bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Caloric Restriction Remodels Energy Metabolic Pathways of Gut Microbiota and Promotes Host Autophagy
Authors: Yang Yuping , Chen Shaoqiu , Liu Yumin , Hou Yuanlong , Xie Xie , Zhang Xia , Zhao Aihua , Zheng Xiaojiao , Liu Jiajian , Chen Tianlu , Yuan Tianma , Yu Hongjing , Wang Chongchong , Sun Yifan , Wang Jingcheng , Wang Xiaoyan , Jia Wei
Published: August 2020

Calorie restriction (CR) can improve the metabolic balance of adults and elevate the relative abundance of probiotic bacteria in the gut while promoting longevity. However, the interaction between remodeled intestinal flora and metabolic improvement, as well as the mechanism for probiotic bacterial increase, are still unclear. In this study, using a metabolomics platform, we demonstrate for the first time, that CR leads to increased levels of malate and its related metabolites in biological samples. Next, we investigated the effects of CR on the gut microbial genome and the expression of mRNA related to energy metabolism which revealed a partially elevated TCA cycle and a subsequently promoted glyoxylate cycle, from which large amounts of malate can be produced to further impact malate related pathways in the host liver. Through the identification of key “hungry” metabolites produced by the gut microbiota that function in the promotion of autophagy in the host, further insight has been gained about a functional metabolic network important for both host-microbial symbiosis and maintenance of host health.
Pancreatic α and β cells are globally phase-locked
Authors: Ren Huixia , Li Yanjun , Han Chengsheng , Yu Yi , Shi Bowen , Peng Xiaohong , Wu Shufang , Yang Xiaojing , Kim Sneppen , Chen Liangyi , Tang Chao
Published: August 2020

The Ca2+modulated pulsatile secretion of glucagon and insulin by pancreatic α and β cells plays a key role in glucose homeostasis. However, how α and β cells coordinate via paracrine interaction to produce various Ca2+oscillation patterns is still elusive. Using a microfluidic device and transgenic mice in which α and β cells were labeled with different colors, we were able to record islet Ca2+signals at single cell level for long times. Upon glucose stimulation, we observed heterogeneous Ca2+oscillation patterns intrinsic to each islet. After a transient period, the oscillations of α and β cells were globally phase-locked, i.e., the two types of cells in an islet each oscillate synchronously but with a phase shift between the two. While the activation of α cells displayed a fixed time delay of ~20 s to that of β cells, β cells activated with a tunable delay after the α cells. As a result, the tunable phase shift between α and β cells set the islet oscillation period and pattern. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the phase shift can be modulated by glucagon. A mathematical model of islet Ca2+oscillation taking into consideration of the paracrine interaction was constructed, which quantitatively agreed with the experimental data. Our study highlights the importance of cell-cell interaction to generate stable but tunable islet oscillation patterns.
Differential GLP-1R binding and activation by peptide and non-peptide agonists
Authors: Zhang Xin , Belousoff Matthew J. , Zhao Peishen , Kooistra Albert J. , Truong Tin T. , Ang Sheng Yu , Underwood Christina Rye , Egebjerg Thomas , Šenel Petr , Stewart Gregory D. , Liang Yi-Lynn , Glukhova Alisa , Venugopal Hari , Christopoulos Arthur , Furness Sebastian G. B. , Miller Laurence J. , Reedtz-Runge Steffen , Langmead Christopher J. , Gloriam David E. , Danev Radostin , Sexton Patrick M. , Wootten Denise
Published: August 2020

Peptide drugs targeting class B1 GPCRs can treat multiple diseases, however there remains substantial interest in the development of orally delivered non-peptide drugs. Here we reveal unexpected overlap between signalling and regulation of the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor by the non-peptide agonist, PF 06882961, and GLP-1 that was not observed for another compound, OWL-833. Both compounds are currently in clinical trials for treatment of type 2 diabetes. High resolution cryo-EM structures reveal the binding sites for PF-06882961 and GLP-1 substantially overlap, whereas OWL-833 adopts a unique binding mode with a more open receptor conformation at the extracellular face. Structural differences involving extensive water-mediated hydrogen bond networks could be correlated to functional data to understand how PF 06882961, but not OWL-833, can closely mimic the pharmacological properties of GLP-1. These findings will facilitate rational structure-based discovery of non-peptide agonists targeting class B GPCRs.
EPOC outside the shield: comparing the performance of a consumer-grade EEG device in shielded and unshielded environments
Authors: Wehrman Jordan , Sörensen Sidsel , de Lissa Peter , Badcock Nicholas A.
Published: August 2020

Low-cost, portable electroencephalographic (EEG) headsets have become commercially available in the last 10 years. One such system, Emotiv’s EPOC, has been modified to allow event-related potential (ERP) research. Because of these innovations, EEG research may become more widely available in non-traditional settings. Although the EPOC has previously been shown to provide data comparable to research-grade equipment and has been used in real-world settings, how EPOC performs without the electrical shielding used in research-grade laboratories is yet to be systematically tested. In the current article we address this gap in the literature by asking participants to perform a simple EEG experiment in shielded and unshielded contexts. The experiment was the observation of human versus wristwatch faces which were either inverted or noninverted. This method elicited the face-sensitive N170 ERP.

