bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and safety of Banxia Xiexin Decoction as a complementary treatment for gastric cancer
Authors: Zhang Meiqing , Huang Wei , Yuan Dongkai
Published: April 2021

Background:

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common malignant tumors in the human digestive system, which seriously affects people's quality of life. As an effective treatment for GC, traditional Chinese medicine can effectively alleviate patients’ clinical symptoms, improve the quality of life, and delay the life cycle. A large number of clinical studies have shown that Banxia Xiexin Decoction has shown a good effect in the treatment of GC. It has achieved good curative effect whether it is used alone or combined with radiotherapy and chemotherapy, which may play a more significant role in the treatment of GC. However, there is still no evidence of evidence-based medicine. Therefore, this study aims to systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of Banxia Xiexin Decoction as a complementary treatment for GC.

Methods:

Two researchers will search the following databases: PubMed, Web of Science, MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, the Chongqing VIP Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database, Wanfang Database, and China Biomedical Database. In addition, the Chinese Clinical Trial Register, Chinese Clinical Trial Register, conference papers, and other relevant literature will be searched manually. The retrieval time of these databases is from the establishment of the database to March 2021. The main outcome indicators of this study are the effective rate of treatment and the traditional Chinese medicine syndrome score. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria of the literature, the data were screened and extracted. The literature quality was evaluated by the bias risk assessment tool of randomized controlled trials recommended by Cochrane Handbook, and meta-analysis was conducted RevMan 5.3 software. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation will be used to evaluate the quality of evidence.

Results:

This study will comprehensively review the existing evidence of Banxia Xiexin Decoction as a complementary in the treatment of GC.

Conclusion:

The conclusion of this study will provide a basis for judging whether Banxia Xiexin Decoction is an effective and safe intervention for GC patients.

Unique INPLASY number:

INPLASY202140060.
Prognostic value of albumin-fibrinogen ratio in subarachnoid hemorrhage patients
Authors: Liu Xuyang , Yu Zhiyuan , Wen Dingke , Ma Lu , You Chao
Published: April 2021

Inflammation plays an important role in the pathophysiology of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Recent studies have indicated that the albumin to fibrinogen ratio (AFR) is a useful biomarker of inflammation.

This research aimed to determine the ability of AFR to predict the prognosis of patients with SAH.

A total of 440 patients with SAH who had been diagnosed within 72 hours of symptom onset were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical findings and laboratory data were retrieved from the hospital database. Functional outcome was measured according to the modified Rankin scale at 30 days. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the correlation between AFR and the prognosis of patients with SAH. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to determine the prognostic ability of AFR at admission to predict the 30-day outcomes.

The average age of all 440 patients with SAH was 56.75 ± 11.19 years and 31.4% (138) were male. Of these patients, 161 exhibited unfavorable outcomes at 30 days. According to the multivariate logistic regression analysis, the AFR was positively correlated with the outcome of patients with SAH (odds ratio 0.939, 95% confidence interval 0.885–0.996, P = .038). The ROC analysis revealed an area under the curve of 0.713 for AFR's ability to predict the 30-day outcomes.

AFR is independently associated with the outcome of SAH patients. As a parameter that can be easily assessed at admission, AFR could be used to help the decision-making of clinical treatment.
Evaluation of Neutrophil Dynamics Change by Protective Effect of Tadalafil After Renal Ischemia/Reperfusion Using In Vivo Real-time Imaging
Authors: Maruyama Yuki , Araki Motoo , Kidokoro Kengo , Sogawa Yuji , Yoshinaga Kasumi , Mitsui Yosuke , Sadahira Takuya , Wada Koichiro , Watanabe Masami , Watanabe Toyohiko , Kashihara Naoki , Nasu Yasutomo
Published: April 2021

Background.

Neutrophils play a major role in ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) in renal transplantation and acute kidney injury. However, it has been difficult to observe changes in neutrophil dynamics over time in living mice kidney. We investigate neutrophil dynamics in IRI in living mice using novel in vivo multiphoton microscope imaging techniques and characterize the renoprotective effects of a selective phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor, tadalafil.

Methods.

Wild-type and endothelial nitric oxide synthase knockout mice, a model of endothelial dysfunction, were used to establish in vivo real-time imaging in living mouse kidneys. Neutrophils were labeled green with Ly-6G monoclonal antibody, and plasma flow was labeled red with BSA. Tadalafil was administered orally 1 h before surgery. Both kidney pedicles were reperfused after 37°C warm ischemia for 45 min.

Results.

