bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Laboratory contamination over time during low-biomass sample analysis
Authors: Weyrich Laura S. , Farrer Andrew G. , Eisenhofer Raphael , Arriola Luis A. , Young Jennifer , Selway Caitlin A. , Handsley-Davis Matilda , Adler Christina , Breen James , Cooper Alan
Published: November 2018

Bacteria are not only ubiquitous on earth but can also be incredibly diverse within clean laboratories and reagents. The presence of both living and dead bacteria in laboratory environments and reagents is especially problematic when examining samples with low endogenous content (e.g.skin swabs, tissue biopsies, ice, water, degraded forensic samples, or ancient material), where contaminants can outnumber endogenous microorganisms within samples. The contribution of contaminants within high-throughput studies remains poorly understood because of the relatively low number of contaminant surveys. Here, we examined 144 negative control samples (extraction blank and no-template amplification controls) collected in both typical molecular laboratories and an ultraclean ancient DNA laboratory over five years to characterize long-term contaminant diversity. We additionally compared the contaminant content within a homemade silica-based extraction method, commonly used to analyse low-endogenous samples, with a widely used commercial DNA extraction kit. The contaminant taxonomic profile of the ultraclean ancient DNA laboratory was unique compared to the modern molecular biology laboratories, and changed over time according to researchers, month, and season. The commercial kit contained higher microbial diversity and several human-associated taxa in comparison to the homemade silica extraction protocol. We recommend a minimum of two strategies to reduce the impacts of laboratory contaminants within low-biomass metagenomic studies: 1) extraction blank controls should be included and sequenced with every batch of extractions and 2) the contributions of laboratory contamination should be assessed and reported in each high-throughput metagenomic study.
Differential Signaling Mediated by ApoE2, ApoE3, and ApoE4 in Human Neurons Parallels Alzheimer’s Disease Risk
Authors: Huang Yu-Wen Alvin , Zhou Bo , Nabet Amber M. , Wernig Marius , Südhof Thomas C.
Published: November 2018

Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) mediates clearance of circulating lipoproteins from blood by binding to ApoE receptors. Humans express three genetic variants, ApoE2, ApoE3, and ApoE4, that exhibit distinct ApoE receptor binding properties. In brain, ApoE is abundantly produced by activated astrocytes and microglia, and three variants differentially affect Alzheimer’s disease (AD), such that ApoE2 protects against, and ApoE4 predisposes to the disease. A role for ApoE4 in driving microglial dysregulation and impeding Aβ clearance in AD is well documented, but the direct effects of three variants on neurons are poorly understood. Extending previous studies, we here demonstrate that ApoE variants differentially activate multiple neuronal signaling pathways and regulate synaptogenesis. Specifically, using human neurons cultured in the absence of glia to exclude indirect glial mechanisms, we show that ApoE broadly stimulates signal transduction cascades which among others enhance synapse formation with an ApoE4>ApoE3>ApoE2 potency rank order, paralleling the relative risk for AD conferred by these variants. Unlike the previously described induction ofAPPtranscription, however, ApoE-induced synaptogenesis involves CREB rather than cFos activation. We thus propose that in brain, ApoE acts as a glia-secreted paracrine signal and activates neuronal signaling pathways in what may represent a protective response, with the differential potency of ApoE variants causing distinct levels of chronic signaling that may contribute to AD pathogenesis.
A new energy-based model to predict spray droplet diameter in comparison with momentum-based models
Authors: Karimaei Hadiseh , Hosseinalipour Seyed Mostafa , Ghorbani Ramin
Published: October 2018

Purpose

To estimate mean droplet diameter (MDD) of a spray, three different numerical models were used in this paper. One of them is investigation of the surface instability of the liquid sheet producing from an injector.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the linear instability (LI) analysis introduced by Ibrahim (2006) is implemented. Second, the improved (ILI) analysis already introduced by the present authors is used. ILI analysis is different from the prior analysis, so that the instability of hollow-cone liquid sheet with different cone angles is investigated rather than a cylindrical liquid sheet. It means that besides the tangential and axial movements, radial movements of the liquid sheet and gas streams have been considered in the governing equations. Beside LI theory as a momentum-based approach, a new model as a theoretical energy-based (TEB) model based on the energy conservation law is proposed in this paper.

