized resources, this is because the properties owned by the local government are perceived to be free items. The study examined the performance and the drivers of the performance of Local Government (LG) shop properties in Oke-Ogun, Oyo State, Nigeria, to provide information that could enhance the performance of public property for achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 8 - sustainable economic growth & SDG 11 - sustainable cities and communities). Primary data was used for the study which was collected from two groups of respondents (227 property occupiers and 16 property managers who are local government employees). The study adopted a multistage sampling procedure, and the data obtained were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The study covers ten (10) years (2013-2022), encompassing both before and after the recession. The study revealed that the Local Government properties performed with a positive total rate of return of 0.64%, which could be better. It further found that the average rental value for the LG shop properties is N2,714 while the leading drivers of performance are income, occupiers' satisfaction and service delivery. The study therefore recommends improved management of public properties due to low average rental value and low return on investment. This will affect the LG's attempt to contribute her quota financially to reach UN SDGs 8 & 11. It also recommends that the Department of Estate and Valuation of each local government should employ professionally registered Estate Surveyors and Valuers for improved management of public properties and better performance for achieving Sustainable Development Goals.
A Review of Benefits and Risks of Outsourcing Building Operation and Maintenance
Authors: Zaharudin Nur Zafirah , Abdullah @ Mohd Asmoni Mat Naim , Yusoff Nurul Syakima
Published: December 2024

Over the past few years, there has been a growing trend and high demand for outsourcing as a procurement strategy in the field of building operations and maintenance. Successful outsourcing can bring numerous advantages to organisations, encompassing a wide range of benefits. However, if outsourcing fails, there are substantial risks that organisations may face. The objective of this paper is to analyse the current literature concerning the advantages and disadvantages of outsourcing building operations and maintenance. Additionally, it aims to compile the findings and identify any potential research gaps in the existing body of knowledge. A comprehensive search through a systematic review of the literature was conducted across numerous journals. Key terms derived from the initial literature review are used first to categorise whether the studies address outsourcing benefits, risks, motivations, or issues. The benefits and risks of outsourcing building operations and maintenance construct were then identified using content analysis methodology and an inductive coding technique. Through a methodological and well-organised approach, this paper offers an extensive collection of previously recognised benefits and risks of outsourcing building operations and maintenance. The findings of this paper indicate several expected benefits of outsourcing building operation and maintenance, including cost savings, a focus on core functions, quality improvement, reduced capital expenditure, increased economic efficiency, and greater flexibility. This paper also classifies the risk of outsourcing building operations and maintenance into five risk factors: client risk, vendor risk, contract risk, communication or relationship risk, and general risk. The result reveals that a well-executed outsourcing strategy assists organisations in effectively managing their building operations and maintenance tasks.
Study on the Design Quality Indicators for Building Evaluation of Taiwan Campus
Authors: Lin Han-Fei , Juan Yi-Kai
Published: December 2024

Campus buildings play a crucial role in education. Designing campus buildings in Taiwan to meet high-quality standards is crucial due to the frequent seismic activity and the evolving requirements of modern education. Architects often rely on past experiences and regulations, which may only partially meet user needs, leading to suboptimal designs. This study examines the application of the Design Quality Indicator (DQI) framework to evaluate and enhance the design quality of campus buildings. We reviewed literature and cases to compile suitable DQI metrics, and then conducted the survey to assess various dimensions, including functionality, build quality, and impact. We also collaborated with property management experts to evaluate 60 campus buildings. The results indicate that teaching and dormitory buildings generally achieve higher levels of user satisfaction and operational efficiency. Conversely, administrative buildings show deficiencies in accessibility and innovation. Key issues identified include inadequate indoor environmental quality and insufficient adaptability to future needs. Recommendations for improvement focus on addressing these low-scoring areas through better design integration, flexible layouts, and sustainable technologies. This study highlights the need for continuous evaluation and adaptation in the design of campus buildings to meet the evolving requirements of the educational sector and ensure safety in earthquake-prone regions. Future research could explore the performance of buildings post-occupancy evaluation to assess the potential of incorporating DQI early in the design process, providing valuable insights for the field.
Transforming Construction Risk Management through Digital Tools: A Case Study from Ghana
Authors: Mustapha Zakari , Benjamin Biahene Akomah  , Thomas Abilgah  , Chris K. Tieru
Published: December 2024

