bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The conserved ER-transmembrane protein TMEM39 coordinates with COPII to promote collagen secretion and prevent ER stress
Authors: Zhang Zhe , Luo Shuo , Barbosa Guilherme Oliveira , Bai Meirong , Kornberg Thomas B. , Ma Dengke K.
Published: August 2020

Dysregulation of collagen production and secretion contributes to aging and tissue fibrosis of major organs. How premature collagen proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) route as specialized cargos for secretion remains to be fully elucidated. Here, we report that TMEM39, an ER-localized transmembrane protein, regulates production and secretory cargo trafficking of procollagen. We identify the C. elegans ortholog TMEM-39 from an unbiased RNAi screen and show that deficiency of tmem-39 leads to striking defects in cuticle collagen production and constitutively high ER stress response. RNAi knockdown of the tmem-39 ortholog in Drosophila causes similar defects in collagen secretion from fat body cells. The cytosolic domain of human TMEM39A binds to Sec23A, a vesicle coat protein that drives collagen secretion and vesicular trafficking. TMEM-39 regulation of collagen secretion is independent of ER stress response and autophagy. We propose that roles of TMEM-39 in collagen secretion and preventing ER stress are likely evolutionarily conserved.
Human ES and iPS Cells Display Less Drug Resistance Than Differentiated Cells, and Naïve-State Induction Further Decreases Drug Resistance
Authors: Panina Yulia , Yamane Junko , Kobayashi Kenta , Sone Hideko , Fujibuchi Wataru
Published: August 2020

Pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) possess unique characteristics that distinguish them from other cell types. Human embryonic stem (ES) cells are recently gaining attention as a powerful tool for human toxicity assessment without the use of experimental animals, and an embryonic stem cell test (EST) was introduced for this purpose. However, human PSCs have not been thoroughly investigated in terms of drug resistance or compared with other cell types or cell states, such as naïve state, to date. Aiming to close this gap in research knowledge, we assessed and compared several human PSC lines for their resistance to drug exposure. Firstly, we report that RIKEN-2A human induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells possessed approximately the same sensitivity to selected drugs as KhES-3 human ES cells. Secondly, both ES and iPS cells were several times less resistant to drug exposure than other non-pluripotent cell types. Finally, we showed that iPS cells subjected to naïve-state induction procedures exhibited a sharp increase in drug sensitivity. Upon passage of these naïve-like cells in non-naïve PSC culture medium, their sensitivity to drug exposure decreased. We thus revealed differences in sensitivity to drug exposure among different types or states of PSCs and, importantly, indicated that naïve-state induction could increase this sensitivity.
Adrenomedullin-CALCRL Axis Controls Relapse-Initiating Drug Tolerant Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cells
Authors: Larrue Clément , Guiraud Nathan , Mouchel Pierre-Luc , Dubois Marine , Farge Thomas , Gotanègre Mathilde , Bosc Claudie , Saland Estelle , Nicolau-Travers Marie-Laure , Sabatier Marie , Serhan Nizar , Sahal Ambrine , Boet Emeline , Mouche Sarah , Heydt Quentin , Aroua Nesrine , Stuani Lucille , Kaoma Tony , Angenendt Linus , Mikesch Jan-Henrik , Schliemann Christoph , Vergez François , Tamburini Jérôme , Récher Christian , Sarry Jean-Emmanuel
Published: August 2020

Drug tolerant leukemic cell subpopulations may explain frequent relapses in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), suggesting that these Relapse-Initiating Cells (RICs) persistent after chemotherapy representbona fidetargets to prevent drug resistance and relapse. We uncovered that the G-protein coupled receptor CALCRL is expressed in leukemic stem cells (LSCs) and RICs, and that the overexpression of CALCRL and/or of its ligand adrenomedullin (ADM) and not CGRP correlates to adverse outcome in AML. CALCRL knockdown impairs leukemic growth, decreases LSC frequency and sensitizes to cytarabine in patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models. Mechanistically, the ADM-CALCRL axis drives cell cycle, DNA repair and mitochondrial OxPHOS function of AML blasts dependent on E2F1 and BCL2. Finally, CALCRL depletion reduces LSC frequency of RICs post-chemotherapyin vivo. In summary, our data highlight a critical role of ADM-CALCRL in post-chemotherapy persistence of these cells, and disclose a promising therapeutic target to prevent relapse in AML.
Inhibition of mTOR decreases insoluble protein burden by reducing translation inC. elegans
Authors: Yee Zhuangli , Lim Shaun Hsien Yang , Ng Li Fang , Gruber Jan
Published: August 2020

