bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wet Adhesive Hydrogels to Correct Malacic Trachea (Tracheomalacia): A Proof of Concept
Authors: Uslu Ece , Rana Vijay Kumar , Anagnostopoulos Sokratis , Karami Peyman , Bergadano Alessandra , Courbon Cecile , Gorostidi Francois , Sandu Kishore , Stergiopulos Nikolaos , Pioletti Dominique P.
Published: November 2022

Tracheomalacia (TM) is a condition in which the anterior part of the trachea consisting of cartilage and/or the posterior part consisting muscle are too soft to ensure its mechanical support. This situation may result in an excessive and potentially lethal collapse of the airway in the newborns. Current treatment techniques include tracheal reconstruction, tracheoplasty, endo- and extraluminal stents, but are all facing important limitations.

To reduce the shortcomings of actual TM treatments, this work proposes a new strategy by wrapping an adhesive hydrogel patch extraluminally around a malacic trachea. To validate this approach, first a numerical model revealed that a hydrogel patch with sufficient mechanical and adhesion strength can potentially preserve the trachea’s physiological shape. Accordingly, a new hydrogel formulation was synthesized employing the hydroxyethyl acrylamide (HEAam) and polyethylene glycol methacrylate (PEGDMA) as main polymer network and crosslinker, respectively. These hydrogels provide excellent adhesion on wet tracheal surfaces, thanks to a two-step photo-polymerization approach. Ex vivo experiments revealed that the developed adhesive hydrogel patches can restrain the collapsing of malacic trachea under applied negative pressure. This study, to be confirmed by in vivo studies, is open to the possibility of a new treatment in the difficult clinical situation of tracheomalacia in newborns.
Computation-guided redesign of promoter specificity of a bacterial RNA polymerase
Authors: Liu Xiangyang , Meger Anthony T. , Gillis Thomas , Raman Srivatsan
Published: November 2022

The ability to regulate circuits and pathways is central to cellular control. The existing toolkit is predominantly comprised of local transcription regulators that are unsuitable for exerting control at a global genome-wide scale. Bacterial sigma factors are ideal global regulators as they direct the RNA polymerase to thousands of transcription sites. Here, we redesigned the promoter specificity of theE. colihousekeeping sigma factor, sigma-70, toward five orthogonal promoter targets not recognized by the native sigma-70. These orthogonal sigma-70s were engineered by screening a pooled library of computationally-guided designs customized toward each promoter target. A combination of conserved interactions with the DNA backbone and target-specific interactions facilitate new promoter recognition. Activity of the top performing redesigned sigma-70s varied across the promoter targets and ranged from 17% to 77% of native sigma-70 on its canonical active promoter. These orthogonal sigma factors represent a new suite of regulators for global transcriptional control.
Quantification of adulterated fox-derived components in meat Products by Drop Digital Polymerase Chain Reaction
Authors: Wang Hui , Chen Chen , Xu Miaomiao , Zhang Yan , Chen Boxu , Li Yongyan , Jia Wenshen , Chen Jia , Zhou Wei
Published: November 2022

There are still large research gaps in the testing standards for non-edible meat-derived components at present. Here we report a novel approach to quantification of adulterated fox-derived components in meat products by drop digital polymerase chain reaction(ddPCR). It was better to identify the adulteration that has been added either inadvertently or deliberately during the process by designing single primers on housekeeping genes. In this paper, the fox meat was used as the experimental materials and the relationship between sample quality and copy number was established by extracting DNA and using DNA concentration as an intermediary. The results of ddPCR showed that both the relationships between meat weight and DNA concentration and between DNA concentration and DNA copy number (C) were nearly linear within the dynamic range. The DNA concentration was utilized as an intermediate value to establish the formulae about the relationship between the original meat weight and DNA copy number: Mfox=0.05C+2.7. The method’s feasibility was validated using artificial adulteration of different proportions The establishment of this method provides technical support for relevant regulatory authorities to monitor the adulteration of fox meat.
Enhancing single-cell proteomics through tailored Data-Independent Acquisition and micropillar array-based chromatography
Authors: Petrosius Valdemaras , Aragon-Fernandez Pedro , Üresin Nil , Phlairaharn Teeradon , Furtwängler Benjamin , de Beeck Jeff op , Thomsen Simon Francis , auf dem Keller Ulrich , Porse Bo T. , Schoof Erwin M.
Published: November 2022

