bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stakeholder influence, local revenue mobilisation and service delivery in district local governments: evidence from districts in Northern Uganda
Authors: Acak Pasquine , Nalukenge Irene , Nyamuyonjo David , Kyejjusa Sarah 
Published: October 2024

PurposeThis study examines the contribution of stakeholder influence and local revenue mobilisation to service delivery in district local governments in Northern Uganda.Design/methodology/approachThis was a cross-sectional and correlational study. Data were collected from the district Local Governments in Northern Uganda using a questionnaire. The unit of analysis was a district. The district’s Chief Finance Officer (CFO), Clerk-to-Council, and Community Development Officer were units of enquiry in this study. The data were analysed using correlation coefficients and linear regression using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM).FindingsThe results suggest that stakeholder influence and local revenue mobilisation predict service delivery. The results further indicate that local revenue mobilisation contributes more to service delivery than stakeholder influence.Originality/valueThis study provides empirical evidence on the contribution of stakeholder influence and revenue mobilisation to service delivery using evidence from districts in Northern Uganda adding to the scanty literature in developing countries.
Acceptance of insects as food in Germany: risk–benefit perceptions and the role of risk preferences
Authors: Kirsten Lea , Garvert Rebecca , Teuber Ramona 
Published: October 2024

PurposeWith a growing world population and climate crises, edible insects are a promising alternative to conventional livestock. However, Western consumers are largely opposed to eating insects. The aim of this study is to investigate the acceptance of insects in a German sample with a specific focus on risk–benefit perceptions and risk preferences.Design/methodology/approachData were collected via an online survey (N = 569). Established scales for food neophobia (FN), risk perception, risk preference and acceptance were used. The statistical analyses included mean comparisons regarding acceptance and risk–benefit perceptions of unprocessed and processed insects. We further examined the role of perceived benefits and risks as well as risk preferences as determinants of acceptance via hierarchical multiple regressions.FindingsRespondents indicated lower perceived risks, and higher perceived benefits and thus higher acceptance for processed insect products as compared to whole insects. Risk perception was the strongest predictor of acceptance of unprocessed as well as processed insect food. Respondents who reported to have already eaten insects before exhibited higher risk preferences than those who had not.Originality/valueThis study specifically considered the role of risk preferences, which has been so far largely overlooked in consumer research on insect foods. The findings indicate that acceptance of insect food is mainly driven by risk perception rather than individual risk preferences. However, risk preferences should not be totally overlooked as they seem to play a role especially for unprocessed insects and the decision to try insects for the first time.
Comparative analysis of buoyancy-driven hydromagnetic flow and heat transfer in a partially heated square enclosure using Cu-Fe3O4 and MoS2-Fe3O4 nanofluids
Authors: Ameer Ahammad N. 
Published: October 2024

Purpose
This study aims to investigate entropy generation through natural convection and examine heat transfer properties within a partially heated and cooled enclosure influenced by an angled magnetic field. The enclosure, subjected to consistent heat production or absorption, contains a porous medium saturated with a hybrid nanofluid blend of Cu-Fe3O4 and MoS2-Fe3O4.

Design/methodology/approach
The temperature and velocity equations are converted to a dimensionless form using suitable non-dimensional quantities, adhering to the imposed constraints. To solve these transformed dimensionless equations, the finite-difference method, based on the MAC (Marker and Cell) technique, is used. Comprehensive numerical simulations address various control parameters, including nanoparticle volume fraction, Rayleigh number, heat source or sink, Darcy number, Hartmann number and slit position. The results are illustrated through streamlines, isotherms, average Nusselt numbers and entropy generation plots, offering a clear visualization of the impact of these parameters across different scenarios.

