bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Procurement contract risks management and the performance of force account construction projects in Tanzania: does the regulatory framework matter?
Authors: Mwaiseje Shadrack Samwel , Panga Faustine Peter , Mchopa Alban Dismas , Nkuhi Mathias Sylvester 
Published: October 2024

Purpose
The construction sector plays a vital role in the economic progress of every nation, including Tanzania. Notwithstanding its significance, the industry experiences poor performance. This study aims to assess the impact of procurement contract risk management on the performance of force account (FA) construction projects, using a regulatory framework as a moderator.

Design/methodology/approach
The cross-sectional research design was used, and data was collected by using a structured questionnaire. The study employed a sample size of 318 respondents to analyse data by using partial least square structural modelling (PLS-SEM).

Findings
The findings revealed that supply risk management, procurement internal control system and procurement contract administration influence the performance of FA construction projects. Additionally, the study confirms that the regulatory framework strengthens the relationship between the procurement internal control system and procurement contract administration with the performance of FA construction projects. Therefore, procurement contract risk management, as moderated by the regulatory framework, plays a significant role towards the performance of FA construction projects.

Practical implications
These findings have significant implications for practitioners and policymakers involved in FA construction projects in the public sector, as they highlight the importance of procurement contract risk management in achieving the successful performance of FA construction projects.

Originality/value
This study contributes to the ongoing discussion about the performance of construction projects, especially those under the FA procurement. It also contributes to the literature on public construction projects in developing countries.
A review of taste‐active compounds in meat: Identification, influencing factors, and taste transduction mechanism
Authors: You Zerui , Bai Yilin , Bo Dongdong , Feng Yuqing , Shen Jiameng , Wang Yuanyuan , Li Jing , Bai Yueyu 
Published: October 2024

AbstractPoultry and livestock meat are important parts of the human diet. As living standards have improved, food taste has become a major influence on consumer quality assessment and meat purchasing choices. There is increasing research interest in meat taste and meat taste‐active compounds, which include free amino acids, flavor nucleotides, taste‐active peptides, organic acids, soluble sugars, and inorganic ions. Taste component research is also an important part of sensory science. A deeper understanding of the meat taste perception mechanism and interactions among different taste compounds will promote the development of meat science and sensory evaluation. This article reviews the main taste compounds in meat, factors influencing their concentrations, and the identification and measurement of taste‐active compounds, as well as summarizing the mechanisms of taste sensing and perception. Finally, the future of scientific taste component evaluation is discussed. This review provides a theoretical basis for research on meat taste and an important reference for the development of the meat industry.
Association of systolic blood pressure variability with cognitive decline in type 2 diabetes: A post hoc analysis of a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Chen Junmin , Zhao Xuan , Liu Huidan , Wang Kan , Xu Xiaoli , Wang Siyu , Li Mian , Zheng Ruizhi , Zhou Libin , Bi Yufang , Xu Yu 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackgroundWe aimed to explore the association between visit‐to‐visit systolic blood pressure variability (BPV) and cognitive function in individuals with type 2 diabetes.MethodsWe performed a post hoc analysis of the Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes Memory in Diabetes (ACCORD‐MIND) substudy. A total of 2867 diabetes patients with ≥3 BP measurements between the 4‐ and 20‐month visits were included. Visit‐to‐visit systolic BPV was calculated. Cognitive decline was defined as a Mini‐Mental State Exam (MMSE), Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST), or Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT) score greater than 1 standard deviation (SD) below the baseline mean, or a Stroop test score more than 1 SD above the baseline mean. The associations of systolic BPV with risks of cognitive decline were examined using Cox proportional hazards models, and with changes in brain magnetic resonance imaging parameters were evaluated using mixed models.ResultsThe risk of cognitive decline defined by the DSST score (but not by other scores) increased significantly with systolic BPV quartiles (p for trend = 0.008), and there was a 55% increased risk for BPV quartile 4 versus quartile 1 (hazard ratio = 1.55, 95% confidence interval 1.10–2.19). Furthermore, a positive correlation was observed between systolic BPV and change in white matter lesion volume (β = 0.07, 95% CI 0.01–0.13).ConclusionsA greater visit‐to‐visit systolic BPV was significantly associated with an increased risk of cognitive decline measured by DSST and an increase in white matter lesion volume in patients with type 2 diabetes.image
Perspectives on oral benzodiazepine use for anxiety in Mohs micrographic surgery: A response to the Australian survey
Authors: Hsieh Ching Ching , Wei Lien‐Chung 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThis letter responds to the recent Australian survey by Harris and Lee (Australas J Dermatol, 2024, doi: 10.1111/ajd.14361) on the use of oral benzodiazepines for anxiety management in Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS). While commending the authors' efforts, we provide additional perspectives on current practices, recent evidence and safety considerations. We highlight the alignment with U.S. practices, discuss a recent randomized controlled trial supporting diazepam's efficacy and emphasize the importance of non‐pharmacological interventions. The letter also addresses the need for flumazenil availability and calls for standardized guidelines and further research to optimize patient care in MMS.
