bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modeling duration of building renovation projects
Authors: Lawal Haruna Sa'idu , Ahmadu Hassan Adaviriku , Abdullahi Muhammad , Yamusa Muhammad Aliyu , Abdulrazaq Mustapha 
Published: March 2023

Purpose
This study aims to develop a building renovation duration prediction model incorporating both scope and non-scope factors.

Design/methodology/approach
The study used a questionnaire to obtain basic information relating to identified project scope factors as well as information relating to the impact of the non-scope factors on the duration of building renovation projects. The study retrieved 121 completed questionnaires from construction firms on tertiary education trust fund (TETFund) building renovation projects. Artificial neural network was then used to develop the model using 90% of the data, while mean absolute percentage error was used to validate the model using the remaining 10% of the data.

Findings
Two artificial neural network models were developed – a multilayer perceptron (MLP) and a radial basis function (RBF) model. The accuracy of the models was 86% and 80%, respectively. The developed models’ predictions were not statistically different from those of actual duration estimates with less than 20% error margin. Also, the study found that MLP models are more accurate than RBF models.

Research limitations/implications
The developed models are only applicable to projects that suit the characteristics and nature of the data used to develop the models. Hence, models can only predict the duration of building renovation projects.

Practical implications
The developed models are expected to serve as a tool for realistic estimation of the duration of building renovation projects and thus, help construction project managers to effectively plan and manage it.

Social implications
The developed models are expected to serve as a tool for realistic estimation of the duration of building renovation projects and thus, help construction project managers to effectively plan and manage it; it also helps clients to effectively benchmark projects duration and contractors to accurately estimate duration at tendering stage.

Originality/value
The study presents models that combine both scope and non-scope factors in predicting the duration of building renovation projects so as to ensure more realistic predictions.
Organisational drivers of performance in mental health providers
Authors: Mannion Russell , Konteh Frederick Hassan , Jacobs Rowena 
Published: March 2023

PurposeThis study aims to compare and contrast the core organisational processes across high and low performing mental health providers in the English National Health Service (NHS).Design/methodology/approachA multiple case study qualitative design incorporating a full sample of low and high performing mental health providers.FindingsThis study suggests that the organisational approaches used to govern and manage mental health providers are associated with their performance, and the study’s findings give clues as to what areas might need attention. They include, but are not limited to: developing appropriate governance frameworks and organisational cultures, ensuring that staff across the organisation feel “psychologically safe” and able to speak up when they see things that are going wrong; a focus on enhancing quality of services rather than prioritising cost-reduction; investing in new technology and digital applications; and nurturing positive inter-organisational relationships across the local health economy.Originality/valueHighlights considerable divergence in organisation and management practices that are associated with the performance of mental health trusts in the English NHS
Worker exploitation in the gig economy: the case of dark kitchens
Authors: Giousmpasoglou Charalampos , Ladkin Adele , Marinakou Evangelia 
Published: March 2023

PurposeThe emergence of dark kitchens in the restaurant industry is a contemporary phenomenon, arising most recently in the context of the so-called gig economy. This new business model flourished during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on a global scale. Despite dark kitchens' popularity, considerable negative publicity exists in the news related to poor working conditions. To highlight this new phenomenon, this paper explores the existing literature on worker exploitation in dark kitchens in the context of the gig economy.Design/methodology/approachA systematic literature review of hospitality and tourism databases generated 1,430 articles, of which 18 met the authors' inclusion criteria for the final analysis, and 1,030 anecdotal sources, of which 47 were included. Thematic analysis was used to identify the key themes and summarise the findings to be used for further studies.FindingsThe popularity of dark kitchens as a business model is premised on the fact that dark kitchens' dramatically reduces the operational cost and increases productivity. On the other hand, the working conditions and contractual agreements of the gig workers in dark kitchens raise several questions from operational, legal and ethical perspective. These poor working conditions create the conditions for worker exploitation and further damage the sector's image.Practical implicationsThis study advocates that companies and managers are responsible for implementing and monitoring fair working conditions in dark kitchens. The existence of poor working conditions increases employee turnover and, overall, affects the industry's reputation.Originality/valueThis explorative study provides insights into the working conditions and contractual agreements in dark kitchens. Currently, there is no other study (empirical or conceptual) to shed light on the working practices. The authors hope this study will trigger further discussion and empirical research in this field.
Spanish CEOs' perceptions in complex situations: an analysis from a gender perspective
Authors: Expósito-Langa Manuel , Estelles-Miguel Sofia , Ribes-Giner Gabriela , Rueda-Armengot Carlos 
Published: March 2023

