bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ankle Injuries in the Pediatric Emergency Department
Authors: Solove Matthew , Turcotte Benedict Frances
Published: April 2020

Ankle injuries are a common reason for presentation to the pediatric emergency department. An understanding of the anatomy of the ankle joint, the mechanism of injury, and a thorough history and physical examination can help narrow the differential diagnosis. This article will discuss the management of common ankle injuries, including ankle sprains, dislocations, and pediatric fractures, including transitional triplane and Tillaux fractures. A brief review of the literature regarding radiographic evaluation of the ankle and various ankle rules is also discussed.
Knowledge, attitude, practice and perception regarding COVID-19 among students in Bangladesh: Survey in Rajshahi University
Authors: Wadood Md. Abdul , Mamun ASMA , Rafi Md. Abdur , Islam Md kamrul , Mohd Suhaili , Lee Lai Lee , Hossain Md. Golam
Published: April 2020

Background

The number of infection and death by COVID-19 has been rapidly increasing since December 2019 in all over the world. Until now, there is no specific treatment or vaccine for this disease; WHO suggests only some protective measures like maintaining social distance, staying home, washing hands with soap or sanitizer, wearing mask etc. The objective of this study was to survey knowledge, attitude, practice and perception regarding COVID-19 among students in Rajshahi University, Bangladesh.

Methods

We collected data from 305 students of Rajshahi University for this cross-sectional study using mixed sampling from March 11 to March 19, 2020. Frequency distribution, Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used in this study.

Results

Out of 305 participants, 224 (73.4%) and 81 (26.6%) were male and female students respectively. The study revealed that Rajshahi university students had average knowledge on symptoms, protective way and transmission of COVID-19. Female students were more knowledgeable than male. More than one third of the students had negative attitude to avoiding public transport and going out to public places with friends and family. The practice of students practice during our data collection period and in future was not satisfactory. More than one third of students were not keen to stay at home and avoid going to crowded places. The perception towards COVID-19 was not good; they had no idea whether the outbreak would affect their daily routine, study and financial matters, study field work and restrict leisure time of meeting family and relatives.

Conclusions

We found that general knowledge, attitude, practice and perception of the university students regarding COVID-19 were not satisfactory. This indicated that the situation was worse among common people. In Bangladesh, the number of healthcare providers is insufficient. University students can be employed as potential workforce to create awareness among mass people on prevention of COVID-19.
SIR-simulation of Corona pandemic dynamics in Europe
Authors: Nesteruk Igor
Published: April 2020

The SIR (susceptible-infected-removed) model, statistical approach to the parameter identification and the official WHO daily data about the confirmed cumulative number of cases were used to estimate the characteristics of COVID-19 pandemic in Italy, Spain, Germany, France, Austria and Moldova. The final sizes and durations of epidemic outbreaks in these countries are calculated.
Microwave-Generated Steam Decontamination of N95 Respirators Utilizing Universally Accessible Materials
Authors: Zulauf Katelyn E. , Green Alex B. , Ba Alex N. Nguyen , Jagdish Tanush , Reif Dvir , Seeley Robert , Dale Alana , Kirby James E
Published: April 2020

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has caused a severe, international shortage of N95 respirators, which are essential to protect healthcare providers from infection. Given the contemporary limitations of the supply chain, it is imperative to identify effective means of decontaminating, reusing, and thereby conserving N95 respirator stockpiles. To be effective, decontamination must result in sterilization of the N95 respirator without impairment of respirator filtration or user fit. Although numerous methods of N95 decontamination exist, none are universally accessible. In this work we describe a microwave-generated steam decontamination protocol for N95 respirators for use in healthcare systems of all sizes, geographies, and means. Using widely available glass containers, mesh from commercial produce bags, a rubber band, and a 1100W commercially available microwave, we constructed an effective, standardized, and reproducible means of decontaminating N95 respirators. Employing this methodology against MS2 phage, a highly conservative surrogate for SARS-CoV-2 contamination, we report an average 6-log10 plaque forming unit (PFU) (99.9999%) and a minimum 5-log10 PFU (99.999%) reduction after a single three-minute microwave treatment. Notably, quantified respirator fit and function were preserved, even after 20 sequential cycles of microwave steam decontamination. This method provides a valuable means of effective decontamination and reuse of N95 respirators by frontline providers facing urgent need.