Findings
Results obtained show that the Cu-Fe3O4 hybrid nanofluid exhibits higher entropy generation than the MoS2-Fe3O4 hybrid nanofluid when comparing them at a Rayleigh number of 106 and a Darcy number of 10–1. The MoS2 hybrid nanofluid demonstrates a low permeability, as evidenced by an average Darcy number of 10–3, in comparison to the Cu hybrid nanofluid. The isothermal contours for a Rayleigh number of 104are positioned parallel to the vertical walls. Additionally, the quantity of each isotherm contour adjacent to the hot wall is being monitored. The Cu and MoS2 nanoparticles exhibit the highest average entropy generation at a Rayleigh number of 105 and a Darcy number of 10–1, respectively. When a uniform heat sink is present, the temperature gradient in the central part of the cavity decreases. In contrast, the absence of a heat source or sink leads to a more intense temperature distribution within the cavity. This differs significantly from the scenario where a uniform heat sink regulates the temperature.

Originality/value
The originality of this study is to examine the generation of entropy in natural convection within a partially heated and cooled enclosure that contains hybrid nanofluids. Partially heated corners are essential for optimizing heat transfer in a wide range of industrial applications. This enhancement is achieved by increasing the surface area, which improves convective heat transfer. These diverse applications encompass fields such as chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, surface research, energy production and heat recovery processes. Researchers have been working on improving the precision of heated and cold corners using various methods, such as numerical, experimental and analytical approaches. These efforts aim to enhance the broad utility of these corners further.
Unraveling the customer orientation paradox
Authors: Oh Hyunghwa , Jo WooMi , Kim Jinok Susanna , Park Jeongdoo 
Published: October 2024

Purpose
This study aims to examine the roles of customer orientation (CO) and two distinct stress coping strategies – problem-focused (PC) and emotion-focused (EC) – in the positive relationship between customer incivility (CI) and job stress (JS).

Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected via a survey of casino dealers in South Korea. Common method variance was assessed using an unmeasured latent method construct, confirming both convergent and discriminant validity. Collinearity diagnostics were conducted to evaluate potential multicollinearity among independent variables. Hypotheses were tested using PROCESS Macro Models 1 and 3 to examine moderating effects and three-way interactions.

Findings
CI is positively related to JS. Employees with high CO experience greater JS when faced with CI compared to those with low CO. Highly customer-oriented employees with low coping strategies encounter significant JS when dealing with uncivil casino patrons.

Practical implications
Casino practitioners should balance CO strategies with effective stress management and support systems. This finding calls for a reevaluation of training programs and policies to maintain high service quality while ensuring employee well-being.

Originality/value
This study challenges the traditional view of CO as merely a stress-buffering factor by revealing its paradoxical role. It identifies individuals more susceptible to JS and demonstrates how the interaction between CI, CO and coping strategies (i.e. PC or EC) can escalate JS.
The mediating role of psychological capital in the relationship between LMX and cyberloafing
Authors: Gupta Megha , Mehta Nikhil Kewal Krishna , Agarwal Upasna A. , Jawahar I.M. 
Published: October 2024

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the direct impact of leader-member exchange (LMX) quality on cyberloafing as well as its indirect impact through psychological capital.Design/methodology/approachUsing a two-wave time-lagged design, data were collected from 417 full-time employees of 15 information technology service organizations in the Mumbai metropolis area of India.FindingsResults indicate that LMX quality is negatively related to cyberloafing and psychological capital partially mediates this association. Even though data were collected at two points in time, the self-reported nature of the data is a limitation.Practical implicationsResults of the study have practical implications. Designing interventions to help managers enhance the quality of their relationship with their followers will directly and indirectly reduce cyberloafing by enhancing psychological capital.Originality/valueThis study is among the first to examine the impact of LMX quality on cyberloafing. In addition, the reliance on psychological capital theory to predict cyberloafing is a novel contribution. This study explores why and when LMX quality inhibits workplace cyberloafing.
The play’s the thing: reflections on the use of playwriting as creative practice within an education studies PhD
Authors: Curtis Beth , Husband Gary 
Published: October 2024

Purpose
Expanding on Harris and Sinclair (2014, p. 5) claim that “the writing of a play is an act of inquiry”, this paper aims to consider the joyful entanglements, messiness and friction-led use of creative methods within the context of a PhD in education studies.

Design/methodology/approach
Amplifying the voices of both doctoral student and supervisor, the authors explain how the construction of a dramatic script informed the crafting of an alternative format thesis within which “the play’s the thing” (Hamlet, Act 2, Scene 2). In responding to the influence of creativity in the lives of both the student and the supervisor, the paper uses creative and reflective writing as a method of inquiry to explore how practice and procedure are navigated in relation to non-standard theses submissions.