In both shielded and unshielded contexts, the N170 amplitude was larger when participants viewed human faces and peaked later when a human face was inverted. More importantly, Bayesian analysis showed no difference in the N170 measured in the shielded and unshielded contexts. Further, the signal recorded in both contexts was highly correlated. The EPOC appears to reliably record EEG signals without a purpose-built electrically-shielded room or laboratory-grade preamplifier.
Improved online event detection and differentiation by a simple gradient-based nonlinear transformation: Implications for the biomedical signal and image analysis
Authors: Sokolova Anastasia , Uljanitski Yuri , Kayumov Airat R. , Bogachev Mikhail I
Published: August 2020

Despite recent success in advanced signal analysis technologies, simple and universal methods are still of interest in a variety of applications. Wearable devices including biomedical monitoring and diagnostic systems suitable for long-term operation are prominent examples, where simple online signal analysis and early event detection algorithms are required. Here we suggest a simple and universal approach to the online detection of events represented by abrupt bursts in long-term observational data series. We show that simple gradient-based transformations obtained as a product of the signal and its derivative lead to the improved accuracy of the online detection of any significant bursts in the observational data series irrespective of their particular shapes. We provide explicit analytical expressions characterizing the performance of the suggested approach in comparison with the conventional solutions optimized for particular theoretical scenarios and widely utilized in various signal analysis applications. Moreover, we estimate the accuracy of the gradient-based approach in the exact positioning of single ECG cycles, where it outperforms the conventional Pan-Tompkins algorithm in its original formulation, while exhibiting comparable detection effectiveness. Finally, we show that our approach is also applicable to the comparative analysis of lanes in electrophoretic gel images widely used in life sciences and molecular diagnostics like restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and variable number tandem repeats (VNTR) methods. A simple software tool for the semi-automated electrophoretic gel image analysis based on the proposed gradient based methodology is freely available online athttps://bitbucket.org/rogex/sds-page-image-analyzer/downloads/.
Placental and fetal characteristics of the Ohia mouse line recapitulate outcomes in human hypoplastic left heart syndrome
Authors: Wilson Rebecca L , Troja Weston , Courtney Jennifer , Williams Alyssa , Jones Helen N
Published: August 2020

Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are the most common birth defect worldwide. The morbidity and mortality associated with these defects is compounded by increased frequency of fetal growth abnormalities. In the Ohia mouse model of hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), the double homozygous genotype is embryonically lethal at mid-pregnancy; a time in which optimal establishment of the placenta is crucial to fetal survival. We aimed to characterize placental and fetal growth and development in the double heterozygous genotype (Sap130m/+Pcdha9m/+)to determine whether the genetic mutations associated with HLHS in the Ohia mouse also affect the placenta. The frequency of fetuses with reduced weight near term was shifted in theSap130m/+Pcdha9m/+fetuses compared to wildtype. This shift in fetal weight distribution in theSap130m/+Pcdha9m/+fetuses was associated with reduced labyrinth region area (P<0.001) and reduced fetal capillary density (P<0.001) in the placentas. Positive correlations were observed between fetal weight and placenta mRNA expression of several nutrient transporters in theSap130m/+Pcdha9m/+fetuses but not observed in the wildtype. Increased protein expression of Slc7a5 (P<0.05) and Slc7a8 (P<0.05) was also found in the placenta ofSap130m/+Pcdha9m/+fetuses. This data shows, despite a potential compensatory mechanism to increase nutrient transport, abhorrent placental vascularization leads to inadequate fetal growth in the Ohia mouse model. Such differences are similar to findings in studies of human placentas and highlights the importance of this mouse model in continuing to understand the developmental links and disruptions to the heart-placenta axis.
Characteristics of fMRI responses to visual stimulation in anesthetized vs. awake mice
Authors: Dinh Thi Ngoc Anh , Jung Won Beom , Shim Hyun-Ji , Kim Seong-Gi
Published: August 2020

