bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Environmental impact assessment of CPEC: a way forward for sustainable development
Authors: Khalid Iram , Ahmad Tooba , Ullah Sami 
Published: December 2021

Purpose
Human-induced changes in climate have affected the environment to the extent that any more economic development at the cost of the environment will be too costly. Thus, sustainable development options posing no additional harm to the environment are the only viable option. This study aims to examine the likely environmental impacts of infrastructural developments through the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Design/methodology/approach
There is a scarcity of academic debate and discussion on the environmental impact of CPEC developments in laws and policies on the environment. The qualitative approach is followed in this study and official documents and reports are used to investigate the environmental challenges posed by CPEC.

Findings
The findings show three possible environmental concerns which could increase the climate change vulnerability of Pakistan. The coal-fired power plants are the most prominent threat based on their CO2 contributions and smog. Second, cutting more than 54,000 trees for roads infrastructure will increase CO2 concentration along the CPEC route. Third, increasing vehicle trafficking by up to 7,000 trucks per day on Karakorum Highway alone will release 36.5 million tons of additional CO2.

Originality/value
It is essential to rethink the environmental cost of CPEC. The study suggests economic and legal cooperation between Pakistan and China as a way forward to deal with climate change issues. Environmental laws should be a vital part of CPEC projects to ensure their safety, security and sustainability.
Memetics as informational difference: offering an information-centric conception of memes
Authors: Smith Alexander O. , Hemsley Jeff 
Published: December 2021

PurposeInformation scientists may find value in studying cultural information evolution and information diffusion through memetics. Information studies in memetics have often found datafication in memetics research difficult. Meanwhile, current memetic scholarship elsewhere is abundant in data due to their focus on Internet artifacts. This paper offers a way to close the datafication gap for information researchers by associating information data with “differences” between memetic documents.Design/methodology/approachThis work offers a joint theory and methodology invested in information-oriented memetics. This methodology of differences is developed from a content analysis of difference on a collection of images with visual similarities.FindingsThe authors find that this kind of analysis provides a heuristic method for quantitatively bounding where one meme ends and another begins. The authors also find that this approach helps describe the dynamics of memetic media in such a way that the authors can datafy information or cultural evolution more clearly.Originality/valueHere the authors offer an approach for studying cultural information evolution through the study of memes. In doing so, the authors forward a methodology of difference which leverages content analysis in order to outline how it functions practically. The authors propose a quantitative methodology to assess differences between versions of document contents in order to examine what a particular meme is. The authors also move toward showing the information structure which defines a meme.
Product differentiation and populistic entry strategies in a mortgage market with Bertrand competition
Authors: Borgersen Trond Arne 
Published: December 2021

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyse the interaction between a profit maximising mortgagor and a newcomer to a mortgage market with Bertrand competition where the newcomer has a populistic entry strategy and undercuts mortgage market rates. The intention of the paper is to relate the populistic entry strategy to mortgage market characteristics and the strategic market position of both the established mortgagor and the newcomer in question.Design/methodology/approachThe paper analyses a mortgage market by combining the behaviour of a profit maximising mortgagor with that of a newcomer to the mortgage market which has a populistic entry strategy and does not maximise profits. The short-run market solution provides comparative statics on the strategic market position of both the established mortgagor and the newcomer to the mortgage market during the entry phase both related to product differentiation and to price mirroring and undercutting of mortgage rates.FindingsThe model finds a mortgage market solution where a lower mortgage rate helps the newcomer gain a customer base. As the newcomer's strategy to mirror prices makes it unable to pass-through funding cost to its mortgage rate, the strategy is unsustainable over time. The established mortgagor has a strategically beneficial position as the mortgage market rates only relate to its funding cost. Unless the newcomer has a funding cost advantage, the established mortgagor has a higher interest rate margin. Differentiation impacts the newcomers’ interest rate margin positively. If the newcomer lacks a funding cost advantage, there is a critical mirroring rate that ensures it a higher interest rate margin. The higher the newcomers’ own funding cost, the higher is the upper bound for price mirroring, relating market entry to a small undercutting of mortgage rates and a mortgage market with weak competition. The funding cost of the established mortgagor pulls pricing in the opposite direction, allowing for a lower mirroring rate and tougher mortgage market competition during entry.Originality/valueThe paper aims to contribute to the understanding of market equilibrium in the absence of profit maximising behaviour. Framing a mortgage market in terms of a duopoly where a newcomer enters with a populistic entry strategy offering a lower mortgage rate and a mortgage product with a different loan-to-value (LTV) ratio, a novel mortgage market case comes about. The populistic entry strategy produces an augmented reaction curve, crucial for the mortgage market rates.
Effects of connected and autonomous vehicle merging behavior on mainline human-driven vehicle
Authors: Yue Lishengsa , Abdel-Aty Mohamed , Wang Zijin 
Published: December 2021

Purpose
This study aims to evaluate the influence of connected and autonomous vehicle (CAV) merging algorithms on the driver behavior of human-driven vehicles on the mainline.