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to provide empirical evidence of discrepancies in certain management-related business factors in complex situations from a gender perspective.Design/methodology/approachThe study examined whether there are any differences in the characteristics of Spanish companies run by men and women and how male and female chief executive officers (CEOs) perceive critical situations such as the COVD-19 pandemic. To answer the research questions, the survey carried out by the Ibero-American Observatory of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (FAEDPYME) in 2021 was used. The final sample consisted of a total of 1,532 small and medium-sized enterprises.FindingsThe main results show that female CEOs are more likely to have a university education than male CEOs, but they run smaller companies in Spain. On the other hand, they are more risk averse and evaluate the impact of complex and risky situations more negatively.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings open up new research questions. This is a cross-sector study, but are there differences in behaviour between sectors? The view of the crisis is negative, but which types of companies have been strengthened?, finally, do other countries have similar results?Originality/valueThe originality and value of this document lies in the fact that it makes an interesting contribution to the open debate on the management of complex situations from a gender perspective.
Rating pressure factors affecting logistics systems during the pandemic and the ideal logistic decision selection under the Pythagorean fuzzy environment
Authors: Mishra Arunodaya Raj , Ergün Mustafa , Okoth Basil Oluoch , Korucuk Selçuk , Aytekin Ahmet , Karamaşa Çağlar 
Published: March 2023

PurposeDue to the current pandemic, the importance of logistics functions and decisions is well understood both at the level of companies and users. Logistics systems and related decisions are of vital importance in making supply chains effective, efficient and without disruption. Logistic pressure factors may emerge at different points along the logistics process, and given the role of logistics decisions as one of the important indicators of competitiveness, the determination of the logistics pressures that are likely to increase the costs of business, and their causative factors are a vital aspect of the logistics decision-making process. The study aims to provide assistance in the selection of the most ideal logistics decision by ranking the pressure factors affecting the logistics system, especially during the pandemic period for logistics enterprises operating in Ordu and Giresun provinces and which have a corporate identity.Design/methodology/approachIn this study, it is aimed to make the most ideal logistics decision selection by ranking the pressure factors affecting the logistics system, especially during the pandemic period for the logistics enterprises operating in Ordu and Giresun provinces and having a corporate identity. For that purpose interval-valued Pythagorean fuzzy (IVPF)–analytic hierarchy process (AHP) based combinative distance-based assessment (CODAS) methodology was used. Additionally sensitivity and comparison analysis were discussed.FindingsCompetitive pressure was found as the most important pressure factor affecting the logistics system during the pandemic period. Change in regulatory rules was the pressure factor found to have the least effect on the logistics system. Using the weights of logistics pressure factors, “Operational Decisions” was found to be the most ideal logistics decision selection.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings provide support for the evaluation of logistical pressures and decision options by presenting a decision model capable of processing ambiguous information. During a pandemic or similar period, the study assists decision makers in determining a new route. The findings will also call business managers' attention to logistical pressure factors and lead them toward more realistic and feasible practices in the logistics decision-making process.Originality/valueThis study provided an effective and applicable solution to a decision-making problem in the logistics sector including logistics pressure factors and the selection of logistics decisions. In this context, a methodology was presented that will allow businesses to self-evaluate their own logistics pressure factors and the selection of optimal solutions.
A MAD7‐based genome editing system for Escherichia coli
Authors: Mund Markus , Weber Wadim , Degreif Daniel , Schiklenk Christoph 
Published: March 2023

