bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
LL-37 fights SARS-CoV-2: The Vitamin D-Inducible Peptide LL-37 Inhibits Binding of SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein to its Cellular Receptor Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2In Vitro
Authors: Roth Annika , Lütke Steffen , Meinberger Denise , Hermes Gabriele , Sengle Gerhard , Koch Manuel , Streichert Thomas , Klatt Andreas R. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractObjectiveSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the pathogen accountable for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Viral entry via binding of the receptor binding domain (RBD) located within the S1 subunit of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike (S) protein to its target receptor angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) 2 is a key step in cell infection. The efficient transition of the virus is linked to a unique protein called open reading frame (ORF) 8. As SARS-CoV-2 infections can develop into life-threatening lower respiratory syndromes, effective therapy options are urgently needed. Several publications propose vitamin D treatment, although its mode of action against COVID-19 is not fully elucidated. It is speculated that vitamin D’s beneficial effects are mediated by up-regulating LL-37, a well-known antimicrobial peptide with antiviral effects.MethodsRecombinantly expressed SARS-CoV-2 S protein, the extended S1 subunit (S1e), the S2 subunit (S2), the receptor binding domain (RBD), and ORF8 were used for surface plasmon resonance (SPR) studies to investigate LL-37’s ability to bind to SARS-CoV-2 proteins and to localize its binding site within the S protein. Binding competition studies were conducted to confirm an inhibitory action of LL-37 on the attachment of SARS-CoV-2 S protein to its entry receptor ACE2.ResultsWe could show that LL-37 binds to SARS-CoV-2 S protein (LL-37/SStrepKD= 410 nM, LL-37/SHisKD= 410 nM) with the same affinity, as SARS-CoV-2 binds to hACE2 (hACE2/SStrepKD= 370 nM, hACE2/SHisKD= 370 nM). The binding is not restricted to the RBD of the S protein, but rather distributed along the entire length of the protein. Interaction between LL-37 and ORF8 was detected with a KDof 290 nM. Further, inhibition of the binding of SStrep(IC50= 740 nM), S1e (IC50= 170 nM), and RBD (IC50= 130 nM) to hACE2 by LL-37 was demonstrated.ConclusionsWe have revealed a biochemical link between vitamin D, LL-37, and COVID-19 severity. SPR analysis demonstrated that LL-37 binds to SARS-CoV-2 S protein and inhibits binding to its receptor hACE2, and most likely viral entry into the cell. This study supports the prophylactic use of vitamin D to induce LL-37 that protects from SARS-CoV-2 infection, and the therapeutic administration of vitamin D for the treatment of COVID-19 patients. Further, our results provide evidence that the direct use of LL-37 by inhalation and systemic application may reduce the severity of COVID-19.
Trust transfer and the intention to use app-enabled carpooling service
Authors: Wu Minhua , Neill Stern 
Published: December 2020

PurposeIn China, with the rapid dissemination of mobile communications technology along with congested traffic and increasingly expensive transportation costs, consumers are turning to smartphone-enabled, ride-sharing services. Sharing economy requires trust in strangers. Based on trust transfer theory and a dyadic conceptualization of trust from cognitive to affective, the purpose of this study is to examine trust building through the use of Didi, a third-party, ride-sharing platform that mediates exchanges among strangers.Design/methodology/approachStructural equation modeling (SEM) results based on 242 observations indicate that the platform functions as an important enabler of trust, which influences a consumer's behavioral intention.FindingsSpecifically, Didi's reputation and security assurance have a positive influence on passengers' cognitive trust in drivers. There is also evidence that the interaction as mediated by the app between passengers and drivers helps the formation of affective trust, while the results do not support a relationship between cognitive and affective trust.Originality/valueThe research findings address trust transference between participants in the sharing economy and its effects, which have significant theoretical and practical implications and offer opportunities for future research in other sectors of the sharing economy.
Preparing graduates with the employability skills for the unknown future: reflection on assessment practice during COVID-19
Authors: Dyki Matthew , Singorahardjo Maggie , Cotronei-Baird Valeria S. 
Published: December 2020

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide an authentic and relevant way of sharing our realisation of the significance of integrating employability skills in assessment practice. This is supported from the anecdotal evidence received from students, which show that the inclusion and assessment of employability skills has provided them with an artifact that demonstrates the employability skills required for the continually changing future and workplace. For staff, the ability to assess and give feedback on the acquisition of employability skills makes it a more enjoyable experience.

