bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Integrating aesthetics and sustainability: evaluating the aesthetic perception of photovoltaic installation on the apartment building façade in Jordan
Authors: Abu Qadourah Jenan , Alnusairat Saba 
Published: May 2024

PurposeThis study evaluates the aesthetic perception of photovoltaic (PV) systems situated at various locations on an apartment building facade, comparing them with the original facade. It also aims to understand how aesthetic dimensions influence the perception of PV installations in diverse building locations. Moreover, it aims to create a framework that will guide for installing PV installations considering both their functionality and aesthetics.Design/methodology/approachThe study uses a mixed-method approach, including qualitative and quantitative approaches. It includes a literature review and a questionnaire. 418 participants evaluated different PV-embedded facades using a Likert scale across various aesthetic variables.FindingsThe findings indicate that aesthetic perceptions of PV vary by the location of installation. It also shows that all aesthetic dimensions affect PV installation aesthetics, with location-specific preferences. For original elevation, compatibility and simplicity are given precedence over blending and coherence for windows, creativity and harmony for facades, functionality and harmony for balconies, and innovation potential and simplicity for roofs.Research limitations/implicationsThis study focuses on a single building type; further investigation is required to examine other building types. It also examined one PV technology with common visual properties, but future studies can examine others. Additional research is needed to compare the participating groups and the effect of their sociodemographic factors, using on-site surveys and interviews.Originality/valueFew studies have investigated how PV systems affect apartment building users' architectural aesthetic perception. The results of this study make a valuable contribution to the field of sustainable architecture by providing practical guidance for architects, engineers, stakeholders, and researchers who are interested in integrating aesthetic, user-centric considerations into renewable energy solutions.
Advancing teacher competencies: assessing the influence of faculty development programs (FDP) on embracing modern innovations in teaching
Authors: Kulal Abhinandan , Nanjundaswamy Abhishek , Dinesh Sahana , Suraj Neethu , Mallika N. 
Published: May 2024

PurposeThe present research aimed to examine the role of FDP in enhancing the teachers' competencies through modern technological tools and innovative teaching methods. And also, to evaluate the impact of FDPs on teachers' attitudes and motivation to integrate modern teaching innovations into their classroom practices.Design/methodology/approachUsing a pre-post study design, the study was conducted in two phases, Phase I was conducted one week before conducting FDP (14th to 20th August 2023) and Phase II was conducted after one week of FDP (15th to 21st September 2023). The data were gathered through structured questionnaires from the participants in FDP and collected data were processed and analyzed through a statistical package for social sciences.FindingsThe study found that undergoing FDP by teachers significantly influences the adoption of advanced pedagogical approaches and technology integration during their teaching practice. This indirectly helps in promoting quality education at large and contributes to the UNSDG-4. The study also revealed that the effective FDP not only helps in advancing teaching methods but also influences instructors' philosophies and attitudes towards students' overall learning and development.Practical implicationsThese findings have several key implications for higher education institutions, policymakers and teachers at large. Firstly, HEIs should prioritize undertaking FDPs that promote in adopting advanced pedagogical approaches. This indirectly equips the instructors with the knowledge and skills necessary to integrate modern teaching methods into their real classroom practices. Further, by adopting FDP as a strategic initiative to improve the quality of education and work by aligning these programs with broader SDG goals.Originality/valueAdvancing education for enhancing the overall quality of learning depends on the competencies of instructors. The competencies of instructors rely upon the involvement of instructors in life-long learning, level of adoption of technology, innovative approaches used, etc. This study may help higher education institutions adopt FDP as a strategic initiative to improve the quality of education and work by aligning these programs with broader SDG goals.
Dynamic content layout optimization for news website front pages
Authors: Shen Shuaiqi Roger , Balakrishnan Jaydeep , Cheng Chun Hung 
Published: May 2024

Purpose
The home page design of a digital news website is a key factor in determining its attractiveness to readers. This study aims to propose an approach to manage the frequent adjustment of the dynamic layout of the news content on the website home page in a real-time environment to increase its attractiveness to readers.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper shows that this news website layout design problem can be modeled as an optimization problem based on the information of news contents that change within a multiple-period planning horizon similar to the dynamic facility layout problem. A hybrid genetic algorithm-based approach integrated with local search heuristic methods is also proposed to improve the solution.