Abstract

The functional characteristics of the mouse visual system have not previously been well explored using fMRI. In this research, we examined 9.4 T BOLD fMRI responses to visual stimuli of varying pulse durations (1 – 50 ms) and temporal frequencies (1 – 10 Hz) under ketamine and xylazine anesthesia, and compared fMRI responses of anesthetized and awake mice. Under anesthesia, significant positive BOLD responses were detected bilaterally in the major structures of the visual pathways, including the dorsal lateral geniculate nuclei, superior colliculus, lateral posterior nucleus of thalamus, primary visual area, and higher-order visual area. BOLD responses increased slightly with pulse duration, were maximal at 3 – 5 Hz stimulation, and significantly decreased at 10 Hz, which were all consistent with previous neurophysiological findings. When the mice were awake, the BOLD fMRI response was faster in all active regions and stronger in the subcortical areas compared with the anesthesia condition. In the V1, the BOLD response was biphasic for 5 Hz stimulation and negative for 10 Hz stimulation under wakefulness, whereas prolonged positive BOLD responses were observed at both frequencies under anesthesia. Unexpected activation was detected in the extrastriate postrhinal area and non-visual subiculum complex under anesthesia, but not under wakefulness. Widespread positive BOLD activity under anesthesia likely results from the disinhibition and sensitization of excitatory neurons induced by ketamine. Overall, fMRI can be a viable tool for mapping brain-wide functional networks.
Mitochondrial determinants of response and resistance to venetoclaxpluscytarabine duplet therapy in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Bosc Claudie , Gadaud Noémie , Bousard Aurélie , Sabatier Marie , Cognet Guillaume , Saland Estelle , Farge Thomas , Boet Emeline , Gotanègre Mathilde , Aroua Nesrine , Mouchel Pierre-Luc , Larrue Clément , Jarrou Latifa , Rambow Florian , Cabon Florence , Nicot Nathalie , Vergez François , Tamburini Jérôme , Fournié Jean-Jacques , Kaoma Tony , Marine Jean-Christophe , Récher Christian , Stuani Lucille , Joffre Carine , Sarry Jean-Emmanuel
Published: August 2020

The development of resistance to conventional and targeted therapy represents a major clinical barrier in treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). We show that the resistance to cytarabine (AraC) and its associated mitochondrial phenotype were reversed by genetic silencing or pharmacological inhibition of BCL2 in a caspase-dependent manner. BCL2-inhibitor venetoclax (VEN) enhancement of AraC efficacy was independent of differentiation phenotype, a characteristic of response to another combination of VEN with hypomethylating agents (HMA). Furthermore, transcriptional profiles of patients with low response to VEN+AraC mirrored those of low responders to VEN+HMA in clinical trials. OxPHOS was found to be a patient stratification marker predictive of effective response to VEN+AraC but not to VEN+AZA. Importantly, whereas three cell subpopulations specifically emerged in VEN+AraC residual disease and were characterized by distinct developmental and transcriptional programs largely driven by MITF, E2F4 and p53 regulons, they each encoded proteins involved in assembly of NADH dehydrogenase complex. Notably, treatment of VEN+AraC-persisting AML cells with an ETCI inhibitor significantly increased the time-to-relapsein vivo. These findings provide the scientific rationale for new clinical trials of VEN+AraC combinations, especially in patients relapsing or non-responsive to chemotherapy, or after failure of frontline VEN+HMA regimen.
Deuterated rhodamines for protein labelling in nanoscopy
Authors: Roßmann Kilian , Akkaya Kerem C. , Charbonnier Corentin , Eichhorst Jenny , Jones Ben , Lehmann Martin , Broichhagen Johannes
Published: August 2020

Rhodamine molecules are setting benchmarks in fluorescence microscopy. Herein, we report the deuterium (d12) congeners of tetramethyl(silicon)rhodamine, obtained by isotopic labelling of the four methyl groups, which improves photophysical (i.e.brightness, lifetimes) and chemical (i.e.bleaching) properties. We explore this finding for SNAP- and Halo-tag labelling, and highlight enhanced properties in several applications, such as Förster resonance energy transfer, fluorescence activated cell sorting, fluorescence lifetime microscopy and stimulated emission depletion nanoscopy. We envision deuteration as a generalizable concept to improve existing and develop new Chemical Biology Probes.
Neural compensation in presymptomatic hAPP mouse models of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Ammassari-Teule Martine
Published: August 2020

Largely inspired from clinical concepts like brain reserve, cognitive reserve, and neural compensation, here we review data showing how neural circuits reorganize in presymptomatic and early symptomatic hAPP mice to maintain memory intact. By informing on molecular alterations and compensatory adaptations which take place in the brain before mice show cognitive impairments, these data can help to identify ultra-early disease markers that could be targeted in a therapeutic perspective aimed at preventing rather than treating cognitive deterioration.
Iron-responsive-like elements and neurodegenerative ferroptosis
Authors: Rogers Jack T. , Cahill Catherine M.
Published: August 2020