Findings

Based on the energy-based approach, atomization occurs because of kinetic energy loss. The resulting formulation reveals that the MDD is inversely proportional to the atomization efficiency and liquid Weber number.

Research limitations/implications

The results of these three models are compared with the available experimental data. Prediction obtained by the proposed TEB model is in reasonable agreement with the result of experiment.

Practical implications

The results of these three models are compared with the available experimental data. Prediction of the proposed energy-based theoretical model is in very good agreement with experimental data.

Originality/value

Comparison between the results of new model, experimental data, other previous methods show that it can be used as a new simple and fast model to achieve good estimation of spray MDD.
Nationalism, part of the identity of East Timor
Authors: Berlie Jean A.
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the just and highly praised Timorese nationalism leading to independence, deal, in particular, with the attitude of the East Timorese and raise questions about their national identity.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is largely based on an anthropological and political science research with interviews.

Findings

East Timor’s nationalism is unique and formerly linked to Liurai chiefs. Political nationalism is discussed in the third part of the paper.

Originality/value

This research is the first of its kind. East Timor research is mainly centered in the period 1975–1999 of Indonesian occupation. The concepts nationalism, identity and politics are under-researched concepts in East Timor. There the political system is unique.
The insoluble problems of books: what does Altmetric.com have to offer?
Authors: Torres-Salinas Daniel , Gorraiz Juan , Robinson-Garcia Nicolas
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the capabilities, functionalities and appropriateness of Altmetric.com as a data source for the bibliometric analysis of books in comparison to PlumX.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors perform an exploratory analysis on the metrics the Altmetric Explorer for Institutions, platform offers for books. The authors use two distinct data sets of books. On the one hand, the authors analyze the Book Collection included in Altmetric.com. On the other hand, the authors use Clarivate’s Master Book List, to analyze Altmetric.com’s capabilities to download and merge data with external databases. Finally, the authors compare the findings with those obtained in a previous study performed in PlumX.

Findings

Altmetric.com combines and orderly tracks a set of data sources combined by DOI identifiers to retrieve metadata from books, being Google Books its main provider. It also retrieves information from commercial publishers and from some Open Access initiatives, including those led by university libraries, such as Harvard Library. We find issues with linkages between records and mentions or ISBN discrepancies. Furthermore, the authors find that automatic bots affect greatly Wikipedia mentions to books. The comparison with PlumX suggests that none of these tools provide a complete picture of the social attention generated by books and are rather complementary than comparable tools.

Practical implications

This study targets different audience which can benefit from the findings. First, bibliometricians and researchers who seek for alternative sources to develop bibliometric analyses of books, with a special focus on the Social Sciences and Humanities fields. Second, librarians and research managers who are the main clients to which these tools are directed. Third, Altmetric.com itself as well as other altmetric providers who might get a better understanding of the limitations users encounter and improve this promising tool.

Originality/value

This is the first study to analyze Altmetric.com’s functionalities and capabilities for providing metric data for books and to compare results from this platform, with those obtained via PlumX.
Price and distribution range of logistics service providers considering market competition
Authors: Du Fei , Ang Sheng , Yang Feng , Yang Chenchen
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the relationship between market competition and distribution strategy for logistics service providers (LSPs), including freight price, service level (delivery speed), and service coverage.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors consider two risk-neutral LSPs in which one is an existing company and the other is a new entrant. The existing LSP has a sound distribution network and provides service in both local and remote areas. The new entrant LSP should determine the freight price and service coverage to compete for business. The authors use a Stackelberg game to model the competition between two LSPs with assumptions of consumers’ utility and demand distribution. Numerical examples are used to validate the findings.

Findings

The findings show that the distribution strategy for LSPs depends on the ratio of the cost difference and shipping speed difference and demand structure. The LSP with higher shipping speeds only need to meet demands in local areas and may stay out of the market in some cases. To compete for business in the whole areas is more profitable for the LSP with lower shipping speeds when either unit service cost or the potential demand in remote areas is low enough. Otherwise, the LSP with lower speeds should stay out the market of remote areas.

