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AbstractIn 2020, breast cancer surpassed lung cancer as the most common cancer in the world for the first time. Due to the resistance of some breast cancer cell lines to apoptosis, the therapeutic effect of anti-breast cancer drugs is limited. According to recent report, the susceptibility of breast cancer cells to ferroptosis affects the progress, prognosis and drug resistance of breast cancer. For instance, roblitinib induces ferroptosis of trastuzumab-resistant human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive breast cancer cells by diminishing fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 (FGFR4) expression, thereby augmenting the susceptibility of these cells to HER2-targeted therapies. In tamoxifen-resistant breast cancer cells, Fascin exacerbates their resistance by repressing solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11) expression, which in turn heightens their responsiveness to tamoxifen. In recent years, Chinese herbs extracts and therapeutic drugs have been demonstrated to elicit ferroptosis in breast cancer cells by modulating a spectrum of regulatory factors pertinent to ferroptosis, including SLC7A11, glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), acyl-CoA synthetase long chain family member 4 (ACSL4), and haem oxygenase 1 (HO-1). Here, we review the roles and mechanisms of Chinese herbal extracts and therapeutic drugs in regulating ferroptosis in breast cancer, providing potential therapeutic options for anti-breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the era of digital economy, the digital innovation of manufacturing enterprises has become the main trend of development. This paper constructs an effective and reliable hierarchical framework for identifying critical factors of digital innovation in manufacturing enterprises based on the three stage hybrid DEMATEL–ISM–MICMAC method. Through literature reading and expert judgment, this paper determines the 19 factors that affect the digital innovation of manufacturing enterprises. The DEMATEL technique is used to establish the causal relationship between the factors, the ISM technique is used to stratify the factors, and the MICMAC technique is used to divide the types of influencing factors according to the driving force and dependence, and analyze the correlation between each level and its influence on the digital innovation of manufacturing enterprises. The results show that social capital, learning organization, digital technology, and knowledge are the most important influencing factors in the process of digital innovation in manufacturing enterprises. In particular, the two key factors of social capital and learning organization should be paid attention to by manufacturing enterprises. This research can help the managers of manufacturing enterprises to find out the key influencing factors of the digital innovation of manufacturing enterprises, and give targeted suggestions to promote the process of enterprise digitalization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crowdsource software development has become more and more popular in recent years in the software industry. Crowdsourcing is an open‐call technique for outsourcing tasks to a broad and undefined crowd. Crowdsourcing provides numerous advantages including reduced costs, fast project completion, talent identification, diversity of solutions, top‐quality, and access to problem‐solving creativity. Despite of the benefits gained from crowdsourcing, there are numerous issues like lack of experienced workers, lack of confidentiality, copyright issues, software sustainability, and so forth. There is also less focus on the long‐term sustainability of software development because of new ideas emerging in crowdsourcing software development. Furthermore, in literature, lack of guidelines towards sustainable software crowdsourcing is highlighted as one of the limitations in the software standards. This study aims to identify the factors that influence sustainability aspects in crowdsourced software development. We have conducted a systematic literature review for identification of these factors. In this paper, we present findings of the systematic literature review in the form of a list of 11 factors extracted from a sample of 45 finally selected papers. Among these factors, six of the factors are ranked as critical factors. These critical factors are "Lack of coding standard in documentation," "Use of popular programming tools," "Crowd Lack of knowledge and awareness about sustainability," "Energy‐efficient coding," "Lack of awareness about sustainable software engineering practices," and "Lack of coordination/communication between client and crowd." [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prefabricated buildings (PBs) are a new type of building construction, which are less time-consuming and cause low environmental pollution and resource consumption. They play an important role in industrialized construction and clean production and have gained worldwide attention. However, the high construction costs have become a major obstacle to their popularity and application. This study investigates the factors influencing construction costs of PBs in China using a systematic literature review (SLR), fuzzy interpretive structure modeling (fuzzy ISM), and the Matrice d’Impacts croises-multiplication appliqué an classment (MICMAC) technique. First, 32 influencing factors were identified from the SLR. Second, out of which 16 critical factors were selected and mapped in a hierarchical model through semi-structured interview screening, and the MICMAC technique was used to classify the cost-influencing factors of PBs into different categories. The results revealed that all identified factors played pivotal roles in various capacities and influenced the cost of PB construction. This study may assist administrators and policymakers in better understanding the factors that influence the costs of PBs construction to manage and reduce them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The occurrence of defects in recently completed construction projects in many countries has aroused public attention worldwide. Defects in construction projects are caused by a multitude of factors. Numerous studies have identified and evaluated the critical factors affecting quality in construction projects; nonetheless, no consensus has been reached regarding the factors and their level of influence. Thus, to fill this gap, this research used Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines and prioritized the factors quantitatively. Following the systematic review and meta-analysis, 45 critical factors were identified from 22 relevant studies. Further, heterogeneity, subgroup, and sensitivity analyses were conducted. The findings show that the top seven factors leading to poor quality in construction projects include lack of communication, teamwork, and skilled workers; poor supervision; design errors; design complexity and low bid contracting. The study found very low heterogeneity confirming that ranking using the meta-analysis is reliable. This analysis revealed that project location and type, and publication types, contribute to the heterogeneity of the results. This research work contributes to the existing body of knowledge by identifying and ranking the most critical factors influencing the quality of construction projects across the globe. The stakeholders involved in the delivery of construction projects can prepare strategies for enhancing the quality of their projects based on the findings of this research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The occurrence of defects in recently completed construction projects in many countries has aroused public attention worldwide. Defects in construction projects are caused by a multitude of factors. Numerous studies have identified and evaluated the critical factors affecting quality in construction projects; nonetheless, no consensus has been reached regarding the factors and their level of influence. Thus, to fill this gap, this research used Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines and prioritized the factors quantitatively. Following the systematic review and meta-analysis, 45 critical factors were identified from 22 relevant studies. Further, heterogeneity, subgroup, and sensitivity analyses were conducted. The findings show that the top seven factors leading to poor quality in construction projects include lack of communication, teamwork, and skilled workers; poor supervision; design errors; design complexity and low bid contracting. The study found very low heterogeneity confirming that ranking using the meta-analysis is reliable. This analysis revealed that project location and type, and publication types, contribute to the heterogeneity of the results. This research work contributes to the existing body of knowledge by identifying and ranking the most critical factors influencing the quality of construction projects across the globe. The stakeholders involved in the delivery of construction projects can prepare strategies for enhancing the quality of their projects based on the findings of this research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Facility maintenance management (FMM) is essential for ensuring long-term values