bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Low ozone concentration and negative ions for rapid SARS-CoV-2 inactivation
Authors: De Forni Davide , Poddesu Barbara , Cugia Giulia , Gallizia Giovanni , La Licata Massimo , Lisziewicz Julianna , Chafouleas James , Lori Franco 
Published: March 2021

AbstractOzone is a powerful anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral agent, yet exposure to high levels of ozone can pose risks to human/animal health and, in the long term, corrode certain objects. In order to overcome these risks, we evaluated the potential of using a relatively short exposure of a low concentration of ozone to disinfect an indoor environment in the absence of individuals and animals. ICON3 by O3ZONO/M2L, a new disinfection device generating both ozone and negative ions, was selected to assess the potential of this strategy to inactivate different viral isolates of SARS-CoV-2.Tests under controlled laboratory conditions were performed in a system consisting of an ozone-proof airtight plastic box inside a biological safety cabinet, where suspensions of two strains of SARS-CoV-2 were exposed to ozone and negative ions and virucidal activity was measured by means of two complementary methodologies: viral replication capacity and viral titer determination.These studies revealed that low concentration ozone (average 3.18 ppm after the peak) inactivated up to >99% of SARS-CoV-2 within 20 minutes of exposure. Under controlled conditions, similar ozone exposure was recreated with ICON3 in different volume rooms (15, 30, 60 m3) where a linear relationship was observed between the room volume and the time of continuous ozone/ions flow required to reach and maintain the desired ozone levels used in the laboratory studies.These studies suggest that ICON3 may have the potential for use in the disinfection of SARS-CoV-2 in indoor environments in the absence of individuals and animals, under properly controlled and monitored safety conditions.
The Sugar Porter gene family ofPiriformospora indica: Nomenclature, Transcript Profiling and Characterization
Authors: Raj Sumit , Kumar Manoj , Singh Alok Kumar , Dua Meenakshi , Johri Atul Kumar 
Published: March 2021

AbstractPiriformospora indicais one of the prominent mutualistic root endophyte known to overcome phosphate and nitrogen limitation in a wide variety of plant species, reciprocally takes up carbohydrates for its survival and growth. A total of nineteen potential hexose transporters have been identified fromP. indicagenome, that may contributes to its potential of carbohydrate assimilation from host plant. Phylogenetic analysis assembles it in 10 groups within 3 clusters. To ease the study, systematic nomenclature were provided to 19 putative hexose transporters as “PiST1-PiST19” in accordance to their appearance on the supercontigs genome sequence ofP. indica. The protein length ranges from 487 to 608 amino acids. Out of 19 putative hexose transporters, 9 have been predicted to contain 12 transmembrane domains (PiST1, PiST2, PiST5, PiST6, PiST9, PiST10, PiST11, PiST12 and PiST17), along with MFS family and Sugar porter subfamily motif. Therefore, transcripts were detected for these 9 genes. During colonization, threeP. indicagenes PiST1, PiST5 and PiST9 have shown induction as compared to axenic culture. Similarly during phosphate starvation, revealed PiST12 to be strongly enhanced. Carbon starvation study in liquid axenic culture resulted in induction of 4 genes, PiST6, PiST9, PiST12 and PiST17. We found co-relation in the expression pattern of PiPT and PiST12 during phosphate starvation.In silicoanalysis revealed the presence of functional conserved fucose permease (FucP) domain, involved in fructose transport. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that PiST12 groups closely with basidiomycetes hexose transporters. Further, functional complementation of Δhxtnull mutant revealed, PiST12 is able to complement growth on fructose and galactose but negligible on glucose.
Negative SARS-CoV-2 PCR or rapid antigen test result and the subsequent risk of being infectious: a mathematical simulation study
Authors: Krumkamp Ralf , Kreuels Benno , Jaeger Veronika K. , May Jürgen , Mikolajczyk Rafael , Karch André 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundA considerable proportion of SARS-CoV-2 transmission occurs from asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic cases. Therefore, different polymerase chain reaction (PCR)- or rapid antigen test (RAT)-based approaches are being discussed and applied to identify infectious cases that would have gone undetected (e.g., in nursing homes). In this article, we provide a framework to estimate the time-dependent risk of being infectious after a negative SARS-CoV-2 test and we simulate the number of expected cases over time in populations of individuals who initially tested negative.MethodsA Monte Carlo approach is used to simulate infections that occurred over a one-week period in populations with 1,000 individuals following a negative SARS-Cov-2 test. Parameters representing the application of PCR tests or RATs are utilized, and SARS-CoV-2 7-day incidences between 25 and 200 per 100,000 people are considered. Simulation results are compared to case numbers predicted via a mathematical equation.ResultsThe simulations showed a linear increase in cases over time in populations of individuals who initially tested SARS-CoV-2 negative. The different false negative rates of PCR tests and RATs have a strong impact on the number of simulated cases. The simulated and the mathematically predicted case numbers were comparable. However, Monte Carlo simulations highlight that, due to random effects, infectious cases can exceed predicted case numbers even shortly after a test was conducted.ConclusionsThe analysis demonstrates that the number of infectious cases in a population can be effectively reduced by the screening of asymptomatic individuals. However, the time since the negative test and the underlying SARS-CoV-2 incidence are critical parameters in determining the observed subsequent number of cases in tested populations.
El Batraa manufacturers for chemicals and paint
Authors: Sheta Ashraf , Wael Sandra , Soliman Mariam , Abdallah Nour , Bahnassy Rovan , Waleed Zeina , El Safty Zeinab 
Published: March 2021

