bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction assay panel for the detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 and its variants
Authors: Lu Rou-Jian , Zhao Li , Huang Bao-Ying , Ye Fei , Wang Wen-Ling , Tan Wen-Jie
Published: August 2021

Background:

With the ongoing worldwide coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, an increasing number of viral variants are being identified, which poses a challenge for nucleic acid-based diagnostic tests. Rapid tests, such as real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR), play an important role in monitoring COVID-19 infection and controlling its spread. However, the changes in the genotypes of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants may result in decreased sensitivity of the rRT-PCR assay and it is necessary to monitor the mutations in primers and probes of SARS-CoV-2 detection over time.

Methods:

We developed two rRT-PCR assays to detect the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) and nucleocapsid (N) genes of SARS-CoV-2. We evaluated these assays together with our previously published assays targeting the ORF1ab and N genes for the detection and confirmation of SARS-CoV-2 and its variants of concern (VOCs). In addition, we also developed two rRT-PCR assays (S484K and S501Y) targeting the spike gene, which when combined with the open reading frames (ORF)1ab assay, respectively, to form duplex rRT-PCR assays, were able to detect SARS-CoV-2 VOCs (lineages B.1.351 and B.1.1.7).

Results:

Using a SARS-CoV-2 stock with predetermined genomic copies as a standard, the detection limit of both assays targeting RdRp and N was five copies/reaction. Furthermore, no cross-reactions with six others human CoVs (229E, OC43, NL63, HKU1, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus) were observed using these assays. In addition, the S484K and S501Y assays were combined with the ORF1ab assay, respectively.

Conclusions:

Four rRT-PCR assays (RdRp, N, S484K, and S501Y) were used to detect SARS-CoV-2 variants, and these assays were shown to be effective in screening for multiple virus strains.
Higher adalimumab maintenance regimen is more effective than standard dose in anti-TNF experienced Crohn’s disease patients
Authors: Greener Tomer , Boland Karen , Milgrom Raquel , Ben-Bassat Ofer , Steinhart A. Hillary , Silverberg Mark. S. , Narula Neeraj
Published: August 2021

Background

Many Crohn’s disease patients treated with anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) therapies suffer from loss of response over time and require dose escalation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of treating anti-TNF experienced Crohn’s disease patients with higher maintenance regimens of adalimumab.

Methods

In a retrospective observational study, Crohn’s disease patients receiving adalimumab were categorized according to their maintenance regimen; 40 mg weekly, 80 mg every other week or greater were defined as a high-dose maintenance regimen and 40 mg every other week was defined as a standard maintenance regimen. The primary outcome was time to treatment failure.

Results

Thirty-nine patients were started on high-dose regimens following induction and 40 patients received the standard regimen. According to a Kaplan–Meier survival curve analysis, time to treatment failure was significantly longer in patients in the high-dose group (P = 0.0015). Patients on high-dose adalimumab had a lower treatment failure rate (hazard ratio 0.21; P = 0.0005) when compared to patients on the standard regimen, after adjusting for induction dose and concomitant immunomodulator use. No difference in adverse events was identified between the groups (31 vs. 30%; P = 0.94).

Conclusion

High-dose maintenance regimens were more effective than the standard adalimumab maintenance protocol with better short and long-term clinical outcomes.
Glucagon is associated with NAFLD inflammatory progression in type 2 diabetes, not with NAFLD fibrotic progression
Authors: Wang Yuying , Lin Zhiqi , Wan Heng , Zhang Wen , Xia Fangzhen , Chen Yi , Chen Xiaoman , Wang Chiyu , Chen Chi , Wang Ningjian , Lu Yingli
Published: August 2021

Objectives

Higher prevalence of progressive stages of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and hyperglucagonemia were observed in type 2 diabetes. We aim to investigate whether islet alpha cell dysfunction (evaluated by glucagon) associates with NAFLD progression in type 2 diabetic adults.

Methods

A total of 4937 diabetic participants were enrolled from seven communities in Shanghai, China. Probable nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) was defined by the presence of NAFLD and metabolic syndrome. Probable NAFLD fibrosis score was used to identify patients with different risk stratification of bridging fibrosis (stage 3) or cirrhosis (stage 4).

Results

After adjustment for age, sex, duration of diabetes, current smoking, waist circumference, C-peptide, HbA1c, dyslipidemia, hypertension and use of incretins and SGLT2 inhibitor, glucagon quartiles were negatively associated with probable NASH (Q4 vs. Q1 OR 0.71, 95% confidence interval, 0.53–0.96, P for trend=0.010), though they were not associated with simple NAFLD (P for trend=0.176). Furthermore, glucagon was not significantly associated with fibrotic progression of liver steatosis in diabetic patients with NAFLD (P for trend=0.889).

