bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Regression analysis of the influence of demographic characteristics using risk management practices within South African small and medium construction enterprises
Authors: Yembi Renault Berenger , Agumba Justus Ngala , Ansary Nazeem 
Published: February 2021

PurposeDemographics are perceived to influence risk management practices (RMPs) in construction. However, empirical evidence supporting this perception is lacking in the South African Construction Industry (SACI), especially within small and medium enterprises (SMEs). This study, therefore, aims to investigate the influence of demographic characteristics on RMPs.Design/methodology/approachThis study followed a positivist research philosophy, using a questionnaire survey for data collection. In total, 225 questionnaires were distributed, of which 187 were returned from conveniently sampled respondents, which included owners and senior managers of construction SMEs organizations in Gauteng province in South Africa (SA). In total, 181 questionnaires were usable, yielding a response rate of 80.44%. Data from the survey were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics i.e. multiple regression analysis (MRA). The outputs were represented using percent and regression coefficients values, respectively.FindingsIn total, 42 practices were established from the literature review and grouped into 9 major RMPs. The data analysis suggested that understanding the organizational environment, defining objectives, resource requirements, risk measurement, risk identification, risk assessment, risk response and action planning, communication and monitoring and review are reliable and valid practices. Findings from MRA established that demographic characteristics i.e. experience in the construction industry (CI), education level and the number of employees in the organization are not good predictors to determine the use of RMPs.Research limitations/implicationsThe study was limited to the data acquired from the SACI and to a lesser extent, construction SMEs in Gauteng. Therefore, the findings cannot be generalized to all SMEs in SA. Though neighboring and developing countries can use the RMPs identified in this study, the results cannot be directly used in developed countries without adequate substantiation.Practical implicationsThe current study provides useful information to assist construction organizations to pay more attention to risk management implementation. The RMPs established in this paper are reliable and valid in projects undertaken by SMEs, and therefore, may be used by top management and/or the risk task team of these enterprises for effective project risk management.Originality/valueThe study presents findings of an investigation of the influence of demographics on RMPs from the perspectives of construction SMEs, an area less explored. This work advances knowledge of RMPs in the SME sector. It, therefore, adds value to researchers and industry practitioners on the theme where no agreement has been attained relating to key factors and practices that should constitute a risk management model.
COVID-19: spreading possibilities of human–animal–human and preventive measures
Authors: Theerthagiri Prasannavenkatesan , Yendapalli Vamsidhar 
Published: February 2021

PurposeThis paper reviews the possibilities of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) spreading from infected humans to pet animals and from pet animals to other animals and humans.Design/methodology/approachA systematic literature review and meta-analysis were performed on research articles from November 2019 to August 2020. This study explored urgently needed research issues on COVID-19 infection spreading across animals and humans and vice versa.FindingsEssential and much needed precautionary measures and necessary preventive steps to protect pet animals from infection were highlighted.Originality/valueEssential investigation and experiment results were highlighted. The necessary measure to prevent the spread of infection among and across species and people was analyzed.
Modelling offline expansion strategies of online companies
Authors: Xu Heng , Wu Xuliang , Liu Yatian 
Published: February 2021

Purpose
This paper aims to theoretically investigate an online company’s optimal decision on its offline expansion strategy. In the past five years, many large online retailers and internet-based companies such as Amazon, Google, Alibaba, Tencent and JD.com have expanded their offline market but it was observed that they adopted different expansion strategies. Specifically, some of them expand the offline market by acquiring offline retailers, while some do so by purchasing a portion of offline retailer’s stake. This difference leads to a quite different structure in post-expansion market, having an impact on profit, consumer surplus and social welfare. The goal of this paper is to model such expansion strategies in a general way and complete studies on profits and welfare.

Design/methodology/approach
By constructing a Salop model with two offline retailers and one online company, this paper analyzes the case where the online company can expand its offline market by either acquiring or jointing (e.g. stakeholding) with one offline retailer. The former strategy (named Strategy A) allows the online company to fully control and capture residual claims of the offline retailer. With the adoption of the latter strategy (named Strategy C), on the other hand, the online company can obtain a fixed proportion of its offline partner’s quasi rent. In the price competition, the online company chooses its optimal offline expansion strategy by predicting its profit in the post-expansion market.

Findings
This paper found that the equilibrium crucially depends on the synergy effect due to online–offline integration, and such synergy also influences both consumer and social welfare. This study shows the various conditions on the synergy that affect an online company moves toward offline markets. Accordingly, this finding can assist online companies with or without retailing business to choose an optimal strategy when expanding offline markets. Moreover, by doing some necessary welfare analysis, this study shows that the online company’s offline expansion is not always benefiting consumers nor be socially desirable, which may shed some lights on the possible competition policy in the case where online companies practice in offline expansion.