Learning outcomes
• Develop an understanding of how to institutionalize a family business. • Define the dynamics of the family business decision-making process in emerging markets. • Assess the cultural differences between founders and successors in an emerging markets context. • Identify the role of intergenerational differences in deciding the future strategy of a family business in emerging markets.

Case overview/synopsis
This case addresses El Batraa Manufacturers for Chemicals and Paints S.A.E., a privately owned family business operating in the coloring paste industry in Egypt. The main dilemma of the case is the existence of different visions about the business between the old and new generations. Also, it addresses the importance of understanding family dynamics to resolve existing challenges. The necessity of having governance in a family business is highlighted, together with a clear succession plan to secure family unity and business sustainability. Sandra the main protagonist within the case is trying to arrive to a resolution that can guarantee a motivating environment for her to join the family business. Her main dilemma is whether to choose to join the family business, with all the existing challenges or not. Accordingly, she proposes some steps to make the family business more appealing.

Complexity academic level
Under Graduate and Master of Business Administration level.

Supplementary materials
Teaching notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.

Subject code
CSS 3: Entrepreneurship.
The wellness zone headmasters salon and spa: managing growth
Authors: Nagar Komal 
Published: March 2021

Learning outcomes
The learning outcomes of this paper is as follows: to identify unique selling points of a growing business for attaining competitive advantage; to understand the role of segmentation for Wellness Zone Headmasters (WZH); to explore different strategic choices for successful expansion of business; to help students understand the concept of customer satisfaction in a competitive industry; and to understand the importance of differentiation as a major deciding factor for the future of a business.

Case overview/synopsis
In March 2020, Kumud Goel, one of the directors of WZH, a chain of wellness spa and salon in Jammu and Kashmir (India), was considering different marketing strategies to grow her existing business. The company had opened two new outlets in the past two years and was looking at increasing its customer base. Kumud was concerned about keeping her customers satisfied in a highly competitive industry. She was aware that differentiation was critical for future growth. In what ways could WZH differentiate itself from its competitors at a time when the market was exploding? Could customer segmentation be the solution? What measures would WZH need to take to increase its repeat customers?

Complexity academic level
The case is appropriate for use in a 90-min class in a Masters in Business Administration-level management course and for undergraduates, especially marketing majors and in a module on marketing strategy and customer value.

