bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
External validation of a nomogram predicting risk of bleeding control interventions after high-grade renal trauma: The Multi-institutional Genito-Urinary Trauma Study
Authors: Keihani Sorena , Wang Sherry S. , Joyce Ryan P. , Rogers Douglas M. , Gross Joel A. , Nocera Alexander P. , Selph J. Patrick , Fang Elisa , Hagedorn Judith C. , Voelzke Bryan B. , Rezaee Michael E. , Moses Rachel A. , Arya Chirag S. , Sensenig Rachel L. , Glavin Katie , Broghammer Joshua A. , Higgins Margaret M. , Gupta Shubham , Castillejo Becerra Clara M. , Baradaran Nima , Zhang Chong , Presson Angela P. , Nirula Raminder , Myers Jeremy B. ,   in conjunction with the Trauma and Urologic Reconstruction Network of Surgeons
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUND

Renal trauma grading has a limited ability to distinguish patients who will need intervention after high-grade renal trauma (HGRT). A nomogram incorporating both clinical and radiologic factors has been previously developed to predict bleeding control interventions after HGRT. We aimed to externally validate this nomogram using multicenter data from level 1 trauma centers.

METHODS

We gathered data from seven level 1 trauma centers. Patients with available initial computed tomography (CT) scans were included. Each CT scan was reviewed by two radiologists blinded to the intervention data. Nomogram variables included trauma mechanism, hypotension/shock, concomitant injuries, vascular contrast extravasation (VCE), pararenal hematoma extension, and hematoma rim distance (HRD). Mixed-effect logistic regression was used to assess the associations between the predictors and bleeding intervention. The prediction accuracy of the nomogram was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve and its 95% confidence interval (CI).

RESULTS

Overall, 569 HGRT patients were included for external validation. Injury mechanism was blunt in 89%. Using initial CT scans, 14% had VCE and median HRD was 1.7 (0.9–2.6) cm. Overall, 12% underwent bleeding control interventions including 34 angioembolizations and 24 nephrectomies. In the multivariable analysis, presence of VCE was associated with a threefold increase in the odds of bleeding interventions (odds ratio, 3.06; 95% CI, 1.44–6.50). Every centimeter increase in HRD was associated with 66% increase in odds of bleeding interventions. External validation of the model provided excellent discrimination in predicting bleeding interventions with an area under the curve of 0.88 (95% CI, 0.84–0.92).

CONCLUSION

Our results reinforce the importance of radiologic findings such as VCE and hematoma characteristics in predicting bleeding control interventions after renal trauma. The prediction accuracy of the proposed nomogram remains high using external data. These variables can help to better risk stratify high-grade renal injuries.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic and epidemiological study, level III.
Nischarin downregulation attenuates cell injury induced by oxidative stress via Wnt signaling
Authors: Guo Zhanpeng , Huang Mina , Yuan Yajiang , Guo Yue , Song Changwei , Wang Hongyu , Dang Xiaoqian
Published: October 2020

Nischarin (NISCH) is a key protein functioning as a molecular scaffold and thereby hosting interactions with several protein partners. Here, we aimed to investigate whether NISCH downregulation could protect rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells against oxidative stress-induced injury using a model of cell injury induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Cell viability was evaluated using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Cell apoptosis rate was evaluated using flow cytometry. The expressions of apoptosis-related proteins Bax, Bcl-2, caspase-3 and NISCH were examined via Western blot analysis and immunofluorescence staining analyses. The expressions of NISCH, glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) and T-cell factor-1 (TCF-1) were examined using Western blot analysis. The results showed that incubation of H2O2 for 48 h significantly decreased the cell viability, increased the cell apoptosis rate and the NISCH expression in PC12 cells, whereas NISCH downregulation blocked the effects of H2O2 on cells. In addition, the expression of Bcl-2 was significantly reduced, and the expression of Bax and caspase-3 were significantly increased by H2O2 treatment. However, these effects were partially inhibited by the downregulation of NISCH. Furthermore, H2O2 significantly weakened the transduction of Wnt signaling, including the increases of GSK-3β and TCF-1 expressions and the decrease of β-catenin expression, while NISCH downregulation attenuated the effect of H2O2 on Wnt signaling. Moreover, inhibition of the Wnt pathway further decreased the cell viability and promoted the cell apoptosis induced by H2O2 in PC12 cells. Our results suggest that NISCH downregulation may protect cells against oxidative stress-induced injury through regulating the transduction of Wnt signaling.
Positive irreducible semigroups and their long-time behaviour
Authors: Arendt Wolfgang , Glück Jochen
Published: October 2020