Originality/value

This study is a preliminary research on the relationship between market competition and distribution strategy for LSPs and contributes to service operations management literature and strategic management for LSPs.
The roles of message appeals and orientation on social media brand communication effectiveness
Authors: Kusumasondjaja Sony
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the effectiveness of brand communication activities on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram among major Indonesian brands by assessing the message appeals, orientation, and consumer responses.

Design/methodology/approach

A content analysis of 10,752 social media posts was conducted from the official Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts of 43 leading brands in Indonesia during a six-month period between July and December 2016. The data collected from each individual social media post generated by those brands were coded and analysed in terms of their message appeal, orientation, and responses.

Findings

Interactive brand posts were responded more frequently than informative message content. Twitter was more effective for informative appeal, Facebook worked better for interactive entertainment posts, and Instagram was more suitable for interactive content combining informative–entertainment appeals. Interactive brand post with mixed appeals received the most responses in Facebook and Instagram, while self-oriented message with informative appeal obtained the least.

Research limitations/implications

The findings expand the marketing literature about new media for marketing communication and suggest marketing practitioners the importance of different creative brand communication strategies to enhance social media marketing effectiveness when using multiple platforms.

Originality/value

This is among the first studies to compare the effectiveness of creative message strategy on multiple social media platforms as well as to present insightful findings on social media marketing practices in Indonesia.
Does lifting the objective-price constraint in revenue recognition increase the value relevance of earnings and revenue?
Authors: Lu Hung-Yuan , Wang Sophia
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This paper examines how managerial discretion and judgment in revenue recognition affect earnings and revenue value relevance. Specifically, the purpose of this paper is to assess the impact of lifting the objective-price constraint in revenue recognition on the value relevance of earnings and revenue by examining firms’ contemporaneous returns-earnings/revenue relation before and after the implementation of Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2009-13. In addition, this paper examines how the change in earnings value relevance is conditioned by agency costs, corporate governance, information environment, and audit quality. This paper further examines whether earnings, revenue, and accruals quality change after the objective-price constraint is lifted.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper employs a difference-in-differences research design to examine whether earnings and revenue value relevance are enhanced or lowered more for a list of 107 US firms that applied selling price estimates in revenue recognition under ASU 2009-13 than for a list of 107 matched US firms that did not apply selling price estimates. Sub-sample analyses are employed to examine how agency costs, corporate governance, information environment, and audit quality condition the change in value relevance. Additional analyses examine the changes in earnings, revenue, and accruals quality using accruals, revenue accruals, discretionary revenue, absolute abnormal accruals, earnings/revenue predictability, and smoothness.

Findings

The empirical results suggest that lifting the objective-price constraint in revenue recognition improves earnings and revenue value relevance for positive earnings and that the effect of information usefulness dominates that of managerial opportunism. Change in the earnings value relevance is conditioned by the level of corporate governance, information environment, and audit quality. Evidence of no significant reduction in the earnings/revenue/accruals quality corroborates the main findings.

Research limitations/implications

The findings lend support to the new revenue standard (ASU 2014-09) that continues the use of the estimates of selling price in revenue recognition.

Originality/value

This study provides some of the first evidence that managerial judgment exercised in revenue recognition through the use of selling price estimates (i.e. lifting the objective-price constraint in revenue recognition) enhances earnings and revenue value relevance while such benefit does not come at a cost of reduced earnings/revenue/accruals quality.
Combining Marxism and China’s practices for the development of a socialist political economy with Chinese characteristics
Authors: Liu Wei
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The socialist construction with Chinese characteristics must be based on history and reality. According to the requirements of liberation and development of productivity, efforts must be made to reform and improve the production relations, as well as continually consolidate the socialist system with Chinese characteristics. The purpose of this paper is to prove the necessity and superiority of a socialist system through China’s modernization achievements.

Design/methodology/approach

Marxist political economics is a critical legacy from classical economics. Its core question is also social production and distribution, which is epitomized in the labor theory of value and the theory of surplus value.

Findings

Regarding the significant principles that must be followed, these speeches summarized the logical system and prominent features of the socialist political system in the new normal from several significant and interrelated aspects such as basic methods, core propositions, main tasks and fundamental goals.

