bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
QUANTITATIVE ETHNOMEDICINAL SURVEY OF SHRUBBY PLANTS, USED BY THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES OF DISTRICT LAHORE (PUNJAB), PAKISTAN
Authors: Shaheen Shabnum , Sarwar Sobia , Harun Nidaa , Khalid Sana , Hussain Khadim , Khan Farah
Published: June 2020

Background

Indigenous knowledge of medicinal flora is a baseline for the production of plant based commercial drugs. Current study was planned to explore the ethnomedicinal uses of shrubs in traditional health-care system of District Lahore. This study also aimed to represent the conservation status of these natural resources which are decreasing day by day due to their overexploitation and deforestation.

Methods

The key informants were identified by employing the snowball technique. Data was collected by conducting semi-structured interviews with 103 informants from different localities (herbal markets, nurseries, gardens) of district Lahore. Collected data about medicinal shrubs were analysed on different data analyses parameters such as relative frequency of citation (RFC), use value (UV), informant consensus factor (ICF), fidelity level (FL) and relative importance (RI). In addition, SPSS 22 software was used for statistics analysis and interpretation of associations among different studied parameters.

Results

A total of 115 ethnomedicinal shrubs belonging to 50 families were reported to be used against different diseases. The study area was dominated by Fabaceae family (n=10). The RFC ranged from 0.02 (Deutzia scabraandEuonymus japonicus) to 0.85 (Rosa indica) while UV ranged from 0.01 (Cestrum diurnumandGarcinia aristata) to 0.23 (Jasminum grandiflorumandHamelia patens) and RI ranged from 0.16 (Garcinia aristata) to 43.73 (Tabernaemontana divaricata). MoreoverLawsonia inermis, Piper nigrum, Punica granatum, Rosa indicaandVitis viniferareported with 100% FL whereas maximum ICF were calculated by gastrointestinal diseases i.e., 0.45. On the basis of cluster analysis ethnomedicinal shrubs were categorized into two groups i.e., high valued and low valued. It was also found that most of the species in high valued group (n=29) were rare in study area due to their over exploitation. This study also documented 104 new use reports for ethnomedicinal shrubs.

Conclusions

This study documented significant indigenous knowledge about ethnomedicinal shrubs used by the local people of District Lahore. This knowledge could be worthwhile in discovering and developing new plant-based drugs. Apart from this, current study also revealed that most valuable medicinal species are declining in their number due to over usage and mismanagement. Conservation strategies for medicinal plants of District Lahore are highly recommended.
Prime editing is achievable in the tetraploid potato, but needs improvement
Authors: Veillet Florian , Kermarrec Marie-Paule , Chauvin Laura , Guyon-Debast Anouchka , Chauvin Jean-Eric , Gallois Jean-Luc , Nogué Fabien
Published: June 2020

Since its discovery and first applications for genome editing in plants, the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-Cas9 technology has revolutionized plant research and precision crop breeding. Although the classical CRISPR-Cas9 system is highly useful for the introduction of targeted small mutations for knock-out applications, this system is mostly inefficient for the introduction of precise and predictable nucleotide substitutions. Recently, the prime editing (PE) technology has been developed in human cells, allowing the introduction of all kinds of mutations, including the simultaneous generation of nucleotide transitions and transversions. Therefore, this system holds great promises for the production of gain-of-function mutants and for the improvement of precision breeding in crops. In this study, we report on the successful use of prime editing in the tetraploid and highly heterozygous potato (Solanum tuberosum) with the introduction of simultaneous nucleotide transitions and transversions in theStALS1gene.
Virulence strategies of an insect herbivore and oomycete plant pathogen converge on a host E3 SUMO ligase
Authors: Liu S. , Lenoir C.J.G. , Amaro T.M.M.M. , Rodriguez P.A. , Huitema E. , Bos J.I.B.
Published: June 2020

Pathogens and pests secrete proteins (effectors) to interfere with plant immunity through modification of host target functions and disruption of immune signalling networks. Importantly, molecular virulence strategies of distinct pathogens converge on a small set of regulators with central roles in plant immunity. The extent of convergence between pathogen and herbivorous insect virulence strategies is largely unexplored. We found that effectors from the oomycete pathogen, Phytophthora capsici, and the major aphid pest, Myzus persicae target the host immune regulator SIZ1, an E3 SUMO ligase. We show that the oomycete and aphid effector, which both contribute to virulence, feature different activities towards SIZ1. While M. persicae effector Mp64 increases SIZ1 protein levels, P. capsici effector CRN83_152 enhances SIZ1-E3 SUMO ligase activity in vivo. Loss of SIZ1 in host plants leads to reduced host susceptibility to aphids and an oomycete pathogen. Our results suggest convergence of distinct pathogen and pest virulence strategies on an E3 SUMO ligase to enhance host susceptibility.
A Peptide of the Amino-Terminus of GRK2 Induces Hypertrophy and Yet Elicits Cardioprotection after Pressure Overload
Authors: Schumacher Sarah M. , Bledzka Kamila M. , Grondolsky Jessica , Roy Rajika , Gao Erhe , Chuprun J. Kurt , Koch Walter J.
Published: June 2020

