bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long-distance dispersal of pigeons and doves generated new ecological opportunities for host-switching and adaptive radiation by their parasites
Authors: Boyd Bret M. , Nguyen Nam-Phuong , Allen Julie M. , Waterhouse Robert M. , Vo Kyle B. , Sweet Andrew D. , Clayton Dale H. , Bush Sarah E. , Shapiro Michael D. , Johnson Kevin P.
Published: August 2021

Adaptive radiation is an important mechanism of organismal diversification, and can be triggered by new ecological opportunities. Although poorly studied in this regard, parasites present an ideal system to study adaptive radiations because of their close associations with host species. Both experimental and comparative studies suggest that the ectoparasitic wing lice of pigeons and doves have undergone an adaptive radiation, resulting in differences in both body size and overall coloration. Here we show that long-distance dispersal by dove hosts was important for parasite diversification, providing new ecological opportunities for parasites to speciate by host-switching. We further show that these new opportunities for host-switching decreased over time, and cospeciation became the more dominant mode of parasite speciation. Taken together, our results suggest that host dispersal, followed by host-switching, provided novel ecological opportunities that facilitated adaptive radiation by parasites.
Modeling minimum viable population size with multiple genetic problems of small populations
Authors: Nabutanyi Peter , Wittmann Meike J.
Published: August 2021

An important goal for conservation is to define minimum viable population (MVP) sizes for long-term persistence. Although many MVP size estimates focus on ecological processes, with increasing evidence for the role of genetic problems in population extinction, conservation practitioners have also increasingly started to incorporate inbreeding depression (ID). However, small populations also face other genetic problems such as mutation accumulation (MA) and loss of genetic diversity through genetic drift that are usually factored into population viability assessments only via verbal arguments. Comprehensive quantitative theory on interacting genetic problems is missing. Here we develop eco-evolutionary quantitative models that track both population size and levels of genetic diversity. Our models assume a biallelic multilocus genome whose loci can be under either a single or interacting genetic forces. In addition to mutation-selection-drift balance (for loci facing ID and MA), we include three forms of balancing selection (for loci where variation is lost through genetic drift). We define MVP size as the lowest population size that avoids an eco-evolutionary extinction vortex after a time sufficient for an equilibrium allele frequency distribution to establish. Our results show that MVP size decreases rapidly with increasing mutation rates for populations whose genomes are only under balancing selection, while for genomes under mutation-selection-drift balance, the MVP size increases rapidly. MVP sizes also increase rapidly with increasing number of loci under the same or different selection mechanisms until a point is reached at which even arbitrarily large populations cannot survive anymore. In the case of fixed number of loci under selection, interaction of genetic problems did not necessarily increase MVP sizes. To further enhance our understanding about interaction of genetic problems, there is need for more empirical studies to reveal how different genetic processes interact in the genome.
ANDOR and beyond: dynamically switchable logic gates as modules for flexible information processing
Authors: Bahadorian Mohammadreza , Modes Carl D.
Published: August 2021

Understanding how complex (bio-)chemical pathways and regulatory networks may be capable of processing information in efficient, flexible, and robust ways is a key question with implications touching fields across biology, systems biology, biochemistry, synthetic biology, dynamical systems theory, and network science. Considerable effort has been focused on the identification and characterization of structural motifs in these signaling networks, and companion efforts have instead sought to cast their operation as controlled by dynamical modules that appear out of dynamical correlations during information processing. While both these approaches have been successful in many examples of biological information processing, cases in which the signaling or regulatory network exhibits multi-functionality or context dependence remain problematic. We here propose a small set of higher-order effective modules that simultaneously incorporate both network structure and the attendant dynamical landscape. In so doing, we render effective computational units that can perform different logical operations based purely on the basin of attraction in which the network dynamics resides or is steered to. These dynamically switchable biochemical logic gates require fewer chemical components or gene products overall than their traditional analogs where static, separate gates are used for each desired function. We demonstrate the applicability and limits of these flexible gates by determining a robust range of parameters over which they correctly operate and further characterize the resilience of their function against intrinsic noise of the constituent reactions using the theory of large deviations. We also show the capability of this framework for general computations by designing a binary adder/subtractor circuit composed of only six components.
Linking Individual Differences in Personalized Functional Network Topography to Psychopathology in Youth
Authors: Cui Zaixu , Pines Adam R. , Larsen Bart , Sydnor Valerie J. , Li Hongming , Adebimpe Azeez , Alexander-Bloch Aaron F. , Bassett Dani S. , Bertolero Max , Calkins Monica E. , Davatzikos Christos , Fair Damien A. , Gur Ruben C. , Gur Raquel E. , Moore Tyler M. , Shanmugan Sheila , Shinohara Russell T. , Vogel Jacob W. , Xia Cedric H. , Fan Yong , Satterthwaite Theodore D.
Published: August 2021

