bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Functional advantages of Lévy walks emerging near a critical point
Authors: Abe Masato S.
Published: January 2020

Abstract

A special class of random walks, so-called Lévy walks, has been observed in a variety of organisms ranging from cells, insects, fishes, and birds to mammals, including humans. Although their prevalence is considered to be a consequence of natural selection for higher search efficiency, some findings suggest that Lévy walks might also be epiphenomena that arise from interactions with the environment. Therefore, why they are common in biological movements remains an open question. Based on some evidence that Lévy walks are spontaneously generated in the brain and the fact that power-law distributions in Lévy walks can emerge at a critical point, we hypothesized that the advantages of Lévy walks might be enhanced by criticality. However, the functional advantages of Lévy walks are poorly understood. Here, we modeled nonlinear systems for the generation of locomotion and showed that Lévy walks emerging near a critical point had optimal dynamic ranges for coding information. This discovery suggested that Lévy walks could change movement trajectories based on the magnitude of environmental stimuli. We then showed that the high flexibility of Lévy walks enabled switching exploitation/exploration based on the nature of external cues. Finally, we analyzed the movement trajectories of freely movingDrosophilalarvae and showed empirically that the Lévy walks may emerge near a critical point and have the large dynamic range and high flexibility. Our results suggest that the commonly observed Lévy walks emerge near a critical point and could be explained on the basis of these functional advantages.
The brain’s hedonic valuation system’s resting-state connectivity predicts weight loss and correlates with leptin
Authors: Schmidt Liane , Medarwar Evelyn , Aron-Wisnewsky Judith , Genser Laurent , Poitou Christine , Clément Karine , Plassmann Hilke
Published: January 2020

Weight gain is often associated with the pleasure of eating foods rich in calories and lack of willpower to reduce such food cravings, but empirical evidence is sparse. Here we investigated the role that connectivity within the brain’s hedonic valuation system (BVS, the ventral striatum and the ventromedial prefrontal cortex) at rest plays (1) to predict weight gain or loss over time and (2) for homeostatic hormone regulation. We found that intrinsic connectivity within the BVS at rest (RSC) predicted out-of-sample weight changes over time in lean and obese participants. Counterintuitively, such BVS RSC was higher in lean versus obese participants before the obese participants underwent a drastic weight loss intervention (Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery, RYGB). The RYGB surgery increased BVS RSC in the obese after surgery. The obese participants’ increase in BVS RSC correlated with decreases in fasting state systemic leptin, a homeostatic hormone signalling satiety that has been previously linked to dopamine functioning. Taken together, our results indicate a first link between brain connectivity in reward circuits in a more tonic state at rest, homeostatic hormone regulation involved in dopamine functioning and ability to lose weight.

Significance statement

With obesity rates on the rise, advancing our understanding of what factors drive people’s ability to lose and gain weight is crucial. This research is the first to link what we know about the brain’s hedonic valuation system (BVS) to weight loss and homeostatic hormone regulation. We found that connectivity at rest (RSC) within the BVS system predicted changes in weight, differentiated between lean and obese participants, and increased after a weight loss intervention (gastric bypass surgery). Interestingly, the extent to which BVS RSC improved after surgery correlated to decreases in circulating levels of the satiety hormone leptin. These findings are the first to reveal the neural and hormonal determinants of weight loss, combining hedonic and homeostatic drivers of (over-)eating.
A Dual Reward-Place Association Task to Study the Preferential Retention of Relevant Memories in Rats
Authors: Michon Frédéric , Sun Jyh-Jang , Kim Chae Young , Kloosterman Fabian
Published: January 2020

Memories of past events and common knowledge are critical to flexibly adjust one’s future behavior based on prior experiences. The formation and the transformation of these memories into a long-lasting form are supported by a dialog between the coordinated activity of population of neurons in the cortex and the hippocampus. Not all experiences are remembered equally well nor for equally long. It has been demonstrated experimentally in humans that memory strength positively depends on the behavioral relevance of the associated experience. Behavioral paradigms testing the selective retention of memory in rodents would enable to further investigate the neuronal mechanisms at play. We developed a novel paradigm to follow the repeated acquisition and retrieval of two contextually distinct, yet concurrently occurring, food-place associations in rats. We demonstrated the use of this paradigm by varying the amount of reward associated with the two locations. After delays of 2h or 20h, rats showed better memory performance for experiences associated with larger amount of reward. This effect depends on the level of spatial integration required to retrieve the associated location. Thus, this paradigm is suited to study the preferential retention of relevant experiences in rats.
HASLR: Fast Hybrid Assembly of Long Reads
Authors: Haghshenas Ehsan , Asghari Hossein , Stoye Jens , Chauve Cedric , Hach Faraz
Published: January 2020

