bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neural surprise in somatosensory Bayesian learning
Authors: Gijsen Sam , Grundei Miro , Lange Robert T. , Ostwald Dirk , Blankenburg Felix
Published: June 2020

Tracking statistical regularities of the environment is important for shaping human behavior and perception. Evidence suggests that the brain learns environmental dependencies using Bayesian principles. However, much remains unknown about the employed algorithms, for somesthesis in particular. Here, we describe the cortical dynamics of the somatosensory learning system to investigate both the form of the generative model as well as its neural surprise signatures. Specifically, we recorded EEG data from 40 participants subjected to a somatosensory roving-stimulus paradigm and performed single-trial modeling across peri-stimulus time in both sensor and source space. Our Bayesian model selection procedure indicates that evoked potentials are best described by a non-hierarchical learning model that tracks transitions between observations using leaky integration. From around 70ms post-stimulus onset, secondary somatosensory cortices are found to represent confidence-corrected surprise as a measure of model inadequacy. Primary somatosensory cortex is found to encode Bayesian surprise, reflecting model updating, from around 140ms. As such, this dissociation indicates that early surprise signals may control subsequent model update rates. In sum, our findings support the hypothesis that early somatosensory processing reflects Bayesian perceptual learning and contribute to an understanding of its precise mechanisms.

Author summary

Our environment features statistical regularities, such as a drop of rain predicting imminent rainfall. Despite the importance for behavior and survival, much remains unknown about how these dependencies are learned, particularly for somatosensation. As surprise signalling about novel observations indicates a mismatch between one’s beliefs and the world, it has been hypothesized that surprise computation plays an important role in perceptual learning. By analyzing EEG data from human participants receiving sequences of tactile stimulation, we compare different formulations of surprise and investigate the employed underlying learning model. Our results indicate that the brain estimates transitions between observations. Furthermore, we identified different signatures of surprise computation and thereby provide a dissociation of the neural correlates of belief inadequacy and belief updating. Specifically, early surprise responses from around 70ms were found to signal the need for changes to the model, with encoding of its subsequent updating occurring from around 140ms. These results provide insights into how somatosensory surprise signals may contribute to the learning of environmental statistics.
Transcriptome analyses of β-thalassemia -28 (A>G) mutation using isogenic cell models generated by CRISPR/Cas9 and asymmetric single-stranded oligodeoxynucleotides (assODN)
Authors: Li Jing , Zhou Ziheng , Sun Hai-Xi , Ouyang Wenjie , Dong Guoyi , Liu Tianbin , Ge Lei , Zhang Xiuqing , Liu Chao , Gu Ying
Published: June 2020

β-thalassemia, caused by mutations in the human hemoglobin (HBB) gene, is one of the most common genetic diseases in the world.HBB–28 (A>G) mutation is one of the five most common mutations in China patients with β-thalassemia. However, few studies have been conducted to understand how this mutation affects the expression of pathogenesis related genes including globin genes due to limited homologous clinical materials. Therefore, we first developed an efficient technique using CRISPR/Cas9 combined with asymmetric single-stranded oligodeoxynucleotides (assODN) to generate a K562 cell model ofHBB−28 (A>G) named K562−28 (A>G). Then, we systematically analyzed the differences between K562−28 (A>G)and K562 at the transcriptome level by high-throughput RNA-seq pre- and post-erythrogenic differentiation. We found thatHBB−28 (A>G) mutation not only disturbed the transcription ofHBBbut also decreased the expression ofHBG, which may further aggravate the thalassemia phenotype and partially explain the severer clinical outcome of β-thalassemia patients withHBB−28 (A>G) mutation. Moreover, we found K562−28 (A>G)cell line is more sensitive to hypoxia and showed a defective erythrogenic program compared with K562 before differentiation. In agreement, p38MAPK and ERK pathway are hyperactivated in K562−28 (A>G)after differentiation. Importantly, all above mentioned abnormalities in K562−28 (A>G)were reversed after correction of this mutation with CRISPR/Cas and assODN, confirming the specificity of these phenotypes. Overall, this is the first time to analyze the effects of theHBB- 28 (A>G) mutation at whole-transcriptome level based on isogenic cell lines, providing a landscape for further investigation of the mechanism of β-thalassemia withHBB−28 (A>G) mutation.
Dose-response modelling of total haemoglobin mass to hypoxic dose in elite speed skaters
Authors: Vinogradov Mikhail , Zelenkova Irina
Published: June 2020

The aim of the present study is the modelling of the total haemoglobin mass responses in altitude environment with the dose-response model in elite endurance athletes and comparison different existing approaches in the quantification of hypoxic dose.