The spatial layout of large-scale functional brain networks differs between individuals and is particularly variable in association cortex that has been implicated in a broad range of psychiatric disorders. However, it remains unknown whether this variation in functional topography is related to major dimensions of psychopathology in youth. Capitalizing on a large sample with 27-minutes of high-quality functional MRI data (n=790, ages 8-23 years) and advances in machine learning, we examined associations between functional topography and four correlated dimensions of psychopathology (fear, psychosis, externalizing, anxious-misery) as well as an overall psychopathology factor. We found that functional topography significantly predicted individual differences in dimensions of psychopathology, driven mainly by robust associations between topography and overall psychopathology. Reduced cortical representations of association networks were among the most important features of the model. Our results emphasize the value of considering systematic differences in functional neuroanatomy for personalized diagnostics and therapeutics in psychiatry.
Non-Viral Engineering of CAR-NK and CAR-T cells using theTc BusterTransposon System™
Authors: Pomeroy Emily J. , Lahr Walker S. , Chang Jae Woong , Krueger Joshua , Wick Bryce J. , Slipek Nicholas J. , Skeate Joseph G. , Webber Beau R. , Moriarity Branden S.
Published: August 2021

Cancer immunotherapy using T cells and NK cells modified with viral vectors to express a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) has shown remarkable efficacy in treating hematological malignancies in clinical trials. However, viral vectors are limited in their cargo size capacity, and large-scale manufacturing for clinical use remains complex and cost prohibitive. As an alternative, CAR delivery via DNA transposon engineering is a superior and cost-effective production method. Engineering via transposition is accomplished using a two-component system: a plasmid containing a gene expression cassette flanked by transposon inverted terminal repeats (ITRs) paired with a transposase enzyme that binds to the ITRs, excises the transposon from the plasmid, and stably integrates the transposon into the genome.

Here, we used the newly developed hyperactiveTc Buster(Bio-Techne) transposon system to deliver a transposon containing a multicistronic expression cassette (CD19-CAR, mutant DHFR, and EGFP) to primary human peripheral blood (PB) NK cells and T cells. We optimized methods to avoid DNA toxicity and maximize efficiency. Our cargo contained a mutant dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) which allowed us to enrich for stable transposon integration using methotrexate (MTX) selection. We then tested CAR-NK and CAR-T cells in functional assays against CD19-expressing Raji cells. CAR-expressing NK and T cells produced significantly more cytokines than CAR-negative controls and efficiently killed target cells. We recognize that cryopreservation manufactured CAR-expressing cells will be necessary for clinical translation. We observed reduced cytotoxicity of CAR-NK cells immediately after thaw, but increasing the NK dose overcame this loss of function.

Our work provides a platform for robust delivery of multicistronic, large cargo via transposition to primary human NK and T cells. We demonstrate that CAR-expressing cells can be enriched using MTX selection, while maintaining high viability and function. This non-viral approach represents a versatile, safe, and cost-effective option for the manufacture of CAR-NK and CAR-T cells compared to viral delivery.
Dynamic evolution of bacterial ligand recognition by formyl peptide receptors
Authors: Paterson Nicole M. , Al-Zubieri Hussein , Ragona Joseph , Tirado Juan , Geisbrecht Brian V. , Barber Matthew F.
Published: August 2021

The detection of invasive pathogens is critical for host immune defense. Cell surface receptors play a key role in the recognition of diverse microbe-associated molecules, triggering leukocyte recruitment, phagocytosis, release of antimicrobial factors, and cytokine production. The intense selective forces acting on innate immune receptor genes has led to their rapid diversification across plant and animal species. However, the impacts of this genetic variation on immune functions are often unclear. Formyl peptide receptors (FPRs) are a family of animal G-protein coupled receptors which are activated in response to a variety of ligands including formylated bacterial peptides, microbial virulence factors, and host-derived peptides. Here we investigate patterns of gene loss, sequence diversity, and ligand recognition among primate and carnivore FPRs. We observe that FPR1, which plays a critical role in innate immune defense in humans, has been lost in New World primates. Patterns of amino acid variation in FPR1 and FPR2 suggest a history of repeated positive selection acting on extracellular domains involved in ligand binding. To assess the consequences of FPR variation on bacterial ligand recognition, we measured interactions between primate FPRs and the FPR agonist Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin B, as well as S. aureus FLIPr-like which functions as an FPR inhibitor. We find that comparatively few sequence differences between great ape FPRs are sufficient to modulate recognition of S. aureus ligands, further demonstrating how genetic variation can act to tune FPR activation in response to diverse microbial binding partners. Together this study reveals how rapid evolution of host immune receptors shapes the detection of diverse microbial molecules.
Isolation and characterization of human monoclonal antibodies to pneumococcal capsular polysaccharide 3
Authors: Babb Rachelle , Doyle Christopher R , Pirofski Liise-anne
Published: August 2021

