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International audience; Contamination of water resources by toxic metals and opportunistic pathogens remains a serious challenge. The development of nano-adsorbents with desired features to tackle this problem is a continuously evolving field. Here, magnetic mesoporous carbon nanospheres grafted by antimicrobial polyhexamethylene biguanidine (PHMB) are reported. Detailed mechanistic investigations reveal that the electrostatic stabilizer modified magnetic nanocore interfaced mesoporous shell can be programmatically regulated to tune the size and related morphological properties. The core-shell nano-adsorbent shows tailorable shell thickness (approximate to 20-55 nm), high surface area (363.47 m(2) g(-1)), pore volume (0.426 cm(3) g(-1)), radially gradient pores (11.26 nm), and abundant biguanidine functionality. Importantly, the nano-adsorbent has high adsorption capacity for toxic thallium (Tl(I) ions (approximate to 559 mg g(-1)), excellent disinfection against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli (>99.99% at 2 and 2.5 mu g mL(-1)), ultrafast disinfection kinetics rate (>99.99% within approximate to 4 min), and remarkable regeneration capability when exposed to polluted water matrices. The Tl(I) removal is attributed to surface complexation and physical adsorption owing to open ended mesopores, while disinfection relies on contact of terminal biguanidines with phospholipid head groups of membrane. The significance of this work lies in bringing up effective synchronic water purification technology to combat pathogenic microorganisms and toxic metal.

The contamination of pathogenic micro-organisms and heavy metals in drinking water sources poses a serious threat to human health, which raises the demand for efficient water treatments. Herein, multi-functional capacitive deionization (CDI) electrodes were developed for the simultaneous decontamination of bacteria and heavy metal contaminants. Polyhexamethylene guanidine (PHMG), an antibacterial polymer, was deposited on the surface of the activated carbon (AC) electrode with the assistance of mussel-inspired polydopamine (PDA) chemistry. The main characterization results proved successful co-deposition of PDA and PHMG on the AC electrode, forming a hydrophilic coating layer in one step. Electrochemical analyses indicated that the AC-PDA/PHMG electrodes presented satisfactory capacitive behaviors, with outstanding salt adsorption capacity and cycling stability. The modified electrodes also exhibit excellent disinfection performance and heavy metal adsorption performance. The bacterial elimination rate of co-deposited electrodes grew along with the increase in the PHMG content. Particularly, AC-PDA/PHMG

PurposeThis study explores the countermeasures taken by retailers to mitigate the effects of COVID-19 on supply chain disruptions.Design/methodology/approachThis research uses a multiple case study approach and undertakes 36 semi-structured interviews with senior management of the four largest retailers of the United Arab Emirates. The respondents were designated at different positions such as Vice President, Director and Project Manager.FindingsResults reveal that retailers are employing six countermeasures to mitigate the effects of COVID-19 on supply chains. Particularly, retailers are securing required demand, preserving cash flows, redirecting inventory, adding capacity to their distribution centres, becoming more flexible with their direct or third-party logistics provider and finally widening delivery options for their suppliers to mitigate the impact of COVID-19.Research limitations/implicationsThis study has some limitations. First, the results of this study cannot be generalized to a broader population as it attempts to build an initial theory. Second, this study uses a cross-sectional approach to explore the countermeasures employed by retailing firms to mitigate the effects of COVID-19.Originality/valueA notable weakness in a supply chain disruption literature is an unfulfilled need for research examining the strategies employed by retailers to respond to/address the challenges posed by COVID-19. Our study fills this gap.

We created 3D-reduced graphene oxide/sodium alginate double network (GAD) beads to address the problem of local water pollution by antimony. GAD is a novel material with the high specific surface area of graphene and biosecurity of sodium alginate. Due to the introduction of graphene, the thermal stability and specific surface area of GAD are enhanced, as shown from the FTIR, TGA, BET, Raman, and XRD characterizations. The influence of different environmental variables-such as the pH, dosage, temperature, contact time, and sodium chloride concentration on the Sb(III) sorption with GAD-was investigated. The adsorption results fit well with both the pseudo-second order (R2 > 0.99) and Freundlich (R2 > 0.99) isotherm models. The temperature rise has a negative influence on the adsorption. The Langmuir adsorption capacity is 7.67 mg/g, which is higher than many adsorbents. The GAD results from the fixed-bed adsorption experiment were a good fit with the Thomas model (R2 > 0.99). In addition, GAD appears to be a renewable and ideal adsorbent for the treatment of antimony pollution in aqueous systems.