Data from seven healthy elite endurance athletes specialised in middle distance speed skating participated in the study: six males (24±1.8 years, 182 ±0.3 cm, 84 ±1.5 kg, BMI 23.2±0.6 kg/m2, 59.3±1.5 ml/kg/min) and one female (21 years, 164 cm, 56 kg, BMI 17.1 kg/m2, 59.9 ml/kg/min). Data were collected during a 3-month training period which included two training camps (14 +14 days) at sea level and two training camps (21+21 days) at altitude of 1224 m and 1850 m above sea level. Total haemoglobin mass (tHb-mass) were measured before the start of the season (baseline) and before and after each training camp (seven measurements) using an optimized CO-rebreathing method, training loads and oxygen saturation at altitude were measured and hypoxic dose were calculated.

Mean total haemoglobin mass for the male group at the base line were 1067±83 g, before the training camp 1 were 1095±82 g, after TC1 1113±105 g, before the training camp 2 (TC2) 1107±88 g, after TC2 1138±104 g. For the female athlete at the base line were 570 g, after TC1 564 g, after TC2 582 g.

The increase of tHb-mass after TC2 were 3,25% and were significant (p<0,005). Mean hypoxic dose for the male group TC1 were %·h (98%) 1078±157, %·h (95%) 79±57, and km.h 473±1 and at TC2 were %·h(98%) 1586±585, %·h (95%) 422±182, and km.h 893±18 and were different from TC1 (p<0,05) for %·h (95%) and km.h methods. For the female athlete hypoxic dose at TC1 were %·h (98%) 970, %·h (95%) 32, and km.h 470 and at TC2 were %·h(98%) 1587, %·h (95%) 289, and km.h 900.

The relationship between hypoxic dose and haematological response was analysed with a non-linear model. The magnitude of the increase of the total haemoglobin mass were investigated using simulation procedures based upon individual responses to the hypoxic dose. We introduced a measurement error to the list square method as a way of avoiding overfitting problem. Dose-response mathematical model between hypoxic dose and total haemoglobin mass was developed. Modelled total haemoglobin mass was within measurement error range. This model is suitable for the computer simulations. The individual response to hypoxic dose due to model data was different. Maximal values in total haemoglobin mass that can be achieved by male athletes according to the model was 1321.9 ± 32 g. The model predicted that (τ) erythrocyte life span is 73.8 ± 9.0 days. Moreover, highest value of individual tHb-mass increase after returning to the sea level according to the model was16.3 ±0.7 days.

The model developed in the current study describes the time course of total haemoglobin mass during altitude exposure and post-altitude decline in elite speed skaters.
The role of LmeA, a mycobacterial periplasmic protein, in stabilizing the mannosyltransferase MptA and its product lipomannan under stress
Authors: Rahlwes Kathryn C. , Osman Sarah H. , Morita Yasu S.
Published: June 2020

The mycobacterial cell envelope has a diderm structure, composed of an outer mycomembrane, an arabinogalactan-peptidoglycan cell wall, periplasm and an inner membrane. Lipomannan (LM) and lipoarabinomannan (LAM) are structural and immunomodulatory components of this cell envelope. LM/LAM biosynthesis involves a number of mannosyltransferases and acyltransferases, and MptA is an α1,6-mannosyltransferase involved in the final extension of the mannan backbones. Recently, we reported the periplasmic protein LmeA being involved in the maturation of the mannan backbone inMycobacterium smegmatis. Here, we examined the role of LmeA under stress conditions. We found that thelmeAtranscription was upregulated under two stress conditions: stationary growth phase and nutrient starvation. Under both conditions, LAM was decreased, but LM was relatively stable, suggesting that maintaining the cellular level of LM under stress is important. Surprisingly, the protein levels of MptA were decreased inlmeAdeletion mutant (ΔlmeA) in both stress conditions. The transcript levels ofmptAin ΔlmeAwere similar to or even higher than those in the wildtype, indicating that the decrease of MptA protein was a post-transcriptional event. Consistent with the decrease in MptA, ΔlmeAwas unable to maintain the cellular level of LM under stress. Even during active growth, overexpression of LmeA led the cells to produce more LM and become more resistant to several antibiotics. Altogether, our study reveals the roles of LmeA in the homeostasis of the MptA mannosyltransferase particularly under stress conditions, ensuring the stable expression of LM and the maintenance of cell envelope integrity.
Saliva-Based Molecular Testing for SARS-CoV-2 that Bypasses RNA Extraction
Authors: Ranoa Diana Rose E. , Holland Robin L. , Alnaji Fadi G. , Green Kelsie J. , Wang Leyi , Brooke Christopher B. , Burke Martin D. , Fan Timothy M. , Hergenrother Paul J.
Published: June 2020