Findings
The authors find that academic expectancy continues to influence the structure, form and presentation of the PhD thesis and argue that enduring tensions surrounding the reverence of “tradition” impact the application and nature of creativity.

Originality/value
The piece aims to examine the multiple challenges faced but, importantly, highlights how the creative partnership between supervisor and student has forged changes in contemporary doctoral education in the awarding institution and the implications for future practice within doctoral education more broadly.
Effect of water quenching into strength, hardness and microstructure of the welded AA 6061 plates
Authors: Ayush Ayush , Dewangan Saurabh , Ishwar Sidhant , Agarwal Ayush 
Published: October 2024

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to find the effect of heat treatment on the mechanical proeprties of aluminum. Aluminum exhibits a good response to heat treatment, especially quenching, according to the mechanical property improvement. The presence and orientation of secondary phases (Al-Fe-Mn-Si) are greatly affected by the quenching process.

Design/methodology/approach
The present work deals with the effect of water quenching on the mechanical properties of welded AA 6061 plates which were joined by using metal inert gas (MIG) welding, tungsten inert gas welding and friction stir welding (FSW). Three tests like tensile, bending and hardness were considered. The microstructural variation was analyzed by optical microscopy and elemental mapping through field emission scanning electron microscope.

Findings
A significant enhancement in the tensile strength and hardness was achieved on postquenched specimens. This improvement in mechanical properties is caused by the distribution of fine alloying elements throughout the metal solution rather than precipitation at the grain boundaries. In comparison to the “untreated specimens,” an improvement of 76.7%, 25.32% and 56.81% in the tensile strength of quenched TIGW, MIGW and FSW specimens, respectively, was observed.

Originality/value
The quenching process has increased the strength of the MIG welded joint over the base metal. The MIG welded joint has a larger flexural modulus than the other two welded plates, according to the results of the bending test. Furthermore, a uniform distribution of hardness was observed in postquenched welded specimens. It was found that welded zone was harder than heat-affected zone. Out of all the specimens, the base metal zone has the lowest hardness.
Anterior quadratus lumborum blocks for postoperative pain treatment following intra‐abdominal surgery: A systematic review with meta‐analyses and trial sequential analyses
Authors: Tanggaard Katrine , Gronlund Caroline , Nielsen Martin V. , la Cour Kirstine , Tvarnø Casper D. , Børglum Jens , Maagaard Mathias , Mathiesen Ole 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe anterior quadratus lumborum (QL) block may be used for postoperative pain management for intra‐abdominal surgeries, but the evidence is uncertain. We aimed to investigate the benefit and harm of the anterior QL block compared to placebo/no block for intra‐abdominal surgery.MethodsWe searched Medline, Embase, and CENTRAL for randomized controlled trials investigating anterior QL block for postoperative pain management for adult patients undergoing any intra‐abdominal surgery. The two co‐primary outcomes were cumulative 24‐h opioid consumption and serious adverse events. We performed meta‐analysis, trial sequential analysis (TSA), assessed the risk of bias, and present the certainty of evidence with the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach.ResultsThirty‐five trials randomizing 2418 patients were included in the meta‐analyses. Anterior QL block may reduce cumulative 24‐h intravenous opioid consumption compared to placebo/no block (MD −10.42 mg, 96.7% CI −14.83 to −6.01, TSA‐adjusted CI −17.03 to −3.82, p < .01). Two trials reported on SAEs. Anterior QL block may have little to no effect on the number of serious adverse events compared to placebo (RR 1.49, 96.7% CI 0.19 to 11.47, p = .68), but the evidence is very uncertain. All trial results were assessed as being high risk of bias.ConclusionsThe anterior QL block may reduce cumulative 24‐h opioid consumption. Reported serious adverse events were few and the anterior QL block may have little to no effect on the number of SAEs, but the evidence was very uncertain.
Emerging Roles of IL‐27 in Trophoblast Cells and Pregnancy Complications
Authors: Luo Yi‐Hua , Zhang Yang‐Yang , Li Ming‐Qing , Zhang Xin‐Yan , Zheng Zi‐Meng 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTProblemPregnancy complications such as spontaneous abortion, preeclampsia, and preterm birth persist, despite current interventions aimed at their prevention and treatment largely proving unsuccessful. Interleukin‐27 (IL‐27), composed of p28 and EBI3 subunits, binds to IL‐27R, which consists of gp130 and IL‐27Rα (also known as WSX‐1 or TCCR), and plays a pivotal role in tumor development and inflammation regulation. At the maternal‐fetal interface, IL‐27 expression has been detected in trophoblasts, endometrial stromal cells, and decidual cells. Abnormal levels of IL‐27/IL‐27R have been linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes, including spontaneous miscarriage, preeclampsia, and preterm birth. This review aims to explore the expression of IL‐27 at the maternal‐fetal interface and its signaling pathway, uncovering the complex role of IL‐27 in pregnancy complications.Method of StudyA comprehensive literature review was conducted using PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and Embase databases, analyzing studies on IL‐27 expression and its signaling pathways at the maternal‐fetal interface. The review focused on identifying the presence of IL‐27 in various cell types and linking abnormal IL‐27/IL‐27R expression to pregnancy complications such as spontaneous miscarriage, preeclampsia, and preterm birth.Discussion and ConclusionIL‐27 plays a complex role at the maternal‐fetal interface, with abnormal expression linked to several pregnancy complications. These findings highlight the need for further research to elucidate IL‐27's mechanisms and develop targeted interventions. Future studies should aim to develop targeted interventions and improve therapeutic strategies for managing pregnancy complications.
Is tobacco consumption a risk factor for central serous chorioretinopathy? A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Fakhril‐Din Zainab , Arnold‐Vangsted Andreas , Boberg‐Ans Lars Christian , Anguita Rodrigo , Desideri Lorenzo Ferro , van Dijk Elon H. C. , Grauslund Jakob , Klefter Oliver Niels , Yanik Özge , Subhi Yousif 
Published: October 2024