The construction industry increasingly recognises digital tools' transformative potential in managing and mitigating risks. Like many developing countries, Ghana's construction industry has various risks, including health and safety hazards, technological failures, and supply chain disruptions. These risks can lead to project delays, cost overruns, and safety incidents. While digital tools offer a promising avenue for mitigating these risks, their adoption and impact in Ghana remain under-researched. This study investigates the potential of digital tools in mitigating construction risks in Ghana, focusing on the perceptions and experiences of construction professionals in the Cape Coast region. A purposive sample of 78 construction professionals in Cape Coast, including project managers, site engineers, and safety officers, was surveyed using a close-ended online questionnaire. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and the Relative Importance Index (RII) to rank the significance of various factors and benefits using Microsoft Excel and Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software. The study identified "health and safety risks" and "technological failures" as the most critical concerns for construction professionals. Using digital tools was perceived as highly influential in completing projects on time and within budget. Improved regulatory compliance and productivity were identified as the most significant benefits of digital tools, while improved worksite safety, though acknowledged, ranked lower in priority. The findings underscore the potential of digital tools to revolutionise construction risk management in Ghana and the need for greater awareness and education regarding the safety-enhancing capabilities of these tools. It is recommended that stakeholders invest in digital solutions, prioritise training programs, and consider cost-effective options suitable for the Ghanaian context. Future research could expand the geographical scope and include more diverse perspectives to refine further and implement digital risk management strategies in the construction sector.
An Assessment of the Market Performance of Commercial and Residential Property Investments in Lekki, Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Ugwuejim Stephen Chibuike , Otegbulu Austin Chike
Published: December 2024

The housing deficit issue in Lagos is creating investment opportunities for prospective investors to profit from in prime zones. Still, some investments are executed by investors with the assumption that their location or remitted rents validate their investment soundness. The purpose of this research was to assess the market performance of commercial and residential property investments in Lekki, Lagos, Nigeria with the target of directing sound investment decision-making amongst investors. Its objectives include; the examination of the drivers of demand for the two classes of property investment, the determination of the user demand hierarchy of the investment classes, the observation of factors that determine the market performance of the investment classes and the measurement of market performance of the investment classes in the study area. The Survey Research Design was adopted, while the sample selection was via Krejcie and Morgan’s technique. A total of 108 questionnaires were distributed across registered professional firms within Lekki. A total of 78 questionnaires were retrieved and a 72.23% response rate was achieved. Holding Period Return (HPR), Coefficient of Variation, Standard Deviation and Geometric Mean Return were employed in data analysis. It was discovered that the major driver of demand for commercial property investment in each zone of the Lekki axis is its business hub status, while the drivers for its residential counterpart are; Phase 1 (Prestige), Ikate (State of the economy) and Ikota (Level of infrastructure). The findings reveal that within Lekki, Ikota (11.4 & 9.63) had a better market performance of residential and commercial property investments compared to Ikate (10.87 & 9.16) and Phase 1 (10.08 & 9.04) in terms of their average holding period return and time weighted rate of return. The study recommended the consideration of the Ikota and Ikate axis for future residential and commercial investments by potential investors.
Exploring the Knowledge Structure and Development of ESG in Real Estate: A Bibliometric Approach
Authors: Wang Fengchen , Pang Yu
Published: December 2024

ESG, which denotes Environmental, Social, and Governance, constitutes a vital factor that affects the business operations and outcomes of various sectors and industries across the globe. The real estate industry is experiencing a rapid transformation that necessitates the incorporation of ESG into its fundamental practices and values. On the one hand, ESG enables real estate players to align their strategies and operations with global market developments and norms. On the other hand, ESG responds to the expectations and preferences of all the stakeholders, who are increasingly concerned about long-term sustainability. However, the existing literature has not yet established ESG in real estate as a holistic and stand-alone industry and research framework. Many studies have examined the environmental (E) factors, but the definitions of the social (S) and governance (G) factors remain unclear and are often mixed with corporate social responsibility (CSR). This study proposes ESG as a novel and holistic research framework for the real estate industry and conducts a bibliometric analysis of 28 bibliographic metadata retrieved from Scopus and the Web of Science following the PRISMA workflow. Clarifying the knowledge structure of ESG in real estate-related literature, this analysis presents the development trends and opportunities for future research from five perspectives: 1) overall development trend of scientific publications; 2) country performance; 3) world collaborative networks; 4) theoretical fundamentals (cited references and citations); and 5) thematic analysis.
An Examination of the Influence of Housing Attributes on Residential Property Rental Value in South-western Nigeria Using the Hedonic Pricing Model
Authors: Odebode Adedayo Ayodeji , Oladimeji Dare Emmanuel , Ogunbayo Oyeronke Toyin
Published: December 2024