and to sustain project goals throughout the life cycle delivery process. However, in underdeveloped nations such as Ethiopia, facility maintenance management is an immature and underutilised process that requires a holistic intervention for practical improvement. The main aim of this study was to identify and prioritise critical factors that affect the effectiveness of FMM, with a focus on public universities in Ethiopia. Initially, a total of thirty-three (33) crucial variables were identified with a systematic literature review and desk study. To collect primary data, a survey research design approach was utilised using questionnaires and informant interviews. A total of seventy-five (75) data sets were obtained from 180 online surveys for conducting exploratory factor analysis (EFA). The outcome of the study revealed thirteen (13) critical attributes grouped into four factors that affect the effectiveness of facility maintenance management practises. The final four-factor model includes F1, internal processes and organisation; F2, community culture, learning, and growth; F3, impacts of design and construction quality; and F4, facility maintenance approach and management. This study indicated that facility maintenance management practises in public universities in Ethiopia are immature and require extensive enhancement. The identified influencing factors highlight the need for a comprehensive intervention to promote improved facility maintenance management practises and applications in Ethiopia. Further research is needed to analyse a wider range of attributes and data using confirmatory factor analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extraction method has a great influence on the yield, quality, chemical structure, and biological activities of active ingredients. Safe and efficient extraction of active ingredients is one of the important problems facing the food and pharmaceutical industry. As a pretreatment approach for the extraction of active ingredients, dynamic high pressure microfluidization (DHPM) is a promising strategy that can not only effectively increase the yield of active ingredients but also strengthen the bioactivities of active ingredients, and take the advantages of mild operating temperature and environmental friendliness. In this review, the research progress of DHPM-assisted extraction of active ingredients from plant materials in recent ten years is overviewed. The DHPM equipment, strengthening mechanism, operating procedure, critical factors and application of DHPM-assisted extraction are introduced in detail, together with the advantages and disadvantages. Furthermore, its future development trend is discussed at the end. DHPM-assisted extraction is considered as the ideal technique of better homogenization effects, less solvent consumption, more reliable operation, and so on, making it a promising method to acquire active ingredients efficiently. Therefore, this technique is worthy of further theoretical research and experimental operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to understand the varied importance of critical factors (CFs) that affect foreign direct investment (FDI) and optimize the allocation of limited resources to the CFs to increase chances for international business success. We used eclectic theory as a framework. The fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) and the concept of the Vlse Kriterijumska Optimizacija Kompromisno Resenje (VIKOR) acceptable advantage were used to obtain the weights of the CFs and to identify the CFs objectively. Sensitivity analysis was performed to optimize the CFs. With the derivation of the CF weights, Taiwanese catering firms (i.e., the focal sample) can improve the allocation of their resources to the CFs to reduce the risk of FDI failure. Management implications, factor path analysis, and study contributions are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extraction method has a great influence on the yield, quality, chemical structure, and biological activities of active ingredients. Safe and efficient extraction of active ingredients is one of the important problems facing the food and pharmaceutical industry. As a pretreatment approach for the extraction of active ingredients, dynamic high pressure microfluidization (DHPM) is a promising strategy that can not only effectively increase the yield of active ingredients but also strengthen the bioactivities of active ingredients, and take the advantages of mild operating temperature and environmental friendliness. In this review, the research progress of DHPM-assisted extraction of active ingredients from plant materials in recent ten years is overviewed. The DHPM equipment, strengthening mechanism, operating procedure, critical factors and application of DHPM-assisted extraction are introduced in detail, together with the advantages and disadvantages. Furthermore, its future development trend is discussed at the end. DHPM-assisted extraction is considered as the ideal technique of better homogenization effects, less solvent consumption, more reliable operation, and so on, making it a promising method to acquire active ingredients efficiently. Therefore, this technique is worthy of further theoretical research and experimental operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Internet of Things (IoT) technology now has a new purpose and relevance as a result of the digitalization wave. In this setting, businesses start to plan how they will use IoT technology. But some critical factors can prevent the successful deployment of IoT, and businesses must get beyond these critical factors if they want to do so. The literature review, system literature review, and Delphi technique are used to identify 15 critical factors. These critical factors are then divided into four categories: organization, technology, process, and environment. The PFN-weighted power harmonic operator is proposed with the aim of more effectively obtaining assessment data from experts and lessening the inaccuracy of outcomes caused by information loss. The best and worst method (BWM) is used to determine the ideal weight of critical factors. Results indicate that the primary critical factors to the effective adoption of the Internet of Things are talent, resource limitations, integration complexity, technical operations, equipment power consumption, technical dependability, and data governance. This research will benefit corporate managers in recognizing the significance of the effective deployment of the Internet of Things, identifying major critical factors to this achievement, and making decisions to remove these factors. Thus, an organization may support the effective adoption of the animal Internet of Things. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article aims to analyze the importance of implementing a strategic project office at the Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE) and which are the critical factors for this implementation. The development of monitoring, evaluation and control mechanisms allow the Institution to generate efficiency and effectiveness in the public service. Although project management (PM) is something recent in public universities, it is essential that these institutions focus on this topic, generating value for society. The strategic level of the project office is called the corporate level, being considered the center of excellence for project management. To achieve the objectives of this study, the following aspects are analyzed: i) survey of the literature on the importance of PM, strategic positioning and possible results and, ii) review of the organizational structure of UFRPE. The analysis is qualitative and descriptive. The results point to the main critical factors for the implementation of the office, at a strategic level, at the University. Understanding the organizational structure is essential, since institutional governance determines the way UFRPE is structured and its institutional relationships. A diagnosis for the implementation of a project office at the University is presented, using the tree diagram tool, in which it was possible to carry out the investigation and exposure of the identified critical factors. Complex and conservative organizational culture, departmentalized structure, communication without proper fluidity, budgetary and personnel restrictions, among other critical factors are registered among these obstacles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A growing population and urbanization place increased demands on water supply and distribution networks. Pipelines are one of the most critical components of water supply systems. It is, therefore, necessary to identify the relevant factors that affect the deterioration of water distribution pipelines. This will help decision makers in future planning and prioritization of the required maintenance. In this study, a systematic review is performed to identify critical factors that affect the failure of water pipelines. A meta-analysis is conducted to determine the relative importance of each factor that contributes to pipe failure. In addition, the source of contradictory results across studies is investigated. The results show that climatic factors, such as air temperature, minimum antecedent precipitation index, and net evaporation, contribute to water pipe