A set of common-acting iron-responsive 5′untranslated region (5′UTR) motifs can fold into RNA stem loops that appear significant to the biology of cognitive declines of Parkinson's disease dementia (PDD), Lewy body dementia (LDD), and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Neurodegenerative diseases exhibit perturbations of iron homeostasis in defined brain subregions over characteristic time intervals of progression. While misfolding of Aβ from the amyloid-precursor-protein (APP), alpha-synuclein, prion protein (PrP) each cause neuropathic protein inclusions in the brain subregions, iron-responsive-like element (IRE-like) RNA stem–loops reside in their transcripts. APP and αsyn have a role in iron transport while gene duplications elevate the expression of their products to cause rare familial cases of AD and PDD. Of note, IRE-like sequences are responsive to excesses of brain iron in a potential feedback loop to accelerate neuronal ferroptosis and cognitive declines as well as amyloidosis. This pathogenic feedback is consistent with the translational control of the iron storage protein ferritin. We discuss how the IRE-like RNA motifs in the 5′UTRs of APP, alpha-synuclein and PrP mRNAs represent uniquely folded drug targets for therapies to prevent perturbed iron homeostasis that accelerates AD, PD, PD dementia (PDD) and Lewy body dementia, thus preventing cognitive deficits. Inhibition of alpha-synuclein translation is an option to block manganese toxicity associated with early childhood cognitive problems and manganism while Pb toxicity is epigenetically associated with attention deficit and later-stage AD. Pathologies of heavy metal toxicity centered on an embargo of iron export may be treated with activators of APP and ferritin and inhibitors of alpha-synuclein translation.
Ambient-pressure endstation of the Versatile Soft X-ray (VerSoX) beamline at Diamond Light Source
Authors: Held Georg , Venturini Federica , Grinter David C. , Ferrer Pilar , Arrigo Rosa , Deacon Liam , Quevedo Garzon Wilson , Roy Kanak , Large Alex , Stephens Christopher , Watts Andrew , Larkin Paul , Hand Matthew , Wang Hongchang , Pratt Linda , Mudd James J. , Richardson Thomas , Patel Suren , Hillman Michael , Scott Stewart
Published: August 2020

The ambient-pressure endstation and branchline of the Versatile Soft X-ray (VerSoX) beamline B07 at Diamond Light Source serves a very diverse user community studying heterogeneous catalysts, pharmaceuticals and biomaterials under realistic conditions, liquids and ices, and novel electronic, photonic and battery materials. The instrument facilitates studies of the near-surface chemical composition, electronic and geometric structure of a variety of samples using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and near-edge X-ray absorption fine-structure (NEXAFS) spectroscopy in the photon energy range from 170 eV to 2800 eV. The beamline provides a resolving power hν/Δ(hν) > 5000 at a photon flux > 1010 photons s−1 over most of its energy range. By operating the optical elements in a low-pressure oxygen atmosphere, carbon contamination can be almost completely eliminated, which makes the beamline particularly suitable for carbon K-edge NEXAFS. The endstation can be operated at pressures up to 100 mbar, whereby XPS can be routinely performed up to 30 mbar. A selection of typical data demonstrates the capability of the instrument to analyse details of the surface composition of solid samples under ambient-pressure conditions using XPS and NEXAFS. In addition, it offers a convenient way of analysing the gas phase through X-ray absorption spectroscopy. Short XPS spectra can be measured at a time scale of tens of seconds. The shortest data acquisition times for NEXAFS are around 0.5 s per data point.
High accuracy determination of photoelectric cross sections, X-ray absorption fine structure and nanostructure analysis of zinc selenide using the X-ray extended range technique
Authors: Sier Daniel , Cousland Geoffrey P. , Trevorah Ryan M. , Ekanayake Ruwini S. K. , Tran Chanh Q. , Hester James R. , Chantler Christopher T.
Published: August 2020

Measurements of mass attenuation coefficients and X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) of zinc selenide (ZnSe) are reported to accuracies typically better than 0.13%. The high accuracy of the results presented here is due to our successful implementation of the X-ray extended range technique, a relatively new methodology, which can be set up on most synchrotron X-ray beamlines. 561 attenuation coefficients were recorded in the energy range 6.8–15 keV with measurements concentrated at the zinc and selenium pre-edge, near-edge and fine-structure absorption edge regions. This accuracy yielded detailed nanostructural analysis of room-temperature ZnSe with full uncertainty propagation. Bond lengths, accurate to 0.003 Å to 0.009 Å, or 0.1% to 0.3%, are plausible and physical. Small variation from a crystalline structure suggests local dynamic motion beyond that of a standard crystal lattice, noting that XAFS is sensitive to dynamic correlated motion. The results obtained in this work are the most accurate to date with comparisons with theoretically determined values of the attenuation showing discrepancies from literature theory of up to 4%, motivating further investigation into the origin of such discrepancies.
Structure of a nucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase (NPP) fromEuphorbia characiaslatex characterized by small-angle X-ray scattering: clues for the general organization of plant NPPs
Authors: Sabatucci Annalaura , Pintus Francesca , Cabras Tiziana , Vincenzoni Federica , Maccarrone Mauro , Medda Rosaria , Dainese Enrico
Published: August 2020

Little information is available concerning the structural features of nucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterases (NPPs) of plant origin and the crystal structures of these proteins have not yet been reported. The aim of this study was to obtain insight into these aspects by carrying out a comparative analysis of the sequences of two different fragments of an NPP from the latex of the Mediterranean shrubEuphorbia characias(ELNPP) and by studying the low-resolution structure of the purified protein in solution by means of small-angle X-ray scattering. This is the first structure of a plant NPP in solution that has been reported to date. It is shown that the ELNPP sequence is highly conserved in many other plant species. Of note, the catalytic domains of these plant NPPs have the same highly conserved PDE-domain organization as mammalian NPPs. Moreover, ELNPP is a dimer in solution and this oligomerization state is likely to be common to other plant enzymes.
Preliminary data of a preschool teacher-screening checklist for autism spectrum disorder in Singapore
Authors: Nah Yong-Hwee
Published: August 2020