This study adopts the hedonic pricing model to examine the influence of housing attributes on residential property rental value in south-western, Nigeria. This is to provide information on the housing attributes that could increase residential property rental values based on the current market situation. The study used primary data and employed quantitative data analysis. The data obtained were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The study revealed the significant factors that influence rental value across different residential property types in south-western Nigeria. The paper is significant because it provides the necessary information on the influence of housing attributes in the study area. Hence, it enhances increasing knowledge in profitability, which could shape both local and foreign investors' investment decisions.
Factors Influencing Compliance with Physical Planning Regulations in Gated Communities of Ibadan Municipality, Nigeria
Authors: Afolabi Henry , Ben Omotayo Olugbamila , Badiora Adewumi
Published: December 2024

Recently, there has been an upsurge in problems of non-compliances with physical planning regulations in gated communities in Ibadan. This study examines factors influencing compliance with physical planning regulations in gated communities of Ibadan Municipality, Nigeria. Multistage sampling technique was employed in selecting 268 buildings from 23 gated communities in the five (5) local government areas (LGAs) of Ibadan Municipality. Findings revealed that effectiveness of administrative practice was the highest predictor of residents’ compliance with physical planning regulations in the study area. Next to this is the residents’ socioeconomic characteristics as a significant relationship was established between marital status (χ2 = 0.630; p ≤ 0.05), residents’ income (F = 2.286; p = 0.104 < 0.05) and level of awareness of development control regulations. The study concluded that different factors influence residents’ compliance with development control regulations at varying degrees. Therefore, there is the need to enhance these factors to positively improve residents’ level of awareness of development control regulations and further influence their compliance with planning regulations in the study area.
Antropomorfisme dalam Lagu Dikir Barat Berunsurkan Haiwan: Analisis Tahap Kefahaman Para Pendengar
Authors: Suhaimi Mohamad Suhaizi , Mohd Razali Muhammad Auzraie
Published: December 2024

Lagu merupakan gubahan seni nada atau suara disertakan dengan muzik yang mempunyai kesatuan dan kesinambungan. Pada sesebuah lagu terdapat penulisan lirik yang bersifat tersurat atau tersirat. Pada lirik lagu, terdapat beberapa unsur yang boleh diselitkan, antaranya ialah unsur Antropomorfisme yang sering kali dijumpai dalam lirik lagu dikir barat. Hal ini demikian kerana, penggunaan unsur antropomorfisme dalam lirik lagu dikir barat membuatkan para pendengar kurang memahami maksud sebenar yang ingin disampaikan oleh penulis lirik. Justeru, kajian ini memfokuskan antropomorfisme dalam lagu dikir barat yang berunsurkan haiwan seperti kambing, ketam, tikus, ular dan kucing. Objektif kajian ini adalah mengenal pasti elemen antropomorfisme berunsurkan haiwan dalam lagu dikir barat berserta menganalisis kefahaman para pendengar lagu dikir barat terhadap elemen antropomorfisme. Reka bentuk kajian ini ialah berbentuk kualitatif dengan menggunakan kaedah kepustakaan, temu bual spontan dan edaran borang soal selidik. Dapatan bagi kajian ini ialah responden memberi jawapan bahawa kefahaman mereka memperoleh penilaian pengkaji pada tahap yang tinggi iaitu majoriti memahami akan makna di sebalik lirik lagu tesebut. Kajian ini diharapkan dapat memberi impak yang positif dan menjadi rujukan kajian lanjutan.
 
The song is a composition of art involving sound or voice accompanied by music that has unity and continuity. Within a song, there are lyrics that can be either explicit or implicit. In the lyrics, several elements can be included, one of which is anthropomorphism, frequently found in the lyrics of dikir barat songs. This is because the use of anthropomorphism in dikir barat lyrics can lead listeners to have difficulty understanding the true meaning intended by the lyricist. Therefore, this study focuses on anthropomorphism in dikir barat songs featuring animals such as goats, crabs, rats, snakes, and cats. The objective of this study is to identify the elements of animal-related anthropomorphism in dikir barat songs and to analyze listeners' understanding of these elements. The study design is qualitative, employing literature review, spontaneous interviews, and distribution of questionnaires. The findings indicate that respondents report a high level of understanding, with the majority grasping the meaning behind the lyrics. This study is hoped to have a positive impact and serve as a reference for further research.
A Case Study of Teacher’s Questioning in Chinese College EFL Classrooms
Authors: Yin Yue , Abdul Samat Norhanim
Published: December 2024