The notionPerron–Frobenius theoryusually refers to the interaction between three properties of operator semigroups: positivity, spectrum and long-time behaviour. These interactions gives rise to a profound theory with plenty of applications. By a brief walk-through of the field and with many examples, we highlight two aspects of the subject, both related to the long-time behaviour of semigroups: (i) The classical question how positivity of a semigroup can be used to prove convergence to an equilibrium ast → ∞. (ii) The more recent phenomenon that positivity itself sometimes occurs only for larget, while being absent for smaller times.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Semigroup applications everywhere’.
Semi-uniform stability of operator semigroups and energy decay of damped waves
Authors: Chill R. , Seifert D. , Tomilov Y.
Published: October 2020

Only in the last 15 years or so has the notion of semi-uniform stability, which lies between exponential stability and strong stability, become part of the asymptotic theory ofC0-semigroups. It now lies at the very heart of modern semigroup theory. After briefly reviewing the notions of exponential and strong stability, we present an overview of some of the best known (and often optimal) abstract results on semi-uniform stability. We go on to indicate briefly how these results can be applied to obtain (sometimes optimal) rates of energy decay for certain damped second-order Cauchy problems.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Semigroup applications everywhere’.
Feedback theory to the well-posedness of evolution equations
Authors: Boulite S. , Hadd S. , Maniar L.
Published: October 2020

In this paper, we cross the boundary between semigroup theory and general infinite-dimensional systems to bridge the isolated research activities in the two areas. Indeed, we first give a chronological history of the development of the semigroup approach for control theory. Second, we use the feedback theory to prove the well-posedness of a class of dynamic boundary problems. Third, the obtained results are applied to the well-posedness of neutral equations with non-autonomous past. We will also see that the strong connection between semigroup and control theories lies in feedback theory, where different kinds of perturbations appear.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Semigroup applications everywhere’.
Ornstein–Uhlenbeck semigroups in infinite dimension
Authors: Lunardi A. , Pallara D.
Published: October 2020

This is a survey paper about Ornstein–Uhlenbeck semigroups in infinite dimension and their generators. We start from the classical Ornstein–Uhlenbeck semigroup on Wiener spaces and then discuss the general case in Hilbert spaces. Finally, we present some results for Ornstein–Uhlenbeck semigroups on Banach spaces.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Semigroup applications everywhere’.
Form-perturbation theory for higher-order elliptic operators and systems by singular potentials
Authors: Mokhtar-Kharroubi Mustapha
Published: October 2020

We give a form-perturbation theory by singular potentials for scalar elliptic operators onL2(Rd)of order 2mwith Hölder continuous coefficients. The form-bounds are obtained from anL1functional analytic approach which takes advantage of both the existence ofm-gaussian kernel estimates and the holomorphy of the semigroup inL1(Rd).We also explore the (local) Kato class potentials in terms of (local) weak compactness properties. Finally, we extend the results to elliptic systems and singular matrix potentials.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Semigroup applications everywhere’.
The Ornstein–Uhlenbeck semigroup in finite dimension
Authors: Lunardi A. , Metafune G. , Pallara D.
Published: October 2020

We gather the main known results concerning the non-degenerate Ornstein–Uhlenbeck semigroup in finite dimension.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Semigroup applications everywhere’.
Leaf cell wall properties and stomatal density influence oxygen isotope enrichment of leaf water
Authors: Ellsworth Patrick , Ellsworth Patricia , Mertz Rachel , Koteyeva Nuria , Cousins Asaph B.
Published: October 2020

Oxygen isotopic composition (Δ18OLW) of leaf water can help improve our understanding of how anatomy interacts with physiology to influence leaf water transport. Leaf water isotope models of Δ18OLWsuch as the Péclet effect model have been developed to predict Δ18OLW, and it incorporates transpiration rate (E) and the mixing length between unenriched xylem water and enriched mesophyll water, which can occur in the mesophyll (Lm) or veins (Lv). Here we used two cell wall composition mutants grown under two light intensities and RH to evaluate the effect of cell wall composition on Δ18OLW. In maize (Zea mays), the compromised ultrastructure of the suberin lamellae in the bundle sheath of the ALIPHATIC SUBERIN FERULOYL TRANSFERASE mutant (Zmasft) reduced barriers to apoplastic water movement, resulting in higherEandLvand, consequently, lower Δ18OLW. In cellulose synthase-like F6 (Cslf6) mutants and wildtype of rice (Oryza sativa), the difference in Δ18OLWin plants grown under high and low growth light intensity co-varied with their differences in stomatal density. These results show that cell wall composition and stomatal density influence Δ18OLWby altering the Péclet effect and that stable isotopes can facilitate the development of a physiologically and anatomically explicit water transport model.
Ancient DNA Reveals the Lost Domestication History of South American Camelids in Northern Chile and Across the Andes
Authors: Díaz-Maroto Paloma , Rey-Iglesia Alba , Cartajena Isabel , Núñez Lautaro , Westbury Michael V , Varas Valeria , Moraga Mauricio , Campos Paula F. , Orozco-terWengel Pablo , Marín Juan Carlos , Hansen Anders J.
Published: October 2020