failure. Additionally, the results of subgroup meta-analyses show that primary sources, such as pipe material and water pipe size, can lead to high heterogeneity across studies. This study is expected to help water utility owners to collect relevant data and make timely renewal decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Engineer-to-Order (ETO) manufacturing companies involve customised production products based on specific customer requirements, and face a significant challenge. Some of those challenges are related with this type of company's activities in production scheduling, planning and control, efficiency improvement and lead time reduction. The present study was conducted with a systematic literature review and a survey from ETO firms to identify the most frequent and critical problems. Among the most critical issues identified is the difficulty in optimising production performance (P3), with a GCI value of 16, implying that both time and cost share the same critical level. An analysis using a proposed Criticality Matrix was then performed enabling companies to prioritise decision-making and resource allocation. The results highlight the importance of adopting mass customisation strategies, innovative approaches and workflow optimisation. Continuous monitoring and analysis of criticality levels can also help ETO companies identify emerging issues and improve informed decisions. Effective communication and collaboration among stakeholders were also identified as vital. Future research could be done expanding further the study sample and developing decision-support tools for ETO manufacturing companies. This study contributes to the field by providing a new criticality matrix for ETO companies to understand better and address their production challenges, aiding in decision-making and resource allocation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Jharkhand State Cooperative Milk Producers' Federation (JMF) plays crucial role in processing of raw milk procured from the member-producers across the Jharkhand State and contributes to dairy development. The current study investigates the critical factors in JMF's dairy supply chain, specifically the processing unit and offers an initial decision framework for its implications. Methods: To summarise the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) of the milk processing system in JMF, the necessary data were collected from dairy producer members, including dairy farmers, executives and key informants of processing units. This includes identifying the dairy industry's objectives as well as the internal and external critical factors (CFs). Because SWOT analysis provides no investigative basis for evaluating the priorities of CFs, the analytic hierarchy process is used to define the priorities of identified CFs. The CFs have also been sorted in the order of importance. Result: The findings of this study show that fully computerised system with self-automation facilities; high operational cost for processing liquid milk; development of new product and value addition; high labour cost or shortage of labour are the major strength, weakness, opportunity and threat of JMF, respectively. Further, the SWOT-based methodology provides critical sensitivity in assessing supply chain strategies for the dairy cooperative like JMF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are highly exposed to disaster risk events that frequently overwhelm their capacity to generate and share spatial information to reduce human–economic losses. The Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI) has been widely implemented to support information sharing and management in different domains. In this paper, we aim to identify critical factors to enhance SDI performance to facilitate Disaster Risk Management (DRM) in SIDS. We make use of a three-round Delphi survey and Kendall W coefficient to assess consensus among 28 key international experts in SDI, surveying and DRM. Our results illustrate strong experts' consensus on identifying a list of 23 most critical factors. We found that people and policy factors matter the most. The insights reported here would assist decision-makers to design roadmaps to enhance sharing of spatial knowledge to build more resilient SIDS and to support their achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the growing literature on research and development (R&D) collaboration in the context of less developed regions (LDRs) in the European Union (EU) and examines the opportunities for LDRs to successfully collaborate with developed regions. A systematic review of the literature shows that studies on R&D collaboration in LDRs are at the forefront of regional innovation research in the EU and that opportunities to explore this research topic are still wide open. A critical review and synthesis of the selected articles shows that LDRs have equal opportunities to collaborate and build successful relationships with developed regions by paying attention to at least five motivational drivers and critical factors to enhance the success of their R&D collaborations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A critical aspect of designing and running online study programs is the identification of factors and elements that could potentially threaten the continuation of studies. In this study, we first identified a set of critical events that occurred in the running of a Finnish online doctoral study program over 16 years. Next, we analyzed the events using a four-pillar sustainability model, which consisted of the economic, social, environmental, and ethical pillars. We detected several contextually relevant and dynamic pivotal factors related to each of the pillars, which had effects on the sustainability of the program at the time of the critical events. The analysis revealed that positive pivotal factors in one sustainability pillar can be used to compensate for negative pivotal factors in the other pillars. Two aspects that were crucial for the sustainability of the online doctoral study program were the resilience and shared commitment of the community involved in its activities, which helped in overcoming any challenges encountered. Based on this study, we recommended that future research should design novel solutions that help online study programs to proactively identify potential critical events and related pivotal factors. Furthermore, studies should find creative approaches for constructively coping with critical events that have been identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Drug administration via feeding tubes is considered a process with many uncertainties. This review aimed to give a comprehensive overview of data available on feeding tube application and to carry out risk assessments for drug substances commonly administered to stroke patients.Drugs frequently administered via feeding tubes were identified through a retrospective analysis of discharge letters from a stroke unit. Physicochemical, pharmacokinetic, and stability properties of these drugs and data on drug-enteral nutrition interactions were systematically searched for in the European Pharmacopoeia, Hagers Handbook of Pharmaceutical Practice, Birchers clinical-pharmacological data compilation, and the Martindale Complete Drug Reference, as well as from databases including DrugBank, DrugDex, PubChem, Google Scholar, and PubMed.Of the drugs most commonly administered via feeding tubes in the present stroke patient cohort, bisoprolol, candesartan, and ramipril could be considered the least critical due to their overall favourable properties. Acetylsalicylic acid, amlodipine, hydrochlorothiazide, omeprazole and esomeprazole, simvastatin, and torasemide pose risks based on pH or light-dependent instability or proposed food effects. The most critical drugs to be administered via feeding tubes are considered to be furosemide, levodopa, and levothyroxine as they show relevant instabilities under administration conditions and substantial food effects; the latter two even possess a narrow therapeutic index. However, little information is available on drug-tube and drug-formula interactions.Feeding tube administration of medications turned out to be a highly complex process with several unmet risks. Therefore, investigations that systematically assess these risk factors using clinically relevant model systems are urgently needed.Methods: Drug administration via feeding tubes is considered a process with many uncertainties. This review aimed to give a comprehensive overview of data available on feeding tube application and to carry out risk assessments for drug substances commonly administered to stroke patients.Drugs frequently administered via feeding tubes were identified through a retrospective analysis of discharge letters from a stroke unit. Physicochemical, pharmacokinetic, and stability properties of these drugs and data on drug-enteral nutrition interactions were systematically searched for in the European Pharmacopoeia, Hagers Handbook of Pharmaceutical Practice, Birchers clinical-pharmacological data compilation, and the Martindale Complete Drug Reference, as well as from databases including DrugBank, DrugDex, PubChem, Google Scholar, and PubMed.Of the drugs most commonly administered via feeding tubes in the present stroke patient cohort, bisoprolol, candesartan, and