Design/methodology/approach
Due to the short rollout period and pivot to online learning, there has not been an opportunity to undertake a comprehensive and formal data collection. However, anecdotal evidence has been collected from students and staff on the experience of the student-created video assignment in a completely online environment.

Findings
This paper establishes how a student video assessment contributes to students’ acquisition, development and enhancement of employability skills, such as communication and teamwork skills, that are central for preparing students for continually evolving future and thus the “new normal” brought forward by COVID-19.

Practical implications
This paper enables the authors to share their experiences and provision of their resources so that other teaching academics are able to design their own assessment task that contributes to students’ acquisition, development and enhancement of employability skills.

Originality/value
The originality of this paper is the application of integrating employability skills in assessment practice and the associated rubric as way to build students’ employability skills in the post-COVID world.
An estimation model of construction project segmentation for optimum project pricing
Authors: Shiue Fang-Jye , Lee Hsin-Yun , Zheng Meng-Cong , Khitam Akhmad F.K. , Assefa Sintayehu 
Published: December 2020

PurposeFor large projects, project segmentation and planning the size of contract packages in construction bids is a complex and critical issue. Due to the nature of construction projects, which frequently have large budgets, long durations and many activities with complex procedures, project segmentation involves complicated decision-making. To fill this gap, this study aims to develop an integrated model for planning project segmentation.Design/methodology/approachThe proposed model integrates a simulation and multiple attribute decision-making method. The simulation is used to evaluate the bidding outcome of various project segmentations. The owner can then determine the bid-price behavior of contractors in response to varying work package sizes. The multiple attribute decision-making method is used to select the optimal segmentation solution from the simulated scenarios.FindingsThe proposed model is applied to a large road preservation project in Indonesia and incorporates bid participants and market conditions. The model provides seven scenarios for segmentation. The range of scenarios captures increasing competitiveness in the construction with the average bid price becoming gradually more beneficial for the owner. The model also utilizes a multiple attribute decision-making method to select the optimum scenario for the owner.Originality/valueThis study presents an applicable model for project segmentation that is useful for both project owners and contractors. By utilizing the proposed model, a project owner can segment a large project into smaller contract packages to create improved project pricing.
Factors affecting the intrusiveness and selection of real-site data collection methods in hot and humid climates: critical review
Authors: Moohialdin Ammar , Lamari Fiona , Miska Marc , Trigunarsyah Bambang 
Published: December 2020

PurposeHot and humid climates (HHCs) are potential environmental hazards that directly affect construction workers' health and safety (HS) and negatively impact workers' productivity. Extensive research efforts have addressed the effects of HHCs. However, these efforts have been inconsistent in their approach for selecting factors influencing workers in such conditions. There are also increasing concerns about the drop-off in research interest to follow through intrusive and non-real-time measurements. This review aims to identify the major research gaps in measurements applied in previous research with careful attention paid to the factors that influence the intrusiveness and selection of the applied data collection methods.Design/methodology/approachThis research integrates a manual subjective discussion with a thematic analysis of Leximancer software and an elaborating chronological, geographical and methodological review that yielded 701 articles and 76 peer-reviewed most related articles.FindingsThe literature included the physiological parameters as influencing factors and useful indicators for HHC effects and identified site activity intensity as the most influencing work-related factor. In total, three main gaps were identified: (1) the role of substantial individual and work-related factors; (2) managerial interventions and the application of the right time against the right symptoms, sample size and measurement intervals and (3) applied methods of data collection; particularly, the intrusiveness of the utilised sensors.Practical implicationsThe focus of researchers and practitioners should be in applying nonintrusive, innovative and real-time methods that can provide crew-level measurements. In particular, methods that can represent the actual effects of allocated tasks are aligned with real-time weather measurements, so proactive HHC-related preventions can be enforced on time.Originality/valueThis review contributes to the field of construction workers' safety in HHCs and enables researchers and practitioners to identify the most influential individual and work-related factors in HHCs. This review also proposes a framework for future research with suggestions to cover the highlighted research gaps and contributes to a critical research area in the construction industry.
Analyzing attitudes of students toward the use of technology for learning: simplicity is the key to successful implementation in higher education
Authors: Naveh Gali , Shelef Amit 
Published: December 2020