PurposeThis study aims to analyze the relationship between mindfulness and study engagement focusing on the mediating mechanism between the relationships proposed. Based on the conservation of resources (COR) theory, the authors examine whether psychological capital (PsyCap) and intrinsic motivation mediate the relationship between mindfulness traits and study engagement.Design/methodology/approachPath analysis was conducted to test the hypothesized relationships among a sample of 428 international students studying in Chinese universities in Shanghai.FindingsThe results support the hypothesized relationships and imply that mindfulness is an essential antecedent of study engagement and more mindful students are more engaged in studying. Besides, the relationship between self-rated mindfulness and study engagement is mediated by PsyCap and intrinsic motivation.Research limitations/implicationsFor universities, these findings help develop unique educational strategies to resolve issues related to study involvement. The study has several theoretical and practical implications.Originality/valueThe current study explored the relationship between mindfulness and study engagement in international students studying in Chinese universities – an understudied context in higher education. The authors find that mindfulness has positive effects on study engagement through PsyCap and intrinsic motivation.

PurposeThis paper explores the strategies adopted by purchasing firms to streamline relationships with suppliers amid the COVID-19 outbreak.Design/methodology/approachThis study employed a multiple case study method and conducted 42 semi-structured interviews with procurement managers from six firms in the United Arab Emirates.FindingsThis study reveals six helpful strategies that purchasing firms can undertake to streamline supplier relationship management (SRM) in the wake of COVID-19. Precisely, purchasing firms are revising supply chain costs, planning orders in advance, sharing critical information with suppliers, planning major contingencies, developing a robust relationship with suppliers (e.g. partnership) and finally, improving the supplier's visibility.Research limitations/implicationsThis study comes with certain limitations. First, the results are based on a limited number of 42 interviewees. Hence, the study’s results cannot be generalized to a broader population. Second, the data were collected based on the cause and effect relationship.Practical implicationsThe findings of this study can help purchasing firms learn and use new appropriate strategies to manage the relationship with their suppliers in the midst of the COVID-19 outbreak.Originality/valueThis study contributes to SRM literature by unveiling six distinct strategies (such as revising supply chain costs, planning orders in advance, sharing critical information, etc.) that purchasing firms have employed to develop a robust and healthy working relationship with the suppliers in the midst of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Purpose This paper aims to explore the role of personal relationships (friendships) in mitigating knowledge hiding behaviour between managers. Design/methodology/approach This study uses a phenomenological methodology by studying seven UAE-based firms. Furthermore, 30 semi-structured (15 dyadic) interviews with senior managers are undertaken. The senior managers were chosen from multiple industries including plastic, frozen food, logistics, etc. Findings Based on 30 semi-structured interviews and comprehensive data analysis, results reveal that the development of personal relationships between managers results in higher interpersonal trust, mutual loyalty, higher cooperation, strong mutual goals and cultivation of reciprocity. The result further states that these factors diminish knowledge hiding behaviour between them. Research limitations/implications This study has some limitations. First, this study explores behavioural patterns concerning the United Arab Emirates culture only. Second, the results presented in this study should be quantitatively tested to demonstrate their generalizability. Practical implications Firms can use this study’s findings to understand how and why personal relationships between managers within firms diminish knowledge hiding behaviour. Originality/value There is a dire need for research exploring how knowledge hiding can be mitigated in firms. This paper addresses this gap by exploring the role of personal relationships in the knowledge hiding literature.