Originality/value

The socialist system with Chinese characteristics will gradually appear through further research and prove its superiority. How can a socialist system with Chinese characteristics innovate and develop? Does the system have a future? Is there any historical necessity for the socialist system to replace the capitalist system in human history? These are the questions that need urgent answers and in-depth exploration.
Executable platform for managing customizable metadata of educational resources
Authors: Abdyssalam Alhaag Amel , Savic Goran , Milosavljevic Gordana , Tima Segedinac Milan , Filipovic Milorad
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to enable dynamic customization of metadata that describes educational resources in digital repositories.

Design/methodology/approach

Users need to describe educational resources in digital repositories according to a user-specific metadata set. As users generally do not have the skills to customize the software application manually, this approach relies on the techniques of model-driven software engineering, which should allow customization of the software application programmatically with no need to develop or order a new software application. An experiment was conducted to evaluate the proposed solution.

Findings

A software platform for managing educational resources described by dynamically extendable metadata is proposed. The platform enables the creation of data models that are programmatically transformed to a Web application for the management of educational resources. In this way, users can create their own models of metadata that are relevant in a particular domain.

Research limitations/implications

The solution has been verified by users with technical knowledge. The appropriateness of the model should still be explored for domain experts with little technical knowledge who desire to define new metadata in their domain.

Practical implications

The solution can be used for digital repositories that store diverse educational resources. Each resource could be described using metadata that relates to the domain the resource belongs to.

Originality/value

Digital repositories standardly describe educational resources using some general metadata, which are more focused on the physical characteristics of resources rather than their semantics. The proposed solution introduces custom domain-specific semantics into the description of the resources, which improves their retrieval.
Who is quitting? An analysis of the dis-adoption of climate smart sorghum varieties in Tanzania
Authors: Simtowe Franklin , Mausch Kai
Published: October 2018

Purpose

New agricultural technologies are continuously generated and promoted for adoption by farmers with the expectation that they bring about higher benefits than older technologies. Yet, depending on the perceived benefits, the user of the technology may choose to stop using it. This paper aims to analyze what drives farmers to dis-adopt climate smart sorghum varieties in Tanzania.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses cross-sectional farm household level data collected in Tanzania from a sample of 767 households. The determinants of dis-adoption are explored using a bivariate probit with sample selection model.

Findings

The authors find that while farmers switch between different sorghum varieties, most farmers actually quit sorghum production. Older farmers and those facing biotic stresses such attacks by birds are more likely to dis-adopt sorghum.

Practical implications

These findings suggest that there is scope for improving and sustaining the adoption of sorghum varieties in Tanzania once extension services are strengthened. The findings also point to a well-founded theory on the role of markets in enhancing the overall sustainability of food systems.

Social implications

The study findings have broader implications for understanding the sustainability of improved technology adoption

Originality/value

Dis-adoption is also positively associated with the lack of access to markets underscoring the role of markets in enhancing the overall sustainability of technology adoption and food systems.
Priority practices for addressing non-economic loss and damages caused by cyclones in Bangladesh
Authors: Chiba Yohei , Prabhakar S.V.R.K. , Islam Md. Atikul , Akber Md. Ali
Published: October 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to identify and prioritize key non-economic loss and damages (NELDs) caused by the 2009 Cyclone Aila in Khulna District of Bangladesh and to identify appropriate practices to address the NELDs.

Design/methodology/approach

The analytic hierarchy process was applied to prioritize key criteria, NELD indicators and practices that should be integrated into disaster risk reduction decisions at the local level.

Findings

The results showed the need for prioritizing NELDs at the local level, and especially for integrating into DRR policy and planning for addressing NELDs. The results indicated that the national disaster management plan could be enhanced to address issues related to inaccessible sanitation, waterborne diseases and mental disorders, and the school discontinuation.

Research limitations/implications

The results are specific to Bangladesh. Readers may find them applicable to other similar country situations.

Practical implications

The suggested risk reduction practices for addressing NELDs are effective for policymakers to prepare for the future extreme cyclone disasters.

Social implications

The study identifies “compliance with societal value” as an important criterion for decision-making in the affected communities. Societal value can be a basis to determine effective practices to address the NELDs.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the study is the first ever effort to identify and prioritize NELDs of cyclones in the coastal areas of Bangladesh and therefore might have a greater implication for DRR policy of Bangladesh.
Factors of business relationships change in agribusiness input distribution channel
Authors: Gazdecki Michal
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify factors of change in business relationships among companies operating in agribusiness input distribution channel.