Convenient, repeatable, large-scale molecular testing for SARS-CoV-2 would be a key weapon to help control the COVID-19 pandemic. Unfortunately, standard SARS-CoV-2 testing protocols are invasive and rely on numerous items that can be subject to supply chain bottlenecks, and as such are not suitable for frequent repeat testing. Specifically, personal protective equipment (PPE), nasopharyngeal (NP) swabs, the associated viral transport media (VTM), and kits for RNA isolation and purification have all been in short supply at various times during the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, SARS-CoV-2 is spread through droplets and aerosols transmitted through person-to-person contact, and thus saliva may be a relevant medium for diagnosing SARS-CoV-2 infection status. Here we describe a saliva-based testing method that bypasses the need for RNA isolation/purification. In experiments with inactivated SARS-CoV-2 virus spiked into saliva, this method has a limit of detection of 500-1000 viral particles per mL, rivalling the standard NP swab method, and initial studies also show excellent performance with 100 clinical samples. This saliva-based process is operationally simple, utilizes readily available materials, and can be easily implemented by existing testing sites, thus allowing for high-throughput, rapid, and repeat testing of large populations.

Graphical Abstract
FHOD-1 is the only formin inCaenorhabditis elegansthat promotes striated muscle growth and Z-line organization in a cell autonomous manner
Authors: Sundaramurthy Sumana , Votra SarahBeth , Laszlo Arianna , Davies Tim , Pruyne David
Published: June 2020

The striated body wall muscles ofCaenorhabditis elegansare a simple model system with well-characterized sarcomeres that have many vertebrate protein homologs. Previously, we observed deletion mutants for two formin genes,fhod-1andcyk-1, developed thin muscles with abnormal dense bodies/sarcomere Z-lines. However, the nature of thecyk-1mutation necessitated maternal CYK-1 expression for viability of the examined animals. Here, we tested the effects of complete loss of CYK-1 using a fast acting temperature-sensitivecyk-1(ts)mutant. Surprisingly, neither post-embryonic loss of CYK-1 nor acute loss of CYK-1 during embryonic sarcomerogenesis caused muscle defects, suggesting CYK-1 might not play a direct role in muscle development. Consistent with this, examination ofcyk-1(Δ)mutants re-expressing CYK-1 in a mosaic pattern showed CYK-1 cannot rescue muscle defects in a muscle cell autonomous manner, suggesting muscle phenotypes caused bycyk-1deletion are likely indirect. Conversely, mosaic re-expression of FHOD-1 infhod-1(Δ)mutants promoted muscle cell growth, as well as proper Z-line organization, in a muscle cell autonomous manner. As we can observe no effect of loss of any other worm formin on muscle development, we conclude that FHOD-1 is the only formin that directly promotes striated muscle development inC. elegans.
Prioritization of osteoporosis-associated GWAS SNPs using epigenomics and transcriptomics
Authors: Zhang Xiao , Deng Hong-Wen , Shen Hui , Ehrlich Melanie
Published: June 2020

Genetic risk factors for osteoporosis, a prevalent disease associated with aging, have been examined in many genome-wide association studies (GWAS). A major challenge is to prioritize transcription-regulatory GWAS-derived variants that are likely to be functional. Given the critical role of epigenetics in gene regulation, we have used an unusual epigenetics- and transcription-based approach to identify credible regulatory SNPs relevant to osteoporosis from 38 reported BMD GWAS. Using Roadmap databases, we prioritized SNPs based upon their overlap with strong enhancer or promoter chromatin preferentially in osteoblasts relative to 11 heterologous cell culture types. The selected SNPs also had to overlap open chromatin (DNaseI-hypersensitive sites) and DNA sequences predicted to bind to osteoblast-relevant transcription factors in an allele-specific manner. From >50,000 GWAS-derived SNPs, we identified 16 novel and credible regulatory SNPs (Tier-1 SNPs) for osteoporosis risk. Their associated genes,BICC1, LGR4, DAAM2, NPR3, orHMGA2, are involved in osteoblastogenesis or bone homeostasis and regulate cell signaling or enhancer function. Four of them are preferentially expressed in osteoblasts.BICC1, LGR4, andDAAM2play important roles in canonical Wnt signaling, a pathway critical to bone formation and repair. The transcription factors that are predicted to bind to the Tier-1 SNP-containing DNA sequences also have bone-related functions. For the seven Tier-1 SNPs near the 5’ end ofBICC1, examination of eQTL overlap and the distribution of BMD-increasing alleles suggests that at least one SNP in each of two clusters contributes to inherited osteoporosis risk. Our study not only illustrates a method that can be used to identify novel BMD-related causal regulatory SNPs for future study, but also reveals evidence that some of the Tier-1 SNPs exert their effects on BMD risk indirectly through little-studied noncoding RNA genes, which in turn may control the nearby bone-related protein-encoding gene.
Human RTEL1 associates with Poldip3 to facilitate responses to replication stress and R-loop resolution
Authors: Björkman Andrea , Johansen Søren L. , Lin Lin , Schertzer Mike , Kanellis Dimitris C. , Katsori Anna-Maria , Christensen Søren T. , Luo Yonglun , Andersen Jens S. , Elsässer Simon J. , Londono-Vallejo Arturo , Bartek Jiri , Schou Kenneth B.
Published: June 2020