The current pneumococcal capsular polysaccharide (PPS) conjugate vaccine (PCV13) is less effective againstStreptococcus pneumoniaeserotype 3 (ST3), which remains a major cause of pneumococcal disease and mortality. Therefore, dissecting structure-function relationships of human PPS3 antibodies may reveal characteristics of protective antibodies. Using flow cytometry, we isolated PPS3-binding memory B cells from pneumococcal vaccine recipients and generated seven human PPS3-specific monoclonal antibodies (humAbs). Five humAbs displayed ST3 opsonophagocytic activity, four induced ST3 agglutinationin vitro, and four mediated both activities. For two humAbs, C10 and C27, that used the same variable heavy (VH) and light (VL) chain domains (VH3-9*01/VL2-14*03), C10 had fewer VLsomatic mutations, higher PPS3 affinity, more ST3 opsonophagocytic and agglutinating activity, whilst both humAbs altered ST3 gene expressionin vitro. After VLswaps, C10VH/C27VLexhibited reduced ST3 binding and agglutination, but C27VH/C10VLbinding was unchanged. In C57Bl/6 mice, C10 and C27 reduced nasopharyngeal colonization with ST3 A66 and a clinical strain, B2, and prolonged survival following lethal A66 intraperitoneal infection, but only C10 protected against lethal intranasal infection with the clinical strain. Our findings, associate efficacy of PPS3-specific humAbs with ST3 agglutination and opsonophagocytic activity and reveal an unexpected role for the VLin functional activityin vitroandin vivo. These findings also provide insights that may inform antibody-based therapy and identification of surrogates of vaccine efficacy against ST3.

IMPORTANCE

Despite the global success of pneumococcal conjugate vaccination, serotype 3 (ST3) pneumococcus remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. In comparison to other vaccine-included serotypes, the ST3 pneumococcal capsular polysaccharide (PPS3) induces a weaker opsonophagocytic response, which is considered a correlate of vaccine efficacy. Previous studies of mouse PPS3 monoclonal antibodies identified ST3 agglutination as a correlate of reduced ST3 nasopharyngeal colonization in mice, however neither the agglutinating ability of human vaccine-elicited PPS3 antibodies nor their ability to prevent experimental murine nasopharyngeal colonization has been studied. We generated and analysed the functional andin vivoefficacy of human vaccine-elicited PPS3 monoclonal antibodies and found that ST3 agglutination associated with antibody affinity, protectionin vivo, and limited somatic mutations in the light chain variable region. These findings provide new insights that may inform the development of antibody-based therapies and next generation vaccines for ST3.
Disability Training for Health Workers: A Global Narrative Systematic Review
Authors: Rotenberg Sara , Gatta Rodríguez Danae , Wahedi Azizia , Loo Rachelle , McFadden Emily , Ryan Sara
Published: August 2021

Background

Health worker training on disability is a recognized component of achieving high standards of health for people with disabilities, given that health worker’s lack of knowledge, stigma, and negative attitudes towards people with disabilities act as barriers to high quality health care.

Objective

To understand the published literature on training health workers about disability.

Methods

We searched five databases for relevant peer-reviewed articles published between January 2012 and January 2021. Studies that focused on training health care workers to improve knowledge, confidence, self-efficacy, and competence to support people with physical, sensory, or intellectual impairments were included. Data about the details of the intervention (setting, participants, format, impact assessments, etc.) and its effects were extracted.

Results

There is an array of highly local tools to train health workers across stages of their training and careers (pre-service, in-service, and continuing professional development). Studies involving people with disabilities in the training, community placements, simulations, or interactive sessions were found to be most effective in improving knowledge, confidence, competency, and self-efficacy.