IMPORTANCE

Due to the rapid spread of COVID-19 there is an increasing shortage of protective gear necessary to keep health care providers safe from infection. The CDC reports 9,282 cases of COVID-19 among U.S. healthcare workers to date (1). N95 respirators are recommended by the CDC as the ideal method of protection from COVID-19. Although N95 respirators are traditionally single-use, the shortages have necessitated the need for re-use. Effective methods of N95 decontamination that do not affect the fit or filtration ability of N95 respirators are essential. Numerous methods of N95 decontamination exist; however, none are universally accessible. In this study we describe an effective, standardized, and reproducible means of decontaminating N95 respirators using widely available materials. The N95 decontamination method described in this work will provide a valuable resource for hospitals, healthcare centers, and outpatients practices that are experiencing increasing shortages of N95 respirators due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
A Library of Nucleotide Analogues Terminate RNA Synthesis Catalyzed by Polymerases of Coronaviruses Causing SARS and COVID-19
Authors: Jockusch Steffen , Tao Chuanjuan , Li Xiaoxu , Anderson Thomas K. , Chien Minchen , Kumar Shiv , Russo James J. , Kirchdoerfer Robert N. , Ju Jingyue
Published: April 2020

SARS-CoV-2, a member of the coronavirus family, is responsible for the current COVID-19 worldwide pandemic. We previously demonstrated that five nucleotide analogues inhibit the SARS-CoV-2 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), including the active triphosphate forms of Sofosbuvir, Alovudine, Zidovudine, Tenofovir alafenamide and Emtricitabine. We report here the evaluation of a library of additional nucleoside triphosphate analogues with a variety of structural and chemical features as inhibitors of the RdRps of SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2. These features include modifications on the sugar (2’ or 3’ modifications, carbocyclic, acyclic, or dideoxynucleotides) or on the base. The goal is to identify nucleotide analogues that not only terminate RNA synthesis catalyzed by these coronavirus RdRps, but also have the potential to resist the viruses’ exonuclease activity. We examined these nucleotide analogues with regard to their ability to be incorporated by the RdRps in the polymerase reaction and then prevent further incorporation. While all 11 molecules tested displayed incorporation, 6 exhibited immediate termination of the polymerase reaction (Carbovir triphosphate, Ganciclovir triphosphate, Stavudine triphosphate, Entecavir triphosphate, 3’-O-methyl UTP and Biotin-16-dUTP), 2 showed delayed termination (Cidofovir diphosphate and 2’-O-methyl UTP), and 3 did not terminate the polymerase reaction (2’-fluoro-dUTP, 2’-amino-dUTP and Desthiobiotin-16-UTP). The coronavirus genomes encode an exonuclease that apparently requires a 2’ -OH group to excise mismatched bases at the 3’-terminus. In this study, all of the nucleoside triphosphate analogues we evaluated form Watson-Cricklike base pairs. All the nucleotide analogues which demonstrated termination either lack a 2’-OH, have a blocked 2’-OH, or show delayed termination. These nucleotides may thus have the potential to resist exonuclease activity, a property that we will investigate in the future. Furthermore, prodrugs of five of these nucleotide analogues (Brincidofovir/Cidofovir, Abacavir, Valganciclovir/Ganciclovir, Stavudine and Entecavir) are FDA approved for other viral infections, and their safety profile is well known. Thus, they can be evaluated rapidly as potential therapies for COVID-19.
SUCCESSFUL MANUFACTURING OF CLINICAL-GRADE SARS-CoV-2 SPECIFIC T CELLS FOR ADOPTIVE CELL THERAPY
Authors: Leung Wing , Soh Teck Guan , Linn Yeh Ching , Low Jenny Guek-Hong , Loh Jiashen , Chan Marieta , Chng Wee Joo , Koh Liang Piu , Poon Michelle Li-Mei , Ng King Pan , Kuick Chik Hong , Tan Thuan Tong , Tan Lip Kun , Seng Michaela Su-fern
Published: April 2020

Background

Adoptive therapy with SARS-CoV-2 specific T cells for COVID-19 has not been reported. The feasibility of rapid clinical-grade manufacturing of virus-specific T cells from convalescent donors has not been demonstrated for this or prior pandemics.

Methods

One unit of whole blood was collected from each convalescent donor following standard blood bank practices. After the plasma was separated and stored separately, the leukocytes were stimulated using overlapping peptides of SARS-CoV-2, covering the immunodominant sequence domains of the S protein and the complete sequence of the N and M proteins. Thereaftesr, functionally reactive cells were enriched overnight using an automated device capturing IFNγ-secreting cells.

Findings

From 1×109 leukocytes, 0.56 to 1.16×106 IFNγ+ T cells were produced from each of the first two donors. Most of the T cells (64% to 71%) were IFNγ+, with preferential enrichment of CD56+ T cells, effector memory T cells, and effector memory RA+ T cells. TCRVβ spectratyping revealed oligoclonal distribution, with over-representation of subfamilies including Vβ3, Vβ16 and Vβ17. With just two donors, the probability that a recipient in the same ethnic group would share at least one donor HLA allele or one haplotype could be as high as >90% and >30%, respectively.