RTEL1 helicase is a component of DNA repair and telomere maintenance machineries. While RTEL1's role in DNA replication is emerging, how RTEL1 preserves genomic stability during replication remains elusive. Here we used a range of proteomic, biochemical, cell, and molecular biology and gene editing approaches to provide further insights into potential role(s) of RTEL1 in DNA replication and genome integrity maintenance. Our results from complementary human cell culture models established that RTEL1 and the Polδ subunit Poldip3 form a complex and are/function mutually dependent in chromatin binding after replication stress. Loss of RTEL1 and Poldip3 leads to marked R-loop accumulation that is confined to sites of active replication, enhances endogenous replication stress, and fuels ensuing genomic instability. The impact of depleting RTEL1 and Poldip3 is epistatic, consistent with our proposed concept of these two proteins operating in a shared pathway involved in DNA replication control under stress conditions. Overall, our data highlight a previously unsuspected role of RTEL1 and Poldip3 in R-loop suppression at genomic regions where transcription and replication intersect, with implications for human diseases including cancer.
Customer complaint journey mapping: a qualitative approach
Authors: Koussaifi Hiba , Hart David John , Lillystone Simon
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to extend the customer complaint behaviour (CCB) knowledge by introducing a visual technique called customer complaint journey mapping as a means of capturing and understanding multi-faceted service failures involving multiple actors.

Design/methodology/approach

Research participants were trained to record contemporaneous accounts of future dissatisfactory dining experiences. Minimising issues of memory recall whilst faithfully capturing complainants' raw emotions. These recordings formed the basis for follow up interviews, based on the critical incident technique.

Findings

The central finding of this paper was how other actors outside of the traditional service dyad played a dynamic role in co-creating a complainants' emotions and subsequent behaviours.

Practical implications

The resulting customer complaint maps give deep insights into the complex social dynamics involved in CCB, providing a powerful tool for both researchers and staff responsible for recovery strategies.

Originality/value

The mapping framework provides an innovative means of capturing the actual complaint experiences of customers and the role of other actors, utilising a multi-method approach designed to address various limitations of existing CCB research.
The bright and dark sides of humorous response to online customer complaint
Authors: Shin Hyunju , Larson Lindsay R.L.
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Displaying a sense of humour provides various interpersonal benefits including reducing tension and promoting conflict resolution, but should a firm use humour in response to publicly viewable online customer complaints after a service failure? The purpose of this study is to demonstrate that a firm’s use of humour in response to negative online consumer reviews has both positive and negative effects on perceptions of corporate image from a customer-as-onlooker perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

Three experimental studies are conducted and analysis of variance is used to empirically test the hypotheses.

Findings

Although humorous responses have an unfavourable influence on perceived trustworthiness of the firm, they have a favourable influence on perceived excitingness of the firm. The former influence is tied to lower perceived firm sincerity, whereas the latter is tied to higher perceived firm innovativeness and coolness. Furthermore, humour within the customer complaint itself is shown to moderate the influence of humorous responses on perceptions of the firm. Finally, regardless of the type of humour used (i.e. affiliative or aggressive humour) in the humorous response, the positive effect of humorous response remains strong, although aggressive humour further aggravates the negative impact of humorous response on trustworthiness.

Research limitations/implications

The experimental set-up may limit external validity of the study, and the research is limited to the variables examined.

Practical implications

Humorous response is identified as a non-traditional approach to online customer complaints that poses a double-edged sword for managers of service organizations. Firms should avoid using humour in online service recovery if perceptions of trustworthiness are critical or if complaints are written in a neutral tone. However, such responses may be successfully used when a firm wants to position itself as exciting and if complaints are also humorous. Finally, firms are advised to avoid aggressive humour.

Originality/value

The present research represents one of the few studies in marketing to examine the potential of injecting humour into complaint management and service recovery. In addition, this study considers the consumer-as-onlooker perspective inherent in social media.
Ensuring continued use of a digital library: a qualitative approach
Authors: Abdul Rahman Abdul Rahim , Mohezar Suhana
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to identify the factors affecting continued use of digital libraries in a military context.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured interviews with four focus groups consisting of 21 respondents, who are military education instructors and librarians, were carried out. This qualitative approach study adopted content analysis methods that were designed to contrast and make comparisons based on the participants’ responses. The valid responses were analyzed using NVivo 12 Plus.