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the disruptions caused to supply chains by COIVD-19 as well as steps/countermeasures taken by firms to address such disruptions.Design/methodology/approachThis study employs 46 semi-structured interviews with senior managers of the three buying firms, four distribution centers and four supplying firms based in four countries (Pakistan, Sri Lanka, China and India).FindingsResults unveil that manufacturing firms are facing limited production and delays in procuring goods and services, while distribution centres are facing inventory shortages. Furthermore, supplying firms are facing increased lead times amid the COVID-19 outbreak. In addition, each affected entity has employed specific strategies to address these disruptions. For instance, manufacturing firms are refining their production schedules based on the inventory, getting better visibility to their suppliers’ performance and developing new inbound routes to meet the production challenges. They are also assessing the tier-1 supplier’s risk and activating the relationship with secondary suppliers to address the procurement issues. Second, distributors are modifying inventory policies to meet the inventory shortage. Finally, supplying firms are developing alternative outbound logistics to meet the growing demand.Research limitations/implicationsThere are some limitations to this study. First, the results of this study cannot be generalized to a wider population. Second, this study explores the interpretations of senior managers based in four Asian countries only.Originality/valueOur study contributes to the supply chain literature by exploring the disruptions caused by COVID-19 to the supply chain operations. It also contributes to theory and practice by articulating the strategies adopted by firms to address such disruptions. Firms can use the steps highlighted in this study to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on the supply chain disruptions.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore how knowledge hiding affects buyer-supplier relationship performance in the supply chain. Design/methodology/approach This study uses a multiple case study methodology. Overall, 26 semi-structured interviews (13 dyadic interviews) with managers of buying and supplying firms (who have been a victim of knowledge hiding) were undertaken. Findings Based on comprehensive data analysis, results reveal seven factors that adversely affect buyer-supplier relationship performance (lack of trust, lack of cooperation and lack of commitment). In addition, results reveal that such factors reduced the firm’s business performance in terms of low-quality products, increased lead time and higher costs. Research limitations/implications This study has some limitations. First, the results of this study are not generalizable to a broader population. Second, this study explores behavioral patterns with respect to United Arab Emirates culture only. Practical implications Firms can use the findings from this study to understand how knowledge hiding in a buyer-supplier relationship adversely affects a buyer-supplier relationship performance. Originality/value A considerable weakness in buyer-supplier relationship literature is a need for a study examining how knowledge hiding harms buyer-supplier relationship performance in the supply chain. This paper addresses this gap.

Value co-creation (VCC) is an emerging phenomenon in the business eco-system that has received scholars' attention over the past decade. This study explored most influential journals, institutions,...

Information technologies (ITs), including digital platforms and the Internet of things have dramatically supported prosumption behavior in value co-creation (VCC) development under the sharing econ...

Many elementary students face difficulties in solving word-based, mathematical problems. This study explores using the reciprocal teaching instructional strategy for word-based, mathematical problems at the elementary level. We used a quasiexperimental research design for this study to address the reciprocal teaching environment design, implementation, and evaluation at elementary level mathematics education. Two sixth grade model classes, A & B, of a public secondary school from the district of Okara, Punjab, Pakistan, were selected for this study. Reciprocal teaching for mathematics appears to be an essential strategy for nurturing a more in-depth understanding of the text of mathematical word problems at the elementary level. This instructional approach could enhance an extraordinary level of skill in critical thinking, reasoning, and understanding.

Aim/Purpose: This study aims to examine the challenges faculty members face with online teaching practices in public universities in Karachi, Pakistan during the COVID-19 pandemic. Faculty members’ pedagogical experiences were examined by following the approach of the technology acceptance model (TAM) framework presented by Davis in 1986 and 1989. Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected educational activities and disrupted the traditional norms of education at colleges and universities in the world, and, as a result, teaching and learning have shifted to online. Accordingly, the outcome of the COVID-19 pandemic has unexpectedly forced educators and educational leaders to analyze pedagogical measures to offer quality education to students and make changes to their curriculum and instruction. Methodology: This study used a mixed-method research design with closed-ended surveys and interviews. The researchers distributed online questionnaires and conducted phone call interviews, followed by simple random sampling approach to strengthen data collection and analysis. The research data were analyzed through descriptive statistical tests, including mean, standard deviation, and Pearson correlation, and thematic analysis. Contribution: By examining the challenges faculty members face with online teaching practices, this study contributes to the literature knowledge to advance the Practical-Knowledge gap (the lack of empirical studies in the context of practice and theoretical perspective) by knowing faculty members’ experiences and attitudes regarding online teaching in public universities in Karachi, Pakistan. The adopted framework of the technology acceptance model provides confirmation of reliability in the context of higher education institutions, which can help explore pedagogical challenges and practices of teachers who teach online in other provinces in Pakistan, cultures, and countries. This study provides suggestions to online teachers in Pakistan to sort out their challenges. Findings: The findings highlight a favorable attitude of faculty members’ usage of virtual platforms for teaching. Likewise, faculty members encountered several challenges that caused restrictions in accomplishing competent teaching and learning. Furthermore, faculty members lacked sound experience in conducting online classes and were not given adequate technical assistance or ICT infrastructure to cope with the technical challenges. Recommendations for Practitioners: It is recommended by this study that teachers should be given adequate professional development opportunities to develop technical and ICT infrastructure competencies to facilitate them to successfully teach online. Recommendation for Researchers: Another study should be conducted at the national level to reinforce the understanding and generalization of this study’s results. Furthermore, this study assessed public universities faculty members’ experiences through self-reported surveys and interviews. However, future researchers should employ other means and methods of examination such as private universities, public universities, primary schools, middle schools, secondary schools, and observations or focus group discussions to broaden the understanding of online teaching practices and challenges in Pakistan. Impact on Society: By examining faculty members’ experiences and challenges of teaching online, this study will help educators and educational leaders to raise the quality of online teaching in Pakistan by knowing the appropriate solutions and recommendations. Future Research: This study examined the adoption of three ICT indicators through pedagogical practices such as perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and attitude to use. For future studies, researchers and practitioners should evaluate other indicators such as students’ learning outcomes.