Our novel approach revealed that neutrophils were trapped in glomerulus within a few minutes after reperfusion. They gradually increased over time and infiltrated neutrophils were observed in the tubular lumen and peritubular capillary. The neutrophils were clearly visualized rolling on peritubular capillary plexus at 3 μm/min. The administration of tadalafil significantly reduced neutrophil influx into the glomerulus in both wild-type and endothelial nitric oxide synthase knockout mice. Reduced neutrophil infiltration in tadalafil groups, which was confirmed by flow cytometry, resulted in histopathologically decreased tubular injury. The expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 and kidney injury molecule 1 was partially prevented by tadalafil.

Conclusions.

Use of a novel technique contributed to elucidation of neutrophil dynamics after reperfusion. Tadalafil has a potential for inhibiting neutrophil infiltration in renal IRI.
Are Triphasic Waves Different From Generalized Spike–Wave Discharges?
Authors: Husari Khalil S. , Kaplan Peter W.
Published: April 2021

Generalized periodic discharges with triphasic morphology were previously referred to as triphasic waves but have now been subsumed into the ACNS classification as generalized periodic discharges. Although triphasic waves and generalized spike–wave complexes may resemble each other and hence may be incorrectly identified in comatose critically ill patients, many authors believe that there are different entities, with definable morphologic and clinical differences attributable to each waveform. The occurrence of both patterns in the same patient is extremely rare with only a single prior case report. Here the authors report a patient with typical triphasic waves and generalized spike–wave complexes and highlight the morphologic and EEG differences between the two patterns. The occurrence of both waveforms in the same EEG recording supports the notion of different cerebral generators and pathways, further differentiating rather than merging these morphologies.
Shared evolutionary footprints suggest mitochondrial oxidative damage underlies multiple complex I losses in fungi
Authors: Schikora-Tamarit Miquel Àngel , Marcet-Houben Marina , Nosek Jozef , Gabaldón Toni
Published: April 2021

Oxidative phosphorylation is among the most conserved mitochondrial pathways. However, one of the cornerstones of this pathway, the multi-protein complex NADH : ubiquinone oxidoreductase (complex I) has been lost multiple independent times in diverse eukaryotic lineages. The causes and consequences of these convergent losses remain poorly understood. Here, we used a comparative genomics approach to reconstruct evolutionary paths leading to complex I loss and infer possible evolutionary scenarios. By mining available mitochondrial and nuclear genomes, we identified eight independent events of mitochondrial complex I loss across eukaryotes, of which six occurred in fungal lineages. We focused on three recent loss events that affect closely related fungal species, and inferred genomic changes convergently associated with complex I loss. Based on these results, we predict novel complex I functional partners and relate the loss of complex I with the presence of increased mitochondrial antioxidants, higher fermentative capabilities, duplications of alternative dehydrogenases, loss of alternative oxidases and adaptation to antifungal compounds. To explain these findings, we hypothesize that a combination of previously acquired compensatory mechanisms and exposure to environmental triggers of oxidative stress (such as hypoxia and/or toxic chemicals) induced complex I loss in fungi.
Ubiquitin–proteasome system and the role of its inhibitors in cancer therapy
Authors: Aliabadi Fatemeh , Sohrabi Beheshteh , Mostafavi Ebrahim , Pazoki-Toroudi Hamidreza , Webster Thomas J.
Published: April 2021

Despite all the other cells that have the potential to prevent cancer development and metastasis through tumour suppressor proteins, cancer cells can upregulate the ubiquitin–proteasome system (UPS) by which they can degrade tumour suppressor proteins and avoid apoptosis. This system plays an extensive role in cell regulation organized in two steps. Each step has an important role in controlling cancer. This demonstrates the importance of understanding UPS inhibitors and improving these inhibitors to foster a new hope in cancer therapy. UPS inhibitors, as less invasive chemotherapy drugs, are increasingly used to alleviate symptoms of various cancers in malignant states. Despite their success in reducing the development of cancer with the lowest side effects, thus far, an appropriate inhibitor that can effectively inactivate this system with the least drug resistance has not yet been fully investigated. A fundamental understanding of the system is necessary to fully elucidate its role in causing/controlling cancer. In this review, we first comprehensively investigate this system, and then each step containing ubiquitination and protein degradation as well as their inhibitors are discussed. Ultimately, its advantages and disadvantages and some perspectives for improving the efficiency of these inhibitors are discussed.
From bad to worse: airline boarding changes in response to COVID-19
Authors: Islam T. , Lahijani M. Sadeghi , Srinivasan A. , Namilae S. , Mubayi A. , Scotch M.
Published: April 2021