Design/methodology/approach
Previous studies designed their merging algorithms mostly based on either the simulation or the restricted field testing, which lacks consideration of realistic driving behaviors in the merging scenario. This study developed a multi-driver simulator system to embed realistic driving behavior in the validation of merging algorithms.

Findings
Four types of CAV merging algorithms were evaluated regarding their influences on driving safety and driving comfort of the mainline vehicle platoon. The results revealed significant variation of the algorithm influences. Specifically, the results show that the reference-trajectory-based merging algorithm may outperform the social-psychology-based merging algorithm which only considers the ramp vehicles.

Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first time to evaluate a CAV control algorithm considering realistic driver interactions rather than by the simulation. To achieve the research purpose, a novel multi-driver driving simulator was developed, which enables multi-drivers to simultaneously interact with each other during a virtual driving test. The results are expected to have practical implications for further improvement of the CAV merging algorithm.
Design, simulation and optimisation of lattice structures for remote control aeroplane
Authors: Laporte Théo 
Published: December 2021

PurposeThus, in this work the goal is to design, simulate and optimise a holder of a brushless motor in lattice structure to get the best performance in terms of mechanical strength, vibration absorption and lightness.Design/methodology/approachNowadays, most manufacturers and designers' goal are to sell efficient products in mass to keep up or outrun competition. Medical, aeronautical, automobile and civil engineering sectors produce complex parts and products that encompasses multiple properties such as lightweight, energy absorbance, vibration reduction and stress resistant. Studies found that lattice structures are more and more useful in these fields since their characteristics satisfy complex behaviour.FindingsThe study's outcome suggests that the use of lattice structure reduces 60% of the actual motor holder mass while keeping the strength of the material, meeting initial specifications.Research limitations/implicationsThe Ram capacity of the PC.Practical implicationsLight materials for aerospace engineering elongate the range of the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to an extra range of flight.Social implicationsSituation awareness of the country border using surveillance drone and minimising the consumption of fuel.Originality/valueThe research allowed reducing 60% the actual holder mass.
Research on risk management of medical and health care integration projects based on fuzzy WINGS-G1
Authors: Zhang Yu , Xu Lan 
Published: December 2021

PurposeThis study establishes a risk management system for medical and health care integration projects to address the problem of high-risk potential and a strong correlation between risk factors.Design/methodology/approachA new fuzzy WINGS-G1 model for identifying key risk factors in medical and health care integration projects is proposed by introducing the fuzzy theory and the concept of risk incidence into the Weighted Influence Non-linear Gauge System (WINGS) method.FindingsThe authors analyze the fluidity of project risk factors through complex networks to control direct risks and cut off risk transmission paths to provide a reference for risk control and prevention of medical and health care integration projects.Originality/value(1) The integration of fuzzy theory into the WINGS method solves the problem of strong subjectivity of expert scoring in the traditional WINGS method; (2) By the different probabilities of risk factors, the concept of risk incidence is introduced in the WINGS model, which is more conducive to the identification of the critical risk factors and the rational allocation and utilization of organizational resources; (3) The use of the complex network for risk interactivity analysis fully reflects the dynamic nature of risk factors in medical and health care integration projects.
The use of electronic learning centres in public libraries in the city of Johannesburg, South Africa
Authors: Mbambo Sifiso Michael , Jiyane Glenrose Velile , Zungu Nkosingiphile Mbusozayo 
Published: December 2021

Purpose
This study aimed to establish the use of electronic learning centres in public libraries in the city of Johannesburg, which is under one of the biggest metropolitan municipalities in South Africa.

Design/methodology/approach
A quantitative research approach was adopted, and questionnaires were used to collect primary data. The target population for this study was the entire users of the electronic learning centres and librarians in the public libraries within the city of Johannesburg.

Findings
The findings of this study revealed that there are different services, levels of awareness and training.

Research limitations/implications
This study was limited to public libraries in the city of Johannesburg. Academic, special and mobile libraries were not included in this study because they were not open to the general public. Users who were not using the electronic learning centres were excluded from this study.

Practical implications
Adequate use and awareness of services of electronic learning centres in public libraries are instrumental in the satisfaction of users’ needs using the electronic learning centres. The suggestions of this study will be useful to decision makers and heads of the electronic learning centres on how to enhance the use of the electronic learning centres in the city of Johannesburg.