Findings
This paper finds that the DPLP model is effective in modeling the changing layout of a digital news website. The problem can solved in a timely manner using the proposed hybrid genetic algorithm.

Research limitations/implications
This paper was based on hypothetical data and on the assumption of equal section size. Actual data would help fine-tune the application of the dynamic facility layout model. As well the algorithm could be enhanced for unequal size sections.

Practical implications
The model should help online newspapers apply sophisticated algorithms to optimize the layout of news websites dynamically in a timely manner.

Social implications
News websites are increasingly the desired medium to consume news. So it has an important role in educating society. Thus optimizing and improving the process will help in this regard.

Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is the first one to apply the DPLP model to the digital newspaper website dynamic design problem.
Efficiency decomposition in three-stage data envelopment analysis with undesirable and returnable factors
Authors: Malmir Mohammad , Hosseinzadeh Lotfi Farhad , Kazemi Matin Reza , Ahadzadeh Namin Mahnaz 
Published: May 2024

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the efficiency of a series network system with undesirable and unreturnable simultaneously.

Design/methodology/approach
The research was conducted by applying data envelopment analysis (DEA) approach to measure the efficiency score of a system and substages with an undesirable output of the second and third stages separately. For each case, new production technology was introduced, and based on them, novel DEA models were proposed.

Findings
One of the most important issues in the development of a country is the banking industry. In this study, 51 branches of commercial banks as a three-stage system with undesirable and unreturnable outputs in the second stage are considered. Then, the efficiency of each branch and substages is measured by using proposed models.

Originality/value
The efficiency of a three-stage network in the presence of undesirable and unreturnable outputs was assessed. In this model, Kousmanen’s technology was used.
Conceptualising performance in public services co-production: from ideas to measures in neighbourhood watch schemes
Authors: Sorrentino Daniela , Ruggiero Pasquale , Braga Alessandro , Mussari Riccardo 
Published: May 2024

PurposeThis paper delves into a pivotal juncture within the co-production literature, intersecting with the ongoing debate about performance challenges in public sector accounting scholarship. It explores how public managers conceive and measure the performance of co-produced public services.Design/methodology/approachA case study is conducted on three instances of neighbourhood watching – that is, a type of collective co-production – in a homogeneous institutional setting. The analysis and interpretation of empirical data are guided by a systematic conceptual space delineating the qualities that performance criteria can take in contexts where public services are produced.FindingsFindings reveal that when the co-production activation is driven by both state and lay actors, public managers tend to conceptualise and measure its performance in a way that contributes to building a more structured co-productive space, where the roles to play, how to interact and what to achieve are clearly defined.Originality/valueThis paper breaks new ground by scrutinising the conceptualisation of performance in settings where public services involve actors beyond traditional public administrations. By exploring the diverse “shapes” and meanings that performance can take in co-production arrangements, this paper enriches discussions on how public sector accounting can inform co-production literature.
Understanding mobile augmented reality apps in Pakistan: an extended mobile technology acceptance model
Authors: Khan Salman , Zhang Qingyu , Khan Safeer Ullah , Khan Ikram Ullah , Khan Rafi Ullah 
Published: May 2024

