bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Delta/theta band EEG differentially tracks low and high frequency speech-derived envelopes
Authors: Bröhl Felix , Kayser Christoph
Published: July 2020

The representation of speech in the brain is often examined by measuring the alignment of rhythmic brain activity to the speech envelope. To conveniently quantify this alignment (termed ‘speech tracking’) many studies consider the overall speech envelope, which combines acoustic fluctuations across the spectral range. Using EEG recordings, we show that using this overall envelope can provide a distorted picture on speech encoding. We systematically investigated the encoding of spectrally-limited speech-derived envelopes presented by individual and multiple noise carriers in the human brain. Tracking in the 1 to 6 Hz EEG bands differentially reflected low (0.2 – 0.83 kHz) and high (2.66 – 8 kHz) frequency speech-derived envelopes. This was independent of the specific carrier frequency but sensitive to attentional manipulations, and reflects the context-dependent emphasis of information from distinct spectral ranges of the speech envelope in low frequency brain activity. As low and high frequency speech envelopes relate to distinct phonemic features, our results suggest that functionally distinct processes contribute to speech tracking in the same EEG bands, and are easily confounded when considering the overall speech envelope.

Highlights

Delta/theta band EEG tracks band-limited speech-derived envelopes similar to real speech

Low and high frequency speech-derived envelopes are represented differentially

High-frequency derived envelopes are more susceptible to attentional and contextual manipulations

Delta band tracking shifts towards low frequency derived envelopes with more acoustic detail
Newcastle disease virus (NDV) expressing the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 as vaccine candidate
Authors: Sun Weina , Leist Sarah R. , McCroskery Stephen , Liu Yonghong , Slamanig Stefan , Oliva Justine , Amanat Fatima , Schäfer Alexandra , Dinnon Kenneth H. , García-Sastre Adolfo , Krammer Florian , Baric Ralph S. , Palese Peter
Published: July 2020

Due to the lack of protective immunity of humans towards the newly emerged SARS-CoV-2, this virus has caused a massive pandemic across the world resulting in hundreds of thousands of deaths. Thus, a vaccine is urgently needed to contain the spread of the virus. Here, we describe Newcastle disease virus (NDV) vector vaccines expressing the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 in its wild type or a pre-fusion membrane anchored format. All described NDV vector vaccines grow to high titers in embryonated chicken eggs. In a proof of principle mouse study, we report that the NDV vector vaccines elicit high levels of antibodies that are neutralizing when the vaccine is given intramuscularly. Importantly, these COVID-19 vaccine candidates protect mice from a mouse-adapted SARS-CoV-2 challenge with no detectable viral titer and viral antigen in the lungs.

Research in context

Evidence before this study

The spike (S) protein of the SARS-CoV-2 is the major antigen that notably induces neutralizing antibodies to block viral entry. Many COVID-19 vaccines are under development, among them viral vectors expressing the S protein of SARS-CoV-2 exhibit many benefits. Viral vector vaccines have the potential of being used as both live or inactivated vaccines and they can induce Th1 and Th2-based immune responses following different immunization regimens. Additionally, viral vector vaccines can be handled under BSL-2 conditions and they grow to high titers in cell cultures or other species restricted-hosts. For a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, several viral vectors are being tested, such as adenovirus, measles virus and Modified vaccinia Ankara.

Added value of this study

The NDV vector vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 described in this study has advantages similar to those of other viral vector vaccines. But the NDV vector can be amplified in embryonated chicken eggs, which allows for high yields and low costs per dose. Also, the NDV vector is not a human pathogen, therefore the delivery of the foreign antigen would not be compromised by any pre-existing immunity in humans. Finally, NDV has a very good safety record in humans, as it has been used in many oncolytic virus trials. This study provides an important option for a cost-effective SARS-CoV-2 vaccine.

Implications of all the available evidence

This study informs of the value of a viral vector vaccine against SARS-CoV-2. Specifically, for this NDV based SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, the existing egg-based influenza virus vaccine manufactures in the U.S. and worldwide would have the capacity to rapidly produce hundreds of millions of doses to mitigate the consequences of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Effects of Microplastics and Drought on Ecosystem Functions and Multifunctionality
Authors: Lozano Yudi M. , Aguilar-Trigueros Carlos A. , Onandia Gabriela , Maaß Stefanie , Zhao Tingting , Rillig Matthias C.
Published: July 2020

Microplastics in soils have become an important threat for terrestrial systems, which can be exacerbated by drought as microplastics may affect soil water content. Thus, the interaction between these two factors may alter ecosystem functions such as litter decomposition, stability of soil aggregates, as well as functions related to nutrient cycling. Despite this potential interaction, we know relatively little about how microplastics, under different soil water conditions, affect ecosystem functions and ecosystem multifunctionality.