Aging animals accumulate insoluble protein as a consequence of a decline of proteostatic maintenance with age. InCaenorhabditis elegans, for instance, levels of detergent-insoluble protein increase with age. In longer-lived strains ofC. elegans, this accumulation occurs more slowly, implying a link to lifespan determination. We further explored this link, and found that detergent-insoluble protein accumulates more rapidly at higher temperatures, a condition where lifespan is short. We employed aC. elegansstrain carrying a GFP transcriptional reporter under the control of a heat shock (hsp-16.2) promoter to investigate the dynamics of proteostatic failure in individual nematodes. We found that early, sporadic activation ofhsp-16.2was predictive of shorter remaining lifespan in individual nematodes. Exposure to rapamycin, resulting in reduced mTOR signaling, delayed spurious expression, extended lifespan, and delayed accumulation of insoluble protein, suggesting that targets downstream of the mTOR pathway regulate the accumulation of insoluble protein. We specifically explored ribosomal S6 kinase (rsks-1) as one such candidate and found that RNAi againstrsks-1also resulted in less age-dependent accumulation of insoluble protein and extended lifespan. Our results demonstrate that inhibition of protein translationviareduced mTOR signaling resulted in slower accumulation of insoluble protein, delayed proteostatic crisis and extended lifespan inC. elegans.
Estimating plant abundance in irregular polygons: plot-based sampling with a conditional spatial configuration
Authors: Damgaard Christian
Published: August 2020

When estimating plant species abundance using plot-based methods in irregular polygons, there are some constraints to the spatial configuration of the sampling plots: i) the sample plots must be positioned within the polygon, ii) the sample plots may not overlap, iii) due to the spatial variation in abundance often found in natural plant communities, the spatial coverage must be relatively large in order to decrease the sampling variance, iv) due to a possible mosaic structure of the vegetation, systematic designs should be avoided due to the possibility of biased estimates. Here, we suggest a protocol using simulations of the possible random spatial configurations to select a conditional spatial configuration that meets these constraints.
Adaptive value of circadian rhythms in High Arctic Svalbard ptarmigan
Authors: Appenroth Daniel , Wagner Gabriela C. , Hazlerigg David G. , West Alexander C.
Published: August 2020

The arctic archipelago of Svalbard (74 to 81° North) experiences extended periods of uninterrupted daylight in summer and uninterrupted darkness in winter. Species native to Svalbard display no daily rhythms in behaviour or physiology during these seasons, leading to the view that circadian rhythms may be redundant in arctic environments [1, 2]. Nevertheless, seasonal changes in the physiology and behaviour of arctic species rely on photoperiodic synchronisation to the solar year. Since this phenomenon is generally circadian-based in temperate species, we investigated if this might be a preserved aspect of arctic temporal organisation.

Here, we demonstrate the involvement of the circadian clock in the seasonal photoperiodic response of the Svalbard ptarmigan (Lagopus muta hyperborea), the world’s northernmost resident bird species. First, we show the persistence of rhythmic clock gene expression under constant conditions within the mediobasal hypothalamus and pars tuberalis, the key tissues in the seasonal neuroendocrine cascade. We then employ a “sliding skeleton photoperiod” protocol, revealing that the driving force behind seasonal biology of the Svalbard ptarmigan is rhythmic sensitivity to light, a feature that depends on a functioning circadian rhythm. Our results suggest that the unusual selective pressure of the Arctic relaxes the adaptive value of the circadian clock for organisation of daily activity patterns, whilst preserving its importance for seasonal synchronisation. Thus, our data simultaneously reconnects circadian rhythms to life in the Arctic and establishes a universal principle of evolutionary value for circadian rhythms in seasonal biology.
An acute seizure prior to memory reactivation transiently impairs associative memory performance in C57BL/6J mice
Authors: Binder Matthew S. , Kim Andrew D. , Lugo Joaquin N.
Published: August 2020

