bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploring the nexus of stakeholder management, project performance and stakeholder satisfaction in Malaysian residential building projects: a PLS-SEM approach
Authors: Abolghasemi Maryam , Al-Mhdawi M.K.S. , Rahimian Farzad , Qazi Abroon 
Published: December 2024

PurposeIn this research, the authors distributed a survey to 156 residential construction developers and 468 buyers to assess the level of perceived agreement of developers and buyers on the key indicators for measuring stakeholder management, project performance and stakeholder satisfaction. Following this, a partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) model was developed to quantitatively analyse the direct impacts of stakeholder management on both project performance and stakeholder satisfaction, and to analyse the mediating role of stakeholder satisfaction in enhancing project performance.Design/methodology/approachThis paper seeks to investigate the direct effects of stakeholder management on project performance and stakeholder satisfaction within residential construction projects, and also examine the mediating role of stakeholder satisfaction in enhancing project performance by surveying residential buildings’ developers and buyers in Malaysia.FindingsThis research found that effective stakeholder management directly improves project performance and stakeholder satisfaction within Malaysian residential construction projects. It further identified that stakeholder satisfaction significantly enhances project performance, serving as a critical mediator in the relationship between stakeholder management and project performance.Practical implicationsThis study enhances the understanding of stakeholder management, stakeholder satisfaction and project performance in the Malaysian construction industry, offering strategic insights that emphasise the importance of stakeholder-centric practices for improving project outcomes, ensuring better collaboration and fostering enhanced project performance. Integrating these insights with digital technologies like building information modelling can lead to clearer communication, more informed stakeholder engagement, and, ultimately, enhanced project efficiency and satisfaction.Originality/valueThis paper offers empirical evidence on the critical role of stakeholder management and satisfaction in enhancing project performance in Malaysia’s residential construction projects, providing novel insights into stakeholder-centric approaches that contribute to improved project outcomes.
Construction professionals’ perspectives of adaptive learning adoption: an SEM-machine learning approach
Authors: Hu Xinping , Goh Yang Miang , Tay Juliana 
Published: December 2024

PurposeThis study aims to examine the acceptance of adaptive learning (AL) amongst construction professionals in Singapore. It seeks to compare their perceptions and attitudes with those of professionals from other industries to assess the rate of AL adoption in the construction sector. Furthermore, the study aims to identify the factors influencing construction professionals’ intention to adopt AL technologies.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire survey was conducted with 188 construction professionals and 153 non-construction professionals. By employing the extended unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT2) and the general extended technology acceptance model for e-learning (GETAMEL), this study also explored factors influencing construction professionals’ behavioural intention (BI) towards AL adoption. An SEM-machine learning approach facilitated the evaluation of the factors’ influence on BI.FindingsA comparative analysis of the data found that construction professionals’ intention to use AL surpassed 75%, which had no significant difference with professionals from other industries. The findings revealed that learning value (LV) and self-efficacy (SE) were statistically significant predictors of construction professionals’ intentions to use AL. Furthermore, a supervised machine learning analysis identified performance expectancy (PE) as a crucial factor in predicting these intentions.Research limitations/implicationsThe study’s focus on self-reported intentions and a specific demographic limits its generalisability; further research should examine actual usage across diverse cultures.Practical implicationsThe results offered insights into construction professionals’ perceptions and attitudes towards AL adoption, guiding the integration of AL into construction professional development.Originality/valueThis paper addresses a recognised gap by examining construction professionals’ perceptions and attitudes towards adopting AL.
Teacher perceptions about the reputation of technical and vocational education and training in Ghana
Authors: Owusu-Agyeman Yaw , Brenya Boahemaa , Kwapong Olivia Adwoa Tiwaah Frimpong , Abrefa-Gyan Tina 
Published: December 2024

