bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mucoidy, a general mechanism for maintaining lytic phage in populations of bacteria
Authors: Chaudhry Waqas , Lee Esther , Worthy Andrew , Weiss Zoe , Grabowicz Marcin , Vega Nicole , Levin Bruce
Published: September 2019

We present evidence that phage resistance resulting from overproduction of exopolysaccharides, mucoidy, provides a general answer to the longstanding question of how lytic viruses are maintained in populations dominated by bacteria upon which they cannot replicate. In serial transfer culture, populations of mucoid E. coli MG1655 that are resistant to lytic phages with different receptors, and thereby requiring independent mutations for surface resistance, are capable of maintaining these phages with little effect on their total density. Based on the results of our analysis of a mathematical model, we postulate that the maintenance of phage in populations dominated by mucoid cells can be attributed primarily to high rates of transition from the resistant mucoid states to susceptible non-mucoid states. Our tests with both population dynamic and single cell experiments as well as DNA sequence analysis are consistent with this hypothesis. We discuss reasons for the generalized resistance of these mucoid E. coli, and the genetic and molecular mechanisms responsible for the high rate of transition from mucoid to sensitive states responsible for the maintenance of lytic phage in mucoid populations of E. coli.
RELA is Sufficient to Mediate Interleukin-1 (IL-1) Repression of Androgen Receptor Expression and Activity in LNCaP Disease Progression Model
Authors: Thomas-Jardin Shayna E. , Dahl Haley , Kanchwala Mohammed S. , Ha Freedom , Jacob Joan , Soundharrajan Reshma , Bautista Monica , Nawas Afshan F. , Robichaux Dexter , Mistry Ragini , Anunobi Vanessa , Xing Chao , Delk Nikki A.
Published: September 2019

Background

The Androgen Receptor (AR) nuclear transcription factor is a therapeutic target for prostate cancer (PCa). Unfortunately, patients can develop resistance to AR-targeted therapies and progress to lethal disease, underscoring the importance of understanding the molecular mechanisms that underlie treatment resistance. Inflammation is implicated in PCa initiation and progression and we have previously reported that the inflammatory cytokine, interleukin-1 (IL-1), represses AR mRNA levels and activity in AR-positive (AR+) PCa cell lines concomitant with the upregulation of pro-survival biomolecules. Thus, we contend that IL-1 can select for AR-independent, treatment-resistant PCa cells.

Methods

To begin to explore how IL-1 signaling leads to the repression of AR mRNA levels, we performed comprehensive pathway analysis on our RNA sequencing data from IL-1-treated LNCaP PCa cells. Our pathway analysis predicted Nuclear Factor Kappa B (NF-κB) p65 subunit (RELA), a canonical IL-1 signal transducer, to be significantly active and potentially regulate many genes, including AR. We used siRNA to silence the NF-κB family of transcription factor subunits, RELA, RELB, c-REL, NFKB1, or NFKB2, in IL-1-treated LNCaP, C4-2, and C4-2B PCa cell lines. C4-2 and C4-2B cell lines are castration-resistant LNCaP sublines and represent progression towards metastatic PCa disease; and we have previously shown that IL-1 represses AR mRNA levels in C4-2 and C4-2B cells.

Results

siRNA revealed that RELA alone is sufficient to mediate IL-1 repression of AR mRNA and AR activity. Intriguingly, while LNCaP cells are more sensitive to IL-1-mediated repression of AR than C4-2 and C4-2B cells, RELA siRNA led to a more striking de-repression of AR mRNA levels and AR activity in C4-2 and C4-2B cells than in LNCaP cells.

Conclusions

These data indicate that there are RELA-independent mechanisms that regulate IL-1-mediated AR repression in LNCaP cells and suggest that the switch to RELA-dependent IL-1 repression of AR in C4-2 and C4-2B cells reflects changes in epigenetic and transcriptional programs that evolve during PCa disease progression.
Causal links between parietal alpha activity and spatial auditory attention
Authors: Deng Yuqi , Reinhart Robert M. G. , Choi Inyong , Shinn-Cunningham Barbara
Published: September 2019