Single-cell resolution analysis of complex biological tissues is fundamental to capture cell-state heterogeneity and distinct cellular signaling patterns that remain obscured with population-based techniques. The limited amount of material encapsulated in a single cell however, raises significant technical challenges to molecular profiling. Due to extensive optimization efforts, mass spectrometry-based single-cell proteomics (scp-MS) has emerged as a powerful tool to facilitate proteome profiling from ultra-low amounts of input, although further development is needed to realize its full potential. To this end, we carried out comprehensive analysis of orbitrap-based data independent acquisition (DIA) for limited material proteomics. Notably, we found a fundamental difference between optimal DIA methods for high- and low-load samples. We further improved our low-input DIA method by relying on high-resolution MS1 quantification, thus more efficiently utilizing available mass analyzer time. With our ultra-low input tailored DIA method, we were able to accommodate long injection times and high resolution, while keeping the scan cycle time low enough to ensure robust quantification. Finally, we establish a complete experimental scp-MS workflow, combining DIA with accessible single-cell sample preparation and the latest chromatographic and computational advances and showcase our developments by profiling real single cells.
Identifying eukaryotes in drinking water metagenomes and factors influencing their biogeography
Authors: Gabrielli Marco , Dai Zihan , Delafont Vincent , Timmers Peer , van der Wielen Paul , Antonelli Manuela , Pinto Ameet
Published: November 2022

The biogeography of eukaryotes in drinking water systems is poorly understood relative to prokaryotes or viruses. A common challenge with studying complex eukaryotic communities from natural and engineered systems is that the metagenomic analysis workflows are currently not as mature as those that focus on prokaryotes or even viruses. In this study, we benchmarked different strategies to recover eukaryotic sequences and genomes from metagenomic data and applied the best-performing workflow to explore eukaryotic communities present in drinking water distribution systems (DWDSs). We developed an ensemble approach that exploits k-mer and reference-based strategies to improve eukaryotic sequence identification from metagenomes and identified MetaBAT2 as the best performing binning approach for clustering of eukaryotic sequences. Applying this workflow on the DWDSs metagenomes showed that eukaryotic sequences typically constituted a small proportion (i.e., <1%) of the overall metagenomic data. Eukaryotic sequences showed higher relative abundances in surface water-fed and chlorine disinfected systems. Further, the alpha and beta-diversity of eukaryotes were correlated with prokaryotic and viral communities. Finally, a co-occurrence analysis highlighted clusters of eukaryotes whose presence and abundance in DWDSs is affected by disinfection strategies, climate conditions, and source water types.

Synopsis

After benchmarking tools and developing a dedicated consensus workflow for eukaryotic sequence detection in metagenomes, the experimental, environmental, and engineering factors affecting their biogeography in drinking water distribution systems were investigated

Graphical abstract
Type I IFN signaling mediates NET release to promoteMycobacterium tuberculosisreplication and granuloma caseation
Authors: Chowdhury Chanchal Sur , Kinsella Rachel L. , Nehls E. Michael , Naik Sumanta K. , Lane Daniel S. , Talukdar Priyanka , Chavez Sthefany M. , Smirnov Asya , Beatty Wandy , Kreamalmeyer Darren , Mattila Joshua T. , Stallings Christina L.
Published: November 2022

Neutrophils are the most abundant cell type in airways of tuberculosis patients. Recent investigations reported induction of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) duringMycobacterium tuberculosis(Mtb) infection, however, the molecular regulation and impact of NETosis onMtbpathogenesis is unknown. We find that in response toMtbinfection in neutrophils, PAD4 citrullinates histones to decondense chromatin that gets packaged into vesicles for release as NETs in a manner that can maintain neutrophil viability and promoteMtbreplication. Type I interferon, which has been associated with NETosis in numerous contexts but without a known mechanism, promotes formation of chromatin-containing vesicles and NET release. Analysis of nonhuman primate granulomas supports a model where neutrophils are exposed to type I interferon from macrophages as they migrate into the granuloma, where they release NETs that contribute to necrosis and caseation. Our data reveals NETosis as a promising target to inhibitMtbreplication and granuloma caseation.
Identifying common genes, proteins, and pathways from human miRNA and gene blood profiles in multiple sclerosis patients
Authors: Chakraborty Souvik , Maiti Tarasankar , Bhowmick Sushmita , Sarkar Soumili
Published: November 2022

The molecular pathway associated with Multiple sclerosis (MS) is complex and symptomatic treatments are only available right now. Early diagnosis of MS creates a window for healthcare providers to manage the disease more efficiently. Blood-based biomarker study has been done in the past to identify the upregulated and downregulated genes but in this present study, a novel approach has been taken for identifying genes associated with the disease. In this present study, hub genes are identified and the top ten hub genes were used to identify drugs associated with them. Upregulated genes were identified using the dataset GSE21942 (which contains information related to genes identified in the blood of multiple sclerosis patients) and datasets GSE17846 and GSE61741(which contains information related to microRNAs taken from multiple sclerosis patients). Genes associated with microRNAs were identified using miRWalk. Common genes from both miRWalk and the dataset GSE21942 were identified and were subjected to STRINGdb for the creation of a protein-protein interaction network and this network was then imported to Cytoscape for identifying the top ten hub genes. The top ten hub genes were subjected to EnrichR for enrichment analysis of genes. In our study, it was found that CTNNB1 is the gene with the highest degree (116).
Proteomic profiling identifies biomarkers of COVID-19 severity
Authors: Harriott Noa C. , Ryan Amy L.
Published: November 2022