Co‐CEO Structure and Earnings Smoothing Incentives
Authors: Lee Gun , Shin Jae Eun 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThis paper investigates the effects of a co‐CEO structure on earnings smoothing and its implications for the informativeness of earnings. While the consequences of a co‐CEO structure have been relatively underexplored in prior research, existing studies suggest potential benefits, such as higher valuations and stronger internal governance. This paper delves into the specific consequences of a co‐CEO structure, focusing on earnings smoothing practices. Using data from Korean firms, where co‐CEO structures are prevalent, we find that firms with a co‐CEO structure exhibit smoother earnings compared to those with a sole‐CEO structure. However, the informativeness of these smooth earnings is reduced under a co‐CEO structure, suggesting that co‐CEOs engage in earnings smoothing primarily for their own benefit, rather than to provide more information to investors. Additional analyses reveal that co‐CEOs' earnings smoothing leads to adverse consequences for investors, including lower earnings quality, higher costs of capital, increased financial distress, greater credit risk, and higher stock price crash risk. Our study contributes to the literature by highlighting the potential costs associated with co‐CEO structures, particularly in terms of reduced earnings informativeness.
Altered Endometrial Microbiota Profile Is Associated With Poor Endometrial Receptivity of Repeated Implantation Failure
Authors: Zhang Rongxue , Wang Miaomiao , Zhong Jixiang , Xue Huiying 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTPurposeTo gain insight into the endometrial pathophysiology of unexplained repeated implantation failure (RIF), we examined the characteristics of genital tract microbiota and explored the correlation between the microbiota and endometrial receptivity.MethodsVaginal secretion (VS) and endometrial biopsy (EB) samples were collected from patients with RIF (RIF group, n = 32) and those with infertility who had achieved pregnancy during their initial embryo transfer cycle (control group, n = 18). 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing and quantitative PCR were performed to characterize the microbiota of the two groups. Spearman's correlation analysis was performed to determine the relationship between endometrial receptivity markers and endometrial microbiota.ResultsEndometrial microbiota exhibited distinct characteristics from vaginal microbiota, with a higher alpha‐diversity. Alpha‐diversity of the endometrial microbiota was higher in the RIF group than in the control group. Compared with the control group, the RIF group had a significant decrease in endometrial Lactobacillus abundance and an increase in Gardnerella and Acinetobacter abundances. The expression levels of endometrial receptivity markers, including homeobox A11, integrin αvβ3, leukemia inhibitor factor, matrix metalloproteinase‐9, and vascular endothelial growth factor, were lower in the RIF group than in the control group. Moreover, the expression levels of these markers were correlated with endometrial Lactobacillus, Gardnerella, and Acinetobacter abundances.ConclusionRIF is characterized by endometrial microbiota dysbiosis and poor endometrial receptivity. Moreover, abnormal endometrial microbiota is associated with impaired endometrial receptivity, which may be a potential cause of unexplained RIF.