AbstractA broad variety of biomolecules is industrially produced in bacteria and yeasts. These microbial expression hosts can be optimized through genetic engineering using CRISPR tools. Here, we designed and characterized such a modular genome editing system based on the Cas12a‐like RNA‐guided nuclease MAD7 in Escherichia coli. This system enables the efficient generation of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) or gene deletions and can directly be used with donor DNA from benchtop DNA assembly to increase throughput. We combined multiple edits to engineer an E. coli strain with reduced overflow metabolism and increased plasmid yield, highlighting the versatility and industrial applicability of this approach.
Secukinumab‐induced IgA vasculitis in a patient with psoriatic arthritis
Authors: Ozince Rana Berru , Ak Tumay , Erzin Yusuf Ziya , Melikoglu Melike , Seyahi Emire 
Published: March 2023

AbstractObjectivesSecukinumab (SEC) is an effective and widely used drug in psoriatic disease and axial spondyloarthritis. However, SEC has been found to be associated with inflammatory conditions and vasculitis. These inflammatory adverse effects may complicate the treatment of underlying disease, and clinicians may experience difficulties in recognizing and managing this unusual condition.Case ReportA man aged 56 years with psoriatic disease refractory to conventional disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs was given adalimumab for 6 weeks, then switched to SEC when his psoriatic lesions were exacerbated. After 3 weeks of SEC treatment, he developed systemic features of IgA vasculitis while his skin lesions and arthritis persisted.ConclusionsAlthough SEC‐related inflammatory adverse events, including vasculitis, are rarely encountered in clinical practice, it is essential to recognize them because they can be mistaken as a component of the underlying inflammatory disease. In addition, the dramatic improvement in many cases after the cessation of SEC underlines the importance of making an accurate diagnosis. Pathogenetically, these adverse events are likely to be paradoxical reactions, except for SEC‐induced inflammatory bowel diseases. However, in many aspects, their pathogenesis is controversial and needs clarification.
The roles of risk preferences, selection, and uncertain returns on land contracts
Authors: Lee Jun Yeong , Durbahn Grant , Orazem Peter F. , Zhang Wendong 
Published: March 2023

AbstractUsing panel data on a statistically representative sample of Iowa farmland parcels from 1997 to 2017, we analyze the factors determining whether land is farmed by the owner or rented out under a cash rent or crop share contract. The landowner's decision to rent or operate the land depends on the distribution of expected net returns to the land, and so estimates of the factors affecting rental terms will be biased if the sample only includes rental contracts and excludes the owner‐operator. Land with higher mean and/or lower variance of expected net returns is most likely to be rented out. Participants in the rental market will include the most risk‐averse landowners and the least risk‐averse tenants, while the least risk‐averse landowners operate their own land. Our empirical results suggest that the rising use of cash rent contracts and declining incidence of owner‐operation and crop‐share rental contracts is consistent with falling coefficient of variation in expected net returns per acre.
Does variation in plant diversity and abundance influence browsing intensity in black rhinos?
Authors: Sisya Emanuel S. , Moyo Francis , Martin Emanuel H. , Munishi Linus K. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractVariations in forage availability, selection and preferences can lead to intense foraging competition and depletion of food consequently lowering diet quality and population performance of black rhino species. This study investigated seasonal variations in rhino diet, foraging, preference and browsing intensity and how this is influenced by plant diversity and availability in Mkomazi National Park (MKONAPA). Fifty‐eight square grids were randomly selected in each season, and plots were laid for vegetation assessment during wet and dry seasons in the sanctuary. Browsed species by rhinos were compared with rhino feeding data from fourteen rhino range areas within Africa. More than 85% of species edible in MKONAPA were similar to those in rhino range areas. Acalypha ornata, Grewia similis and Commiphora africana were highly utilised specie in both seasons. Diversity and abundance of consumed browses decreased towards the dry season while browsing intensity increased with forage preference in both seasons and was prominent when browse availability was low in dry seasons. Our study established seasonal variation in dietary composition, browsing intensity and preferences for black rhinos. We suggest establishing nutritional composition of preferred forages, assessing density of competitor browsers, translocating excess rhinos or expanding the sanctuary to meet the recommended ecological carrying capacity.
Tramadol as a patient‐initiated component of multimodal pain management: a pilot study of 364 lower limb arthroplasty cases
Authors: Wu Yu Wen (Kevin) , Mitchell David James 
Published: March 2023

