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Open Access
Article
Publication date: 7 June 2021

Xudong He, GuangYi Yang, E. Yang, Moli Zhang, Dan Luo, Jingjian Liu, Chongnan Zhao, Qinhua Chen and Fengying Ran

Based on DNase I and reduced graphene oxide (rGO)-magnetic silicon microspheres (MNPS), a highly sensitive and selective fluorescent probe for the detection of PD-L1 was developed.

1083

Abstract

Purpose

Based on DNase I and reduced graphene oxide (rGO)-magnetic silicon microspheres (MNPS), a highly sensitive and selective fluorescent probe for the detection of PD-L1 was developed.

Design/methodology/approach

Here °C we present a feasibility of biosensor to detection of PD-L1 in lung tumors plasma. In the absence of PD-L1°C the PD-L1 aptamer is absorbed on the surface of graphene oxide modified magnetic nanoparticles °8rGO-MNPS°9 and leading to effective fluorescence quenching. Upon adding PD-L1°C the aptamer sequences could be specifically recognized by PD-L1 and the aptamer/PD-L1 complex is formed°C resulting in the recovery of quenched fluorescence.

Findings

This sensor can detect PD-L1 with a linear range from 100 pg mL−1 to 100 ng mL−1, and a detection limit of 10 pg•m−1 was achieved.

Originality/value

This method provides an easy and sensitive method for the detection of PD-L1 and will be beneficial to the early diagnosis and prognosis of tumors.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 41 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 November 2022

Umesh Sharma and Alan Lowe

This paper aims to use a perspective informed by practice theory to examine the influence of change agents in enacting management control systems (MCS) in the process of shaping…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to use a perspective informed by practice theory to examine the influence of change agents in enacting management control systems (MCS) in the process of shaping strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

The research uses a case study approach to examine the implementation of a business strategy in the utility sector. The authors seek a better understanding of practice theory and its role in influencing institutional change and stability.

Findings

The case study findings show that the change agents enacted MCS practices that aided the metamorphosis of a once state-owned company into a for-profit enterprise. The findings show how the organisation transformed from a long-established preoccupation with technical systems and engineering and shifted to a focus on customer satisfaction and shareholder interests.

Research limitations/implications

In terms of policy implications, bureaucrats need to appreciate that inculcating business norms is not an easy path and can be met with resistance, which creates delays in strategy implementation. The current study, while reporting some of the influences of tribal loyalty, was nevertheless limited by not having the time and space to examine in-depth the intersections of MCS and strategy within a strongly tribal context. This can be an avenue for future research.

Practical implications

The study helps to understand embedded actors in the implementation of strategy by refocusing research on the actions and interactions of strategy implementation practitioners.

Originality/value

The authors contribute to the literature by seeking to use practice theory and offer a valuable understanding, from the actor level, of how practices are created and enacted. Often accounting studies have paid less attention to the change agents in the process of shaping business-oriented strategic activity. This study enabled us to gain a better understanding of the action and practice behaviour around the strategy-MCS nexus.

Details

Qualitative Research in Accounting & Management, vol. 20 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1176-6093

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 September 2021

TCSM Gupta, Ajay Kumar and Babu Prasad

The purpose of this paper is to formulate heavy-duty lithium complex grease using low molecular weight poly tetra fluoro ethylene (PTFE) micro-particles as extreme pressure (EP…

144

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to formulate heavy-duty lithium complex grease using low molecular weight poly tetra fluoro ethylene (PTFE) micro-particles as extreme pressure (EP) additive manufactured by E-beam scissoring and ultra-high speed grinding process of pre-sintered PTFE scrap.

Design/methodology/approach

Lithium complex grease is formulated with PTFE micro-particles, and optimum treat rate was studied by standard bench tests by ASTM D 2266 and IP-239 for tribological properties and compared with commercially available Molybdenum Di sulphide (Moly)-based lithium complex grease. The performance of the grease was further evaluated by a cyclic load test at varying speeds and loads to simulate the operational field conditions.

Findings

The lithium complex PTFE grease was manufactured using PTFE micro-particles as EP additive. The PTFE micro-particles dispersed in the lithium complex grease significantly improve the anti-wear performance and load bearing properties. Further, when the product was tested under a cyclic load conditions on standard tribological bench test against commercially available Moly lithium complex grease, shows stable anti-wear properties and reduced coefficient of friction.