Both visual and auditory spatial selective attention result in lateralized alpha (8-14 Hz) oscillatory power in parietal cortex: alpha increases in the hemisphere ipsilateral to attentional focus. Brain stimulation studies suggest a causal relationship between parietal alpha and suppression of the representation of contralateral visual space. However, there is no evidence that parietal alpha controls auditory spatial attention. Here, we performed high definition transcranial alternating current stimulation (HD-tACS) on human subjects performing an auditory task in which they attended either spatial or nonspatial features. Alpha (10 Hz) but not theta (6 Hz) HD-tACS of right parietal cortex interfered with attending left but not right auditory space. Parietal stimulation had no effect for nonspatial auditory attention. Moreover, performance in post-stimulation trials returned rapidly to baseline. These results demonstrate a causal, frequency-, hemispheric-, and task-specific effect of parietal alpha brain stimulation on top-down control of auditory spatial attention.
Steryl ester formation and accumulation in steroid-degrading bacteria
Authors: Holert Johannes , Brown Kirstin , Hashimi Ameena , Eltis Lindsay D. , Mohn William W.
Published: September 2019

Steryl esters (SEs) are important storage compounds in many eukaryotes and are often prominent components of intracellular lipid droplets. Here we demonstrate that selected Actino- and Proteobacteria growing on sterols are also able to synthesize SEs and to sequester them in cytoplasmic lipid droplets. We found cholesteryl ester (CE) formation in members of the actinobacterial genera Rhodococcus, Mycobacterium, and Amycolatopsis as well as several members of the proteobacterial Cellvibrionales order. CEs maximally accumulated under nitrogen-limiting conditions, suggesting that steryl ester formation plays a crucial role for storing excess energy and carbon under adverse conditions. Rhodococcus jostii RHA1 was able to synthesize phytosteryl- and cholesteryl esters, the latter reaching up to 7% of its cellular dry weight and 69% of its lipid droplets. Purified lipid droplets from RHA1 contained CEs, free cholesterol and triacylglycerols. In addition, we found formation of CEs in Mycobacterium tuberculosis when grown with cholesterol plus an additional fatty acid substrate. This study provides a basis for the application of bacterial whole cell systems in the biotechnological production of SEs for use in functional foods and cosmetics.

IMPORTANCE

Oleaginous bacteria exhibit great potential for the production of high-value neutral lipids, such as triacylglycerols and wax esters. This study describes the formation of steryl esters (SEs) as neutral lipid storage compounds in sterol-degrading oleaginous bacteria, providing a basis for biotechnological production of SEs using bacterial systems with potential applications in the functional food, nutraceutical, and cosmetic industries. We found cholesteryl ester (CE) formation in several sterol-degrading Actino- and Proteobacteria under nitrogen limiting conditions, suggesting an important role of this process in storing energy and carbon under adverse conditions. In addition, Mycobacterium tuberculosis grown on cholesterol accumulated CEs in the presence of an additional fatty acid substrate.
Evidence of polygenic adaptation at height-associated loci in mainland Europeans and Sardinians
Authors: Chen Minhui , Sidore Carlo , Akiyama Masato , Ishigaki Kazuyoshi , Kamatani Yoichiro , Schlessinger David , Cucca Francesco , Okada Yukinori , Chiang Charleston W. K.
Published: September 2019

Adult height was one of the earliest putative examples of polygenic adaptation in human. By constructing polygenic height scores using effect sizes and frequencies from hundreds of genomic loci robustly associated with height, it was reported that Northern Europeans were genetically taller than Southern Europeans beyond neutral expectation. However, this inference was recently challenged. Sohail et al. and Berg et al. showed that the polygenic signature disappeared if summary statistics from UK Biobank (UKB) were used in the analysis, suggesting that residual uncorrected stratification from large-scale consortium studies was responsible for the previously noted genetic difference. It thus remains an open question whether height loci exhibit signals of polygenic adaptation in any human population. In the present study, we re-examined this question, focusing on one of the shortest European populations, the Sardinians, as well as on the mainland European populations in general. We found that summary statistics from UKB significantly correlate with population structure in Europe. To further alleviate concerns of biased ascertainment of GWAS loci, we examined height-associated loci from the Biobank of Japan (BBJ). Applying frequency-based inference over these height-associated loci, we showed that the Sardinians remain significantly shorter than expected (~ 0.35 standard deviation shorter than CEU based on polygenic height scores, P = 1.95e-6). We also found the trajectory of polygenic height scores decreased over at least the last 10,000 years when compared to the British population (P = 0.0123), consistent with a signature of polygenic adaptation at height-associated loci. Although the same approach showed a much subtler signature in mainland European populations, we found a clear and robust adaptive signature in UK population using a haplotype-based statistic, tSDS, driven by the height-increasing alleles (P = 4.8e-4). In summary, by examining frequencies at height loci ascertained in a distant East Asian population, we further supported the evidence of polygenic adaptation at height-associated loci among the Sardinians. In mainland Europeans, we also found an adaptive signature, although becoming more pronounced only in haplotype-based analysis.
Learning with reward prediction errors in a model of the Drosophila mushroom body
Authors: Bennett James E. M. , Philippides Andrew , Nowotny Thomas
Published: September 2019