Design/methodology/approach

This study, based on a qualitative approach applying network perspective, is focused on agri-markets for plant protection products. Primary data were collected via individual in-depth interviews with among managers of trade companies operating on agri-inputs products market.

Findings

Although relation between input producers and trade companies on agri-inputs market is affected by a large number of factors, representatives of trade companies seem to be focused on a limited number of them. In particular two factors need to be underlined as main ones: contract conditions and structural changes on the markets which manifest themselves mainly by consolidation of market entities. The function differentiation of the trade companies results not only in generated sales but also in a larger intensity of interactions with other market operators and in the necessity of creating new relationships. In the long term, it may generate the intensification of competitive structures that occur at the same level in a distribution channel.

Research limitations/implications

Generalization based on qualitative approach employed in this paper requires further testing and quantitative validation.

Originality/value

Even though agri-markets appear to be well-suited for studying network systems, such an approach has hardly ever been used. Interactions between different kinds of entities on agri-markets are incredibly strong and complex. The paper contributes to the two fields. First, it provides results related to the business relationship dynamics, especially factors that trigger relation change. Second, paper contributes to the agribusiness markets theory, especially from the structural point of view.
When can B2B firms improve product innovation capability (PIC) through customer participation (CP)? The moderating role of inter-organizational relationships?
Authors: Zhang Jing , Zhu Miao
Published: November 2018

Purpose

When can B2B firms improve product innovation capability (PIC) through customer participation (CP)? The purpose of this paper is to shed light on this interesting question by providing a framework to interpret how interorganizational relationships (IORs), including customer relationship commitments, firm’s relational capability and bilateral dependence structure moderate the relationship between CP and PIC.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire survey is conducted among 376 business to business (B2B) firms located in mainland China. Six hypotheses on how IORs moderate the CP–PIC relationship are examined using hierarchical regression analysis technique.

Findings

The empirical research reveals that CP positively impacts PIC of B2B firms, which will be strengthened when either customer affective commitment, supplier’s relational capability or total interdependence is high. In addition, the relationship between CP and PIC weakens as customer’s calculative commitment or interdependence asymmetry strengthens.

Originality/value

This study enriches customer participation literature by highlighting the PIC outcomes of CP and examining the complex and contingent roles of the buyer–supplier relationship in moderating CP’s impact upon PIC.
Digging deep? Digging more? A research on the influence of corporate CSR theme consistency strategy
Authors: Zhang Yang , Wang Xuhui , Shen Yingying
Published: October 2018

Purpose

As the focal point of both academic studies and business practices, the theme strategy of corporate social responsibility (CSR) arouses wide attention. However, extant studies concentrate more on the selection of the theme of CSR activities, such as the fitness between CSR activities and the core business, thus largely neglecting the consistency of the theme. The purpose of this paper is to determine whether the enterprise should adopt a consistent theme strategy or should participate in different social programs, and how do customers response to the lack of studies in different theme-consistent strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, two progressive experiments are performed. The purpose of study 1 is to examine the influence of theme consistency on consumers’ CSR association and how consumers’ attribution to corporation motivation mediates such impacts. The purpose for study 2 is to examine whether information dissemination channels and cooperation with public organization could affect the influence of theme consistency strategy.

Findings

The significant influences of theme consistency on consumer CSR association was demonstrated, and consumer’s perceived motivation of CSR was found to play the mediation role. Moreover, the moderation effect of the communication channel of CSR information was found to be important to strengthen the influence of the theme-consistent strategy.

Originality/value

This paper not only demonstrates the influence of theme consistency, but also explains how theme consistency influences consumers’ attitude and behavior. It enriches the study on the antecedent variables of consumers’ attribution to corporate motivation.
Family firms’ innovation drivers and performance: a dynamic capabilities approach
Authors: Park Hong Y. , Misra Kaustav , Reddy Surender , Jaber Kylie
Published: November 2018

Purpose

Entrepreneurial innovation has been the most important source for improvement in firm performance. Innovation in family firms has become the focal issue in firm strategy. In today’s high-velocity environment, the dynamic organizational adaptation is essential for sustainable competitive advantage. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the nature of changes in external environment and the relationship between changes in the economic environment and family firms’ innovation in response to the environmental shift.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors designed a survey questionnaire to obtain primary data for the study. The survey consists of family firm structure, innovation drivers, governance, core competence and performance. Authors applied a random stratified sample method in selecting samples to reflect the population in family firms.