Findings

Using semi-structured interviews, this study presents five dimensions of critical success factors generated from the analysis of the content of the qualitative data. The dimensions highlighted are as follows: perceived quality factors; perceived instrumental support; perceived ease of use; users’ expectation and users’ satisfaction; and net benefits and perceived usefulness.

Research limitations/implications

This study is only focussing on military education instructors and librarians in the vicinity of four regions in Peninsular Malaysia. For practical implications, it provides an understanding of how the organization could sustain the continued use of a military-context digital library (DL).

Practical implications

This study makes a new practical contribution to DL information systems’ successful implementation practices in a military context. This study also serves as a guideline for the organizational stakeholders to have a better understanding of their knowledge and the digitalization environment. The findings of this study provide an understanding of how the organization could sustain the continued use of digital libraries in a military context.

Originality/value

This study fills the void in the literature by investigating the DL use in the context of a military setting.
Prevalence of teen dating violence and the associations with substance use and externalizing behaviors in Nicaraguan early adolescents
Authors: Lu Yu , Shin Youngju , Le Vi D. , Temple Jeff R. , Pettigrew Jonathan
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Despite being a significant public health problem, teen dating violence and related risk behaviors are yet to be examined in Nicaragua. This study aims to examine the prevalence of in-person dating violence and cyber dating abuse and to test the associations between teen dating violence and substance use (i.e. alcohol, cigarette, marijuana and e-cigarette) as well as externalizing behaviors.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey responses were collected from a school-based sample of 1,799 Nicaraguan early adolescents (average age = 13.04 years).

Findings

The prevalence was 41% for in-person dating violence victimization, 39% for in-person dating violence perpetration, 30% for cyber dating abuse victimization and 26% for cyber dating abuse perpetration. The majority (56%) of the adolescents reported engagement in externalizing behaviors, but substance use prevalence was relatively low, ranging from 1–9% depending on the substance type. Multivariate regression analyses suggest that in-person dating violence perpetration was positively associated with all types of substance use and externalizing behaviors, while victimization was only associated with externalizing behaviors.

Originality/value

Despite the descriptive nature, the study is the first to examine the prevalence of teen dating violence and its relationships with other risk behaviors in Nicaraguan adolescents and have important health implications.
Resolving deterioration of heritage building elements using an expert system
Authors: Marzouk Mohamed , ElSharkawy Maryam , Elsayed Pakinam , Eissa Aya
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The maintenance of original building materials is crucial to extending their lifetime and avoiding their repeated replacement in heritage buildings. In order to maintain the identity of built heritage and resolve possible deterioration over the years, special expertise is required to avoid possible materials decay and to preserve building elements in a way that allows them to function efficiently as originally intended.

Design/methodology/approach

An expert system is created to identify the most effective method of repair for each specific building material and to propose the appropriate conservation methods for resolving different types of damages. Artificial intelligence is used to provide a systematic problem-solving technique that saves time and provides the most efficient conservation and preservation method for heritage building elements.

Findings

Those expert systems could be generalized on similar historical structures to be used as a systematic guide for examining material, evaluating deterioration state and objectively suggesting their related repair techniques. Further deteriorated materials in heritage buildings should be investigated, such as stone and timber staircases, to provide a guide for usage by restoration and conservation authorities.

Originality/value

Using a user-friendly method, with special considerations to three major problematic building elements in terms of decay and material dysfunction in heritage structures, timber doors, iron gates, and ceiling paintings are selected for diagnosis and repair in an Egyptian heritage building.
Structuring fund for affordable housing investment in Malaysia: an exploratory research
Authors: Mohd Daud Mohd Ariff , Rosly Saiful Azhar , Muhamad Sori Zulkarnain
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore potential fund-raising option that can be developed to attract investment in affordable housing initiatives in Malaysia. In doing so, the study undertakes to discuss the viability of the property trust fund structure as an investment vehicle.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses a qualitative design that involves the use of semi-structured questionnaires as a data collection strategy. A total number of ten experts were selected for the interview using critical case sampling scheme based on the purposive sampling strategy.

Findings

The study discovers that a dynamic fund structure – one that allows for the fund to evolve with changing circumstances and needs – can be adopted. This fund structure comprises a fund that can be initially established as a closed-ended fund. Then, with sufficient track record, the fund can be transformed into a public real estate investment trust, with the prospect of tapping into capital market via issuance of sukuk in the future. The fund can also adopt mezzanine structure of funding, which may reduce investors’ risks with minimal government intervention.

Research limitations/implications

The findings of this study illustrate the potential of fund-raising options from the perspective of institutional investors and regulators. Future research could explore government’s view and focus on the policy options.