Effective decision making in a changing environment demands that accurate predictions are learned about decision outcomes. In Drosophila, such learning is or-chestrated in part by the mushroom body (MB), where dopamine neurons (DANs) signal reinforcing stimuli to modulate plasticity presynaptic to MB output neurons (MBONs). Here, we extend previous MB models, in which DANs signal absolute rewards, proposing instead that DANs signal reward prediction errors (RPEs) by utilising feedback reward predictions from MBONs. We formulate plasticity rules that minimise RPEs, and use simulations to verify that MBONs learn accurate reward predictions. We postulate as yet unobserved connectivity, which not only overcomes limitations in the experimentally constrained model, but also explains additional experimental observations that connect MB physiology to learning. The original, experimentally constrained model and the augmented model capture a broad range of established fly behaviours, and together make five predictions that can be tested using established experimental methods.
Big data and risk management in business processes: implications for corporate real estate
Authors: Battisti Enrico , Shams S.M. Riad , Sakka Georgia , Miglietta Nicola
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to improve understanding of the integration between big data (BD) and risk management (RM) in business processes (BPs), with special reference to corporate real estate (CRE).

Design/methodology/approach

This conceptual study follows, methodologically, the structuring inter-textual coherence process – specifically, the synthesised coherence tactical approach. It draws heavily on theoretical evidence published, mainly, in the corporate finance and the business management literature.

Findings

A new conceptual framework is presented for CRE to proactively develop insights into the potential benefits of using BD as a business strategy/instrument. The approach was found to strengthen decision-making processes and encourage better RM – with significant consequences, in particular, for business process management (BPM). Specifically, by recognising the potential uses of BD, it is also possible to redefine the processes with advantages in terms of RM.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature in the fields of real estate, RM, BPM and digital transformation. To the best knowledge of authors, although the literature has examined the concepts of BD, RM and BP, no prior studies have comprehensively examined these three elements and their conjoint contribution to CRE. In particular, the study highlights how the automation of data-intensive activities and the analysis of such data (in both structured and unstructured forms), as a means of supporting decision making, can lead to better efficiency in RM and optimisation of processes.
Exploring the impact of TMTs’ overseas experiences on innovation performance of Chinese enterprises
Authors: Yang Lin , Xu Chenwu , Wan Guoguang
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Drawing on the related insights from the upper echelon perspective, modern cognitive theory and path dependence theory, this paper aims to first integrate top management teams (TMTs) overseas experiences, research and development (R&D) strategic decision-making and innovation performance into a uniform theoretical framework and try to understand TMTs’ overseas experiences accounting for both the direct and indirect mechanisms of the variables involved within the transition economy of China.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper adopts research sample from the listed companies on the Growth Enterprises Market Board (GEMB) of Shenzhen Stock Exchange of China due to their stronger innovation consciousness. The research data are mainly from the WIND database of China, as the data issued in this database must be checked and approved by China’s legal institutions including China Securities Regulatory Commission and its authorized agencies. The samples cover different types of ownership and the vast majority of industries of China, which makes the objects a wide range of coverage and representativeness. In addition, according to suggestions of Podsakoffet al.(2003), the authors design the controlling measures from two aspects of data collection and statistical analysis to reduce the homologous error as much as possible.

Findings

Empirical results show that innovation performance is positively affected by the centrality overseas functional experience and industrial experience but negatively affected by the heterogeneity of overseas functional experience of TMT. Meanwhile, R&D intensity and modes play partially mediating effect in the relationship between TMTs’ overseas functional experience centrality and industrial experience heterogeneity and innovation performance, but for the relationship between overseas functional experience heterogeneity and innovation performance, R&D intensity leads to fully mediating effect.

Originality/value

This study contributes toward filling the gaps by elucidating the effect of TMTs’ overseas experiences on the innovation performance, identifying the mediating role of R&D strategic decision-makings in this relationship and empirically examining the acting mechanisms and paths of the variables involved in the Chinese context. In addition, practitioners could use these findings to improve their selection and training processes regarding both the top management members and the designing of the R&D strategies.
Steady-state analysis of DC converter using Galerkin’s method
Authors: Korotyeyev Igor
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the Galerkin method for analysis of steady-state processes in periodically time-varying circuits.