Third generation sequencing technologies from platforms such as Oxford Nanopore Technologies and Pacific Biosciences have paved the way for building more contiguous assemblies and complete reconstruction of genomes. The larger effective length of the reads generated with these technologies has provided a mean to overcome the challenges of short to mid-range repeats. Currently, accurate long read assemblers are computationally expensive while faster methods are not as accurate. Therefore, there is still an unmet need for tools that are both fast and accurate for reconstructing small and large genomes. Despite the recent advances in third generation sequencing, researchers tend to generate second generation reads for many of the analysis tasks. Here, we present HASLR, a hybrid assembler which uses both second and third generation sequencing reads to efficiently generate accurate genome assemblies. Our experiments show that HASLR is not only the fastest assembler but also the one with the lowest number of misassemblies on all the samples compared to other tested assemblers. Furthermore, the generated assemblies in terms of contiguity and accuracy are on par with the other tools on most of the samples.

Availability

HASLR is an open source tool available athttps://github.com/vpc-ccg/haslr.
Quantitative assessment of morphology and sub-cellular changes in macrophages and trophoblasts during inflammation
Authors: Singh Rajwinder , Dubey Vishesh , Wolfson Deanna , Ahmad Azeem , Butola Ankit , Acharya Ganesh , Mehta Dalip Singh , Basnet Purusotam , Ahluwalia Balpreet Singh
Published: January 2020

During inflammatory condition in pregnancy, the macrophages present at the feto-maternal junction release an increased amount of NO and pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-αand INF-γ, which can disturb the trophoblast functions and thereby the pregnancy outcome. Measurement of the cellular and sub-cellular morphological modifications associated with inflammatory responses are important in order to quantify the extent of trophoblast dysfunction for clinical implication. With this motivation, we investigated morphological, cellular and sub-cellular changes in externally inflamed RAW264.7 (macrophage) and HTR-8/SVneo (trophoblast) using structured illumination microscopy (SIM) and quantitative phase microscopy (QPM). We monitored the production of nitric oxide (NO), changes in cell membrane and mitochondrial structure of macrophages and trophoblasts when exposed to different concentration of pro-inflammatory agents (LPS and TNF-α).In vitroNO production by LPS-induced macrophages increased 22-folds as compared to controls, whereas no significant NO production was seen after TNF-αchallenge. Under similar conditions as with macrophages, trophoblasts did not produce NO following either LPS or TNF-αchallenge. Super-resolution SIM imaging showed changes in the morphology of mitochondria and plasma membrane in macrophages following LPS challenge and in trophoblasts following TNF-αchallenge. Label-free QPM showed a decrease in the optical thickness of the LPS-challenged macrophages while TNF-αhaving no effect. The vice-versa is observed for the trophoblasts. We further exploited machine learning approaches on QPM dataset to detect and to classify the inflammation with an accuracy of 99.9% for LPS-challenged macrophages and 98.3% for TNF-α-challenged trophoblasts. We believe that the multi-modal advanced microscopy methodologies coupled with machine learning approach could be an alternative way for early detection of pregnancy related inflammation after clinical studies.
The effect of drug dose and timing of treatment on the emergence of drug resistancein vivoin a malaria model
Authors: Acosta Monica M. , Bram Joshua T. , Sim Derek , Read Andrew F.
Published: January 2020

Background and objectives

There is significant interest in identifying clinically effective drug treatment regimens that minimize thede novoevolution of antimicrobial resistance in pathogen populations. However,in vivostudies that vary treatment regimens and directly measure drug resistance evolution are rare. Here, we experimentally investigate the role of drug dose and treatment timing on resistance evolution in an animal model.

Methodology

In a series of experiments, we measured the emergence of atovaquone-resistant mutants ofPlasmodium chabaudiin laboratory mice, as a function of dose and timing of treatment with the antimalarial drug atovaquone.

Results

Increasing the concentration of atovaquone increased the likelihood of high-level resistance emergence. Treating very early or late in infection reduced the risk of resistance, likely as a result of population size at time of treatment, but we were not able to exclude influence of the immune response in the latter. When we varied starting inoculum, resistance was more likely at intermediate inoculum sizes, but this did not correlate directly with population sizes at time of treatment.