Practical implications

The findings may provide valuable insight into alternative fund-raising options for affordable housing projects for policymakers and investment banks.

Social implications

The fund-raising options incorporate minimal government participation yet pose low risks to investors, creating a low-risk asset suitable for social investment.

Originality/value

This study outlines the mechanism to increase affordable housing supply in the market, by attracting institutional investors to invest in this dynamic fund structure initiative. As there are limited discussions on attracting funding for affordable housing developments, it is hoped that this paper will spark further debate and discussion among the academicians and policymakers.
Political risk distribution of Chinese outward foreign direct investment
Authors: GaoYan Qiuyu
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to contribute to a better understanding on relations between Chinese Outward Foreign Direct Investment (OFDI) and host country political risk. To contribute to a better understanding of whether traditional wisdom on foreign direct investment (FDI) is sufficient to explain the internationalization of Chinese multinational enterprises, the author collected 15 proxy variables from the PRS Group and Heritage Foundation and applied principal component analysis (PCA) to construct a new political risk index (PRI) that measures multiple facets of political risk for 139 countries.

Design/methodology/approach

Using this new PRI as a criterion, the author investigated changes in the political risk distribution (PRD) of Chinese outward FDI (OFDI) regarding investment destinations, large projects, annual investment outflows and sectorial distributions from 2006–2017.

Findings

The author found that the vast majority of Chinese OFDI during this period is concentrated in moderate- and low-risk countries, even at the sectorial level. This paper also shows that the continuing reform of Chinese OFDI policy and strong government support have led to an unprecedented increase in Chinese OFDI, while the PRD of Chinese OFDI has maintained a gradual decline over the past decade.

Originality/value

This research provides a new measurement that covers multiple facets of political risk.
Store flyers: managing spatial distribution under budget constraints
Authors: Luceri Beatrice , Laurini Fabrizio , Latusi Sabrina
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The study develops a decision support system for the spatial distribution of store flyers, identifying a number of factors related to the demand and the competition influencing the complexities of their allocation to the target population.

Design/methodology/approach

The model was developed incorporating the insights found in existing marketing literature and bypassing the limitations of the managerial practices. To this end, an in-depth discussion with a panel of retailers was held. The model was tested in collaboration with a retail chain.

Findings

The proposed system is flexible and provides an almost endless array of solutions in accordance with the retailer's strategic approach to the market. It captures the key trade-offs that need to be made during the decision-making process of a retailer with limited marketing resources.

Practical implications

The traditional managerial approach, based on a set of operational steps, is overtaken by a model that systematically considers the interrelationships between the decision-making factors involved.

Originality/value

This is the first attempt to analyse spatial distribution of store flyers, a topic that has yet to be explored in retail marketing research. The paper conceptualises the key variables which affect the optimisation problem and reviews the different streams of extant research to obtain the appropriate insights.
Hyper-globalization and capitalism: socio-political effects of the international economy
Authors: Russo Antonio
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The hypothesis is that social inequalities tend to increase in the historical phases characterized by a high level of integration of the international economy, generating protectionism-oriented pressures. The analysis of the capitalistic evolution in the last centuries is oriented to outline the strict connection between deep international economy integration and high level of social inequalities in advanced economies.

Design/methodology/approach

Recent deep integration in international economy generated, in advanced economies, a significant increase in socio-economic inequalities, with negative effects on social cohesion and democratic dynamics. The paper, examining the historical evolution of capitalism, analyses the consequences generated by the deep integration, achieved by the international economy, on social inequalities in advanced countries. The discussion is focussed on three models of capitalism: competitive capitalism, Fordist capitalism and cognitive capitalism.

Findings

As a result, for governments, two alternatives open up in the hyper-globalization phases: to preserve deep international economic integration, with risks for democracy; to preserve internal social cohesion, with risks of protectionism and closure to the international economy.

Originality/value

The article is oriented to underline the intrinsic incompatibility between hyper-globalization and democracy, for the strong negative effects generated by hyper-globalization on social inequalities and on social cohesion.
A proposed sustainable and digital collection and classification center model to manage e-waste in emerging economies
Authors: Kazancoglu Yigit , Ozbiltekin Melisa , Ozkan Ozen Yesim Deniz , Sagnak Muhittin
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This study aims to propose an electronic waste collection and classification system to enhance social, environmental and economic sustainability by integrating data-driven technologies in emerging economies.

Design/methodology/approach

GM (1, 1) model under grey prediction is used in this study in order to estimate the trend of the amount of collected electronic waste in emerging economies.

Findings

It is revealed that the amount of collected electronic waste is increasing day by day, and within the framework of sustainability in the process of collecting and classification of electronic waste, digital technologies were found to be lacking. It has been determined that this deficiency, together with the increasing amount of electronic waste, has caused environmental, social and economic damage to emerging economies.