Supplementary materials
Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code
CSS 8: Marketing.
Developing a comprehensive business case for sustainability: an inductive study
Authors: Yadav Neetu , Mankavil Kovil Veettil Nandakumar 
Published: March 2021

Purpose
In this paper, the authors argue that there is a flip side to the business-and-sustainability relationship, which deals with how sustainability affects management practices. The so-called first-class leading companies in sustainability have put sustainability at the centre of strategic planning and defined their business case for sustainability. This paper aims to analyse these companies on sustainability imperatives and propose a comprehensive framework for developing a business case for sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper investigates the sustainability strategies and initiatives of six leading global firms (Nike, Unilever, Siemens AG, General Electric, Interface and Walmart). It provides insights into how leading firms have developed a comprehensive business case for their sustainability initiatives and are enjoying a competitive advantage. The inductive approach, using the case method and interpretive structural modelling, is used to propose a comprehensive framework for defining the business case for sustainability that might help other organisations do well by doing good and create sustainable value.

Findings
The success stories of the chosen organisations reaffirm that there is a business case for sustainability initiatives and efforts, as companies derive long-term benefits and also enjoy a competitive advantage. Other firms, which are yet to pave their paths towards sustainability, have a lot to learn from these successes.

Practical implications
The conceptual framework proposed in this paper will be very useful for organisations that are still on the path to establishing a business case for sustainability as there is a lot to learn from the first-class companies practising sustainability and learn from their reflection and experience.

Originality/value
The study in this paper contributes to the existing knowledge base by presenting a comprehensive list of sustainability imperatives that helps an organisation define the business case for sustainability and proposes a conceptual framework in this direction.
Financial planning for retirement of self-employed workers in the Ghanaian economy
Authors: Ofori Edmond 
Published: March 2021

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to ascertain the types of financial plan Ghanaian self-employed workers have towards their retirement, and the main forces that motivate these workers to financially plan for their pension.Design/methodology/approachThe study focused on self-employed workers aged from 15 to 60 years. Questionnaires were administered in gathering data for the study. The researcher used probit model in analysing the driving forces behind self-employed workers' financial planning for retirement.FindingsThe study revealed that bank/credit union/savings and loans savings, building of apartments for renting, investment in SSNIT pension, investment in treasury bills/fixed deposits, investment in ownership of business and private insurance pension are the types of financial plan that exist for self-employed workers towards their retirement. The study found that age, marital status, level of education, household size, number of children, renting a house, life style of the future retiree, income, risk level of job and types of retirement plan are the driving forces behind the retirement plans of self-employed workers.Practical implicationsUsing the identified types of financial plan and driving forces in this study, governments in the developing countries can develop and implement self-employed pension schemes, educate and encourage more self-employed workers to plan for their retirement.Originality/valueAnalysing the driving forces behind retirement plans of self-employed people in developing economies.
Revisiting the impact of organized labor on corporate bottom lines
Authors: Osiichuk Dmytro , Mielcarz Paweł , Kavalenka Julia 
Published: March 2021

Purpose
Relying on an international panel data set, the purpose of this paper is to quantify the economic impact of labor unionization on corporate financial performance.

Design/methodology/approach
Static panel regression analysis is performed for a firm-level multinational data set to elucidate the postulated empirical relationships between employee unionization and corporate performance. The transmission mechanisms intermediating the studied effects are discussed and operationalized.

Findings
The empirical evidence demonstrates that firms with a higher level of employee unionization spend more on wages and labor-related expenses. The concomitant downside of higher resource extraction by unions is a lower rate of net employment creation and a higher possibility of redundancy layoffs.

Originality/value
Overall, the authors demonstrate that by creating a credible threat of employee disobedience manifested through strikes and internal wage disputes, labor unions remain an effective mechanism of increasing employees’ bargaining power. Despite the discovered weak negative associative link between the degree of unionization and corporate financial performance, the authors perceive the overall evidence to be inconclusive on this matter.
Comparison of nutritional status between lacto-ovo vegetarian and non-vegetarian Jordanian adults
Authors: Al-Ma’aitah Aseel , Tayyem Reema 
Published: March 2021

Purpose
Vegetarian diets exclude meat, fish and poultry and/or egg and dairy products, these diets are based on grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes and seeds. The purpose of this study is to compare the nutritional status between lacto-ovo vegetarian and non-vegetarian Jordanian adults.