The study of South American camelids and their domestication is a highly debated topic in zooarchaeology. Identifying the domestic species (alpaca and llama) in archaeological sites based solely on morphological data is challenging due to their similarity with respect to their wild ancestors. Using genetic methods also present challenges due to the hybridization history of the domestic species, which are thought to have extensively hybridized following the Spanish conquest of South America that resulted in camelids slaughtered en-masse. In this study we generated mitochondrial genomes for 61 ancient South American camelids dated between 3,500 - 2,400 years before the present (Early Formative period) from two archaeological sites in Northern Chile (Tulán 54 and 85), as well as 66 modern camelid mitogenomes and 815 extant mitochondrial control region sequences from across South America. In addition, we performed osteometric analyses to differentiate big and small body size camelids. A comparative analysis of these data suggests that a substantial proportion of the ancient vicuña genetic variation has been lost since the Early Formative period as it is not present in modern specimens. Moreover, we propose a model of domestication that includes an ancient guanaco population that no longer exists. Finally, we find evidence that interbreeding practices were widespread during the domestication process by the early camelid herders in the Atacama during the Early Formative period and predating the Spanish conquest.
Elucidation and control of low and high active populations of alkaline phosphatase molecules for quantitative digital bioassay
Authors: Ueno Hiroshi , Kato Makoto , Minagawa Yoshihiro , Hirose Yushi , Noji Hiroyuki
Published: October 2020

Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), a homo-dimeric enzyme has been widely used in various bioassays as disease markers and enzyme probes. Recent advancements of digital bioassay revolutionized ALP-based diagnostic assays as seen in rapid growth of digital ELISA and the emerging multiplex profiling of single-molecule ALP isomers. However, the intrinsic heterogeneity found among ALP molecules hampers the ALP-based quantitative digital bioassays. This study aims quantitative analysis of single-molecule activities of ALP fromEscherichia coliand reveals the static heterogeneity in catalytic activity of ALP with two distinct populations: half-active and fully active portions. Digital assays with serial buffer exchange uncovered single-molecule Michaelis-Menten kinetics of ALP; half-active molecules have halved values of the catalytic turnover rate,kcat, and the rate constant of productive binding,kon, of the fully active molecules. These findings suggest that half-active ALP molecules are heterogenic dimers composed of inactive and active monomer units, while fully active ALP molecules comprise two active units. Static heterogeneity was also observed for ALP with other origins: calf intestine or shrimp, showing how the findings can be generalized across species. Cell-free expression of ALP with disulfide bond enhancer and spiked zinc ion resulted in homogenous population of ALP of full activity, revealing that inactive monomer units of ALP are deficient in disulfide bond formation and zinc ion coordination, and also offering the way to prepare homogenous and active populations of ALP for quantitative digital bioassays of ALP.
Construction of a third NAD+de novobiosynthesis pathway
Authors: Ding Yong , Li Xinli , Horsman Geoff P. , Li Pengwei , Wang Min , Li Jine , Zhang Zhilong , Liu Weifeng , Wu Bian , Tao Yong , Chen Yihua
Published: October 2020

Only twode novobiosynthetic routes to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) have been described, both of which start from a proteinogenic amino acid and are tightly controlled. Here we establish a C3N pathway starting from chorismate inEscherichia colias a third NAD+de novobiosynthesis pathway. Significantly, the C3N pathway yielded extremely high cellular concentrations of NAD(H) inE. coli. Its utility in cofactor engineering was demonstrated by introducing the four-gene C3N module to cell factories to achieve higher production of 2,5-dimethylpyrazine and develop an efficient C3N-based whole-cell bioconversion system for preparing chiral amines. The wide distribution and abundance of chorismate in most kingdoms of life implies a general utility of the C3N pathway for modulating cellular levels of NAD(H) in versatile organisms.
Structure, Dynamics, Receptor Binding, and Antibody Binding of Fully-glycosylated Full-length SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein in a Viral Membrane
Authors: Choi Yeol Kyo , Cao Yiwei , Frank Martin , Woo Hyeonuk , Park Sang-Jun , Yeom Min Sun , Croll Tristan I. , Seok Chaok , Im Wonpil
Published: October 2020