Airlines have introduced a back-to-front boarding process in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is motivated by the desire to reduce passengers' likelihood of passing close to seated passengers when they take their seats. However, our prior work on the risk of Ebola spread in aeroplanes suggested that the driving force for increased exposure to infection transmission risk is the clustering of passengers while waiting for others to stow their luggage and take their seats. In this work, we examine whether the new boarding processes lead to increased or decreased risk of infection spread. We also study the reasons behind the risk differences associated with different boarding processes. We accomplish this by simulating the new boarding processes using pedestrian dynamics and compare them against alternatives. Our results show that back-to-front boarding roughly doubles the infection exposure compared with random boarding. It also increases exposure by around 50% compared to a typical boarding process prior to the outbreak of COVID-19. While keeping middle seats empty yields a substantial reduction in exposure, our results show that the different boarding processes have similar relative strengths in this case as with middle seats occupied. We show that the increased exposure arises from the proximity between passengers moving in the aisle and while seated. Such exposure can be reduced significantly by prohibiting the use of overhead bins to stow luggage. Our results suggest that the new boarding procedures increase the risk of exposure to COVID-19 compared with prior ones and are substantially worse than a random boarding process.
Large-scale interventions may delay decline of the Great Barrier Reef
Authors: Condie Scott A. , Anthony Kenneth R. N. , Babcock Russ C. , Baird Mark E. , Beeden Roger , Fletcher Cameron S. , Gorton Rebecca , Harrison Daniel , Hobday Alistair J. , Plagányi Éva E. , Westcott David A.
Published: April 2021

On the iconic Great Barrier Reef (GBR), the cumulative impacts of tropical cyclones, marine heatwaves and regular outbreaks of coral-eating crown-of-thorns starfish (CoTS) have severely depleted coral cover. Climate change will further exacerbate this situation over the coming decades unless effective interventions are implemented. Evaluating the efficacy of alternative interventions in a complex system experiencing major cumulative impacts can only be achieved through a systems modelling approach. We have evaluated combinations of interventions using a coral reef meta-community model. The model consisted of a dynamic network of 3753 reefs supporting communities of corals and CoTS connected through ocean larval dispersal, and exposed to changing regimes of tropical cyclones, flood plumes, marine heatwaves and ocean acidification. Interventions included reducing flood plume impacts, expanding control of CoTS populations, stabilizing coral rubble, managing solar radiation and introducing heat-tolerant coral strains. Without intervention, all climate scenarios resulted in precipitous declines in GBR coral cover over the next 50 years. The most effective strategies in delaying decline were combinations that protected coral from both predation (CoTS control) and thermal stress (solar radiation management) deployed at large scale. Successful implementation could expand opportunities for climate action, natural adaptation and socioeconomic adjustment by at least one to two decades.
Five approaches to the suppression of SARS-CoV-2 without intensive social distancing
Authors: Drake John M. , Dahlin Kyle , Rohani Pejman , Handel Andreas
Published: April 2021

Initial efforts to mitigate transmission of SARS-CoV-2 relied on intensive social distancing measures such as school and workplace closures, shelter-in-place orders and prohibitions on the gathering of people. Other non-pharmaceutical interventions for suppressing transmission include active case finding, contact tracing, quarantine, immunity or health certification, and a wide range of personal protective measures. Here we investigate the potential effectiveness of these alternative approaches to suppression. We introduce a conceptual framework represented by two mathematical models that differ in strategy. We find both strategies may be effective, although both require extensive testing and work within a relatively narrow range of conditions. Generalized protective measures such as wearing face masks, improved hygiene and local reductions in density are found to significantly increase the effectiveness of targeted interventions.
Functional constraints during development limit jaw shape evolution in marsupials
Authors: Fabre Anne-Claire , Dowling Carys , Portela Miguez Roberto , Fernandez Vincent , Noirault Eve , Goswami Anjali
Published: April 2021

Differences in jaw function experienced through ontogeny can have striking consequences for evolutionary outcomes, as has been suggested for the major clades of mammals. By contrast to placentals, marsupial newborns have an accelerated development of the head and forelimbs, allowing them to crawl to the mother's teats to suckle within just a few weeks of conception. The different functional requirements that marsupial newborns experience in early postnatal development have been hypothesized to have constrained their morphological diversification relative to placentals. Here, we test whether marsupials have a lower ecomorphological diversity and rate of evolution in comparison with placentals, focusing specifically on their jaws. To do so, a geometric morphometric approach was used to characterize jaw shape for 151 living and extinct species of mammals spanning a wide phylogenetic, developmental and functional diversity. Our results demonstrate that jaw shape is significantly influenced by both reproductive mode and diet, with substantial ecomorphological convergence between metatherians and eutherians. However, metatherians have markedly lower disparity and rate of mandible shape evolution than observed for eutherians. Thus, despite their ecomorphological diversity and numerous convergences with eutherians, the evolution of the jaw in metatherians appears to be strongly constrained by their specialized reproductive biology.
Phycicoccus flavus sp. nov., a novel endophytic actinobacterium isolated from branch of Kandelia candel
Authors: Chen Ming-Sheng , Pang Bao-Quan , Liu Shao-Wei , Li Fei-Na , Yan Xiao-Rui , Sun Cheng-Hang , Tuo Li
Published: April 2021