G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) kinase 2 (GRK2) expression and activity are elevated early on in response to several forms of cardiovascular stress and are a hallmark of heart failure. Interestingly, though, in addition to its well-characterized role in regulating GPCRs, mounting evidence suggests a GRK2 “interactome” that underlies a great diversity in its functional roles. Several such GRK2 interacting partners are important for adaptive and maladaptive myocyte growth; therefore, an understanding of domain-specific interactions with signaling and regulatory molecules could lead to novel targets for heart failure therapy. While elevated cardiac levels and activity of GRK2 contribute to adverse heart remodeling and contractile dysfunction, inhibition of GRK2 via overexpression of a carboxyl-terminal peptide, βARKct, or its amino-terminal domain Regulator of G protein Signaling (RGS) homology domain (βARKrgs) can enhance cardiac function and can prevent heart failure development via Gβγor Gαq sequestration, respectively. Previously, our lab investigated cardiac-specific transgenic expression of a fragment of this RGS domain (βARKnt) (residues 50-145). In contrast to βARKrgs this fragment did not alter acute hypertrophy after pressure overload or demonstrate RGS activityin vivoagainst Gq-mediated signaling. Herein, we subjected these transgenic mice to pressure overload and found that unlike their littermate controls or previous GRK2 fragments, they exhibited an increased left ventricular wall thickness and mass prior to cardiac stress that underwent proportional hypertrophic growth to controls after acute pressure overload. Importantly, despite this enlarged heart, βARKnt mice did not undergo the expected transition to heart failure observed in controls. Further, βARKnt expression limited adverse left ventricular remodeling and increased cell survival signaling. These data support the idea that the βARKnt peptide embodies a distinct functional interaction and novel means of cardioprotection during pressure-overload induced heart failure.
Divergent SARS-CoV-2-specific T and B cell responses in severe but not mild COVID-19
Authors: Oja Anna E. , Saris Anno , Ghandour Cherien A. , Kragten Natasja A.M. , Hogema Boris M. , Nossent Esther J. , Heunks Leo M.A. , Cuvalay Susan , Slot Ed , Swaneveld Francis H. , Vrielink Hans , Rispens Theo , van der Schoot Ellen , van Lier René A.W. , Brinke Anja Ten , Hombrink Pleun
Published: June 2020

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the causative agent of the current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Understanding both the immunological processes providing specific immunity and potential immunopathology underlying the pathogenesis of this disease may provide valuable insights for potential therapeutic interventions. Here, we quantified SARS-CoV-2 specific immune responses in patients with different clinical courses. Compared to individuals with a mild clinical presentation, CD4+ T cell responses were qualitatively impaired in critically ill patients. Strikingly, however, in these patients the specific IgG antibody response was remarkably strong. The observed disparate T and B cell responses could be indicative of a deregulated immune response in critically ill COVID-19 patients.
Inferring Tumor Progression in Large Datasets
Authors: Neyshabouri Mohammadreza Mohaghegh , Jun Seong-Hwan , Lagergren Jens
Published: June 2020

Identification of mutations of the genes that give cancer a selective advantage is an important step towards research and clinical objectives. As such, there has been a growing interest in developing methods for identification of driver genes and their temporal order within a single patient (intra-tumor) as well as across a cohort of patients (inter-tumor). In this paper, we develop a probabilistic model for tumor progression, in which the driver genes are clustered into several ordered driver pathways. We develop an efficient inference algorithm that exhibits favorable scalability to the number of genes and samples compared to a previously introduced ILP-based method. Adopting a probabilistic approach also allows principled approaches to model selection and uncertainty quantification. Using a large set of experiments on synthetic datasets, we demonstrate our superior performance compared to the ILP-based method. We also analyze two biological datasets of colorectal and glioblastoma cancers. We emphasize that while the ILP-based method puts many seemingly passenger genes in the driver pathways, our algorithm keeps focused on truly driver genes and outputs more accurate models for cancer progression.