Interpretations

This study is limited by small number of donors and absence of recipient data; however, crucial first proof-of-principle data are provided demonstrating the feasibility of clinical-grade production of SARS-CoV-2 specific T cells for urgent clinical use, conceivably with plasma therapy concurrently. Our data showing that virus-specific T cells can be detected easily after brief stimulation with SARS-CoV-2 specific peptides suggest that a parallel diagnostic assay can be developed alongside serology testing.

Funding

The study was funded by a SingHealth Duke-NUS Academic Medicine COVID-19 Rapid Response Research Grant.
The Bacterial Cytoskeleton Spatially Confines Functional Membrane Microdomains
Authors: Wagner Rabea Marie , Setru Sagar U. , Machta Benjamin , Wingreen Ned S. , Lopez Daniel
Published: April 2020

Cell membranes laterally segregate into microdomains enriched in certain lipids and scaffold proteins. Membrane microdomains modulate protein–protein interactions and are essential for cell polarity, signaling and membrane trafficking. How cells organize their membrane microdomains, and the physiological importance of these microdomains, is unknown. In eukaryotes, the cortical actin cytoskeleton is proposed to act like a fence, constraining the dynamics of membrane microdomains. Like their eukaryotic counterparts, bacterial cells have functional membrane microdomains (FMMs) that act as platforms for the efficient oligomerization of protein complexes. In this work, we used the model organismBacillus subtilisto demonstrate that FMM organization and movement depend primarily on the interaction of FMM scaffold proteins with the domains’ protein cargo, rather than with domain lipids. Additionally, the MreB actin-like cytoskeletal network that underlies the bacterial membrane was found to frame areas of the membrane in which FMM mobility is concentrated. Variations in membrane fluidity did not affect FMM mobility whereas alterations in cell wall organization affected FMM mobility substantially. Interference with MreB organization alleviates FMM spatial confinement whereas, by contrast, inhibition of cell wall synthesis strengthens FMM confinement. The restriction of FMM lateral mobility by the submembranous actin-like cytoskeleton or the extracellular wall cytoskeleton appears to be a conserved mechanism in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells for localizing functional protein complexes in specific membrane regions, thus contributing to the organization of cellular processes.
Poolkeh Finds the Optimal Pooling Strategy for a Population-wide COVID-19 Testing (Israel, UK, and US as Test Cases)
Authors: Eliaz Yossi , Danovich Mark , Gasic Gregory P.
Published: April 2020

Abstract

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has changed the lifestyle of citizens of the world. In order for decision makers to manage the viral spread of COVID-19 both in the intra-national and the international frontiers, it is essential to operate based on data-driven assessments. It’s crucial to do so rapidly and frequently, since the nature of the viral spread grows exponentially and can burst worldwide again. A fast and accurate health status of individuals globally during a pandemic can save many lives and bring life back to a new normal. Herein, we present a data-driven tool to allow decision-makers to assess the spread of the virus among the world population. Our framework allows health agencies to maximize the throughput of COVID-19 tests among the world population by finding the best test pooling that fits the current SIR-D [1] status of the nation.
A HEURISTIC MODEL FOR SPREAD OF COVID-19 INFECTION CASES IN INDIA
Authors: Bhattacharjee Bishwajit
Published: April 2020

A simple heuristic model for spread of COVID-19 infections in India is presented and compared with reported data up to April 10, 2020. Spread of infection is considered to be initiating from infected individuals and spread is assumed to take place in a compounding manner. Some of the data needed are taken from readily available sources in the web. The possible progress is then estimated based on model presented and possible scenarios are highlighted.
4E-T-bound mRNAs are stored in a silenced and deadenylated form
Authors: Räsch Felix , Weber Ramona , Izaurralde Elisa , Igreja Cátia
Published: April 2020

Human 4E-T is an eIF4E-binding protein (4E-BP) present in processing (P)-bodies that represses translation and regulates decay of mRNAs destabilized by AU-rich elements and microRNAs (miRNAs). However, the underlying regulatory mechanisms are still unclear. Here, we show that upon mRNA binding 4E-T represses translation and promotes deadenylation via the recruitment of the CCR4–NOT deadenylase complex. The interaction with CCR4–NOT is mediated by previously uncharacterized sites in the middle region of 4E-T. Importantly, mRNA decapping and decay are inhibited by 4E-T and the deadenylated target is stored in a repressed form. Inhibition of mRNA decapping requires the interaction of 4E-T with the cap-binding proteins eIF4E/4EHP. We further show that regulation of decapping by 4E-T participates in mRNA repression by the miRNA effector protein TNRC6B and that 4E-T overexpression interferes with tristetraprolin (TTP)- and NOT1-mediated mRNA decay. Thus, we postulate that 4E-T modulates 5′-to-3′ decay by swapping the fate of a deadenylated mRNA from complete degradation to storage. Our results provide insight into the mechanism of mRNA storage that controls localized translation and mRNA stability in P-bodies.
2,4,6-Triphenyl-N-{(3E)-3-[(2,4,6-triphenylphenyl)imino]butan-2-ylidene}aniline
Authors: Zhang Yang , Yu Fan , Li Pei , Xu Mengli , Xu Guoyong , Li Weimin , Wang Fuzhou
Published: April 2020