Memory deficits significantly decrease an individual's quality of life and are a pervasive comorbidity of epilepsy. Despite the various distinct processes of memory, the majority of epilepsy research has focused on seizures during the encoding phase of memory, therefore the effects of a seizure on other memory processes is relatively unknown. In the present study, we investigated how a single seizure affects memory reactivation in C57BL/6J adult mice using an associative conditioning paradigm. Initially, mice were trained to associate a tone (conditioned stimulus), with the presence of a shock (unconditioned stimulus). Flurothyl was then administered 1 h before, 1 h after, or 6 h before a memory reactivation trial. The learned association was then assessed by presenting a conditioned stimulus in a new context 24 h or 1 wk after memory reactivation. We found that mice receiving a seizure 1 h prior to reactivation exhibited a deficit in memory 24 h later but not 1 wk later. When mice were administered a seizure 6 h before or 1 h after reactivation, there were no differences in memory between seizure and control animals. Altogether, our study indicates that an acute seizure during memory reactivation leads to a temporary deficit in associative memory in adult mice. These findings suggest that the cognitive impact of a seizure may depend on the timing of the seizure relative to the memory process that is active.
Evaluation of a TrkB agonist on spatial and motor learning in the Ube3a mouse model of Angelman syndrome
Authors: Schultz Maria N. , Crawley Jacqueline N.
Published: August 2020

Angelman syndrome is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder caused by a mutation in the maternal allele of the gene Ube3a. The primary symptoms of Angelman syndrome are severe cognitive deficits, impaired motor functions, and speech disabilities. Analogous phenotypes have been detected in young adult Ube3a mice. Here, we investigate cognitive phenotypes of Ube3a mice as compared to wild-type littermate controls at an older adult age. Water maze spatial learning, swim speed, and rotarod motor coordination and balance were impaired at 6 mo of age, as predicted. Based on previous findings of reduced brain-derived neurotrophic factor in Ube3a mice, a novel therapeutic target, the TrkB agonist 7,8-DHF, was interrogated. Semichronic daily treatment with 7,8-DHF, 5 mg/kg i.p., did not significantly improve the impairments in performance during the acquisition of the water maze hidden platform location in Ube3a mice, after training with either massed or spaced trials, and had no effect on the swim speed and rotarod deficits. Robust behavioral phenotypes in middle-aged Ube3a mice appear to result from continued motor decline. Our results suggest that motor deficits could offer useful outcome measures for preclinical testing of many pharmacological targets, with the goal of reducing symptoms in adults with Angelman syndrome.
Identifying the molecular systems that influence cognitive resilience to Alzheimer's disease in genetically diverse mice
Authors: Heuer Sarah E. , Neuner Sarah M. , Hadad Niran , O'Connell Kristen M.S. , Williams Robert W. , Philip Vivek M. , Gaiteri Chris , Kaczorowski Catherine C.
Published: August 2020

Individual differences in cognitive decline during normal aging and Alzheimer's disease (AD) are common, but the molecular mechanisms underlying these distinct outcomes are not fully understood. We utilized a combination of genetic, molecular, and behavioral data from a mouse population designed to model human variation in cognitive outcomes to search for the molecular mechanisms behind this population-wide variation. Specifically, we used a systems genetics approach to relate gene expression to cognitive outcomes during AD and normal aging. Statistical causal-inference Bayesian modeling was used to model systematic genetic perturbations matched with cognitive data that identified astrocyte and microglia molecular networks as drivers of cognitive resilience to AD. Using genetic mapping, we identifiedFgf2as a potential regulator of the astrocyte network associated with individual differences in short-term memory. We also identified several immune genes as regulators of a microglia network associated with individual differences in long-term memory, which was partly mediated by amyloid burden. Finally, significant overlap between mouse and two different human coexpression networks provided strong evidence of translational relevance for the genetically diverse AD-BXD panel as a model of late-onset AD. Together, this work identified two candidate molecular pathways enriched for microglia and astrocyte genes that serve as causal AD cognitive biomarkers, and provided a greater understanding of processes that modulate individual and population-wide differences in cognitive outcomes during AD.
Dysfunctional perceptual antecedent can justify the social orienting deficit in autism spectrum disorder: an eye-tracking study
Authors: Carrozza Cristina , Fabio Rosa Angela
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) show reduced attention to social stimuli. The reasons for these impairments are still being debated by researchers. The aim of this study is to analyse if reduced attention towards social stimuli is determined by initial underlying difficulties in the control of visual attention. Among the variables that could produce these difficulties, the authors considered geometric complexity and typology of geometric figures.