Conclusions and implications

(i) Higher doses do not always minimize resistance emergence and can result in competitive release of parasites with high-level resistance. (ii) Altering treatment timing affects the risk of resistance emergence, but not as a simple function of population size at the time of treatment. (iii) Finding the ‘right’ dose and ‘right’ time to maximize clinical gains and limit resistance emergence can vary depending on biological context and was non-trivial even in our simplified experiments.
Symmetry structures in dynamic models of biochemical systems
Authors: Ohlsson Fredrik , Borgqvist Johannes , Cvijovic Marija
Published: January 2020

Symmetries provide a powerful concept for the development of mechanistic models by describing structures corresponding to the underlying dynamics of biological systems. In this paper, we consider symmetries of the non-linear Hill model describing enzymatic reaction kinetics, and derive a class of symmetry transformations for each ordernof the model. We consider a minimal example consisting in the application of symmetry based methods to a model selection problem, where we are able to demonstrate superior performance compared to ordinary residual-based model selection. Finally, we discuss the role of symmetries in systematic model building in systems biology.
Fine-tuning biosensor dynamic range based on rational design of cross-ribosome-binding sites in bacteria
Authors: Ding Nana , Zhou Shenghu , Yuan Zhenqi , Zhang Xiaojuan , Chen Jing , Deng Yu
Published: January 2020

Currently, predictive translation tuning of regulatory elements to the desired output of transcription factor based biosensors remains a challenge. The gene expression of a biosensor system must exhibit appropriate translation intensity, which is controlled by the ribosome-binding site (RBS), to achieve fine-tuning of its dynamic range (i.e., fold change in gene expression between the presence and absence of inducer) by adjusting the translation initiation rate of the transcription factor and reporter. However, existing genetically encoded biosensors generally suffer from unpredictable translation tuning of regulatory elements to dynamic range. Here, we elucidated the connections and partial mechanisms between RBS, translation initiation rate, protein folding and dynamic range, and presented a rational design platform that predictably tuned the dynamic range of biosensors based on deep learning of large datasets cross-RBSs (cRBSs). A library containing 24,000 semi-rationally designed cRBSs was constructed using DNA microarray, and was divided into five sub-libraries through fluorescence-activated cell sorting. To explore the relationship between cRBSs and dynamic range, we established a classification model with the cRBSs and average dynamic range of five sub-libraries to accurately predict the dynamic range of biosensors based on convolutional neural network in deep learning. Thus, this work provides a powerful platform to enable predictable translation tuning of RBS to the dynamic range of biosensors.
[4-(4-Methoxyphenyl)-8-oxo-3-(phenylselanyl)spiro[4.5]deca-3,6,9-trien-2-yl]methylcyanamide
Authors: Morris LaQuze L. , Alvarado Clarisa A. , Goncalves Julia M. , Singh Ravi P. , Lovely Carl J. , Yousufuddin Muhammed
Published: January 2020

The title compound, C25H22N2O2Se, crystallizes in the space groupP21/cwith one molecule in the asymmetric unit. The compound was synthesized by the addition of phenylselenyl bromide to a cyanamide. The phenylselenyl portion and the cyano group, as well as the ketone functional group in the cyclohexa-2,5-dien-1-one portion of the structure, are disordered, with occupancy factors of 0.555 (14) and 0.445 (14).
Migration and sustainable development in Thailand
Authors: Bhula-or Ruttiya
Published: January 2020

Purpose

Previous studies have focused on migration and development from an economic perspective. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate sustainable migration and development in an integrative manner, including economic, social and environmental perspectives linking theoretical frameworks with empirical evidence in Thailand.

Design/methodology/approach

A framework of migration and sustainable development was developed in a structured and integrative manner, and the shift in migration and development patterns in Thailand was examined from an empirical and theoretical standpoint.

Findings

Migration contributes to Thailand’s economy in many ways. Migrant workers help to grow the economy, especially in labor-intensive sectors. This helps reduced income inequalities at the household level through remittances. Climate change will enhance migration, especially from neighboring countries and within Thailand itself, thus helping to reduce poverty and income inequality. Possible economic gains from migration, as well as circulating workers and international retirement migrants are highlighted.

Research limitations/implications

Only studies published in English or Thai were included, which may have resulted in the omission of some research. A need for rethinking policy design and implementation as a source of sustainable development is required.

Originality/value

Despite the recent influences of political and environmental changes, there has previously been no analysis of migration and sustainable development in Thailand in a structured and integrative manner as in this study. The impact of migration on the diffusion of new technology and brain drain issues was also addressed.
One-to-four-wing hyperchaotic fractional-order system and its circuit realization
Authors: Li Xiang , Li Zhijun , Wen Zihao
Published: January 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to introduce a novel 4D hyperchaotic fractional-order system which can produce one-to-four-wing hyperchaotic attractors. In the study of chaotic systems with variable-wing attractors, although some chaotic systems can generate one-to-four-wing attractors, none of them are hyperchaotic attractors, which is incomplete for the dynamic characteristics of chaotic systems.