To address this gap, we carried out a controlled-environment study using grassland plant communities. We applied the two factors microplastic fibers (absent, present) and soil water conditions (well-watered, drought), in all possible combinations in a factorial experiment. At harvest, we measured multiple ecosystem functions linked to nutrient cycling, litter decomposition, and soil aggregation and as terrestrial systems provide these functions simultaneously, we also assessed ecosystem multifunctionality.

Our results showed that the interaction between microplastic fibers and drought affected ecosystem functions and multifunctionality. Overall, drought had negatively affected nutrient cycling by decreasing potential enzymatic activities and increasing nutrient leaching, while microplastic fibers had a positive impact on soil aggregation and nutrient retention by diminishing nutrient leaching. Microplastic fibers also impacted enzymatic activities, soil respiration and ecosystem multifunctionality, but importantly, the direction of these effects depended on soil water status (i.e., they decreased under well watered conditions, but tended to increase or had similar effects under drought conditions). Litter decomposition had a contrary pattern.

Synthesis and applications. As soil water content is affected by climate change, our results suggest that areas with sufficiency of water would be negatively affected in their ecosystem functioning as microplastics increase in the soil; however, in areas subjected to drought, microplastics would have a neutral or slightly positive effect on ecosystem functioning.
Protein Surface Printer for Exploring Protein Domains
Authors: Li Yang , Qiao Baofu , de la Cruz Monica Olvera
Published: July 2020

The surface of proteins is vital in determining protein functions. Herein, a program, Protein Surface Printer(PSP), is built that performs multiple functions in quantifying protein surface domains. Two proteins, PETase and cytochrome P450, are used to validate that the program supports atomistic simulations with different combinations of programs and force fields. A case study is conducted on the structural analysis of the spike proteins of SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV, and the human cell receptor ACE2. Although the surface domains of both spike proteins are highly similar, their receptor binding domains(RBDs) and the O-linked glycan domains are structurally different. Statistically, the outer surface of ACE2 displays less correlation with the RBD of SARS-CoV-2 than that of SARS-CoV. The O-linked glycan domain of SARS-CoV-2 is highly positively charged, which may promote binding to negatively charged human cells. Our program paves the way for an accurate understanding of protein binding for aggregation and ligand recognition.
Extensions of the worm-like-chain model to tethered active filaments under tension
Authors: Liao Xinyu , Purohit Prashant K. , Gopinath Arvind
Published: July 2020

Intracellular elastic filaments such as microtubules are subject to thermal Brownian noise and active noise generated by molecular motors that convert chemical energy into mechanical work. Similarly, polymers in living fluids such as bacterial suspensions and swarms suffer bending deformations as they interact with single bacteria or with cell clusters. Often these filaments perform mechanical functions and interact with their networked environment through cross-links, or have other similar constraints placed on them. Here we examine the mechanical properties - under tension - of such constrained active filaments under canonical boundary conditions motivated by experiments. Fluctuations in the filament shape are a consequence of two types of random forces - thermal Brownian forces, and activity derived forces with specified time and space correlation functions. We derive force-extension relationships and expressions for the mean square deflections for tethered filaments under various boundary conditions including hinged and clamped constraints. The expressions for hinged-hinged boundary conditions are reminiscent of the worm-like-chain model and feature effective bending moduli and mode-dependent non-thermodynamic effective temperatures controlled by the imposed force and by the activity. Our results provide methods to estimate the activity by measurements of the force-extension relation of the filaments or their mean-square deflections which can be routinely performed using optical traps, tethered particle experiments, or other single molecule techniques.
Weak catch bonds make strong networks
Authors: Mulla Yuval , Avellaneda Mario J , Roland Antoine , Baldauf Lucia , Jung Wonyeong , Kim Taeyoon , Tans Sander J , Koenderink Gijsje H
Published: July 2020