Reviews from prior research indicated that in EFL classrooms, teachers have a tendency to favor lower-level questions over higher-level ones. Therefore, this case study primarily aims to examine the types of questions proposed by Chinese college EFL teachers and the impact of teacher’s questioning techniques on the cultivation and engagement of students’ higher-order thinking skills. The current qualitative study utilized classroom observations to collect data regarding teacher’s questioning. The data collected from class observations were anlyzed using content analysis both in quantitative and qualitative way. The results of this study indicated that the participating teachers posed a higher percentage of lower-level cognitive questions than higher-level ones. The study also revealed weaknesses in the responding teachers’ questioning skills that could foster students’ higher order thinking. The findings are attributed to a lack of professional knowledge of HOTS instruction and the rigid curricula. Furthermore, future studies should focus on how to integrate higher-cognitive questions into Chinese college EFL classrooms.
Intersemiotic Complementarity in Tourism Promotional Video About Qingdao
Authors: Jiao Yanwei , Hassan Hanita
Published: December 2024

As an important coastal tourist city in China, Qingdao has a pleasant climate, a combination of Chinese and Western cultures, and rich tourism resources. To promote Qingdao as a tourist destination, tourism organizations in Qingdao have launched a series of promotional videos through the Internet, TV and other media, which have become important media for people to know Qingdao. As a multimodal discourse for conveying tourism information, tourism promotional videos integrate sound, text, image and other symbolic resources to establish the city’s destination image. This study aims to investigate the relationship between the verbal and visual modes of the tourism promotional video About Qingdao on YouTube in a multimodal discourse analysis approach to acknowledge how verbal and visual modes work together to construct meanings. The study employs a qualitative research design, and specifically employed Royce’s Intersemiotic Complementarity Framework to analyze the relationship between the verbal texts and visual images of the promotional video About Qingdao. The verbal texts were extracted through NVIVO, and the visual images were obtained via the video editing application Adobe Premiere Pro. The verbal and visual data were analyzed through NVIVO 12 by encoding the participants, processes and circumstances of the clauses and images. The study found that the frequently used ideational intersemiotic relation between visual and verbal modes are repetition and hyponymy. The complementarity of the two modes portrays the positive destination image of Qingdao, thereby publicizing the attractiveness of Qingdao.
Shaping Scholars Across Borders: The Journey of Chinese Doctoral Students in Malaysia
Authors: Lu Xixi , Habil Hadina
Published: December 2024

There has been a surge in the number of individuals from China undertaking their doctoral studies in Malaysia. However, it is complicated to cultivate international doctoral students in an intercultural environment. Current research has been widely conducted to explore the experiences and qualities of international doctoral learning, but there is little attention paid to the transformation of the intercultural academic identity of the students. This study takes a perspective of acculturation theory to examine how Chinese international doctoral students reconstruct their academic identity in a new environment in Malaysia to complete their research goals. A qualitative semi-structured interview method was adopted to gain an in-depth perception, and 8 Chinese doctoral students in a Malaysian research-intensive university were interviewed. Themes are analyzed by using the software ATLAS.ti 24, and intercultural communication competence (ICC), intercultural supervision, and learning community influence the academic identity construction. Moreover, ICC is the core element, from which other relevant factors can play a more effective role in intercultural academic identity transformation. This research forms a model of how international doctoral students’ academic identity can be functionally constructed. Furthermore, it has implications for international students to improve their overall learning experiences and ultimately complete their PhD successfully.
A Case Study of Malaysian Radio Announcers’ Code-Switching
Authors: Ramba Mathilda , Abu Bakar Farhana
Published: December 2024

This study explores the code-switching patterns among Malaysian radio announcers, particularly the respective types and functions, focusing on bilingual radio announcers from Malaysia radio stations. Despite the frequency of code-switching studies in Malaysia, limited studies have focused on the use of code-switching in the context of broadcast media. The study draws on qualitative approach with a case study design to explore the code-switching patterns among Malaysian radio announcers. Data were collected from the respective online radio platforms, Hitz FM and Mix FM, where the instances of code-switching were transcribed. Utilising the typology of code-switching by Poplack (1980), the research identifies tag switching as the most prevalent form of code-switching, followed by intra-sentential switching with a preference for Malay nouns. By incorporating the theory of conversational functions of code-switching by Gumperz (1977), it was revealed that Malaysian radio announcers mainly use code-switching for interjections, followed by qualifying messages, reiteration, and quotation. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that emphasising the role of code-switching as a communication strategy is important for catering to a diverse audience.
Perceptions of Kindergarten EFL Teachers towards Teaching Pronunciation to Chinese Learners
Authors: Shen Yizi , Lee Sze Seau , Amini Mansour , Lee Kam-Fong
Published: December 2024