Findings

The study identified market conditions, technology and regulation as innovation drivers. The authors found that these innovation drivers have positive effects on family firm performance, although the technology variable is the only statistically significant variable at the conventional statistical significance level.

Research limitations/implications

The authors expected to have better response rate, and wish to have more observations. The authors would have stronger results if you could get more data.

Practical implications

Family firms need to respond to the high velocity of environment and to develop capabilities that understand the nature of changes in economic environment and take effective steps. The study findings offer guidelines for the managers of how to manage the firms in the dynamic environment.

Social implications

Family firms should use this results to develop strategies to deal with various economics situations.

Originality/value

The study identifies innovation drivers in family firms. The study contributes to finding and empirical testing of family firm innovation drivers. Findings of the study are valuable for managing the high velocity of today’s economic environment: changes in markets, technologies and regulations.
Identifying high potentials early: case study
Authors: Kotlyar Igor
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Driven by a shortage of leadership capacity, companies are seeking to identify leadership talent earlier. Some companies are introducing programs to identify leadership potential among university students and then hire “high potentials” directly into management designate roles. The purpose of this paper is to explore one such early-stage leadership development program. Currently, little information is available about these initiatives.

Design/methodology/approach

Case study based on interviews with 18 managers and director of HR and archival employee records.

Findings

This case study provides a detailed description of an early-stage leadership identification and development program. This program has been developed to identify leadership talent among senior university students prior to hiring and onboarding, provide support, training and development and fast-track them into leadership positions. The study provides insight into the challenges and effectiveness of an early-stage leadership program and offers some practical implications.

Originality/value

To the author’s knowledge, this is the first study to document a leadership development program that identifies “high potentials” among university students for the purpose of developing them into company leaders.
The impact of vocational training on transition-aged adults
Authors: Carlo Jr Radames , Dwyer Rocky J.
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the difference in attaining and maintaining employment between transition age youth (ages 19–22) with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBDs) completing and not completing vocational training.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative causal-comparative research design using existing data extracted from the National Longitudinal Transitional Study-2 (NLTS-2) via a restricted data use license issued by the National Center Special Education Research, Institution of Education Sciences, US Department of Education. One-way ANCOVA and multiple regression analysis with one independent variable and six control variables were used for the study.

Findings

The results showed there is a significant difference in employment status between transition age youth with EBDs completing vocational training as compared to non-completion of vocational training, controlling for gender, race, age, mental health services, academic achievement and prior work experience. Individuals who completed vocational training are more likely employed after two years, than those who had not completed vocational training.

Originality/value

The outcomes of the study showed that vocational training during the transitional period had a positive impact on outcomes such as employment status, participation in job skills programs and perceived preparedness for employment. These findings support the idea that vocational training during the secondary school period is an effective way to scaffold support for the transitional period. As a result, these findings justify the use of vocational training as part of the transitional preparation for students with emotional and behavioral disorders.
SEC announces new guidance for public company disclosures on cybersecurity risks
Authors: Gelfond Stuart , Dean Una , Rao Dave N. , Sedor Justin
Published: October 2018

Purpose

To discuss the new guidance on public companies’ disclosure obligations regarding cybersecurity risks and incidents, which was recently unanimously approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Design/methodology/approach

Outlines the general disclose requirements and the materiality standard set forth by the SEC, explains specific guidance on public company cybersecurity disclosure, and discusses cybersecurity risk management and insider trading policies.

Findings

In addition to clarifying the disclosure requirements with respect to cybersecurity issues, the article discusses two additional areas of concern identified by the New Guidance that public companies should consider in the context of cybersecurity and related disclosure. First, public companies must design and maintain policies and procedures to help manage cybersecurity risks and respond to incidents as they occur. Second, public companies should consider adopting insider trading policies that specifically prohibit management and other corporate insiders from trading on the basis of material non-public information regarding a cybersecurity risk or incident.