Molecular catch bonds are ubiquitous in biology and well-studied in the context of leukocyte extravasion1, cellular mechanosensing2,3, and urinary tract infection4. Unlike normal (slip) bonds, catch bonds strengthen under tension. The current paradigm is that this remarkable ability enables cells to increase their adhesion in fast fluid flows1,4, and hence provides ‘strength-on-demand’. Recently, cytoskeletal crosslinkers have been discovered that also display catch bonding5–8. It has been suggested that they strengthen cells, following the strength-on-demand paradigm9,10. However, catch bonds tend to be weaker compared to regular (slip) bonds because they have cryptic binding sites that are often inactive11–13. Therefore, the role of catch bonding in the cytoskeleton remains unclear. Here we reconstitute cytoskeletal actin networks to show that catch bonds render them both stronger and more deformable than slip bonds, even though the bonds themselves are weaker. We develop a model to show that weak binding allows the catch bonds to mitigate crack initiation by moving from low- to high-tension areas in response to mechanical loading. By contrast, slip bonds remain trapped in stress-free areas. We therefore propose that the mechanism of catch bonding is typified by dissociation-on-demand rather than strength-on-demand. Dissociation-on-demand can explain how both cytolinkers5–8,10,14,15and adhesins1,2,4,12,16–20exploit continuous redistribution to combine mechanical strength with the adaptability required for movement and proliferation21. Our findings provide a new perspective on diseases where catch bonding is compromised11,12such as kidney focal segmental glomerulosclerosis22,23, caused by the α-actinin-4 mutant studied here. Moreover, catch bonds provide a route towards creating life-like materials that combine strength with deformability24.
Including tree spatial extension in the evaluation of neighbourhood competition effects in Bornean rain forest
Authors: Newbery David M. , Stoll Peter
Published: July 2020

Classical tree neighbourhood models use size variables acting at point distances. In a new approach here, trees were spatially extended as a function of their crown sizes, represented impressionistically as points within crown areas. Extension was accompanied by plasticity in the form of crown removal or relocation under the overlap of taller trees. Root systems were supposedly extended in a similar manner. For the 38 most abundant species in the focal size class (10 - <100 cm stem girth) in two 4-ha plots at Danum (Sabah), for periods P1(1986-1996) and P2(1996-2007), stem growth rate and tree survival were individually regressed against stem size, and neighbourhood conspecific (CON) and heterospecific (HET) basal areas within incremented steps in radius. Model parameters were critically assessed, and statistical robustness in the modelling set by randomization testing. Classical and extended models differed importantly in their outcomes. Crown extension weakened the relationship of CON effect on growth versus plot species’ abundance, showing that models without plasticity over-estimated negative density dependence. A significant negative trend of difference in CON effects on growth (P2− P1) versus CON or HET effect on survival in P1was strongest with crown extension. Model outcomes did not then support an explanation of CON and HET effects being due to (asymmetric) competition for light alone. An alternative hypothesis is that changes in CON effects on small trees, largely incurred by a drought phase (relaxing light limitation) in P2, and following the more shaded (suppressing) conditions in P1, were likely due to species-specific (symmetric) root competition and mycorrhizal processes. The very high variation in neighbourhood composition and abundances led to a strong ‘neighbourhood stochasticity’, and hence to largely idiosyncratic species’ responses. A need to much better understand the roles of rooting structure and processes at the individual tree level was highlighted.
Dorsal raphe dopamine neurons signal motivational salience dependent on internal and external states
Authors: Cho Jounhong Ryan , Chen Xinhong , Kahan Anat , Robinson J. Elliott , Wagenaar Daniel A. , Gradinaru Viviana
Published: July 2020

The ability to recognize motivationally salient events and respond to them adaptively is critical for survival. Here we tested whether dopamine (DA) neurons in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) contribute to this process. Population recordings of DRNDAneurons during associative learning tasks showed that their activity dynamically tracks salience, developing excitation to both reward- and punishment-paired cues. The DRNDAresponse to reward-predicting cues was diminished after satiety, suggesting modulation by internal states. DRNDAactivity was also greater for unexpected outcomes than for expected outcomes. Two-photon imaging of DRNDAneurons demonstrated that the majority of individual neurons developed activation to reward-predicting cues but not to punishment-predicting cues, which was surprising and qualitatively distinct from the population results. Head-fixation during fear learning abolished the neural response to aversive cues, indicating modulation by behavioral context. Overall, these results suggest that DRNDAneurons encode motivational salience, dependent on internal and external factors.
FragMAX: the fragment-screening platform at the MAX IV Laboratory
Authors: Lima Gustavo M. A. , Talibov Vladimir O. , Jagudin Elmir , Sele Céleste , Nyblom Maria , Knecht Wolfgang , Logan Derek T. , Sjögren Tove , Mueller Uwe
Published: July 2020