Abstract/Summary

SARS-CoV-2 infection remains a major public health concern, particularly for the aged and those individuals with co-morbidities at risk for developing severe COVID-19. Understanding the pathogenesis and biomarkers associated with responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection remain critical components in developing effective therapeutic approaches, especially in cases of severe and long-COVID-19. In this study blood plasma protein expression was compared in subjects with mild, moderate, and severe COVID-19 disease. Evaluation of an inflammatory protein panel confirms upregulation of proteins including TNFβ, IL-6, IL-8, IL-12, already associated with severe cytokine storm and progression to severe COVID-19. Importantly, we identify several proteins not yet associated with COVID-19 disease, including mesothelin (MSLN), that are expressed at significantly higher levels in severe COVID-19 subjects. In addition, we find a subset of markers associated with T-cell and dendritic cell responses to viral infection that are significantly higher in mild cases and decrease in expression as severity of COVID-19 increases, suggesting that an immediate and effective activation of T-cells is critical in modulating disease progression. Together, our findings identify new targets for further investigation as therapeutic approaches for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection and prevention of complications of severe COVID-19.
Epidemiological impact of a large number of incorrect negative SARS-CoV-2 test results in South West England during September and October 2021
Authors: Hounsome L. , Herr D. , Bryant R. , Smith R. , Loman L. , Harris J. , Youhan U. , Dzene E. , Hadjipantelis P. , Long H. , Laurence T. , Riley S. , Cumming F.
Published: November 2022

Background

In England, free testing for COVID-19 was widely available from early in the pandemic until 1 April 2022. Based on apparent differences in the rate of positive PCR tests at a single laboratory compared to the rest of the laboratory network, we hypothesised that a substantial number of UK PCR tests processed during September and October 2021 may have been incorrectly reported as negative, compared with the rest of the laboratory network. We investigate the epidemiological impact of this incident.

Methods

We estimate the additional number of COVID-19 cases that would have been reported had the sensitivity of the laboratory test procedure not dropped for the period 2 September to 12 October. In addition, by making comparisons between the most affected local areas and comparator populations, we estimate the number of additional infections, cases, hospitalisations and deaths that could have occurred as a result of increased transmission due to the misclassification of tests.

Results

We estimate that around 39,000 tests may have been incorrectly classified during this period and, as a direct result of this incident, the most affected areas in the South West could have experienced between 6,000 and 34,000 additional reportable cases, with a central estimate of around 24,000 additional reportable cases. Using modelled relationships between key variables, we estimate that this central estimate could have translated to approximately 55,000 additional infections, which means that each incorrect negative test likely led to just over two additional infections. In those same geographical areas, our results also suggest an increased number of admissions and deaths.

Conclusion

The incident is likely to have had a measurable impact on cases and infections in the affected areas in the South West of England.
DAPTEV: Deep aptamer evolutionary modelling for COVID-19 drug design
Authors: Andress Cameron , Kappel Kalli , Cuperlovic-Culf Miroslava , Yan Hongbin , Li Yifeng
Published: November 2022

Typical drug discovery and development processes are costly, time consuming and often biased by expert opinion. Aptamers are short, single-stranded oligonucleotides (RNA/DNA) that bind to target proteins and other types of biomolecules. Compared with small-molecule drugs, aptamers can bind to their targets with high affinity (binding strength) and specificity (uniquely interacting with the target only). The conventional development process for aptamers utilizes a manual process known as Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment (SELEX), which is costly, slow, dependent on library choice and often produces aptamers that are not optimized. To address these challenges, in this research, we create an intelligent approach, named DAPTEV, for generating and evolving aptamer sequences to support aptamer-based drug discovery and development. Using the COVID-19 spike protein as a target, our computational results suggest that DAPTEV is able to produce structurally complex aptamers with strong binding affinities.