Conclusions

Significant associations were observed among glucagon and inflammatory progression of NAFLD, but not with fibrotic progression. Further understanding the association between islet alpha cell and liver may lead to development of treatment strategies for NAFLD patients with type 2 diabetes.
Quality of life as a therapeutic objective in the management of hepatic encephalopathy and the potential role of rifaximin-α
Authors: Deltenre Pierre , Labenz Christian , Schuchmann Marcus
Published: August 2021

Objective

Quality of life (QoL) is impaired in patients with hepatic encephalopathy and rifaximin-α can improve QoL within 6 months. This study assessed the importance of QoL as a therapeutic objective in hepatic encephalopathy management; whether QoL is routinely assessed in hepatic encephalopathy patients in clinical practice and the role of rifaximin-α in this context.

Methods

A survey was conducted of healthcare professionals (HCPs) from Europe and Australia involved in hepatic encephalopathy management. HCPs rated the importance of a range of therapeutic objectives on a 1–7 Likert scale (1 = not at all important; 7 = extremely important). HCPs were also required to provide three patient record forms (PRFs) based on their last three hepatic encephalopathy patients.

Results

There were 218 HCP respondents, who provided 654 PRFs (patients treated with rifaximin-α, n = 347; patients not treated with rifaximin-α, n = 307). The mean Likert score was highest for the therapeutic objective ‘improving a patient’s QoL’ (6.4), which was rated significantly more highly than all other therapeutic objectives, including ‘reducing the patient’s likelihood of hospital readmission’ (6.1; P < 0.001) and ‘preventing death of the patient’ (6.1; P < 0.001). Despite this, only 28.3% of PRFs documented specific QoL data assessment. Patients receiving rifaximin-α were treated later in their disease course than those not receiving rifaximin-α.

Conclusions

HCPs consider QoL improvement the main therapeutic objective in hepatic encephalopathy management, but most do not explicitly assess QoL. Earlier introduction of rifaximin-α may safeguard QoL improvement even when QoL monitoring is not possible.
Pediatric Endoscopy Quality Improvement Network Quality Standards and Indicators for Pediatric Endoscopy Facilities
Authors: Lightdale Jenifer R. , Walsh Catharine M. , Narula Priya , Utterson Elizabeth C. , Tavares Marta , Rosh Joel R. , Riley Matthew R. , Oliva Salvatore , Mamula Petar , Mack David R. , Liu Quin Y. , Lerner Diana G. , Leibowitz Ian H. , Jacobson Kevan , Huynh Hien Q. , Homan Matjaž , Hojsak Iva , Gillett Peter M. , Furlano Raoul I. , Fishman Douglas S. , Croft Nicholas M. , Brill Herbert , Bontems Patrick , Amil‐Dias Jorge , Kramer Robert E. , Ambartsumyan Lusine , Otley Anthony R. , McCreath Graham A. , Connan Veronik , Thomson Mike A. ,   PEnQuIN Working Group
Published: August 2021

Introduction:

There is increasing international recognition of the impact of variability in endoscopy facilities on procedural quality and outcomes. There is also growing precedent for assessing the quality of endoscopy facilities at regional and national levels by using standardized rating scales to identify opportunities for improvement.

Methods:

With support from the North American and European Societies of Pediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition (NASPGHAN and ESPGHAN), an international working group of the Pediatric Endoscopy Quality Improvement Network (PEnQuIN) used the methodological strategy of the Appraisal of Guidelines for REsearch and Evaluation (AGREE) II instrument to develop standards and indicators relevant for assessing the quality of facilities where endoscopic care is provided to children. Consensus was reached via an iterative online Delphi process and subsequent in‐person meeting. The quality of evidence and strength of recommendations were rated according to the GRADE (Grading of Recommendation Assessment, Development and Evaluation) approach.

Results:

The PEnQuIN working group achieved consensus on 27 standards for facilities supporting pediatric endoscopy, as well 10 indicators that can be used to identify high‐quality endoscopic care in children. These standards were subcategorized into three subdomains: Quality of Clinical Operations (15 standards, 5 indicators); Patient and Caregiver Experience (9 standards, 5 indicators); and Workforce (3 standards).

Discussion:

The rigorous PEnQuIN process successfully yielded standards and indicators that can be used to universally guide and measure high‐quality facilities for procedures around the world where endoscopy is performed in children. It also underscores the current paucity of evidence for pediatric endoscopic care processes, and the need for research into this clinical area.
Pediatric Endoscopy Quality Improvement Network Pediatric Endoscopy Reporting Elements
Authors: Walsh Catharine M. , Lightdale Jenifer R. , Fishman Douglas S. , Furlano Raoul I. , Mamula Petar , Gillett Peter M. , Narula Priya , Hojsak Iva , Oliva Salvatore , Homan Matjaž , Riley Matthew R. , Huynh Hien Q. , Rosh Joel R. , Jacobson Kevan , Tavares Marta , Leibowitz Ian H. , Utterson Elizabeth C. , Croft Nicholas M. , Mack David R. , Brill Herbert , Liu Quin Y. , Bontems Patrick , Lerner Diana G. , Amil‐Dias Jorge , Kramer Robert E. , Otley Anthony R. , Ambartsumyan Lusine , Connan Veronik , McCreath Graham A. , Thomson Mike A. ,   PEnQuIN Working Group
Published: August 2021

Introduction:

High‐quality procedure reports are a cornerstone of high‐quality pediatric endoscopy as they ensure the clear communication of procedural events and outcomes, guide patient care and facilitate continuous quality improvement. The aim of this document is to outline standardized reporting elements that achieved international consensus as requirements for high‐quality pediatric endoscopy procedure reports.