Conclusions

As part of initiatives to build inclusive health systems and improve health outcomes for people with disabilities, health workers around the world need to receive appropriate and evidence-based training that combine multiple methods and involve people with disabilities.
Building a framework towards climate-smart agriculture in the Yangambi landscape, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
Authors: Mangaza Lisette , Sonwa Denis Jean , Batsi Germain , Ebuy Jérôme , Kahindo Jean-Marie
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to produce a framework for climate-smart agriculture (CSA) in the Yangambi landscape, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This would enable the authors to identify agricultural practices, assess vulnerability to climate change, identify options for improving agricultural systems from a climate change mitigation and adaptation perspective and finally provide climate-smart agricultural options.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used household survey methods of data collection. The data were collected using a structured questionnaire survey by interviewing 250 farm households, subdivided using three axes of the Yangambi landscape. Fisher’s exact test was used to determine relationships between two or more variables.

Findings

Results of the survey revealed that the vast majority (98%) of respondents perceived changes in temperature, rainfall and weather patterns. Reduction of crop yields and the emergence of new weed species and new crop pests are the main impacts on agricultural activities. Although 87.6% of respondents have no means of adaptation and resilience, some of them use crops rotation, fallow practice, fertilizers and bio-pesticides. A framework for CSA is proposed for the Yangambi landscape.

Practical implications

Policies and strategies to promote CSA in the study area should take into account local farmers' perceptions of climate change and consider first the adequacy of CSA practices for the specific conditions of the target area before its promotion. This study is thus useful for many REDD+ initiatives that are currently being promoted in DRC and particularly in the Tshopo Province.

Originality/value

This study is one of the first studies to focus on CSA in the Yangambi landscape, DRC. It assists the use of agriculture as a response to reducing deforestation while at the same time lowering agriculture’s carbon footprint and promoting a resilient and more productive farming system.
Journey's end: a dynamic framework of entrepreneurial processes and capitals relating to early stage business exit
Authors: Hanage Richard , Stenholm Pekka , Scott Jonathan M. , Davies Mark A.P.
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to respond to the call by McMullen and Dimov (2013) for a clearer understanding of entrepreneurial journeys by investigating the entrepreneurial capitals and micro-processes of seven young early stage entrepreneurs who all exited their businesses within 3 years of start-up.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors analysed empirical data from concurrent in-depth interviews which generated rich longitudinal case studies. Theory-building then led to a proposed “Longitudinal Dynamic Process Framework” of entrepreneurial goals, processes and capitals.

Findings

The framework builds on prior studies by integrating entrepreneurial processes and decisions into two feedback loops based on continuous review and learning. It thereby enhances understanding of the dynamics of new business development and unfolds the early stage ventures entrepreneurs' business exits.

Research limitations/implications

The findings are based on a small purposive sample. However, the main implication for research and theory is showing how the entrepreneurial capitals are dynamic and influenced by entrepreneurs' environment, and also separating entrepreneurs' personal issues from their business issues.

Practical implications

The findings challenge some assumptions of policymakers and offer new insights for practitioners and early stage entrepreneurs. These include having more realistic case-studies of the entrepreneurial journey, recognizing the need to be agile and tenacious to cope with challenges, understanding how capitals can interact in complementary ways and that entrepreneurial processes can be used to leverage them at appropriate stages of the start-ups.

Originality/value

The concurrent longitudinal analysis and theory-building complements extant cross-sectional studies by identifying and analysing the detailed processes of actual business start-ups and exits. The proposed framework thereby adds coherence to earlier studies and helps to explain early stage entrepreneurial development, transformation of capitals and business exit.
Determination of criteria for assessing the quality of training future specialists for higher education
Authors: Sokorutova Ludmila , Prodanova Natalia , Ponomareva Inna , Volodin Oleg
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The most important problem for higher education in the post-COVID period is the production of highly qualified specialists for the labor market. The purpose of this study is to determine effective criteria for assessing the quality of training of future specialists and the adequacy of their readiness to solve real problems of the future specialty.

Design/methodology/approach

A study was carried out among students in order to determine some of the most important characteristics of them as future specialists. Based on the survey results, non-academic indicators were identified that participants perceive as significant for a highly professional employee. The empirical study included 300 undergraduate students from four universities (66% women and 34% men aged 20–21). All participants represent full-time training.

Findings

The survey showed that the participants identified the ability to learn and personal development as the most significant personal qualities.

Originality/value

Many criteria for assessing the quality of training of specialists in different professional fields have not been precisely defined. Several ways of solving this problem can be proposed: developing criteria for assessing quality in hiring; revising the methods of work of universities; presenting to students the criteria for development in the profession or adopting international criteria for assessing pedagogical quality.
Estimation of gravity parameters for multi-DOF serial manipulator arms using model learning with sparsity inducing norms
Authors: Yu Chenglong , Li Zhiqi , Yang Dapeng , Liu Hong , Lynch Alan F.
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This study aims to propose a novel method based on model learning with sparsity inducing norms for estimating dynamic gravity terms of the serial manipulators. This method is realized by operating the robot, acquiring data and filtering the features in signal acquisition to adapt to the dynamic gravity parameters.