ramipril could be considered the least critical due to their overall favourable properties. Acetylsalicylic acid, amlodipine, hydrochlorothiazide, omeprazole and esomeprazole, simvastatin, and torasemide pose risks based on pH or light-dependent instability or proposed food effects. The most critical drugs to be administered via feeding tubes are considered to be furosemide, levodopa, and levothyroxine as they show relevant instabilities under administration conditions and substantial food effects; the latter two even possess a narrow therapeutic index. However, little information is available on drug-tube and drug-formula interactions.Feeding tube administration of medications turned out to be a highly complex process with several unmet risks. Therefore, investigations that systematically assess these risk factors using clinically relevant model systems are urgently needed.Results: Drug administration via feeding tubes is considered a process with many uncertainties. This review aimed to give a comprehensive overview of data available on feeding tube application and to carry out risk assessments for drug substances commonly administered to stroke patients.Drugs frequently administered via feeding tubes were identified through a retrospective analysis of discharge letters from a stroke unit. Physicochemical, pharmacokinetic, and stability properties of these drugs and data on drug-enteral nutrition interactions were systematically searched for in the European Pharmacopoeia, Hagers Handbook of Pharmaceutical Practice, Birchers clinical-pharmacological data compilation, and the Martindale Complete Drug Reference, as well as from databases including DrugBank, DrugDex, PubChem, Google Scholar, and PubMed.Of the drugs most commonly administered via feeding tubes in the present stroke patient cohort, bisoprolol, candesartan, and ramipril could be considered the least critical due to their overall favourable properties. Acetylsalicylic acid, amlodipine, hydrochlorothiazide, omeprazole and esomeprazole, simvastatin, and torasemide pose risks based on pH or light-dependent instability or proposed food effects. The most critical drugs to be administered via feeding tubes are considered to be furosemide, levodopa, and levothyroxine as they show relevant instabilities under administration conditions and substantial food effects; the latter two even possess a narrow therapeutic index. However, little information is available on drug-tube and drug-formula interactions.Feeding tube administration of medications turned out to be a highly complex process with several unmet risks. Therefore, investigations that systematically assess these risk factors using clinically relevant model systems are urgently needed.Conclusion: Drug administration via feeding tubes is considered a process with many uncertainties. This review aimed to give a comprehensive overview of data available on feeding tube application and to carry out risk assessments for drug substances commonly administered to stroke patients.Drugs frequently administered via feeding tubes were identified through a retrospective analysis of discharge letters from a stroke unit. Physicochemical, pharmacokinetic, and stability properties of these drugs and data on drug-enteral nutrition interactions were systematically searched for in the European Pharmacopoeia, Hagers Handbook of Pharmaceutical Practice, Birchers clinical-pharmacological data compilation, and the Martindale Complete Drug Reference, as well as from databases including DrugBank, DrugDex, PubChem, Google Scholar, and PubMed.Of the drugs most commonly administered via feeding tubes in the present stroke patient cohort, bisoprolol, candesartan, and ramipril could be considered the least critical due to their overall favourable properties. Acetylsalicylic acid, amlodipine, hydrochlorothiazide, omeprazole and esomeprazole, simvastatin, and torasemide pose risks based on pH or light-dependent instability or proposed food effects. The most critical drugs to be administered via feeding tubes are considered to be furosemide, levodopa, and levothyroxine as they show relevant instabilities under administration conditions and substantial food effects; the latter two even possess a narrow therapeutic index. However, little information is available on drug-tube and drug-formula interactions.Feeding tube administration of medications turned out to be a highly complex process with several unmet risks. Therefore, investigations that systematically assess these risk factors using clinically relevant model systems are urgently needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rockburst phenomenon in excavation endeavours reveals a multitude of complexities and obstacles that significantly impact both the technical and financial dimensions of project execution. Investigating critical rockburst factors in underground excavations is of considerable importance for addressing pivotal safety issues and operational complexities within the field of underground excavation projects. This research proposes an innovative approach based on an expert-based fuzzy cognitive map (FCM) framework, aiming to identify and prioritize the key critical rockburst factors prevalent in underground excavations and tunnelling. A tailored cognitive map of the parameters of problem was constructed, integrating 56 critical and critical factors meticulously curated by a team of seasoned managers, engineers, deputy managers, trainee engineers and assistant managers. The structured cognitive map was meticulously developed, considering the relative weights of the identified critical factors and their intricate interrelationships—all informed by the invaluable insights and expertise of seasoned engineers in the field. Subsequently, the cognitive map underwent a systematic solution process, whereby the causal relationships and influences amongst the identified critical factors were analysed and factored in. The outcomes of the comprehensive analysis unveiled several critical factors: lack of rockburst risk assessments, high in situ stress, presence of rock seams and weak layers, rock quality variations, and geological heterogeneity as the most paramount concerns demanding immediate attention and strategic intervention. By adopting the proposed FCM approach and leveraging the collective expertise of industry professionals, this research offers a robust and systematic framework for comprehensively assessing and addressing the key challenges associated with rockburst events in underground excavations and tunnelling projects, thereby fostering enhanced project performance and efficacy within the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective of the study: To analyze the influence of contingency factors (environment, structure, organizational size and organizational culture) on the 100 best-ranked Brazilian municipalities in the 2020 Connected Smart Cities Ranking. Methodology/approach: Data were collected from: Atlas of Human Development in Brazil (AtlasBR); Federal Administration Council (CFA); Brazilian Accounting and Tax Information System for the Public Sector (SICONFI); Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), and Superior Electoral Court (TSE). The data refer to the year 2019. The statistical methods used were normality and homogeneity tests, correlation and multiple linear regression, with the aid of the IBM SPSS Statistics Version 2.0 software. Originality/Relevance: It focuses on how contingency factors influence the implementation of smart cities, producing quantitative evidence from the dependent variable with the independent variables. Main results: Multiple linear regression showed that the selected variables explain 62.40% of what a smart city is. It evidences the positive and significant influence of the 'environment'; 'organizational structure' and 'size' contingency factors for cities with more than 50,000 inhabitants. Theoretical/methodological contributions: The results contribute to the gap in empirical studies dealing with the contingency factors that affect municipalities in the sense of them becoming smart cities, and in the understanding of how these factors are related. Social/management contributions: The implications reach the definition of factors that affect public policies, development of public governance practices and citizen engagement for the implementation of smart cities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The health sector is one of the most knowledge-intensive and complicated globally. It has been proven repeatedly that Business Intelligence (BI) systems in the healthcare industry can help hospitals make better decisions. Some studies have looked at the usage of BI in health, but there is still a lack of information on how to develop a BI system successfully. There is a significant research gap in the health sector because these studies do not concentrate on the organizational determinants that impact the development and acceptance of BI systems in different organizations; therefore, the aim of this article is to develop a framework for successful BI system development in the health sector taking into consideration the organizational determinants of BI systems' acceptance, implementation, and evaluation. The proposed framework classifies the determinants under organizational, process, and strategic aspects as different types to