Originality/value
This paper establishes the use of electronic learning centres in public libraries in the city of Johannesburg, which is under one of the biggest metropolitan municipalities in South Africa.
Psychological contract breach moderates job satisfaction–citizenship behaviour relationship
Authors: Koomson Samuel 
Published: December 2021

PurposeThis study finds out if a satisfied physician will show citizenship behaviour (OCB) in a work environment where psychological contract breach (PCB) exist.Design/methodology/approachQuantitative data from 214 physicians across 26 health-care units were analysed. Research philosophy was positivism, research design was explanatory and study design was cross-sectional. Preliminary tests were conducted. Reflective measurement and structural models were examined. PLS algorithm tool and bootstrapping procedure were utilised. Control variables were sex, age, employment type and tenure. A significant level was set at 5%. Smart PLS 2.0M.3 software was employed.FindingsThe scientist found support for a significant moderating effect of PCB on the nexus between job satisfaction (JST) and OCB, such that PCB demoralised a satisfied physician in showing OCB. In contrast, a fulfilled psychological contract motivated satisfied physicians to exhibit OCB.Practical implicationsPCB, if not addressed, may lead satisfied physicians to show low OCB, which has devastating effects for health-care organisations and their patients. Creating balanced, fulfilled and harmonious relationship within physicians will transform the workplace into a more meaningful and purposeful atmosphere.Originality/valueThis study offers empirical health-care literature on the moderating effect of PCB, a psychosocial stressor, on the direct relationship between JST and OCB, integrating and lengthening the social exchange theory, resource-based theory and activation theory.
Building opportunity – Boyes Group realty incorporated
Authors: Lane Brian , Klassen Brooke 
Published: December 2021

Research methodology
The case was written based on personal interviews with Jordan Boyes.

Case overview/synopsis
Boyes Group, a private real estate brokerage in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, had been growing rapidly. Company founder Jordan Boyes needed to determine where to continue expanding. Saskatoon held great potential in home building, and he wondered if this would be a direction for his company. His real estate reputation was excellent, but he wondered if building homes would jeopardize his current relationships with local builders. He wanted to move fast, to avoid giving up market share to his competitors.

Complexity academic level
This case was designed for undergraduate and graduate classes in strategy.
High‐quality data from a forensically relevant single‐cell pipeline enabled by low PBS and proteinase K concentrations
Authors: Sheth Nidhi , Duffy Ken R. , Grgicak Catherine M. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractInterpreting forensic DNA signal is arduous since the total intensity is a cacophony of signal from noise, artifact, and allele from an unknown number of contributors (NOC). An alternate to traditional bulk‐processing pipelines is a single‐cell one, where the sample is collected, and each cell is sequestered resulting in n single‐source, single‐cell EPGs (scEPG) that must be interpreted using applicable strategies. As with all forensic DNA interpretation strategies, high quality electropherograms are required; thus, to enhance the credibility of single‐cell forensics, it is necessary to produce an efficient direct‐to‐PCR treatment that is compatible with prevailing downstream laboratory processes.We incorporated the semi‐automated micro‐fluidic DEPArray™ technology into the single‐cell laboratory and optimized its implementation by testing the effects of four laboratory treatments on single‐cell profiles. We focused on testing effects of phosphate buffer saline (PBS) since it is an important reagent that mitigates cell rupture but is also a PCR inhibitor. Specifically, we explored the effect of decreasing PBS concentrations on five electropherogram‐quality metrics from 241 leukocytes: profile drop‐out, allele drop‐out, allele peak heights, peak height ratios, and scEPG sloping. In an effort to improve reagent use, we also assessed two concentrations of proteinase K. The results indicate that decreasing PBS concentrations to 0.5X or 0.25X improves scEPG quality, while modest modifications to proteinase K concentrations did not significantly impact it. We, therefore, conclude that a lower than recommended proteinase K concentration coupled with a lower than recommended PBS concentration results in enhanced scEPGs within the semi‐automated single‐cell pipeline.
Seed size affects rodent–seed interaction consistently across plant species but not within species: evidence from a seed tracking experiment of 41 tree species
Authors: CHEN Si , FENG Li , WANG Bo 
Published: December 2021