The spike (S) protein of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) mediates host cell entry by binding to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), and is considered the major target for drug and vaccine development. We previously built fully-glycosylated full-length SARS-CoV-2 S protein models in a viral membrane including both open and closed conformations of receptor binding domain (RBD) and different templates for the stalk region. In this work, multiple μs-long all-atom molecular dynamics simulations were performed to provide deeper insight into the structure and dynamics of S protein, and glycan functions. Our simulations reveal that the highly flexible stalk is composed of two independent joints and most probable S protein orientations are competent for ACE2 binding. We identify multiple glycans stabilizing the open and/or closed states of RBD, and demonstrate that the exposure of antibody epitopes can be captured by detailed antibody-glycan clash analysis instead of a commonly-used accessible surface area analysis that tends to overestimate the impact of glycan shielding and neglect possible detailed interactions between glycan and antibody. Overall, our observations offer structural and dynamic insight into SARS-CoV-2 S protein and potentialize for guiding the design of effective antiviral therapeutics.
Understanding how an amphicarpic species with a mixed mating system responds to fire: a population genetic approach
Authors: Meyer Elena M. , Swift Joel F. , Bassuner Burgund , Smith Stacy A. , Menges Eric S. , Oberle Brad , Edwards Christine E.
Published: October 2020

Amphicarphic species produce both aboveground and belowground seeds; the belowground seeds have been proposed to be an adaptation to disturbed sites because they are protected belowground, enabling them to persist and recolonize a site after disturbance. However, it is unknown whether such seeds indeed serve as the main colonizers after a disturbance. The amphicarpic species Polygala lewtonii is endemic to fire-prone Florida sandhill and scrub and is among only a few species with three flower types (aboveground chasmogamous flowers and both above and belowground cleistogamous flowers). The goal of this study was to understand whether recolonization of sites by P. lewtonii was accomplished primarily through germination of belowground seed. First, we quantified the outcrossing rate in seeds produced by aboveground chasmogamous flowers to determine whether we could detect differences in colonization of between seeds produced aboveground vs. belowground. Approximately 25% of seeds from aboveground chasmogamous flowers showed evidence of cross pollination and the seeds showed greater heterozygosity and lower inbreeding coefficients than pure selfing, indicating that it is possible to differentiate between selfed and non-selfed seed types in postfire colonization. Second, we analyzed genetic diversity, inbreeding, and genetic structure of the populations before and after a prescribed fire. If heterozygosity and admixture increased, and spatial population genetic structure and inbreeding decreased, this would indicate that fire promoted germination of outcrossed seed from aboveground flowers. However, inbreeding increased and spatial genetic structure and admixture decreased after fire, suggesting that selfed seed produced by belowground flowers predominantly recolonized the site after fire. Thus, amphicarpy is a powerful adaptation to fire-maintained environments by producing seeds that are well suited to the range of conditions presented by a highly variable, disturbance prone habitat.
Changes in the three-dimensional microscale topography of human skin with aging impact its mechanical and tribological behavior
Authors: Diosa Juan G. , Moreno Ricardo , Chica Edwin L. , Villarraga Junes A. , Buganza-Tepole Adrian
Published: October 2020

Human skin enables interaction with diverse materials every day and at all times. The ability to grasp objects, feel textures, and perceive the environment depends on the mechanical behavior, complex structure, and microscale topography of human skin. At the same time, abrasive interactions, such as sometimes occur with prostheses or textiles, can damage the skin and impair its function. Previous theoretical and computational efforts have shown that skin’s surface topography or microrelief, is crucial for its tribological behavior. However, current understanding is limited to adult surface profiles and simplified two-dimensional simulations. Yet, the skin has a rich set of features in three dimensions, and the geometry of skin is known to change with aging. Here we create a numerical model of a dynamic indentation test to elucidate the effect of changes in microscale topography with aging on the skin’s response under indentation and sliding contact with a spherical indenter. We create three different microrelief geometries representative of different ages based on experimental reports from the literature. We perform the indentation and sliding steps, and calculate the normal and tangential forces on the indenter as it moves in three distinct directions based on the characteristic skin lines. The model also evaluates the effect of varying the material parameters. Our results show that the microscale topography of the skin in three dimensions, together with the mechanical behavior of the skin layers, lead to distinctive trends on the stress and strain distribution. The major finding is the increasing role of anisotropy which emerges from the geometric changes seen with aging.
Recovery of undamaged electron-density maps in the presence of damage-induced partial coherence in single-particle imaging
Authors: Kozlov Alexander , Gureyev Timur E. , Paganin David M. , Martin Andrew V. , Caleman Carl , Quiney Harry M.
Published: October 2020

Resolving the electronic structure of single biological molecules in their native state was among the primary motivations behind X-ray free-electron lasers. The ultra-short pulses they produce can outrun the atomic motion induced by radiation damage, but the electronic structure of the sample is still significantly modified from its original state. This paper explores the decoherence of the scattered signal induced by temporal evolution of the electronic structure in the sample molecule. It is shown that the undamaged electron density of a single-molecule sample can often be retrieved using only the two most occupied modes from the coherent mode decomposition of the partially coherent diffraction fluence.
Axel Motors
Authors: Sharma Meenakshi
Published: October 2020