Author summary

Cancer is a disease caused by the accumulation of somatic mutations in the genome. This process is mainly driven by mutations in certain genes that give the harboring cells some selective advantage. The rather few driver genes are usually masked amongst an abundance of so-called passenger mutations. Identification of the driver genes and the temporal order in which the mutations occur is of great importance towards research and clinical objectives. In this paper, we introduce a probabilistic model for cancer progression and devise an efficient inference algorithm to train the model. We show that our method scales favorably to large datasets and provides superior performance compared to an ILP-based counterpart on a wide set of synthetic data simulations. Our Bayesian approach also allows for systematic model selection and confidence quantification procedures in contrast to the previous non-probabilistic progression models. We also study two large datasets on colorectal and glioblastoma cancers and validate our inferred model in comparison to the ILP-based method.
Structure of the complete, membrane-assembled COPII coat reveals a complex interaction network
Authors: Hutchings Joshua , Stancheva Viktoriya G. , Brown Nick R. , Cheung Alan C.M. , Miller Elizabeth A. , Zanetti Giulia
Published: June 2020

The COPII coat mediates Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) to Golgi trafficking for thousands of proteins. Five essential coat proteins assemble at the ER into a characteristic two-layer architecture, which recruits cargo proteins whilst sculpting membrane carriers with diverse morphologies. How coat architecture drives membrane curvature whilst ensuring morphological plasticity is largely unknown, yet is central to understanding mechanisms of carrier formation. Here, we use an established reconstitution system to visualise the complete, membrane-assembled COPII coat with unprecedented detail by cryo-electron tomography and subtomogram averaging. We discover a network of interactions within and between coat layers, including multiple interfaces that were previously unknown. We reveal the physiological importance of these interactions using genetic and biochemical approaches. A newly resolved Sec31 C-terminal domain provides order to the coat and is essential to drive membrane curvature in cells. Moreover, a novel outer coat assembly mode provides a basis for coat adaptability to varying membrane curvatures. Furthermore, a newly resolved region of Sec23, which we term the L-loop, imparts coat stability and in part dictates membrane shape. Our results suggest these interactions collectively contribute to coat organisation and membrane curvature, providing a structural framework to understand regulatory mechanisms of COPII trafficking and secretion.
Regulation of beta-amyloid production in neurons by astrocyte-derived cholesterol
Authors: Wang Hao , Kulas Joshua A. , Ferris Heather A. , Hansen Scott B.
Published: June 2020

Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is characterized by the presence of β-Amyloid (Aβ) plaques, tau tangles, inflammation, and loss of cognitive function. Genetic variation in a cholesterol transport protein, apolipoprotein E (apoE), is the most common genetic marker for sporadic AD.In vitroevidence suggests apoE links to Aβ production through nanoscale lipid compartments (also called lipid rafts), but its regulationin vivois unclear. Here we use super-resolution imaging in mouse brain to show apoE utilizes astrocyte-derived cholesterol to specifically traffic neuronal amyloid precursor protein (APP) into lipid rafts where it interacts with β- and γ-secretases to generate Aβ-peptide. We find that targeted deletion of astrocyte cholesterol synthesis robustly reduces amyloid and tau burden in a mouse model of AD. Treatment with cholesterol-free apoE or knockdown of cholesterol synthesis in astrocytes decreases cholesterol levels in cultured neurons and causes APP to traffic out of lipid rafts where it interacts with α-secretase and gives rise to soluble APPα (sAPPα), a neuronal protective product of APP. Changes in cellular cholesterol have no effect on α-, β-, and γ-secretase trafficking, suggesting the ratio of Aβ to sAPPα is regulated by the trafficking of the substrate, not the enzymes. Treatment of astrocytes with inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α upregulates the synthesis of cholesterol in the astrocytes. We conclude that cholesterol is kept low in neurons to inhibit Aβ formation and enable astrocyte regulation of Aβ formation by cholesterol regulation.

Highlights

ApoE regulates amyloid precursor protein localization to rafts and its exposure to α-vs. β-secretase.

α-, β-, and γ-Secretases are activated by substrate presentation.

ApoE specifically transports astrocyte cholesterol to neurons.

Astrocyte cholesterol synthesis disruption prevents Alzheimer’s-associated amyloid pathology in mice.
AL-PHA beads: bioplastic-based protease biosensors for global health applications
Authors: Kelwick Richard J. R. , Webb Alexander J. , Wang Yizhou , Heliot Amelie , Allan Fiona , Emery Aidan M. , Templeton Michael R. , Freemont Paul S.
Published: June 2020

Proteases are multi-functional proteolytic enzymes that have complex roles in human health and disease. Therefore, the development of protease biosensors can be beneficial to global health applications. To this end, we developed Advanced proteoLytic detector PolyHydroxyAlkanoates (AL-PHA) beads – a library of over 20 low-cost, biodegradable, bioplastic-based protease biosensors. Broadly, these biosensors utilise PhaC-reporter fusion proteins that are bound to microbially manufactured polyhydroxyalkanoate beads. In the presence of a specific protease, superfolder green fluorescent reporter proteins are cleaved from the AL-PHA beads - resulting in a loss of bead fluorescence. The Tobacco Etch Virus (TEV) AL-PHA biosensor detected the proteolytic activity of at least 1.85 pM of AcTEV. AL-PHA beads were also engineered to detect cercarial elastase fromSchistosoma mansoni-derived cercarial transformation fluid (SmCTF) samples, as well as cancer-associated metalloproteinases in extracellular vesicle and cell-conditioned media samples. We envision that AL-PHA beads could be further developed for use in resource-limited settings.
Accurate contrast determination for X-ray speckle visibility spectroscopy
Authors: Sun Yanwen , Montana-Lopez Jordi , Fuoss Paul , Sutton Mark , Zhu Diling
Published: June 2020