Methods:

With support from the North American and European Societies of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (NASPGHAN and ESPGHAN), an international working group of the Pediatric Endoscopy Quality Improvement Network (PEnQuIN) used Delphi methodology to identify key elements that should be found in all pediatric endoscopy reports. Item reduction was attained through iterative rounds of anonymized online voting using a 6‐point scale. Responses were analyzed after each round and items were excluded from subsequent rounds if ⩽50% of panelists rated them as 5 (“agree moderately”) or 6 (“agree strongly”). Reporting elements that ≥70% of panelists rated as “agree moderately” or “agree strongly” were considered to have achieved consensus.

Results:

Twenty‐six PEnQuIN group members from 25 centers internationally rated 63 potential reporting elements that were generated from a systematic literature review and the Delphi panelists. The response rates were 100% for all three survey rounds. Thirty reporting elements reached consensus as essential for inclusion within a pediatric endoscopy report.

Discussion:

It is recommended that the PEnQuIN Reporting Elements for pediatric endoscopy be universally employed across all endoscopists, procedures and facilities as a foundational means of ensuring high‐quality endoscopy services, while facilitating quality improvement activities in pediatric endoscopy.
Geoffrey Burnstock. 10 May 1929—3 June 2020
Authors: Alan North R. , Costa Marcello
Published: August 2021

Geoffrey Burnstock was a biomedical scientist who gained renown for his discovery that adenosine 5′-triphosphate (ATP) functions as an extracellular signalling molecule. Born in London and educated at King's and University colleges, he did postdoctoral work at Mill Hill and Oxford. He moved in 1959 to the Department of Zoology at the University of Melbourne because he sensed there a greater freedom to challenge established thinking in physiology. His group found that transmission from sympathetic and parasympathetic autonomic nerves to smooth muscle was in some places not mediated by the accepted chemical messengers (noradrenaline and acetylcholine). He amassed evidence that ATP was this non-adrenergic, non-cholinergic transmitter, using biochemical, histological and electrophysiological approaches: heretically, he styled this ‘purinergic transmission’. Geoff further upset dogma in the 1970s by proposing ‘co-transmission’ in which some nerves released ATP in addition to either noradrenaline or acetylcholine. He distinguished pharmacologically P1 receptors (activated best by adenosine and blocked by xanthines) and P2 receptors (activated best by purine nucleotides such as ATP) and he proposed in 1985 that the latter embraced P2X (ion channel) and P2Y (G protein-coupled) subtypes: about 10 years later these categories were substantiated by cDNA cloning. From 1975 until his retirement in 1997, Geoff was head of the Department of Anatomy and Embryology at University College London (UCL), which he developed energetically into a large and strong research department. Later, as head of the Autonomic Research Institute at the Royal Free (part of UCL), he continued to collaborate extensively, and founded several journals and international professional societies. He widely sought clinical benefit for his discoveries, and both P2X and P2Y receptors have been developed as the targets of useful therapeutics (gefapixant, clopidogrel). Geoff was proud of his modest, rather humble, background and eschewed formality. He may have smiled when his early discoveries were met with cynicism, even ridicule (‘pure-imagine’ transmission noted one amusing critic), but this just reinforced his resolve and encouraged his encyclopaedic oeuvre.
Use of the Azure Kinect to measure foot clearance during obstacle crossing
Authors: Yoshimoto Kohei , Shinya Masahiro
Published: August 2021

Obstacle crossing is a typical adaptive locomotion known to be related to the risk of falls. Previous conventional studies have used elaborate and costly optical motion capture systems, which not only represent a considerable expense but also require participants to visit a laboratory. To overcome these shortcomings, we aimed to develop a practical and inexpensive solution for measuring obstacle-crossing behavior by using the Microsoft Azure Kinect, one of the most promising markerless motion capture systems. We validated the Azure Kinect as a tool to measure foot clearance and compared its performance to that of an optical motion capture system (Qualisys). We also determined the effect of the Kinect sensor placement on measurement performance. Sixteen healthy young men crossed obstacles of different heights (50, 150, and 250 mm). Kinect sensors were placed in front of and beside the obstacle as well as diagonally between those positions. As indices of measurement quality, we counted the number of measurement failures and calculated the systematic and random errors between the foot clearance measured by the Kinect and Qualisys. We also calculated the Pearson correlation coefficients between the Kinect and Qualisys measurements. The number of measurement failures and the systematic and random error were minimized when the Kinect was placed diagonally in front of the obstacle on the same side as the trail limb. The high correlation coefficient (r > 0.890) observed between the Kinect and Qualisys measurements suggests that the Azure Kinect has excellent potential for measuring foot clearance during obstacle-crossing tasks.
Positive and negative control of helicase recruitment at a bacterial chromosome origin
Authors: Winterhalter Charles , Stevens Daniel , Fenyk Stepan , Pelliciari Simone , Marchand Elie , Cronin Nora B , Soultanas Panos , Costa Tiago R. D. , Ilangovan Aravindan , Murray Heath
Published: August 2021