Design/methodology/approach

A novel 4D fractional-order hyperchaotic system is proposed based on the classical three-dimensional Lü system. The complex and abundant dynamic behaviors of the fractional-order system are analyzed by phase diagrams, bifurcation diagrams and the corresponding Lyapunov exponents. In addition, SE and C0algorithms are used to analyze the complexity of the fractional-order system. Then, the influence of orderqon the system is also investigated. Finally, the circuit is implemented using physical components.

Findings

The most particular interest is that the system can generate one-to-four-wing hyperchaotic attractors with only one parameter variation. Then, the hardware circuit experimental results tally with the numerical simulations, which proves the validity and feasibility of the fractional-order hyperchaotic system. Besides, under different initial conditions, coexisting attractors can be obtained by changing the parameterdor the orderq. Then, the complexity analysis of the system shows that the fractional-order chaotic system has higher complexity than the corresponding integer-order chaotic system.

Originality/value

The circuit structure of the fractional-order hyperchaotic system is simple and easy to implement, and one-to-four-wing hyperchaotic attractors can be observed in the circuit. To the best of the knowledge, this unique phenomenon has not been reported in any literature. It is of great reference value to analysis and circuit realization of fractional-order chaotic systems.
Challenges of privatizing academic medical centers in Saudi Arabia and appropriate strategies for implementation
Authors: Kuwaiti Ahmed Al , Al Muhanna Fahd A.
Published: January 2020

Purpose

A crisis in the financial sustainability of the public healthcare sector often compels governments to consider privatization. The purpose of this paper is to summarize various strategies to overcome the challenges facing the privatization of academic medical centers (AMCs) in Saudi Arabia.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the authors discuss the challenges faced in privatizing AMCs in delivering their core functions such as patient care, medical education and research. Further, the appropriate strategies are listed to overcome these challenges in privatization of AMCs.

Findings

The authors described the benefits of privatization that include a reduction in the financial burden on government healthcare expenditure, quick decision making and creation of new financial models to improve healthcare services. On the other hand, the profit motive of private management could create pressure on patients and may divert AMCs from their primary objectives. Therefore, it is imperative for the government to develop and implement appropriate strategies that balance the benefits of privatizing AMCs with eliminating the negative impact of privatization on patient care, medical education and research.

Originality/value

Though AMCs privatization is currently feasible in Saudi Arabia, appropriate strategies are essential to overcome the challenges of its implementation. The government should frame a uniform rules and regulations prior to privatizing public hospitals so that it will fulfill the purpose in an efficient manner.
Markets need morality: perspectives from Islam, Christianity, and China
Authors: Leightner Jonathan Edward
Published: January 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to argue that markets need a foundation of morality to promote the long-run success of an economy.

Design/methodology/approach

Three types of ethical theories are discussed and compared with what the sacred scriptures of Islam and Christianity say and with what economic theory says. Examples from China are provided.

Findings

Markets need morality.

Research limitations/implications

There are more religions in the world than just Islam and Christianity; however, space limitations force me to only consider those two religions. Furthermore, there are more countries in the world than just China. However, space limitations force me to only pull examples from China.

Practical implications

Economists should recognize that markets need morality, and they should start teaching that to their students.

Social implications

If markets are built on a foundation of ethics, then society prospers. In the absence of that foundation, societies falter. When a government, business and religious institutions see each other as complementary forces, then ethics can evolve.

Originality/value

The author knows of no other studies that explain the three types of ethical theories, compares those theories to what the sacred scriptures of Islam and Christianity say and to what economic theory says, and then uses examples from China to illustrate the need for morality.
How are overtourism and host–guest relationships portrayed by the Portuguese print media?
Authors: Guizi Alan , Breda Zélia , Costa Rui
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand the main perceived impacts of overtourism in Portugal and the reactions of tourism stakeholders in the main Portuguese cities, especially the host.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a qualitative approach, based on the analysis of news published in Portuguese newspapers between March 2018 and March 2019, applying Bardin’s (2011) content analysis and matching with the theory as proposed by Laville and Dionne (1999).

Findings

The study reveals that the main perceived impacts are the evictions and transformation of old residence into short-term rentals (e.g. Airbnb) and small hotels, besides other impacts such as garbage in the streets, gentrification, loss of security and others.

Research limitations/implications

The study considered the period of one year, being a limitation of analysis for contexts within that period, as well as the possible partiality of how the context of overtourism is dealt by newspapers.

Practical implications

This study seeks to understand the context of overtourism and its perception by the hosts and aims to present a basis of tourism planning for public and private sector stakeholders, in order to provide a better visit experience to the tourist, without losing the hosts’ quality of life.