Design/methodology/approach

To test this hypothesis, in this paper, an eye-tracker paradigm was used for assessing visual exploration and recognition memory towards geometric figures (curved vs rectilinear) with two levels of geometric complexity (low and high) in 17 children with ASD matched with 17 children with typical development (TD).

Findings

The results showed that the ASD group seemed indifferent to both the geometric complexity and the typology of figures (curved and rectilinear), whereas the TD group showed higher performances with highly complex and curved geometric figures than with low complex and rectilinear geometric figures.

Research limitations/implications

Because of the chosen research approach, the research results may lack generalizability. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to test the proposed hypotheses further.

Practical implications

This paper includes implications upon the presence of an unspecified visual attention deficit that is present from the early stages of the processing of stimuli.

Social implications

The understanding of this deficit from the early stages of the processing of stimuli can help educators to intervene at an early stage when disturbances in social relationships are starting.

Originality/value

This study contributes to understanding the presence of dysfunctional perceptual antecedents that could determine general difficulties in paying attention to social stimuli in ASD subjects.
Comparative analysis of employment trend in African agriculture relative to other regions: a gender perspective
Authors: Mkpado Mmaduabuchukwu , Mkpado Ndidiamaka Sandra
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Lucrative employment in agriculture is fundamental to poverty alleviation in Africa. The paper examined employment along gender, impact of materials and proportion of female employment in African agriculture.

Design/methodology/approach

Time series econometrics was employed in the framework of production function analysis involving 36 years of data.

Findings

Results show that world labour in agriculture decreased from 49.77 to 40.04% but increased from 12.43 to 16.94% in Africa. World female employment in agriculture ranged from 40.56 to 42.81% and from 40.40 to 43.02% in developing economies, but decreased from 40.39 to 36.08% in developed economies. Total agricultural labour in Africa was negatively and significantly related to agricultural gross production index number (APIN).

Research limitations/implications

Interaction of cattle stock and females employed in agriculture was positive and significant at pooled African values. Interaction of irrigation facilities and female labour was positive and significant in West Africa. Interaction of cattle stock and total labour in Southern Africa had negative relationship with APIN. Interaction of total labour and irrigation had negative relationship with APIN in Africa. Insufficient agricultural facilities in terms of cattle stock and irrigation infrastructure for the populace exist. It recommends increased investments to expand irrigated lands and livestock.

Practical implications

African governments need to use good political will to effect the needed transformation in agriculture. It is possible for agriculture to offer lucrative employment to both males and females in less developed world as in developed economies.

Originality/value

The paper noted very limited agricultural facilities in terms of cattle stock and irrigation facilities for the populace engaged in agriculture. It recommends investments to expand irrigated lands and livestock.
Adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) for talent acquisition in IT/ITeS organizations
Authors: Pillai Rajasshrie , Sivathanu Brijesh
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Human resource managers are adopting AI technology for conducting various tasks of human resource management, starting from manpower planning till employee exit. AI technology is prominently used for talent acquisition in organizations. This research investigates the adoption of AI technology for talent acquisition.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employs Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) and Task-Technology-Fit (TTF) framework and proposes a model to explore the adoption of AI technology for talent acquisition. The survey was conducted among the 562 human resource managers and talent acquisition managers with a structured questionnaire. The analysis of data was completed using PLS-SEM.