PurposeAugmented reality (AR) adoption has boomed globally in recent years. The prospective of AR to seamlessly integrate digital information into the actual environment has proven to be a challenge for academics and industry, as they endeavor to understand and predict the influence on users' perceptions, adoption intentions and usage. This study investigates the factors affecting consumers’ behavioral intention to adopt AR technology in shopping malls by offering the mobile technology acceptance model (MTAM).Design/methodology/approachThis conceptual framework is based on mobile self-efficacy, rewards, social influence and enjoyment of existing MTAM constructs. A self-administered questionnaire, constructed by measuring questions modified from previous research, elicited 311 usable responses from mobile respondents who had recently used AR technology in shopping malls. This analysis was performed using SmartPLS3.0.FindingsGrounded on the findings of the study, it was found that, aside from factors such as mobile usefulness, ease of use and social influence, the remaining independent variables had the most significant impact on adopting AR technologies. Considering the limitations of this study, the paper concludes by discussing the significant implications and insinuating avenues for future research.Originality/valueTo better investigate mobile AR app adoption in Pakistan’s shopping malls, the researchers modified the newly proposed MTAM model by incorporating mobile self-efficacy theory, social influence, rewards and perceived enjoyment. However, the extended model has not been extensively studied in previous research. This study is the first to examine the variables that affect an individual’s intention to accept mobile AR apps by using a novel extended MTAM.
An egalitarian talent selection model to support learning organizations
Authors: Leao Jose , Fontana Marcele 
Published: May 2024

Purpose
This study aims to develop a talent selection model for learning organizations capable of connecting two groups, candidates in a talent hiring process and managers of the hiring company, in a reliable process, promoting organizational learning and increasing employee satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper integrates egalitarian principles, an artificial intelligence mechanism founded on stable matching algorithms, and evaluating critical soft skills to enhance recruitment practices within learning organizations. The authors conduct a numerical real-world application in Python to showcase the model’s effectiveness. Five candidates were evaluated for five job positions. Moreover, 26 soft skills were analyzed by the five company leaders, relating them to the requirements of each job position and by all candidates, as a self-assessment process.

Findings
The model promoted egalitarian talent management because it motivates the candidates to choose the preferred position in a company, and the employers hire the best candidate. It is satisfactory for all participants in a company’s hiring process if the parties intend to be fair and egalitarian. The benefits of the process can be considered isolated (parties’ satisfaction) or a part of a company’s effort to stimulate an egalitarian culture in organizational values.

Practical implications
The information generated by the model is used to refine its selection process and improve its understanding of the job requirements and candidate profiles of the company. The model supports this idea, using the concepts of indifference, stability, egalitarianism and the soft skills required and identified to be more effective and learn about themselves.

Social implications
This paper discusses an egalitarian point of view in the recruitment process. It is satisfactory for all participants in a company’s hiring process if the parties intend to be fair and egalitarian. The process’s benefits can be considered part of a company’s effort to stimulate an egalitarian culture in organizational values.

Originality/value
This paper brings an excellent future perspective and points to the company’s development of talent retention. The model simultaneously solves the evolution of talent management processes through new technologies and soft skills emerging in the postpandemic scenario.
Density‐dependent influence of ribbed mussels on salt marsh nitrogen pools and processes
Authors: Williams Sydney L. , Fischman Hallie S. , Angelini Christine , Smyth Ashley R. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Bivalves are becoming an increasingly popular tool to counteract eutrophication, particularly in vegetated coastal ecosystems where synergistic interactions between bivalves and plants can govern important N sequestration pathways. In turn, new calls to evaluate how bivalve densities modify N pools and processes across multiple scales have surfaced.

Ribbed mussels, Geukensia demissa, and their relationship with smooth cordgrass present a classic demonstration of positive bivalve‐plant interactions and offer a useful model for assessing density dependence. We measure porewater ammonium concentrations, N stable isotope signatures in cordgrass tissue, and sediment N fluxes in mussel aggregations and in cordgrass‐only plots across a southeastern U.S. salt marsh.

In addition to measuring the effect of mussel presence, we evaluate mussel density dependence through a multiscale approach. At the patch scale, we quantify mussel density effects within their aggregations (individuals m−2) while at a larger landscape scale, we quantify mussel density effects on the cordgrass‐only areas they neighbour (individuals ~30 m−2).