Originality/value
Different from conventional wisdom in online-offline integration, the theory indicates that the offline expectation of online company may not always benefit consumers nor be socially desirable. Moreover, the findings also shed some lights on the possible competition policy in the case where online companies practice in offline expansion.
VOICES: a theory-driven intervention for improving relationships between police and the public
Authors: Hill Shawn , Giles Howard , Maguire Edward R. 
Published: February 2021

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe a theory-driven intervention called VOICES that was developed to improve police-community relations. The intervention was designed based on principles derived from social psychological theories of intergroup contact and communication.Design/methodology/approachThe authors discuss the theoretical basis for the intervention, as well as its development and implementation in the Santa Barbara Police Department. Based on this pilot testing, the authors provide preliminary evidence about its effectiveness using survey responses and qualitative feedback provided by participants.FindingsAlthough the case study method used here does not allow for causal inferences about the effectiveness of the intervention, the limited evidence the authors present does suggest that participants found VOICES useful and it may have improved their perceptions of police. The next step will be to test this intervention using experimental or quasi-experimental methods that allow for causal inferences about effectiveness.Originality/valueThe paper shows how police can develop theory-driven interventions in an effort to improve trust between police and the public, including communities in which relationships with police have been historically strained. It also underscores how insights from the study of intergroup contact and communication can benefit policing.
The influences of abusive supervision on job satisfaction and mental health: the path through emotional labor
Authors: Wang I-An , Lin Szu-Yin , Chen Yeong-Shyang , Wu Shou-Tsung 
Published: February 2021

PurposeThe purpose of the study is to empirically test and explore the influences of abusive supervision on subordinates' job satisfaction and mental health. Specifically, the authors focus on the mediation effects of emotional labor and compare the discrepancies between surface acting and deep acting.Design/methodology/approachTime-lagged data were obtained from 239 employees in the hospitality industry in Taiwan. The hypothesized model was tested using structural equation modeling with Mplus 7.4.FindingsResults showed that abusive supervision is not only negatively related to employees' job satisfaction and mental health but also positively associated with employee surface acting and negatively associated with deep acting. For mediating effects, surface acting mediates the relationships between abusive supervision and employee job satisfaction, while deep acting mediates the relationship between abusive supervision and mental health.Practical implicationsAbusive supervision is detrimental; it should be reduced in the workplace. Also, frontline employees can be provided with training programs to improve their deep acting strategies, which lead to better job satisfaction and mental health.Originality/valueThis research is among the first to examine the link between abusive supervision and both employee job satisfaction and mental health in the hospitality industry and extends the authors’ knowledge by demonstrating the mediating effects of surface acting and deep acting.
Assessing genome assembly quality prior to downstream analysis: N50 versus BUSCO
Authors: Jauhal April A. , Newcomb Richard D. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractWith the ever‐increasing number of publicly available eukaryotic genome assemblies and user‐friendly bioinformatics tools, there are increasing opportunities for researchers to use genomic resources in their research. While there are multiple dimensions to genome quality, it is often reduced to a single score that may not be correlated with other metrics, or appropriate for all applications of an assembly. To assess whether the commonly reported N50 value could reliably predict a separate dimension of genome quality, gene space completeness, we performed a meta‐analysis of 611 published articles on eukaryotic genomes that used BUSCO scores, in addition to the typical N50 score. We found that although assemblies with relatively high contig and scaffold N50 values consistently had high BUSCO scores, a high BUSCO score could also be obtained from assemblies with a low N50. This reinforces that despite its ubiquity, N50 is not a perfect proxy for all measures of genome accuracy. Our data also suggests that variations in BUSCO scores among assemblies with poor N50 scores may be related to the number of introns in conserved eukaryotic genes. We stress the importance of screening and evaluating assembly quality based on the appropriate tools and urge increased reporting of additional genome assessment metrics in addition to N50. We also discuss the potential limitations of BUSCO and suggest improvements for assessing gene space within genome assemblies.
Contrasting edge effect on lianas and trees in a cerrado savanna remnant
Authors: van Melis Juliano , Camargo Maria Gabriela Gutierrez , Carvalho Paula Guimarães , Morellato Leonor Patricia Cerdeira , Grombone‐Guaratini Maria Tereza 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe ecological impact of lianas in the edges of tropical forest areas is widely recognised; however, the edge influence on the liana community and its relationship with trees in biomes of open vegetation require further evaluation. We compared the following parameters between edges and interiors in a remnant of woody cerrado: (i) the structure of liana and tree communities (abundance, basal area and species richness and composition); (ii) the influence of microenvironmental factors on the abundance and basal area of lianas and trees; and (iii) the relationship between lianas and their host trees. We collected data from plots placed in the edge and interior (100 m distance from the edges) at two cardinal orientations (south and east) of our study site. Our results showed that (i) lianas had greater absolute and per tree host abundances in the edges, while the trees showed greater abundance and lower basal area in the interiors; (ii) there was a positive edge effect on the diversity of lianas but not of trees, with a greater diversity of lianas in the edges, while the interiors showed only a subset of the liana species recorded at the edges; (iii) the edge effect was more pronounced (less tree abundance with a larger basal area and greater abundance of lianas) on the south‐facing than on the east‐facing edges; and (iv) the microenvironmental factors analysed did not influence the general pattern of abundance and the basal area of trees and lianas. We conclude that, in the remnant of cerrado studied, the edges influenced the liana community, increasing the species richness, abundance and host occupancy. The impact of the greater diversity and abundance of lianas in the edges should be considered in the management and conservation plans of woody cerrado ecosystems.
Local species turnover increases regional bird diversity in mangroves
Authors: Roos Andrei Langeloh , Giehl Eduardo Luis Hettwer , Hernández Malva Isabel Medina 
Published: February 2021