Effect of insurance type on Management of Vancouver B Periprosthetic Fractures: length of stay, discharge destination and cost implications
Authors: Le Michael , Murphy Geoffrey T. , Young Annamaria Frangos , Chan Nanette , Constantin Harry , Symes Michael , Adie Sam , Guzman Maurice 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackgroundTo assess the effect of private versus public insurance on hospital length of stay, discharge destination, and costs in managing Vancouver B periprosthetic femoral fractures (PFF).MethodsA retrospective cohort study of PFF patients operatively managed at five public trauma centers. The primary outcome was hospital length of stay. Secondary outcomes included discharge destination and costs related to implants and hospital beds.ResultsThe study included 195 PFF cases (133 public, 62 private). Private patients had lower ASA scores (2.8 versus 3.1, P = 0.006) and were more likely to come from independent residences (87% versus 74%, P = 0.045). Private patients spent 8 fewer days in the hospital (12 ± 8 versus 20 ± 19 days, P < 0.001) and were more often discharged to rehabilitation (74% versus 48%, P = 0.003). Public hospital costs were higher for public patients ($37 456 versus $25 324, P = 0.005), largely due to longer stays. Implant costs were similar between private and public patients, but patients that underwent revision surgeries increased costs significantly compared to patients that underwent open reduction and internal fixation alone ($6257 versus $3511, P < 0.001).ConclusionPrivate insurance was linked to shorter hospital stays and increased discharge to rehabilitation. Public PPF patients incur an average cost of $37 456 for public hospitals, compared to $25 324 for private patients. Delays in public patient rehabilitation access may prolong hospital stays, suggesting a need for alternative care pathways, such as PPF tailored home‐based rehabilitation and support programs.
XBB.1.5‐Adapted COVID‐19 mRNA Vaccines but Not Infections With Previous Omicron Variants Boost Neutralisation Against the SARS‐CoV‐2 JN.1 Variant in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Woelfel Simon , Dütschler Joel , Junker Daniel , König Marius , Graf Nicole , Krieger Claudia , Truniger Samuel , Oikonomou Vasileios , Leinenkugel Georg , Koller Seraina , Metzger‐Peter Katline , Wyss Jacqueline , Krupka Niklas , Frei Nicola ,   STAR SIGN Study Investigators, Albrich Werner C. , Friedrich Matthias , Niess Jan Hendrik , Schneiderhan‐Marra Nicole , Dulovic Alex , Misselwitz Benjamin , Korte Wolfgang , Bürgi Justus J. , Brand Stephan 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundVariant‐adapted COVID‐19 vaccines are recommended for patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, many patients rely on pre‐existing immunity by original vaccines or prior infections.AimTo assess whether such immunity sufficiently combats the highly immune‐evasive SARS‐CoV‐2 JN.1 variant.MethodsUtilising two longitudinal cohorts, we evaluated immunity against JN.1 induced by original vaccines (IBD: n = 98; healthy: n = 48), omicron breakthrough infection (IBD: n = 55; healthy: n = 57) or XBB.1.5‐adapted vaccines (IBD: n = 18). Neutralisation and anti‐receptor‐binding domain (RBD) IgG levels against wild‐type SARS‐CoV‐2 and JN.1 were assessed using multiplex immunoassays. Study outcomes were wild‐type and JN.1 neutralisation following three doses of original mRNA vaccines, stratified by immunosuppressive therapy (primary outcome), and JN.1 neutralisation following third‐dose breakthrough infection or a fourth dose of XBB.1.5‐adapted mRNA vaccines (secondary outcomes).ResultsFollowing original vaccines, JN.1 neutralisation was lower than wild‐type neutralisation in all study groups (healthy, anti‐TNF and non‐anti‐TNF; each p < 0.001); most individuals lacked JN.1 neutralisation (healthy: 97.9%; anti‐TNF: 98.3% and non‐anti‐TNF: 92.3%). Confounder‐adjusted multivariable modelling strongly associated anti‐TNF therapy with low levels of anti‐JN.1‐RBD IgG (fold‐change 0.48 [95% CI 0.39–0.59]). JN.1 neutralisation was similar in patients with or without breakthrough infection (anti‐TNF, non‐anti‐TNF; each p > 0.05); neutralisation failure was 100% despite breakthrough infection. XBB.1.5‐adapted vaccines enhanced JN.1 neutralisation (p < 0.001) and reduced neutralisation failure rates in patients with IBD (94.4% pre‐vaccination vs. 44.4% post‐vaccination; p = 0.003).ConclusionsOnly variant‐adapted vaccines protect against emerging SARS‐CoV‐2 variants. Patients with IBD and healthy individuals without recent vaccination may lack protection against the JN.1 subvariant KP.3 which causes current COVID‐19 surges.