X-ray speckle visibility spectroscopy using X-ray free-electron lasers has long been proposed as a probe of fast dynamics in noncrystalline materials. In this paper, numerical modeling is presented to show how the data interpretation of visibility spectroscopy can be impacted by the nonidealities of real-life X-ray detectors. Using simulated detector data, this work provides a detailed analysis of the systematic errors of several contrast extraction algorithms in the context of low-count-rate X-ray speckle visibility spectroscopy and their origins are discussed. Here, it was found that the finite detector charge cloud and pixel size lead to an unavoidable `degeneracy' in photon position determination, and that the contrasts extracted using different algorithms can all be corrected by a simple linear model. The results suggest that experimental calibration of the correction coefficient at the count rate of interest is possible and essential. This allows computationally lightweight algorithms to be implemented for on-the-fly analysis.
Crystal structure of 5-[(benzoyloxy)methyl]-5,6-dihydroxy-4-oxocyclohex-2-en-1-yl benzoate
Authors: Leepasert Theerachart , Saparpakorn Patchreenart , Chainok Kittipong , Duangthongyou Tanwawan
Published: June 2020

The crystal structure of the natural product zeylenone, C21H18O7, was confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The crystal structure has three chiral centers at positions C1, C5 and C6 of the cyclohexanone ring, but the absolute configuration could not be determined reliably. The methyl benzoate and benzoyloxy substituents at positions C1 and C5 of the cyclohexenone ring are on the same side of the ring with the dihedral angle between their mean planes being 16.25 (10)°. These rings are almost perpendicular to the cyclohexenone ring. The benzoate groups and two hydroxyl groups on the cyclohexenone ring form strong hydrogen bonds to consolidate the crystal structure. In addition, weak C—H...O hydrogen bonds also contribute to the packing of the structure.
Crystal structures and Hirshfeld surface analyses of 6,8-dimethoxy-3-methyl-1H-isochromen-1-one and 5-bromo-6,8-dimethoxy-3-methyl-1H-isochromen-1-one chloroform monosolvate
Authors: Tiouabi Mustapha , Tabacchi Raphaël , Stoeckli-Evans Helen
Published: June 2020

In the molecule of 6,8-dimethoxy-3-methyl-1H-isochromen-1-one, C12H12O4, (I), the two methoxy groups are directed anti with respect to each other. In the molecule of the brominated derivative, 5-bromo-6,8-dimethoxy-3-methyl-1H-isochromen-1-one, that crystallized as a chloroform monosolvate, C12H11BrO4·CHCl3, (II·CHCl3
), the methoxy groups are directed syn to each other. In the crystal of I, molecules are linked by bifurcated C—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming chains along the c-axis direction. The chains are linked by C—H...π interactions, forming a supramolecular framework. In the crystal of II·CHCl3
, molecules are linked by C—H...O hydrogen bonds forming 21 helices parallel to the b-axis direction. The chloroform solvate molecules are linked to the helices by C—H...O(carbonyl) hydrogen bonds. The helices stack up the c-axis direction and are linked by offset π–π interactions [intercentroid distance = 3.517 (3) Å], forming layers parallel to the (100) plane. Compound II·CHCl3
was refined as a two-component twin. Two chlorine atoms of the chloroform solvate are disordered over two positions and were refined with a fixed occupancy ratio of 0.5:0.5.
Enablers and barriers to knowledge management in universities: perspectives from South Africa and Mauritius
Authors: Veer Ramjeawon Poonam , Rowley Jennifer
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Universities need to manage their knowledge assets, and, to work creatively to maximize the enablers and minimize the barriers associated with knowledge management processes. This research offers a comparative perspective on knowledge management in universities in two countries whose university sectors are at different stages of their development, South Africa and Mauritius.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with expert informants from 10 high-ranking universities in Mauritius and South Africa, who held senior roles in research and its management within their respective universities

Findings

Both enablers and barriers (eandb) were evident in relation to: strategies and policies, organizational structures, rewards and incentives, culture, technology, leadership, human resources, resources and funding, and university-industry linkages, although the significance of these eandbs varied between the three knowledge processes, knowledge creation, knowledge sharing and knowledge transfer. Overall, Mauritius, with a less developed university sector, faced more challenges in respect of knowledge management than did South Africa.