ensure the success of BI system deployment. Concerning practical implications, this paper gives a roadmap for a wide range of healthcare practitioners to ensure the success of BI system development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The quality of prefabricated building construction is facing problems that are affected by various factors, compared with traditional cast-in-place buildings. To systematically identify these factors, this study attempts to develop an evaluation method using structural equation modeling to measure their impacts on prefabricated buildings. Forty factors are identified based on previous studies and then revised and supplemented via expert interviews. Among them, 25 factors are finalized from three stages, including production, transportation and storage, and lifting. Subsequently, a single-factor measurement model (SFMM) of each stage is established and modified. The improved SFMM is integrated into a first-order confirmatory factor analysis model to reveal the relevance of these stages. The fitting result of this model indicates that some higher-order common factor may exist. Hence, a second-order confirmatory factor analysis model (SOCFAM) is made and further analyzed. With the results of the SOCFAM, the weights of each stage and each factor can be calculated. The weight of the transportation and storage stage is 0.3358, ranking the first. The respective weight of the production stage and lifting stage is 0.3321. They indicate that the transportation and storage stage has the greatest impact on the quality of precast components, followed by the production and lifting stages. Additionally, it can also be found that R14, R4, and R21 are the dominant factors in these three stages to affect quality. Through evaluating the impact, critical factors can be identified, which can provide a reference for practitioners to carry out quality management in assembly construction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To achieve low-carbon goals, long-distance district heating (LDH) systems are widely applied, which utilize the waste heats from renewable energy power plants and waste incineration plants. The hydraulic oscillations induced by pump-stopping in LDH systems may give rise to critical incidents, such as pipeline ruptures and heating disruptions. The systematic analysis of hydraulic oscillations induced by pump-stopping and the subsequent revelation of critical factors that mitigate their intensity are fundamental prerequisites for ensuring the safety and reliability of LDH system. In this paper, firstly, a pump-stopping hydraulic transient model of the LDH system is established based on the distributed parameter method. Then, combining the method of characteristics (MOC) and the Newton iteration method, the numerical solution scheme for this model is proposed. Finally, taking a 20 km LDH system as an example, the characteristics of hydraulic oscillations induced by pump-stopping is analyzed, and the key factors influencing the intensity of these hydraulic oscillations are investigated. In addition, the differences between hydraulic oscillations induced by pump-stopping and those induced by sudden faults on pipelines are also analyzed. The results indicate that an optimal pump inertia moment value and a properly sized bypass pipe at the pump significantly mitigate hydraulic oscillations, while the influence of constant pressure at the heat source inlet on hydraulic oscillations can be negligible. Our study has important reference value for improving the safe and reliable operation of LDH systems. • 1.A pump-stopping hydraulic transient model of the LDH system is established. • A numerical solution scheme combined MOC and Newton iteration method is proposed. • Too small pump inertia moments intensify pump-stopping-induced hydraulic oscillation. • Bypass pipe reduces the pressure oscillation at the outlet of the heat source. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The road maintenance workload for transportation agencies increases every year. To maintain roads effectively, one contracting method state Departments of Transportation (DOTs) use to outsource is performance-based contracting (PBC). However, state DOTs are having problems identifying the execution issues with PBCs. This study prepares a framework for execution of the PBC method for chip seals (one of the highest expenditure activities for most states), to help guide state engineers to effectively execute the contracts. This framework was developed by conducting a Delphi study with state engineers. The study found five reasons for selecting PBC chip seal; five performance measures; a range of incentives/disincentives to be provided; and the method of PBC team training. For the procurement phase, this study identified the five personnel to be included in the procurement team, as well as the contract duration and best contractor selection method. Similarly, for the contract implementation phase, the five key personnel to be included in the project implementation team, the best way to manage traffic, the timeliness to fix defects, responsibility, the frequency to complete quality assurance work, and the mobilization payment method were identified. As the primary contribution, this paper identified the critical factors of PBC contract life-cycle phases and developed a framework that will provide an easy-to-follow guide to execute PBC contracts to state DOTs. This study has a limitation with its sample size in the Delphi study due to a lack of experience of state DOTs in using the PBC method. The authors recommend conducting similar studies for other activities (cleaning, culvert cleaning, etc.) with larger sample sizes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction-- An increasingly accelerated world brings constant changes in customer requirements and high market demands. Therefore, companies today need to worry about their current situation and be at the forefront of markets by constantly updating their processes. Currently, being competitive is more complex, as market demands behave dynamically, demanding a lower cost, decrease in responsiveness time while ensuring the quality of your products and services. Objective-- The objective of the research is to identify the critical factors that affect the logistics chain of container reception and dispatch processes at a Shipping Company. Methodology-- The methodology applied were the operational and monitoring tools of Lean Manufacturing. The techniques applied for data collection consisted of observation and surveying through field visits. Results-- Results expose that within the critical factors include absences, mechanical failures due to non-preventive maintenance, hours lost due to preventive or corrective maintenance, lack of material for repairments, non-compliance of suppliers in inputs among other factors that directly affect the company's capacity; identifying the maintenance stage of containers as the one with the bottleneck that hinders the company's goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We find that critical factors affecting real estate project decisions can vary while market changes in the city of Ahmedabad have led to the majority of landmark buildings facing obsolesce, redevelopment and spatial redundancy. Case studies can assist in data collection in the cultural context and accommodate indirect observations of the variables analyzed in the early stages of research (Teegavarapu & Summers, 2008; Rowley, 2002). Decisions have led to capital losses for some, while bringing about profitable opportunities for developers who take timely risks. We also find that the land pooling technique used by the State in city development has successfully promoted land banking for public purpose but has also contributed to speculative land price appreciation. AHP rankings show that the surveyed practicing developers prioritized location factors such as neighborhood character and availability of land above land use zones and land auctions. Among project factors, FAR (Floor Area Ratio), abutting road width and road frontage of the land ranked higher compared to building design. In the professional practice category, the availability of finance, the timing of project announcement and past project experience of the developers ranked higher compared to brand value and speculation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Teamwork is very important, but most construction companies are still in the haze of its veritable effectiveness. This study was aimed to focus on such a challenge among the SMEs in Malaysian construction industry registered under the Construction Industry Development Board grading G1 to G5. The survey based on an empirical model with four critical factors and a well-structured questionnaire was conducted. Supportive and positive results showed that: team goals and objectives, team roles and responsibilities, team shared values and team relationship are critically affecting teamwork effectiveness in the said context. The results further demonstrated that team relationship is the strongest factor affecting teamwork effectiveness based on the respondents' view. It is believed that this study could benefit the SMEs in the Malaysian construction industry in enhancing appropriate teamwork practice to improve project performance and leverage project