Advances in synchrotron storage rings and beamline automation have pushed data-collection rates to thousands of data sets per week. With this increase in throughput, massive projects such as in-crystal fragment screening have become accessible to a larger number of research groups. The quality of support offered at large-scale facilities allows medicinal chemistry-focused or biochemistry-focused groups to supplement their research with structural biology. Preparing the experiment, analysing multiple data sets and prospecting for interesting complexes of protein and fragments require, for both newcomers and experienced users, efficient management of the project and extensive computational power for data processing and structure refinement. Here, FragMAX, a new complete platform for fragment screening at the BioMAX beamline of the MAX IV Laboratory, is described. The ways in which users are assisted in X-ray-based fragment screenings and in which the fourth-generation storage ring available at the facility is best exploited are also described.
Predicting protein model correctness in Coot using machine learning
Authors: Bond Paul S. , Wilson Keith S. , Cowtan Kevin D.
Published: July 2020

Manually identifying and correcting errors in protein models can be a slow process, but improvements in validation tools and automated model-building software can contribute to reducing this burden. This article presents a new correctness score that is produced by combining multiple sources of information using a neural network. The residues in 639 automatically built models were marked as correct or incorrect by comparing them with the coordinates deposited in the PDB. A number of features were also calculated for each residue using Coot, including map-to-model correlation, density values, B factors, clashes, Ramachandran scores, rotamer scores and resolution. Two neural networks were created using these features as inputs: one to predict the correctness of main-chain atoms and the other for side chains. The 639 structures were split into 511 that were used to train the neural networks and 128 that were used to test performance. The predicted correctness scores could correctly categorize 92.3% of the main-chain atoms and 87.6% of the side chains. A Coot ML Correctness script was written to display the scores in a graphical user interface as well as for the automatic pruning of chains, residues and side chains with low scores. The automatic pruning function was added to the CCP4i2 Buccaneer automated model-building pipeline, leading to significant improvements, especially for high-resolution structures.
Crafting a Vision and Mission Statement for the Competition Commission of India
Authors: Sharma Sunil , Varkkey Biju
Published: July 2020

The Government of India established Competition Commission of India (CCI hereafter) through an act promulgated in 2002 to shift regulatory focus from curbing monopolies to promoting competition. The organization became fully functional in 2009 and gained recognition for its proactive stance when it slapped a penalty of Rs. 6400 crore on eleven cement companies for anticompetitive behavior. While CCI's proactive stance increased expectations of stakeholders and of the general public at large, it also became apparent that going forward the organization would need enormous resources and a clear identification of priority areas so as to emerge as an effective regulator. With this objective, the organization invited a team of professors from the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad, India to help them with formulating a vision and mission statement. This case describes the process of creating a new vision and mission statement for a regulatory body.
Knowledge Management at Tata Chemicals, Mithapur
Authors: Verma Sanjay , Dixit Mukund
Published: July 2020

This case describes the knowledge management (KM) initiatives at the level of a unit of one of the largest chemical companies in India. The unit, Tata Chemicals Ltd, Mithapur, has a unique knowledge base accumulated over generations of experiments, trials, and errors. It is in the midst of implementing a rejuvenation plan that has created opportunities for external knowledge assimilation and new knowledge generation. With details on the initiatives for knowledge collection, sharing, measurement of performance and the systems for rewards and recognition, the case provides an opportunity to the participants of a programme on Knowledge Management to analyze the initiatives and make recommendations for the future to the head of Knowledge Management function at the company. The participants would be able to map the realm of knowledge management in an organization and discern - how KM initiatives contributed to the transformation of the organisation from manufacturing centred mind-set to customer focused one.
Identifying coaching approaches that enable teachers' moral learning in professional learning communities
Authors: Keijzer Helma De , Jacobs Gaby , Swet Jacqueline Van , Veugelers Wiel
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This study sought to identify those approaches used by coaches that enable teachers' moral learning in professional learning communities (PLCs). Coaches who support moral learning focus on questioning values, beliefs and bias, which is in contrast with learning only (new) knowledge or skills.

Design/methodology/approach

This was an exploratory case study. Eleven meetings of three PLCs were observed; each PLC consisted of four teachers and one teacher–coach. Semi-structured interviews with the coaches were conducted to gain information about their approaches. Data were analysed using supportive coaching approaches derived from educational literature.

Findings

In total, 14 specific approaches regarding the support given by coaches for teachers' moral learning were identified. Four characteristics of coaches' attitudes that guided their approaches and seemed valuable in supporting moral learning were also identified. The findings showed the tensions the coaches encountered – for example, when balancing between offering a safe environment and encouraging critical reflection.

Practical implications

With coaches' support, teachers can develop a more thoughtful understanding of the meaning of values, beliefs and bias for their actions in teaching practice.