Originality/value

This study's theoretical contribution is a holistic framework for enabling KM in universities on the basis of a mapping between KM eandb's and KM processes. This comparative country level study, embracing a number of universities, offers insights into national policy, and cultural expectations that influence the extent and nature of barriers and enablers to effective KM. The insights offered by this study will be valuable for Mauritius and South Africa, and also for universities in other countries.
Accuracy of road construction preliminary estimate: examining the influencing factors
Authors: Akinradewo Opeoluwa , Aigbavboa Clinton , Oke Ayodeji
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Preparation of preliminary estimate is difficult owing to the lack of full project details in the early phases of the construction project. This paper seeks to assess the estimation techniques used for road projects and the critical factors affecting their accuracy in the Ghanaian construction industry.

Design/methodology/approach

Quantitative research design was adopted and questionnaire was designed to retrieve data. The target population were engineers and quantity surveyors who were contacted using an e-questionnaire through their professional bodies owing to location constraints. Retrieved data were analysed using descriptive and exploratory factor analysis. In order to compare the opinions of the respondents, the Mann–Whitney U-test was employed.

Findings

The survey revealed that subjective, parametric, comparative and analytical estimations are in use in Ghana. The most critical factors influencing the accuracy of estimation techniques are improper project planning, insufficient preliminary site investigation and usage of shortcuts, among others.

Research limitations/implications

This study was limited to Accra, Ghana, due to time and distance constraint.

Practical implications

For accuracy of preliminary estimates to be improved, estimators being the custodian of the estimate are expected to be devoid of errors such as arithmetic calculation errors, inaccurate quantity measurement and error of omission. The usage of estimating software can eliminate these human errors.

Originality/value

The study will assist policymakers and stakeholders in aligning mitigative actions for factors influencing preliminary estimate of road projects with defined clusters rather than basic ranks. With attention focussed on the characteristics of each cluster, accuracy of preliminary estimate can be improved.
An enhanced adaptive butterfly optimization algorithm rigorously verified on engineering problems and implemented to ISAR image motion compensation
Authors: Ustun Deniz
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This study aims to evolve an enhanced butterfly optimization algorithm (BOA) with respect to convergence and accuracy performance for numerous benchmark functions, rigorous constrained engineering design problems and an inverse synthetic aperture radar (ISAR) image motion compensation.

Design/methodology/approach

Adaptive BOA (ABOA) is thus developed by incorporating spatial dispersal strategy to the global search and inserting the fittest solution to the local search, and hence its exploration and exploitation abilities are improved.

Findings

The accuracy and convergence performance of ABOA are well verified via exhaustive comparisons with BOA and its existing variants such as improved BOA (IBOA), modified BOA (MBOA) and BOA with Levy flight (BOAL) in terms of various precise metrics through 15 classical and 12 conference on evolutionary computation (CEC)-2017 benchmark functions. ABOA has outstanding accuracy and stability performance better than BOA, IBOA, MBOA and BOAL for most of the benchmarks. The design optimization performance of ABOA is also evaluated for three constrained engineering problems such as welded beam design, spring design and gear train design and the results are compared with those of BOA, MBOA and BOA with chaos. ABOA, therefore, optimizes engineering designs with the most optimal variables. Furthermore, a validation is performed through translational motion compensation (TMC) of the ISAR image for an aircraft, which includes blurriness. In TMC, the motion parameters such as velocity and acceleration of target are optimally predicted by the optimization algorithms. The TMC results are elaborately compared with BOA, IBOA, MBOA and BOAL between each other in view of images, motion parameter and numerical image measuring metrics.

Originality/value

The outperforming results reflect the optimization and design successes of ABOA which is enhanced by establishing better global and local search abilities over BOA and its existing variants.
The role of norms in information security policy compliance
Authors: Wiafe Isaac , Koranteng Felix Nti , Wiafe Abigail , Obeng Emmanuel Nyarko , Yaokumah Winfred
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine which factors influence information system security policy compliance. It examines how different norms influence compliance intention.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on relevant literature on information system security policy compliance, a research model was developed and validated. An online questionnaire was used to gather data from respondents and partial least square structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was used to analyse 432 responses received.

Findings

The results indicated that attitude towards information security compliance mediates the effects of personal norms on compliance intention. In addition, descriptive and subjective norms are significant predictors of personal norms.

Originality/value

Though advancement in technology has reached significant heights, it is still inadequate to guaranteed information systems’ security. Researchers have identified humans to be central in ensuring information security. To this effect, this study provides empirical evidence of the role of norms in influence information security behaviour.
Proposing a new model for long-term learning among mid-level school leaders: toward enhancing organizational learning via simulation training
Authors: Shapira-Lishchinsky Orly
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a new theory promoting long-term learning among mid-level leaders in schools via simulation training.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed model is derived from the socioecological model, a model that takes into account the multifaceted effects of different disciplines. The proposed interdisciplinary model may be assimilated by considering the ethical-social context of mid-level leaders undergoing simulation training.