The involvement of China with global organizations and institutions has raised the significance of English as a subject in Chinese schools. Although kindergarten English education plays a key role in the development of children’s language learning, there is limited research on English teaching in kindergartens in China, particularly in the essential skill of pronunciation. In this article, we approach this gap in knowledge by examining the perceptions of Chinese EFL teachers towards teaching pronunciation in kindergartens. The research involved a mixed-methods research design with a sequential explanatory design which collected data through a survey of 108 participants that was followed by in-depth individual interviews with five participants. The findings from the analysis of descriptive statistics and thematic analysis indicated that while Chinese EFL teachers in kindergartens perceive the teaching of English pronunciation as important, the teachers face many challenges in the teaching process and require more purposeful training. It is hoped that the findings can provide some insights to stakeholders in kindergarten English education in China and EFL contexts that face similar challenges.
The infinite Dyson Brownian motion with β=2$\beta =2$ does not have a spectral gap
Authors: Suzuki Kohei
Published: December 2024

We prove that the Dirichlet forms associated with the unlabelled infinite Dyson Brownian motion with the inverse temperature do not have a spectral gap.
The structure and density of k$k$‐product‐free sets in the free semigroup and group
Authors: Illingworth Freddie , Michel Lukas , Scott Alex
Published: December 2024

The free semigroup on a finite alphabet is the set of all finite words with letters from equipped with the operation of concatenation. A subset of is ‐product‐free if no element of can be obtained by concatenating words from , and strongly ‐product‐free if no element of is a (non‐trivial) concatenation of at most words from . We prove that a ‐product‐free subset of has upper Banach density at most , where . We also determine the structure of the extremal ‐product‐free subsets for all ; a special case of this proves a conjecture of Leader, Letzter, Narayanan, and Walters. We further determine the structure of all strongly ‐product‐free sets with maximum density. Finally, we prove that ‐product‐free subsets of the free group have upper Banach density at most , which confirms a conjecture of Ortega, Rué, and Serra.
Syntactic transfer and Russian influence in Veps
Authors: Grünthal Riho
Published: December 2024

The current article examines Russian influence on Veps in the light of morphosyntactic change, morphological borrowing and the adoption of new categories. Spoken language has traditionally played a dominating role in the development of Veps and involved extensive variation. Conceivably, there is plenty of both dialectal and idiosyncratic variation in the adoption of Russian characteristics. Actual language contact is based on the intertwining of inherited and borrowed features, and multiple ways of adapting foreign patterns in morphological and syntactic rules. Consequently, the parallel use of Veps and Russian vocabulary and grammar has increased non-Finnic features in Veps.

In the current article prefixal verbs are analysed in more detail by a cross-analysis of verbal morphology in Veps and Russian. The borrowing of Russian verbal prefixes in Veps shows that, in principle, lexically ruled grammatical patterns are more easily borrowed than categories that influence morphological paradigms.
The syntax of the Permic languages during the totalitarian regime in the Soviet Union
Authors: Edygarova Svetlana
Published: December 2024

In this article, I investigate how the syntax of the Permic languages, Udmurt and Komi, looked during the totalitarian regime in the Soviet Union in the 1930s. In particular, I compare the Udmurt and Komi translations of the Russian text Speech of Comrade J. V. Stalin, published in December 1937. The main research framework of the article is studies on the language of Soviet Communism, also known as Newspeak, e.g. Thom (1989), Sériot (1985, 1986), and Young (1992). These studies claim that the Russian language of Soviet communism was characterized by heavy syntax, nominalization and elimination of verbs. In this article, I demonstrate how translations of Russian Newspeak into Komi and Udmurt changed the syntax of these languages, particularly in the Komi and Udmurt media of the 1930s. The article shows that the Permiс languages were modified for ideological propaganda purposes by mixing them with the Russian language. I also show how the syntax of the Udmurt and Komi languages affected the accuracy of translations.