AbstractUnderstanding patterns of species diversity and distribution is crucial for the development of adequate public conservation policies. Despite the conservation value of mangroves, we still have a limited understanding of the influence of the habitat characteristics and patch connectivity of mangroves on bird species composition and diversity at local and regional scales. Here we used 40 point counts in six mangroves in southern Brazil to test the effects of landscape connectivity and habitat characteristics on the composition and diversity of mangrove bird communities. We measured environment variables locally and calculated land cover to describe the landscapes in which the patches of mangrove habitat were inserted. We also generated spatial variables as proxies for connectivity. We found that local bird species richness was similar in the different mangroves, ranging from 22 to 33 species, but with more species being found in larger patches. The partitioning of the beta diversity revealed a high species turnover, indicating that each patch of mangrove contributes different species to the regional pool of 57 species. Variance partitioning analysis also indicated that the composition of the mangrove bird metacommunity is driven mainly by local patch dynamics, whereas habitat characteristics and connectivity had a minor influence. These findings indicate that the maintenance of multiple large patches of mangrove at a regional scale will ensure a high species turnover and is the key to the maintenance of a diverse regional biota.
Does intraspecific variation in demography have implications for fire management of an obligate‐seeder shrub across its geographic range?
Authors: Morgan John W. , McCarthy Michael A. , Willocks Emily 
Published: February 2021

AbstractPredicting changes in the abundance of species over time is a central goal of conservation ecology. Typically, demographic data are used to parameterise models which describe population dynamics. Vital rates of plants vary across a species’ distribution, yet most demographic estimates are spatially constrained. Banksia ornata (Proteaceae), a widespread serotinous obligate‐seeding shrub in southern Australia, has previously had a fire management model developed based on demographic data derived from a chronosequence in one part of the species’ range. We asked: are demographic data collected from a limited geographic range robust for developing population dynamic models that are applied across the broader species’ range? How much variation exists in the demography of species across their range and does this matter for estimating fire return intervals necessary for species persistence? We examine site‐to‐site variation in the pyrodemography of six populations of B. ornata encompassing its geographic range. We documented changes in population density, time to first reproduction and canopy seed bank accumulation in stands varying in age from 0.5 to 55 years. We model year of maximum seed production on demographic parameters such as population starting density and survival rate. Density, primary juvenile period, rates of mortality and seed bank accumulation varied across populations. Primary juvenile period varied across populations (from 6 to <20 years), while time to maximum seed production was estimated to take 34–39 years after fire. Hence, the fire intervals that correspond to minimising extinction risk (due to variation in primary juvenile periods) diverge moreso among populations than the fire intervals that produce (on average) the highest maximum seed production with respect to time since fire. Demographic data collected at different locations in a species’ range are likely valuable for building realistic species response models to disturbance, providing underlying assumptions about key transitions, such as mortality rate, are made explicit.
Investigation of racial disparities in semen parameters among white, black, and Asian men
Authors: Walker Zachary , Rucker Lindsay , Owen John , Wiltshire Ashley , Kendall Lacey , Edmonds Johnathan , Gunn Deidre 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundMale factor infertility is the primary cause of infertility in 20% of couples. Primary evaluation of male factor infertility includes a semen analysis (SA). The World Health Organization (WHO) criteria are widely used to interpret SA. However, the current normative values seen in WHO criteria have led to research showing racial disparities in prevalence of abnormal SA.ObjectiveTo assess the relationship between different self‐reported racial groups and rates of abnormal SA.Materials & MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study at a single large tertiary care facility. All men who underwent a SA for evaluation of suspected male infertility, unexplained infertility, intrauterine insemination, and in vitro fertilization between January 1, 2017 and December 31, 2019, were considered for inclusion in the study. Exclusion criteria were unreported race or ethnicity, SA for fertility preservation only, history of varicocele or testicular surgery, chromosomal abnormalities, congenital bilateral absence of vas deferens, prior testosterone use, or prior exposure to chemotherapy and/or radiation. Samples obtained via testicular sperm extraction or post‐ejaculatory urine collection, or those analyzed ≥1 h from ejaculation, were also excluded.Results872 SAs were identified, of which 615 met inclusion criteria, yielding 384 normal and 231 abnormal results. Only race (p < 0.0001) and age (p = 0.002) were statistically significant. Black men had the highest rate of abnormal SA (54%) and were significantly more likely to have lower semen volume, sperm concentration, total sperm count, percent motile sperm, and total motile sperm (p < 0.05). In a logistic regression model, controlling for age and using White Non‐Hispanic as the referent group, only Blacks had lower odds for a normal SA (OR = 0.41, 95% CI 0.28, 0.60).Discussion and ConclusionsBlack men are more likely to have an abnormal SA based on the 2010 WHO criteria. Black men seeking infertility treatment should be educated on the incidence of abnormal SA and actively seek infertility evaluation.
Xerostomia aggravates ligation‐induced peri‐implantitis: A preclinical in vivo study
Authors: Hori Yusuke , Kondo Yusuke , Nodai Tomotaka , Masaki Chihiro , Ono Kentaro , Hosokawa Ryuji 
Published: February 2021