success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article develops a process model of eco-industrial park evolution. It draws on two article communities previously identified through a scoping literature review, concerning the development of eco-industrial parks and industrial symbiosis, respectively. The study seeks to find answers to the main research question: How should phases of eco-industrial park evolution and their critical factors be considered when replicating or reproducing existing eco-industrial park successes in new contexts? By identifying four phases of eco-industrial park evolution and shedding light on the critical factors influencing these, the study presents replication and reproduction recommendations, and thereby provides knowledge to diffuse success stories into other contexts. The study undersores the need for a flexible and adaptive approach to diffusion of EIP successes, considering elements such as the costs and benefits of replication, the idiosyncratic nature of some critical factors, and their relevance in the new context. Moreover, the results of the study highlight the need for capacity building in the replicatee context, focusing on mobilizing and activating existing resources to curate initiatives for EIP formation. Strong collaboration between the replicator and replicatee, where empowerment is central, is seen as a key factor in effective EIP replication. • A process model of EIP evolution includes 4 phases and their critical factors. • It is discussed how critical factors should be considered when replicating EIP success in new contexts. • The study underscores the need for a flexible and adaptive approach to diffusion of EIP successes. • Among others, local empowerment, commitment, human resource skills, and collaboration are crucial for EIP replication. • Costs and benefits of replication, the idiosyncrasy of critical factors, and their relevance in the new context should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Site planning and design (SPD) are critical steps in forming a sustainable site, but few studies have examined the important considerations of SPD in green buildings. Consequently, this study aims of identifying the critical factors of SPD in green buildings within the context of China. A questionnaire survey was conducted to collect practitioners' opinions about the critical factors of SPD in green buildings. Respondents from mainland China and Hong Kong provided generally similar rankings of the top five most important items in the SPD of green buildings as follows: water pollution reduction, human health issues protection, dust and air emission mitigation, sufficient green space consideration, and construction noise mitigation. Five underlying critical factors of SPD in green buildings were identified via factor analysis: environmental protection consideration, effective use of space, use of natural and existing resources, green parking and thermal environment, and use of land resources. Practical guidelines can be devised for effective and efficient implementation of SPD based on the critical factors identified. Thus, the findings of this study should not only help academics and practitioners to better understand the critical factors of SPD in green buildings, but also provide a basis for effective SPD in future green building development. Highlights • A comprehensive list of 13 variables and 38 items in site planning and design (SPD) was provided. • The top five most important items in SPD of green buildings were identified. • Five underlying critical factors of SPD in green buildings were identified, categorized and summarized using factor analysis. • The differences of the scores to the SPD items of Hong Kong and Mainland China in green buildings were compared. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Industrial symbiosis is increasingly acknowledged as a strategic tool for the realization of industrial ecology and implementation of circular economy. Recently, industrial symbiosis literature was enriched with views and discussions on dynamics, focusing on the process and dynamic character of industrial symbiosis development. However, little attention is given specifically to the emergence of industrial symbiosis, in contrast to its development. In addition, no holistic picture exists envisioning the process through which initial ties come about and the critical factors fuelling this process. The aim of this paper is to set focus on and promote a better understanding of industrial symbiosis emergence as the earliest phase of its development. This study explores two aspects of the industrial symbiosis emergence: the process through which initial ties emerge and the critical factors influencing the transition between phases in the process. Based on an in-depth and systematic review of the existing empirically-based literature and by using a rigorous and iterative content analysis, three key (iterative)phases are identified: 1) awareness and interest in industrial symbiosis, 2) reaching out and exploration of (connections, and 3) organizing. Furthermore, five groups of critical factors (contextual conditions, actors, actors' roles, actors' characteristics, and actors' activities) are identified to influence the emergence process in different degrees at different times in the process. Highlights • Industrial symbiosis emergence is defined as a dynamic social process. • The industrial symbiosis emergence process unfolds through three phases. • Critical factors describing each phase and encouraging transition among these are identified. • It is found that composition and combination of specific factors differ from one phase to another. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Electrification involves many activities that have detrimental impacts on environment. Over the last few years, many studies have been conducted to understand, estimate and mitigate the carbon footprint of electricity distribution but other environmental aspects of electrification remain almost neglected. In recent years, electricity distribution companies have adopted many waste management techniques to reduce the amount of waste generated in their key processes. However, the causes of waste and the necessary corrective actions to alleviate the waste generation in electricity distribution have not been studies in an integrated framework. In current study, which was conducted to fill this research gap, the value stream and critical processes of the electricity distribution were scrutinized thoroughly in order to identify the attitude, routines and situations that lead to waste generation and the strategies that can be adopted to reduce the waste amount. Previous studies showed that if people underestimate their role in the waste generation, they do not participate in waste minimization effectively. Therefore, the perceptions of various groups of people whose attitudes affect the waste generation were studied and meaningful differences were identified. Current study showed that under-design, improper installation and utilization, damaging intact components in disconnection process, over-ordering, supplying component with inferior quality and over-load are important causes of waste in electricity distribution. Finally, there are meaningful differences between people perceptions about the causes of waste so distribution companies should promote the awareness of people about waste in order to implement an effective waste minimization system. Highlights • Twenty-six major situations, routines and attitudes cause waste in the value steam of electricity distribution. • Thirty-one approaches can be adopted for waste minimization in electricity distribution. • Various groups of experts have different perceptions about the causes of waste. • Majority of identified strategies are important for both building services and electricity distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In construction industry, cost plays an important role in determining the feasibility of a project and ensuring its continuity from conceptual to reality. Different types of cost estimates are used in different stages of construction, from design stage to tender stage and throughout the whole construction stage at the site. Thus, this study was conducted with the intention to identify the critical factors that are significant in ensuring the accuracy of estimation for the purpose of obtaining a tender and delivering it at the completion date. A quantitative approach was used to collect the data. The results indicated that "understanding the scope of works" shall be treated as the most important factor, followed by "correct material price and forecasting fluctuation", "read and check all tender drawings, compare the drawings with specification, check for discrepancy", "site visit to be acquainted with the accessibility, topography, constraints, etc.", "reviewing quotations from subcontractors and suppliers" and "experience and competency of estimator". Apparently, these six critical factors identified, have much higher relative importance index and it implies that these six factors have been given appropriate consideration accuracy cost estimating in successfully obtaining a tender and ensuring the work tasks can be delivered after being awarded with the tender. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optimization of critical factors affects transduction efficiency and is able to reduce reagent consumption. The present study aimed to determine the optimum transduction conditions of small hairpin (sh)RNA against peroxiredoxin 4 (PRDX4) in the HepG2 cell line. Cell viability assays were conducted based on serum condition, incubation time, polybrene concentration and antibiotic dose selection. Non-targeting control shRNA was transduced into HepG2 cells in a 5-fold serial dilution, and colonies positive for green fluorescent protein were counted using ImageJ software. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis were performed to validate PRDX4 expression. The optimum cell density for transduction was 5.0×103 cells/well in 96-well plates to achieve 40 to 50% confluency the following day. The transduction media consisted of 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS) and 12 µg/ml polybrene, and was used to dilute lentiviral particles at a functional titer of 4.9×105 TU/ml for multiplicity of infection (MOI) of 20, 15 and 10, for 24 h of incubation. Selection with 7 µg/ml puromycin was performed in transduced cells. shRNA 3 was revealed to inhibit PRDX4 mRNA and protein expression. In conclusion, PRDX4 was successfully silenced in 5.0×103 HepG2 cells cultured with 10% FBS and 12 µg/ml polybrene, at a 4.9×105 TU/ml functional titer for MOI of 20, 15 and 10. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The uneven petroleum distribution in the world and various countries' dependence on the petroleum for economic development make maritime oil shipping an extremely important way for various countries to launch oil trade. Marine oil shipping, while bringing economic benefits to various countries, witnesses oil spill accidents by oil tankers, which led to losses to oil trading and shipping countries and seriously polluted the marine ecological environment. The tanker shipping pollution and oil spills’ damages to the marine environment have drawn much attention. This paper sets up an entropy weighted grey relation analysis method to analyze key contributors to oil spills, and evaluates the extent of impacts of each factor in different ship operations. Based on actual conditions of global oil tankers, we chose seven dominant contributors to global tanker oil spills for evaluation, and established an analytic framework of global tanker oil spill factors based on the combined method, with specific analysis steps and methods provided. Finally, we conducted a model empirical study based on history data of global tanker oil spills in the past 46 years from 1970 to 2015 to verify the practicability and effectiveness of the model established in this paper for analyzing global tanker oil spill factors. The results of this study are conducive for government departments and policy makers to take appropriate and effective strategies to manage and prevent global tanker oil spills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The objectives of this work were to determine the effect of 3 levels of residual air and 2 different retort motions on the value of the average heating slope of the rate of heat penetration of 3 different viscosities of a food simulant in flexible retort pouches. Pouches were thermally processed in a water spray automated batch retort system using 2 different methods of motion: static and oscillating continuously at a speed of 10.5 rotations per min (RPM) with an angle of 15°. Nine residual air and viscosity combinations were processed during each experimental run: low viscosity with no residual air (LV‐NRA), medium viscosity with no residual air (MV‐NRA), high viscosity with no residual air (HV‐NRA), low viscosity with medium residual air (LV‐MRA), medium viscosity with medium residual air (MV‐MRA), high viscosity with medium residual air (HV‐MRA), low viscosity with high residual air (LV‐HRA), medium viscosity with high residual air (MV‐HRA), and high viscosity with high residual air (HV‐HRA). As the amount of residual air in the pouches increased, the average heating slope value decreased in both static and oscillating motions. As the viscosity of the product increased the amount of residual air affected the average heating slope less in static and oscillating motions. Overall, the oscillating motion resulted in faster rates of heat penetration in all viscosities compared to static mode. The oscillating motion reduced processing times up to 27% compared to static mode. Practical Application: This research can be applied to food manufacturers that are retorting foods in pouches. Residual air in pouches has been studied previously; however, with the development of new retort motions, more research needs to be conducted about the effect of residual air in a pouch using the different motions. Food manufacturers can use this information to optimize their amount of residual air based on their product viscosity and retort motion. This could dramatically lower processing time which would save money and increase output as well as potentially increases product quality. This research is aimed at influencing food manufacturers, process authorities, and product developers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forest ecosystems play an increasingly important role in the global carbon cycle. However, knowledge on carbon exchanges, their spatio-temporal patterns, and the extent of the key controls that affect carbon fluxes is lacking. In this study, we employed 29-site-years of eddy covariance data to observe the state, spatio-temporal variations and climate sensitivity of carbon fluxes (gross primary productivity (GPP), ecosystem respiration (R eco ), and net ecosystem carbon exchange (NEE)) in four representative forest ecosystems in Yunnan. We found that 1) all four forest ecosystems were carbon sinks (the average NEE was − 3.40 tC ha − 1 yr − 1 ); 2) contrasting seasonality of the NEE among the ecosystems with a carbon sink mainly during the wet season in the Yuanjiang savanna ecosystem (YJ) but during the dry season in the Xishuangbanna tropical rainforest ecosystem (XSBN), besides an equivalent NEE uptake was observed during the wet/dry season in the Ailaoshan subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forest ecosystem (ALS) and Lijiang subalpine coniferous forest ecosystem (LJ); 3) as the GPP increased, the net ecosystem production (NEP) first increased and then decreased when the GPP > 17.5 tC ha − 1 yr − 1 ; 4) the precipitation determines the carbon sinks in the savanna ecosystem (e.g., YJ), while temperature did so in the tropical forest ecosystem (e.g., XSBN); 5) overall, under the circumstances of warming and decreased precipitation, the carbon sink might decrease in the YJ but maybe increase in the ALS and LJ, while future strength of the sink in the XSBN is somewhat uncertain. However, based on the redundancy analysis, the temperature and precipitation combined together explained 39.7%, 32.2%, 25.3%, and 29.6% of the variations in the NEE in the YJ, XSBN, ALS and LJ, respectively, which indicates that considerable changes in the NEE could not be explained by variations in the temperature and precipitation. Therefore, the effects of other factors (e.g., CO 2 concentration, N/P deposition, aerosol and other variables) on the NEE still require extensive research and need to be considered seriously in carbon-cycle-models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose The presented study aims to provide an understanding of the mechanism whereby foresight is accepted by Czech companies. The results of the study can offer insights into how to design an optimized corporate foresight tool.Design/methodology/approach The well-established framework of unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT2) served as a baseline for research into key determinants of the behavioral intention to use the foresight. The proposed research model included independent variables of UTAUT2 relevant in the context of foresight. The additional variable of personal innovativeness was introduced as a potential predictor. Structural equation modeling (SmartPLS 2.0 software) was used to evaluate the data.Findings Performance expectancy regarding foresight was identified as the most substantial predictor of behavioral intention in line with the scientific literature. Surprisingly, the second strongest predictor was the construct of personal innovativeness, and social influence was also proven to affect behavioral intention. The results show that traditional determinants of effort expectancy, facilitating conditions, hedonic motivation and habit did not play a significant role in relation to behavioral intention to adopt the foresight.Research limitations/implications The attributes of cost and intention to use could not be included in the research model, as the corporate foresight is not commonly implemented. Second, the tested sample included 103 interviewed organizations but only from Czech Republic.Originality/value The study primarily aims to enhance the corporate foresight theory. Secondarily, it extends the UTAUT2 theoretical framework by testing personal innovativeness as a variable explaining behavioral intention. The authors provide statistical evidence of factors impacting the adoption of corporate foresight by companies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Internet of Things (IoTs) is widely