Originality/value

Practical analysis of the guidance on disclosure obligations regarding cybersecurity risks and incidents, including discussion surrounding two aspects of cybersecurity not previously addressed in prior SEC staff guidance on the topic.
Decoding the SEC rulemaking package on standards of conduct for investment professionals
Authors: Attar Mark M. , Bateman Marguerite , Drogin Jack P. , Pugliese Domenick , Schwartz Rachael Leah , Vargo Kimberly Karcewski
Published: October 2018

Purpose

To provide an overview of the US Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC’s) recently proposed rulemaking package relating to standards of conduct for investment professionals. The three proposals included: interpretation regarding the standard of conduct of investment advisers under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940; Form CRS which both registered investment advisers and registered broker-dealers would have to provide to retail investors; and proposed regulation best interest.

Design/methodology/approach

Reviews and summarizes the three individual proposals.

Findings

The SEC has proposed this rulemaking package in order to meet three goals: enhance retail investor protection and decision making, preserve investor choice and cost, and raise retail investor awareness of whether they are doing business with a registered financial professional. The SEC is looking for feedback, particularly from retail investors, on whether these proposals would achieve the SEC’s goals.

Originality/value

Summarizes the three proposals in a manner that provides insight into how investment advisers and broker-dealers would be required to conduct business with retail investors if the proposals are adopted in the current form.
A multi-factor HJM and PCA approach to risk management of VIX futures
Authors: Bélanger Philippe , Picard Marc-André
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Previous studies have shown the VIX futures tend to roll-down the term structure and converge towards the spot as they grow closer to maturity. The purpose of this paper is to propose an approach to improve the volatility index fear factor-level (VIX-level) prediction.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the authors use a forward-looking technique, the Heath–Jarrow–Morton (HJM) no-arbitrage framework to capture the convergence of the futures contract towards the spot. Second, the authors use principal component analysis (PCA) to reduce dimensionality and save substantial computational time. Third, the authors validate the model with selected VIX futures maturities and test on value-at-risk (VAR) computations.

Findings

The authors show that the use of multiple factors has a significant impact on the simulated VIX futures distribution, as well as the computations of their VAR (gain in accuracy and computing time). This impact becomes much more compelling when analysing a portfolio of VIX futures of multiple maturities.

Research limitations/implications

The authors’ approach assumes the variance to be stationary and ignores the volatility smile. Nevertheless, they offer suggestions for future research.

Practical implications

The VIX-level prediction (the fear factor) is of paramount importance for market makers and participants, as there is no way to replicate the underlying asset of VIX futures. The authors propose a procedure that provides efficiency to both pricing and risk management.

Originality/value

This paper is the first to apply a forward-looking method by way of a HJM framework combined with PCA to VIX-level prediction in a portfolio context.
Does organizational culture matter in the relationship between trust and SMEs performance
Authors: Gorondutse Abdullahi Hassan , Hilman Haim
Published: November 2018

Purpose

Although literature indicated that business social responsibility (BSR) is now a common practice and accepted norm among business enterprises globally, the concept is not well understood and its influence on business performance is contradictory. Therefore, based on the stakeholder theory, the purpose of this paper is to examine the association among trust of BSR and the performance of small-scale industries in Nigeria with organizational culture as a moderating factor.

Design/methodology/approach

The hypotheses of the study were tested using personally administered survey questionnaires; the study obtained 486 valid questionnaires, which were evaluated using SmartPLS Algorithm and bootstrapping functions.

Findings

The research findings were established using SmartPLS Algorithm and bootstrapping functions. According to the results, the research constructs have a satisfactory convergent and discriminant validity. Equally, the overall model has a very high predictive relevance. In addition, the results showed that all the predicting variables explained 40 percent variance in the criterion variable. Thus, the study established strong positive influence of trust of BSR on the small-scale industrial performance. Correspondingly, the study established a strong positive impact of organizational culture on the performance of the small-scale industries. However, the study could not establish the moderating influence of organizational culture on the constructs.

Research limitations/implications

The study used perceptions of owner/managers and only small-scale industries.

Practical implications

The research findings may be found beneficial to policy makers and academics, particularly in understanding trust of social responsibility, its influence on performance of small-scale industries and fit between organizational culture and strategic direction of a business enterprise.