Design/methodology/approach

A converter circuit working on a time-varying load is often controlled by different signals. In the case of incommensurable frequencies, one can find a steady-state process only via calculation of a transient process. As the obtained results will not be periodical, one must repeat this procedure to calculate the steady-state process on a different time interval. The proposed methodology is based on the expansion of ordinary differential equations with one time variable into a domain of two independent variables of time. In this case, the steady-state process will be periodical. This process is calculated by the use of the Galerkin method with bases and weight functions in the form of the double Fourier series.

Findings

Expansion of differential equations and use of the Galerkin method enable discovery of the steady-state processes in converter circuits. Steady-state processes in the circuits of buck and boost converters are calculated and results are compared with numerical and generalized state-space averaging methods.

Originality/value

The Galerkin method is used to find a steady-state process in a converter circuit with a time-varying load. Processes in such a load depend on two incommensurable signals. The state-space averaging method is generalized for extended differential equations. A balance of active power for extended equations is shown.
Simulating swing dynamics of a power system model using nonlinear model order reduction
Authors: Singh Satyavir , Bazaz Mohammad Abid , Nahvi Shahkar Ahmad
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the applicability of the Discrete Empirical Interpolation method (DEIM) for simulating the swing dynamics of benchmark power system problems. The authors demonstrate that considerable savings in computational time and resources are obtained using this methodology. Another purpose is to apply a recently developed modified DEIM strategy with a reduced on-line computational burden on this problem.

Design/methodology/approach

On-line computational cost of the power system dynamics problem is reduced by using DEIM, which reduces the complexity of the evaluation of the nonlinear function in the reduced model to a cost proportional to the number of reduced modes. The on-line computational cost is reduced by using an approximate snap-shot ensemble to construct the reduced basis.

Findings

Considerable savings in computational resources and time are obtained when DEIM is used for simulating swing dynamics. The on-line cost implications of DEIM are also reduced considerably by using approximate snapshots to construct the reduced basis.

Originality/value

Applicability of DEIM (with and without approximate ensemble) to a large-scale power system dynamics problem is demonstrated for the first time.
Silenced by the gaps? The status of critical literacy in Scotland’s curriculum for excellence
Authors: Farrar Jennifer , Stone Kelly
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Critical literacy foregrounds the relationship between language and power by focusing on how texts work and in whose interests (Luke, 2012, p. 5). It is highlighted as an “important skill” within Scotland’s national educational framework for 3-18 year olds, the Curriculum for Excellence (CfE), yet, as this paper aims to show, what the concept means is far from clear for policy users (Scottish Government, 2009e).

Design/methodology/approach

Using a lens that draws from critical discourse analysis, critical content analysis (Luke, 2001; Beachet al., 2009; Fairclough, 2010) and Ball’s method of policy analysis (2015), the authors find that the term “critical literacy” has been applied incoherently within key CfE documentation, including the frequent conflation of critical literacy with critical reading and critical thinking.

Findings

The authors argue that the CfE’s use of “critical literacy” is a misnomer, given that the version presented is an amalgamation of literacy-related competences drawing largely from psychological and not socio-political perspectives of literacy.

Social implications

This is a missed opportunity, given the Scottish Government’s stated commitment to social justice in policy terms (Scottish Executive, 2000; Scottish Government, 2016), not forgetting the powerful benefits that a critically literate stance could bring to Scotland’s learners at this time of communicative change and challenge.

Originality/value

While the authors offer a contextualized view of the ways in which the term “critical literacy” has been incorporated into Scottish educational policy, they propose that its implications go beyond national boundaries.
Can institutional theory be refuted, replaced or modified?
Authors: Aksom Herman , Zhylinska Oksana , Gaidai Tetiana
Published: September 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to demonstrating that the former new institutional theory of isomorphism and decoupling cannot be extended, modified or refuted as it is a closed theory. By analyzing the structure of this former version of institutional theory and its numerous modern competitors (institutional entrepreneurship, institutional work and institutional logics theories) it is argued that these alternative theories demonstrate even less explanatory and predictive power and do not refute or extend their predecessor. The rise of new organizational theories can have no other effect on classic institutional theory than to limit the domain of its applicability. In turn, there are a number of principles and conditions that future theories should meet to be accepted as progressive advancements.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper provides a review of relevant organizational and philosophical literature on theory construction and scientific progress in organizational research and offers a set of principles and demands for those new theories that seek to challenge new institutionalism.