Findings

This research reveals that cost-effectiveness, relative advantage, top management support, HR readiness, competitive pressure and support from AI vendors positively affect AI technology adoption for talent acquisition. Security and privacy issues negatively influence the adoption of AI technology. It is found that task and technology characteristics influence the task technology fit of AI technology for talent acquisition. Adoption and task technology fit of AI technology influence the actual usage of AI technology for talent acquisition. It is revealed that stickiness to traditional talent acquisition methods negatively moderates the association between adoption and actual usage of AI technology for talent acquisition. The proposed model was empirically validated and revealed the predictors of adoption and actual usage of AI technology for talent acquisition.

Practical implications

This paper provides the predictors of the adoption of AI technology for talent acquisition, which is emerging extensively in the human resource domain. It provides vital insights to the human resource managers to benchmark AI technology required for talent acquisition. Marketers can develop their marketing plan considering the factors of adoption. It would help designers to understand the factors of adoption and design the AI technology algorithms and applications for talent acquisition. It contributes to advance the literature of technology adoption by interweaving it with the human resource domain literature on talent acquisition.

Originality/value

This research uniquely validates the model for the adoption of AI technology for talent acquisition using the TOE and TTF framework. It reveals the factors influencing the adoption and actual usage of AI technology for talent acquisition.
Beyond money and reputation: sustainable HRM in Brazilian banks
Authors: Macini Nayele , Fernandes Rodrigues Alves Marlon , Oranges Cezarino Luciana , Bartocci Liboni Lara , Cristina Ferreira Caldana Adriana
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to analyze sustainable human resources management (HRM) in the Brazilian banking industry and to propose an integrative framework of HRM practices toward sustainability, linking stakeholders to HR systems.

Design/methodology/approach

Supported by the stakeholder theory, the research design follows a triangulation of multiple data sources, covering 85% of the national banking industry: (1) annual Global Reporting Initiative sustainability reports, (2) employment tribunal decisions and (3) in-depth interviews with top managers of the Banking Trade Union and the Brazilian Federation of Banks, a trade association.

Findings

The analysis reveals various engagement levels across the sustainable HRM dimensions: justice and equality, transparent HR practices, profitability and employee well-being. However, current practices in all dimensions fall largely behind sustainable standards. An integrative framework of HRM practices is also proposed.

Originality/value

The study provides the first integrative framework of sustainable HRM practices in the literature.
The application of enduring involvement theory in the development of a success model for a craft beer and food festival
Authors: Beckman Eric , Shu Fang , Pan Tianyu
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this research paper is to examine whether enduring involvement theory plays a role in predicting craft beer and food festival visitors' experience of the festivalscape. Though craft beer and brewing is a growing area of research, there has been limited studies and theory application in this area. Around the world, craft breweries are increasing in number and producing more unique styles of beer as the demand for craft beer increases. Craft beer consumers visit many of these breweries and are attracted to craft beer festivals in which they can sample multiple local, regional, national and international craft beers.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative methodology was used based on data collected at the site of the festival. Researchers collected 204 useable surveys from visitors attending the North Miami Brewfest in North Miami, Florida, USA. Structural equation modeling was employed to examine the relationships among enduring involvement, festivalscape, satisfaction, revisit intention and word-of-mouth.

Findings

The results revealed that enduring involvement is significant in predicting all four factors of festivalscape (food/beverage quality, convenience, facility and festival staff). The festivalscape factors facility, food quality and festival staff predicted festival attendee satisfaction which in turn predicted both revisit intention and word-of-mouth. However, the festivalscape factor convenience did not influence satisfaction.

Research limitations/implications

The authors surveyed only one festival in one region in South Florida. Further studies can survey multiple festivals in multiple regions to increase the generalizability of the research model. Enduring involvement theory could be applied to other niche areas in hospitality and tourism in the future (in addition to craft beer tourism).

Practical implications

Craft beer festival organizers should appeal to craft beer clubs, breweries and publications to attract those with a commitment to the craft beer industry to their event. People with an enduring, lasting commitment to craft beer are more likely to have a positive experience of the festivalscape at the event. Lastly, festival organizers should focus on the festivalscape factors facility, festival staff and food and beverage quality to influence satisfaction at the event.