Originality/value

The study offers some meaningful contribution to knowledge on BSR by exploring the mechanisms connecting trust of BSR with performance. Also, research expert in the field of BSR usually explores the advantage of these findings by utilizing the action of BSR on internal and external stakeholders.
From innovation performance to business performance
Authors: Nielsen Christian
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to conceptualize the process leading from innovation performance to business performance and, from this basis, facilitate the identification of relevant performance measures. The paper takes its point of departure from a synthesis of the literature around innovation, intellectual capital (IC), knowledge management and business models.

Design/methodology/approach

The research streams of innovation performance and business performance are combined to provide insights bridging these two traditions. This paper provides empirical evidence from two case studies of business development projects that involved both intervention- and non-intervention-based data collection methods.

Findings

The research traditions of both innovation performance and business performance identify knowledge, learning and IC as the basis for all value creation activities in organisations. This paper provides a synthesis of the literature in these fields and relates them to each other in accordance with the “process of creating”. This structure allows the discussion of innovation performance and business performance separately and in conjunction with one another, as well providing opportunities for identifying relevant key performance indicators.

Research limitations/implications

Caution should be taken in the nature of the developed conceptual framework which rests upon the perspective of the author’s subjective interpretation of the current literature.

Originality/value

These insights are relevant for the development of a performance management structure capable of straddling the common exploration–exploitation paradox, which, in this context, often becomes a compromise between performance optimization and a developmental focus. The discussion reveals three overall constructs, and, from this a future research agenda is developed.
The role of the internal audit function in integrated reporting: a developing economy perspective
Authors: Engelbrecht Lindie , Yasseen Yaeesh , Omarjee Irfaan
Published: October 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the roles of the initial perceptions of chief audit executives (CAEs) on the role of internal audit function (IAF) in integrated reporting (IR) in South Africa. This paper draws attention to possible challenges and barriers to internal audit’s (IAs) involvement in the integrated reporting process (IRP).

Design/methodology/approach

Detailed interviews were carried out in 2016 with 10 CAEs from the EY Excellence in Integrated Reporting Awards for South Africa. An interpretive approach involving thematic content analysis was used to construct key themes which provided the CAE’s initial perception of the IAF’s role in IRP.

Findings

Despite the current role being limited, the findings suggest that the IAF has unexploited potential to improve the IRP. These roles include: providing assurance on data integrity; reviewing risks and opportunities; evaluating the adequacy of governance and risk management controls and giving assurance on the IRP. A benefit to the IAFs involvement in the IRP relates to their extensive knowledge of the business. The lack of skills in the IA profession is an area of concern, as there is a shortage of capacity and specialist skills.

Research limitations/implications

The interpretive style will assist IAFs to understand and define their role in the IRP, as well as to follow best practice in the IRP.

Originality/value

This paper is the first to explore the views and make recommendations on the role of the IAF in the IRP. This paper can be seen as an important contribution to academic research as the role of IAF in the IRP is exploratory in a global context.
Using content analysis to reveal organizational identity orientation
Authors: Aracı Özlem
Published: October 2018

Purpose

Organizations face various situations that require to give decisions. There are many factors that influence their decisions. Organizational identity is one of the factors that can be used as an interpretive schema for decisions. Not only for decisions but also for recognition, legitimacy, allocating the organization among the others organizational identity is viewed as a construct that organizations want to protect. This study aims to contribute to measurement of organizational identity.

Design/methodology/approach

National, daily newspapers were chosen as sample for the study. Influence of organizational identity on decisions is highly reflective for newspapers. When they face conflicting demands, they tend not to make any concession from their identities. They want to behave in compliance with their identities. To reveal organizational identity orientation of newspapers, data were collected based on the 18 interviews with executive editors of newspapers.

Findings

Content analysis was concluded with ten categories that help in understanding organizational identity orientation. These ten categories were grouped within two broad orientations as business oriented and journalism oriented organizational identity. These categories reveal not only average organizational identity orientation of newspapers industry but also the variations in organizational identity orientation between newspapers.

Research limitations/implications

Limitation of the study is the way to reveal organizational identity orientations studied on only newspapers. Undoubtedly, using this method for other organizations that operate in different industries, contributes to the generalizability of findings.

Originality/value

Significance of the study is to reveal a method to measure organizational identity orientation based on content analysis approach.