The title compound, C52H40N2, is disposed about a centre of inversion and the conformation about the imine bond [1.268 (3) Å] is E. The terminal benzene ring is approximately perpendicular to the central 1,4-diazabutadiene mean plane, forming a dihedral angle of 81.2 (3)°. Weak C—H...π and π–π [inter-centroid distance = 4.021 (5) Å] interactions help to consolidate the packing.
An adaptive nonlinear finite element analysis of minimal surface problem based on element energy projection technique
Authors: Jiang Kaifeng , Yuan Si , Xing Qinyan
Published: April 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a new adaptive strategy for two-dimensional (2D) nonlinear finite element (FE) analysis of the minimal surface problem (MSP) based on the element energy projection (EEP) technique.

Design/methodology/approach

By linearizing nonlinear problems into a series of linear problems via the Newton method, the EEP technique, which is an effective and reliable point-wise super-convergent displacement recovery strategy for linear FE analysis, can be directly incorporated into the solution procedure. Accordingly,a posteriorierror estimate in maximum norm was established and an adaptive 2D nonlinear FE strategy ofh-version mesh refinement was developed.

Findings

Three classical known surfaces, including a singularity problem, were analysed. Moreover, an example whose analytic solution is unavailable was considered and a comparison was made between present results and those computed by the MATLAB PDE toolbox. The results show that the adaptively-generated meshes reflect the difficulties inherent in the problems and the proposed adaptive analysis can produce FE solutions satisfying the user-preset error tolerance in maximum norm with a fair adaptive convergence rate.

Originality/value

The EEP technique for linear FE analysis was extended to the nonlinear procedure of MSP and can be expected to apply to other 2D nonlinear problems. The employment of the maximum norm makes point-wisely error control on the sought surfaces possible and makes the proposed method distinguished from other adaptive FE analyses.
An adaptive collocation method for structural fuzzy uncertainty analysis
Authors: Wang Lei , Xiong Chuang , Shi Qinghe
Published: April 2020

Purpose

Considering that uncertain factors widely exist in engineering practice, an adaptive collocation method (ACM) is developed for the structural fuzzy uncertainty analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

ACM arranges points in the axis of the membership adaptively. Through the adaptive collocation procedure, ACM can arrange more points in the axis of the membership where the membership function changes sharply and fewer points in the axis of the membership where the membership function changes slowly. At each point arranged in the axis of the membership, the level-cut strategy is used to obtain the cut-level interval of the uncertain variables; besides, the vertex method and the Chebyshev interval uncertainty analysis method are used to conduct the cut-level interval uncertainty analysis.

Findings

The proposed ACM has a high accuracy without too much additional computational efforts.

Originality/value

A novel ACM is developed for the structural fuzzy uncertainty analysis.
Student learning venture overseas in the transnational research partnership – a Taiwan and US PIRE case study
Authors: Hou Angela Yung Chi , Chan Sheng-Ju , Lin Lily , Hu Zoe
Published: April 2020

Purpose

Transnational learning has become a mainstream issue in recent years due to the rise of global education. There are many kinds of overseas learning, including degree-seeking, joint/double degree, student exchange, internship, service learning and so on. The scope of learning may involve research, teaching/learning and community service. The purpose of the case study is to investigate how the Taiwanese students participating in an international internship project of the US–Taiwan Partnerships for International Research and Education (PIRE) acquire professional knowledge and soft skills, including cross-cultural awareness, interdisciplinary communication, skill development and social networking. It also explores how a joint research project contributes into a collaborative educational program.

Design/methodology/approach

To better understand participants' experiences in the PRIE, this study held three focus groups and seven in-depth interviews on the students, faculty members and project managers for data collection.

Findings

Three major findings are shown in the study. First, participants agreed that the overall learning experiences in knowledge acquisition or skill development have been positive. Second, participants obviously expressed their greater interests in intercultural interaction with the locals, which did not happen quite often during the internship. Third, the extent of interest in applying for the PIRE deg ree program after the internship program is escalating year by year.

Research limitations/implications

More investigation into participants’ social and cultural engagement in similar project will be needed for future research.

Practical implications

The results will be implicated into other cross-border education project evaluation.