Author summary

Compared with small-molecule drugs, aptamer drugs are short RNAs/DNAs that can specifically bind to targets with high strength. With the interest of discovering novel aptamer drugs as an alternative to address the long-lasting COVID-19 pandemic, in this research, we developed an artificial intelligence (AI) framework for the in silico design of novel aptamer drugs that can prevent the SARS-CoV-2 virus from entering human cells. Our research is valuable as we explore a novel approach for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection and the AI framework could be applied to address future health crises.
ABP1/ABL3-TMK1 cell-surface auxin signaling directly targets PIN2-mediated auxin fluxes for root gravitropism
Authors: Rodriguez Lesia , Fiedler Lukáš , Zou Minxia , Giannini Caterina , Monzer Aline , Vladimirtsev Dmitrii , Randuch Marek , Yu Yongfan , Gelová Zuzana , Verstraeten Inge , Hajný Jakub , Chen Meng , Tan Shutang , Hoermayer Lukas , Li Lanxin , Marques-Bueno Maria Mar , Quddoos Zainab , Molnár Gergely , Xu Tongda , Kulich Ivan , Jaillais Yvon , Friml Jiří
Published: November 2022

Phytohormone auxin and its directional transport mediate much of the remarkably plastic development of higher plants. Positive feedback between auxin signaling and transport is a key prerequisite for (i) self-organizing processes including vascular tissue formation and (ii) directional growth responses such as gravitropism. Here we identify a mechanism, by which auxin signaling directly targets PIN auxin transporters. Via the cell-surface ABP1-TMK1 receptor module, auxin rapidly induces phosphorylation and thus stabilization of PIN2. Following gravistimulation, initial auxin asymmetry activates autophosphorylation of the TMK1 kinase. This induces TMK1 interaction with and phosphorylation of PIN2, stabilizing PIN2 at the lower root side, thus reinforcing asymmetric auxin flow for root bending. Upstream of TMK1 in this regulation, ABP1 acts redundantly with the root-expressed ABP1-LIKE auxin receptor ABL3. Such positive feedback between cell-surface auxin signaling and PIN-mediated polar auxin transport is fundamental for robust root gravitropism and presumably also for other self-organizing developmental phenomena.
Crystal structure of poly[(μ6-benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylato)tris(1-methylpyrrolidin-2-one)nitratodizinc(II)]
Authors: Gavrish Sergey P. , Shova Sergiu , Lampeka Yaroslaw D.
Published: November 2022

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, [Zn2(C9H3O6)(NO3)(C5H9NO)3]
n
, I, consists of two different zinc(II) ions bridged by the carboxylate group of benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylate (BTC3−). The Zn1 center is tetra-coordinated by the carboxylate O atoms of three symmetrically equivalent BTC3− anions and one nitrate O atom in a distorted tetrahedral geometry with Zn—Ocarboxylate bond lengths (average value 1.958 Å) slightly shorter than the Zn—Onitrate distance [2.013 (6) Å]. The Zn2 center is hexa-coordinated by three O atoms from the carboxylic groups of different BTC3− linkers and three O atoms of 1-methylpyrrolidin-2-one (NMP) in a slightly distorted octahedral geometry with nearly equivalent Zn—O bond lengths (average values of 2.091 and 2.088 Å, respectively). Linking of the paddle-wheel dizinc building units by the three carboxylate groups of the BTC3− molecule results in the formation of the three-dimensional coordination framework.
A 1:1 solvate structure of succinonitrile and lithium thiocyanate
Authors: Burba Christopher M. , Powell Douglas R.
Published: November 2022

A 1:1 solvate structure of succinonitrile and lithium thiocyanate, namely, catena-poly[lithium-di-μ-thiocyanato-lithium-di-μ-butanedinitrile], [Li(NCS)(C4H4N2)]
n
or LiSCN·NC(CH2)2CN, was isolated and its structure was solved. Lithium ions are tetrahedrally coordinated by two nitrile groups from separate succinonitrile molecules, as well as S and N atoms of separate SCN− anions. The succinonitrile molecules and Li+ ions form double-chain one-dimensional coordination polymers that are bridged by Li2(SCN)2 dimers. The coordination network extends along [\overline{1}01]. Weak hydrogen-bonding interactions are also noted among the constituent molecules.
Crystal structure, Hirshfeld surface analysis and DFT calculations of ethyl 2-[4-(methylsulfanyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidin-1-yl]acetate
Authors: Elmachkouri Younesse Ait , Irrou Ezaddine , Dalbouha Samira , Ouachtak Hassan , Mague Joel T. , Hökelek Tuncer , El Ghayati Lhoussaine , Sebbar Nada Kheira , Taha Mohamed Labd
Published: November 2022

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C10H12N4O2S, contains two molecules differing slightly in the orientations of the methyl groups. In the crystal, a sandwich-type structure extending parallel to the ab plane is formed by weak C—H...O and C—H...N hydrogen bonds together with slipped π-stacking interactions. A Hirshfeld surface analysis of the crystal structure indicates that the most important contributions to the crystal packing are from H...H (43.5%), H...O/O...H (17.9%) and H...N/N...H (17.4%) interactions. The molecular structure optimized by density functional theory (DFT) at the B3LYP/ 6–311 G(d,p) level is compared with the experimentally determined structure in the solid state. Further calculations include the HOMO–LUMO energies and molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) surfaces.
Lurking as a mode of listening in social media: motivations-based typologies
Authors: Adjin-Tettey Theodora Dame , Garman Anthea
Published: November 2022