The case deals with Axel Motor's expansion into India and the clash between expectations and communication styles of the Indian subsidiary and Headquarters. While the subsidiary wants to follow a responsive, market-driven approach to product design and marketing strategy, the top management is driven by the strong belief that the group's core values are universal and no tweaking is needed for particular locations. Anil Mishra, Head of Sales, and the team at the corporate office of Axel Motors India have received an email from Maximilian Klotz, Head of Strategy at Axel Motor's Headquarters. Klotz has expressed complete dissatisfaction with the performance of Axel Motors India. Mishra and the team have to decide how to handle the challenge of getting their input - based on an understanding of the local environment - valued at Headquarters.
Al Meezan Investment Management Limited: evolution of Sharīʿah-compliant mutual funds
Authors: Sharif Saqib , Ahson Sarwat , Noor Hina
Published: October 2020

Learning outcomes

This case serves as a useful backdrop for discussing a few important conceptual frameworks in the field of finance. The dilemmas are still evolving for Sharīʿah-compliant asset management company (AMC); i.e. Al Meezan, and may seem complex to the students – particularly in the Pakistan’s financial structure – but framing the discussion from a market perspective ought to help the students of finance.

Case overview/synopsis

This case study focuses on Al Meezan Investment Management Limited (Al Meezan) journey since inception. Al Meezan is a full-fledged Sharīʿah-compliant AMC and one of the major players in the mutual funds industry of Pakistan. Al Meezan offers a comprehensive range of Sharīʿah-compliant investment solutions especially designed to meet the financial goals of their existing and potential clients. The case study covers all the key events before the inception of Al Meezan, from late 1990s till March 2020. The case is based on interview with chief executive officer (CEO) (the protagonist) of Al Meezan. The case also covers various challenges faced by Mohammad Shoaib, CEO and his senior team, to make Al Meezan a vibrant institution offering Islamic financial services.

Complexity academic level

This case is aimed at undergraduate students in their final year (i.e. taking electives in the field of Finance/Islamic Finance) or graduate students majoring in Finance/Islamic Finance.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS1: Accounting and Finance.
Examining the evidence of risk spillovers between Shanghai and London non-ferrous futures markets: a dynamic Copula-CoVaR approach
Authors: Shen Hong , Tang Yue , Xing Ying , Ng Pin
Published: October 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the evidence of risk spillovers between Shanghai and London non-ferrous futures markets using a dynamic Copula-CoVaR approach.

Design/methodology/approach

With daily data, the marginal distributions and optimal Copula functions are determined using the kernel estimation method and squared Euclidean distance test. The conditional value-at-risk and the conditional value-at-risk spillover rate are computed from the Copula estimated parameters based on the Copula-CoVaR model. Also, the dynamic correlation coefficient between the two futures markets is investigated.

Findings

The empirical results are as follows: overall, the risk spillover effect exerted by the London Metal Exchange on the Shanghai Futures Exchange is more significant than vice versa. Moreover, the degree of risk spillovers exerted by the London Metal Exchange on the Shanghai Futures Exchange for zinc and copper are more significant when they are depressed in the London Metal Exchange. Moreover, the dynamic of the correlation between the Shanghai and London futures markets is attributed to be largely due to changes in the global economy.

Research limitations/implications

The Copula-CoVaR model used in this paper is suitable for measuring the risk spillovers between two different markets, while the risk spillovers across multiple markets or the consideration of multiple risk factors cannot be accurately captured using this framework. Multiple state variables to capture time variation in the conditional moments of return series will be a topic in future research.

Practical implications

The results provide theoretical support for risk management and monitoring of the non-ferrous futures markets.

Originality/value

The ability of the Copula function to accurately describe a nonlinear relationship and tail correlation is harnessed to measure the risk spillovers, explore the degree and direction of risk spillovers and identify the source of risk spillovers. The global economy is incorporated as a macro factor to explore its inner connection with the dynamic of risk spillovers in the non-ferrous metal futures market.
The impact of COVID-19 on children from poor families in Ghana and the role of welfare institutions
Authors: Owusu Lorretta Domfeh , Frimpong-Manso Kwabena
Published: October 2020

Purpose

This paper is focussed on answering the following questions: How are poor families surviving in this era of COVID-19? What is life for children from poor families? What has become of their reality? To understand the realities of poor families and children during COVID-19, specifically in Ghana, this paper aims to analyse how COVID-19 has affected children from poor families in Ghana and how welfare institutions can work to provide rapid help to such families.

Design/methodology/approach

COVID-19 is affecting different populations in almost all parts of the world. One group that is likely to experience challenges are children because they have to depend on others for their survival. This study, therefore, provides an expert opinion on the issues that children in Ghana might face because of the global public health pandemic. Nonetheless, this research relied on secondary data from articles, journals, related studies, textbooks and relevant web pages to support the points made in the paper.

