bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Job satisfaction in green construction projects: antecedent roles of green work climate, pro-environmental construction practice and green human capital
Authors: Onubi Hilary Omatule , Carpio Manuel , Hassan Ahmad Sanusi 
Published: December 2022

PurposeJob satisfaction (JS) of construction workers is important in determining the level of green construction project performance. Despite the importance of construction workers' JS in actualizing green construction projects' objectives, insufficient consideration has been accorded in green construction studies. This study aims to determine the link between green human capital (GHC), pro-environmental construction practice (PCP), green work climate (GWC) and JS. Precisely, the purpose of this study is to investigate the mediating role of GWC on the GHC and PCP relationship while analysing the moderating effect of GWC on the relationship between PCP and JS.Design/methodology/approachThis research's data were collected through a survey questionnaire with 272 useable responses obtained. The partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) technique was used in the study's data analysis.FindingsThe findings of this study indicate that GHC was positively related to PCP; GWC had a significant mediating effect on the GHC–PCP relationship; PCP had a significant positive effect on JS; and GWC had a significant moderating effect on the PCP–JS relationship with high GWC yielding the greater effect.Practical implicationsThis study gives a clearer picture of how GHC can lead to the adoption of PCP through GWC and translate to JS, thus providing stakeholders with the required information on firm-based initiatives that can promote the needed green behaviour on the construction site.Originality/valueThe originality of this study lies in its contribution to both theory and practice as it provides greater insight into PCP alongside its antecedents and outcomes as it relates to the JS of construction project/site managers.
Thermo-mechanical deformation and stress analysis of a rotating FG hollow cylindrical body
Authors: Sondhi Lakshman , Sahu Rakesh Kumar , Bhowmick Shubhankar , Madan Royal 
Published: December 2022

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to perform thermo-mechanical deformation and stress analysis in a functionally graded (FG) hollow cylinder considering steady-state temperature distribution under the effect of rotation, gravity and constant heat generation.Design/methodology/approachNavier's equation was used to solve the problem, and the obtained results were validated with benchmarks found to be in excellent agreement. The variation of temperature and other material properties such as Young's modulus, density, thermal expansion coefficient and thermal conductivity varied radially as per power-law variation.FindingsThe effect of rotation was found to be vital compared to gravity and heat generation when compared individually and in combination. The results of displacement and stresses were presented for varying grading indices.Practical implicationsFG cylinders have huge industrial applications as it opens the possibility of developing structures with a high strength/weight ratio. The present study will benefit industries in identifying the effective grading index that can be used by industries for fabricating FG structures.Originality/valueThe effect of rotation, body force and heat generation on a cylindrical body has not been studied before. Furthermore, the combined effect of rotation, body force and heat generation has been studied to understand the behaviour of cylinders operating under similar conditions.
Determinants of cash conversion cycle in MENA countries
Authors: Yilmaz Ilker , Nobanee Haitham 
Published: December 2022

PurposeThis study investigates the determinants of the cash conversion cycle (CCC in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) countries).Design/methodology/approachUsing the data of 395 companies from 10 countries in the MENA region for six years (2013–2018), the authors run dynamic panel regressions. The authors developed several models to examine the determinants of CCC and its components. The models included several control variables: firm, industry and country characteristics.FindingsThe results reveal that firm characteristics (e.g. operating cash flow, sales growth rate, operating profit margin, firm size and tangibility) affect CCC. The model in which CCC is a dependent variable produced more significant results than those which the components of CCC were dependent variables.Practical implicationsThe findings suggest that corporate managers when making their working capital management decisions should pay equal attention to the components of CCC and develop a comprehensive working capital management policy.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to examine determinants of CCC in the MENA context in both country and industry details.
Does firm competitiveness affect corporate risk-taking?
Authors: Chang Vincent Y.L. 
Published: December 2022