Purpose

There are limited tools developed for preschool teachers to aid them in identifying these children with possible autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This study aims to describe the development and present preliminary data of a checklist for ASD screening for preschool teachers (CAPT-S) in Singapore that is easy for preschool teachers to use to identify ASD in mainstream preschoolers from 3 to 6 years old.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopted a cross-sectional questionnaire design. The CAPT-S is a 12-item checklist based on the current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders – Fifth Edition criteria and derived from a survey in a previous study that examined preschool teachers’ perceptions of challenging behaviors in preschoolers with ASD in Singapore. Participants consisted of 63 preschool teachers (mean age = 29.4 years; SD = 9.8) teaching in mainstream preschool centers located in Singapore, and they were asked to use the CAPT-S to rate their students on a four-point Likert scale on frequency of observed behavior.

Findings

Preliminary results indicated construct validity was demonstrated and high reliability in terms of internal consistency and moderate test–retest reliability of the CAPT-S. Diagnostic validity of the CAPT-S was also established, even after controlling for variables such as working experience and time spent working with that student. The optimal cutoff score of 24 produced high sensitivity and specificity.

Originality/value

The present study adds an important contribution to the literature on using preschool teachers as an additional informant in the screening process of ASD. The CAPT-S may be suitable for preschool teachers to use to identify children with possible ASD, although future studies would need to be conducted to examine its effectiveness.
Maximising profitability of quaternary sector organisations through workforce optimisation
Authors: Ghosh Anindya , Kundu Sayantan , Ghosh Piyali , Dutta Tanusree
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a workforce optimisation model that maximises the profitability of a knowledge-based service organisation in the quaternary sector.

Design/methodology/approach

An optimisation model that allocates resources from different skillsets and seniority to projects that are delivered from several geographies has been developed in this paper. With the objective of maximising the profitability of a pipeline of projects, the model selects which projects to accept and which not to and indicates how many resources to hire for (or layoff from) each skillset-seniority-geography combination.

Findings

The paper discusses the model and its scalable nature. Through hypothetical scenarios, it is shown that the model, using a simple non-linear algorithm, converges to optimal solutions.

Research limitations/implications

The model depends on inputs that are exogenously supplied by the organisation. The applicability of the outcome is dependent on them. However, on the other hand, it allows for the alignment of the outcomes with the strategic objective of the organisation.

Practical implications

The paper discusses the multi-dimensional nature of effective human resource allocation problem. It not only maximises profitability but also allows organisations to strategically screen projects. With proper calibration and minor modifications, the model may be used to allocate resources across the knowledge-based industry.

Originality/value

The paper integrates the demand and supply-side problems of workforce allocation to projects in a novel way to form a tractable model that is pragmatic and applicable.
Participant well-being and local festivals: the case of the Miri country music festival, Malaysia
Authors: Tan Kim-Lim , Sim Adriel K.S. , Chai Delon , Beck Louise
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Festivals are becoming a growing commodity for countries keen to increase their portfolio of tourist attractions. The benefits experienced by the local community and the visitors at festivals are multi-faceted. However, existing tourism research has primarily focussed on the value of the event in terms of customer satisfaction. It has yet to explicitly identify the affect music festivals have on individuals' well-being. This study aims to investigate the effect of music festival unique attributes on visitors' satisfaction levels and how it influences individuals' well-being.

Design/methodology/approach

A paper-based questionnaire was distributed to participants visiting the Miri Country Music Festival (MCMF) in Malaysia, and partial least squares–structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was used for data analysis.

Findings

The results from 288 respondents revealed that the festival programme was the main attribute in influencing one's satisfaction to a festival, which in turn improved one's subjective well-being. The other attributes that influence an individual's satisfaction in a music festival include food, information services and festival value.

Originality/value

This study advances the body of knowledge by integrating the self-determination theory and the environmental psychology theory as the bases that a music festival potentially provides an engaging environment that is conducive for positive well-being among the participants. This is the first study that confirms the influence of the different predictors on the perceived value of MCMF, proposing a model in developing a better understanding of the participants' well-being.
Shaping our perception of reality: sustainability communication by Canadian festivals
Authors: Dodds Rachel , Novotny Michelle , Harper Sylvie
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine the extent of online communication by festivals regarding their sustainability practices using Cultivation Theory as the framework to determine perceived value creation.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed method approach was utilized to achieve data triangulation through a content analysis of websites, content analysis of social media sites as well as interviews.