Findings

COVID-19 has put a lot of undue economic and social pressure on poor families. Due to these pressures, children from such families are likely to suffer a higher risk of child labour and streetism. Furthermore, they may miss out on the social and economic benefits the school system provides such as the free meals provided for public schools by the Government of Ghana under the school feeding programme.

Originality/value

Admittedly, there have been numerous studies since the outbreak of C0VID-19 pandemic. However, this paper is the first paper discussing into detail how COVID-19 has affected children from poor families and addresses how state welfare institutions can leverage on the use of efficient management information system to identify and support poor families during and post-COVID-19.
Is the Sharia supervisory board a friend or an enemy of Islamic banks?
Authors: Baklouti Ibtissem
Published: October 2020

Purpose

This paper is an empirical study of the effect of the characteristics of the Sharia supervisory board (SSB) on the financial performance of Islamic banks.

Design/methodology/approach

Using 42 Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Islamic banks outside the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and non-Islamic countries during the 2011/2018 period, a random-effects generalized lease square method for the regression analyzes is applied.

Findings

The obtained results show that the characteristics of the SSB affect the financial performance of Islamic banks. The results also affirm that a large-sized board of directors and the number of SSB meetings improve banking performance while the cross-mandate seems to destroy it. On the other hand, the SSB members’ competence and reputation and the proportion of women sitting in SSB have no impact on the financial performance of Islamic banks.

Research limitations/implications

This paper gives a comprehensive literature survey on the effect of the characteristics of the SSB on the financial performance of Islamic banks.

Practical implications

This study offers insights into the practitioner and Islamic banking regulators interested in enhancing the legitimacy of corporate governance in Islamic financial institutions.

Originality/value

This paper is among the few studies that investigate the effect of the characteristics of SSB on the financial performance of Islamic banks in particular in Islamic banks in the MENA region outside the GCC and in non-Islamic countries.
Challenges in settling non-conviction based civil confiscation of unexplained wealth
Authors: Kolarov Todor
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the benefits and challenges, on the national and international level, associated with the settlement of cases involving non-conviction civil confiscation of unexplained wealth.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is centered on evaluation of key aspects of settlement of civil confiscation of unexplained wealth cases. Conducting a review of settlement of confiscation cases and of non-conviction-based unexplained wealth regimes, this research evaluates the validity of the lead thesis.

Findings

Settlement of civil asset confiscation of unexplained wealth cases presents several challenges that call for mitigation.

Originality/value

This paper emphasizes the theoretical and practical issues on the national and international level related to settlement of cases involving non-conviction-based civil asset confiscation of unexplained wealth, with recommendations for development of legal principles for non-conviction based civil asset confiscation.
Local on-demand fabrication: microfactories and online manufacturing platforms
Authors: Montes Jose Orlando , Olleros F. Xavier
Published: October 2020

Purpose

This article explores a particular on-demand fabrication unit, the microfactory (MF). It identifies and contrasts several MFs and proposes a taxonomy. This research also explores online manufacturing platforms (OMP) that complement certain MFs.

Design/methodology/approach

This research implements a multiple case study (71 cases in 21 countries), triangulating data available on the web with interviews, virtual/physical tours and experiential research.

Findings

The results suggest that automation and openness are the main dimensions that differentiate the MFs. Using these dimensions, a taxonomy of MFs is created. MFs with relatively low automation and high openness tend to be innovation-driven microfactories (IDMFs). MFs with high automation and low openness levels tend to be customization-driven microfactories (CDMFs). And MFs with relatively low automation and low openness tend to be classic machine shops (MSs). There are two types of OMP: closed (COMPs) and multisided (MOMPs). MOMPs can be low-end or high-end.

Practical implications

In a world where online platforms are becoming central to the reinvention of manufacturing, multisided online platforms and small fabricators will become strongly symbiotic.

Originality/value

This paper offers a clearer conceptualization of MFs and OMPs, which may help to better understand the reality of local on-demand fabrication. Moreover, it explores a new type of experiential research, which tries to describe and interpret firms through transactional activities. Many details of a firm that are difficult to capture via interviews and netnography can be revealed this way.
Strategy workshops with wider participation: trust as enabler
Authors: Pregmark Johanna E. , Berggren Rita
Published: October 2020

Purpose

A wider participation from outside the top management team can support the strategy creation and execution of firms through improving access to knowledge, increasing innovativeness and creating legitimacy for the strategy. However, creating a climate of trust where ideas are freely expressed and challenged is easier said than done. This paper thus focuses on trust in strategizing, in particular in strategy workshops with wider participation.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis is based on qualitative data from 10 strategy-making processes consisting of a total of 28 strategy workshops. Data were collected through interviews and joint reflections with the leaders, external facilitators and consultants, as well as through action research.