A Gram-stain-positive, aerobic, non-motile, non-endospore-forming and rod-shaped actinobacterium, designated strain CMS6Z-2T, was isolated from a surface-sterilized branch of Kandelia candel collected from the Maowei Sea, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, PR China. Strain CMS6Z-2T grew at 10–37 °C (optimum, 37 °C), pH 6.0–9.0 (optimum, pH 7.0–8.0) and in the presence of 0–10.0 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 0–1.0 %). Strain CMS6Z-2T possessed meso-diaminopimelic acid as the diamino acid of the peptidoglycan and MK-8 (H4) as the predominant menaquinone. The major fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0, C16 : 0 and C18 : 1
 ω9c. The polar lipids comprised diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol and two unknown phospholipids. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 74.1 mol%. Comparative analysis of 16S rRNA genes showed that strain CMS6Z-2T should be assigned to the genus

Phycicoccus

and its closest relative was

Phycicoccus endophyticus

IP6SC6T with 98.3 % similarity. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequence and phylogenomic analysis based on core proteomes alignment revealed that strain CMS6Z-2T belonged to the genus

Phycicoccus

and formed a robust cluster with

Phycicoccus endophyticus

IP6SC6T within the genus

Phycicoccus

. The average nucleotide identity value and estimated digital DNA–DNA hybridization value between strain CMS6Z-2T and the type strain of

Phycicoccus endophyticus

were 81.5 and 23.9 %, respectively. On the basis of phylogenetic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characteristics, strain CMS6Z-2T represents a novel species of the genus

Phycicoccus

, for which the name Phycicoccus flavus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CMS6Z-2T (=KCTC 49240T=CGMCC4.7549T).
It’s complicated: characterizing the time-varying relationship between cell phone mobility and COVID-19 spread in the US
Authors: Jewell Sean , Futoma Joseph , Hannah Lauren , Miller Andrew C. , Foti Nicholas J. , Fox Emily B.
Published: April 2021

Restricting in-person interactions is an important technique for limiting the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Although early research found strong associations between cell phone mobility and infection spread during the initial outbreaks in the United States, it is unclear whether this relationship persists across locations and time. We propose an interpretable statistical model to identify spatiotemporal variation in the association between mobility and infection rates. Using one year of US county-level data, we found that sharp drops in mobility often coincided with declining infection rates in the most populous counties in spring 2020. However, the association varied considerably in other locations and across time. Our findings are sensitive to model flexibility, as more restrictive models average over local effects and mask much of the spatiotemporal variation. We conclude that mobility does not appear to be a reliable leading indicator of infection rates, which may have important policy implications.
Effectiveness of portable air filtration on reducing indoor aerosol counts: preclinical observational trials
Authors: Lee Jung Hoon , Rounds Max , McGain Forbes , Schofield Robyn , Skidmore Grant , Wadlow Imogen , Kevin Kevin , Stevens Ashley , Marshall Caroline , Irving Lou , Kainer Marion , Buising Kirsty , Monty Jason
Published: April 2021

Objective

To assess the effectiveness of aerosol filtration by portable air cleaning devices with high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters used in addition to standard building heating ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC).

Methods

Test rooms, including a hospital single-patient room, were filled with test aerosol to simulate aerosol movement. Aerosol counts were measured over time with various portable air cleaning devices and room ventilation systems to quantify the aerosol concentration reduction rate and overall clearance rate.

Results

Portable air cleaners were very effective in removing aerosols, especially for the devices with high flow rate. In a small control room, the aerosols were cleared 4 to 5 times faster with portable air cleaners than the room with HVAC alone. A single bed hospital room equipped with an excellent ventilation rate (∼ 14 air changes per hour) can clear the aerosols in 20 minutes. However, with the addition of two air cleaners, the clearance time became 3 times faster (in 6 minutes and 30 seconds).