Porewater ammonium concentrations were halved in mussel biodeposits relative to sediments in cordgrass‐only areas and negatively related to mussel density within aggregations. Leaf clip ẟ15N signatures were nearly 2‰ higher in cordgrass growing among mussel aggregations and increased with increasing patch mussel density. Microcosm incubations showed that mussels enhanced N2 flux (i.e., nitrogen removal) and DIN flux (i.e., N regeneration) into the water column, where only nitrogen removal increased with increasing patch‐scale mussel density. Across the marsh landscape, mussel coverage drove ammonium accumulation and N2 flux in sediments.

Synthesis. Our results suggest that, at the patch scale, mussels stimulate the microbial metabolism of N, the assimilation of this bioavailable N by cordgrass, and nitrogen removal in a positive, density‐dependent manner. Tidal currents redistribute mussel biodeposits from mussel aggregations to surrounding areas, influencing biogeochemical transformations at scales beyond their physical footprint. We emphasize that the N regeneration potential of bivalve populations is a significant metric contributing to their mitigation potential and that bivalve density effects may be non‐linear, vary across patch to ecosystem scales, and have differing implications for the plants with which they interact.
Empirical meropenem versus piperacillin/tazobactam for adult patients with sepsis (EMPRESS) trial: Protocol
Authors: Granholm Anders , Munch Marie Warrer , Meier Nick , Sjövall Fredrik , Helleberg Marie , Hertz Frederik Boëtius , Kaas‐Hansen Benjamin Skov , Thorsen‐Meyer Hans‐Christian , Andersen Lars Wiuff , Rasmussen Bodil Steen , Andersen Jakob Steen , Albertsen Trine Lynge , Kjær Maj‐Brit Nørregaard , Jensen Aksel Karl Georg , Lange Theis , Perner Anders , Møller Morten Hylander 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundPiperacillin/tazobactam may be associated with less favourable outcomes than carbapenems in patients with severe bacterial infections, but the certainty of evidence is low.MethodsThe Empirical Meropenem versus Piperacillin/Tazobactam for Adult Patients with Sepsis (EMPRESS) trial is an investigator‐initiated, international, parallel‐group, randomised, open‐label, adaptive clinical trial with an integrated feasibility phase. We will randomise adult, critically ill patients with sepsis to empirical treatment with meropenem or piperacillin/tazobactam for up to 30 days. The primary outcome is 30‐day all‐cause mortality. The secondary outcomes are serious adverse reactions within 30 days; isolation precautions due to resistant bacteria within 30 days; days alive without life support and days alive and out of hospital within 30 and 90 days; 90‐ and 180‐day all‐cause mortality and 180‐day health‐related quality of life. EMPRESS will use Bayesian statistical models with weak to somewhat sceptical neutral priors. Adaptive analyses will be conducted after follow‐up of the primary outcome for the first 400 participants concludes and after every 300 subsequent participants, with adaptive stopping for superiority/inferiority and practical equivalence (absolute risk difference <2.5%‐points) and response‐adaptive randomisation. The expected sample sizes in scenarios with no, small or large differences are 5189, 5859 and 2570 participants, with maximum 14,000 participants and ≥99% probability of conclusiveness across all scenarios.ConclusionsEMPRESS will compare the effects of empirical meropenem against piperacillin/tazobactam in adult, critically ill patients with sepsis. Due to the pragmatic, adaptive design with high probability of conclusiveness, the trial results are expected to directly inform clinical practice.
Behavioural support and nicotine replacement therapy for smokeless tobacco cessation in Bangladesh, India and Pakistan: A pilot randomized controlled trial
Authors: Siddiqui Faraz , Kanaan Mona , Croucher Ray , Bauld Linda , Fieroze Fariza , Kumar Prashant , Mazhar Laraib , Pandey Varsha , Jackson Cath , Huque Rumana , Iqbal Romaina , Siddiqi Kamran ,   ASTRA Global Health Research Group
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackground and aimsSmokeless tobacco (ST) use in South Asia is high, yet interventions to support its cessation are lacking. We tested the feasibility of delivering interventions for ST cessation in South Asia.DesignWe used a 2 × 2 factorial design, pilot randomized controlled trial with a duration of 26 weeks, including baseline and follow‐up (6, 12 and 26 weeks) assessments.SettingTwo primary health‐care facilities each in Dhaka (Bangladesh) and Karachi (Pakistan) and a walk‐in cancer screening clinic in Noida (India) took part.ParticipantsAdult daily ST users willing to make a quit attempt within 30 days. Of 392 screened, 264 participants [mean age: 35 years, standard deviation = 12.5, 140 (53%) male] were recruited between December 2020 and December 2021; 132 from Bangladesh, 44 from India and 88 from Pakistan.InterventionsParticipants were randomized to one of three treatment options [8‐week support through nicotine replacement therapy (NRT, n = 66), a behavioural intervention for smokeless tobacco cessation in adults (BISCA, n = 66) or their combination (n = 66)] or the control condition of very brief advice (VBA) to quit (n = 66).MeasurementsRecruitment and retention, data completeness and feasibility of intervention delivery were evaluated. Biochemically verified abstinence from tobacco, using salivary cotinine, was measured at 26 weeks.FindingsRetention rates were 94.7% at 6 weeks, dropping to 89.4% at 26 weeks. Attendance in BISCA pre‐quit (100%) and quit sessions (86.3%) was high, but lower in post‐quit sessions (65.9%), with variability among countries. Adherence to NRT also varied (45.5% Bangladesh, 90% India). Data completion for key variables exceeded 93% among time‐points, except at 26 weeks for questions on nicotine dependence (90%), urges (89%) and saliva samples (62.7%). Among follow‐up time‐points, self‐reported abstinence was generally higher among participants receiving BISCA and/or NRT. At 26 weeks, biochemically verified abstinence was observed among 16 (12.1%) participants receiving BISCA and 13 (9.8%) participants receiving NRT.ConclusionsThis multi‐country pilot randomized controlled trial of tobacco cessation among adult smokeless tobacco users in South Asia demonstrated the ability to recruit and retain participants and report abstinence, suggesting that a future definitive smokeless tobacco cessation trial is viable.
Neoadjuvant therapy with intensity‐modulated radiotherapy combined with S‐1 for borderline‐resectable pancreatic cancer
Authors: Okamura Yusuke , Nishitai Ryuta , Sasaki Naoya , Ito Hitoshi , Sakamoto Takashi , Itokawa Yoshio , Kusumoto Masanori , Nakai Yoshitaka , Yamaoka Toshihide , Manaka Dai 
Published: May 2024