Originality/value

Studies using newspapers as sources of data are rare. The newspapers are considered local witnesses; therefore, they bear important information for several purposes, not just for tourism but for other realities or contexts.
A generic investigation process for South African commercial forensic practitioners
Authors: Nortje Jacobus Gerhardus J. , Bredenkamp Daniel P.
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to critically analyse and discuss the identification of a generic investigation process to be followed by the commercial forensic practitioner in South Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is a cross-sectional design that commenced with a review of the current available literature, highlighting the different approaches, processes and best practices used in local and international forensic practices. The methodology includes primary data collected with questionnaires from commercial forensic practitioner (N = 75) process users.

Findings

This paper identifies the following five distinct categories in the forensic investigation process, with sub-processes, namely, initiation, planning, execution, reporting and reflection.

Research limitations/implications

The study focuses only on the South African members of the Institute of Commercial Forensic Practitioners (ICFP) fraternity in South Africa as the ICFP is a leading body that, through membership, offers a recognised professional qualification in commercial forensics.

Practical implications

An investigation process for commercial forensic practitioners in South Africa could be used by the ICFP that would provide a governance structure for the ICFP.

Originality/value

The originality of this paper lies in setting out of an account of forensic accounting processes and best practices nationally and internationally. The missing knowledge is that no such research is known to have been conducted in South Africa. Currently, to the authors’ knowledge, no formalised investigation process exists. The contribution of the study is that by using an investigation process, it may enhance the quality of forensic investigations and contribute to the successful investigation and prosecution of commercial crime in South Africa that will be beneficial to all stakeholders.
Do corrupting activities hamper economic growth? Fresh empirical evidence from an emerging economy
Authors: Amoh John Kwaku , Awuah-Werekoh Kwasi , Ofori-Boateng Kenneth
Published: January 2020

Purpose

This study aims to examine the effect of corruption on the economic growth of Ghana and to establish the strength of relationships among corrupting activities.

Design/methodology/approach

The research used structural equation modelling on selected data from the World Economic Forum executive opinion survey on corrupting activities and data on economic growth measures from the world development indicators to achieve the research objectives.

Findings

The results show that all the observed corrupting activities (except diversion of public funds) adversely influence selected economic growth indicators. The study concludes that corrupting activities, independently and mutually impede Ghana’s economic growth.

Research limitations/implications

The research is limited by the availability of data, hence, quarterised data on selected variables from 2008 to 2017 were examined.

Practical implications

The results suggest that corruption encapsulates all the seven activities of corruption to one degree or another, which are economic growth hampering.

Originality/value

The study extends the corruption-economic growth nexus literature by incorporating several corrupting activities from multiple sectors/areas as follows: the government and politicians, private businesses, judiciary and citizens into a single model to test how these independently and mutually impede economic growth. By identifying and using specific corrupting activities from distinct and diverse sectors/areas to capture both the supply side and demand side of corruption and the private and public sectors, a better comprehension of the corruption-economic growth nexus is attained. This may aid emerging economies and anti-corruption agencies in drafting specific and targeted corruption reduction policies/programmes to minimise poverty and raise living standards to aid the realisation of sustainable development goals.
Using anti-money laundering measures to curb pension fraud in Nigeria
Authors: Esoimeme Ehi Eric
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a new approach to curbing pension fraud in Nigeria. The approach involves the use of anti-money laundering tools, procedures and expertise to advance the fight against pension fraud in Nigeria. The guidance is non-binding and does not override the purview of the National Pension Commission. The intention is to build on the revised procedures on the processing of death benefits and to complement existing circulars and guidelines issued by the National Pension Commission, including in particular the guidelines for compliance officers.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis took the form of a desk study, which analyzed various documents and reports, such as the Financial Action Task Force (2012-2018), International Standards on Combating Money Laundering and the Financing of Terrorism and Proliferation (the FATF Recommendations); the Financial Action Task Force Guidance on the Risk-Based Approach to Combating Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing: High Level Principles and Procedures; National Pension Commission Regulations for Compliance Officers; the Joint Money Laundering Steering Group Guidance for the United Kingdom Financial Sector Part I, June 2017 [Amended December 2017] and the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC) Bank Secrecy Act/Anti-Money Laundering Examination Manual 2014.

Findings

This paper determined that a strong due diligence process where the owner of the pension account and the next-of-kin/legal beneficiary are duly identified before the establishment of a business relationship is capable of reducing the risks associated with pension fraud to the barest minimum. This paper also determined that anti-money laundering measures, such as record keeping, suspicious transactions reporting, training for anti-fraud/money laundering compliance and an independent audit of systems and controls can help curb pension fraud.

Research limitations/implications

Pension fraud involves the use of deceit or misrepresentation in connection with a pension claim. There are many different kinds of pension fraud, but the type where the fraud is aimed at stealing a person’s pension funds is what this paper is concerned with.