Conclusions

Portable air cleaning devices with HEPA filtration were highly effective at removing aerosols. To clear aerosols (above 90% clearance) in under 10 minutes requires around 25 air changes per hour; readily feasible with air cleaners. Inexpensive portable air cleaning devices should be considered for small and enclosed spaces in health care settings such as inpatient rooms, personal protective equipment donning/doffing stations, and staff tea rooms. Portable air cleaners are particularly important where there is limited ability to reduce aerosol transmission with building HVAC ventilation.
Interfacing Live Cells with Surfaces: A Concurrent Control Technique for Quantifying Surface Ligand Activity
Authors: Robitaille Michael C. , Christodoulides Joseph A. , Calhoun Patrick , Byers Jeff M. , Raphael Marc P.
Published: April 2021

Surface ligand activity is a key design parameter for successfully interfacing surfaces with cells - whether in the context ofin vitroinvestigations for understanding cellular signaling pathways or more applied applications in drug delivery and medical implants. Unlike other crucial surface parameters, such as stiffness and roughness, surface ligand activity currently lacks a standardized measurement approach that can be readily paired with live cell investigations. To fill this void, we have developed a concurrent control technique for characterizingin vitroligand surface activity. Pairs of gold-coated glass chips were biofunctionalized with RGD ligand in a parallel workflow: one chip forin vitroapplications and the other for surface plasmon resonance (SPR) based RGD activity characterization. Recombinant αVβ3integrins were injected over the SPR chip surface as mimics of the cellular membrane bound receptors and the resulting binding kinetics parameterized to quantify ligand activity. These activity measurements were correlated with cell morphological features, measured by interfacing MDA-MB-231 cells with thein vitrochip surfaces on the live cell microscope. We show that the SPR concurrent control approach has multiple advantages based on the facts that SPR is a standardized technique and has the sensitivity to measure ligand activity across the most relevant range of extracellular surface densities. Furthermore, by pairing both SPR andin vitroapproaches, a comparison of the results can provide biological insights into the nature of cellular adhesion and dynamics.
Mega- and meta-analyses of fecal metagenomic studies assessing response to immune checkpoint inhibitors
Authors: Heirali Alya , Chen Bo , Wong Matthew , Schneeberger Pierre HH , Rey Victor , Spreafico Anna , Xu Wei , Coburn Bryan A.
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Gut microbiota have been associated with response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) including anti-PD-1 and anti-CTLA-4 antibodies. However, inter-study difference in design, patient cohorts and data analysis pose challenges to identifying species consistently associated with response to ICI or lack thereof.

Experimental Design

We uniformly processed and analyzed data from three studies of microbial metagenomes in cancer immunotherapy response (four distinct data sets) to identify species consistently associated with response or non-response (n=190 patient samples). Metagenomic data were processed and analyzed using Metaphlan v2.0. Meta- and mega-analyses were performed using a two-part modelling approach of species present in at least 20% of samples to account for both prevalence and relative abundance differences between responders/non-responders.

Results

Meta- and mega-analyses identified five species that were concordantly significantly different between responders and non-responders. Amongst them,Bacteroides thetaiotaomicronandClostridium bolteaerelative abundance (RA) were independently predictive of non-response to immunotherapy when data sets were combined and analyzed using mega-analyses (AUC 0.59 95% CI 0.51-0.68 and AUC 0.61 95% CI 0.52-0.69, respectively).

Conclusions

Meta- and mega-analysis of published metagenomic studies identified bacterial species both positively and negatively associated with immunotherapy responsiveness across four published cohorts.
Finding trafficked children through crowdsourcing: a usability evaluation
Authors: Goh Dion Hoe-Lian , Lee Chei Sian , Zhou Quan , Guo Hang
Published: April 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how perceived usability and user characteristics influence the intention to use a crowdsourcing application for finding potentially trafficked children. As part of this effort, the authors also attempt to uncover the usability concerns surrounding the use of this application.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors first describe Zhongxun, which is the application used in the present paper. Next, they conducted a survey eliciting usability perceptions of Zhongxun. A total of 287 participants were recruited for the survey which used constructs adapted from the Computer System Usability Questionnaire as well as various demographic variables. Hierarchical regression analysis was used to ascertain factors influencing intention to use Zhongxun. Participants' qualitative feedback was also analyzed to derive themes pertaining to areas of improvement.

Findings

The results showed that system usefulness was the factor that most positively influenced intention to use Zhongxun, followed by information quality and interface quality. Interestingly, a higher level of education was negatively associated with intention to use the application. Qualitative feedback suggested various ways of improving Zhongxun's functionality. Participants recommended the incorporation of gamification mechanisms as a new feature of the application. Cultivating awareness of Zhongxun was also suggested as a means to attract new users.

Practical implications

The work can help inform the design of crowdsourcing applications for finding missing and potentially trafficked children, as well as similar systems. Implications include the need for simplicity of design, communication strategies to attract new and retain existing users, and instilling confidence in the quality of crowdsourced contributions.