PurposeFew studies utilize insurance sector data to analyze how insurers' competitiveness affects their risk-taking decisions. To fill the research gap, this study aims to investigate the relationship between insurers’ competitiveness and risk-taking decisions.Design/methodology/approachThis study employs unbalanced panel data for the US property-liability insurance companies from 2006 to 2019. Two-Stage estimation is applied to address the endogeneity issue, such as the Two-Step Generalized Method of Moments, General Two-Stage Least Square and Two-Stage Quantile Regression.FindingsThe regression analysis reveals that insurers' competitiveness in their risk-taking decisions is primarily negative. The finding suggests that insurers with low (high) competitiveness tend to take more (less) risk. This study sheds light on how insurers with low competitiveness may alter their risk preference, supporting the fundamental argument of the prospect theory, the CEO hubris argument, the risk-return theory and the risk-sensitivity theory.Research limitations/implicationsThe critical findings of this study provide policy implications when evaluating and drafting insurance legislation. Regulators must pay close attention to insurers' riskier decisions while insurers with low competitiveness or during periods of economic recession.Originality/valueThis research contributes to the literature by assessing whether insurers' competitiveness influences their risk-taking decisions. The empirical findings suggest that insurers with low competitiveness take on greater risks to gamble for survivability and boost profits to strengthen their financial standing. The evidence indicates that insurers may risk-seeking or irrational decision-making when facing a competitive disadvantage.
Recent advances in bioactive nanocrystal‐stabilized Pickering emulsions: Fabrication, characterization, and biological assessment
Authors: Yang Dan , Feng Yuqi , Yao Xiaolin , Zhao Baofu , Li Dan , Liu Ning , Fang Yapeng , Midgley Adam , Liu Dechun , Katsuyoshi Nishinari 
Published: December 2022

AbstractNumerous literatures have shown the advantages of Pickering emulsion (PE) for the delivery of bioactive ingredients in the fields of food, medicine, and cosmetics, among others. On this basis, the multi‐loading mode of bioactives (internal phase encapsulation and/or loading at the interface) in small molecular bioactives nanocrystal‐stabilized PE (BNC‐PE) enables them higher loading efficiencies, controlled release, and synergistic or superimposed effects. Therefore, BNC‐PE offers an efficacious delivery system. In this review, we briefly summarize BNC‐PE fabrication and characterization, with a focus on the processes of possible evolution and absorption of differentially applied BNC‐PE when interacting with the body. In addition, methods of monitoring changes and absorption of BNC‐PE in vivo, from the nanomaterial perspective, are also introduced. The purpose of this review is to provide an accessible and comprehensive methodology for the characterization and evaluation of BNC‐PE after formulation and preparation, especially in relation to biological assessment and detailed mechanisms throughout the absorption process of BNC‐PE in vivo.
Endoscopic submucosal dissection for gastric adenocarcinoma of the fundic gland type (chief cell predominate type): Four years’ experience from a tertiary hospital
Authors: He Meng Jiang , Liu Xin Yang , Xu Jia Xin , Xu Xiao Yue , Li Quan Lin , Chen Wei Feng , Zhou Ping Hong 
Published: December 2022

ObjectiveTo summarize the endoscopic and clinicopathological features of gastric adenocarcinoma of the fundic gland type (GA‐FG), and to evaluate the efficacy and safety of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for the treatment of GA‐FGs.MethodsFrom September 2017 to August 2021, patients treated with ESD who were pathologically confirmed to have GA‐FGs were included. Those with lymphovascular and distal metastasis were excluded before ESD. The medical records were retrospectively reviewed to obtain information regarding patient demographics, clinicopathological characteristics, tumor features, complete resection rate, and complications, etc. All patients underwent follow‐up for at least 12 months to evaluate any local recurrence or distant metastasis.ResultsA total of 15 patients with an average age of 56.9 ± 10.7 years were recruited, including 11 men and 4 women. Lesions were found at the upper third (13 [86.7%]) or middle third (2 [13.3%]) of the stomach. The average lesion size was 9.1 ± 4.8 mm. Macroscopically, lesions presented as a flat elevated type with reddish or erosion on top (n = 7, 46.7%), depressed type with pale color (n = 5, 33.3%), or submucosal tumor (SMT)‐like appearance type (n = 3, 20.0%). En bloc resection, complete resection and curative resection were achieved in 14 (93.3%), 13 (86.7%), and 11 (73.3%) patients, respectively. Nine (60.0%) of the lesions had submucosal invasion. One patient underwent additional surgery. No local recurrence or metastasis was detected during the follow‐up duration.ConclusionsGA‐FGs present with various endoscopic features. ESD appears to be effective and safe for treating early‐stage GA‐FGs.
Cell‐to‐cell non‐conjugative plasmid transfer between Bacillus subtilis and lactic acid bacteria
Authors: Morawska Luiza P. , Kuipers Oscar P. 
Published: December 2022