Originality/value

The main originality of this study is integrating electronic waste collection and classification processes with data-driven technologies and sustainability, which is a relatively new subject.
How does a business family manage its wealth? A family office perspective
Authors: Rivo-López Elena , Villanueva-Villar Mónica , Suárez-Blázquez Guillermo , Reyes-Santías Francisco
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to find throughout history examples of wealth management of a family or business families that can be assimilated into the current concept of family offices (FOs). In such examples, the study identifies characteristics associated with the different dimensions of the concept of socioemotional wealth (SEW).

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on the socioemotional perspective, this paper relates significant examples of FOs based on historical stages (ancient history, the middle ages, modern history, the contemporary period and the actual world). Each case is discussed with an effort to identify the dimensions of the SEW that fit and help in understanding the organization studied.

Findings

Mainly, FOs allow the management of the family legacy, philanthropy, promotion of entrepreneurship and family wealth preservation for future generations. Autonomy in decision-making, privacy and confidentiality and the achievement of more intangible goals make the FO preferable to other institutions. Through the study of historical cases, the FO constitutes a structure with objectives and activities that have remained consistent from Rome to the present, regardless of historical, political or social context. The results also identify four out of five FIBER dimensions of SEW.

Originality/value

In addition to contributing to the scarce literature on FOs, this paper uses various examples of historical periods to better understand its origin, evolution and current state. A selection of examples at different times allows us to verify that FOs undergo a series of changes throughout history but maintain their characteristics regardless of the historical context. This paper is the first to explore the origin and development of the FO as organization. Building on the findings, the authors present a conceptual SEW framework to deepen in the knowledge of FO. This framework could help researchers and practitioners in future researches providing a conceptual link that demonstrates the components of the SEW perspective best fit the objectives pursued by business families when establishing a family office.
The effectiveness of payroll system in the public sector to prevent fraud
Authors: Yusuf Zulkarnain , Nawawi Anuar , Salin Ahmad Saiful Azlin Puteh
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is as follows: first, to analyze the opinion of the civil servant or payroll personnel towards the payroll system that currently used by the government. Second, to investigate the control measures currently exist in the payroll system and third, to examine any loopholes that may create opportunities for fraud to occur in that payroll system.

Design/methodology/approach

This study involves a survey of questionnaires to the department’s personnel that act as respondents. One government department has been selected as a case study in this research. This study was focussing on the payroll administration unit that responsible for all personnel payroll operation and administration.

Findings

The study concludes that payroll system has equipped with the security and control characteristic. However, there is still a risk of fraud due to some internal control weaknesses in the system. Thus, the awareness about the control and security of the system should be given priority so that the staffs will understand and aware about it.

Research limitations/implications

The study provides some evidence to indicate a weak and ineffective control measure in the payroll system that may lead to the fraud. Thus, by detail examination of the problems, the prevention and corrective action can be done in combating fraud. However, this study suffered from the small number of samples and limited access to the relevant documents due to confidentiality of the data.

Practical implications

This study reveals that there are a few key internal control points that can be enhanced to facilitate better protection of payroll expenses in combating fraud in the government department. These include clear segregation of duties, stricter approval process and highly protected personnel information. In addition, adoption of whistleblowing channel, established internal audit function and severe punishment to the wrongdoers also can be implemented.

Originality/value

This study is original as it examines fraud and malpractices issues that specific for payroll department in the government department that rare in literature.
Experiences of inpatient staff meeting the religious and cultural needs of BAME informal patients and patients detained under the Mental Health Act 1983
Authors: Kang Kuldip Kaur , Moran Nicola
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to explore inpatient staff experiences of seeking to meet the religious and cultural needs of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) inpatients on mental health wards.

Design/methodology/approach

Nine semi-structured interviews were undertaken with inpatient staff in one NHS Trust in England to explore their views and experiences of supporting BAME inpatients to meet their religious and cultural needs. Anonymised transcripts were analysed thematically.

Findings

Inpatient staff reported lacking the confidence and knowledge to identify and meet BAME inpatients’ religious and cultural needs, especially inpatients from smaller ethnic groups and newly emerging communities. There was no specific assessment used to identify religious and cultural needs and not all inpatient staff received training on meeting these needs. Concerns were raised about difficulties for staff in differentiating whether unusual beliefs and practices were expressions of religiosity or delusions. Staff identified the potential role of inpatients’ family members in identifying and meeting needs, explaining religious and cultural beliefs and practices, and psychoeducation to encourage treatment or medication adherence.