Purpose: The flexibility inherent in temporary agency work allows employers to cut labour cost in a variety of ways. Recurring themes in the employment literature draw attention to the duality of the labour market rooted in type-of-contract segmentation. This duality in the labour market carries with it a number of undesirable consequences. Design: Drawing on qualitative data from six case studies in Pakistan, this paper reports on an in-depth study of deceitful labour market intermediaries, through which employers attempt to bypass statutory obligations concerning workers’ constitutional rights. Findings: A case study inquiry, based on qualitative interviews, suggested that the agencies were ‘created’ or ‘arranged’ to illustrate indirectness of employment relationship by misclassifying effectively permanent employees as ‘agency workers’. The evidence points towards a growing trend for agencies to be simply a sham arrangement.Originality: This study broadened our comprehension about the nature of temporary agency employment and subsequent labour market duality in Pakistan, beyond the traditional functional model of legitimate labor market intermediaries. A picture of precarious work from Pakistan being a large and growing economy shares many features in common with the rest of the world. These findings offer useful policy and social implications for national and multinational companies.

This study positions perceived organizational culture's (OC) as an important internal contextual factor that influences employee reactions to change. Drawing on the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and organization theory research, we analyze the mechanisms through which employee perceptions of OC generate its effect on employee responses to organizational change. Data from a field study of 171 employees in Kurdistan Region of Iraq's public school teachers showed that employee perceptions of developmental culture were positively and directly related to their change-supportive intentions (CSIs) and, as suggested by the TPB, its effects are simultaneously mediated by change-related attitude (CRA), subjective norm and perceived behavioral control. However, our findings demonstrated that hierarchical culture was only indirectly related to employee CSIs; this relationship was mediated only by CRA and subjective norm. This study is important because it broadens the remit of OC's role as change agent and provides valuable insight into how OC influences employee responses to change efforts in public organizations.

The choice of the most appropriate method for learning and teaching any foreign language is of vital importance. This study aims to investigate student teachers' achievements in English language learning. A quasi-experimental research design was used to compare and identify the effective English language teaching method in a distance teacher education program at the university level in Pakistan. Moreover, semi-structured interviews were conducted to follow up on the experimental findings and enlighten the distance tutors' English language teaching practices. A sample of sixty student teachers enrolled in the B.Ed. Program of Allama Iqbal Open University Pakistan was randomly selected and divided into a control group (CG) and experimental group (EG). Furthermore, eleven distance tutors were also interviewed. Pre-test and post-test were used in both groups. Findings revealed that the grammar-translation method (GTM) is not encouraged for English language teaching; however, it is still in practice at the university level in Pakistan. Moreover, tutors reflected that the English language syllabus could be modified to meet modern needs. Furthermore, communication on the part of the learners also needs to be addressed. The examination system should not focus only on writing skills, but also on evaluating all language skills, including reading, speaking, and listening.