Findings

Findings indicated that 64% of festivals did not communicate any sustainable practices through their websites and only 6% communicated via social media. The most common sustainability practices communicated were waste management and sustainable transportation, yet few festivals engaged in effective, consistent and sufficient marketing of initiatives to festivalgoers. Best practice festivals (having communicated 5.47 initiatives or more) were found to have been significantly more likely than non-best practice festivals to be music festivals and have been in operation longer. Best practice festivals were also more likely than non-best practice festivals to have sustainability engrained into their corporate philosophy via a communicated sustainable vision and mission. Interviews revealed that most festivals did not have a designated role responsible for all sustainable initiatives and the responsibility was often taken on by volunteers or festival organizers. Festival organizers that communicated sustainability initiatives efficiently, consistently, and sufficiently perceived these efforts to benefit the festivals value amongst festivalgoers and host communities. Propensity to communicate sustainability initiatives was found to have been impacted by awareness, categorization, timing, policy and funding.

Research limitations/implications

While the findings are limited to the country of Canada and the extent of communication on websites and social media platforms as well as those festivals who participated, interviews helped to overcome these limitations as they gained an understanding of what was undertaken but not necessarily communicated.

Practical implications

The findings generated from this study could be used as a guide for establishing a benchmark for festivals regarding sustainable communication as well as strategies for overall corporate responsibility. Content regarding sustainability at festivals is scarce, as is information on festival communication. As a result, this paper seeks to understand the sustainable initiatives that are being communicated by festivals.

Originality/value

This is the first time Cultivation Theory was used within a tourism context and may be a useful tool to determine value creation. Through Cultivation Theory, festival organizers believed to have the ability to impact perceived value of the festival by implementing efficient, consistent and sufficient communication of sustainability initiatives.
Questioning stereotypes about US site-based subsidized housing
Authors: Silverman Robert Mark , Patterson Kelly L. , Wang Chihuangji
Published: August 2020

Purpose

There is a dearth of basic analysis about how the demographics of residents living in the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) subsidized properties relate to the quality of housing. This research vacuum is often filled by popular stereotypes. This study aims to address this gap by examining the relationship between the demographics of residents and inspection scores.

Design/methodology/approach

Two data sources are drawn from the analysis: the 2018 HUD Picture of Subsidized Households database and HUD’s 2018 REAC Public and Multi-Family Housing Inspection Scores. Linear and logistic regression analysis were conducted, and selected data were mapped using GIS software.

Findings

The analysis examines the demographics of site-based subsidized properties in relation to inspection scores. In 2018, HUD identified 31,225 traditional public housing and other site-based multi-family properties in its Picture of Subsidized Households database. Residents living in these properties are often stereotyped as a homogeneous group that is predominantly composed of single, minority women with children who are welfare dependent. Similarly, properties are often portrayed as dilapidated, high-rise projects in segregated urban communities. The results from the analysis do not support these stereotypes about HUD-subsidized multi-family properties. By contrast, the results indicate that a diverse group of households lives in HUD-subsidized multi-family properties.

Originality/value

There is a need for scholars, advocates and practitioners to more aggressively challenge the popular stereotypes about site-based subsidized housing. In particular, there is a need for enhanced public scholarship focused on the dissemination of evidence-based research.
Forecasting house prices in Iran using GMDH
Authors: Nazemi Behrooz , Rafiean Mohsen
Published: August 2020

Purpose

An accurate predictive model for forecasting urban housing price in Isfahan can be useful for sellers and owners to take more appropriate actions about housing supplying. Also, it can help urban housing planners and policymakers in managing of the housing market and preventing an urban housing crisis in Isfahan. The purpose of this paper is forecasting housing price in Isfahan city of Iran until 2022 using group method of data handling (GMDH).

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents an accurate predictive model by applying the GMDH algorithm by using GMDH-Shell software for forecasting housing price in municipal boroughs of Isfahan city till the second half of 2022 based on creating time series and existing data. Alongside housing price, some other affecting factors have been also considered to control the forecasting process and make it more accurate. Furthermore, this research shows the housing price changes of boroughs on map using ArcMap.

Findings

Based on forecasting results, the housing price will increase at all boroughs of Isfahan till second half of the year 2022. Amongst them, Borough 15 will have the highest percentage of the price increasing (28.27%) to year 2022 and Borough 6 will have the lowest percentage of the price increasing (8.34%) to the year 2022. About ranking of the boroughs in terms of housing price, Borough number 6 and 3 will keep their current position at the top and Borough number 15 will stay at the bottom.

Research limitations/implications

In this research, just few factors have been selected alongside housing price to control the forecasting process owing to limitation of reliable data availability about affecting factors.

Originality/value

The most remarkable point of this paper is reaching to a mathematical formula that can accurately forecast housing price in Isfahan city which has been rarely investigated in former studies, especially in simplified form. The technique used in this paper to forecast housing price in Isfahan city of Iran can be useful for other cities too.
Determinants of cargo and eco-efficiencies of global container shipping companies
Authors: Kuo Kuo-Cheng , Lu Wen-Min , Kweh Qian Long , Le Minh-Hieu
Published: August 2020

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate cargo and eco-efficiency of global container shipping companies (CSCs) and explore the determinants of the CSCs' efficiencies. While the former is derived from the CSCs' operational perspective, the latter highlights environmental issue related to carbon emission reduction.