Purpose

In this study, the authors aim to probe the relationship between listening and lurking and discuss types of lurking that occur on social media sites based on the motivations driving them. Although listening is a significant practice of online attention, intimacy, connection, obligation and participation as much as voice is, it is yet to receive the kind of attention voice is given in the context of social media. In the rather limited studies on online attention, the concept that has gained consideration is “lurking”, and this practice has often been treated as a derogatory non-activity or as passivity. The interest to study lurking is based on the premise that lurking is a significant ground on which listening occurs in social media and through which voice can be given attention.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopted a phenomenological approach to understand motivations for lurking in online spaces. Phenomenological research involves data gathering through inductive, qualitative methods with the aim of explaining specific phenomena from the perspective of research participants. In this research, the lived experience studied was lurking and what drives lurking. A total of 12 members of the Licence to Talk project, a research project based at the School of Journalism and Media Studies, Rhodes University, South Africa, took part in the study. They shared their personal experiences of online lurking through a critical reflective writing. Based on the experiences shared, the authors identified and categorised the various types of lurking based on the varied motivations driving them.

Findings

Through the phenomenological approach, the study has theorised a more useful understanding of lurking as a form of online listening by identifying and categorising seven lurking behaviours that are nested within the lurking activity. This study, thus, provides a tentative framework for studying online lurking by bringing to bear listening theory and by reasoning that lurking is a needs-based activity that has purpose imbedded within it.

Research limitations/implications

The authors recognise that this study is limited by its small number of participants. Nevertheless, as researchers with a strong grounding in listening theory, the authors thought it valuable to interrogate their own practices on social media and to develop a more useful understanding of what lurking might entail and, on the lurking-listening relationship. A larger study would provide stronger evidence to test the hypothesis about lurking as a very interesting form of listening with a relationship to complex behaviours and needs.

Originality/value

It is expected that by conceptualising the various forms of lurking based on the motivations that drive online lurking (listening), it will provide an empirical and theoretical/conceptual basis for further investigations into this pervasive mode of online attention.
Agatsa Software: entrepreneurial opportunity generation and exploitation
Authors: Mathur Anshul , Kovid Raj K.
Published: November 2022

Learning outcomes

This case study outlined the strategic and organizational issues faced by an entrepreneurial firm operating in an emerging economy. While the traditional view is “more for more” and “less for less” with respect to quality and price, the medical devices sector demands “more for less” in an emerging economy such as India, i.e. the market demands quality products at affordable prices. This case was written to equip students with the knowledge of how entrepreneurs can overcome certain barriers and use technology to recognize and exploit an opportunity, using the Indian health-care industry as an example. The key learning outcomes for the case include the following:

• Entrepreneurs define their own market, come up with innovations and create a completely new market with suitable customer value proposition.

• Entrepreneurial opportunity recognition comes from being prepared, having prior knowledge of customers and the market and having a strong network.

• An entrepreneurial preference for error of omission or commission is the determining factor when deciding whether to exploit a recognized opportunity or not.

• Entrepreneurs exploit an opportunity by giving special emphasis on their entry and risk reduction strategy.

• A technology-based product with a combination of services that will create its own product ecosystem with data is the primary goal.

Case overview/synopsis

The Indian health-care sector is one of the largest sectors in India and incorporates the medical devices sector, and the heart monitor segment especially represents a huge untapped opportunity. India has the highest number of deaths because of heart disease in the world, yet there is no mechanism for affordable heart monitoring, which results in large number of deaths. As existing products are either B2B or unaffordable, there is an opportunity to leverage technology to come up with cgiq products similar to blood pressure and sugar monitors. However, there are certain challenges unique to the market and product. The case described how two young entrepreneurs founded a company called Agatsa and overcame certain challenges to create a credit card-sized ECG device and the importance of building an ecosystem in a new market. Some specific issues that the case posed included the following: will it be possible for Agatsa to come up with an ecosystem to monitor heart functioning and will that be accepted by the stakeholders in an emerging market such as India? Should Agatsa have a product-driven strategy or a data-driven strategy? Will Agatsa be able to find the right business model to create and capture value?

Complexity academic level

MBA in courses such as entrepreneurship development, new venture creation and entrepreneurship in emerging markets.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 3: Entrepreneurship.
Exploring the nexus between economic complexity, energy consumption and ecological footprint: new insights from the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Arnaut Marina , Dada James Temitope
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Motivated by the 2030 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG-7: clean and affordable energy, SDG-8: sustainable economic growth, SDG-13: climate action), this study aims to investigate the role of economic complexity, disaggregated energy consumption in addition to economic growth, financial development, globalization and urbanization on the ecological footprint of United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts unit root tests (with and without a structural break), autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) bounds test and dynamic ordinary least squares.