AbstractScatter‐hoarding rodents play a crucial role in seed survival and seed dispersal. As one of the most important seed traits, seed size and its effect on rodent–seed interaction attract lots of attention. Current studies usually target one or a few species and show inconsistent patterns; however, few experiments include a large number of species although many plant species usually coexist in natural forest and overlap in fruiting time. Here, we tracked the dispersal and predation of 26 100 seeds belonging to 41 tree species in a subtropical forest for 2 years. Most species showed no relationships between seed size and rodent foraging preference, while the remaining species displayed diverse of patterns: monotonic decrease and increase trends, and hump‐shaped and U‐shaped patterns, indicating that a one‐off study with a few species might give misleading information. However, the seed size effect across species was consistent in both years, indicating that including a large number of species that hold a sufficient range of seed size may avoid the aforementioned bias. Interestingly, seed size effect differed among rodent foraging processes: a negative effect on seed harvest, a hump‐shaped effect on seed removal and removal distance, while a positive effect on overwinter survival of cached seeds, indicating that rodents may make trade‐offs between large and small seeds both among foraging processes and within a single process, thus lead to a parabolic relationship between seed size and seed dispersal success, that is medium‐sized seeds were more likely to be removed and cached, and transported with a further distance.
Pharmacological prevention of post‐operative pancreatitis: systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials on animal studies
Authors: Cecire Jack , Adams Kristian , Pham Helen , Pang Tony , Burnett David 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundPostoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) remains a significant complication of pancreatic resection with recent evidence showing a strong association between post‐operative pancreatitis and subsequent development of POPF. Incidence and severity of pancreatitis following endoscopic therapy has been effectively reduced with indomethacin prophylaxis, however further agents require evaluation. We present a systematic literature review and meta‐analysis of the prophylactic treatment with corticosteroids or n‐acetyl cysteine (NAC) of induced pancreatitis in rodent models.MethodsA systematic literature search was conducted using Pubmed, Medline, Embase and Cochrane library to identify eligible randomized control trials (RCT) involving animal models that examined NAC or corticosteroids. The primary outcome was the subsequent effect on serum amylase and IL‐6 and the histopathological markers of severity such as pancreatic oedema and necrosis.ResultsFour RCTs (n = 178) met inclusion criteria examining NAC and eight RCTs (n = 546) examining corticosteroid agents (dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, methylprednisolone). Prophylactic administration of all corticosteroid agents showed a net effect in favour of reducing markers of severity of pancreatitis. NAC showed a significant reduction in severity of amylase and necrosis.ConclusionThe RCTs examined suggest that prophylactic administration of corticosteroid agents and NAC can reduce the severity of pancreatitis as indicated by histopathologic markers, serum amylase and IL‐6 levels.
FZD10‐targeted α‐radioimmunotherapy with 225Ac‐labeled OTSA101 achieves complete remission in a synovial sarcoma model
Authors: Sudo Hitomi , Tsuji Atsushi B. , Sugyo Aya , Harada Yosuke , Nagayama Satoshi , Katagiri Toyomasa , Nakamura Yusuke , Higashi Tatsuya 
Published: December 2021

AbstractSynovial sarcomas are rare tumors arising in adolescents and young adults. The prognosis for advanced disease is poor, with an overall survival of 12‐18 months. Frizzled homolog 10 (FZD10) is overexpressed in most synovial sarcomas, making it a promising therapeutic target. The results of a phase 1 trial of β‐radioimmunotherapy (RIT) with the 90Y‐labeled anti‐FZD10 antibody OTSA101 revealed a need for improved efficacy. The present study evaluated the potential of α‐RIT with OTSA101 labeled with the α‐emitter 225Ac. Competitive inhibition and cell binding assays showed that specific binding of 225Ac‐labeled OTSA101 to SYO‐1 synovial sarcoma cells was comparable to that of the imaging agent 111In‐labeled OTSA101. Biodistribution studies showed high uptake in SYO‐1 tumors and low uptake in normal organs, except for blood. Dosimetric studies showed that the biologically effective dose (BED) of 225Ac‐labeled OTSA101 for tumors was 7.8 Bd higher than that of 90Y‐labeled OTSA101. 90Y‐ and 225Ac‐labeled OTSA101 decreased tumor volume and prolonged survival. 225Ac‐labeled OTSA101 achieved a complete response in 60% of mice, and no recurrence was observed. 225Ac‐labeled OTSA101 induced a larger amount of necrosis and apoptosis than 90Y‐labeled OTSA101, although the cell proliferation decrease was comparable. The BED for normal organs and tissues was tolerable; no treatment‐related mortality or obvious toxicity, except for temporary body weight loss, was observed. 225Ac‐labeled OTSA101 provided a high BED for tumors and achieved a 60% complete response in the synovial sarcoma mouse model SYO‐1. RIT with 225Ac‐labeled OTSA101 is a promising therapeutic option for synovial sarcoma.