AbstractBackgroundMultimodal therapy (MMT) for analgesia following joint arthroplasty continues to reduce cost and the requirement of strong opioids post‐operatively. Tramadol immediate release is an important MMT component providing synergistic pain relief via dual μ‐opioid agonism and serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibition. Case reports have shown tramadol when combined with antidepressants cause serotonin syndrome, but this has yet to be demonstrated in larger studies. We undertook a pilot study assessing the functional outcomes and incidence of side effects associated with tramadol in lower limb arthroplasty patients with a focus on those taking concomitant antidepressants.MethodsPrimary and revision hip and knee arthroplasties performed in 2018–2019 by a senior surgeon were included (n = 364). Patient records were assessed to determine pain scores, length of hospitalization, prescription of tramadol and antidepressants, self‐reported side effects and previous adverse reactions associated with tramadol.ResultsNine‐five percentage of patients had been prescribed tramadol, and 16% had concurrent prescription of tramadol and one or more antidepressants. The total rate of adverse effects associated with tramadol before and during the study was 7% (n = 25) including two cases of concomitant tramadol and antidepressant use. For patients on tramadol, median 2‐week post‐operative pain score was 1.5 (IQR 1–2.5) out of 10 and hospitalization length was 1 (IQR 1–2) days.ConclusionTramadol immediate release appears to be well tolerated among our patient population with no significantly increased prevalence of side effects when co‐administered with low and moderate dose antidepressants.
A method to reduce the width of confidence intervals by using a normal scores transformation
Authors: O’Gorman T. W. 
Published: March 2023

SummaryIn stating the results of their research, scientists usually want to publish narrow confidence intervals because they give precise estimates of the effects of interest. In many cases, the researcher would want to use the narrowest interval that maintains the desired coverage probability. In this manuscript, we propose a new method of finding confidence intervals that are often narrower than traditional confidence intervals for any individual parameter in a linear model if the errors are from a skewed distribution or from a long‐tailed symmetric distribution. If the errors are normally distributed, we show that the width of the proposed normal scores confidence interval will not be much greater than the width of the traditional interval. If the dataset includes predictor variables that are uncorrelated or moderately correlated then the confidence intervals will maintain their coverage probability. However, if the covariates are highly correlated, then the coverage probability of the proposed confidence interval may be slightly lower than the nominal value. The procedure is not computationally intensive and an R program is available to determine the normal scores 95% confidence interval. Whenever the covariates are not highly correlated, the normal scores confidence interval is recommended for the analysis of datasets having 50 or more observations.
Monitoring paxillin in astrocytes reveals the significance of the adhesion G protein coupled receptor VLGR1/ADGRV1 for focal adhesion assembly
Authors: Güler Baran E. , Linnert Joshua , Wolfrum Uwe 
Published: March 2023