PurposeThis study examines the perceptions of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) teachers about the factors that influence the reputation of TVET in Ghana.Design/methodology/approachQuantitative and qualitative data were collected from 680 TVET teachers in Ghana using a survey instrument that included an open-ended section that required participants to provide written comments. The quantitative data gathered were analysed by way of the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP), while the written narratives of participants were evaluated using thematic analysis. The quantitative and qualitative data analysed were subsequently integrated using a four-stage pillar integration process (PIP), which included listing, matching, checking and pillar building.FindingsThe findings show that TVET teachers’ perceptions regarding the factors influencing the reputation of TVET in Ghana include investment in infrastructure and learning resources; collaboration between TVET institutions and industries; public perceptions of TVET prospects; occupational standards; testing and certification; pedagogical approaches; students’ academic coping abilities; gender and equity considerations and labour market information requirements. Furthermore, state policies regarding student access, funding models, curriculum reform, investment in TVET teacher education and professional development as well as the remuneration, motivation and working conditions of TVET teachers, significantly influence the reputation of TVET in Ghana.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the scholarly discourse on the reputation of TVET and how the sector could be improved to attract more learners who can contribute meaningfully to the development of Ghana. The findings illustrate how human capital theory and the concept of reputation in its expansive form, which includes social factors, culture, time and space, are jointly linked to skills development, employability, and public acceptance of TVET. To address the issues concerning the reputation of TVET, this study recommends, among others, that issues concerning student access, gender and equity and collaborations between TVET institutions and industry should be improved.
Evaluation of theoretical models for anisotropic effective thermal conductivity in continuous fiber-reinforced thermoplastic laminates
Authors: Gayton James T , Lapp Justin Lawrence 
Published: December 2024

Purpose
Continuous fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composites are a class of materials highly valuable for structural applications and modeling of heat transfer within them is critical to the design of their processing methods. However, the fiber reinforcement leads to highly anisotropic thermal conduction. Among a variety of methods to account for anisotropic thermal conductivity, continuum models with effective media approximation thermal conductivity are computationally efficient and require minimal data to begin modeling a specific composite material. The purpose of this study is to evalute the utility of these models.

Design/methodology/approach
In this work, six potential effective media approximation models are evaluated against experimental heating data. Thick (>25 mm) glass fiber-reinforced polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PET-G) specimens with 40% fiber volume fraction were heated with embedded resistance heating to produce validation and testing data sets. A two-dimensional finite-difference solver was implemented using each of the six effective media approximation models. The accuracy of each model is compared.

Findings
The model developed by Cheng and Vachon was found to predict the experimental results most accurately. Fit statistics were similar in the testing and validation data sets. This model is recommended for simulation of transient heating in continuous fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composites with low-to-moderate fiber volume fractions.

Originality/value
There are a wide variety of mathematical models for effective media approximation thermal conductivity, though very few have been applied to continuous fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composites. This work shows that the simplest methods based on rules of mixtures are well outperformed by more modern and complex models, and should be incorporated for accurate prediction of heating during thermal processing of fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composites.
Stakeholders' perception on sustainability indicators for urban heritage sites in Kuala Lumpur and George Town, Malaysia
Authors: Cho Ken Ying , Kusumo Camelia , Tan Keith Kay Hin , Rasoolimanesh S. Mostafa 
Published: December 2024

PurposeTo manage heritage cities for locals' needs, a contextualized indicator to measure the sustainability of urban heritage is needed because it is often neglected. This study aims to identify the stakeholders’ perceptions on sustainability indicators of urban heritage sites in Kuala Lumpur and George Town, Malaysia.Design/methodology/approachThis study applied a qualitative method by interviewing stakeholders (governmental, experts and communities) who are involved in urban heritage sites. A thematic analysis is used to group the data patterns into themes.FindingsThe existing site management and attention to heritage conservation are varied for both sites. The discussions of the stakeholders on the practicality of indicators, challenges in using indicators and suggestions to improve indicators monitoring provided a richness of concerns for monitoring the sustainability of urban heritage sites in the future. Thus, it is concluded that indicators cannot be generalized and require adaptation to diverse cultural contexts.Research limitations/implicationsPerceptions from local stakeholders can raise concerns when developing indicators in the future. However, this study is only related to two locations with a limited sample size. Deeper conversations or surveys are necessary to identify the criteria for sustaining heritage sites.Originality/valueThis paper reveals the importance of communities’ inclusiveness and their voices for a good urban heritage management policy. Subsequently, it supports the fulfillment towards Sustainable Development Goal 11.4 that highlights the protection of cultural and natural heritage.
How sensory marketing affects perceived service quality and customer satisfaction: study in Vietnam public hospitals
Authors: Tran Viet An , Tran Que Nhi , Doan Ha My , La Gia Long , Vu Tien Duc , Pham Thi Huyen 
Published: December 2024