AbstractObjectivesPrevious studies have indicated that xerostomia is a critical factor affecting periodontitis; nonetheless, it is controversial whether xerostomia impairs peri‐implant tissue. The objective of this experimental study was to evaluate the effect of xerostomia on the peri‐implant hard and soft tissues in the rat model.Materials and methodsImplants were placed in bilateral maxillae of male Wistar rats. The animals underwent submandibular and sublingual gland resection on both sides (DRY group) or sham operation (CTR group). Silk ligatures were placed around one side of abutments, which were randomly selected in each animal. The effects of xerostomia were assessed using micro‐CT, histological analysis, real‐time PCR, and 16S rRNA‐based metagenomic analysis.ResultsLigation with silk thread caused bone resorption around implants. Although xerostomia itself did not induce bone resorption, it significantly enhanced silk ligature‐mediated bone resorption around implants. Histological analysis and real‐time PCR indicated that xerostomia induced inflammation and osteoclastogenesis around implants with silk ligatures. Furthermore, it altered the microbiota of the plaque on the silk thread around implants.ConclusionXerostomia accelerates mucosal inflammation and osteoclastogenesis, which aggravates bone resorption around implants.
Interproximal open contacts between implant restorations and adjacent natural teeth as a risk‐indicator for peri‐implant disease—A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Latimer Jessica M. , Gharpure Amit S. , Kahng Hahngoo J. , Aljofi Faisal E. , Daubert Diane M. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractObjectivesThe primary aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between interproximal open contacts and peri‐implant disease. The secondary aim was to assess patient‐reported outcome measures in relation to contact status.Materials and methodsA cross‐sectional study was performed on 61 patients with 142 implants adjacent to at least one natural tooth. Patients underwent a clinical examination to assess contact status and width, plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), periodontal probing depths (PPD), and bleeding on probing (BoP). Radiographic marginal bone level was measured in vertical bitewings taken within one year. A diagnosis was given to each implant. Last, subjects completed a brief questionnaire. Rao‐scott chi‐squared tests and generalized estimating equations (GEE) models were used to compare outcomes between groups.ResultsSeventy‐seven (54.2%) implants were found to have ≥1 interproximal open contact. Sixty‐five (45.8%) implants had closed contacts only. Implants with interproximal open contacts were significantly associated with peri‐implant mucositis and peri‐implantitis (p = .003) and increased prevalence of peri‐implant disease (adjusted PR = 1.57; 95% CI: 1.09–2.27, p = .015). Open contact status was also associated with higher PPD (p = .045), PI scores (p = .036), and GI scores (p = .021). Open contact prevalence was 75.4% on the patient‐level and 54.2% on the implant‐level, involving the mesial surface of the implant restorations 68.5% of the time (p < .001).ConclusionInterproximal open contacts between implant restorations and adjacent natural teeth are a risk indicator for peri‐implant disease. Adequate contact between implant restorations and natural teeth may contribute to the health of peri‐implant tissues.