Practical implications

Potential ways to address this gap in the knowledge and confidence of inpatient staff to meet the religious and cultural needs of BAME patients include training for inpatient staff; the production and updating of a directory of common religious and cultural practices and needs; local resources which can help to support those needs; and religious and cultural practices and needs being documented by mental health practitioners in community teams such that this information is readily available for inpatient staff if a service user is admitted.

Originality/value

This is the first study to consider inpatient staff views on meeting the religious and cultural needs of BAME informal patients and patients detained under the Mental Health Act 1983.
An analysis of the SME–bank match made in heaven: the case of New Zealand main banks and their relationship-managed SMEs
Authors: Boulanouar Zakaria , Locke Stuart , Holmes Mark
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to answer the increasing calls to analyse how lending relationship between banks and their small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) work. More precisely, the main aim is to investigate the lending approach(es) and criteria used by banks to assess loan applications from their relationship-managed (RM) SMEs’ clients. Other objectives include investigating the level of congruence in terms of lending practices and processes among the sample banks in New Zealand (NZ) and to discern how the assessment of the SME owner/manager is done within the relationship-banking framework.

Design/methodology/approach

The research objectives concern investigating processes and not variances. Thus, a qualitative research approach was used. Extensive data was collected via interviews across representative banks in NZ and thematic analysis was used to analyse the data.

Findings

The findings include a detailed analysis of how relationship banking actually works; how in NZ, the main bank brands use three criteria of lending (financials, security and character) as a framework of assessing loan applications from RM-clients – which is different from the character, capital, capacity, conditions, and collateral (5Cs) that are widely used and discussed as the framework of lending; and an elucidation as to why and how character assessment is different from the other criteria of lending.

Originality/value

To the best of authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the mechanisms and processes that banks use to deal with their RM-SMEs, show the existence of a different framework of lending other than the 5Cs and attempt an explanation as to why character evaluation is different from that of the other criteria of lending.
Are leases substitutes or complements to debt? Insights from an analysis of debt covenants
Authors: Paik Daniel Gyung , Van Der Laan Smith Joyce , Lee Brandon Byunghwan , Yoon Sung Wook
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between off-balance-sheet (OBS) operating leases and long-term debt by analyzing firms’ debt risk profiles measured by the constraints on firms in the financial ratios in their debt covenants.

Design/methodology/approach

This study determines debt risk profiles using three measures: the ex ante probability of covenant violation (Demerjian and Owens, 2016), firms in violation of debt covenants and firms close to covenant violations.

Findings

High-risk firms according to all three measures, on average, have a significantly lower level of operating leases, indicating that these firms use OBS leases as a substitute for long-term debt. Interestingly, for firms operating in industries in which leases are widely available, firms with a high probability of covenant violation have a significantly higher level of operating leases, indicating that these firms use OBS leases as a complement to long-term debt. Further analysis indicates that lease financing is less costly than debt financing for these firms.

Research limitations/implications

Overall, evidence of this study indicates that firms facing financial constraints may attempt to lease more of their assets, but the availability of leasing is constrained by their debt covenant obligations and the strength of the leasing market in its industry.

Originality/value

This study identifies states in which risky firms may treat leases as either complements or substitutes for long-term debt, implying that the leasing decision relates to the availability of an active leasing market for a firm’s assets and the firm’s financial constraints. The findings of this study support recent research showing that debt and leases are complementary in the presence of counterparty risk providing insight into the paradoxical relationship identified in prior research between leases and long-term debt.
Effects of police body‐worn cameras on citizen compliance and cooperation: Findings from a quasi‐randomized controlled trial
Authors: Demir Mustafa , Braga Anthony A. , Apel Robert
Published: June 2020

Research Summary

This study tests the effect of body‐worn cameras (BWCs) on stopped drivers’ perceptions of complying with police directives, obeying traffic laws, and cooperating with the police. A quasi‐randomized controlled trial was conducted with drivers stopped at routine traffic checkpoints. Drivers in the treatment group encountered police officers wearing BWCs, and drivers in the control group encountered police officers without BWCs. Surveys were administered after the stop. Findings suggest motorists exposed to BWC officers reported significantly stronger agreement with compliance with police directives, obedience toward traffic laws, and assistance with police duties. Further analysis indicates BWCs generate indirect impacts on specific citizen compliance mediated through improvements in procedural justice, as well as indirect impacts on general compliance and cooperation mediated through improvements in both police legitimacy and procedural justice.

Policy Implications

The results suggest that BWCs may be an effective means of improving drivers’ willingness to comply with directives, follow traffic laws, and assist police. Consistent with a process‐based explanation, their effectiveness stems almost entirely from drivers’ experience of procedurally just and legitimacy‐enhancing treatment by police officers. The findings indicate BWCs provide a form of officer accountability that mere training in procedural justice might be insufficient to achieve.