PurposeThis paper explores the potential opportunities and challenges that Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) may bring for resilient supply chains.Design/methodology/approachThis study employs multiple case study methodology by considering five south Asian countries. Overall, 36 semi-structured interviews with supply chain managers from three supplying firms, two transportation centers and four buying firms are undertaken. Three supplying firms were based in Pakistan, providing cement and steel products. Simultaneously, two transportation centers were located in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, mainly engaged in cargo and freight handling. Finally, the buying firms were located in Mainland China and India, mainly constructing road and rail networks.FindingsOur findings reveal both challenges and opportunities for supply chain resilience within the context of BRI. In particular, findings suggest that BRI can improve quality infrastructure, greater connectivity for logistics firms and enhance consumer markets. Conversely, BRI also poses challenges to supply chain resilience in managing large-scale logistics infrastructure and the potential conflicts between countries participating in BRI.Research limitations/implicationsAs this study attempts to build a theory, its result should not be generalized to a broader population. Second, this study only explores BRI's implications for resilient supply chains within five South Asian countries.Practical implicationsFirms can use our study results to understand BRI’s implications for resilient supply chains. Particularly, it presents firms with the potential opportunities and challenges that BRI brings for resilient supply chains.Originality/valueBRI has been the subject of much research in domains like political science, economics and law but its application to the supply chain resilience is rather scant. Our study, therefore, contributes to the emergent literature on supply chain resilience within the context of BRI by exploring its potential opportunities and challenges.

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has emerged as a global pandemic recognized by the World Health Organization. It has a significant impact on Saudi Arabia’s educational process, resulting in several universities suspending on-campus teaching, exams, and training. OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to evaluate the effect of COVID-19 on dental students’ examination, internship placement, and subsequent impact on preparedness and confidence. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted to gather data from dental interns in Saudi Arabia using a pre-tested online questionnaire. Convenient sampling was applied to collect data from 5th September to 15th September 2020. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23. Descriptive data were presented as frequency and percentages. The Chi-square test was used to evaluate the relationship between variables. RESULTS: Data of 409 dental interns from 8 dental schools reported that 209 (51%) participants’ exams were affected as the format was changed to online examination. 130 (31.8%) dental interns strongly agreed that assistance in hospitals during the outbreak of COVID-19 would complement their learning opportunities. Whereas 115(28.1%) respondents strongly agreed that dental schools’ measures to modify their curriculum were necessary. The impact of COVID-19 on dental intern preparedness discovered that the affected exams had a significant effect on final year students’ readiness to begin the internship (p = 0.042). Considering students’ confidence in starting the training earlier than expected, the student course had a statistically significant impact on their confidence (p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: The current study demonstrates that COVID-19 had disrupted dental interns’ preparedness towards clinical rotation and decreased their confidence performing in the clinical setup. Due to being unprepared and having low confidence, most dental interns were not ready to start working in the hospital on time.

Extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (ENKTL) is an aggressive, rare lymphoma of natural killer (NK) cell origin with poor clinical outcomes. Here we used phenotypic and molecular profiling, including epigenetic analyses, to investigate how ENKTL ontogeny relates to normal NK-cell development. We demonstrate that neoplastic NK cells are stably, but reversibly, arrested at earlier stages of NK-cell maturation. Genes downregulated in the most epigenetic immature tumors were associated with polycomb silencing along with genomic gain and overexpression of EZH2. ENKTL cells exhibited genome-wide DNA hypermethylation. Tumor-specific DNA methylation gains were associated with polycomb-marked regions, involving extensive gene silencing and loss of transcription factor binding. To investigate therapeutic targeting, we treated novel patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models of ENKTL with the DNA hypomethylating agent, 5-azacytidine. Treatment led to reexpression of NK-cell developmental genes, phenotypic NK-cell differentiation, and prolongation of survival. These studies lay the foundation for epigenetic-directed therapy in ENKTL. Significance: Through epigenetic and transcriptomic analyses of ENKTL, a rare, aggressive malignancy, along with normal NK-cell developmental intermediates, we identified that extreme DNA hypermethylation targets genes required for NK-cell development. Disrupting this epigenetic blockade in novel PDX models led to ENKTL differentiation and improved survival. This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 85