Design/methodology/approach

The core principle of the method is to analyze the dictionary composition of the basis function of the model based on the dynamic equation and the Jacobian matrix of an arm. According to the structure of the basis function and the sparsity of the features, combined with joint-angle and driving-torque data acquisition, the effective features of dynamic gravity parameters are screened out using L1-norm optimization and learning algorithms.

Findings

The theoretical analysis revealed that training data obtained based on joint angles and driving torques could rapidly update dynamic gravity parameters. The simulation experiment was carried out by using the publicly available robot model and compared with the previous disassembly method to evaluate the feasibility and performance. The real 7-degree of freedom (DOF) industrial manipulator was used to further discuss the effects of the feature selection. The results show that this estimation method can be fully operational and efficient in industrial applications.

Research limitations/implications

This approach is applicable to most serial robots with multi-DOF and the dynamic gravity parameters of the robot are estimated through learning and optimization. The method does not require prior knowledge of the robot arm structure and only requires joint-angle and driving-torque data acquisition under low-speed motion. Furthermore, as it is a data-driven-based method, it can be applied to gravity parameters updating.

Originality/value

Different from previous general robot dynamic modelling methods, the sparsity of the analytical form of dynamic equations was exploited and model learning was formulated as a convex optimization problem to achieve effective gravity parameters screening. The novelty of this estimation approach is that the method does not only require any prior knowledge but also does not require a specifically designed trajectory. Thus, this method can avoid the laborious work of parameter calibration and the induced modelling errors. By using a data-driven learning approach, the new parameter updating process can be completed conveniently when the robot carries additional mass or the end-effector changes for different tasks.
Ecosystem network health and SMEs’ credit quality
Authors: Song Hua , Chen Sijie , Yu Kangkang
Published: August 2021

Purpose

In industrial and business-to-business (B2B) marketing research, a business network ecosystem is an important antecedent of small- and medium-sized enterprises’ (SMEs’) performance. The purpose of this study is to clarify the direct and indirect effects of ecosystem network health on SMEs’ credit quality.

Design/methodology/approach

The data is collected from a survey of operations managers and financial managers of 282 SMEs in China. Structural equation modeling is used to test the hypotheses, and latent moderated structural equations are used to estimate the moderating effect model.

Findings

This research indicates that ecosystem network health can directly affect SMEs’ credit quality and have an indirect impact on credit quality through value co-creation capability. In addition, better informal institutional arrangements in the ecosystem can amplify the positive effects of network health and value co-creation capability on SMEs’ credit quality.

Originality/value

From an ecosystem perspective, it is necessary to bring the ecosystem characteristics into business scenario and explore their impacts on SMEs’ financing behaviors. This study contributes to B2B marketing research in terms of investigating the role played by ecosystem characteristics and value co-creation capability.
Do bank regulations matter for financial stability? Evidence from a developing economy
Authors: Atellu Antony Rahim , Muriu Peter , Sule Odhiambo
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to establish the effect of bank regulations on financial stability in Kenya. Specifically, the study seeks to uncover the effect of micro and macro prudential regulations on financial stability and their trade-offs or complementarities.

Design/methodology/approach

Using annual time series data over the period 1990–2017, the study uses structural equation model (SEM) estimation technique. This solves the problem of approximating measurement errors, using both latent constructs and indicator constructs.

Findings

Study findings reveal that macro and micro prudential regulations are significant drivers of financial stability. Further, prudential regulations are more effective when they complement each other.

Research limitations/implications

This study centers on how bank regulations affect financial stability. Future research could be carried out on the effect of Non-Bank Financial Institutions regulations on financial system stability.

Practical implications

Complementing macro and micro prudential regulation is more effective and efficient in ensuring stability of the financial system other than letting the two policy objectives operate independently.

Social implications

Regulatory authorities should introduce prudential regulations that would encourage innovations in the banking sector. This ensures easy deposit mobilization that enhances financial inclusion. Prudential regulations that ensure financial stability will be effective when low income earners are included in the financial system.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to investigate the role of banking regulations on financial stability. This study is also pioneering in the use of SEM estimation technique, in examining how prudential regulations affect financial stability. Previous cross-country studies have focused on macro prudential regulations ignoring the importance of micro prudential regulations.
Four challenges to Confucian virtue ethics in technology
Authors: Bay Morten
Published: August 2021

Purpose

As interest in technology ethics is increasing, so is the interest in bringing schools of ethics from non-Western philosophical traditions to the field, particularly when it comes to information and communication technology. In light of this development and recent publications that result from it, this paper aims to present responds critically to recent work on Confucian virtue ethics (CVE) and technology.