Originality/value

Although most publications on pension fraud are focused on anti-fraud measures, this paper focuses on the anti-money laundering measures which can be used by Pension Fund Administrators to curb pension fraud.
Cross-country determinants of IFRS for SMEs adoption
Authors: Damak-Ayadi Salma , Sassi Nesrine , Bahri Moujib
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to identify the influence of environmental and institutional factors on the adoption of the International Financial Reporting Standard for small and medium-sized entities (IFRS for SMEs). This study used the neo-institutional theory and the economic theory of networks to explain why countries choose to adopt IFRS for SMEs.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on logistic regression analysis to investigate 177 countries, including 77 jurisdictions that adopted IFRS for SMEs between 2009 and 2015.

Findings

The findings confirm that the adoption of IFRS for SMEs is significantly related to law enforcement quality, culture, trading networks and economic growth. At the institutional level, coercive and normative isomorphism was found to be positively associated with IFRS for SMEs adoption. The results show also that the quality of the audit has no significant effect on the adoption of IFRS for SMEs. However, the joint effect of the quality of audit and quality of law enforcement is significantly related to the adoption of IFRS for SMEs.

Practical implications

The study contributes to a better understanding of the factors influencing the implementation of IFRS for SMEs standard across the globe and could be used to predict a country’s decision to adopt this standard.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature on international accounting harmonization by examining both environmental and institutional factors that influence the adoption of IFRS for unlisted private companies.
Depositor discipline, financial crisis and macroprudential policies
Authors: Ghosh Saibal
Published: January 2020

Purpose

Using bank-level data on MENA countries during 2000-2016, this study aims to examine the role and relevance of macroprudential policies in affecting depositor discipline.

Design/methodology/approach

The author uses the dynamic panel data methodology as compared to alternate techniques, owing to the ability of this technique to effectively address the endogeneity problem of some of the independent variables.

Findings

The findings suggest that market discipline for MENA banks occurs primarily through deposit rates. During the crisis, depositors typically focus on a catch-all measure of bank performance. Second, macroprudential policies play a role in influencing market discipline. Third, the behavior of depositors in exercising market discipline is more pronounced in countries with high Islamic banking share and works mainly through the price channel.

Originality/value

To the best of author’s knowledge, this is one of the early studies for MENA countries to examine this issue in a systematic manner. By focusing on an extended sample of MENA country banks covering an extensive period that subsumes the global financial crisis, author’s analysis is able to shed light on the relevance of macroprudential policies in affecting depositor discipline.
Service action research: review and guidelines
Authors: Elg Mattias , Gremyr Ida , Halldórsson Árni , Wallo Andreas
Published: January 2020

Purpose

Conducting research that is both practice- and theory-relevant is important for the service research community. Action research can be a fruitful approach for service researchers studying the transformative role of service research and wanting to make contributions to both the research community and to practical development. By exploring the current use of action research in service research, this study aims to make suggestions for enhancing the contribution to theory and practice development and to propose criteria for research quality for action research in service research.

Design/methodology/approach

This study builds on a systematic literature review of the use of action research approaches in service research.

Findings

The study makes three main contributions. First, it posits that any action research project needs to consider the four elements of problem identification, theorization, creating guiding concepts and intervention. Second, based on these elements mirrored in service action research, it outlines and analyzes three approaches to action research (i.e. theory-enhancing, concept developing and practice-enhancing). Third, it suggests a move from instrumental to a more conceptual relevance of the research and elaborates on the criteria for research quality.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the understanding of how action research may be applied for conducting high-quality collaborative research in services and proposes measures to enhance research quality in action research projects focusing services.
The directionality of uncertainty expressions and the foreign language effect
Authors: Zhang Yuqian , De Zoysa Anura , Cortese Corinne
Published: January 2020

Purpose

This study aims to investigate two issues inherent in accounting judgements: the directional influence of uncertainty expressions and how they might positively or negatively affect accounting judgements and the foreign-language effect (FLE), which refers to the reduction of judgement bias that occurs when an accounting judgement is made in one’s foreign language. This study examines both issues in the context of accounting judgements made in Chinese and English languages.

Design/methodology/approach

This study conducted two experiments. The first experiment applied a 2 × 2 between-subject research design, and the second experiment adopted a 2 × 2 within-subject approach.

Findings

The overall results revealed that directionality biases existed in the exercise of accounting judgement in subjects’ native and foreign languages. However, when the language was switched from the subjects’ native tongue to a foreign language, overall directionality biases are reduced.