Findings

A new interdisciplinary model emerges from the original socioecological model. The model's interdisciplinary approach, crossing disciplines such as leadership, management and learning, enables this model to serve as a platform for research that enhances long-term learning among mid-level leaders in schools.

Practical implications

The elicited model, which can be assimilated via simulation training, may enhance long-term learning among mid-level leaders in schools and help to shape educational policy, improve learning and impact the exchange of knowledge between countries.

Originality/value

The emergent interdisciplinary model is expected to foster thinking beyond the traditional boundaries of each discipline and to enhance long-term learning in an ethical context among mid-level school leaders. The model's interdisciplinary approach, which creates new emergent dimensions suited to the challenges of the 21st century, makes this model a unique platform for research and simulation training that enhances long-term learning.
Does the legal origin affect corporate cash holding?
Authors: Das Gupta Ranjan , Pathak Rajesh
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The study examines the role of a country's legal system in predicting the corporate cash holdings using a sample of 18 countries inherited with distinct legal traditions. The central point of the study is the comparative assessment of legal frameworks in shaping the corporate finance policies.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors employ host of regression techniques including dummy variables, panel data regression and Fama–MacBeth regressions to establish the relationship.

Findings

The study results support the idea of “theory of law and finance” that legal tradition is a key factor determining corporate behaviour and policy. In particular, the authors observe that firms operating in civil law systems hold significantly higher cash as compared to their peers from common law systems. Moreover, the authors report that the law system affects the corporate cash holdings through the channels of economic development and shareholder's protection, yet in opposite directions. This is because the authors find that in developed countries where civil law tradition prevails, firms hold reasonably higher cash. Moreover, if the firm belongs to high investors' protection country with civil law traditions, the cash holdings get substantially reduced. Besides, the authors find that the predictability of widely held determinants of cash holdings is not invariant of law traditions, and it holds true also when analysed in conjunction with the financial crisis. Overall, the authors find support for their postulation that corporate cash management policies are likely to be different across legal traditions. The study results are robust to the controls for various firm and country-specific antecedents of cash holdings and to the alternate econometric techniques.

Practical implications

The study findings would encourage the government and firm policymakers and regulators in strengthening the investor protection rights which would further augment the legal system and firm-specific corporate governance mechanisms. This would mitigate agency issues and managers would be forced to undertake investor-friendly financial policies especially corporate cash holdings which would be resulting into shareholder value maximization.

Originality/value

The study contributes uniquely since the existing literature is largely silent on the role that legal tradition of a country has on the cash holdings of its firms.
The challenges in sustainability of urban freight network design and distribution innovations: a systematic literature review
Authors: He Zhangyuan
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Freight network planning and the application of distribution innovations are popular fields of research on sustainable urban logistics. However, considerable research on freight network design lacks a comprehensive consideration of the application of distribution innovations. This observation implies that sustainable urban freight research appears highly fragmented in topics of network design and distribution innovations. From the perspective of long-term planning, this situation possibly serves as a barrier to further promotion of sustainability. The objective of this paper is to analyze existing research gaps of literature to further promote the sustainability of urban logistics systems from a future perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper employs a systematic literature review (SLR) method, which covers 164 papers and research works published in 2013–2018. The article corpus involved the innovative schemes of freight network design and the emerging delivery concepts in cities. Based on an analysis of articles' relevance, the most significant research contributions on both city logistics network design and exploitation of distribution innovations are detected.

Findings

This paper has found four research gaps in aspects of network design and distribution innovations. To respond to these gaps, we propose the research framework of sustainable and flexible future urban freight planning (SFFUFP) based on trends of city development, while discussing further research direction on urban freight planning.

Originality/value

The authors have found four research gaps in aspects of both urban freight network design and distribution innovations in which scholars could be encouraged to contribute. The research framework of SFFUFP can further promote sustainable urban logistics from a view of future management.
Fifteen years of international journal of productivity and performance management (2004–2018)
Authors: Sureka Riya , Kumar Satish , Kumar Mangla Sachin , Hourneaux Junior Flavio
Published: June 2020

Purpose

International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management (IJPPM) is one of the prominent journals publishing on general management with a particular focus on performance management and productive sciences. The objective of this study is to provide an academic structure overview of the journal between 2004 and 2018 using bibliometric tools.

Design/methodology/approach

Data used for this study were extracted using the Scopus database. Bibliometric analysis using several bibliometric indicators are adopted to know the major trends and themes of the journal. Mapping of bibliographic data is carried using VOSviewer and Gephi software.

Findings

Authors: Most of the IJPPM contributors are affiliated to the UK and India. Journal Performance: It is gaining pre-eminence in terms of total citations as well as CiteScores. Main themes: Major themes published in the journal are “performance management”, “productivity”, “six sigma”, “lean” and “supply chain management”.