Design/methodology/approach

In the first stage, a two-stage double bootstrap approach of data envelopment analysis (DEA) is applied to derive bias-corrected cargo and eco-efficiency of the top ten global CSCs under the variable returns to scale assumption. In the second stage, ordinary least squares and truncated regression are applied to examine determinants of the CSCs' efficiencies.

Findings

The DEA results reveal that the cargo efficiency of the CSCs is higher than their eco-efficiency by about 2.6% under variable returns to scale in DEA. However, the bias-corrected results show that the difference is 2.9%. The overall average efficiencies suggest that the CSCs can improve their cargo (eco) efficiency by 6.9% (10.8%). In the second stage, the regression results show that the numbers of ship, return on assets and asset turnover ratio are significantly related to both cargo and eco-efficiencies, whereas the total fleet capacity positively affects cargo efficiency.

Research limitations/implications

The results of this study can help the inefficient CSCs make strategic decisions to improve their performance. For example, their business experience and capacity may be contributing to their efficiencies. However, this study only focuses on the container market among the three main markets, namely, dry bulk, wet bulk and container.

Originality/value

This study highlights an environmental issue in the shipping industry. While CSCs are operating their cargo efficiently in general, they should also put green initiatives into their business operations for the long-term sustainability.
Economic measuring of losses derived from inventory management at an oil refinery
Authors: Machado Marcos Fabricio , Lacerda Daniel Pacheco , Morandi Maria Isabel Wolf Motta , Camargo Luis Felipe Riehs , Dresch Aline
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The purpose of the present study is to identify and measure economically the losses related to inventory management in an oil refinery.

Design/methodology/approach

An exploratory case study was conducted to search for a better understanding of a phenomenon and its implications.

Findings

The results obtained based on the case study suggest the need to observe this phenomenon in other contexts and take managerial actions that will eliminate waste as one of the forms of generating value for the company. The results were related to each other and to the traditional metrics of inventory management and can be used as a base to improve mathematical and computational models for production planning and scheduling and also performance indicators.

Originality/value

No studies have been found that attempt to measure the economic losses derived from inventory management and their capacity in this environment.
Receptiveness of effective tax rate to firm characteristics: an empirical analysis on Indian listed firms
Authors: Panda Ajaya Kumar , Nanda Swagatika
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to empirically investigate the factors deriving effective tax rate (ETR) for Indian manufacturing firms in different sectors. The study also tries to analyze the sensitiveness of ETR because of shocks on its key determinants.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is using Arellano–Bond dynamic panel regression model to identify the key drivers of ETR, and impulse response functions of panel vector auto-regression model to analyze the response of ETR because of one standard deviation (SD) shock to its key determinants.

Findings

This study concludes that ETR is significantly explained by firm size, profitability, growth rate and non-debt tax shield in most of the sectors, and debt ratio, asset tangibility and age of the firms are impacting ETR differently across sectors. In case of entire manufacturing sector, firm size, profitability, growth and non-debt tax shield are driving ETR positively and asset tangibility is driving ETR negatively. Interest coverage ratio (ICR) and firm age are not significant drivers of ETR. ETR is positively related with firm size, but responses negatively when there is an immediate shock to firm size. Similarly, ETR is negatively related with asset tangibility, but responds positively following an immediate shock to it. Overall, ETR is more sensitive and responses significantly because of shocks in firm size, profitability, growth, asset tangibility and non-debt tax shield whereas, the response is very marginal following shocks to debt ratio, ICR and age of the firm.

Research limitations/implications

Firm managers may find the study useful to understand the receptiveness of ETRs at each sector level. The empirical findings are not only validating the theoretical developments but also providing a root cause analysis to the firm managers to understand the cause and consequence of ETRs for firms at different sectors.

Originality/value

Empirically investigating the factors driving ETR and analyzing its sensitiveness because of one SD shock on its key determinants for Indian manufacturing firms from different sectors is the originality of this study. Developing a strong theoretical background and empirically validating it through advanced methodology makes the study unique.
The historical evolution and popularity of activity-based thinking in management accounting
Authors: Berg Terje , Madsen Dag Øivind
Published: August 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the historical evolution and popularity of activity-based thinking in management accounting. As an organising framework, this paper applies the lens of management fashion theory, which is a perspective that is well suited to the examination of the lifecycles of management accounting concepts and ideas.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper pursues a bibliographic approach to better understand the past and present state of activity-based thinking. Thus, this paper attempts to piece together a mosaic picture by synthesising existing research on activity-based thinking from a wide range of academic and practitioner-oriented sources.