Findings

The results obtained from the ARDL model suggest that economic complexity (EC), nonrenewable energy and economic growth increase the ecological footprint in both the short and long run, thus deteriorating the environment. However, renewable energy and urbanization reduce the ecological footprint in UAE during the two periods, thus improving environmental quality. Globalization and financial development have different influences on ecological footprint during these periods. These findings are robust to other estimation techniques.

Practical implications

Based on these results, this study offers significant policy implications such as increasing renewable energy supply, particularly solar energy and aligning the product manufacturing structure and complexity toward producing environmentally friendly products which can be used to realize the nation’s agenda of reducing fossil fuels consumption to 38% by 2050 and achieving sustainable environment and growth.

Originality/value

This study provides an empirical attempt to investigate the influence of EC and renewable and nonrenewable energy on the ecological footprint of the UAE.
Sustainable supply chain in emerging economies during and post COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic literature review and future research directions
Authors: Ahmed Humaira Nafisa , Ahmed Sayem , Khan Muztoba Ahmad , Ali Syed Mithun
Published: November 2022

Purpose

COVID-19 pandemic interrupted global supply chains (SCs) affecting both developed and developing countries. In context of the COVID-19 pandemic, numerous studies were conducted on sustainable supply chain (SSC) in emerging markets (EMs). However, the contributions of these studies require to be systematically reviewed to provide a platform of knowledge. The purpose of this review is to systematically explore the relevant literature on SSC management during the COVID-19 pandemic in EMs.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors applied Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework to perform a systematic literature review. Scopus database was used to extract the relevant literature, and 51 journal articles along with 5 conference proceedings were included in the study.

Findings

This study identified the major contents along with four different themes, which are the impacts of COVID-19 on the SC, recovery strategies to alleviate the adverse impacts of COVID-19, sustainable practices to improve SC performance and resilience activities to assure firms' survivability. Furthermore, the research reveals that interview/survey/case study–based research and review articles focusing on various industries have dominated the field of SSC management in the context of EMs.

Originality/value

This research enriches the literature by providing an overall scenario of SSC during the COVID-19 pandemic in the context of emerging economies.
Managers' experiences of promoting employees' health and work environment from a salutogenic perspective during organizational change
Authors: Fransson Louise , Lydell Marie
Published: November 2022

Purpose

This study aims to describe the managers' experiences of promoting employees' health and work environment from a salutogenic perspective during an organizational change.

Design/methodology/approach

Ten managers going through an organizational change, including three men and seven women. The managers belonged to the same management team and was participating in discussions with researchers regarding organizational changes. The managers were between the age of 32 and 59 and had between one and 25 years of experience in a managerial position. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, and the analysis was performed using qualitative content analysis with an abductive approach.

Findings

The experiences from the managers were described, and during the analysis, six categories emerged. The categories were about the salutogenic theory sense of coherence, and therefore, the categories were placed in the domains comprehensibility, manageability and meaningfulness. In the domain comprehensibility, two categories emerged in the analysis; transparent managers create an understandable change and continuous information contributes to comprehensibility. In the domain manageability, two categories emerged in the analysis; clear structure provides manageable change and balance between requirements and expectations provides manageable change. In the domain meaningfulness, two categories emerged in the analysis; an open conversational climate creates meaningful participation and common consensus contributes to meaningfulness in work.

Originality/value

This study highlights what it is like to be a manager during an organizational change and describes how employees' health and work environment can be promoted. By being clear with information about the change and being transparent in what is happening, an opportunity is created to promote good health among employees during the change period.
New work practices and their drivers in FIREB firms: evidence from Hong Kong
Authors: Oladinrin Olugbenga Timo , Jayantha Wadu Mesthrige , Ojo Lekan Damilola
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Most global business organisations have begun to explore and embrace new work practices (NWPs) in reorganising their workplace strategies to enhance performance and face intense competition in the global market. This study aims to examine whether or not NWPs are being implemented in office occupying firms in Hong Kong and explore the drivers of the NWPs.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 16 NWPs and 20 drivers were identified through the extant literature review and assessed through a questionnaire survey conducted in the finance, insurance, real estate and business (FIREB) service firms. Based on a comprehensive questionnaire survey, a quantitative approach was used to discover the occurrence of the NWPs in those firms and the driving factors. Based on the questionnaires retrieved, descriptive and inferential statistical analysis was conducted. The relationships between the NWPs occurrence and the driving factors were also investigated to draw necessary inferences.