Social implications

Making explicit, and exploring precisely, what coaches do to support teachers' moral learning are useful for designing and improving professional development programmes that promote moral learning.

Originality/value

The research reported in this paper outlines how coaches can encourage teachers' awareness of the impact of their actions on pupils, which, in turn, helps teachers to meet the complex moral challenges of their practice.
The relationship between financial risk management and succession planning in family businesses
Authors: Mihaylov George , Zurbruegg Ralf
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This article examines the relationship between financial risk management and succession planning in family businesses. Motivated by the Theory of Planned Behaviour, we hypothesize that the use of professional risk management practices is associated with an increased likelihood that businesses adopt professionalized approaches to succession planning. We then investigate if succession planning professionalization is, in turn, positively related to the financial performance of family businesses.

Design/methodology/approach

We apply binary probit and ordered dependent variable regressions to unique data generated from a survey sample of Australian family businesses. To check the robustness of our results to potential endogeneity concerns we apply difference tests to propensity score matched sub-samples from our original cohort of respondents.

Findings

The results show that, in contrast to verbal or absent succession arrangements, formal written succession plans are both positively associated with the use of financial risk management practices and with superior financial performance in family businesses.

Originality/value

Our arguments and findings suggest that active financial risk management provides a platform for planning succession in family businesses, and that this links with improved short-term financial performance. In light of the critical role that succession plays in ensuring long-term business sustainability, our findings provide important and novel insights into the conditions under which family businesses are most likely to use formal professionalized succession planning.
Climate change vulnerability and adaptation in Vietnam from a gender perspective: a case study of Northern province of Vietnam
Authors: Nong Ha Thi Thuy , Gan Christopher , Hu Baiding
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This study analyses climate change vulnerability and adaptation in a northern province in Vietnam from the gender perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey questionnaire was used to collect data for the study. The Livelihood Vulnerability Index (LVI) was calculated for 134 female and 239 male-headed households. Descriptive statistics were synthesized to investigate climate change adaptation from the gender perspective.

Findings

The results show that the LVI of female-headed households is higher than male-headed households, but the variation is negligible. In addition, female and male farmers in the study area use different methods to adapt to climate change. Female farmers have critically contributed to the family workforce and climate change adaptation. Nevertheless, female farmers have less accessibility to agricultural services such as training and credit.

Research limitations/implications

The study suggests that gendered interventions for improvement of livelihood to adapt to climate change should be developed for each aspect of the livelihood. Furthermore, enhancement of services for women and recognition of women's roles in responding to climate change would contribute to more active adaptation to climate change.

Originality/value

Studies on climate change from the gender perspective in Vietnam have been conducted on a limited scale. Particularly, there are very limited studies on climate change in association with gender issue in North Vietnam. Thus, this study will provide more insights into the gender dimension of climate change vulnerability and adaptation so that gender-based adaptation strategies can be developed.
Weibull statistical properties for Rockwell hardness of Incoloy 825 at different heat treatment temperatures
Authors: Nam Ki-Woo , Son Su-Hong
Published: July 2020

Purpose

In this study, the Incoloy 825 alloy was hot-forged 90% by open die forging, and the Rockwell hardness was measured by change of solution treatment temperature and aging time. The Rockwell hardness was analyzed by the Weibull statistics.

Design/methodology/approach

The hot forging process generally involved heating to 1,423 K, to make grain size smaller than required grain size of 50 µm of the Incoloy 825 alloy. Thereafter, after a certain time, a forging ratio of 90% was obtained with a 5,000 ton press. At this time, the finish forging temperature was 1,173 K. To investigate the effect of solution treatment temperature, the material was maintained at 973, 1,073, 1,173 and 1,273 K for 1 h and then water-cooled. To investigate the effect of aging time, the material was water-cooled after holding for 1, 5, 10 and 30 h at 973 K.

Findings

The amount of precipitate increased with aging time, and the size of precipitate became larger. The lower the solution treatment temperature, the longer the aging time, and the Rockwell hardness increased. Shape parameter of solution-treated material increased with increasing temperature, but decreased sharply at 1,273 K. The scale parameter decreased. Shape parameters and the scale parameters of the aging treatment material increased, according to increasing of aging time.