The mechanisms responsible for helicase loading during the initiation of chromosome replication in bacteria are unclear. Here we report both a positive and a negative mechanism for directing helicase recruitment in the model organism Bacillus subtilis. Systematic mutagenesis of the essential replication initiation gene dnaD and characterization of DnaD variants revealed protein interfaces required for interacting with the master initiator DnaA and with a specific single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) sequence located in the chromosome origin (DnaD Recognition Element, “DRE”). We propose that the location of the DRE within the replication origin orchestrates recruitment of helicase to achieve bidirectional DNA replication. We also report that the developmentally expressed repressor of DNA replication initiation, SirA, acts by blocking the interaction of DnaD with DnaA, thereby inhibiting helicase recruitment to the origin. These findings significantly advance our mechanistic understanding of helicase recruitment and regulation during bacterial DNA replication initiation. Because DnaD is essential for the viability of clinically relevant Gram-positive pathogens, DnaD is an attractive target for drug development.
Ribosome collisions in bacteria promote ribosome rescue by triggering mRNA cleavage by SmrB
Authors: Saito Kazuki , Kratzat Hanna , Campbell Annabelle , Buschauer Robert , Burroughs A. Maxwell , Berninghausen Otto , Aravind L. , Beckmann Roland , Green Rachel , Buskirk Allen R.
Published: August 2021

Ribosome rescue pathways recycle stalled ribosomes and target problematic mRNAs and aborted proteins for degradation. In bacteria, it remains unclear how rescue pathways distinguish ribosomes stalled in the middle of a transcript from actively translating ribosomes. In a genetic screen inE. coli, we discovered a novel rescue factor that has endonuclease activity. SmrB cleaves mRNAs upstream of stalled ribosomes, allowing the ribosome rescue factor tmRNA (which acts on truncated mRNAs) to rescue upstream ribosomes. SmrB is recruited by ribosome collisions; cryo-EM structures of collided disomes fromE. coliandB. subtilisreveal a distinct and conserved arrangement of the individual ribosomes and the composite SmrB binding site. These findings reveal the underlying mechanism by which ribosome collisions trigger ribosome rescue in bacteria.
Skin stem cells orchestrate de novo generation of extrathymic regulatory T cells to establish a temporary protective niche during wound healing
Authors: Truong Cynthia , Guo Weijie , Woodside Liberty , Gang Audrey , Savage Peter , Infarinato Nicole , Stewart Katherine , Polak Lisa , Levorse John , Pasolli Amalia , Dikiy Stanislav , Rudensky Alexander , Fuchs Elaine , Miao Yuxuan
Published: August 2021

Adult stem cells reside in various tissues to govern homeostasis and repair damage. During wound healing, these stem cells must be mobilized to enter the center of the injury where they are exposed to many inflammatory immune cells infiltrating the wounded tissue. While these immune cells are indispensable for preventing infections and clearing dead cells, they can also create a harsh inflammatory environment which could potentially damage the stem cells and prevent their self-renewal and differentiation. Here, using a model of cutaneous wound healing in which hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs) repair the wound, we show that, upon migrating into the wound, skin stem cells acquire a strong immune modulatory capacity which allows them to sculpt a temporary immune suppressive niche for self-protection. We reveal that the HFSCs in the wound bed orchestrate extrathymic differentiation of regulatory T (Treg) cells by providing co-stimulation to the woundinfiltrating CD4 effector T cells. In this way, Treg cells can be generated de novo in close proximity to and can intimately protect HFSCs from the collateral damage inflicted by inflammatory neutrophils. This study uncovered a striking inflammatory adaptation capacity unique to adult tissue stem cells which allows them to shape their own immune suppressive niche during wound repair.
Inhibitors of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family proteins exhibit potent and broad-spectrum anti-mammarenavirus activity via cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase
Authors: Kim Yu-Jin , Witwit Haydar , Cubitt Beatrice , de la Torre Juan C.
Published: August 2021