Originality/value

The low molecular weight PTFE micro-particles, manufactured in the in-house electron beam (E-beam) and ultra-high speed micronizer facility from a pre-sintered PTFE scrap has been used as EP additive for grease applications for the first time. The results on the cyclic load tests indicate significant performance improvement in retaining the anti-wear and friction properties. Thus, value addition is done in formulating superior performance grease and evaluating under cyclic load conditions similar to field operating conditions and also in creating value added additives by converting the pre-sintered PTFE scarp which is environmental hazard due to poor biodegradability, creating a cyclic economy and a sustainable concept.

Details

Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, vol. 73 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0036-8792

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 November 2012

Máté Tóth and Ragnar Audunson

The study aims to report on a research project that analyzed social websites for booklovers. These sites represent a service that is promising for public libraries in their…

1123

Abstract

Purpose

The study aims to report on a research project that analyzed social websites for booklovers. These sites represent a service that is promising for public libraries in their efforts to find new ways in promoting reading and literature. At the same time the growth of such sites is another example of how technological developments challenge librarianship. Many of these sites are established and run independently from the library field.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reports from a research comparing two such websites – the Norwegian Bokelskere.no and the Hungarian Moly.hu. A questionnaire was published on the two websites in mid September 2010. It was accessible for approximately 20 days. A total of 777 users filled in and returned the questionnaire.

Findings

As the typical user of Moly/Bokelskere is a young, ethnic Hungarian or Norwegian, well educated, female from the bigger cities the complexity and pluralism of society is not reflected in the websites in the same way as it is in physical libraries. They are not heavy library users, and they have a relatively low trust concerning libraries in comparison with other sources of information. The sites are mainly used as information sources and not as places where one can meet with others. Although the social dimension of reading appears, it is related mainly to the family or friends and not to strangers.

Research limitations/implications

It would be inaccurate to claim that the study gives a comprehensive overview on social sites for booklovers. The relatively high number of respondents from the two analyzed websites provides an extensive, but not comprehensive, sample. Self‐recruitment of respondents might cause biases compared with a randomly drawn sample.

Practical implications

The study on which the paper is based is a part of the PLACE project, which aims at exploring the role of public libraries as meeting places. The study generates knowledge on the potential and role of virtual meeting places that is relevant for public libraries in their efforts to adapt to a new reality.

Social implications

The study generates knowledge that can be of importance for developing libraries and library policies in relation to digital meeting places.

Originality/value

There are few studies analyzing literary websites for booklovers and the study contributes in developing a new research field in library and information science.

Content available
Book part
Publication date: 28 June 2023

Xinru Liu and Honggen Xiao

Abstract

Details

Poverty and Prosperity
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-80117-987-4

Article
Publication date: 1 August 2019

Sandra Ricart, Anna Ribas, David Pavón, Ariadna Gabarda-Mallorquí and Dolors Roset

The purpose of this paper is to identify the tourism potential of natural and cultural heritage in historical irrigation canals by promoting social learning and providing digital…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the tourism potential of natural and cultural heritage in historical irrigation canals by promoting social learning and providing digital tools to local and visitors.

Design/methodology/approach

This research is based on the EUWATHER project (JPI – Cultural Heritage, HERITAGE PLUS Joint Call 2015), through which new opportunities for eco-tourism and outdoor recreation as a driver for sustainable development of historical irrigation canals are provided. A case study from North-Eastern Spain, the Lower Ter area (in the Costa Brava), is analyzed. Heritage inventories and digital itineraries including the tangible and intangible cultural history of waterscape heritage have been co-designed with local communities and key stakeholders. Online data sets and Spatial Data Infrastructure (webpage and mobile app) are provided.

Findings

The project provides a manual for developing digital waterways heritage tours. For the case study, up to 118 heritage objects have been selected from 8 natural and cultural heritage categories according to their tourism potential. Three itineraries have been proposed to promote the tourism potential existing in the hinterland of the Costa Brava region.

Practical implications

The methods section and the main results obtained for the case study will be useful for professionals working in heritage institutions, rural development and sustainable tourism agencies.

Originality/value

The project provides two geo-based technologies: a digital platform (www.waterwaysexplorer.com) and a mobile app (Izi.travel) in which external users are able to collect relevant data and construct tourism itineraries from minor waterways with consolidated natural and cultural heritage. A Tool Box is provided for practitioners in order to help local communities and tourist organizations to create their own itineraries along minor waterways.