PurposeThis article aims to assess the impact of factors affecting the senses (via Sensory Marketing theory) on customer perceived quality and satisfaction when using health services in public hospitals. Based on the results, the research proposes solutions for public hospitals to improve the service experience to increase customer satisfaction in Vietnam generally and in developing countries particularly.Design/methodology/approachThe authors used 619 respondents’ non-convenient probability sampling method, focusing on objects experienced with public hospital services in Vietnam. A preliminary quantitative study (n = 113) and qualitative research (n = 20) have been conducted to finalise the designed questionnaire before conducting a formal quantitative survey. Cronbach Alpha, CFA and SEM have been used to explore the meanings of the data collected.FindingsThe result showed that through Sensory Marketing, sensorial stimulus (tactile, sight, smell and taste) significantly impacts customer satisfaction with medical services at the public hospital. Research findings are the premise to conclude that the application of the Sensory Marketing model creates a great sensory experience, and minimises negative psychological feelings in the medical, especially in a prioritised personalisation society.Practical implicationsThe authors open up a new health service quality and satisfaction assessment tool based on the original human senses that were previously applied in researching other services, it has been proven to be successfully applied to specific service areas such as healthcare. This research is believed to provide valuable implications for medical service stakeholders and policymakers to improve service quality and enhance the customer experience and satisfaction level through sensorial approaches, strategies and tactics.Originality/valueWhile most studies on customer satisfaction in the medical field use SERVQUAL, SERVPERF or KQCAH model, this study breaks the research gap by not only affirming and strengthening the research perspective on Sensory Marketing but also contributing to creating a solid theoretical framework on perceived service quality and satisfaction.
Wedge Politics: The Japanese Factor in Germany's Asian Policy, 1895–1914
Authors: OVERLACK PETER 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThis article examines Imperial Germany's East Asian aims within the framework of Weltpolitik (world policy) and political‐diplomatic activity centred around Japan before the First World War. Archival sources clearly record Germany's attempts to neutralise Japan's alliance with Britain to attain its world‐political goals. Attempts to woo Japan even after the outbreak of the First World War aimed to achieve a separate peace arrangement to break Entente unity, prepare the way for a separate peace with Russia and weaken Britain's global strategic position. Germany's Asian strategies become clear within the framework of Eurocentric issues, as well as the need to counteract increasing American presence in Asia. Policy was characterised throughout by a public wooing of Japan and secret attempts to weaken its position and to manipulate the United States in this process. The absence of a consistent and coherent policy meant that by 1914, it was impossible for Germany to achieve any long‐term success in Asia.
Allometric Constraint Predominates Over the Acoustic Adaptation Hypothesis in a Radiation of Neotropical Treefrogs
Authors: Escalona Moisés , Simões Pedro Ivo , Gonzalez‐Voyer Alejandro , Mendoza‐Henao Angela M. , Mello Bezerra Andressa De , Pinheiro Paulo D. P. , Morales Belén , Guayasamin Juan M. , Carvalho Thiago , Chaparro Juan C. , De la Riva Ignacio , Rojas‐Runjaic Fernando J. M. , Rivera‐Correa Mauricio , Kok Philippe J. R. , Peloso Pedro , Nakamura Daniel Yudi Miyahara , Maneyro Raúl , Castroviejo‐Fisher Santiago 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTMale frogs emit stereotypical advertisement calls to attract mates and deter conspecific rivals. The evolution of these calls is thought to be linked to anatomical constraints and the acoustic characteristics of their surroundings. The acoustic adaptation hypothesis (AAH) posits that species evolve calls that maximize propagation distance and reduce signal degradation in the environment where they are emitted. We applied phylogenetic comparative analyses to study the association of body size, vegetation density, type of aquatic ecosystem, and calling site on the evolution of acoustic traits in Cophomantini, a large radiation of Neotropical treefrogs (Hylidae). We obtained and analyzed body size, acoustic, and habitat data from a total of 112 species (58% of Cophomantini), using the most inclusive available phylogeny. We found a significant negative correlation between peak frequency, body size, and calling site, but contrary to the predictions of the AAH, we did not find support for associations among call traits and environmental characteristics. Although spectral allometry is explained by an anatomical constraint, it could also be maintained by female choice. We recommend that future studies strive to incorporate factors such as female mate preferences, eavesdropping by predators or parasites, and genetic drift.
Appendage Sizes in Three Rodent Species are Affected Indirectly by Climate Factors via Their Effects on Body Size