Originality/value

IJPPM's growing influence in the scientific community has generated the interest to analyse the journal's publication and growth pattern. Moreover, no such retrospective bibliometric study for IJPPM is conducted so far.
The evolution of a management control package: a retrospective case study
Authors: Berg Terje , Madsen Dag Øivind
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This paper examines the evolution of a company's management control package (MCP) over time. The overall aim is to gain a deeper understanding of internal and external factors shaping a company's management control package.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper employs a retrospective single-case methodology where a company is followed over a ten-year period (2005–2015). Theoretically, the paper builds on Malmi and Brown's (2008) MCP framework while also utilizing Simons' (1994) levers of control framework as well as Abrahamson's (1991) management fashion theory.

Findings

The company's MCP evolved in several ways. First, there was a change from using an interactive to a diagnostic budget. Second, the Balanced Scorecard approach was replaced by a narrow, strong focus on shareholder value. Finally, the quality system was reduced from a system for continuous learning and improvement to a system for compliance purposes only.

Research limitations/implications

This paper offers naturalistic generalization to enable a holistic understanding of the changes to a management control package over time. The findings suggest that history matters in the design and configuration of MCPs. The MCP has evolved from being balanced and interactive, resembling Beyond Budgeting, to a diagnostic approach resembling traditional budgetary control. In 2005, the different controls were complementary and used for different purposes, while in 2015 the controls solely support the creation of shareholder value. The findings also indicate that management accounting innovations such as The Balanced Scorecard and Beyond Budgeting in this specific context may be considered fashions or even fads.

Practical implications

The findings of the paper could be useful for CFOs and other managers who are involved in the design and configuration of MCPs. The findings show that internal and external events shape how much leeway managers have in the design and configuration of MCPs.

Originality/value

The paper answers a call for more empirical studies on MCPs. By adopting a retrospective approach, the paper can provide insight into the temporal evolution of a control package.
Performance obstacles in sustainable manufacturing – model building and validation
Authors: Pathak Priyanka , Singh M.P. , Badhotiya Gaurav Kumar
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Manufacturing organization has adopted the concept of sustainability to improve the performance of product and process as well as to focus on environmental issues. Despite technological advancements and awareness, there exist several performance obstacles for the implementation of sustainable manufacturing in an organization. The objective of the current study is to identify the performance obstacles, propose a structural model and validate the proposed model.

Design/methodology/approach

Twelve performance obstacles are identified through critical literature review and discussion with field experts. Primary and secondary factor analysis, that is, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), are used for the creation of the structural model, and further, structural equation modeling is used as a validating tool. EFA deals with the categorization of all performance obstacles in four major criteria, and CFA works for proposing a model for a relationship among all obstacles.

Findings

A validated structural model is provided through hypothesis acceptance for structural equation modeling. The outcome of this study can be helpful for decision-makers to incorporate sustainable practices in the manufacturing organization.

Originality/value

This study has extracted and identified performance obstacles for the implementation of sustainable manufacturing based on critical literature review and discussion with field experts. The study proposes as well as validates the structural equation model.
Bank risk, profit efficiency and profitability in a frontier market
Authors: Duho King Carl Tornam , Onumah Joseph Mensah , Owodo Raymond Agbesi , Asare Emmanuel Tetteh , Onumah Regina Mensah
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The study examines the impact of risk on the profit efficiency and profitability of banks in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

Data envelopment analysis was used to estimate profit efficiency scores and accounting ratios were used to measure profitability. The panel corrected standard error regression was used to assess the nexus using a dataset of 32 banks from 2000 to 2015.

Findings

The paper found that the Ghanaian banking industry exhibits a variable return to scale property, suggesting that average costs change with output size. Profit efficiency score for banks closer to the efficiency frontier is 61%. Credit risk is significant in enhancing profit efficiency and return on equity. Market risk is relevant in improving profit efficiency, return on asset and asset turnover. To drive profitability, bank managers have to be committed to effective liquidity risk, insolvency risk and capital risk management. Operational risk reduces shareholders' returns. The impact of size, age, stock exchange listing, cost efficiency and competition have are all been discussed extensively.

Practical implications

The findings contribute to the knowledge on the risk-performance nexus and provide information that is valuable to academics, bankers and regulators for policy formulation. The findings are relevant to the newly established Financial Stability Council.

Originality/value

This paper appears to be among the premier attempts to examine the effect of various risk types identified in the Basel III framework on bank performance in Africa.
Crypto-friendliness: understanding blockchain public policy
Authors: Novak Mikayla
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to conceptualise the chief aspects of policy interest in blockchain technology.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper outlines policymaking processes in the context of innovation and technological change, assesses generic variations in policy treatment towards blockchain, and identifies manifestations of policy entrepreneurship using national case studies of blockchain policies.