Research limitations/implications

This study suggests that the use of native and non-native languages can have unintended consequences on accounting judgements. However, because of the limitations of using students as proxies for professionals and applying self-assessed language scales, the literature would benefit from future research that extends the subject profile to professional accountants and that assesses language skills more objectively.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature on cross-lingual accounting, both theoretically and methodologically. It also extends the FLE theory to an accounting context, providing insights on how language is involved in judgements concerning uncertainty expressions.
Mechanical characterization and comparison of additive manufactured ABS, Polyflex™ and ABS/Polyflex™ blended functional prototypes
Authors: Singh Sunpreet , Singh Rupinder
Published: January 2020

Purpose

Additive manufacturing (AM) is one of the latest and most advanced technologies that are continuously expanding into various field applications. Undoubtedly, fused deposition modeling (FDM) is one of the oldest and extensively used AM technologies not only because of the advantage of low cost, comparatively moderate production speed and negligible wastage but also due to acceptance of a wide range of thermoplastics, reinforced and blended feedstock for making the end product suitable for service. The purpose of this work to perform mechanical characterization of standard samples printed on FDM with acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), shape memory polymer (SMP; make PolyflexTM) and ABS/PolyflexTM blend and a comparative study from AM view point.

Design/methodology/approach

A low-cost desktop-based FDM setup was used for the fabrication of the test specimens under different processing conditions. Experiments were conducted as per obtained control log, and statistical analysis was conducted to understand the effect of selected variables in response of measured properties. Further, scanning electron microscopy-based micrographs were analyzed to understand the fracture mechanisms.

Findings

The obtained results highlighted that the mechanical properties of FDM parts are strongly influenced by the selected process variables. However, in case of most of the measured properties, selection of suitable feedstock has dominated the other input variables. Further, the results of test parts made with in-house developed ABS/SMP blend have showed the attainment of remarkable values of both strength and elasticity.

Originality/value

This work is held to empower the use of FDM technology to fabricate advanced and robust components for serving highly demanding applications.
Courageous leadership: Anita Krohn Traaseth, former CEO of Innovation Norway
Authors: Hlupic Vlatka
Published: January 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the leadership strategy of the publicly owned organisation, Innovation Norway, between 2014 and 2019, when it was under the leadership of former CEO Anita Krohn Traaseth.

Design/methodology/approach

The author, Vlatka Hlupic, Professor of Leadership and Organisational Transformation at Hult Ashridge Executive Education and CEO of The Management Shift Consulting Ltd, looked at Anita’s examples of courageous leadership while in office. Anita drew upon the different “levels” of individual mindset and corresponding organisational culture in the Emergent Leadership Model, in Vlatka’s book: The Management Shift.

Findings

Vlatka’s leadership strategy allowed Anita to oversee a cultural change in Innovation Norway from a traditional bureaucratic set-up to one based on entrepreneurship. Through trust and transparency, Anita was open with her staff and the Norwegian society at large about the transitional work, sharing not only good results but also difficult times and resistance, publishing her personal working contract as well as the organisation’s goals. Anita found Vlatka’s Emergent Leadership model an effective and honest way of guiding an existing culture into another culture.

Originality/value

Readers should come away with an understanding of how courageous leadership requires an acceptance that those in power cannot control everything. Delivering a process, a new way of thinking and working, can be an extremely challenging and risky transition, but effective leaders will believe in that process and follow it through, even if criticism and dissatisfaction occurs, in the knowledge that by being open and honest with their team throughout, they will reach business goals, unified and empowered.
Comparative analysis of the fermentation performance of high‐quality milk beer strains (Kluyveromyces marxianus) and optimisation of medium formula for high‐density fermentation
Authors: Wang Liang , Gao Enyan , Hu Man , He Qiang , He Yuting , Zheng Xiaoyan
Published: January 2020

Milk beer is a new type of dairy beverage in China and increasingly popular with consumers. The strain FXJ1 isolated in our laboratory was an excellent strain for the production of milk beer with alcohol content of 0.48%. Our research verified that the strain FXJ1 was superior to the commercial strain MJ for milk beer production and got the optimal medium formula (67.37 g/L sucrose, 29.7 g/L yeast extract, 15.61 g/L corn steep liquor, 4.13 g/L KH2PO4 and 0.3 g/L MgSO4) which allowed the biomass production of strain FXJ1 to achieve 8.88 ± 0.08 g/L and increase 2.94‐fold as compared with yeast extract peptone dextrose base medium.
From ‘Cool Science’ to Changing the World: The Opportunity to Support Pre‐startup Science Commercialization through Ethnography and Human‐Centered Design
Authors: PULMAN‐JONES SIMON , WEATHERUP AMY
Published: January 2020

Introducing an emerging context for human‐centered design work, this paper extends previous EPIC literature on startup innovation upstream into university science commercialization. It provides new perspectives on how the human‐centered design community can engage with scientific models of agency to inform broader engagement with the innovation and design challenges inherent in ‘intelligent’ technologies, and offers the challenge of engaging with and developing empathy for the dispositions of scientist innovators as a new vantage point from which to reflect on our core strength as facilitators of cross‐disciplinary collaboration for innovation and design.
(Fr)agile objects: Thinking Scrum through Post‐It Notes
Authors: LAFUENTE ISABEL , PRATA WILSON
Published: January 2020