AbstractCentral serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) is a prevalent exudative maculopathy. Understanding risk factors for CSC is important for disease prevention and to provide evidence‐based advice to patients. In this study, we systematically reviewed the literature and performed meta‐analysis on the association between tobacco consumption and CSC. We searched 12 literature databases on May 5, 2024, and identified 11 eligible studies of 27 595 patients with CSC and 105 354 control individuals. Studies were predominantly clinic‐based case–control studies. We calculated a summary estimate of tobacco consumption as a risk factor for CSC at an odds ratio of 2.99 (95% CI: 1.82–4.93, p = 0.000017), which remained statistically significant in the sensitivity analyses. The exact mechanism by which tobacco consumption contribute to the pathophysiology of CSC remains unclear, although several potential hypotheses exist. However, tobacco consumption is a modifiable behaviour and tobacco cessation is an actionable advice with which patients with CSC themselves can play a large role in disease management. Further studies are warranted to understand the impact of tobacco cessation for risk modification and for the prognosis of patients who already have CSC.
Serial manual bolus irrigation leads to critical intrarenal pressures during flexible ureterorenoscopy – time to abandon this manoeuvre
Authors: Hong Anne , Browne Cliodhna , Jack Greg , Bolton Damien 
Published: October 2024

ObjectiveTo characterise the effect of solitary and serial manual bolus irrigations on intrarenal pressures (IRPs) and observe the clinical consequences.Patients and MethodsA pressure guidewire was used for IRP measurement during routine flexible ureterorenoscopy for management of renal stone disease, including manual bolus irrigation when required to maintain vision. The fluid bolus was either as a solitary manual bolus or a series of manual boluses in quick succession. The pre‐bolus, maximal and difference between IRPs were calculated.ResultsA total of 50 procedures in 46 patients were analysed. In all, 68 solitary manual boluses and 38 serial manual boluses were observed to have been undertaken during these procedures. After a solitary manual bolus, the median (standard deviation [SD], range) increase in IRP was 22.4 (34.0, 0.1–160.8) mmHg, and the mean (SD, range) maximum IRP was 46.1 (41.7, 15.8–190.0) mmHg, with elevated IRPs persisting for a median (range) duration of 19 (4–66) s. After serial manual boluses, the median (SD, range) rise in IRP was 58.4 (64.7, 10.2–242.84) mmHg and the mean (SD, range) maximum IRP reached was 100.8 (69.7, 34.3–303.5) mmHg. The elevated IRPs endured for a median (range) of 42 (9–121 s; P < 0.01 in all comparisons), suggesting a much greater elevation of IRP with instances where serial bolus irrigation was undertaken.ConclusionsManual bolus irrigation, both solitary but particularly serial boluses, produces significant rises in IRP and could logically result in pyelovenous backflow and sepsis. We suggest that this manoeuvre should be avoided to reduce complications during ureterorenoscopy.