Design/methodology/approach

Four critiques are presented as theoretical challenges to CVE in technology, claiming that current literature insufficiently addresses: overall applicability, collective ethics issues, epistemic overconfidence within technology corporations and amplification of epistemic overconfidence by the implementation of CVE. These challenges make use of general CVE literature and work on technology critique, political philosophy, epistemology and business ethics.

Findings

Implementing CVE in technology may yield some benefits, but these may be outweighed by other outcomes, include strengthening hierarchies, widening inequities, increasing, rather than limiting, predictive activity, personal data collection, misinformation, privacy violations and challenges to the democratic process.

Originality/value

Though not directly advocating against CVE, the paper reveals hitherto unidentified and serious issues that should be addressed before CVE are used to inform ethics guidelines or regulatory policies. It also serves as a foundation for further inquiry into how Eastern philosophy more broadly can inform technology ethics in the West.
A mixed-method evaluation of video interaction guidance (VIG) delivered by early-years workers in a socially disadvantaged urban community
Authors: Chakkalackal Lauren , Rosan Camilla , Corfield Freya , Stavrou Stavros , Kennedy Hilary , Bou Camille , Breedvelt Josefien
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The transition to parenthood can pose challenges for women and men, and these are heightened in the context of social disadvantage (e.g. poverty, deprivation, social exclusion, housing instability and disabilities). There is mounting evidence that video-feedback approaches can provide a valuable buffer against such adverse outcomes. This study aims to evaluate the acceptability and preliminary clinical impact of video interaction guidance (VIG), delivered by health visitors and community support workers in a socially disadvantaged London borough, selected due to its multiple indices of deprivation predicting child and maternal adversity.

Design/methodology/approach

The study followed a non-randomised, before-and-after evaluation design. Health visitors and community support workers were trained in VIG delivery following the VIG Association-UK protocol. Families with infants under 12 months were conveniently recruited and received six weekly home-based sessions of VIG. The primary outcome was the acceptability of the intervention, assessing parents’ experiences using semi-structured interviews post-intervention. Clinical outcome measures were recorded pre-and post-intervention to yield preliminary evidence on intervention effectiveness.

Findings

In total, 23 families partook in the study, of which 19 completed the pre- and post-VIG quantitative analysis and 6 also completed the post-VIG qualitative interviews. Qualitative analyses documented high rates of acceptability and perceived improvement in family well-being. Preliminary outcome data indicated that completing the VIG intervention was associated with decreased parental anxiety and depression and increased parental confidence, parent-infant relationship quality, as well as an improvement in infant social and emotional development. However, the selective nature of convenience sampling limits the generalisability of the findings. The non-randomised design of the evaluation implies that findings can only be interpreted as preliminary evidence of intervention effectiveness. These considerations are addressed in the discussion.

Originality/value

The results of this study provide preliminary evidence of the acceptability and effectiveness of VIG delivery by health visitors and community support workers to new parents in socially disadvantaged urban communities. However, this study must be pursued further to be evaluated with larger, randomised samples to further explore the generalisability of VIG effectiveness in such settings.
SEC’s disclosure effectiveness initiative reshapes MD&A disclosure requirements
Authors: Parrino Richard J.
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This article examines rule amendments issued by the US Securities and Exchange Commission in November 2020, as part of the SEC’s ongoing “disclosure effectiveness initiative”, that revise in significant respects the requirements for financial disclosures presented in SEC filings as Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Design/methodology/approach

This article provides an in-depth analysis of the rule amendments in the context of contrasting perspectives expressed by the SEC, individual SEC Commissioners who dissented from adoption of the amendments, and market participants regarding the merits of the SEC’s movement away from prescriptive disclosure requirements towards a more principles-based approach to disclosure.

Findings

Although the SEC’s rules have long reflected a mix of principles-based and prescriptive disclosure elements, the principles-based emphasis in this latest stage of the SEC’s disclosure modernization project accords the managements of filing companies greater latitude to determine whether financial information is material to investors and how such information should be presented.

Originality/value

This article provides expert guidance on a major new SEC disclosure development from an experienced securities lawyer.
LIBOR transition: challenges for Islamic finance transactions
Authors: Ali Jawad , Rainey Michael , Saghari Asal
Published: August 2021

Purpose

To examine the implications of the cessation of LIBOR in the context of Islamic finance transactions and to suggest potential solutions for the Shari’ah-compliant use of near risk-free reference rates (RFRs) in such transactions.