PurposeResearch has shown that the much-anticipated technology revolution in higher education has failed to come to fruition. The arrival of ‘digital natives’ millennial students to higher education was presume to present even greater challenge concerning technology use. In light of these gaps, this research aims to capture higher education students' choice, use and preferences of technology in learning and teaching.Design/methodology/approachA paper-based questionnaire was distributed to third and fourth year students of industrial engineering and management at an engineering college in Israel. The students were asked to indicate their use of devices and technologies for learning, their frequency of use and their purpose of using.FindingsStudents extensively use a variety of technologies for learning. They prefer to use the same technologies for learning that they use in their personal lives – mainstream, commercially available technologies – rather than those offered by the institute. They perceive technology as a learning tool more than as a logistic/administrative tool, they would like technology to be more easily accessible and that it not be used as a facilitator of pedagogical change.Practical implicationsThe results indicate that technologies intended for use in teaching should be designed similar to commercially available alternatives that are simpler to use and more appealing.Originality/valueThis study provides an up-to-date view of students' perceptions of technology for learning that can be used to more effectively implement teaching technologies in higher education.
Understanding the influence of professional status and service feedback on patients' doctor choice in online healthcare markets
Authors: Yang Hualong , Du Helen S. , Shang Wei 
Published: December 2020

PurposeDespite the prevalent use of professional status and service feedback in online healthcare markets, the potential interaction relationship between two types of information is still unknown. This study used the signaling theory to examine the substitute relationship between professional status and service feedback in patients' doctor choice, as well as the moderating effect of illness severity.Design/methodology/approachTo test the paper's hypotheses, we constructed a panel data model using 418 doctors' data collected over a period of six months from an online healthcare market in China. Then, according to the results of the Hausman test, we estimated a fixed-effects model of patients' choice in online healthcare markets.FindingsThe empirical results showed that the effect of a doctor's professional status and service feedback on a patient's doctor choice was substitutable. Moreover, patients' illness severity played a moderating role, in that the influence of professional status on a patient with high-severity illness was higher than that on a patient with low-severity illness, whereas the influence of service feedback on a patient with low-severity illness was higher than that of a patient with high-severity illness. In addition, we found that illness severity negatively moderated the substitute relationship between professional status and service feedback on a patient's choice.Originality/valueThese findings not only contribute to signaling theory and research on online healthcare markets, but also help us understand the importance of professional status and service feedback on a patient's choice when seeking a doctor online.
Reflections on public financial management in the Covid-19 pandemic
Authors: Ball Ian 
Published: December 2020

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to reflect on competence in the management of government, with a focus on the management of public finances. I also reflect on the role public financial management (PFM) can play in addressing the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach
The approach in this paper is to document my thoughts and opinions on PFM in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Findings
Competent bureaucrats and sound finances are the key drivers of an effective PFM system that enables and encourages decisions leading to high standards of financial performance and position.

Practical implications
Although this is purely a personal reflection on the issue covered, it may encourage other academics and practitioners to explore the idea further in various settings across the globe.

Originality/value
Having devoted my academic and professional career to the field of PFM, this personal, reflective essay considers the role of PFM systems in generating information that leads to better decisions, better financial performance and position and ultimately a greater ability to absorb shocks such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
The challenges faced by service providers on satellite mental health-care facilities in Yangon, Myanmar: a qualitative study
Authors: Lin Kyaw , Lin Sun , Sein Than Tun 
Published: December 2020

PurposeMyanmar has an insufficient number of mental health workers with few institutional facilities resulting in a significant treatment gap. Although few mental health services are integrated into primary health care (PHC), the challenges are unknown. This study aimed to assess the challenges perceived by providers in the service delivery of satellite mental health care (SMHC) in two sample townships in Yangon.Design/methodology/approachThe research was based on a case study design by applying a qualitative approach using in-depth interviews (IDIs). In the three types of service providers, a total of six staff participated as interviewees. These consisted of two team leaders, two clinical specialists providing consultations to clients and two mental health nurses.FindingsProviders perceived the following as major challenges in the provision of services: unstable financial resources and management, insufficient human resources and capacity of service providers, restricted outpatient services, the lack of a functional referral system, overcrowding, inadequate individual consultation time, long-waiting hours, finite opening days and hours and poor setting of infrastructure, resulting in lack of privacy.Research limitations/implicationsIn the absence of similar studies in Myanmar, findings could not be placed in the context of the national literature for comparison. Further, the study involved a limited number of respondents, which may have affected the findings.Originality/valueAlthough the challenges revealed were not uncommon in mental health services in developing countries, this study focused on a specific model of mental health care integrated into general healthcare settings in Myanmar. The findings offer a benchmark on efforts to develop decentralized mental health services in Myanmar and provide input for future in-depth studies.
Risks’ cross-contagion between shadow banks based on complex network theory: evidence from China
Authors: Jin Li 
Published: December 2020