Findings

The authors show that the former institutional theory satisfies two main criteria that any scientific theory should conform with following it is useful and falsifiable in term of giving explanations and predictions while, at the same time, clearly specifying what can be observed and what cannot; what can happen and what is not likely to occur. Modern institutional theories cannot demonstrate this quality and they do not satisfy these criteria. Moreover, institutional isomorphism theory is a closed theory, which means it cannot be intervened with changes and modifications and all future theories should develop their theoretical propositions for other domains of applications while they should account for all empirical phenomena that institutional theory successfully explains.

Originality/value

Adopting instrumental view on organizational theories allowed reconstructing the logic and trajectory of organizational research evolution and defends its rationality and progressive nature. It is also outlined how existing dominant theory should be treated and how new theories should challenge its limitations and blind spots and which philosophical and methodological criteria should be met.
Corporate governance and cost of capital in OECD countries
Authors: AlHares Aws
Published: September 2019

Purpose

This article aims to investigate the impact of corporate governance (CG) mechanisms on cost of capital (COC) in Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries.

Design/methodology/approach

Companies from 34 OECD countries were used between 2010 and 2017. Multiple regression analysis techniques is used to examine the relationships. The findings are robust to alternative measures and endogeneities.

Findings

The results show that CG index and director ownership are statistically negatively related to COC. In contrast, the results show that block ownership is statistically related to COC.

Originality/value

This study extends, as well as contributes to the extant CG literature by offering new evidence on the effect of CG mechanisms on COC. The findings will help regulators and policymakers in the OECD countries in evaluating the adequacy of the current CG reforms to prevent management misconduct and scandals.
An evaluation of agile manufacturing initiatives in the Indian manufacturing industry
Authors: Kumar Rahul , Singh Kanwarpreet , Jain Sanjiv Kumar
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the contribution of agile manufacturing (AM) initiatives in the Indian manufacturing industry and their influence on the business performance enhancement.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey questionnaire was designed to attain the research objectives. The variables included in the questionnaire were adapted from the elaborated literature review and validated through discussion held with practitioners, academicians and the industry experts. AM questionnaire was sent to approximately 500 randomly selected manufacturing organizations in the northern spectrum of India through e-mails and posts, out of which 154 usable responses were received.

Findings

The study identified that the Indian manufacturing industry has been reasonably successful in improving the business performance by implementing AM initiatives and has successfully reaped the benefits of AM implementation.

Originality/value

The present work develops an insight into the prevailing AM practices adopted by Indian manufacturing organizations. The study calculated the percent point score for each issue of AM initiative with respect to the Indian manufacturing industry and highlighted its impact on the enhancement of business performance.
Influence of non-price incentives on the choice of cocoa licensed buying companies by farmers in the Western North of Ghana
Authors: Bannor Richard Kwasi , Oppong-Kyeremeh Helena , Atewene Samuel , Wongnaa Camillus Abawiera
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the factors influencing the choice and the amount of cocoa beans sold to public and private licensed buying companies in the Western North of Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was conducted in the Western North of Ghana. Cragg’s Double Hurdle model was used to examine the factors influencing the choice of licensed buying company (LBC) whereas Kendall’s coefficient of concordance was employed in analysis of the marketing challenges.

Findings

The results showed that non-price incentives determine the choice and the amount cocoa beans sold to an LBC. Specifically, education, years of experience in cocoa farming and timely payment of sold cocoa beans positively influence the choice of public LBC. However, off farm job participation, provision of credit facilities and extension services affect the choice of private LBC as marketing outlet. Perceived low price of cocoa beans, inadequate credit support, and adjustment of scales used in weighing of cocoa beans were identified as the most important challenges confronting farmers.

Research limitations/implications

The research provides important information on non-price incentives influencing cocoa marketing outlet decision as well as the marketing challenges faced by farmers which can contribute to improving internal marketing efficiency of the cocoa industry in Ghana. Besides, this study also extends the frontiers in terms of methodological approach by adopting Cragg’s Double Hurdle Model in addressing the research question.