AbstractBacillus subtilis is a soil‐dwelling bacterium that can interact with a plethora of other microorganisms in its natural habitat. Due to the versatile interactions and its ability to form nanotubes, i.e., recently described membrane structures that trade cytoplasmic content between neighbouring cells, we investigated the potential of HGT from B. subtilis to industrially‐relevant members of lactic acid bacteria (LAB). To explore the interspecies HGT events, we developed a co‐culturing protocol and provided proof of transfer of a small high copy non‐conjugative plasmid from B. subtilis to LABs. Interestingly, the plasmid transfer did not involve conjugation nor activation of the competent state by B. subtilis. Moreover, our study shows for the first time non‐conjugative cell‐to‐cell intraspecies plasmid transfer for non‐competent Lactococcus lactis sp. cremoris strains. Our study indicates that cell‐to‐cell transformation is a ubiquitous form of HGT and can be potentially utilized as an alternative tool for natural (non‐GMO) strain improvement.
Posterior quadratus lumborum block versus epidural analgesia for postoperative pain management after open radical cystectomy: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Korgvee Andrus , Veskimae Erik , Huhtala Heini , Koskinen Heikki , Tammela Teuvo , Junttila Eija , Kalliomaki Maija‐Liisa 
Published: December 2022

AbstractBackgroundIn open abdominal surgery, continuous epidural analgesia is commonly used method for postoperative analgesia. However, ultrasound (US)‐guided fascial plane blocks may be a reasonable alternative.MethodsIn this randomized controlled trial, we compared posterior quadratus lumborum block (QLB) with epidural analgesia for postoperative pain after open radical cystectomy (ORC). Adult patients aged 18–85 with bladder cancer (BC) scheduled for open RC were randomized in two groups. Exclusion criteria were complicated diabetes mellitus type I, lack of cooperation, and persistent pain for reasons other than BC. In one group, a bilateral US‐guided single injection posterior QLB was performed with 3.75 mg/ml ropivacaine 20 ml/side. In the other group, continuous epidural analgesia with ropivacaine was used. Basic analgesia was oral paracetamol 1000 mg three times daily, and long‐acting opioid twice daily in both groups. All patients had patient‐controlled rescue analgesia with oxycodone. Postoperative cumulative rescue opioid consumption was recorded for the day of surgery, and the following 2 postoperative days (POD 0–2). Secondary outcomes were postoperative pain and nausea and vomiting.ResultsIn total, 20 patients (QLB), and 19 patients (epidural analgesia) groups, were included in the analyses. Cumulative rescue opioid consumption on POD 0, being of duration 9–12 h, was 14 mg (7.6–33.3) in the QLB group versus 6.1 mg (2.0–16.1) in the epidural analgesia group, p = 0.089, and as doses, 8 doses (3.6–15.7) versus 4 doses (1.3–8.5), p = .057. On POD 1 consumption was 25.3 mg (11.0–52.9) versus 18.0 mg (14.4–43.7), p = .749, and as doses 12 (5.5–23.0) versus 10 (8–20), p > .9, respectively. On POD 2 consumption was 19.1 mg (7.9–31.0) versus 18.0 mg (5.4–27.6) p = .749, and as doses 8.5 (5.2–14.7) versus 11 (3.0–18.0) p > .9, respectively.ConclusionOpioid consumption did not differ significantly between posterior QLB and an epidural infusion with ropivacaine for the first 2 postoperative days following RC. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT03328988.
Age of gambling onset and resultant gambling behavior during young adulthood in the United States
Authors: Quinn Anthony , Chamberlain Samuel R. , Grant Jon E. 
Published: December 2022