Background/Objectives: Learning environment plays a crucial role in students’ academic achievements. To understand this relationship, the study explores the perceptions of international science students in degree programs. Methods/Statistical analysis: This study used a mixed-method research design. Five interviews were conducted to explore and confirm the quantitative findings. Dundee Ready Educational Environment Measure (DREEM) questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data from a sample size of 71 participants in three faculties, including life sciences, chemistry, and physics. Qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews. Cronbach’s alpha, Mean, standard deviation, ANOVA, and thematic analysis were conducted to analyze the data. Findings: The overall mean score of the DREEM was 142.49/200, indicating that international science students held positive perceptions of their learning environment. However, interviews explored the problematic areas, such as lack of a support system for students who got stressed, orientations about degree programs do not provide information for the next steps during the programs. Labs are well-equipped; however, all labels and instructions inside labs are in the Chinese language. Conclusion: There is a need for a student support system to enhance the learning environment. Well-planned orientation should be conducted at the start and mid of the programs to facilitate students’ learning environment. Keywords: Science; perceptions; learning environment; student support system; international students

Polyethyleneimine (PEI) modified palygorskite (Pal) was used for the adsorption of Cr(VI) in aqueous solution. The absorbent was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Characterized results confirmed that the Pal has been successfully modified by PEI. The modification of PEI increased the Cr(VI) adsorption performance of the Pal by the adsorption combined reduction mechanism, and amino groups of the adsorbent play the main role in the enhanced Cr(VI) adsorption. The maximum adsorption capacity was 51.10 mg·g−1 at pH 4.0 and 25 °C. The adsorption kinetics of Cr(VI) on the adsorbent conforms to the Langmuir isotherm model. The maximum adsorption occurs at pH 3, and then the adsorption capacity of PEI-Pal was decreased with the increase of pH values. The adsorption kinetics of Cr(VI) on PEI-Pal was modeled with pseudo-second-order model. The addition of Cl−, SO42− and PO43− reduced the Cr(VI) adsorption by competition with Cr(VI) for the active sites of PEI-Pal. The Cr(VI) saturated PEI-Pal can be regenerated in alkaline solution, and the adsorption capacity can still be maintained at 30.44 mg·g−1 after 4 cycles. The results demonstrate that PEI-Pal can be used as a potential adsorbent of Cr(VI) in aqueous solutions.

PurposeThis research aims to explore the potential impacts of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) on sustainable supply chains.Design/methodology/approachThis study employs twenty qualitative interviews with supply chain managers located on the BRI lane from Asian countries.FindingsFindings revealed that if not managed properly, BRI can pose a serious threats to sustainable supply chains from environmental perspective. The findings also revealed additional properties which lead to the emergence of these perspective.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings of this study may not be generalizable to a broader population. Second, this study explores supply chain managers’ interpretations from Asian countries only.Practical implicationsSupply chain firms can use the findings from this study to understand the implications of BRI for sustainable supply chains. Particularly, firms can understand how the BRI may harm the organization's sustainable supply chains from the environmental perspective.Originality/valueThis is, perhaps, the first study which provides empirical evidence concerning the potential impacts of BRI on the management of sustainable supply chains.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the multi-level (individual, interpersonal and firm) consequences of top-down knowledge hiding in firms. Design/methodology/approach This study uses a multiple case study methodology by studying nine United Arab Emirates (UAE)-based firms. Furthermore, 26 semi-structured interviews with managers based in 9 different firms are undertaken. Findings Based on the qualitative interviews and comprehensive data analysis, four individual, one interpersonal and two firm-level consequences emerged. In addition, the consequences of top-down knowledge hiding are not multi-level, but multi-faceted too. Research limitations/implications This study has some limitations. First, the results of this study are not generalizable to a broader population. Second, this study explores behavioral patterns with respect to UAE culture only. Practical implications Firms can use the findings from this study to understand the multi-level and multi-faceted consequences of top-down knowledge hiding in firms. Also, this study provides some constructive guidelines to firms/senior management to mitigate the consequences of knowledge hiding in firms. Originality/value This study contributes to knowledge hiding literature by revealing multi-level and multi-faceted consequences of top-down knowledge hiding in firms.

The purpose of this study is to conduct a bibliometric analysis to examine the most influential journals, institutions, and countries in social media (SM) publications related to knowledge management (KM). Moreover, various research themes in SM KM publications are also explored. VOSviewer was employed to process 234 SM KM publications retrieved from Web of Science (WoS) in the time period 2009-2019. Different methodologies were used according to the nature of bibliometric analysis and explained in each section. Journal of Knowledge Management was the most influential journal in SM KM publications. USA and England ranked first and second respectively, while the Tampere University of Technology was the most productive institute in SM KM research. Four emerged themes indicated an explicit contribution of SM users in KM through big data, knowledge sharing, innovation, Enterprise 2.0, and social capital. This is the first bibliometric study that explores the overall contribution of SM publications in the KM field.