Design/methodology/approach

Provides an overview of the main regulatory changes by the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to LIBOR, a review of the key details regarding the cessation of LIBOR and specific risk factors, a discussion of core concepts of Islamic finance and the unique challenges that the models face considering the LIBOR reforms, and an outline of several innovative solutions that can be utilized by organizations and institutions to overcome the potential complexities of the LIBOR reforms.

Findings

The financing component of a seller’s profit margin in a murabaha transaction may be calculated using LIBOR, a forward-looking rate. LIBOR as a financing rate benchmark is being replaced by RFRs, which are backward-looking rates. A possible way to use RFRs in a murabaha transaction might be to recalculate the seller’s profit margin depending on actual RFRs during the financing period with the seller offering appropriate rebates to the buyer.

Originality/value

Expert guidance from experienced corporate, financing, investment, and Islamic financing lawyers.
Using a social marketing approach to develop a pro-diversity intervention
Authors: Brauer Markus , Dumesnil Anissa , Campbell Mitchell Robert
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Despite more than half a century of academic research, relatively few methods have been shown to reliably improve intergroup relations in the real world. This paper aims to use a social marketing approach to design a pro-diversity intervention in a university setting.

Design/methodology/approach

We conducted extensive qualitative, quantitative and observational background research to identify elements that would increase the effectiveness of the intervention. Focus groups and surveys allowed us to identify a target audience, target behaviors and the relevant barriers and benefits.

Findings

The background research suggested increasing inclusive behavior would have a greater impact than reducing discriminatory behavior. Based on this research, this paper determined an optimal target audience was students who had relatively positive attitudes toward diversity but engaged in few inclusive behaviors. This paper used relevant theories from the behavioral sciences to design an intervention that promoted a small set of inclusive behaviors and that addressed the relevant barriers and benefits. The intervention took the form of a single page of targeted messages that instructors can add to their course syllabi. The page communicates injunctive and descriptive norms, highlights the benefits of behaving inclusively and provides concrete behavioral advice.

Originality/value

The research applies the social marketing approach to a novel domain. This approach represents a new way to advance diversity, equity and inclusion through promoting inclusive and reducing discriminatory behavior.
From little seeds to a big tree: a far-reaching assessment of the integrated reporting stream
Authors: Lopes Ana Isabel , Penela Daniela
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide the first assessment of the integrated reporting (IR) stream using a broad sample of publications separated into research scopes (accounting and non-core accounting journals) and using a longitudinal perspective. This study proposes to identify its main contributors, evidencing both individual and collaborative work.

Design/methodology/approach

Bibliometric tools supported by a milestone approach to IR history were used to address the first two research questions on the growth of this stream per scope. Density maps on keyword co-occurrence provided insights into the third question aimed at assessing differences in the scopes’ research topics. The number of publications, citation-based metrics and network analysis based on co-authorship allowed us to answer the last question regarding the top contributors.

Findings

The results endorse the acknowledged interest in this stream, exposing its incredible growth, which already amounts to over 1,000 different scholars, 200 distinguished journals and 7,600 citations across 540 peer-reviewed publications. With the accounting scope leading on citation frequency and the non-core accounting having more publications, an almost picture-perfect circle in a pooled density map supports the field’s advocated interdisciplinarity with its distinctive contributions. Finally, the cluster analysis revealed that 140 publications belong exclusively to 10 research clusters that contribute to more than half of the total citation count.

Originality/value

This rich analysis combines visualizing techniques with in-depth bibliometrics to provide the first far-reaching collation of publications on IR to offer a complementary view on this dynamic interdisciplinary stream.
“Something feels different..” delivering skills from dialectical behaviour therapy in a recovery college
Authors: King Toni , Dawson Joanna , SmilleyAnderson Francess , Taylor Richard
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to explore why a course with similar content feels different when delivered in a Recovery College as compared to an NHS therapy.

Design/methodology/approach

It is offered as a case study based on reflections from several perspectives.

Findings

This novel approach emphasises predictable factors such as the educational and recovery focussed environment. It also contributes further to thinking around how relationships are differently navigated and developed in Recovery Colleges compared to NHS settings.

Originality/value

The reflections are offered to act as a stimulus to promote wider conversations about how Recovery Colleges effect change, with an emphasis on comparing how relationships and power are influenced for those involved. This paper considers this in relation to the Mechanisms of Action identified in Toney et al., 2018 paper.
A substitute for poor institutions? Interorganizational affiliations in the alliance formation process
Authors: Rossmannek Oliver , Rank Olaf N.
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This study aims to investigate how the home country institutional development influences the alliance formation process.

