ABSTRACT
Purpose: This study aimed to analyze the role of organizational learning capability and entrepreneurial orientation on frugal innovation and, consequently, operational performance within the Brazilian textile industry. Design/methodology/approach: The sample consisted of 257 valid questionnaires from the textile industry in the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling using SmartPLS software. Findings: The results showed that organizational learning capability is a strong driver of the operational performance when mediated by frugal innovation. Evidence also showed that relationships between entrepreneurial orientation, organizational learning capability, frugal innovation and operational performance are significant once the direct effect has more power than the indirect effect. Results elucidated different outcomes that are not in accordance with previously seen studies. Moreover, the latter shines a light on a possible interference caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Originality/value: The study clarifies the relationship that entrepreneurial orientation and organizational learning capability unleash in frugal innovation and operational performance. It also shows a new situation when looking at the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation, organizational learning capability and operational performance. © 2023, Emerald Publishing Limited.
ABSTRACT
Background-aim: RT-PCR of SARS-CoV-2 RNA isolated from swabs and gargle samples has become a gold standard to confirm COVID-19 diagnosis. Viral transport media are commonly used to collect and store such specimen, but render them fragile and potentially hazardous. Flinders Technology Associates (FTA) cards were shown to be a reliable option for safe transport and storage of viral RNA pathogens. This study aimed at investigating the stability of SARS-CoV-2 RNA from gargle samples on FTA cards. Methods: 17 confirmed SARS-CoV-2 positive (Ct 18 to 36) and 3 negative gargle samples were spotted onto FTA Classic Cards (Whatman). After drying, eight 3 mm discs were punched out from each card and eluted into TE buffer. Remaining sampling areas were stored either at -20°C or at room temperature for up to 3 weeks. RNA was extracted using the QIAamp Viral RNA Mini Kit. The SARS-CoV-2 RealFast Assay (ViennaLab Diagnostics) covering two viral sequences (N and RdRP genes) plus the ACTB human control gene was applied for PCR. This assay is capable of detecting 10 viral RNA copies per reaction, and has a demonstrated diagnostic specificity and sensitivity of 99% and 100%, respectively. Result: The RNA status of all 20 specimen was confirmed from gargle samples in parallel to spotting onto FTA cards. After drying and elution, PCR was repeated from FTA discs. A median Ct shift of 4.1 (N gene) and 3.7 (RdRP gene) was observed for discs in comparison to the original liquid samples. PCR testing from FTA cards kept at -20°C for one week showed a median Ct shift of 5.5 (N) and 5.2 (RdRP) against the original gargle samples. Comparable results were obtained from cards kept at room temperature for one week (N: 5.6;RdRP: 5.3). Tests were repeated after 3 weeks and revealed no further loss of detectable RNA (-20°C: N 5.0 / RdRP 4.5;RT: N 5.0 /RdRP 5.3). All gargle samples with Ct<34 in liquid state maintained PCR positivity from FTA cards. Conclusions: Our data suggest that FTA cards provide a reliable matrix to preserve SARS-CoV-2 RNA for storage and transportation also at elevated temperatures. The Ct shift observed upon testing from FTA cards can, to a large extent, be attributed to sample input, which in our case was approx. 12-fold higher from liquid gargle samples.