Targeting host factors is a promising strategy to develop broad-spectrum antiviral drugs. Drugs targeting anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family proteins that were originally developed as tumor suppressors have been reported to inhibit multiplication of different types of viruses. However, the mechanisms whereby Bcl-2 inhibitors exert their antiviral activity remain poorly understood. In this study, we have investigated the mechanisms by which obatoclax (OLX) and ABT-737 Bcl-2 inhibitors exhibited a potent antiviral activity against the mammarenavirus lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV). OLX and ABT-737 potent anti-LCMV activity was not associated with their pro-apoptotic properties, but rather their ability of inducing cell arrest at G0/G1 phase. OLX and ABT-737 mediated inhibition of Bcl-2 correlated with reduced expression levels of thymidine kinase 1 (TK1), cyclin A2 (CCNA2), and cyclin B1 (CCNB1) cell cycle regulators. In addition, siRNA-mediated knock down of TK1, CCNA2, and CCNB1 resulted in reduced levels of LCMV multiplication. The antiviral activity exerted by Bcl-2 inhibitors correlated with reduced levels of viral RNA synthesis at early times of infection. Importantly, ABT-737 exhibited moderate efficacy in a mouse model of LCMV infection, and Bcl-2 inhibitors displayed broad-spectrum antiviral activities against different mammarenaviruses and SARS-CoV-2. Our results suggest that Bcl-2 inhibitors, actively being explored as anti-cancer therapeutics, might be repositioned as broad-spectrum antivirals.

IMPORTANCE

Anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 inhibitors have been shown to exert potent antiviral activities against various types of viruses via mechanisms that are currently poorly understood. This study has revealed that Bcl-2 inhibitors mediated cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase, rather than their pro-apoptotic activity, plays a critical role in blocking mammarenavirus multiplication in cultured cells. In addition, we show that Bcl-2 inhibitor ABT-737 exhibited moderate anti-mammarenavirus activity in vivo, and that Bcl-2 inhibitors displayed broad-spectrum antiviral activities against different mammarenaviruses and SARS-CoV-2. Our results suggest that Bcl-2 inhibitors, actively being explored as anti-cancer therapeutics, might be repositioned as broad-spectrum antivirals.
Structural trends in a series of bulky dialkylbiarylphosphane complexes of CuI
Authors: Woodhouse Sidney S. , Buchanan Jenna K. , Dais Tyson N. , Ainscough Eric W. , Brodie Andrew M. , Freeman Graham H. , Plieger Paul G.
Published: August 2021

CuIcomplexes containing the bulky dialkylbiarylphosphane 2-(di-tert-butylphosphanyl)-2′,4′,6′-triisopropylbiphenyl (tBuXPhos,L) and an ancillary ligand (Cl−, Br−, I−, MeCN, ClO4−or SCN−) have been structurally characterized, namely, chlorido[2-(di-tert-butylphosphanyl)-2′,4′,6′-triisopropylbiphenyl-κP]copper(I), [CuCl(C29H45P)],1, bromido[2-(di-tert-butylphosphanyl)-2′,4′,6′-triisopropylbiphenyl-κP]copper(I), [CuBr(C29H45P)],2, [2-(di-tert-butylphosphanyl)-2′,4′,6′-triisopropylbiphenyl-κP]iodidocopper(I), [CuI(C29H45P)],3, (acetonitrile-κN)[2-(di-tert-butylphosphanyl)-2′,4′,6′-triisopropylbiphenyl-κP]copper(I) hexafluoridophosphate, [Cu(CH3CN)(C29H45P)]PF6,4, [2-(di-tert-butylphosphanyl)-2′,4′,6′-triisopropylbiphenyl-κP](perchlorato-κO)copper(I), [Cu(ClO4)(C29H45P)],5, and di-μ-thiocyanato-κ2S:N;κ2N:S-bis{[2-(di-tert-butylphosphanyl)-2′,4′,6′-triisopropylbiphenyl-κP]copper(I)}, [Cu2(NCS)2(C29H45P)2],6. Iodide complex3shows significant CuI–arene interactions, in contrast to its chloride1and bromide2counterparts, which is attributed to the weaker interaction between the iodide ion and the CuIcentre. When replacing iodide with an acetonitrile (in4) or perchlorate (in5) ligand, the reduced interaction between the CuIatom and the ancillary ligand results in stronger CuI–arene interactions. No CuI–arene interactions are observed in dimer6, due to the tricoordinated CuIcentre having sufficient electron density from the coordinated ligands.
On some nonlinear anisotropic elliptic equations in anisotropic Orlicz space
Authors: Benslimane Omar , Aberqi Ahmed , Bennouna Jaouad
Published: August 2021

Purpose

In the present paper, the authors will discuss the solvability of a class of nonlinear anisotropic elliptic problems (P), with the presence of a lower-order term and a non-polynomial growth which does not satisfy any sign condition which is described by an N-uplet of N-functions satisfying the Δ2-condition, within the fulfilling of anisotropic Sobolev-Orlicz space. In addition, the resulting analysis requires the development of some new aspects of the theory in this field. The source term is merely integrable.

Design/methodology/approach

An approximation procedure and some priori estimates are used to solve the problem.

Findings

The authors prove the existence of entropy solutions to unilateral problem in the framework of anisotropic Sobolev-Orlicz space with bounded domain. The resulting analysis requires the development of some new aspects of the theory in this field.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first paper that investigates the existence of entropy solutions to unilateral problem in the framework of anisotropic Sobolev-Orlicz space with bounded domain.
Integrating interorganizational justice to facilitate tacit knowledge sharing in architectural and engineering design projects: a configurational approach
Authors: Ju Chuanjing , Ning Yan
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Sharing tacit knowledge across firm boundaries is challenging in architectural and engineering design projects as tacit knowledge is embedded in the designer’s mind. It thus requires autonomous motivation. This study aims to examine how clients integrate distributive justice (DJ), procedural justice (PJ) and interactional justice (IJ) to motivate tacit knowledge sharing in interorganizational architectural and engineering (A/E) design projects.