Background Fungal prostatitis is exceedingly rare with mostly case reports. Methods Electronic medical records at three medical centers were searched for cases of fungal prostatitis due to endemic mycoses and Cryptococcus over the preceding 10 years. Results Seven cases were identified from 105 600 prostate biopsies within the Southern California Permanente Medical Group for an incidence of 0.0066%. An additional eight cases were identified from two other health care systems. Excluding four patients without available clinical data, 11 patients were reviewed, most of whom underwent biopsy due to elevated prostate-specific antigen. Four were asymptomatic and the remainder had nonspecific signs or symptoms. All biopsies revealed granulomatous inflammation and fungal organisms. Seven patients had coccidioidomycosis, three patients had cryptococcosis (confirmed in two cases and suspected by organism morphology in the other), and one patient had likely histoplasmosis based on organism morphology. Prolonged antifungal treatment was standard; outcomes were favorable. Conclusion Fungal prostatitis due to endemic mycoses and Cryptococcus is uncommon and associated with favorable outcomes but generally involves prolonged therapy.

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore how firms can mitigate knowledge hiding behavior among their managers.Design/methodology/approachThis study employs a multiple case study methodology for studying nine United Arab Emirates-based (UAE-based) firms. Furthermore, 26 semi-structured interviews with senior managers are undertaken.FindingsBased on the qualitative interviews and comprehensive data analysis, results unveil three strategies that firms can opt for in order to mitigate knowledge hiding behavior among managers (reducing chain of command, developing informal interaction among managers, introducing and implementing incentive policy.Research limitations/implicationsThis study has some limitations. First, the results of this study are not generalizable to a broader population. Second, this study explores behavioral patterns with respect to the UAE culture only.Practical implicationsFirms can use the findings from this study to understand strategies that can help them to mitigate the knowledge hiding behavior of managers.Originality/valueThis study contributes to knowledge hiding literature by revealing strategies which discourages knowledge hiding behavior in firms.

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore how firms can mitigate knowledge hiding behavior among their managers.Design/methodology/approachThis study employs a multiple case study methodology by studying nine UAE based firms. Furthermore, 26 semi-structured interviews with senior managers are undertaken.FindingsBased on the qualitative interviews and comprehensive data analysis, results unveil six strategies that firms can opt for in order to mitigate knowledge hiding behavior among managers (reducing chain of command, developing informal interaction among managers, introducing and implementing incentive policy, initiating easy performance appraisal, encouraging higher interdependency among managers and introducing open space work stations).Research limitations/implicationsThis study has some limitations. First, the results of this study are not generalizable to a broader population. Second, this study explores behavioral patterns with respect to United Arab Emirates culture only. Second, the results presented in this study should be tested.Practical implicationsFirms can use the findings from this study to understand strategies that can help them to mitigate the knowledge hiding behavior of managers.Originality/valueThis study contributes to knowledge hiding literature by revealing strategies, which discourages knowledge hiding behavior in firms.

Knowledge management has been the subject of much research in buyer-supplier relationship literature. Many of these studies outline the benefits attributed to buying and supplying firms as a result of knowledge sharing between its managers. However, it is important to note managers across firms can also deliberately hide knowledge from each other during their business interaction. This study fills this important gap. The analysis of this study is based on a pilot study comprising six semi-structured interviews with the managers of buying and supplying firms. The findings suggest that managers of buying and supplying firms experience five different types of antecedents during their business interaction. This paper provides theoretical contribution to supply chain knowledge management literature by proposing five antecedents of knowledge hiding in a buyer-supplier relationship. The findings of this study also have practical implications. Specifically, firms can use initial findings from this study to understand what compels their management to engage in knowledge hiding.