Design/methodology/approach
A case-control study was conducted during the period between (April–November 2019). In total, 200 Jordanians in early adulthood aged between 18 and 35 years participated in the present study; 100 subjects were non-vegetarians and 100 subjects were lacto-ovo vegetarians. The ratio was (1:1). Matching between the two groups was done in terms of age, sex and body mass index. A package that consisted of three structured questionnaires: Personal Information Sheet, Food Frequency Questionnaire and Seven-Day Physical Activity Recall were administered to all participants in this study.

Findings
The concentration of serum vitamin B12 was significantly higher (P = 0.011) in non-vegetarians than lacto-ovo vegetarians. The means of intake of calories (P = 0.003), calories from fat (P = 0.001), calories from saturated fat (P = 0.001), protein (P = 0.001), fat (P = 0.001), saturated fat (P = 0.001), monounsaturated fat (P = 0.022), polyunsaturated fat (P = 0.001), cholesterol (P = 0.001) and omega-6 (P = 0.039) were significantly higher in non-vegetarians. The intakes Mean of carbohydrates (P = 0.001), fiber (P = 0.001) and soluble fiber (P = 0.001) were significantly higher in lacto-ovo vegetarians compared to non-vegetarians. The mean of beta-carotene intake was significantly higher (P = 0.001) in lacto-ovo vegetarians compared to non-vegetarians, although the intakes of vitamin A(RAE) and retinol were significantly higher (P = 0.029, P = 0.001, respectively) in non-vegetarians as compared to lacto-ovo vegetarians. The means of vitamins B2 (P = 0.018), B3 (P = 0.001), B3NE (P = 0.001), B6 (mg) (P = 0.001), B12 (P = 0.001), E-a-Tocopherol (P = 0.001) and D (P = 0.001) intake were significantly higher in non-vegetarians compared to lacto-ovo vegetarians. The mean intakes of vitamins C (P = 0.033), folate (P = 0.005) and K (P = 0.002) were significantly in lacto-ovo vegetarians compared to non-vegetarians. Means intake of some minerals was significantly higher in non-vegetarians than lacto-ovo vegetarians.