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyze the network path and internal mechanism of risks’ cross-contagion between shadow banks and design strategies for preventing risk infection between shadow banks.

Design/methodology/approach
Using the complex network theory, analyze the mechanism of risks’ cross-contagion between shadow banks from the credit network, business relationship network (BRN) and social network (SN); the cross-contagion mechanism using the structural equation model on the basis of China’s shadow banks is tested; based on the three risk infection paths, the prevention and control strategies for risk infection using the mathematical models of epidemic diseases are designed.

Findings
There are three network risk contagion paths between shadow banks. One, the credit network, risks are infected crossly mainly through debt and equity relationships; two, the BRN, risks are infected crossly mainly through business network and macro policy transmission; three, investor SN, risks are infected crossly mainly through individual SN and fractal relationships. The following three strategies for preventing risk’s cross-contagion between shadow banks: one, the in advance preventing strategy is more effective than the ex post control strategy; two, increasing the risk management coefficient; three, reducing the number of risk-infected submarkets.

Originality/value
The research of this study, especially the strategies for preventing the risks’ cross-contagion, could provide theoretical and practical guidance for regulatory authorities in formulating risk supervision measures.
Does service failure criticality affect global travellers' service evaluations? An empirical analysis of online reviews
Authors: Dwesar Rishi , Sahoo Debajani 
Published: December 2020

PurposeIncreased global air travel and competition in the airline industry entail better service delivery and failure management. This study examines how airline type, failure criticality and the traveller's culture influence travellers' airline evaluations of service failure.Design/methodology/approachThe study uses a large data set of customers' online reviews and incorporates quantitative and qualitative feedback from 20 major airlines across the world. Semantic tagging, sentiment and multivariate analyses have been used to analyse the data.FindingsFailure criticality and travellers' cultural backgrounds significantly affect airline evaluations after service failures. Moreover, failure criticality influences evaluations of travellers from individualistic cultures more severely. Contrary to expectations, full-service airlines were evaluated positively after less critical service failures.Practical implicationsThe findings support that customers undergo different emotional states when they experience service failure. Understanding these internal emotional sensitivities and how services would be judged by travellers across cultures can help airlines to better manage their service recovery efforts and to strategise prioritisation of scarce resources.Originality/valueThough airline service failure has been well researched, this study examines the role of culture in service failure evaluations. The study uses a novel method to analyse a large data set of both quantitative and qualitative traveller feedback useful in service recovery management.
Generating knowledge through micro-contradictions: the case of a nursing home for the elderly
Authors: Hofaidhllaoui Mahrane , Satouri Temna , Chouki Mourad , Smida Ali 
Published: December 2020

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to coordinate the different stages involved in designing a “CSR approach” in order to visualize and analyze micro-contradictions occurring between players in a multidisciplinary team.Design/methodology/approachThis intervention research project was spread over three years and conducted within an establishment for dependent elderly people (EDE).FindingsThis research extends Engeström's work to highlight the micro-contradictions identified and their nature. These micro-contradictions are reduced and investigated through mediator artifacts incorporating new knowledge.Research limitations/implicationsThe main limitation of the research study is that the authors were unable to completely validate Engeström's model, including the notion of instrument. The actors involved all belong to the same organization and use the same tools. This study would be worth repeating with a project team featuring actors from different organizations in order to grasp the concept of instruments used by individual actors.Practical implicationsOn the managerial front, the authors draw managers' attention to the importance of collaborative construction of management tools, which can improve the governance of their organizations.Originality/valueThe originality of this paper is based on the opportunity for the long-term analysis of the relationship between potential disturbances and the generation of new knowledge during collaborative work involving a multidisciplinary team. This study is useful for this type of establishment, especially within the context of the current health crisis.