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesPrevious research has examined how the age at which an individual first gambles (age of gambling onset) correlates with problematic behavior later in life, such as problematic alcohol or substance use; however, much less is known about how age of gambling onset, particularly as a child or as a young adult, might influence future gambling. We assessed how self‐reported age of gambling onset may have shaped more recent gambling and propensity to take risks.MethodsWe analyzed questionnaire data and neurocognitive assessment data collected from young adults in the United States (n = 579) and conducted ordinal logistic regression to model our study variables.ResultsUpon examining three distinct age categories (under 18, 18–20, 21, and over), we found that earlier age of gambling onset was significantly associated with betting a higher overall proportion during a neurocognitive task.Conclusions and Scientific SignificanceGambling more points on a laboratory‐based task was correlated to earlier age of gambling onset. There were no statistically significant associations between age of gambling onset and severity of recent pathological gambling, nor gambling expenditure in the past year, nor gambling frequency in the past week. Future longitudinal study should discern the causality of these findings in both directions and ascertain whether these findings can be extended to older and clinical populations. Future work should explore other variables, such as ethnicity and socioeconomic background, that may be relevant to understanding variations in age of gambling onset and its repercussions.
Study on the correlation between false‐positive filling defect in LAA CT and LAA structure in patients with atrial fibrillation based on TEE
Authors: Guo Tian‐Jiao , Xu Yan‐Feng , Dong Ya‐Peng , Yu Shu‐Jing 
Published: December 2022

AbstractObjectiveThis study aims to explore the actual meaning of “false positive filling defect” in left atrial appendage (LAA) computed tomography (CT) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), with transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) as the gold standard.MethodsPatients with AF undergoing cardiac CT angiography and TEE examinations for proposed radiofrequency catheter ablation between October 2020 and October 2021 were selected as the study subjects. Transesophageal echocardiography was taken as the “gold standard,” and spontaneous echocardiographic contrast (SEC) and thrombus events were defined as positive events. The CT manifestations were classified into three groups (true positive, false positive, and true negative) to evaluate the differences in left atrium (LA) anterior–posterior diameter (LAAP), LA anterior wall thickness, and LAA orifice long diameter and short diameter, area, and depth between the three groups.Results(1) There was no statistical difference in LA anterior wall thickness between the three groups (p > .05); there was a statistical difference in LAAP (only) between the true‐positive group and the true‐negative group (p < .05). (2) There was a statistical difference in LAA orifice long diameter, short diameter, and area between the true‐positive group and the true‐negative group as well as between the false‐positive group and the true‐negative group (p < .05). (3) There was a statistical difference in LAA depth between the true‐positive group and the false‐positive group as well as between the true‐positive group and the true‐negative group (p < .05). (4) The area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC) of LAA depth affecting the LAA thrombus and SEC was 0.863 (confidence interval = 0.718–1.000), the sensitivity was 77.8%, and the specificity was 90.6% for predicting the occurrence of LAA thrombus and SEC in patients with nonvalvular AF (NVAF) and an LAA depth of ≥50.84 mm.ConclusionsThere was a difference in LAA diameter between the TEE‐based CT false‐positive group and the other groups. A “CT false positive” is an objectively existing state, and CT might be able to identify the LAA hemodynamic disorder earlier than TEE. Furthermore, a CT + TEE combined application could more accurately evaluate LAA hemodynamics in patients with AF.
Creation of a globally informed and locally relevant KMC implementation model for population‐impact in Amhara, Ethiopia
Authors: Gobezayehu Abebe Gebremariam , Lijalem Mulusew , Endalamaw Lamesgin Alamineh , Mohammad Hajiria , Beyene Tariku , Mekonnen Tadesse Biru , Abay Girma Guadie , Sibley Lynn M. , Cranmer John N. 
Published: December 2022