Summary Osteoporosis and osteoporotic fractures lead to decreased life quality and high healthcare costs. Current treatments prevent losses in bone mass and fractures to some extent but have side effects. Therefore, better therapies are needed. This study investigated whether the transcription factor Jun has a specific pro-osteogenic potency and whether modulating Jun could serve as a novel treatment for osteoporosis-associated fractures. We demonstrate that ectopically transplanted whole bones and distinct osteoprogenitors increase bone formation. Perinatal Jun induction disturbs growth plate architecture, causing a striking phenotype with shortened and thickened bones. Molecularly, Jun induces hedgehog signaling in skeletal stem cells. Therapeutically, Jun accelerates bone growth and healing in a drilling-defect model. Altogether, these results demonstrate that Jun drives bone formation by expanding osteoprogenitor populations and forcing them into the bone fate, providing a rationale for future clinical applications., Graphical Abstract, Highlights • Jun drives the formation of bone at the expense of cartilage and stroma • Jun disturbs the proper differentiation of the developing growth plate • Jun stimulates hedgehog signaling in skeletal stem cells • Jun accelerates fracture healing in a drilling-defect model, Wernig and colleagues demonstrate the striking potency of the transcription factor Jun to expand bone precursors, drive bone formation, and accelerate fracture healing. Boosting the regenerative potential of dormant bone precursor cells, they show the potential of stem cell therapy for widespread degenerative disease.

Polyethyleneimine modified activated sludge (AS-PEI) was prepared and used for the removal of Cr(VI) in wastewater. Characterized results exhibited that PEI was successfully anchored on the surface...

Microemulsions (μEs)-based drug delivery is known to be superior as well as effective due to customizable and easy management, efficiency and capability, and quick drug absorption over a wide range of targets. Herein, two μE formulations were established comprising of clove oil (as oil phase), water (as aqueous phase), Tween-80 (as surfactant), isopropanol, and methanol (as cosurfactant) for formulation A (μE-A) and formulation B (μE-B), respectively, and further used for the encapsulation of an antimuscarinic drug, mirabegron (MBG). Multiple complementary measurements, namely, electrical conductivity (σ), viscosity (η), and optical microscopy, show the existence of phase transition from W/O to O/W μE via intermediate bicontinuous channels. MBG showed long storage stability as well as good solubility i.e. 3.0 and 2.5 wt% at pH 6.4 in optimum μE-A and μE-B, respectively. Furthermore, no apparent aggregation of MBG was observed, as revealed by scanning transmission electron microscopy and peak correlations of IR analysis, suggesting the stability of MBG inside the formulations. Likewise, fluorescence detection senses the interfacial environment of MBG molecules in the examined formulations that could be vital for understanding the mechanism of controlled drug release.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to unveil negative outcomes associated with an absence of guanxi in a buyer–supplier relationship in Chinese logistics industry. Design/methodology/approach This study uses a case study methodology using 16 semi-structured interviews with managers engaged in the process of buying and selling logistics services in China. Findings Based on the qualitative interviews, managers experience lack of trust, lack of communication flow and reduced business volume when guanxi is absent in a buyer–supplier relationship in the Chinese logistics industry. Research limitations/implications This study has some limitations. First, the results of this study are not generalizable to a broader population. Second, this study explores behavioral patterns with respect to Chinese business culture only. Practical implications Firms can use the findings from this study to understand the consequence they can face when guanxi is absent in a buyer–supplier relationship. Originality/value This study attempts to offer a balanced perspective on the role of guanxi in a buyer–supplier relationship, particularly in the Chinese logistics industry, by considering how an absence of guanxi generates negative outcomes for firms.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop a standardized, psychometrically sound instrument for the emerging construct of change recipient proactivity (CRP), using a deductive approach. Design/methodology/approach Using a systematic item-development framework as a guide (i.e. item generation, questionnaire administration, item reduction and scale evaluation) and based on a sample of 414 white-collar employees, this paper discusses the development and validation of an instrument that can be used to measure change recipient’s proactive behavioral responses to planned change efforts. Findings Results suggest that our proposed CRP scale is internally consistent (reliable) and valid in that it is conceptually distinct from, yet empirically correlated with neighboring constructs such as affective commitment to change, readiness for change and proactive personality. Research limitations/implications The findings illustrate that change recipients can demonstrate proactive behaviors in response to change efforts. However, this study’s contribution is only a first step, requiring further theoretical and methodological refinement of the scale in different contexts. Originality/value The deductive nature of our study resulted in a comprehensive and domain-specific scale assessing recipients’ proactive responses to organizational change efforts. This opens doors to empirical studies on examining the conditions under which change recipients “may” step outside the boundaries of passivity to respond positively and proactivity to organizational change efforts.