Findings

While the original activity-based costing (ABC) model has evolved and broadened and has generated new related concepts, studies suggest that it is not as successful as accounting concepts such as the balanced scorecard. The overall popularity trajectory of activity-based thinking can be considered to be negative, and it is currently not receiving much attention in accounting journals.

Research limitations/implications

This paper is based on desk research and is limited by a reliance on secondary sources. In addition, it may be subject to the authors’ own biases when it comes to defining relevant articles studied.

Practical implications

This paper provides more insight into the evolution and popularity of activity-based thinking and discusses some of the reasons why it is not more widely used in practice.

Originality/value

Although many studies have examined the diffusion of ABC-related techniques, most are quite dated. More than 30 years have passed since the coining of the ABC term, and the time is ripe to provide a historical re-examination of the impact of this type of thinking in the field of accounting and to consider the latest developments and trends.
WWH-dropout scale: when, why and how to measure propensity to drop out of undergraduate courses
Authors: Schmitt Jeovani , Fini Maria Inês , Bailer Cyntia , Fritsch Rosangela , Andrade Dalton Francisco de
Published: August 2020

Purpose

This study aims at developing an instrument to measure the latent trait propensity to drop out in face-to-face higher education.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on Tinto's student integration theory, a 27-item scale was created to measure student propensity to drop out of undergraduate programs. Item response theory was used to evaluate the psychometric analysis of the items. Furthermore, different methodologies were used to evaluate and provide evidence for content validity, response process validity, internal structure validity and criterion-related validity.

Findings

With the support of specialists in the construct, the interpretation of the scores for the use of the scale was defined in four levels of propensity: high, moderate, low and very low.

Research limitations/implications

The latent trait propensity to drop out in face-to-face higher education allows the inclusion of new items and aspects in the instrument. Thus, it can be adapted to distance education.

Practical implications

The students' propensity to drop out score can be useful for researchers and administration units in colleges and universities in the planning of permanent institutional actions and programs to take preventive measures.

Social implications

Minimize dropout in order to raise the educational level of the population and make better use of the resources invested in education.

Originality/value

This study points out when, why and how propensity to drop out can be measured and how scores can be interpreted in the context of the problem.
Can introductory financial accounting grades predict student choice to major in accounting?
Authors: Dyce Sarah , Lento Camillo , Pousa Claudio
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Social cognitive career theory (“SCCT”) suggests that positive feedback can influence educational choices. Introductory courses often provide students with their first opportunity to obtain feedback in a given discipline. As a result, SCCT hypothesizes that introductory courses grades will impact a student's decision to major in a given discipline. The purpose of this paper is to explore this hypothesis in the accounting domain.

Design/methodology/approach

Longitudinal data were collected from four cohorts of students registered at a Canadian university. The main hypothesis is tested by estimating a logistic regression.

Findings

A significant positive relationship is found between a student's introductory financial accounting (“IFA”) course grade and their decision to major in accounting. This decision to major in the discipline is not found to be affected by various student (e.g. biological sex or age) or instructor (e.g. whether the instructor holds a CPA designation or not) characteristics.

Practical implications

This study supports seminal and enduring research that emphasizes the IFA course as a gateway into the accounting major. As a result, educators should consider these findings when designing their IFA courses and the related student supports embedded within the IFA course.

Originality/value

Prior literature offers conflicting results on the relationship between IFA grades and student's choice to major in accounting. This study relies upon a theoretical framework, SCCT, to settle the debate. This study further extends the prior literature by exploring the impact of various student and instructor characteristics on the relationship between IFA grades and student's choice to major in accounting.
Convergence and determinants of anti-corruption disclosure among extractive firms in Africa
Authors: Duho King Carl Tornam , Agyenim-Boateng Cletus , Asare Emmanuel Tetteh , Onumah Joseph Mensah
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the convergence and determinants of anti-corruption disclosures of extractive firms in Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses an unbalanced panel data of 27 firms operating in 5 African countries covering the period 2006 to 2018. Corporate data is collected from the global reporting initiative (GRI) database. The study uses an index to measure overall disclosure and individual items are coded as binary. The study uses fixed effects, panel logistic and panel-corrected standard error regression, depending on the type of dependent variable used.

Findings

The results indicate that the determinants of anti-corruption disclosure are membership in the United Nations global compact (UNGC) and Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative, multi-national enterprise status, corruption perception index and human development index (HDI). Specifically, UNGC membership and multi-national status enhance the disclosure on corruption analysis. Countries with a high prevalence of corruption tend to disclose more on corruption analysis. Disclosure on corruption training is high among firms that are UNGC signatories, countries with a high HDI and countries with a high prevalence of corruption. There is a weak effect of firm-level, industry-level and country-level factors on disclosures on corruption response.

Research limitations/implications

The study provides insights on the use of GRI 205: Anti-Corruption, which has relevant implications for practitioners, policymakers and the academic community.

Originality/value

This study is premier in exploring anti-corruption disclosure with a special focus on extractive firms in Africa. It is also unique in providing a test of both beta and sigma convergence among the firms.