Design/methodology/approach

A network of strategic alliances between 95 airlines over a 5-year period is analyzed with stochastic actor-oriented models [i.e. Simulation investigation for empirical network analysis (SIENA)]. Robustness analyses use a subsample of these airlines over a period of 10 years.

Findings

The results demonstrate that the membership in a firm group and a high share of state ownership are more beneficial for the number of alliances if the firm originates from a country with low institutional development.

Practical implications

Firms from less developed countries can use affiliations (e.g. to firm groups or the government) as signals to attract international alliance partners.

Social implications

Policymakers from less developed countries should support the development of (local) firm groups to stimulate interorganizational cooperation.

Originality/value

Firms form alliances based on two aspects: preferences for alliance partners and attractiveness to potential partners. Prior studies outlined that institutional development affects the preferences of firms for alliance partners. This study demonstrates how the institutional development influences the attractiveness to potential partners.
From campfire to coliseum: motivations for using social networks
Authors: Chimenti Paula Castro Pires de Souza , Rodrigues Marco Aurelio de Souza , Carneiro Marcelo Guedes , Campos Roberta Dias
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Through a literature review, a gap has been identified regarding the role of competition as a driver of social network (SN) usage. This study aims to design to address this gap, seeking motivators for SN usage based on how SN consumption may be related to users’ experience of competition. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of competition in social media usage.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used an exploratory qualitative approach, conducting a set of focus groups with young social media users. Data was analyzed with software.

Findings

Two new drivers for SN use are proposed, namely, competition and collective narrative.

Research limitations/implications

This is an exploratory study, and it does not seek to generalize results or quantify causal relationships among variables.

Practical implications

This paper offers SN managers a deeper understanding of key growth drivers for these media.

Social implications

This research can help society understand and debate the impacts of SNs on users’ lives, providing insights into drivers of excessive usage.

Originality/value

This paper proposes the following two SN usage drivers yet to be described in the literature: competition and collective narrative.
Beyond the game: perceptions and practices of sports sponsorship in German SMEs
Authors: Datson Peter , Ozuem Wilson , Howell Kerry , Lancaster Geoff
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is by drawing on signaling theory to address the need for more investigation into the conceptual underpinnings of sponsorships by investigating and seeking to understand sponsorship objectives, opinions and practices, with a focus on smaller organisations.

Design/methodology/approach

This empirical study contributes to the literature through researched findings from German respondents and a critical evaluation of literature relating to the impact of sports sponsorship on SMEs within local German communities.

Findings

Drawing on signalling theory and extant studies, the following four categories of SME sport sponsorship activities are proposed: value-based connections, social engagement, recognition and bonding.

Research limitations/implications

Sponsor, sponsee and dyadic antecedents have increased in both sophistication and complexity, resulting in expected positive consumer outcomes as the justification for marketing communication investments.

Practical implications

Sponsorship has evolved from short-term philanthropic activities to long-term strategic alliances involving billions of dollars of annual spending globally.

Social implications

SME companies have certain local opportunities that larger multinational corporations cannot replicate.

Originality/value

No study to date has provided researchers with a framework to understand sports sponsorship from an SME perspective. This paper contributes to the theories and practice of sport sponsorship, drawing on signalling theory and extant studies.
“Double-edged sword”: the effect of cultural distance on post-disaster tourism destination recovery
Authors: Huang Li , Zheng Qingyan , Yin Xin , Luo Mingzhi , Yang Yang
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Some researchers have found that disasters may have a “blessing in disguise effect” that some disaster sites transformed into more popular tourism destinations; however, no studies have analyzed the heterogeneity of the “blessing in disguise effect”. This paper aims to explore and determine the effect of cultural distance on international inbound tourist arrivals to a post-disaster tourist destination that could explain this heterogeneous phenomenon.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a threshold regression model and a differences-in-differences (DID) approach to analyze 2000–2016 international tourist arrival data from 13 main origin countries to Sichuan Province before and after the 2008 Wenchuan Earthquake in China.

Findings

The effect of cultural distance on post-disaster inbound arrivals from the various origin countries followed a non-linear U-shaped “double-edged sword” pattern rather than displaying a simple linear relationship. Most notably, the disaster appeared to have a more positive effect on arrivals from countries with larger cultural distances, while the effect on arrivals from countries with shorter cultural distances was negative.

Originality/value

This study found that cultural distance could explain the heterogeneous “blessing in disguise” phenomenon, and it had both positive and negative impacts on tourism destination recovery; that is, a definite “double-edged sword effect” of cultural distance was found, which could help destination marketing organizations and management departments to design appropriately targeted marketing for post-disaster tourism destination recovery.