Originality/value

This study manages to investigate the cross-border research initiative from different participants' perspectives and received comprehensive feedbacks.
Homotopy perturbation method for predicting tsunami wave propagation with crisp and uncertain parameters
Authors: Karunakar Perumandla , Chakraverty Snehashish
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to find the solution of classical nonlinear shallow-water wave (SWW) equations in particular to the tsunami wave propagation in crisp and interval environment.

Design/methodology/approach

Homotopy perturbation method (HPM) has been used for handling crisp and uncertain differential equations governing SWW equations.

Findings

The wave height and depth-averaged velocity of a tsunami wave in crisp and interval cases have been obtained.

Originality/value

Present results by HPM are compared with the existing solution (in crisp case), and they are found to be in good agreement. Also, the residual error of the solutions is found for the convergence conformation and reliability of the present results.
Adding insult to rivalry: Exploring the discord communicated between rivals
Authors: Harker Jennifer L. , Jensen Jonathan A.
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to extend current knowledge regarding rivalry communication among sport consumers to better understand how rivals behave with one another when they communicate.

Design/methodology/approach

This national survey of US sport consumers used a novel approach to explore whether and with whom rivals discuss National Football League (NFL) game outcomes. The survey captured both uniplex and multiplex data by asking respondents to name rival discussants with whom they had recently interacted, and the fan behaviors they exchanged with those named rival discussants.

Findings

Through use of this novel data collection approach, new findings were uncovered related to blasting, glory out of reflective failure, schadenfreude and the influence of team identification on the exchange of rivalry fan behaviors. The results of the uniplex and multiplex data analyses uniquely showcase the ways in which social identity theory combines with team identification to enact rivalry behavior.

Originality/value

This research is the first to precisely dichotomize the psychological antecedents from the communicated behavior between rival fans. Results reveal the precise ways in which team identification influences discordant communication between rival fans, which differs from past research in an interesting new way.
Coffee farmers' incentives to comply with sustainability standards
Authors: Lemeilleur Sylvaine , Subervie Julie , Presoto Anderson Edilson , Souza Piao Roberta , Saes Maria Sylvia M.
Published: April 2020

Purpose

This paper investigates the incentives to coffee farmers to participate in certification schemes that require improved agricultural practices.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors ran a choice experiment among 250 Brazilian coffee farmers in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Findings

The authors’ findings show that both cash and non-cash payments are likely to incentive farmers' participation in a certification scheme. Besides price premium, incentives as long-term contracts and provision of technical would encourage producers to adopt eco-certification schemes. Our results also suggest that non-cash payments may be appropriate substitutes to a price premium to some extent.

Research limitations/implications

The large coffee producers are over-represented in our sample compared to the population of Brazilian coffee farms. However, it seems reasonable to focus on these producers, as they are usually the ones who individually adopt strategies, since small farmers are induced by collective strategies (e.g. cooperatives).

Social implications

The result regarding technical assistance makes sense given that Brazilian farmers generally have poor access to rural extension services.

Originality/value

We contributed in the literature about adoption of sustainable agriculture practices analyzing the requirements and motivations for farmer participation in certification schemes. We also contribute private and public strategies to encourage the adoption of sustainable practices.
M&As in family firms: keeping trust in the equation
Authors: Lind Stella C. , Lattuch Frank
Published: April 2020

Purpose

Experience suggests that a loss of trust may occur on both sides of the merger and acquisition (M&A) equation – acquirer and acquiree – though the latter is more generally considered the most affected. The purpose of this paper is to explore how a loss of trust during the M&A process in family firms can be avoided. An acquisition potentially triggers a loss of trust in the workplace and, as a result, a loss of productivity thereby causing the merged business to totter. Moreover, trust in a firm’s owner tends to be a key driver in merging family firms.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors investigated an expanding German family firm that recently acquired other family firms. They conducted in-depth interviews on all hierarchical levels in both the acquiring and the acquired firm. These cases are taken from a wider study of acquiring family firms completed in 2019.

Findings

Value congruence, integrity and openness are found to enhance trust during M&As, in particular, if the new owner of a merged enterprise is also a family entrepreneur. Under certain circumstances, the trust of employees in the acquired firm’s previous owner can be transferred to the new owner.

Originality/value

This study explores how specific circumstances of family firms impacts organizational trust in M&A processes. The developed framework helps family firms to use characteristics of their specific nature as an asset to maintain their employees’ organizational trust before, during and even after M&As.
A blueprint for succeeding despite uncertain global markets
Authors: Zámborský Peter
Published: April 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to highlight the importance of developing capabilities to thrive amid global uncertainty. The study builds a framework to help managers assess uncertainty in the global business environment and develop capabilities to prosper amid uncertainty. In doing so, the paper explains three capabilities – sensing the context, driving the market and redesigning the business – providing examples to capture each capability and managerial implications.