Design/methodology/approach

A theoretical model was built, describing how the combination of distributive, procedural and interactional justice influences tacit knowledge sharing. This model was then verified using latent profile analysis (LPA) of 360 A/E design projects.

Findings

A total offour subgroups with quantitatively different combinations of distributive, procedural and interactional justice were identified. Within each subgroup, the levels of the three forms of justice were quite aligned. The results indicate that clients often implement interorganizational justice in a collective manner. Among the four subgroups, projects with the highest level of justice combination have a significantly higher level of tacit knowledge sharing than the other three. This indicates that sharing of tacit knowledge is driven by the overall level of interorganizational justice.

Originality/value

The configurational approach complements previous research by presenting how combinations of interorganizational justice influence tacit knowledge sharing in A/E design projects.
Using health-care technology to manage COVID-19 pandemic: a case of Al-Ain city hospital, UAE
Authors: Al Ahbabi Jawaher Majdi , Ahmad Syed Zamberi
Published: August 2021

Learning outcomes

The teaching objectives of the case study will enable the students as follows: to recognise the challenges of information technology (IT) implementation in the health-care sector associated with employee resistance, to apply the technology acceptance model for analysing the degree of employee resistance, to relate the utilisation of Kotter’s 8-step change management approach in successful IT implementation in the health-care sector and maintenance of employee productivity and to classify the leadership traits reflected by the leaders in training the 600 diverse employee population of Al-Ain hospital.

Case overview/synopsis

The case highlighted the predicament the government-owned Al-Ain City Hospital, United Arab Emirates, faced following the surge in the incidences of COVID-19 in the country in March 2020. The hospital management decided to initiate the work-from-home arrangement as a non-pharmaceutical intervention of handling the spread of the disease amongst its employees. Fatima Almur, the Information Technology Director in Al-Ain Hospital, asked the Application Support Manager, Aysha Shahwan, to deploy some IT tools significant for remote support to patient care within two weeks. Shahwan faced significant challenges in deploying the IT tools in two weeks given the diverse workforce, with the majority of them having limited knowledge in operating the tools, and hence, their apprehension in the usefulness of the tools. Besides, Shahwan had to deploy some advanced tools for easy and secured access to the electronic health record, telemedicine and telecommuting using mobile phones, tablets or PCs. The deployment of these advanced tools would be jeopardised by employee acceptance and consequent dwindling productivity. Considering the issue of employee acceptance of the change and their limited knowledge, Shahwan had, therefore, to develop training frameworks to boost the former’s perceived usefulness and ease-of-use of the IT tools. Will Shahwan successfully deploy the advanced IT tools to enable the hospital staff, including medical staff and departments, to ensure efficient patient care from a remote location? Will she be able to train the 600 employees across genders, ages and knowledge, use the IT tools and safeguard them from common software threats like email phishing and ransomware? Will the hospital be able to sustain its vision of quality patient care using advanced technologies through this new arrangement of remote support amidst the pandemic when patients are more?

Complexity academic level

Undergraduate business management.

Supplementary materials

Teaching Notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 10: Public sector management.
Adaptability of piston skirt coatings on the tribological performance of heavy-duty diesel engine under low viscosity lubricant
Authors: Yin Bifeng , Wang Xuefeng , Xu Bo , Huang Gongyin , Kuang Xin
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper was to improve the frictional wear resistance properties of piston skirts caused by the low viscosity lubricant by studying the tribological performance of three novel coating materials.

Design/methodology/approach

Comparative tribological examinations were performed in a tribological tester using the ring-block arrangement under two viscosity lubricants, the loading force was applied as 100 N, the speed was set to 60 r/min and the testing time was 180 min.

Findings

Under low viscosity lubricant, the friction coefficient and wear of the three coatings all increase, and the friction coefficient and wear of the PTFE coating are the largest, while the MoS2 coating has the lowest friction coefficient and wear. Under low viscosity lubricant, the friction coefficient of the MoS2 coating is 2.1%–5.4% and 20.0%–24.3% lower than that of the SiO2 and PTFE coating, respectively. The friction coefficient and wear fluctuation rate of the MoS2 coating is the smallest when the lubricant viscosity decreases, which indicates that the MoS2 coating has excellent stability and adaptability under low viscosity lubricant.

Originality/value

To reduce the piston skirt wear caused by low viscosity lubricant in heavy-duty diesel engines, the friction and wear adaptability of three novel composite coating materials for piston skirts were compared under 0 W-20 low viscosity lubricant, which could provide a guidance for the application of wear-resistant materials for heavy-duty diesel engine piston skirt.
Simulation and experimental study on the influence of oil groove structure on the drag torque of the wet clutch
Authors: Wang Chengjun , Ding Wujian , Zheng Xudong , Zhu Haiqiang , Tian Zuzhi , Xie Fangwei , Gao Kuidong
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to design a single and double throat oil groove structure, which can reduce the drag torque of the wet clutch.