Authors: Li Ke , Sommer Stefan , Guo Yongwang , Ozgul Arpat , Wang Deng 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTIn mammals, temporal and spatial variation in appendage sizes within and among species may be driven by variations in ambient temperature and allometric scaling. Here, we use two decades of morphological data on three rodent species distributed across vast latitudinal gradients in China to estimate temporal and spatial trends of tail, hind‐foot, and ear lengths. Further, we test 14 climate variables to identify the critical drivers of these trends and use structural equation modeling (SEM) to analyze whether the effects of climate variables on the appendage lengths are direct or indirect, via effects on body length. Relative to body length, and in contradiction to Allen's rule, all appendage lengths remained unchanged over time and across space. By contrast, absolute appendage lengths increased in one species (Apodemus agrarius) over time and in two species (A. agrarius and Rattus norvegicus) across space; and most of the appendage lengths in the two species were associated with annual mean minimum temperature in the year preceding capture (PreAnnMinTemp). The SEM results suggest that PreAnnMinTemp affected absolute appendage lengths indirectly through body length. In addition, except for tail length in two species and both hind‐foot and ear length in one species, absolute appendage lengths scaled allometrically with body length. These results suggest that the distinct temperature–appendage‐length patterns among and within species arise from species‐specific temperature sensitivities and appendage‐specific ontogenetic rates and functions.
The Effects of Environmental Policy Stringency on Firms' Performances: Focusing on Korean Manufacturing Industry
Authors: Lee Jinhee , Song Cheol Jong 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTThis study analysed how stringent environmental policy affects firms' performances in Korean manufacturing. The environmental policy stringency index published by the OECD was used as the main explanatory variable. As for the firms' performances variables, real total cost, real total sales and real EBIT were used, which capture the impact‐response‐outcome of environmental policies, respectively. By and large environmental policy stringency had a negative effect. Environmental policy stringency also had a more delayed effect on EBIT than on cost and sales. In addition, firms responded differently to the cost increase by firms' characteristics such as size and financial soundness.
Recent Cutting‐Edge Designing Strategies for Mtb‐DHFR Inhibitors as Antitubercular Agents
Authors: Sonawane Nitin Govind , Thakur Amrita , Pillai Anil Kumar Sasidharan , Sharma Ajay , Gunjal Amol Pandurang , Sharma Kalicharan 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTTuberculosis (TB) is an obstinate and infectious disease requiring a relatively longer treatment duration than other bacterial infections. The current treatment regime is prolonged and cumbersome, with adverse effects, often leading to nonadherence. The upsurge in TB's multidrug‐resistant and extensively drug‐resistant strains with evolved resistance to existing drugs has compounded the problems. The last two decades witnessed unprecedented progress in developing TB drugs with better efficacy and reduced toxicity. Of late, inhibitors targeting the dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) enzyme were being explored and developed as antitubercular drugs. A plethora of diverse molecular cores, such as pteridines, diamino heterocycles, diamino triazoles, and nontraditional cores, were developed recently as Mtb‐DHFR targets. Besides the characteristic binding pockets of Mtb‐DHFR, an extended hydrophilic binding pocket was also studied for intermolecular interactions with the designed compounds to assess the enzyme specificity. In this study, prominent DHFR inhibitors developed in the last two decades were reported. Key features of the designed compounds, such as the structural similarities with existing pharmacophores, interactions with binding pockets, enzyme selectivity and specificity, and percentage of inhibition, were evaluated. The authors hope the study will help streamline the pharmacological pipeline of Mtb‐DHFR inhibitors and bring the investigators one step closer to success.
An overview of drug‐induced sodium channel blockade and changes in cardiac conduction: Implications for drug safety
Authors: Chaudhary Khuram W. , Clancy Colleen E. , Yang Pei‐Chi , Pierson Jennifer B. , Goldin Alan L. , Koerner John E. , Wisialowski Todd A. , Valentin Jean‐Pierre , Imredy John P. , Lagrutta Armando , Authier Simon , Kleiman Robert , Sager Philip T. , Hoffmann Peter , Pugsley Michael K. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe human voltage‐gated sodium channel Nav1.5 (hNav1.5/SCN5A) plays a critical role in the initiation and propagation of action potentials in cardiac myocytes, and its modulation by various drugs has significant implications for cardiac safety. Drug‐dependent block of Nav1.5 current (INa) can lead to significant alterations in cardiac electrophysiology, potentially resulting in conduction slowing and an increased risk of proarrhythmic events. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the mechanisms by which various pharmacological agents interact with Nav1.5, focusing on the molecular determinants of drug binding and the resultant electrophysiological effects. We discuss the structural features of Nav1.5 that influence drug affinity and specificity. Special attention is given to the concept of state‐dependent block, where drug binding is influenced by the conformational state of the channel, and its relevance to therapeutic efficacy and safety. The review also examines the clinical implications of INa block, highlighting case studies of drugs that have been associated with adverse cardiac events, and how the Vaughan‐Williams Classification system has been employed to qualify “unsafe” sodium channel block. Furthermore, we explore the methodologies currently used to assess INa block in nonclinical and clinical settings, with the hope of providing a weight of evidence approach including in silico modeling, in vitro electrophysiological assays and in vivo cardiac safety studies for mitigating proarrhythmic risk early in drug discovery. This review underscores the importance of understanding Nav1.5 pharmacology in the context of drug development and cardiac risk assessment.