Originality/value

Prior research in evaluating the usability of crowdsourcing applications has been performed but not in the context of finding missing and potentially trafficked children. The task of finding such children is markedly different from previous usage contexts and could impact perceptions of usability and usefulness. Hence, the present study attempts to plug this research gap.
Examining drivers and outcomes of social media brand engagement
Authors: Leckie Civilai , Dwivedi Abhishek , Johnson Lester
Published: April 2021

Purpose

This study empirically examines a set of drivers (i.e. social media involvement, self-brand congruence, firm image and relationship age) of consumers’ social media brand engagement (SMBE), which subsequently influences consumer outcomes (i.e. consumer satisfaction, brand trust and perceived value).

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected using a self-administered online survey of 340 social media users. Structural equation modelling was employed to test the conceptual model.

Findings

Findings indicate that social media involvement, self-brand congruence and firm image are significant drivers of SMBE, while relationship age is not. SMBE subsequently impacts consumer satisfaction, brand trust and perceived value.

Research limitations/implications

This study contains some limitations associated with cross-sectional research. It does not investigate consumer engagement with other entities (e.g. other commercial brands) through the use of social media.

Practical implications

These findings call for marketing managers and social media brand managers to pay attention and invest resources in the significant drivers of SMBE. They also provide insights on enhancing SMBE to strengthen consumer–brand relationships.

Originality/value

Based on consumer–brand relationship marketing and consumer psychology of brands, this study investigates brand-related relational drivers and outcomes of SMBE, thereby deepening understanding of consumer engagement in digital environments.
The synergistic impact of motivations on sustained pro-environmental consumer behaviors: an empirical evidence for single-use plastic products
Authors: Pham Chuong Hong , Nguyen Hung Vu , Le Mai Thi Thu , Do Long Thanh , Nguyen Phuong Thi Tung
Published: April 2021

Purpose

This paper employed the self-determination theory (SDT) to examine the synergistic impacts of intrinsic, extrinsic and prosocial motivations in promoting sustained pro-environmental consumption behaviors (PECB). To provide evidence for the study’s theoretical framework, the authors focus on the behavior of reducing single-use plastics.

Design/methodology/approach

A mall-intercept survey for consumption of single-use plastic products in three big cities of Vietnam (Hanoi, Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh city) was conducted to test the theoretical framework. In total, 468 consumers completed the questionnaires. Data were analyzed with SPSS and AMOS.

Findings

Intrinsic and prosocial motivations are found to be significant predictors of sustained PECB. More importantly, beyond the direct effects of intrinsic and prosocial motivations, the authors also found positive interaction effects between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation and between intrinsic and prosocial motivation on encouraging sustained PECB.

Originality/value

This research offers a new insight for encouraging sustained PECB. Different from the extant perspectives which usually deal with initiating PECB, the authors emphasize sustaining the behavior. Moreover, this research examines the interaction effects between intrinsic and extrinsic motivations and between intrinsic and prosocial motivations in sustaining PECB.
A DfX-based approach for incorporating sustainability in infrastructure project planning
Authors: Marinelli Marina
Published: April 2021

Purpose

This paper investigates how the “Design for Sustainability” mindset of the manufacturing sector can be effectively transferred in the context of construction and proposes appropriate implementation tools for the promotion of sustainability in infrastructure projects' planning and design.

Design/methodology/approach

The Design for Excellence (DfX) approach is first investigated in the context of manufacturing through the review of related literature, and the goals of Design for Sustainability (DfS), in particular, are specified. The suggestions of the literature are used as a basis for the development of the conceptually equivalent goals in the context of infrastructure projects and to highlight the construction management strategies which qualify as potential DfS tools.

Findings

This paper presents how well-known construction planning and management methods, techniques or strategies such as cost–benefit analysis, sustainability-driven procurement, contractors' involvement in design, value-based design, building information modeling (BIM) and buildability review enable the holistic promotion of the triple bottom line in feasibility, design and procurement of infrastructure projects, when combined in the context of an integrated planning approach.

Originality/value

The DfX mindset has very limited presence in the construction literature. This paper attempts to conceptualize its scope in the context of infrastructure projects while putting the multidimensional concept of sustainability as primary planning and design consideration. The proposed planning approach and the systematic mapping of the respective implementation tools can facilitate the decision-makers to achieve the desired sustainability benefits, in line with their priorities.
Exploring the structure and emerging trends of construction health management: a bibliometric review and content analysis
Authors: Liang Huakang , Shi Xiaoxiao
Published: April 2021

Purpose

The demanding nature of construction industry poses serious health risks to construction workers. In recent years, construction health management (CHM) has gained much attention to ensure a healthier and safer workplace. However, there is still lack of a systematic review to bring together the disaggregated studies and determine the development status of this research field. As essential for addressing health issues in construction industry, a bibliometric and content-based review on of previous CHM studies would be presented in this paper.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 753 journal articles published in Web of Science core collection from 1990 to 2020 were examined using a systematic review. Bibliometric analysis concentrated on the analysis of publication and citation pattern of CHM research while content analysis was employed to identify main health hazards, levels of analysis and topical focuses.