Evaluating stiffness of gastric wall using laser resonance frequency analysis for gastric cancer
Authors: Furube Tasuku , Nakashima Daisuke , Matsuda Satoru , Mikami Katsuhiro , Hatakeyama Takuto , Takeuchi Masashi , Fukuda Kazumasa , Ueno Akihisa , Okita Hajime , Kawakubo Hirofumi , Nakamura Masaya , Nagura Takeo , Kitagawa Yuko 
Published: October 2024

AbstractTumor stiffness is drawing attention as a novel axis that is orthogonal to existing parameters such as pathological examination. We developed a new diagnostic method that focuses on differences in stiffness between tumor and normal tissue. This study comprised a clinical application of laser resonance frequency analysis (L‐RFA) for diagnosing gastric cancer. L‐RFA allows for precise and contactless evaluation of tissue stiffness. We used a laser to create vibrations on a sample's surface that were then measured using a vibrometer. The data were averaged and analyzed to enhance accuracy. In the agarose phantom experiments, a clear linear correlation was observed between the Young's modulus of the phantoms (0.34–0.71 MPa) and the summation of normalized vibration peaks (Score) in the 1950–4050 Hz range (R2 = 0.93145). Higher Young's moduli also resulted in lower vibration peaks at the excitation frequency, signal‐to‐noise (S/N) ratios, and harmonic peaks. We also conducted L‐RFA measurements on gastric cancer specimens from two patients who underwent robot‐assisted distal gastrectomy. Our results revealed significant waveform differences between tumor and normal regions, similar to the findings in agarose phantoms, with tumor regions exhibiting lower vibration peaks at the excitation frequency, S/N ratios, and harmonic peaks. Statistical analysis confirmed significant differences in the score between normal and tumor regions (p = 0.00354). L‐RFA was able to assess tumor stiffness and holds great promise as a noninvasive diagnostic tool for gastric cancer.
Outbreak of contact allergy to dicyclohexylcarbodiimide in a biotechnology laboratory
Authors: Griguola Linas , Cerniauskas Kestutis , Malinauskiene Laura , Linauskiene Kotryna , Rudyte Justina , Chomiciene Anzelika 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackgroundDicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC) is known to cause occupational allergic contact dermatitis in biotechnology laboratory workers.ObjectivesThis study aimed to assess the prevalence of DCC sensitization among workers of one biosynthesis laboratory and to determine the optimal DCC concentration for patch testing.Materials and methods23 laboratory workers frequently exposed to DCC of whom 21 suffered from dermatitis and 11 controls were enrolled into the study. All participants underwent skin patch testing with different concentrations of DCC and other substances used in the work environment. Statistical analysis was conducted to compare results between active and control groups.ResultsOf the 23 workers tested, 56.5% showed positive reactions to DCC. All of them had dermatitis. Morpholine also elicited positive reactions in 26.1% of workers who were all sensitized to DCC. Dimethylformamide and chloroform yielded negative results.ConclusionDicyclohexylcarbodiimide was a major cause of contact dermatitis in the active group indicating an outbreak of contact allergy to DCC in the company necessitating preventive measures. Both DCC 0.1% ac. and DCC 0.05% pet. should both be used for patch testing.
Lessons Learned From Extracorporeal Life Support Practice and Outcomes During the COVID‐19 Pandemic
Authors: Gill George , O'Connor Michael , Nunnally Mark E. , Combes Alain , Harper Michael , Baran David , Avila Mary , Pisani Barbara , Copeland Hannah , Nurok Michael 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTExtracorporeal membrane oxygenation is increasingly being used to support patients with hypoxemic respiratory failure and cardiogenic shock. During the COVID‐19 pandemic, consensus guidance recommended extracorporeal life support for patients with COVID‐19‐related cardiopulmonary disease refractory to optimal conventional therapy, prompting a substantial expansion in the use of this support modality. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was particularly integral to the bridging of COVID‐19 patients to heart or lung transplantation. Limited human and physical resources precluded widespread utilization of mechanical support during the COVID‐19 pandemic, necessitating careful patient selection and optimal management by expert healthcare teams for judicious extracorporeal membrane oxygenation use. This review outlines the evidence supporting the use of extracorporeal life support in COVID‐19, describes the practice and outcomes of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for COVID‐19‐related respiratory failure and cardiogenic shock, and proposes lessons learned for the implementation of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation as a bridge to transplantation in future public health emergencies.