Design/methodology/approach

The framework of this study is based on academic research in dynamic capabilities and the author’s scholarly study on global strategy. The paper develops managerial guidelines and illustrates those with practical examples of multinational enterprises to make the case for why managers need to develop the three core capabilities for thriving amid uncertainty to achieve competitive advantage.

Findings

This study identifies three core capabilities that organizations should build if they are to thrive amid global uncertainty, namely, sensing the context, driving the market and redesigning the business. The key practical guidelines to manage this process are provided, including a managerial tool with 10 steps to developing capabilities to thrive amid global uncertainty.

Practical implications

The framework allows for developing dynamic capabilities in a world of new uncertainties such as digital disruption and de-globalization. It offers key guidelines for the journey, thus enabling managers to steer their firms toward thriving in an uncertain global environment.

Originality/value

The augmented uncertainty of the global business environment presents new challenges. The value of this paper lies in the simplicity and practicality of the framework and its focus on the role of an uncertain global environment in developing dynamic capabilities.
Compliance mediating role within road construction regulatory framework
Authors: Mwelu Noah , Davis Peter R. , Ke Yongjian , Watundu Susan
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The propose of this study is to focus on the mediating role of compliance with procurement regulatory frameworks in implementing public road construction projects.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional research design was adopted. Structured questionnaires were developed in a three-step process including generating items, purifying measurement items and validating measurement items. Variables were anchored on a five-point Likert scale because it is an efficient unidimensional scale that ensures all items measure the same thing and widely applicable in construction research.

Findings

The findings show that compliance with a public procurement regulatory framework significantly mediates the relationship between familiarity with a public procurement regulatory framework, monitoring activities, sanction on staff and contractors’ resistance to non-compliance and public road construction project success. However, compliance with a public procurement regulatory framework does not mediate the relationship between the professionalism of staff and perceived inefficiency with public road construction projects’ success.

Research limitations/implications

Limited mediation studies and examples in the public road construction subsector affected this study to comprehensively investigate and compare study findings. Furthermore, the study adopted a cross-sectional research design that limits responses to one point in time. Finally, the study missed out other participants in different organizations and departments that could have had relevant information.

Social implications

The study contributes to public procurement and construction management research fields by uncovering this strong mediating role of compliance with a public procurement regulatory framework that collectively would help the government to implement public road construction projects successfully. Because no single factor can reliably attain objectives, blending these factors through a hybrid governance system would enable the government to achieve value for money, increase the quality and quantity of paved roads and save funds that can be channeled to other priority sectors for economic development.

Originality/value

Despite scholarly efforts to establish project success factors, studies have been limited to factors directly impacting the project success without considering a mediating effect among the factors that affect the success of these projects.
Leveraging professional development to build professional capital in international schools in Asia
Authors: Watts Dana Specker , Richardson Jayson W.
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the connection between professional development and professional capital within international schools in Asia.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was an exploratory multisite case study. Teachers and leaders in six high performing international schools in Asia were surveyed to measure their professional capital. Three leaders with the highest professional capital from different schools were interviewed to better understand how professional development fosters professional capital of their teachers.

Findings

International school leaders tended to have high professional capital while teachers reported having less professional capital. Leaders fostered professional capital of their teachers through professional development by supporting the intellectual passions of individuals, fostering collaborative learning within and across international schools and creating a culture of safety and vulnerability for teachers to try new things.

Research limitations/implications

This study showed that a short version of the professional capital survey tested well in this context with items just focused on professional development. However, more work needs to be done to make the individual constructs more robust as it pertains to professional development. This research also highlighted the need to look at how international school teachers foster their own professional capital through professional development.

Originality/value

This is the first study that focused on the intersection of professional capital and professional development. Additionally, this article serves as one of the few studies of professional capital in international schools.
Firm size implications for environmental sustainability of supply chains: evidence from the UAE
Authors: Balasubramanian Sreejith , Shukla Vinaya , Chanchaichujit Janya
Published: April 2020

Purpose

Effective environment and climate change management require supply chain-wide focus (from the initial design to the end-of-life management) as well as universal participation and commitment of firms. However, the environment-related role and contribution of different sized firms in the supply chain are unclear from previous research which this study seeks to clarify using the context of UAE's construction sector.

Design/methodology/approach

Using data collected from a structured survey (455 responses) and semi-structured interviews with 20 key supply chain stakeholders, this study analyses and understands hypothesized differences between small and medium firms (SMEs) and large firms on three key supply chain environmental sustainability aspects: the extent of green supply chain practices (GSCP) implemented, the strengths/influences of drivers and barriers affecting the implementation of GSCP, and the associated environmental, cost-related and organizational performance benefits derived from GSCP.