Originality/value
The current study showed that lacto-ovo vegetarians had lower serum vitamin B12 levels. The consumption of fruits, vegetables and legumes was higher in lacto-ovo vegetarians than non-vegetarians. While lacto-ovo vegetarian diet provided less fat, saturated fat, polyunsaturated fat, monounsaturated fat and cholesterol than non-vegetarians, it could be considered a rich source for fiber, folate, beta-carotene, vitamin C and vitamin K.
Political connection, family involvement, and IPO underpricing: Evidence from the listed non‐state‐owned enterprises of China
Authors: Cao Zhen , Chen Yulin , Zeng Jianyu , Zhang Qunzi 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBased on hand‐collected data on Chinese listed non‐state‐owned enterprises (hereafter, non‐SOEs), this paper investigates how political connection and family involvement affect firms' IPO underpricing. We find that political connection and family involvement, serving as common compensatory mechanisms for institutional deficiencies, can significantly alleviate the IPO underpricing of non‐SOEs. Moreover, evidence shows that in regions with a well‐developed institutional environment, political connection significantly reduces the degree of IPO underpricing. But for companies located in regions with a poorer institutional environment, family involvement helps to achieve lower underpricing. The effects also vary with firm size. Political connection significantly mitigates underpricing of large firms. But for small firms, only family involvement plays a significant role in lowering IPO underpricing. Finally, we find that instead of increasing the offering price, the effect works in another way. Non‐SOEs with political connection and family involvement are no longer growth firms, for which the influence of the regulatory bar set by the China Security Regulatory Committee (CSRC) decreases. These firms tend to experience poorer long‐term performance after the IPO. This may lead to a relatively lower price in the secondary market, resulting in a lower level of IPO underpricing.
Mortality among birds and bats during an extreme heat event in eastern South Africa
Authors: McKechnie Andrew E. , Rushworth Ian A. , Myburgh Ferdi , Cunningham Susan J. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractHeat‐related mortality events involving birds and bats are projected to occur more frequently as a result of anthropogenic global heating. Reports of mass mortalities associated with extreme heat have, over the last decade, mostly involved Australian birds and pteropodid flying‐foxes. Here, we report a mortality event involving ~110 birds and fruit bats in eastern South Africa in early November 2020 when maximum air temperatures (Tmax) reached 43–45°C and relative humidities were 21–23%. The mortalities included 47 birds of 14 species, all but three of which were passerines, and ~60 Wahlberg’s epauletted fruit bats (Epomophorus wahlbergi). This mortality event occurred on a single very hot day preceded by several cooler days (Tmax = 37–39°C at one location) and involved weather conditions similar to those associated with at least one recent flying‐fox die‐off in Australia. The disproportionately high representation of passerines among the avian mortalities supports recent predictions that songbirds are more vulnerable to lethal hyperthermia on account of the relative inefficiency of panting as an avenue of evaporative heat dissipation. As far as we are aware, this is the first documented heat‐related mortality event involving wild birds and bats in southern Africa.
Robotic sigmoidectomy for diverticulitis – Natural orifice extraction with stapleless hand‐sewn intracorporeal anastomosis
Authors: Kudsi Omar Yusef , Gokcal Fahri , Bou‐Ayash Naseem , Chudner Alexandra 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAimA sigmoidectomy is the most definitive surgical treatment for recurrent diverticulitis. While it is usually accomplished via transabdominal specimen extraction and stapled anastomosis, the robotic platform can facilitate novel approaches and techniques. This is the first report of the initial experience using robotic sigmoidectomy with natural orifice specimen extraction and hand‐sewn anastomosis (NOSHA).MethodA prospectively maintained database of NOSHA procedures performed between 2018 and 2020 was retrospectively examined. The technique was described and variables across preoperative, intra‐operative and postoperative timeframes were presented. The Clavien‐Dindo classification system was used to describe postoperative complications.ResultsSixteen patients with recurrent diverticulitis treated with NOSHA were included in this study. Transanal specimen extraction and an intracorporeal hand‐sewn anastomosis were achieved in all patients. However, two (12.8%) patients required specimen debulking prior to extraction. The mean operating time was 171.7 min, and patients had a return of bowel function within an average period of 35.2 h. The mean hospital length of stay was 2.9 days. In total, two (12.8%) complications were seen: one postoperative ileus managed conservatively and one readmission for abdominal pain which resolved without intervention. No anastomotic leaks or reoperations were observed.ConclusionRobotic NOSHA appears to be a viable technique for the surgical management of diverticulitis. Further studies are needed to establish its utility for various diseases and its reproducibility across clinical practices.
Autoinflammationssyndrome
Authors: Meier‐Schiesser Barbara , French Lars E. 
Published: March 2021

ZusammenfassungAutoinflammationssyndrome sind eine wachsende Gruppe entzündlicher Erkrankungen, die durch Fehlregulationen im angeborenen Immunsystem verursacht werden. Die klinische Präsentation ist vielfältig, charakteristisch sind jedoch rezidivierende Fieberschübe, Hautbeteiligung, Gelenkentzündungen und andere systemische Entzündungssymptome. Im Gegensatz zu klassischen Autoimmunkrankheiten sind Autoantikörper oder spezifische T‐Zellen nicht an der Pathogenese beteiligt. Vielmehr spielt die angeborene Immunität die größte Rolle in der Autoinflammation. Während die Aktivierung des angeborenen Immunsystems normalerweise selbstlimitierend ist, kann es durch Mutationen und Fehlregulationen zu chronischer und exzessiver Aktivierung der angeborenen Immunantwort und somit zur Ausbildung autoinflammatorischer Syndrome kommen.