Findings

Favourable policy dispositions towards blockchain technology are interpreted as political efforts to develop local, blockchain-enabled economies. So-called “crypto-friendly” jurisdictions proactively clarify regulatory and tax treatments of cryptocurrency and other blockchain applications, and trial blockchain uses in fields predominated by public sector activity. Policymakers in countries hostile towards blockchain-related activity have instigated bans or strict limitations with respect to blockchain engagement by developers and users.

Research limitations/implications

Reliance upon case studies suggests the need for alternative study approaches (e.g. index construction, empirical research) as blockchain use consolidates throughout the global economy.

Practical implications

This paper provides insight to policymakers and blockchain practitioners regarding the attributes of accommodative policies towards distributed ledger technology.

Social implications

Countries and sub-national regions exhibiting a more welcoming policy stance are more likely to attract entrepreneurs and investors in the crypto-economic blockchain space.

Originality/value

This paper develops a policy “crypto-friendliness” construct to assess the extent to which policymakers enact accommodative policies for blockchain development.
Halal-labeled food shopping behavior: the role of spirituality, image, trust, and satisfaction
Authors: Muflih Muhammad , Juliana Juliana
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to estimate the influence of spirituality on halal-labeled food shopping behavior both directly and through the mediating roles of image, trust and satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

Using quantitative methods, this research analyzed the responses to questionnaires distributed to 212 respondents from Bandung, Indonesia. To prove the hypotheses, the collected data were analyzed by partial least square (SEM-PLS) using SmartPLS.

Findings

This research shows that the direct relationship between spirituality and halal-labeled food shopping behavior was insignificant. However, the relationship between spirituality and halal food shopping behavior became indirectly significant through the mediating roles of image, trust and satisfaction. This finding confirms that image, trust and satisfaction are influential factors in the increased shopping behavior of consumers who choose halal-labeled foods.

Practical implications

To increase the shopping behavior of Muslims for halal-labeled food, halal food companies need to expand the halal label campaign to electronic and social media. Besides, halal food companies need to develop the accountability of food quality to ensure that the halal food products meet the health and safety standards expected by the public. Spiritual education is also required to harmonize the love for God and the food choices approved by God.

Originality/value

This study is the first in testing the influence of spirituality on halal-labeled food shopping behavior both directly and through the mediating roles of image, trust and satisfaction. It successfully revealed the strengths and weaknesses of spirituality in influencing the behavior of halal food shopping.
Recognition and change: embracing a mobile policing initiative
Authors: Hancock Philip , Tucker Danielle A.
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Radical notions of recognition at work have not been considered widely in respect of organizational change. This article examines the introduction of a change programme across two UK police departments, during which front-line officers were actively involved and consulted throughout its pilot phase. The purpose of this article is to consider the question of whether or not a perceived sense of recognition amongst officers contributed to the success of this initiative.

Design/methodology/approach

The research utilizes qualitative data derived from individual interviews, focus groups and observations, gathered over one year, within two UK police departments. The data was analysed thematically. Reflection, and an ongoing discussion with officers, led to a theoretical exploration of recognition in order to explore the apparent success of the programme.

Findings

Recognition, consisting of a sense of love, respect and esteem, appears to offer a notable impetus to the acceptance of a change programme within a traditionally change averse organization. Resistance to organizational change may be better addressed through a strategy that seeks to actively promote the claims to recognition of organizational members, particularly through the extension of a right to participate within the context of a supportive and protective culture of engagement.

Originality/value

The article utilizes the novel, but increasingly utilized, theory of recognition to analyse and explain positive employee involvement in a change programme within the police. An approach that helped to achieve change in a widely acknowledged change-resistant organization.
Am I bipolar or what? Exploring the phenomenological, treatment and prognosis overlap of borderline personality disorder and bipolar disorder
Authors: Mota Pedro , Lourenço Sofia
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The term borderline applied to personality dynamics was first introduced by Adolph Stern in 1938. This new term included a particular group of patients who, in an organizational blurring, remained in the limbo between neurosis and psychosis. To find a more assertive and holistic characterization of borderline personality disorder (BPD), the purpose of this paper is to explore borderline phenomenology, setting boundaries and discussing points of approach and divergence of this personality disorder comparing them specifically to bipolar affective disorder (BAD) and also explore the differences in their treatment and prognosis.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is a review and synthesis of the extant literature, mapping out the similar and unique aspects of each pathology.

Findings

Although there are approximation parameters between BPD and BAD, the phenomenology and the course of both diseases appear to be different. Indeed, this paper seems to have some uncertainty about the sphere of each entity and the domain of comorbidity. Despite the overlapping rates found, it is the understanding that the consequences and strategies for managing comorbidity are underexplored.

Originality/value

As the association of both disorders can be difficult not only in terms of management and understanding of their consequences and implications but also in long-term negative perpetuation, this review has direct implications for clinicians so that they can understand the similarities and particularities of each entity, leading to a more correct psychopathological approach in these individuals.