AbstractAimAs part of a multi‐country implementation trial, we tested a regionally specific model of kangaroo mother care (KMC). Effective KMC was defined as ≥8 h of newborn‐caregiver skin‐to‐skin contact daily plus exclusive breast feeding. The study was designed to achieve ≥80+% effective KMC coverage at the population level.MethodsThe Amhara KMC model was designed using global evidence, formative research in the region and input from government officials, clinicians, newborn families and global scientists. We optimised the initial model using continuous quality improvement with process feedback, outcome measurement and collaborative re‐design. Outcomes from the evaluation period are reported.ResultsAt discharge, the final model resulted in a median of 16 h per day of skin‐to‐skin contact with 63% effective KMC coverage. Fifty‐three percent sustained effective KMC to 7 days post‐discharge.ConclusionsIt is possible to achieve high coverage (63%), high‐quality KMC at public hospitals without prior KMC services using government‐owned, multisectoral collaborative design. Targeted co‐design, real‐time data and customisation of KMC interventions with input from impacted stakeholders was critical in achieving high coverage and sustained quality.
Potential benefit and lack of serious risk from corticosteroids in drug‐induced liver injury: An international, multicentre, propensity score‐matched analysis
Authors: Niu Hao , Ma Jiayi , Medina‐Caliz Inmaculada , Robles‐Diaz Mercedes , Bonilla‐Toyos Elvira , Ghabril Marwan , Lucena Mª Isabel , Alvarez‐Alvarez Ismael , Andrade Raul J. 
Published: December 2022

SummaryBackgroundThe use of corticosteroids to treat patients with idiosyncratic drug‐induced liver injury (DILI) relies on empirical clinical decisions.AimTo investigate the relationship between corticosteroids and risk of acute liver failure (ALF) in patients with DILI and to assess if corticosteroid therapy was associated with improved outcomes in DILI patients.MethodsWe analysed bona fide idiosyncratic DILI cases from the Spanish DILI Registry and Indiana University School of Medicine. Patients treated with corticosteroids were compared to those who did not receive any treatment. Nearest neighbour propensity score matching analyses were conducted.ResultsWe enrolled 724 patients, 106 under corticosteroid therapy, in whom there was over‐representation of more severe injury and autoimmune features, and 618 who did not receive any treatment. In an analysis of 80 pairs of propensity score‐matched patients, corticosteroid administration was not associated with an increased risk of developing ALF (odds ratio = 0.65; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.18–2.40; p = 0.518). Furthermore, in an additional analysis, a Cox regression model that included 41 propensity score‐matched pairs showed that patients receiving corticosteroids had a significantly higher normalisation rate of liver enzymes than untreated patients (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.84; 95% CI: 1.02–3.32; p = 0.043), particularly in patients with serious injury who did not resolve within 30 days (HR = 2.79; 95% CI: 1.20–6.50; p = 0.018).ConclusionCorticosteroid therapy did not worsen outcome in DILI patients. Indeed, corticosteroid administration was associated with a greater rate of normalisation of liver enzymes in patients with serious DILI.
Remeshing‐free Graph‐based Finite Element Method for Fracture Simulation
Authors: Mandal A. , Chaudhuri P. , Chaudhuri S. 
Published: December 2022

AbstractFracture produces new mesh fragments that introduce additional degrees of freedom in the system dynamics. Existing finite element method (FEM) based solutions suffer from increasing computational cost as the system matrix size increases. We solve this problem by presenting a graph‐based FEM model for fracture simulation that is remeshing‐free and easily scales to high‐resolution meshes. Our algorithm models fracture on the graph induced in a volumetric mesh with tetrahedral elements. We relabel the edges of the graph using a computed damage variable to initialize and propagate fracture. We prove that non‐linear, hyper‐elastic strain energy density is expressible entirely in terms of the edge lengths of the induced graph. This allows us to reformulate the system dynamics for the relabelled graph without changing the size of the system dynamics matrix and thus prevents the computational cost from blowing up. The fractured surface has to be reconstructed explicitly only for visualization purposes. We simulate standard laboratory experiments from structural mechanics and compare the results with corresponding real‐world experiments. We fracture objects made of a variety of brittle and ductile materials, and show that our technique offers stability and speed that is unmatched in current literature.