Originality/value

The research provides important information on non-price incentives influencing cocoa marketing outlet decision as well as the marketing challenges faced by farmers which can contribute to improving internal marketing efficiency of the cocoa industry in Ghana. Besides, this study also extends the frontiers in terms of methodological approach by adopting Cragg’s Double Hurdle Model in addressing the research question.
Representing search tasks in an information use environment: a case of English primary schools
Authors: Rutter Sophie , Toms Elaine G. , Clough Paul David
Published: September 2019

Purpose

To design effective task-responsive search systems, sufficient understanding of users’ tasks must be gained and their characteristics described. Although existing multi-dimensional task schemes can be used to describe users’ search and work tasks, they do not take into account the information use environment (IUE) that contextualises the task. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

With a focus on English primary schools, in four stages a multi-dimensional task scheme was developed that distinguishes between task characteristics generic to all environments, and those that are specific to schools. In Stage 1, a provisional scheme was developed based upon the existing literature. In the next two stages, through interviews with teachers and observations of school children, the provisional scheme was populated and revised. In Stage 4, whether search tasks with the same information use can be distinguished by their characteristics was examined.

Findings

Ten generic characteristics were identified (nature of work task, search task originator, search task flexibility, search task doer, search task necessity, task output, search goal, stage in work task, resources and information use) and four characteristics specific to primary schools (curricular area, use in curricular area, planning and location). For the different information uses, some characteristics are more typical than others.

Practical implications

The resulting scheme, based on children’s real-life information seeking, should be used in the design and evaluation of search systems and digital libraries that support school children. More generally, the scheme can also be used in other environments.

Originality/value

This is the first study to develop a multi-dimensional task scheme that considers encompasses the IUE.
An inquiry into exchange rate misalignments as a cause of major global trade imbalances
Authors: Nasir Muhammad Ali , Jackson Karen
Published: September 2019

Purpose

In the context of debate on competitive devaluation and trade imbalances, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the role of exchange rate misalignment as a determinant of trade imbalances in selected major trade surplus (Germany, China, Japan, Russia and KSA) and major trade deficit countries (USA, UK, France, India and Turkey).

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used a structural vector auto-regressive model on data from ten countries with the highest trade deficit and surplus. The period of analysis is from 2000 Q1 to 2016 Q1.

Findings

The key findings suggest that although exchange rate misalignment from equilibrium may have some implications for the current account balance for surplus and deficit countries, the effects observed were rather very mild and transitory. There was a heterogeneity in the response of the current account position to exchange rate misalignment in each country, concomitantly; the exchange rate misalignment shall not be seen as the sole responsible factor in the debate on global trade imbalances.

Research limitations/implications

The research has profound implications in terms of exploring the notion of competitive devaluation and exchange rate misalignment as a cause of major global trade imbalances.

Practical implications

This study has important practical implications for the trade policy of major economies in the world. These are twofold. First, this study has analysed and reported on the degree of misalignment of exchange from its equilibrium values in the major trade surplus and deficit countries. Second, it has investigated the implications of any misalignment for the trade balance or respective economies.

Social implications

There are important social implications as the notion of competitive devaluation and exchange rate–trade balance nexus has been heavily politicised. This study provides an empirical insight and an answer to these claims which have social and political implications.

Originality/value

There is a significant element of originality and contribution to the existing body of knowledge on the subject. In the context of debate on competitive devaluation this is the first study which has investigated whether the exchange rate has been misaligned from its equilibrium values (competitive devaluation) and whether there is some nexus between the real exchange rate misalignment and trade imbalances in under-analysis economies.
Gender wage gap and its effect on test scores of immigrant students
Authors: Yamamura Eiji
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine how gender equality influences difference in cognitive skills between genders. For the closer examination of Guisoet al.(2008), restricting the sample to immigrants allows us to reduce the possibility of reverse causality.

Design/methodology/approach

Using PISA 2012 matched with the gender wage gap sourced from World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Index 2011, the author compares the effect of the wage gap among the areas of mathematics, science and reading.

Findings

Decreased gender wage gap leads to girls exhibiting a reduced incidence of lateness and skipping school compared with boys, which in turn improves girls’ test scores in mathematics, science and reading. The direct effect of the decreased wage gap on test scores exceeds its indirect effect on performance owing to influencing school attendance.

Originality/value

The findings of this paper provide evidence that higher female wage level relative to male wage level incentivizes female students to attend school, resulting in their achieving higher test scores not only for mathematics, but also for science and reading.
Initial bank loans, zero-leverage firms and stock market liquidity
Authors: Zhang Sijia , Gregoriou Andros
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine stock market reactions and liquidity effects following the first bank loan announcement of zero-leverage firms.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use an event studies methodology in both a univariate and multivariate framework. The authors also use regression analysis.