Findings

The results showed that all of the 16 NWPs identified from the literature are happening in Hong Kong FIREB firms. The results of the analysis also indicated that virtual collaboration positively drive the occurrence of NWPs in FIREB firms. Interestingly, innovation in business was shown as such that does not necessarily necessitate stringent hiring strategy.

Practical implications

This research may be of practical value for workplace strategists to make better, more careful forecasts of future workplace trends to ensure resource utilisation and improve space usage patterns and employee productivity.

Originality/value

This paper presents comprehensive overview of drivers that designers, developers, investors, facility managers and planners can use to provide sustainable NWPs. The study will enrich the growing body of international literature on implementing NWPs in global business organisations.
Finite element modelling of reinforced concrete one-way slabs strengthened using basalt textile reinforced mortars
Authors: Revanna Naveen , Moy Charles K.S.
Published: November 2022

Purpose

This paper employs a textile reinforcement strain comparison to study the response of Textile Reinforced Mortars (TRM) strengthened reinforced concrete one-way slab members in flexure using the finite element method. Basalt TRM (BTRM) is a relatively new composite in structural strengthening applications. Experimental data on BTRMs are limited in the literature and numerical analyses can help further the understanding of this composite. With this notion, Abaqus finite element software is utilised to create a numerical method to capture the mechanical response of strengthened slab members instead of time-consuming laboratory experiments.

Design/methodology/approach

A numerical method is developed and validated using existing experimental data set on one-way slabs strengthened using Basalt TRMs from the literature. An explicit solver is utilised to analyse the finite element model created using calibrated Concrete Damage Plasticity (CDP) parameters according to the experimental requirements. The generated model is applied to extract load, deflection and rebar strains sustained by strengthened reinforced concrete slabs as observed from the experimental reference chosen. The applicability of the developed model was studied beyond parametric studies by comparing the generated finite element tensile strain by the textile fibre with available formulae.

Findings

CDP calibration done has shown its adaptability. The predicted results in the form of load versus deflection, tensile and compressive damage patterns from the numerical analysis showed good agreement with the experimental data. A parametric study on various concrete strength, textile spacing and TRM bond length obtained shows TRM’s advantages and its favourability for external strengthening applications. A set of five formulae considered to predict the experimental strain showed varied accuracy.

Originality/value

The developed numerical model considers strain sustained by the textile fibre to make results more robust and reliable. The obtained strain from the numerical study showed good agreement with the experiment results.
Evaluating the dimensions of strategic intent according to the Hamel and Prahalad model/a case study in Oil Projects SCOP Company
Authors: Danook Ahmed Abdullah , Al.obaidy Omar-F Hasan
Published: November 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the dimensions of strategic intent (SI; see Appendix 1) according to the Hamel and Prahalad model as a building for the future, relying on today’s knowledge-based and proactive strategic directions of management as long-term and deep-perspective creative directions, objective vision and rational analysis, integrative in work, survival structure and comprehensiveness in perception.

Design/methodology/approach

The quantitative approach was used based on research, detection and proof, as data were collected from leaders amounting to 70 respondents and analyzed in the SPSS program and ant colony optimization (see Appendix 1) algorithm and interpretation of the results.

Findings

It was found that the SI dimensions are poorly available due to problems related to foresight, capabilities and the strategic structure that represents the head of strategic objectives.

Practical implications

The empirical evaluation view of the study is valuable for leaders to draw a future strategy of advantage for organizations in developing countries to enrich their core capabilities by activating the SI dimensions.

Originality/value

It stems from a vital issue related to strategic dimensions aimed at a better future for strategic executive work, especially after the crisis that led to a significant decline in the level of performance of organizations.
Construction project planning and scheduling as a dynamic system: a content analysis of the current status, technologies and forward action
Authors: Nwadigo Okechukwu Bruno-Kizito , Naismith Nicola , GhaffarianHoseini Ali , GhaffarianHoseini Amirhosein , Tookey John
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Dynamic planning and scheduling forms a widely adopted smart strategy for solving real-world problems in diverse business systems. This paper uses deductive content analysis to explore secondary data from previous studies in dynamic planning and scheduling to draw conclusions on its current status, forward action and research needs in construction management.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors searched academic databases using planning and scheduling keywords without a periodic setting. This research collected secondary data from the database to draw an objective comparison of categories and conclusions about how the data relates to planning and scheduling to avoid the subjective responses from questionnaires and interviews. Then, applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, we selected one hundred and four articles. Finally, the study used a seven-step deductive content analysis to develop the categorisation matrix and sub-themes for describing the dynamic planning and scheduling categories. The authors used deductive analysis because of the secondary data and categories comparison. Using the event types represented in a quadrant mapping, authors delve into where, when, application and benefits of the classes.