Findings

The results indicated that the USA was the leading country in this research domain. Five health hazards together with 17 research topics at different levels of analysis were classified to allow researchers to track the structure and temporal evolution of the research field. Finally, three emerging trends and a set of research agenda were proposed to guide future research directions.

Originality/value

It is the first to highlight the issues of occupational health management from the perspective of construction workers. It contributes to the field of construction health management by clarifying the knowledge structure, emerging trends and future research directions. It offers valuable guidance and in-depth understanding to researchers, practitioners and policymakers to further promote construction workers' health performance.
Internationalization of higher education in Korea: policy trends toward the pursuit of the SDGs
Authors: Jon Jae-Eun , Yoo Sung-Sang
Published: April 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the policy trends for the internationalization of higher education in Korea, and suggest a future direction toward the pursuit of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents a case study of Korea focusing on its internationalization in higher education. In order to analyze the government policy trends and institutional strategies for internationalization, the relevant literature and documents were analyzed.

Findings

The government policy for the internationalization of higher education in Korea has consisted of three stages: first, controlled outbound mobility; second, a major shift and focus on inbound mobility, recently along with intraregional cooperation for both directions of mobility in Asia and third, the beginning of efforts toward the pursuit of the SDGs, which needs to be expanded and systematized further.

Originality/value

This paper shows presents the comprehensive review of internationalization policies in Korean higher education, including the recent programs and changes at both the governmental and institutional levels. There has been a notable lack of discussion on the SDGs in relation to the internationalization of Korean higher education, which is addressed in this paper.
Emergency centre handover from the perspective of prehospital emergency care providers in Johannesburg, South Africa
Authors: Makkink Andrew William , Stein Christopher Owen Alexander , Bruijns Stevan Raynier
Published: April 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe handover in the emergency centre from the perspective of prehospital emergency care providers in Johannesburg, South Africa. Reference to emergency centre handover from the prehospital perspective will have particular relevance to all deliverers of emergency centre handover.

Design/methodology/approach

A purposive, cross-sectional design addressed the study aim by using a purpose-designed, validated, paper-based questionnaire to collect data relating to prehospital emergency care personnel's perspectives on emergency centre handover.

Findings

There were 175 completed questionnaires collected from South African prehospital personnel within the Johannesburg area. The response rate was 175/290 or 62%. Training on handover was described as poor. There was a general appreciation of mnemonics and how well they ensured that all relevant information was handed over. However, this was countered by poor familiarity of common mnemonics. Perception of the accuracy of their own and observed prehospital handovers was generally positive. Handover length was generally perceived to be appropriate. The qualification of emergency centre personnel was perceived to impact on how handovers were received.

Research limitations/implications

The study was limited to one geographical area and did not include all potential participants in the study area. The self-reported data collection meant that there was a risk of self-report bias. These factors may have negatively affected the generalisability of the data.

Originality/value

This paper seeks to describe perceptions related to emergency centre handover from the perspective of prehospital emergency care personnel. In doing so, it is postulated that there is the potential to use these findings to improve certain aspects of emergency centre handover.
Leveraging big data analytics capabilities in making reverse logistics decisions and improving remanufacturing performance
Authors: Bag Surajit , Luthra Sunil , Mangla Sachin Kumar , Kazancoglu Yigit
Published: April 2021

Purpose

The study investigated the effect of big data analytics capabilities (BDACs) on reverse logistics (strategic and tactical) decisions and finally on remanufacturing performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The primary data were collected using a structured questionnaire and an online survey sent to South African manufacturing companies. The data were analysed using partial least squares based structural equation modelling (PLS–SEM) based WarpPLS 6.0 software.

Findings

The results indicate that data generation capabilities (DGCs) have a strong association with strategic reverse logistics decisions (SRLDs). Data integration and management capabilities (DIMCs) show a positive relationship with tactical reverse logistics decisions (TRLDs). Advanced analytics capabilities (AACs), data visualisation capabilities (DVCs) and data-driven culture (DDC) show a positive association with both SRLDs and TRLDs. SRLDs and TRLDs were found to have a positive link with remanufacturing performance.

Practical implications

The theoretical guided results can help managers to understand the value of big data analytics (BDA) in making better quality judgement of reverse logistics and enhance remanufacturing processes for achieving sustainability.