Originality/value

The effect of heat treatment on microstructure and Rockwell hardness, in Incoloy 825 alloy with hot forging of 90% grain size increased and precipitates decreased with increasing solution treatment temperature, precipitate increased and precipitates' size increased with increasing aging time at 973 K. Shape parameter increased but scale parameter decreased. Shape parameters and scale parameters of the aging-treated material increased.
An exploratory study of financial well-being among Malaysian households
Authors: Mahdzan Nurul Shahnaz , Zainudin Rozaimah , Abd Sukor Mohd Edil , Zainir Fauzi , Wan Ahmad Wan Marhaini
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to empirically explore the financial well-being (FWB) of Malaysian households and to construct a subjective FWB index with present and future time perspectives.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 1,867 respondents across five major regions in Malaysia. Adapting the InCharge Financial Distress/Financial Well-being (IFDFW) Scale by Prawitzet al.(2006) and the method of computing an index by Devlin (2009), this study develops an FWB index using subjective measures that include future time perspectives (retirement). The index was employed to measure the FWB across low-, middle- and high-income groups and socio-demographic characteristics.

Findings

This study finds evidence that Malaysians' FWB is at an average level (46.8). Middle-income households' FWB (46.1) flanks between the financial well-being index (FWBI) levels of the low-income (37.4) and high-income households (58.7). Across age groups, education levels and employment sectors, the FWB of Malaysians significantly varies, although not across different ethnics, religions, zones and residential areas. Overall, the results suggest that the detrimental effects of FWB are perceived by all Malaysian households nationwide regardless of their religion, ethnicity and residential areas.

Practical implications

The results of this study complement the other well-being indices used by policymakers and may serve as a useful input for government and policymakers for them to formulate appropriate strategies to promote higher FWB of Malaysian households based on their socio-demographic characteristics.

Originality/value

This study used primary data and developed a subjective FWB index that leverages on people's perceptions of their own financial well-being while including present and future time perspectives. The main contribution of this paper is to construct an index that is easily interpretable and that complements the existing FWB indices, and to identify the segments of society that have low vis-à-vis high FWB.
Alternative lenses for viewing how China has built its accounting and auditing profession
Authors: Macve Richard H.
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The paper reviews some theoretical approaches that have been adopted for understanding the drivers and achievements of the Chinese professional project and the challenges it faces for the future, as a complement and a contrast to previous histories of China and to studies of other developing economies.

Design/methodology/approach

Based mainly on evaluating the information as obtained from the interviews in mainland China, in Hong Kong and in London reported by Macve (2020), complemented by other published histories.

Findings

China remains a paradox. Since the “reform and open” policy began in 1978 it has been transformed from one of the poorest countries to one of the economically most powerful in just some 40 years. However it remains (per capita) a “developing country”/”emerging economy” and ideologically a Communist country. While the accounting profession in the USA and UK has developed “from the bottom up” over more than a century and a half, the Chinese profession has effectively been created “from the top down” in under 25 years. The paper outlines alternative theorizations of the major stages in this achievement, in the context of the continuing rapid growth of China's economy and its stock markets, and of the overseas expansion of its manufacturing and increasingly service-oriented base.

Research limitations/implications

Space has restricted the analysis here to a general overview. Application of Gramsci's hegemony theory is argued to be inappropriate in the context of understanding China's professional project. Instead, this study is framed within the neo-institutional theory of “linked ecologies” originally developed to examine “Western” developments and extended to the emergence of glocalization, while offering a comparison with related theorization of Russia's post-Communist development. Further theoretical development outside the Western neo-liberal context is called for.

Originality/value

The paper demonstrates how accounting and auditing's development in this globally significant context has differed from that in other developing and transitional economies, reflecting in particular the proactive agency of the state. Given China's economic power, fuller understanding of the interrelated factors shaping its development is important for understanding the likely future shaping of the worldwide profession.
The role of project managers (PMs) in construction health and safety implementation in Ghana
Authors: Agyekum Kofi , Ghansah Frank Ato , Tetteh Portia Atswei , Amudjie Judith
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This study aims to examine the role of project managers (PMs) in construction health and safety in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

Purposive sampling technique was used to select licenced PMs in Ghana where data was collected with the use of structured questionnaires. Mean score analysis, Kendall’s Coefficient of Concordance, Relative Importance Index and Cronbach’s alpha were used to analyze the data.

Findings

The study discovered that most PMs on construction firms in Ghana allocate between 1% and 5% of the total project cost to health and safety. According to the study, client satisfaction is the most important parameter to consider in construction project management. Structural frame, method of fixing and edge of materials were the key design activities that caused PMs to make frequent reference to health and safety. It was revealed that PMs refer to health and safety when confronted by all the procurement-related situations.

Research limitations/implications

The research is limited to the built environment professionals in Ghana. The findings cannot be generalized and extended to other developing countries; however, it could serve as a lesson to them.