Findings

This study identifies three factors that influence trust in strategy workshops with wider participation, namelyopening up the conversation,clarity of the participative processanddelivering with honest intent. These factors could play crucial roles in creating the trust needed for wider participation in strategy workshops.

Practical implications

This paper provides strategy actors (e.g. leaders, consultants) with actionable knowledge about what strategy workshops with a wider circle of participants require to create trust.

Originality/value

This study relates to the ongoing and increased interest in openness for strategy-as-practice in general and open strategy in particular. Moreover, it contributes to the discussion that the boundaries between strategizing and change tend to become blurry. Therefore, the present paper contributes to the theory and practice of strategy creation, strategy execution and change by investigating wider participation in strategy workshops.
Barriers to sustainable supply chain management implementation in Egyptian industries: an interpretive structural modeling (ISM) approach
Authors: Zayed Esraa Osama , Yaseen Ehab A.
Published: October 2020

Purpose

Recently, sustainability aspects are gaining importance among supply chain management (SCM) research field, hence this study aims to explore barriers to sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) implementation in Egyptian industries and the interrelationships among these barriers to provide a structured detailed model for barriers and suggest recommendations to deal with these barriers.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is an empirical study with a descriptive research approach using qualitative methodology. Data were collected through interviewing experts involved in sustainability implementation within supply chain functions. Afterward interpretive structural modeling (ISM) for barriers was conducted to develop a structured model representing possible interrelationships between barriers.

Findings

Findings have reported slight differences among barriers to SSCM implementation in Egyptian industries other than those stated previously. ISM analysis helped in shaping barriers into a detailed structured model where interrelationships among barriers can be clearly defined. Additionally, based on the data collected and the ISM model, this study managed to offer recommendations to deal with these barriers.

Research limitations/implications

Future researches might consider developing ISM analysis for a smaller number of barriers, or focus on each of internal and external barriers individually to minimize ISM analysis complexity and enhance its accuracy. As ISM analysis technique is highly dependent on experts' opinions and experience, validation is highly recommended either by structural equation modeling (SEM) or linear structural relationship approach.

Practical implications

This study provides insights for managers about internal and external barriers to SSCM implementation in Egyptian industries, a detailed structured model for interrelationships among these barriers and recommendations to deal with these barriers.

Originality/value

This study is one of the very first studies to implement ISM for barriers to SSCM on data collected from Egyptian industries. Consequently, it will direct further research focusing on developing strategies or recommendations to overcome these barriers.
A scale for credibility evaluation of scientific websites: findings from a cross-contextual approach
Authors: Keshavarz Hamid , Esmaeili Givi Mohammadreza
Published: October 2020

Purpose

Due to the extreme importance of evaluating the credibility of information available on a huge number of scientific websites, the present research aimed to develop a measurement scale based on a validated questionnaire incorporating the novel conceptualization of the concept credibility by Hovland and Weiss (1951).

Design/methodology/approach

Regarding the descriptive and survey nature of the research, the data were collected based on a stratified random sampling among the 672 students in two different contexts at five top nonmedical universities and, with a one-year interval, at three top medical universities in Iran. High reliability and construct validity were reported by testing the convergent and discriminant validity of the main instrument.

Findings

Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) resulted in a scale named SWCRED including eight components and 28 items. Considering path coefficients (?) and t-statistics (t-value), a significant relationship was reported between all components and the main variable of credibility in the final scale at a 99% confidence level (t = 2.57).

Practical implications

Results suggest that the information credibility of scientific websites, especially in the university contexts, can be measured by asking participants to rate how well eight components represent content including ethics, writing style, website appearance, website identity, professional information, accuracy, usability and interaction. The scale has a goodness of fit from the different indices and is of high validity for use in different educational and research settings.

Originality/value

The framework underlying the research has the required quality integrating a set of most important criteria for exploring the credibility evaluation of scientific web information by the students, which is useful for future-related studies.
The fish rots from the head down: a test of the trickle-down model of abusive supervision
Authors: Osei Hannah Vivian , Asiedu-Appiah Felicity , Anyimaduah Amoah Perpetual Akosuah
Published: October 2020

Purpose

A major paradigm shift focusing on the dark side of leadership has generated lots of concern for organizations as leadership has cascading effects on employees’ behaviour. This study aims to understand negative behaviours in the organization as a system of interrelated interaction initiated from the top which trickles down to employees.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on the theories of social exchange and norms of reciprocity, social learning and displaced aggression, this study models how and when abusive supervision relates to employees’ task performance. The model is empirically tested and extended to cover mediation and moderation processes. Drawing data from 218 bank supervisors and employees, this study uses the structural equation modelling to analyse a trickle-down model of abusive supervision.