Design/methodology/approach

A three-dimensional simulation model was established herein using the computational fluid dynamics method. The influence of oil groove structure on the oil film flow field and the drag torque is obtained by a simulation.

Findings

Compared with the traditional radial oil groove, the results show that the single throat oil groove structure reduces the drag torque by about 24.59%; the double throat oil groove reduces the drag torque by about 47.27%. As the speed difference increases, the average temperature rise of the oil film of the double throat oil groove is 4°C lower than that of the single throat oil groove, indicating that it has good heat dissipation performance. The analysis results were verified by experimental results.

Originality/value

In this paper, the radial oil groove is taken as the reference object, and the structure of the oil groove is designed and improved. The simulation analysis and experiment verify the rule of the influence of the oil groove structure on the drag torque, which provides a new design idea for reducing the drag torque of wet clutch.
Dual-robot stud welding system for membrane wall
Authors: Chen Youdong , Hu Qi
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The membrane wall is one of the most important components in the boiler industry and numerous studs are welded on its surface. The membrane wall welding still remains a sector intensive in the manual and arduous works. This paper aims to propose a dual-robot system to automatically weld studs on the membrane wall.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the authors proposed a dual-robot stud welding system for membrane walls. First, the membrane wall is divided into several zones and the welding paths are planned. Then, the pose of the pipes is calculated based on the data measured by light section sensors. The planned paths are compensated by the pose. Finally, the robots weld studs based on the compensated paths.

Findings

The method effectively eliminates manufacturing errors and welding distortions. The system can weld straight type and L-type membrane walls with high efficiency, high quality and high accuracy.

Originality/value

The system can weld straight type and L-type membrane walls with high efficiency and high quality. Experiments were performed in a factory to demonstrate the practicability of the method. The dual-robot system with two welding machines has approximately twice the efficiency of the manual welder with only one welding machine. The quality and accuracy of robot welding systems are higher than that of manual welding.
Analyzing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on vegetable market supply in Northwestern Ethiopia
Authors: Worku Aemro , Ülkü M. Ali
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Due to global trade and transportation, the COVID-19 pandemic has rapidly reached all corners of the world; it has most impacted the poor communities and rural areas with limited or no access to recovery. This paper aims to understand the pandemic's impact on the market supply of vegetables (agrifood) in Ethiopia and other countries in sub-Saharan Africa and to implement scientifically based recommendations that can improve the challenges caused by the pandemic and improve the livelihoods of vegetable producers.

Design/methodology/approach

This study assessed the major incidents that follow the occurrence of the COVID-19 pandemic in Ethiopia with the factors that significantly influence onion market supply in the Mecha district of Northwestern Ethiopia using linear multiple regression.

Findings

The study revealed that producers, processors, local collectors, cooperatives, wholesalers, retailers and consumers are the main actors. The most important difference that happened on the onion market channel after the outbreak of coronavirus was brokers were removed from the market channel after the pandemic and this saved the cost producers pay as a commission. The pandemic disrupted input distribution, extension and cooperative services and created labor scarcity. Access to market, postharvest value addition, price and marketing contract were significant factors that influence the market supply of onion. The study identified the need for policy interventions by the government to overcome the postpandemic challenges and ensure the sustainable development of onion production and marketing in the Mecha district.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations of the study are primarily related to the methodology as data are collected at a single moment in time. However, the study observes that those changes after the pandemic are better understood if we collect data at different time. Therefore, the future study needs to provide longitudinal data to examine stability of response and to observe performance of the market that occur over time.

Originality/value

This original research is the first to study the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic in Northwestern Ethiopia. The data used in the analysis are primary.
A set-theoretic approach to identifying effective configurations ofpromotional attributes
Authors: Qi Suntong , Peng Ling , Chen Yu-Jen
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Most previous studies have indicated promotional attributes separately (e.g. time pressure, giveaways, price discounts, exclusivity) and found controversial effects. This paper aims to explore how different attributes can be aligned with each other and integrated with different levels of brand strength to influence sales or purchase intention according to the fit logic.

Design/methodology/approach

Both field data and controlled experiments are used to understand the effectiveness of promotion configurations. This paper first conducts an exploratory study using qualitative comparative analysis, based on 625 online promotion campaigns. This paper identifies several effective configurations of promotion attributes, leading to the development of two hypotheses. Three experiments are then designed to test the validity of these two hypotheses.

Findings

The results show that strong brands should adopt nonmonetary promotion, whereas weak brands should adopt monetary promotion; exclusivity and time limitation should be used separately.

Research limitations/implications

This paper provides empirical insights on how promotion elicits sales in terms of the configuration of promotional attributes and brand strength. This paper examines the integrative effect of types of giveaways, promotion duration and promotion target as well as brand strength on promotion effectiveness. Future research can explore other promotional attributes. This study is a first attempt to introduce and apply the set-theoretic approach to address strategic research issues and inform strategic decisions and managerial actions.