Details

Journal of Cultural Heritage Management and Sustainable Development, vol. 9 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2044-1266

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 January 2020

Heerah Jose, Vijay Kuriakose and Moli P. Koshy

Indian consumers are showing an increased demand for organic food products; however, little is known about their intention to buy organic foods. The purpose of this paper is to…

Abstract

Purpose

Indian consumers are showing an increased demand for organic food products; however, little is known about their intention to buy organic foods. The purpose of this paper is to understand how fear towards conventional food products motivates an individual to buy organic food products and whether trust and perceived price as contextual factors are able to enhance the buying intention.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 275 valid responses were collected using a self-administrated structured questionnaire, representative of Indian consumers. An ordinary least square regression analysis was used to analyse the effect of trust and perceived price in influencing the relationship between consumers’ fear and intention to buy organic food products.

Findings

The moderating role of trust and perceived price in enhancing the direct relation between fear and intention was established. In addition, cluster analysis results revealed that married women with children are showing a greater interest in buying organic food products.

Practical implications

The findings of the study are of high importance to all stakeholders in organic food products, as selecting marketing practices which target consumers’ concern is an indispensable part of finding a niche for organic food products.

Originality/value

The findings suggest that even though consumers are fearful towards conventional food products, they displayed negative intention to buy organic food products when their trust towards the third party is low, thus confirming the importance of trust as a buffering agent.

Details

Asia-Pacific Journal of Business Administration, vol. 12 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1757-4323

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 September 2010

Zhangyue Zhou

The paper aims to review and assess China's food security practice over the past three decades with a view of drawing implications for further improving its food security in the…

2004

Abstract

Purpose

The paper aims to review and assess China's food security practice over the past three decades with a view of drawing implications for further improving its food security in the future.

Design/methodology/approach

A normative food security framework is used to assess China's food security achievements and examine any remaining and emerging issues in its pursuit for food security.

Findings

China has done well in achieving grain security in the past three decades. However, it cannot be concluded that China has achieved its food security according to the normative food security framework. This is because there are serious problems in the aspects of food safety and quality, environmental sustainability, and social stability. To achieve long‐term food security, China has to tackle the wide spread issues of unsafe foods and foods of dubious quality, environmental pollution and degradation, and the establishment of a social security system.

Originality/value

Examining China's food security practice over the past three decades can generate experiences and lessons valuable not only for China, but also for other developing countries in their efforts to achieving national food security. Issues are identified to which the Chinese government needs to pay attention in order to improve China's food security in the future.

Details

China Agricultural Economic Review, vol. 2 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1756-137X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 March 2018

Meng Deng, Yunyi Wang and Peijing Li

The purpose of this paper is to provide the details of developments to research works in the distribution characteristics of the air gaps within firefighters’ clothing and…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide the details of developments to research works in the distribution characteristics of the air gaps within firefighters’ clothing and research methods to evaluate the effect of air gaps on the thermal protective performance of firefighters’ clothing.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the distribution of air gaps within firefighters’ clothing was first analyzed, and the air gaps characteristics were summarized as thickness, location, heterogeneity, orientation and dynamics. Then, the evaluation of the air gap on the thermal protective performance of fighters’ clothing was reviewed for both experimental and numerical studies.

Findings

The air gaps within clothing layers and between clothing and skin play an important role in determining the thermal protective performance of firefighters’ protective clothing. It is obvious that research works on the effects of actual air gaps entrapped in firefighters’ clothing on thermal protection are comparatively few in number, primarily focusing on static and uniform air gaps at the fabric level. Further studies should be conducted to define the characteristic of air gap, deepen the understand of mechanism of heat transfer and numerically simulate the 3D dynamic heat transfer in clothing to improve the evaluation of thermal protective performance provided by the firefighters’ clothing.

Practical implications

Air gaps within thermal protective clothing play a crucial role in the protective performance of clothing and provide an efficient way to provide fire-fighting occupational safety. To accurately characterize the distribution of air gaps in firefighters’ clothing under high heat exposure, the paper will provide guidelines for clothing engineers to design clothing for fighters and optimize the clothing performance.

Originality/value

This paper is offered as a concise reference for researchers’ further research in the area of the effect of air gaps within firefighters’ clothing under thermal exposure.

Details

International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology, vol. 30 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0955-6222

Keywords

Content available
Article
Publication date: 1 December 2005

John Taylor

237

Abstract

Details

Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, vol. 57 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0036-8792

1 – 10 of 17