Practical implications

The findings of the study are anticipated to provide information about the critical role of PMs in promoting health and safety throughout the project life cycle.

Originality/value

The novelty of the study sought to delve into the complex nature of construction to identify the role of PMs in relation to the health and safety practices in the construction industry.
Here I come to save the day? Reassessing the efficacy of small business development centers in the Internet Era
Authors: Roth M. Garrett , Morris Ryan
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This paper assesses the efficacy of the 18 small business development centers (SBDCs) located throughout the state of Pennsylvania during 2013–2016 as a proxy for publicly funded, small business consulting services in general.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper compares the sales growth of SBDC clients, as reported in postconsultation surveys, to comparable growth measures for the corresponding business population using one- and two-samplet-tests.

Findings

The results show that respondent clients with existing businesses clearly outperform the broader population following consultation, both in aggregate and when decomposed by region and industry.

Research limitations/implications

Although the best available data, the results are tempered by low response rates and self-reporting.

Originality/value

The paper empirically demonstrates that SBDC clients experience higher growth in sales and employment following their consultation than the broader business population. The net benefit of such services is, however, impossible to determine.
Insecurity versus immaturity: estimating the link between organizational age and indirect risks
Authors: Mazhar Ummad
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This study explores the role of firm age as a mediating variable in the link between performance and the risk of terrorism. Theoretically, there can be vulnerabilities, liabilities or learning effects associated with age.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical strategy uses randomness in the occurrence of successful terrorist incidents to estimate the hypothesized link in a sample of 1,600 Pakistani firms.

Findings

The results suggest a significant effect of terrorism for organizations lying beyond the 50th percentile of the age distribution. In addition to relevant controls – like size, ownership and location effects – the baseline results withstand alternative empirical specifications and the use of instrumental variables.

Originality/value

The study helps us understand the role of firm age in its performance, taking into account the presence of risks posed by weak law and order.
Lesson learned in maintaining the precast concrete buildings
Authors: Ismail Zul-Atfi
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to identify existing weaknesses in precast concrete building maintenance and how to overcome it. The contemporary practice of conventional methods in the pre-cast concrete (PC) building maintenance entails many issues such as PC component aesthetic and structural defects, no integration between maintenance systems and lack the intelligent capabilities of linking defect diagnosis operations in maintenance due to poor service delivery and defect repetition. A key problem impeding the widespread adoption of emerging technologies is the lack of competent contractor supporting the effectiveness of implemented information and communication technology than conventional methods and the returns on investment.

Design/methodology/approach

The shortcomings of conventional methods are assessed from the perspective of PC buildings. Several data were collected through a case study of eight PC buildings from high-rise and complex buildings.

Findings

The conventional methods had significantly little emphasis on defect diagnosis tools. It had also increased the inadequate strategic decision making to analyse information in improving the maintenance project outcomes for PC building.

Originality/value

Building information modelling tools is suggested from findings and lessons learned as a good practice to reduce the repetition of defects on the design specification used and construction practiced.
Social impact and performance measurement systems in an Italian social enterprise: a participatory action research project
Authors: Costa Ericka , Andreaus Michele
Published: July 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the multidimensional nature of social and nonprofit organisations' accountability and performance measurement systems (PMSs). It further considers how these systems help in defining outcome performance indicators downward to beneficiaries

Design/methodology/approach

The paper discusses participatory action research (PAR) within an Italian social enterprise. In order to increase dialogue, participation and engagement, the researchers adopted focus groups as a preferred method of investigation and conducted a broad documental analysis from July 2016 to March 2018. The paper discusses the gathered data in light of the social impact value chain as well as the multiple-constituency approach.

Findings

The findings support the idea that social and nonprofit organisations lack the expertise and resources to evaluate outcomes and impact; however, through PAR, the organisation defined their desired outcomes and ascertained which internal output measures were most likely to be correlated with these outcomes. Moreover, the findings highlight that nonprofits develop outcome measurements less frequently because they have more control over their immediate activities and outputs.

Practical implications

This research suggests the need to reinforce lateral and downward accountability based on mission and mission-based activities in order to make the performance management system of social and nonprofit organisation linked to the organisational strategies.

Originality/value

This paper innovates methodologically in two directions: 1) it adopts action research as a qualitative method, allowing the researcher to generate solutions to collectively-identified problems and 2) the paper's arguments are strongly supported by rich empirical exploration that occurred over a period of 20 months in an Italian social enterprise.
Examining the impact of ethical leadership on safety and task performance: a safety-critical context
Authors: Shafique Imran , Kalyar Masood Nawaz , Rani Tassadduq
Published: July 2020

Purpose

Aiming at understanding the effectiveness of leadership styles on workers' outcomes in safety-critical context, this study explores the impact of ethical leadership on safety and task performance under contingent effects of two safety-critical factors (i.e. perceived accident likelihood and perceived hazard exposure).