Findings

Using a sample of 96 zero-leverage firms listed on the FTSE 350 index over the time period of 2000–2015, the authors find evidence of a significant and permanent stock price increase as a result of the initial debt announcement. The loan announcement results in a sustained increase in trading volume and liquidity. This improvement continues to persist once the authors control for stock price and trading volume effects in both the short and long run. Furthermore, the authors examine the spread decomposition around the same period, and discover the adverse selection of the bid–ask spread is significantly related to the initial bank loan announcement.

Research limitations/implications

The results can be attributed to the information cost/liquidity hypothesis, suggesting that investors demand a lower premium for trading stocks with more available information.

Originality/value

This is the first paper to look at multiple industries, more than one loan and information asymmetry effects.
Inflation and financial sector development in Sub-Saharan African countries
Authors: Kagochi John
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the link between inflation and the financial sector performance in Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries.

Design/methodology/approach

The study analyzes the relationship between inflation and the financial sector performance for selected 22 Sub-Saharan countries from 1980 to 2013. The study used panel data and the dynamic panel generalized method of moments econometric method. The study concentrates on the link between inflation and the development of the banking sector.

Findings

The findings suggest that inflation does not promote financial sector development in SSA region while trade openness has a positive impact on the selected financial development indicators. Other variables that enhance financial development in SSA include government expenditure and good governance.

Practical implications

The main policy implication of the study is that in order for SSA countries to benefit from a deeper and more active financial sectors, the rates of inflation must be maintained low and be consistently under control. Also, for SSA region financial sectors to become deeper and more active it is crucial to develop stronger economic institutions including independent central banks and sound fiscal authorities.

Originality/value

The study differs from previous studies as it includes more (22) countries from SSA region while previous studies were either regional or country specific. The study also incorporates trade openness and the role of institutional quality in enhancing financial development. This differentiates the study from previous studies on the subject from the region.
Changing contexts: from criminal to citizen
Authors: McKearney Aidan
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a critical reflection on the profound changes regarding sexual minority rights in Britain and Ireland. It seeks to illustrate how recent legislative changes can impact the working lives of gay employees living and working in nonmetropolitan locales. The paper also aims to assess the role of LGBTQI movements, groups and networks, in facilitating voice and visibility and advancing equality.

Design/methodology/approach

Secondary research was undertaken to assist in contextualising the empirical findings, within a literature review. The paper presents findings derived from a qualitative study, involving in-depth interviews with 44 gay men in Britain and Ireland.

Findings

LGBTQI movements and groups have played a crucial role in facilitating voice, and visibility for LGBTQI people in both Britain and Ireland. These movements have themselves, undergone change, moving from liberationist-queer-radical approaches to normalising-sexual citizenship-radical approaches. Significant legislative advances have taken place in the 2000s, and these have had a positive impact on gay workers. However, there is a continuing need for organisations to respond in ever more strategic, effective and inclusive ways, if the promise of sexual citizenship is to be realised by gay people in the workplace. Local, self-organised LGBT groups can play an important role in building sexual citizenship in nonmetropolitan locales.

Originality/value

This paper’s value and contribution lie in its application of theoretical principles and models, most notably models of sexual citizenship, in a specific historical, geographical and spatial context. The paper offers an insight into the lives of gay men who reside and work in nonmetropolitan locales; and highlights the emergence of subtle forms of gay resistance and radicalism, through self-organised groups.
Prosperity over time and across generations: the role of values and virtues in family businesses
Authors: Parada Maria Jose , Samara Georges , Dawson Alexandra , Bonet Eduard
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Despite the great importance attributed to values in the family business, few studies have focused on their importance and on how such values influence the way family businesses behave over time. Using Aristotelian virtues as our main framework, the purpose of this paper is to understand what motivates both family members and business families to perform virtuous acts, therefore, observing the underlying beliefs at both levels of analysis that make individuals and families repeatedly behave in a way that reflects the pursuit of excellence of character.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors rely on a qualitative methodology, following an interpretive approach. Based on the narratives of family members from two Spanish family businesses, the authors abductively analyze how values and virtues in family businesses allow them to cope with changes that occur across generations.

Findings

Findings suggest that family businesses that have survived heavy crises have been able to overcome these critical moments in part due to their strong virtues – both at the individual and at the family level – where the so-called four cardinal virtues have been evident, for example, through the achievement of collective goals and adherence to a stated mission, as well as through behaviors that have been aimed at improving and benefiting the community.