Findings

Large firms were found to show significantly greater levels of implementation of GSCP, greater internal drive for implementation and lower barriers to implementation than SMEs. SMEs though were found to be not too far behind large firms with regards to the environmental, cost-related and organizational performance benefits from GSCP implementation.

Practical implications

Findings from this study is useful for benchmarking the GSCP implementation of large firms and SMEs, influences of drivers and barriers affecting the implementation of GSCP and associated performance benefits derived from GSCP implementation. Policymakers and practitioners could use the study findings to develop suitable policies/interventions so as to ensure that all firms irrespective of their size can contribute equitably towards improving the environmental sustainability of supply chains.

Originality/value

This study is arguably the first comprehensive attempt to understand how various environmental sustainability aspects in supply chains are perceived and performed by SMEs and large firms.
CAGE distance framework and bilateral trade flows: case of India
Authors: Tokas Kalpana , Deb Arnab Kumar
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The paper is in the area of international business and international trade. Specifically, this paper aims to focus on cross-border trade flows of goods and services between India and its partner nations.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the Cultural, Administrative, Geographic and Economic (CAGE) distance framework (Ghemawat, 2001), this paper provides empirical support for the impact these distance factors exert on the volume of trade in goods and services between countries. The sample used for empirical analysis consists of a set of 62 OECD countries which are involved in trade in goods and services with India over the period 2005 through 2015. This paper estimates a fixed-effects model to provide a comprehensive examination of all the distance factors impacting the bilateral cross-border trade flows of India.

Findings

The empirical findings in this paper show that different dimensions of the CAGE distances have varied influence on volume of trade flows between India and its trading partners. Also, the extent of this influence is guided by the nature of industries – manufacturing or services.

Originality/value

Departing from the common practice in the literature, using the trade flow data for both Indian manufacturing and service sectors separately, this paper examines to what extent is the impact of these distance factors industry driven.
Better late than early? Reviewing procrastination in organizations
Authors: Chauhan Rahul Singh , MacDougall Alexandra E. , Buckley Michael Ronald , Howe David Charles , Crisostomo Marisa E. , Zeni Thomas
Published: April 2020

Purpose

Procrastination is regularly presented as a behavior to avoid, but this paper argues that individuals who strategically engage in procrastination may experience unique performance benefits that non-procrastinators do not. The purpose of this paper is to present a balanced framework from which procrastination, beginning with a review of the procrastination performance literature and historical stance on the behavior, can be understood.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents and reviews the use of procrastination in organizations.

Findings

Our findings indicate that while procrastination can be dysfunctional, it can prove to be strategically valuable. To summarize, this paper recommends a holistic conceptualization of procrastination that refrains from value judgment and calls for rethinking the stigma associated with the behavior.

Originality/value

This paper highlights both the theoretical and practical importance of exploring the benefits of procrastination in an organizational context.
Fatigue and short-term unplanned absences among police officers
Authors: Riedy Samantha , Dawson Drew , Fekedulegn Desta , Andrew Michael , Vila Bryan , Violanti John M.
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess whether shift work, sleep loss and fatigue are related to short-term unplanned absences in policing.

Design/methodology/approach

N = 367 police officers from the Buffalo Police Department were studied. Day-by-day work and sick leave data were obtained from the payroll. Absenteeism was defined as taking a single sick day on a regularly scheduled workday. Biomathematical models of fatigue (BMMF) predicted officers' sleep–wake behaviors and on-duty fatigue and sleepiness. Prior sleep, fatigue and sleepiness were tested as predictors of absenteeism during the next shift.

Findings

A total of 513,666 shifts and 4,868 cases of absenteeism were studied. The odds of absenteeism increased as on-duty fatigue and sleepiness increased and prior sleep decreased. This was particularly evident for swing shift officers and night shift officers who were predicted by BMMF to obtain less sleep and have greater fatigue and sleepiness than day shift officers. The odds of absenteeism were higher for female officers than male officers; this finding was not due to a differential response to sleep loss, fatigue or sleepiness.

Practical implications

Absenteeism may represent a self-management strategy for fatigue or compensatory behavior to reduced sleep opportunity. Long and irregular work hours that reduce sleep opportunity may be administratively controllable culprits of absenteeism.

Originality/value

Police fatigue has consequences for police officers, departments and communities. BMMF provide a potential tool for predicting and mitigating police fatigue. BMMF were used to investigate the effects of sleep and fatigue on absenteeism.
Impediments to the development of the green building market in sub-Saharan Africa: the case of Ghana
Authors: Addy Michael , Adinyira Emmanuel , Danku James Cofie , Dadzoe Florence
Published: April 2020

Purpose

Developing countries in sub-Saharan Africa are faced with significant challenges as the economies continue to emerge. There is a huge infrastructural demand and various efforts to step up supply. Whilst stepping up the supply, the environmental concerns of these supplies require a lot of attention. With the need to reduce the environmental impact of buildings whilst promoting a green infrastructure, various studies have explored the obstacles to green building technology adoption. This study explores the impediments to the development of the green building market in sub-Saharan Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

Using building consultants as the unit of analysis, this study explores the impediments using a structured survey questionnaire. The study area is Ghana, an emerging country in sub-Saharan Africa.