AbstractVLGR1/ADGRV1 (very large G protein‐coupled receptor‐1) is the largest adhesion G protein‐coupled receptor (aGPCR). Mutations in VLGR1/ADGRV1 are associated with human Usher syndrome, the most common form of deaf‐blindness, and also with epilepsy in humans and mice. VLGR1 is expressed almost ubiquitously but is mainly found in the CNS and in the sensory cells of the eye and inner ear. Little is known about the pathogenesis of the diseases related to VLGR1. We previously identified VLGR1 as a vital component of focal adhesions (FAs) serving as a metabotropic mechanoreceptor controls cell spreading and migration. FAs are highly dynamic and turnover in response to internal and external signals. Here, we aimed to elucidate how VLGR1 participates in FA turnover. Nocodazole washouts and live cell imaging of paxillin‐DsRed2 consistently showed that FA disassembly was not altered, but de novo assembly of FA was significantly delayed in Vlgr1‐deficient astrocytes, indicating that VLGR1 is enrolled in FA assembly. In FRAP experiments, recovery rates were significantly reduced in Vlgr1‐deficient FAs, indicating reduced turnover kinetics in VLGR1‐deficient FAs. We showed that VLGR1 regulates cell migration by controlling the FA turnover during their assembly and expect novel insights into pathomechanisms related to pathogenic dysfunctions of VLGR1.
Structure–activity relationship of GPR15L peptide analogues and investigation of their interaction with the GPR15 receptor
Authors: Deng Yufang , Perez Almeria Claudia V. , van Gijzel Lieke , Schaller Kay , Vedel Line , Gloriam David E. , Ulven Trond , Bräuner‐Osborne Hans 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThe 57‐mer full‐length GPR15L(25‐81) peptide has been identified as the principal endogenous agonist of the G protein‐coupled receptor GPR15. Its main activity resides in the C‐terminal 11‐mer GPR15L(71‐81), which has full efficacy but ~40‐fold lower potency than the full‐length peptide. Here, we systematically investigated the structure–activity relationship of GPR15L(71‐81) by truncations/extensions, alanine‐scanning, and N‐ and C‐terminal capping. The synthesized peptide analogues were tested at GPR15 stably expressed in HEK293A cells using a homogenous time‐resolved Förster resonance energy transfer‐based Gi cAMP functional assay. We show that the C‐terminal α carboxyl group and the residues Leu78, Pro75, Val74, and Trp72 are critical for receptor interaction and contribute significantly to the peptide potency. Furthermore, we tested the ability of GPR15L(71‐81), C‐terminally amidated GPR15L(71‐81), and GPR15L(25‐81) to activate the three GPR15 receptor mutants in a bioluminescence resonance energy transfer‐based G protein activation assay. The results demonstrate that the Lys192 and Glu272 residues in GPR15 are important for the potency of the GPR15L peptide. Overall, our study identifies critical residues in the peptide and receptor sequences for future drug design.
The effect of antinuclear antibody titre and its variation on outcomes in children with primary immune thrombocytopenia
Authors: Liu Jing , Zhang Yuelun , Li Zhuo , Li Ji , Zhang Lejia , Song Yuqing , Lyu Zichao , Wang Changyan , Gou Lijuan , Quan Meiying , Xiao Juan , Song Hongmei 
Published: March 2023

SummaryAntinuclear antibody (ANA) can be positive in children with primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), but the effect of ANA titre and its variation on outcomes of children with primary ITP remains unclear. Here, we conducted a single‐centre retrospective cohort study of children with primary ITP at the Peking Union Medical College Hospital in China. A total of 324 children with primary ITP included in this study were followed for a median time of 25 months. In this cohort, 39.2% had an ANA titre of 1:160 or higher. Results from a generalized estimating equation model revealed that patients with higher ANA titres had lower platelet counts at onset but a higher recovery rate of subsequent platelet counts. Results from Cox regression models adjusted for potential confounders revealed that patients with ANA titres of 1:160 or more were more likely to develop to autoimmune disease (AID) than those without, and the risk of AID development increased with the rise of ANA titres (p value for trend less than 0.001). These data highlight the predictive value of ANA titre for platelet counts and the risk of AID development in children with primary ITP.