Conservation Corridors With Many Small Waterbodies Support Dragonfly Functional Diversity Across a Transformed Landscape Mosaic
Authors: Deacon Charl , Samways Michael J. , Pryke James S. 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTAimHuman activities pose many challenges to freshwater biodiversity. Among these, is landscape transformation, such as conversion of natural grassland to plantation forestry, impacting both terrestrial and freshwater biodiversity. Functional diversity measures provide substantial information on current and emerging impacts on biological communities, and aid conservation decisions relative to anthropogenic impacts. We determined (1) environmental similarities among 10 freshwater biotope types; (2) whether freshwater biotopes in conservation corridor networks support equal levels of functional richness and divergence compared with an extensive neighbouring protected area; (3) whether certain biotopes are more important for maintaining functional richness and divergence than others; and (4) whether associations between traits and biotope types could be identified.LocationThe northeastern coastal region of South Africa.MethodsUsing dragonflies as model organisms, and data from 140 freshwater lotic and lentic sites, we investigated the distribution of dragonfly traits across a plantation forestry‐natural grassland landscape mosaic with a range of biotope types.ResultsLake sites were different in their environmental conditions compared with the other biotopes. Environmental conditions were variable among the other biotope types and were difficult to distinguish. Freshwater biotopes in the conservation corridors supported equal levels of functional richness and divergence compared with those in the protected area. Overall, dragonfly functional richness and divergence were low at lake sites and wallows, while all other biotopes supported high levels of functional richness and divergence. Trait associations were complex across the waterscape and driven by habitat selection, flight behaviour and ecological sensitivity.Main ConclusionsMaintaining a mosaic of small lentic and lotic habitats would best support dragonfly conservation in this transformed landscape. A combination of biotopes offers a wide range of environmental conditions essential for conserving the full range of dragonfly traits and species across the region.
Body weight variability as a predictor of cardiovascular outcomes in type 1 diabetes: A nationwide cohort study
Authors: Prattichizzo Francesco , Veronesi Valentina , Rigoni Marta , La Grotta Rosalba , Pellegrini Valeria , Lucisano Giuseppe , Nicolucci Antonio , Berra Cesare Celeste , Carlsen Hanne Krage , Eliasson Björn , Muti Paola , Ceriello Antonio 
Published: October 2024

AbstractAimIntraindividual body weight variability (BWV), that is, the degree of weight fluctuations over time, is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in multiple settings. The impact of BWV on cardiovascular risk in type 1 diabetes (T1D) remains unclear, despite the issues relative to weight management in individuals with this condition.Materials and methodsUsing data from the Swedish National Diabetes Register, we identified individuals with T1D and without CVD at baseline with at least three measurements of body weight taken over three consecutive years. We estimated BWV as quartiles of the standard deviation of weight measures and explored its longitudinal association with the incidence of CVD during a 12.7 ± 4.6 year follow‐up through adjusted Cox regression models. The primary endpoint was the composite of nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal stroke and all‐cause mortality. We modelled the function of risk in relation to the magnitude of BWV, testing also whether weight trends, that is, increasing, stable or decreasing, age, sex and glycaemic control modified the association between BWV and the outcome.ResultsAmong the 36 333 individuals with T1D in the register, we identified 19 373 individuals with at least three measures of body weight and without CVD at baseline. Participants with the highest BWV had a 42% increased risk of reaching the primary endpoint compared to those with the lowest BWV (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.42, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.24–1.62). In addition, high BWV was significantly associated with a 51% increased risk of all‐cause mortality (HR = 1.51, 95% CI: 1.28–1.78), a 37% increased risk of peripheral artery disease (HR = 1.37, 95% CI: 1.06–1.77) and a 55% increased risk of hospitalization for heart failure (HR = 1.55, 95% CI: 1.20–2.01). BWV showed a quasi‐linear association with the primary endpoint. No interaction was observed when comparing subgroups for weight trends, sex or degree of glycaemic control. In the subgroup of elderly individuals, the association of BWV with the primary endpoint was no longer significant.ConclusionsHigh BWV is associated with an increased risk of CVD and all‐cause mortality in individuals with T1D, independently of canonical risk factors. Weight trends, sex and glycaemic control do not modify such association while older age attenuates it.