Findings

Key impediments to the development of the market is lack of awareness, lack of education and lack of fiscal incentives. The analysis shows that all the variables identified are significant in impeding the growth of the market. The results suggest that within the domain of developing countries, environmental issues may not be of immediate concern as economic issues take centre stage. For sustainability of the environment, it is unequivocal that dissemination of knowledge to key stakeholders be done.

Practical implications

Academic institutions and professional bodies have a pivotal role to play in raising awareness of green buildings. Governmental support such as various structures should be put in place to build up the local capacity of firms not only to compete with foreign counterparts but also to ensure innovative delivery of green buildings.

Originality/value

The paper presents contextual realities on the green market restrictions within developing countries in sub-Saharan Africa through a deeper understanding of market barriers and recommends pathways for stakeholders.
Corporate turnaround failure: is the proper diagnosis transgenerational response?
Authors: Oliver John J.
Published: April 2020

Purpose

This paper provides further evidence on a thought-provoking idea, Transgenerational Response, which was previously presented in this journal. It argues that a corporate crisis event can create dysfunctional adaptive attitudes and behaviors which subsequently become embedded in the corporate culture of a firm to the detriment of its long-term performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A multi-method approach consisting of longitudinal content analysis of innovation and risk words in corporate annual reports and quantitative financial analysis divided the data into ‘what happened before the crisis event’ and ‘what happen after the crisis event’.

Findings

Case studies for AIG and Yahoo illustrate how a crisis event produced chronic financial performance and adaptive cultural responses that include a fall in innovation and an increased emphasis on risk in the years following the incident.

Research limitations/implications

This paper does not make claims of generalisability of the findings. However, it does provide a platform for future researchers to develop this line of reasoning and perhaps extend it to consider why some organizations demonstrate greater levels of resilience when faced with a crisis.

Practical implications

Identifying a Transgenerational Response means that business leaders can identify how a historic event has affected the performance and cultural dynamics of their firm over time. As such, it will be easier to manage the inherited cultural attitudes and behaviours that have combined to consolidate a firms chronic underperformance.

Originality/value

This highly original, evidence-based idea, has the potential to reshape our current understanding of corporate turnarounds, CEO turnover, underperformance and adaptive cultural change.
Looking for a safe-haven in a crisis-driven Venezuela
Authors: Musialkowska Ida , Kliber Agata , Świerczyńska Katarzyna , Marszałek Paweł
Published: April 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to find, which of the assets: gold, oil or bitcoin can be considered a safe-haven for investors in a crisis-driven Venezuela. The authors look also at the governmental change of approach towards the use and mining of cryptocurrencies being one of the assets and potential applications of bitcoin as (quasi) money.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors collected the daily data (a period from 01 May 2014 to 31 July 2018) on the development of the following magnitudes: Caracas Stock Exchange main index: Índice Bursátil de Capitalisación (IBC) index; gold price in US dollars, the oil price in US dollars and Bitcoin price in bolivar fuerte (VEF) (LocalBitcoins). The authors estimated a threshold VAR model between IBC and each of the possible safe-haven assets, where the trigger variable was the IBC; then the authors modelled the residuals from the TVAR model using MGARCH model with dynamic conditional correlation.

Findings

The results show that that gold is a better safe-haven than oil for Venezuelan investors, while bitcoin can be considered a weak safe haven. Still, bitcoin can perform (to a certain extent) money functions in a crisis-driven country.

Research limitations/implications

Further research after the change of local currency from VEF into bolivar soberano might be looked at on the later stage.

Practical implications

The authors provide evidence on which of analysed asset is the best safe-haven for the investors acting in the time of the crisis. The evidence goes in line with other authors’ findings, thus, the results might bring implications for investors of more universal character. Additionally, the result might be helpful for governments and/or monetary authorities while projecting institutional frameworks and conducting monetary policy.

Social implications

The unprecedented economic crisis in Venezuela was one of the factors that fuelled the mining and use of cryptocurrencies in the daily life of its citizens. Nowadays, the country is a leader in terms of the use of bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies in Latin America. The results show a potential application of bitcoin as a store of value or even means of payments in Venezuelan (or in other countries affected by the crisis).

Originality/value

The paper builds on the original data set collected by the authors and brings evidence from the models the authors constructed to verify, which asset is the best option for investors in hard times of the crisis. The authors add to the existing literature on financial assets, cryptocurrencies and behaviour of investors under different economic conditions.