Clinical Utility of Donor‐Derived Cell‐Free DNA in Heart Transplant Recipients With Multi‐Organ Transplants
Authors: Moeller Cathrine M. , Oren Daniel , Fernandez Valledor Andrea , Rubinstein Gal , Lotan Dor , Mehlman Yonatan , Slomovich Sharon , Rahman Salwa , Lee Changhee , Baranowska Julia , Regan Matthew , Elad Boaz , DeFilippis Ersilia M. , Hennecken Carolyn , Salazar Ruben , Raikhelkar Jayant , Clerkin Kevin J. , Fried Justin , Lin Edward , Bae David , Oh Kyung T. , Latif Farhana , Topkara Veli K. , Naka Yoshifumi , Takeda Koji , Majure David , Uriel Nir , Sayer Gabriel 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundDonor‐derived cell‐free DNA (dd‐cfDNA) has emerged as a reliable, noninvasive method for the surveillance of allograft rejection in heart transplantation (HT) patients, but its utility in multi‐organ transplants (MOT) is unknown. We describe our experience using dd‐cfDNA in simultaneous MOT recipients.MethodsA single‐center retrospective review of all HT recipients between 2018 and 2022 that had at least one measurement of dd‐cfDNA collected. Patients who had simultaneous MOT were identified and included in this study. Levels of dd‐cfDNA were paired with endomyocardial biopsies (EMB) performed within 1 month of blood testing if available. Acute cellular rejection (ACR) was defined as ISHLT (International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation) grade ≥ 2R. and antibody‐mediated rejection (AMR) was defined as pAMR grade > 0. The within‐patient variability score of the dd‐cfDNA was calculated by the variance/average.ResultsThe study included 25 multiorgan transplant recipients: 13 heart–kidney (H‐K), 8 heart–liver (H‐Li), and 4 heart–lung (H‐Lu). The median age was 55 years, 44% were female; the median time from HT until the first dd‐cfDNA measurement was 4.5 months (IQR 2, 10.5). The median dd‐cfDNA level was 0.18% (IQR 0.15%, 0.27%) for H‐K, 1.15% (IQR 0.77%, 2.33%) for H‐Li, and 0.69% (IQR 0.62%, 1.07%) for H‐Lu patients (p < 0.001). Prevalence of positive dd‐cfDNA tests (threshold of 0.20%) were 42.2%, 97.3%, and 92.3% in the H‐K, H‐Li, and H‐Lu groups, respectively. The within‐patient variability score was highest in the H‐Li group (median of 0.45 [IQR 0.29, 0.94]) and lowest in the H‐K group (median of 0.09 [IQR 0.06, 0.12]); p = 0.002. No evidence of cardiac ACR or AMR was found. Three patients experienced renal allograft ACR and/or AMR, two patients experienced rejection of the liver allograft, and one patient experienced an episode of AMR‐mediated lung rejection. One person in the H‐K group experienced an episode of cardiac allograft dysfunction that was not associated with biopsy‐confirmed rejection.ConclusionDd‐cfDNA is chronically elevated in most MOT recipients. There is a high degree of within‐patient variability in levels (particularly for H‐Li and H‐Lu recipients), which may limit the utility of this assay in monitoring MOT recipients.