Agile methodologies have taken hold as a model to be followed in software industry. Among them, Scrum is one of the most used frameworks and has a high level of acceptance among a large range of organizations. The underlying premise of Scrum is that by implementing an iterative and incremental process of development, an organization can become more efficient in coping with unpredictability, thus, increasing the chances of delivering business value. In this paper we use the context of SIDIA, an R&D center based in Manaus (Brazil), to look at how Scrum is practiced, by following Post‐its notes, which are commonly used in agile landscapes.

Following previous work on the idea of thinking through things (instead of thinking about things) as an analytic method to account for the ethnographic experience (Henare, 2006), the purpose here is to draw out the capacity of these objects to re‐conceive the workplace. We argue that somehow the extensive use of post‐its in this specific context helps to reify the core values of scrum and the agile mindset, at the same time that it shapes much of its practices and discourses.

Although we use a specific context as a case‐study to articulate the argument, we are less interested in bringing the specifics of the case, than in throwing light on the current perception of agile methodologies as a site of organizational promise, through an object‐oriented approach.
Following the Invisible Road Rules in the Field: Using ANT for CTF
Authors: LATHAM AMITY , MCDONALD JOHN , REEVES KEIR
Published: January 2020

Australian grain growers look to technologies of farming and cropping systems to maximise their productivity. Zero tillage cropping, variable rate inputs, soil moisture probes, and precision planting are a few practices that farmers may adopt to support their farming practices. To implement cropping technologies, and to achieve the outcomes promoted by the technological innovators, farmers need an alignment of machinery, mobile connectivity, knowledge, skills, farm services support, finance and people on the farm to make it happen. This paper shifts the focus beyond binary and hierarchical notions of humans versus technology and human versus nature, to insider research into the farming practice, alliances, and neighbourly relations to specifically examine how agency makes farmers enact a precision farming technique called controlled traffic farming. Using an actor network approach this paper examines what controlled traffic farming is, and why it makes farmers follow the ‘invisible road rules’ in the field using an actor network approach.
Toward Donut‐Centered Design: A Design Research Toolkit for the 21st Century
Authors: GOLIAS CHRISTOPHER A.
Published: January 2020

The social and ecological challenges of the 21st century require a design research process that contributes to viable economic solutions. This paper proposes donut centered design as a hybrid of service design and ecological design that works within the donut economic model. It describes how private and public sector ethnographers can weld the best of these two processes by providing a holistic, empirical research foundation that seeks to provide distributed service innovation value to all within the limits of the planet. Donut‐centered design addresses lacunae of the current innovation models by advocating multi‐site assessments, multi‐species ethnography, ecosocial blueprints and holistics metrics as important components of a regenerative design research practice.
Late‐onset hypogonadism and lifestyle‐related metabolic disorders
Authors: Braga Patrícia C. , Pereira Sara C. , Ribeiro João C. , Sousa Mário , Monteiro Mariana P. , Oliveira Pedro F. , Alves Marco G.
Published: January 2020

Background

Late‐onset hypogonadism (LOH) is a condition defined by low levels of testosterone (T), occurring in advanced age. LOH is promoted by senescence, which, in turn, has negative effects on male fertility. Interestingly, the impact of metabolic disorders on the male reproductive system has been the topic of several studies, but the association with LOH is still debatable.

Objectives

Herein, we discuss the hypothesis that the prevalence of metabolic abnormalities potentiates the effects of LOH on the male reproductive system, affecting the reproductive potential of those individuals.

Material and methods

We analyzed the bibliography available, until June 2019, about LOH in relation to metabolic and hormonal dysregulation, sperm quality profiles and assisted‐reproduction treatment outcomes.

Results

LOH affects the hypothalamic‐pituitary testis (HPT) axis. Additionally, metabolic disorders can also induce T deficiency, which is reflected in decreased male fertility, highlighting a possible connection. Indeed, T replacement therapy (TRT) is widely used to restore T levels. Although this therapy is unable to reverse all deleterious effects promoted by LOH on male reproductive function, it can improve metabolic and reproductive health.

Discussion and Conclusions

Emerging new evidence suggests that metabolic disorders may aggravate LOH effects on the fertility potential of males in reproductive age, by enhancing T deficiency. These results clearly show that metabolic disorders, such as obesity and diabetes, have a greater impact on causing hypogonadotropic hypogonadism than tissue senescence. Further, TRT and off‐label alternatives capable of restoring T levels appear as suitable to improve LOH, while also counteracting comorbidities related with metabolic diseases.