AbstractAimWe evaluated the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy with intensity‐modulated radiotherapy (NAC‐IMRT) in patients with borderline‐resectable pancreatic cancer (BRPC).MethodsBRPC patients were treated with IMRT (45 Gy/15fr) combined with two courses of S‐1 (40 mg/m2 bid) before surgery. Outcomes after NAC‐IMRT, surgery, and survival were then evaluated. This single‐center retrospective study assessed 26 consecutive patients.ResultsTwenty‐six patients (BR‐PV: 7, BR‐A: 19) with a median age of 73 years were enrolled from 2016 to 2021. Ten (38%) patients were 75‐years‐old and above. Twenty‐three patients completed NAC‐IMRT treatment. The median reductions in tumor size and cancer antigen 19‐9 level were 13.6% and 69%, respectively. All 26 patients underwent resection within a median time of 71 days after NAC‐IMRT initiation. R0 resection was achieved in 24 patients (92%). The median overall survival (OS) was 28.0 months, and the 1‐ and 3‐year OS rates were 100% and 34%, respectively. The median progression‐free survival (PFS) was 12.5 months, and the 1‐ and 3‐year PFS rates were 50% and 32%, respectively. No significant differences were observed in OS between the patients under and over the age of 75 (29 vs. 20 months, p = 0.86). The 12 patients who completed NAC‐IMRT, resection, and subsequent adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) exhibited a 3‐year survival rate of 73%, which was significantly better than that of the patients who did not receive or complete AC (median OS, not reached vs. 19 months, p < 0.001).ConclusionNAC‐IMRT showed outstanding clinical efficacy with acceptable tolerability in patients with BRPC, including geriatric patients.