Practical implications

The findings can facilitate marketers’ understanding and predictions of deal recipients’ responses to promotions.

Originality/value

This paper adopts a holistic view to investigate how different promotion attributes interact with one another to stimulate sales. It explores the integrative effect from field data and finds converging evidence through a set-theoretic approach and controlled experiments.
Performance management within the Dutch steel processing industry
Authors: Van der Meij Ralf Jan Benjamin , Edwards David John , Roberts Chris , El-Gohary Hatem , Posillico John
Published: August 2021

Purpose

A comprehensive literature review of performance management within the Dutch steel processing industry is presented. The purpose of this paper is to analyse the motives for companies to become excellent performers in their field of expertise. These internal and external motives (refined by quantitative analysis of bibliographic data) sought to reveal the common factors that impact company performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Inductive reasoning was adopted using an interpretivist philosophical stance to generate new theoretical insight. A mixed-methods analysis of pertinent extant literature afforded greater synthesis of the research problem domain and generated more valid and reliable findings. The software visualisation of similarities viewer was used to conduct a qualitative bibliographic analysis of extant literature to yield greater clarification on the phenomena under investigation.

Findings

Four thematic groups of past research endeavours emerged from the analysis and were assigned appropriate nomenclature, namely: industry internal motives; industry external motives; excellent performer and incremental working method. To further expand upon the continuous improvement process (CIP – embodied within performance management), the paper describes the virtuous cycle of improvement, which consists of the consecutive steps of “planning”, “doing”, “checking” and ultimately of “acting” accordingly to the previous steps. It can be concluded that a high-performing company acts according to its mission, plans in line with the vision do as defined in the strategy and checks by reflection.

Originality/value

This unique study provides invaluable insight into the performance management of Dutch steel processing companies. Although the research context was narrowly defined, the findings presented are equally applicable to clients, contractors and sub-contractors active in other sectors of the construction industry. The research concludes by prescribing factors of mitigation strategies to support chief executive officers to focus on the optimum distribution of their scarce resources.
Performance drivers in knowledge-intensive entrepreneurial firms: a multidimensional perspective
Authors: Fischer Bruno , Salles-Filho Sergio , Zeitoum Camila , Colugnati Fernando
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to offer a comprehensive perspective on different facets of knowledge management and their effects on the performance of knowledge-intensive entrepreneurial ventures.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical setting involves small and medium-sized enterprises located in the State of São Paulo, Brazil. Primary data for 223 knowledge-intensive entrepreneurship (KIE) firms was obtained through questionnaires applied to ventures which applied to the innovative research in small business program, a small business innovation research-like initiative run by the São Paulo Research Foundation. Econometric results assessed the drivers of competitiveness in terms of firm growth, research and development intensification and technology transfer.

Findings

Results highlight the complexity involved in establishing effective knowledge management processes in terms of driving KIE performance. Notwithstanding, some interesting insights on the moderation effects of strategic knowledge management (SKM) systems over technical skills could be identified with particular emphasis for the case of academic spin-offs. Ecosystem drivers present a good explanation power for technology transfer practices but fall short in providing answers for firm-level growth dynamics. It is also noteworthy that public and private investments in KIE firms are similarly associated with positive impacts – contrary to the view that private investors perform better than governmental sources in picking promising small ventures.

Originality/value

The assessment has provided novel evidence for a sample of KIE ventures concerning the appraisal of performance drivers associated with three dimensions of knowledge management, namely, technical knowledge, SKM and ecosystem features. Firms’ outcomes were addressed from a multidimensional perspective, thus providing a comprehensive perspective of the events under scrutiny.
Commentary: enabling service wisdom for MEA organizations and society
Authors: Fisk Raymond P.
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This commentary seeks to enable service researchers in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) regions and those in other regions to pursue service research that addresses the many difficult service system problems in the MEA.

Design/methodology/approach

This commentary is based on more than 40 years of service research experience and unique insights from a service research pioneer. The commentary addresses what service systems are and why they are important to human progress.

Findings

Three service wisdoms are offered to enable service researchers. Serving Human Needs focuses on the essential role of service because all human economies exist to serve human needs. It also provides the aspirational goal of improving human well-being by transforming service systems. The topic of Designing New Service Rules urges service researchers to design new service systems based on the win-win logic of mutualism. Collaborating With Each Other is the third service wisdom. With more than 7 billion humans living today, mutually beneficial collaborations are one of the best strategies for improving human well-being and the well-being of our crowded planet.

Practical implications

Practical ideas are offered for improving the human condition through collaboratively serving each other’s needs.

Social implications

Because service systems are both nonmonetary and monetary solutions to human needs, their social implications are profound. Human life itself depends on service systems.

Originality/value

This commentary offers service researchers guidance in understanding services, in designing better services, and in pursuing collaborative solutions to service system problems.