Design/methodology/approach

The study is cross-sectional in nature and survey questionnaire was used for data collection. Data were collected from 397 workers from ten organizations producing chemical products. Multiple hierarchical regression was performed to test the hypothesized relationships.

Findings

Results show that ethical leadership has positive association with workers' safety performance, safety attitude and task performance. Further, perceived accident likelihood moderated the influence of ethical leadership on workers' safety performance and attitude in such a way the association is strong when accident likelihood is high. Perceived hazard exposure moderated the link between ethical leadership and task performance such that higher hazard exposure decreases the effectiveness of ethical leadership.

Practical implications

Findings imply that managers can optimize employee safety for jobs associated with high safety-critical context through demonstration of ethical leadership behaviors. The study suggests that ethical leadership can prove to be important tool to improve workers' occupational safety well-being, which in turn helps them to improve their health and general well-being.

Originality/value

Contextualization of ethical leadership in safety-critical context is novelty of the study.
Women candidates are unrewarded for “masculine” campaigning: Facebook campaigning during Israel's 2018 municipal elections
Authors: Samuel-Azran Tal , Yarchi Moran
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This study examines the impact of gender on Facebook campaign strategies and the reception of these strategies during the 2018 Israeli municipal elections.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors analyzed all the messages posted on 48 politicians' official Facebook pages during the week leading up to the elections. They analyzed messages posted by 152 candidates running for the position of head of a municipality, 68 of whom were women (48 had an active Facebook account), examining the amount of engagement they had created. The authors also analyzed the candidates' use of rhetoric and use of negative campaigning and the engagement it created.

Findings

Analysis of the overall engagement of Facebook users in respect to men versus women politicians showed that men politicians' posts were significantly more engaging in terms of the number of likes and shares they generated, although the multilevel analysis found no significant differences between engagement in the posts of men and women politicians. The Aristotelian rhetoric analysis revealed no significant differences between women and men contenders; however, in line with the role incongruity theory, the engagement analysis found that male candidates' logic-based posts attracted significantly more shares. The negative campaigning analysis found that, contrary to the study’s hypothesis, female candidates posted twice as many messages, attacking their opponents as their men counterparts. However, in line with the hypothesis based on the role incongruity theory, these posts gained significantly less engagement than those of their men counterparts.

Originality/value

The study highlights that female candidates do not conform to their perceived gender role as soft, emotional, and gentle in their social media campaigning. However, in line with role incongruity theory, they were not rewarded for this “unwomanly” behavior because they gained significantly less engagement with their logic-based posts and their attacks against other candidates than their men counterparts. Despite the fact that prior studies have indicated the potential of social networks service (SNS) to empower women leaders, the findings of the study highlight the continued gender discrimination and the validity of role incongruity theory during social media campaigning, particularly at the municipal elections level.
The learning organization from a pragmatist perspective
Authors: Elkjaer Bente
Published: July 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to contribute to the debate on what is a learning organization (LO). The author proposes that pragmatist philosophy may be a source of inspiration in this endeavor.

Design/methodology/approach

The author revisits a 25-year-old case study in which the process of implementing an LO in a public enterprise was observed. This was in the heyday of LOs, when they were regarded as an organizational form that could provide solutions for almost all organizational problems. The author starts by considering this case using the first four types of understanding in Örtenblad’s LO taxonomy (2018): “learning at work,” “climate for learning,” “organizational learning” and “learning structure.” Then the author uses Örtenblad’s fifth version of LOs, the “social perspective,” to show that the pragmatist concepts of experience, inquiry and commitment are helpful in revealing and explaining how learning happens as part of the “social”.

Findings

The author proposes the sixth version of Los, involving letting experience and inquiry loose. This is an extension of Örtenblad’s fifth version of LOs, which rests upon collective as the learning unit and learning as context-dependent cultural or social activity. The sixth version makes it possible to understand organizational learning and LOs as recursive processes of inquiry into tensions in experiences and the organizational affordances of voicing and enacting these tensions.

Originality/value

Regarding LOs from a pragmatist perspective makes it possible to view learning as cultural and social activity without making learning a matter of either motivational persons for learning or organizations as “conducive” for learning, but understands the two as connected in recursive, iterative and rhythmic processes of tensions and resolutions.