considered as one of the most important infrastructures for promoting economic development and technological innovation. The purpose of this study is to find the key factors influencing IoT adoptions, specifically in Taiwan's logistics industry. In this study adopts a model which is a hybrid of technology, organisation and environment (TOE) and the decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory method (DEMATEL) to evaluate the complex factors influencing the adoption of IoT. The study employs the TOE framework as a basis to develop a general evaluation framework, and the DEMATEL technique conceptualises a structural model and then identifies the causal relationships among factors through a cause-effect relationship diagram. Finally, we also divided the complex influencing factors into cause and effect groups to better clarify the causal relationships for decision-making, to ensure the efficiency of IoT adoption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays a huge number of enterprises make use of Information Systems (IS) in several areas. Since the software is one of the most important IS component it needs to be available and trustful. Lots of effort is invested to study critical factors that affects software development projects results. Survey research is the common technique to obtain the relationship between the variables considered inside the sample. Before the use the surveys must be validated, i.e., if it can measure the right things. This paper shows the steps to validate a survey to be answered by software development professionals. The methodological path is composed by the following steps: literature review, mapping of critical factor in software development, creation of a test survey, application of a initial test, refine and apply the survey, analysis the results throughout statistical methods, concluding the paper with the presentation and analysis of the critical factors found. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although research on substance use disorders (SUDs) largely focuses on the developed world, treatment programs from the developing world seldom get international attention. Focusing on India, this study was designed (1) to describe India’s treatment programs, and (2) to report Indian perspectives on critical factors related to treating SUDs. An online survey instrument was created, based on mixed-methods approach with concurrent strategies, to collect data. Participants were India’s clinicians (N= 112). Indian treatment approach suggests that SUDs must be treated by a multidisciplinary treatment team with a comprehensive plan that must include systemically focused clinical interventions in patients’/clients’ relevant relational systems. Findings may have relevance to clinicians, researchers, and policy makers globally. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Work flow in lean construction has a significant influence on project performance. Uncertain work flow will lead to waste and reduce labor productivity. Reliable work flow will contribute to improving project performance. We found twenty variables affecting work flow reliability by literature review. In order to identify critical factors of work flow reliability and explore interrelationships among them, we designed a questionnaire to collect data, applied factor analysis to identifying critical factors, and put forward hypotheses on the basis of previous research and applied structural equation model (SEM) to exploring interrelationships among the critical factors of work flow. Final model confirmed nine hypotheses and denied three hypotheses. Besides, this paper discovered other interrelationship among the critical factors except for the hypotheses. The result of this research will help project managers understand work flow easily and take effective measures to improve work flow reliability, which will contribute to implement lean construction successfully. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Despite the progress made toward incorporating sustainability concerns into the curricula and management of higher education institutions around the world during the Decade of Education for Sustainable Development 2005-2014, progress has been sluggish in the former socialist states of Central Europe. A question has been raised in this article about the specifics of this region where the situation in six of these countries (Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia) was explored. To characterize sustainability changes in higher education institutions and develop a comparative overview of leading concepts, the 'conceptual framework analysis' qualitative method was used. A review and critical reflection of the current situation in the countries in question provided insight into commonalities or differences at national level and overall trends in the region; this information was structured, categorized, interpreted and embedded in a theoretically underpinned framework. On this basis, 'critical transition factors' were identified which helped to understand sustainable development policies at the higher education level, the driving forces behind institutional changes, and ongoing processes and their outcomes in the observed countries. These factors show a temporal hierarchy representing various stages of transition from environmental awareness to an understanding of the ambiguous term 'education for sustainable development', and more pragmatic approach where education is closely linked to green campus initiatives. The explored countries have mostly reached the lower transition stages. Constructivist, transdisciplinary approaches that underpin a focus on competences as a practical pre-requisite of democratic, sustainability oriented teaching, is greatly lacking in the region. The transition factors can be treated as concepts in the authors' explanatory framework which is adjusted to each national context; its relevance for ESD transition processes can be generalized beyond the countries described in this article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The construction of green buildings differs from that of traditional buildings in terms of the design, materials, and processes. The barriers to the development of green buildings, such as the high cost and project delay, further indicate that the productivity of green building construction needs to be tackled. This study aims to identify the critical factors affecting the productivity of green building construction projects by assessing the likelihood, impact, and criticality of the factors with comparisons against traditional projects. To achieve the objective, 26 factors were identified from a comprehensive literature review and interviews with industry experts. A questionnaire survey was then performed with 32 professionals experienced in green building projects, and three postsurvey interviews were also conducted. The results indicated that workers' experience, technology, design changes, workers' skill level, and planning and sequencing of work were the top five most critical factors affecting the productivity of green building construction projects. Furthermore, the differences in the criticality of the technical factors between green and traditional projects were remarkable, which should draw the practitioners' attention. The findings from this study not only fill a gap in the project management body of knowledge for green buildings but also help practitioners identify specific adjustments to traditional project management processes and practices achieving a more productive delivery of green buildings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transition to green economies has been mediated by concrete cases and experiments in a variety of different industrial and social sectors. What is lacking, is research that would synthesize key findings and “lessons learned” across a variety of cases. In this study, we explore ten cases of green economy of different sectors and approaches from five European countries and identify factors that have had critical importance for the success or failure of the cases. Our paper reveals similarities across small and large scale cases and different approaches for implementing green economy. We identified critical factors related to economic viability, public funding, technological development, impact assessments, public policies and regulation, social capital, leadership and coordination as well as public acceptability and image. According to our results, transition to green economies requires negotiation between potential trade-offs among multiple goals, and interests of various stakeholders. The mutual benefits can be communicated through valid impact assessments and the integration of R&D into the practical implementation. Securing the continuity of funding and leadership is crucial in successful experiments and attention should be paid to fostering social capital among stakeholders. Instead of any single critical factor, the practical implementation of green economy is related to a multiplicity of factors and causalities depending on the context. The challenges with the practical implementation of green economy can only be met with patient, careful and far-sighted planning of green economy initiatives as well as continuous learning from past experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]