Findings

Results from multi-waved, multi-sourced data indicated a mediating effect on the abusive supervision–performance relationships and provided support for employees’ guilt proneness and emotional dissonance as moderators. Overall, the results provided support for a moderated mediation relationship in the trickle-down model.

Originality/value

This study provides new knowledge into the potential boundary conditions of employees’ guilt proneness and emotional dissonance in affecting the relationship between abusive supervision, counterproductive work behaviour and task performance.
An institutional perspective on workplace incivility: case studies from academia
Authors: Akella Devi , Eid Niveen
Published: October 2020

Purpose

This research study looks at issues such as why does incivility occur, dynamics responsible for incivility with an emphasis on causes stimulated by the general context and its influence on the behavior of individuals, groups and organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper provides a fresh perspective on workplace incivility by integrating institutional theory with empirical data from two case studies from academic institutions located in different continents to understand incivility in organizations. A comparative case analysis across two different geographical regions is used to validate the argument that institutional antecedents can influence micro-level organizational events such as employee incivility despite variance in geographical locations and cultural dimensions.

Findings

The findings of the study reveal that academic institutions are subject to uncivil behaviors, which could be a direct offshoot of the historical and cultural beliefs of the society. The general context of the studied cases led to workplace incivility mainly in the form of racial prejudices and sectarianism transferred to the organizational day-to-day practice. The paper suggests a pragmatic view for possible interventions to humanize workplaces where it is better not to adopt a “one size fits all” recipe to deal with such a complex phenomenon.

Originality/value

This paper provides a macro-level analysis of workplace incivility by assuming an institutional perspective to explore the relationships if any between incivility experienced by employees within an organization and the wider political and historical structuration of the society.
Monetary policy uncertainty and stock market returns: influence of limits to arbitrage and the economic cycle
Authors: Paule-Vianez Jessica , Prado-Román Camilo , Gómez-Martínez Raúl
Published: October 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the impact that monetary policy uncertainty (MPU) has on stock market returns by taking into account limits to arbitrage and the economic cycle.

Design/methodology/approach

Using four news-based MPU measures, regression models have been applied in this study over a sample period from January 1985 to March 2020. The limits to arbitrage have been considered by taking Russell 1000 Value, Russell 1000 Growth, Russell 2000 Value and Russell 2000 Growth indices, and business cycles were established following the National Bureau of Economic Research.

Findings

A negative MPU impact on stock returns has been found. In particular, the most subjective and difficult to arbitrate stocks have been more sensitive to MPU. However, it could not be concluded that MPU has a greater or lesser impact on stock returns depending on the economic cycle.

Practical implications

The findings obtained are particularly useful for monetary policymakers showing the importance and need for greater control over the transparency of their decisions to maintain the stability of financial markets. The findings obtained are also useful for investors when selecting their investment assets at times of the highest MPU.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is one of the few studies investigating the effect of MPU on stock market returns, and the first to analyse this relationship taking into account the economic cycle and limits to arbitrage.
Stoichiometric and structural uncertainty in soil food web models
Authors: Buchkowski Robert W. , Lindo Zoë
Published: October 2020

Soil food web models are a powerful tool for calculating the carbon and nitrogen mineralized by different soil organisms. Two limitations of the current models are that they use (a) fixed parameters for determining the relative efficiency of carbon and nitrogen conversion and (b) a generic set of trophic species (i.e. nodes).

We propose a new method for analysing soil food webs that varies production efficiency and diet mechanistically with resource stoichiometry. Then, we calculated how the lumping or splitting of trophic species affects carbon and nitrogen mineralization for both net mineralization rates as well as the distribution of mineralization (i.e. sources of mineralization). Our models with additional stoichiometric details better represent organisms that consume basal resources with high C:N ratios.

This is important because we show that lumping together trophic species at low trophic levels, which often differ in C:N ratios (i.e. microbial taxa), causes the largest deviations in estimates of carbon and nitrogen mineralization. One reason for the large effect of C:N ratio is that it impacts diet and production efficiency in our stoichiometric model. Conversely, lumping together species at higher trophic levels causes the largest errors when those species have different production and assimilation efficiencies. Finally, we demonstrate that differences in death rate and biomass are mostly important when lumping species that have different diets.

We suggest that C:N ratios are especially important when grouping microbial taxa because microbial C:N ratios vary widely and microbes feed at low trophic levels where differences in C:N ratio mattered the most. Conversely lumping higher consumers will be most problematic when they have differences in the conversion efficiencies. We provide an approach to calculate structural error and report it with parameter uncertainty. Then, we demonstrate, using oribatid mites as an example, that considering the life history of different taxa can help us group organisms more efficiently into trophic species. In doing so, we provide a way to reduce and report the uncertainty in soil food web models and to stimulate future empirical work measuring key life history parameters.

A freePlain language summarycan be found within the Supporting Information of this article.