Practical implications

Values are the basis for all businesses and their behaviors. Understanding the type of values, as well as the underlying virtues, that allow for prosperity across generations is important for business families to perpetuate those that allow the family business to thrive.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the family business field by exploring a key understudied dimension that determines family business prosperity over time and across generations. It brings to the forefront values and virtues that are rarely studied in this setting despite their great importance, using narratives as a key element for value transmission as well as a research method that allows for deeper insights about specific processes.
Spaces and laces: insights from LGBT initiatives in sporting institutions
Authors: Lawley Scott
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine LGBT exclusion from sporting institutions, examining this as a phenomenon which takes place in specific spaces within these institutions.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual framework is developed which highlights the differences between initiatives to change heteronormative cultures at institutional levels and the levels of individual sporting spaces. This is applied to examples of heteronormative behaviour in sporting spaces and to diversity initiatives to promote LGBT participation in sport.

Findings

The paper argues that change initiatives are only effective if they engage with individual spaces within sports institutions rather than at a blanket institutional level.

Originality/value

The paper outlines links between similar findings in management and organisation literature and findings about sports organisations in the sports sociology literature. It outlines the role of institutions in both promoting LGBT inclusion in sport, but also in drawing LGBT participation towards mainstream heteronormative behaviours.
Comparative review of dual reporting in public sector in three south-east European countries
Authors: Poljašević Jelena , Vašiček Vesna , Jovanović Tatjana
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the application of budgeting and accounting bases and their relation to financial accounting reporting systems through a comparative survey of three South-Eastern European countries (Slovenia, Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina – the Entity of the Republic of Srpska).

Design/methodology/approach

The in-depth analysis based on the study of related literature and comprehensive review of existing indicators of accounting systems leads to the identification and characterization of the most important components of the government accounting systems’ focusing also on the information usefulness in the decision-making processes.

Findings

Dual reporting based on different bases is the main feature of the accounting information system of selected countries. Budgetary reports based on a cash basis represent the primary source of information for decision making. Selected jurisdictions started with the preparation and presentation of financial reports based on the accrual/modified accrual basis which was not the result of the informational needs of decision-makers, so the information themselves have become their own purpose.

Practical implications

By exploring the opportunities and obstacles in the implementation of the accrual basis in the selected countries, the paper contributes to the development of the EPSAS project.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the literature on the application of various budgeting and accounting bases, with an emphasis on research of the similarities and differences of the reporting methods, for the purpose of distinguishing more easily two basic types of reports and, consequently, identifying their appropriate use.
The use of performance information in local government mergers
Authors: Kenk Karina , Haldma Toomas
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study more deeply the use of performance information (PI) in the context of the administrative-territorial reform, e.g. amalgamation in the local governments (LG) with an example of Estonian LGs.

Design/methodology/approach

The case study method is adopted, using data from publicly available documents and interviews with the politicians and officials at the five merger cases of Estonian LG units. The data are interpreted and analysed using attribution theory.

Findings

The results show that amalgamation patterns do have an influence on PI use – in particular, the authors see that PI is reported to be used more frequently in cases of voluntary mergers, which may be related to the different motivations to make attributions in cases of voluntary and compulsory mergers.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the debate on the importance and usefulness of different types of PI, as financial as well as non-financial information and for different information users in the light of LG reform in Estonia as being a Central and Eastern European country.
Assessing the materiality of university G4-sustainability reports
Authors: Lubinger Melanie , Frei Judith , Greiling Dorothea
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Materiality, as a content-selection principle, is an emerging trend in sustainability reporting for making sustainability reports (SRs) more relevant for stakeholders. The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether materiality matters in the reporting practice of universities which have adopted the Global Reporting Initiative G4 Guidelines.

Design/methodology/approach

Strategic stakeholder theory and sociological institutionalism serve for deriving conflicting expectations about the compliance of universities with the materiality principle. In the empirical section of this paper, content analyses are conducted on the documented material aspects, followed by a correlation analysis for examining to which extent the identified material aspects are reported in the SRs.

Findings

Although universities document G4-19 stakeholder-material aspects according to different relevance levels and for internal and external stakeholder groups, the identified material aspects are not appropriately reported in the SRs. The adoption of the materiality principle is a superficial one and therefore more in line with the expectations of sociological institutionalism.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation for this study is the small number of university SRs available. The chance to make SRs more relevant by focusing on stakeholder-material aspects is not used.

Originality/value

This paper reports the first study looking at the compliance between the documented material aspects and the content of SRs in a particular challenging organisational field, the university sector. This paper also adds to the emerging theoretical discussion about the extent universities implement materiality in SRs.