Originality/value

This research explored the relationship between BDA, reverse logistics decisions and remanufacturing performance. The study was practice oriented, and according to the authors’ knowledge, it is the first study to be conducted in the South African context.
Reducing uncertainties in innovation projects through intra-organisational collaboration: a systematic literature review
Authors: Fanousse Rola Imad , Nakandala Dilupa , Lan Yi-Chen
Published: April 2021

Purpose

This article provides the first systematic review of literature on effective organisational practices for reducing innovation project uncertainties to promote project performance. Innovation is the lifeblood of organisations, while simultaneously being one of the most challenging processes to manage. This systematic review seeks to examine best practice for reducing uncertainties and thus mitigate the high failure rates in innovation projects.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper provides a systematic review of the literature on innovation project management and encourages an understanding of how intra-organisational collaboration reduces uncertainty and thus increases project performance.

Findings

Based on an analysis of the systematic literature review findings, the impact of intra-organisational collaboration in reducing uncertainties in innovation projects is uncovered. Three types of project uncertainties were found to be dominant in the context of innovation project management: task, technological and market uncertainties. Five dimensions of intra-organisational collaboration are also identified, namely collaborative relationship, collaborative leadership, communicating and sharing information, trust formation and joint decision-making.

Originality/value

The authors situate five intra-organisational collaboration dimensions as key mechanisms that yield organisational learning as an outcome. On the other hand, they also uncovered that organisational learning is a key enabler in the relationship between intra-organisational collaboration and task, market and technological uncertainties reduction. Therefore, intra-organisational collaboration is identified as a critical practice in enhancing the performance of innovation projects. The study proposes a multi-dimensional conceptual model, providing a mechanism for furthering a research agenda for improving the performance of innovation projects.
Do corporate social responsibility practices affect the relative efficiency of Egyptian conventional and Islamic banks?
Authors: Shahwan Tamer Mohamed , Habib Ahmed Mohamed
Published: April 2021

Purpose

This study assesses the impact of corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices on the relative efficiency of conventional and Islamic Egyptian banks in the period 2012–2018.

Design/methodology/approach

A three-stage approach is adopted. First, data envelopment analysis (DEA) is used to assess the relative efficiency of Egyptian banks. Second, a CSR index is designed and used to assess the extent of aggregate CSR practices in Egyptian banks, together with their sub-dimensions. Third, a Tobit regression model is used to examine the impact of CSR on the technical efficiency of these banks.

Findings

There is no statistically significant difference between conventional and Islamic banks as regards their purely technical efficiency. Egyptian banks, on average, have achieved a medium score in their practices of CSR and conventional and Islamic banks have not shown significant differences, except in 2018. Moreover, the aggregate CSR practices positively affect the technical efficiency of Egyptian banks. The practices of the CSR sub-dimensions, apart from the community sub-dimension, also affect the banks' technical efficiency.

Practical implications

The legislative institutions and the Central Bank should enhance CSR practices in Egyptian banks, particularly the practices related to customers and the community, in order to enhance the purely technical efficiency of these banks.

Originality/value

The paper is original in investigating the impact of CSR on banks' relative efficiency in Egypt.
Local political leadership: from managerial performances to leaders-hip hop on social media?
Authors: Sancino Alessandro
Published: April 2021

Purpose

The paper discusses the evolution of leadership practices performed by local political leaders in the last decade (2009–2019, a period which we might call post-global financial crisis and pre-COVID-19). It offers some new theoretical concepts to make sense of emerging contemporary public leadership practices, namely: leaders-hip hop; charismatic followership; and digital fabrication of charisma (digital charisma).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on a single case study, and it relies on qualitative data coming from multiple sources and collected at different points of time, specifically interviews, participant and non-participant observations from an ethnography conducted in 2009; interviews conducted between 2019 and 2020, and an analysis of the posts made within one Facebook group between February and May 2016.

Findings

The paper focuses on three stories of local political leadership at three different points in time which describe three leadership practices: political managerialism; charismatic followership; and hands-on relational leadership. It highlights the importance of hands-on relational leadership through popular acts of leadership which are performed face to face and/or on social media and the shift in the dominant technologies of local political leadership from the logic of managerialism toward the logic of social media.

Research limitations/implications

The paper is focused on a limited temporal (2009–2019) and sociocultural context (North Italy). Findings are presented as three stories, although other ways of showing qualitative data could have been used.

Practical implications

Practical implications deal with the attempt to enable a reflexive view of local governance and public leadership attentive to soft and sociocultural variables. It is important to consider these implications for the purposes of training and learning.

Originality/value

The paper introduces new concepts to understand contemporary public leadership practices; it combines insights from a decentered theory of governance and collective theories of leadership; and it makes use of storytelling as a method for analyzing and reporting the findings.