Findings

The content analysis showed that all the accounts and descriptions of dynamic planning and scheduling are identifiable in an extensive research database. The content analysis reveals the need for multi-hybrid (4D BIM-Agent based-discrete event-discrete rate-system dynamics) simulation modelling and optimisation method for proffering solutions to scheduling and planning problems, its current status, tools and obstacles.

Originality/value

This research reveals the deductive content analysis talent in construction research. It also draws direction, focuses and raises a question on dynamic planning and scheduling research concerning the five-integrated model, an opportunity for their integration, models combined attributes and insight into its solution viability in construction.
What are tourism’s growth drivers and challenges in the Middle East?
Authors: Vij Mohit , Nadkarni Sanjay
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Tourism in the Middle East is distinct and diverse, as are its associated challenges. The purpose of this paper is to examine the various opportunities and constraints facing the Middle East region in developing and promoting its tourism.

Design/methodology/approach

Content analysis of the current literature was conducted, and industry white papers and government portals were consulted to identify the historical relevance, current proceedings and future scope of tourism in the Middle East.

Findings

Given the diverse attractions, history, heritage and cuisine, the scope and potential to develop tourism in the Middle East region is enormous. However, political turmoil in the past and its stereotypical image emerged as the major constraints. Acknowledging the significance of the tourism sector, the governments of the region are trying hard to improve international arrivals and revenues.

Originality/value

Despite a steep growth in international arrivals, tourism in the Middle East has not been adequately addressed in academia. This paper highlights the region’s tourism-related background, issues and constraints, thus, addressing a critical gap in the literature.
Ecological performance underlying ecosystem multifunctionality is promoted by organic farming and hedgerows at the local scale but not at the landscape scale
Authors: Couthouis Eloïse , Aviron Stéphanie , Pétillon Julien , Alignier Audrey
Published: November 2022

The relative contributions of agricultural intensity and semi‐natural habitats to the multifunctionality and sustainability of ecosystems at different spatial scales remain largely under‐investigated.

In this study, we assessed the multifunctionality of 40 winter cereal fields and 40 hedgerows based on ecological, agronomic and socio‐economic performance using data from field surveys and interviews with farmers. We specifically focused on the effects of local farming systems (organic vs. conventional) and management (cereals intercropped with legumes vs. monocrops), the effects of landscape heterogeneity related to hedgerow density, and the spatial extent of semi‐natural habitat and organic farming.

Multifunctionality indices associated with increased values of proxies for biodiversity conservation and pest control functions were higher for hedgerows than crop fields.

Agroecosystem multifunctionality was similar between organic and conventional farming as a consequence of antagonistic responses of individual function proxies. While organic farming promoted the ecological performance of crops, conventional farming resulted in higher agronomic performance (i.e. yield). Interestingly, lower yields of organic crops were not systematically associated with reductions in socio‐economic performance in terms of farmer income and labour.

At the landscape scale, hedgerow density and the extent of semi‐natural habitats and organic farming had little influence on agroecosystem multifunctionality or individual function proxies.

Synthesis and applications. Our results confirm the high value of hedgerows and organic farming at the local scale for the ecological performance of ecosystems. Our study suggests that, among existing agri‐environment schemes in Europe, hedgerow planting and organic farming are appropriate tools to optimise the ecological performance of ecosystems at the local scale even if antagonistic effects with agronomic performance should not be neglected.
Resprouting ability differs among plant functional groups along a soil acidification gradient in a meadow: A rhizosphere perspective
Authors: Zhang Ying , Wang Ruzhen , Sardans Jordi , Wang Bin , Gu Baitao , Li Yanyan , Liu Heyong , Peñuelas Josep , Jiang Yong
Published: November 2022

Soil acidification as a global change factor can devastatingly affect plant growth and productivity. In frequently disturbed ecosystems, plant resprouting ability strongly determines biomass reconstruction and resilience after above‐ground damage. However, how plant regrowth responds to soil acidification remains largely unknown for, especially regarding the role of rhizosphere in mediating this response.

We manipulated a soil‐acidification gradient via adding purified elemental sulphur powder at various rates (0–50 g S m−2 year−1) in a frequently mown meadow. Shoot regrowth of functional groups were measured after clipping and supporting roles of rhizosphere versus bulk soils were disentangled using isotope labelling along the acidification gradient.

Regrowth of grasses and sedges increased while forbs decreased along the acidification gradient. The results suggest that grasses were competitors capable of taking up nutrients from both rhizosphere and bulk soils, while sedges were acid‐tolerators with lower sensitivity to decreased nitrogen‐mineralization rates. Forbs, as typical ruderals, were vulnerable to N competition with microbes, particularly in the rhizosphere soil. Therefore, biomass regrowth of forbs was explained more by physicochemical and biological parameters from the rhizosphere than bulk soil.

Synthesis. Divergent interplay between plant functional groups and rhizosphere soils was the prominent driver for biomass regrowth responding to soil acidification.