Originality/value

This project applies enduring involvement theory in a festival setting. The research is further unique by adding enduring involvement as a predictor of festivalscape experience.
Managers' risk perception of supply chain uncertainties
Authors: Sato Yuji , Tse Ying Kei , Tan Kim Hua
Published: August 2020

Purpose

This paper provides a practical framework for managers to develop a sustainable supply chain. Given that rapid globalization has increased supply disruption risk, managers have been forced to establish efficient and responsive supply chain strategies. Nevertheless, diverse uncertainty factors, such as risk perception of strategies, have made practical management difficult. Quantifying managers' risk perceptions and applying them to supply chain strategies allows the authors to propose a structural and practical model for managing supply disruption.

Design/methodology/approach

The existing structural model is refined by taking subjective factors into account using the analytic hierarchy process. The applicability of the refined model is demonstrated through a comparative case study.

Findings

Managers' risk perceptions vary not only among companies but also between managing divisions within a company, which necessitates possible changes in strategy due to environmental turbulence. The principal component analysis (PCA) characterizes managers' risk perceptions that illustrate companies' emphases on disruption risk.

Practical implications

The proposed approach quantifies risk perception, which enables practitioners to deal with subjective information in quantitative form. Comparative studies clarify differences in perception given different business backgrounds. The results provide managers with in-depth insights for establishing supply chain strategies reflecting their risk perception.

Originality/value

Quantification of managers' subjective risk perception clarifies both the trend and the individual features for uncertainties. The results allow the authors to conduct the PCA, which characterizes companies. Comparative studies generalize the results of extant work, shedding light on cross-sectional differences given different business backgrounds. The effectiveness of the approach is confirmed through retrospective interviews with practitioners.
Operational risks and coping strategies of micro-enterprise in peer-to-peer accommodation service sector: evidences from China
Authors: Wang Wanfei , Su Chengcheng , Chan Jin Hooi , Qi Xiaoguang
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Focusing on the supply side of peer-to-peer (P2P) accommodation service sector, this study identifies the emerging types of micro-enterprise operators in the growing Chinese market, and investigate their respective operational risks and coping strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative study was adopted to explore the micro-enterprise in peer-to-peer accommodation in China. Twenty semi-structured interviews were conducted to explore the operators' behaviors in the service sector.

Findings

Based on the types of property ownership and forms of interaction, four groups of operators were identified, i.e. hospitable sharers, remote sharers, roommates and butlers. This study uncovers their operational risk factors (safety, cost, legal and social, psychological) and respective coping strategies.

Originality/value

Most prior studies on P2P accommodation sector are conducted from the demand side about customer behaviors. This study not only enhances the understanding of the hosts in the sharing economy by developing a novel typology of operators, but also provides insights into the operational behaviors on an individual operator perspective.
Local bias and performance of venture capital institutions: evidence from the Chinese venture capital market
Authors: Fu Yawei , Ng Sin Huei
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is twofold to examine the factors that contribute to local bias of venture capital in China and to explore the relationship between local bias and performance of venture capital institutions.

Design/methodology/approach

Local bias was measured in line with the model developed by Cumming and Dai (2010). Regression techniques were performed for our long-term cross-sectional data to analyse the potential determinants of local bias. This is followed by the Probit model to test the relationship between local preference and successful exit.

Findings

The overall finding indicated that local bias in China increased over time. The stiff competition among venture capital institutions reduced local bias, but the enhanced innovation capabilities of a particular geographical area amplified local bias because of the knowledge spillover effect. Finally, the results suggested that venture capital institutions with less local bias enjoy a greater likelihood of making successful exits.

Research limitations/implications

This study used successful venture capital exit as a proxy for venture capital institution’s performance because of the unavailability of information such as internal rate of return. Future research should try to adopt other way of measuring venture capital institution’s performance.

Practical implications

This study sheds light on the various possible causes of local bias that the policymakers need to be aware of. Despite the rapid rise of China’s venture capital market in recent years, venture capital institutions have yet to make inroads into the local high-tech industry. This study implies to the policymakers that to reverse this trend, they should formulate policies that foster the long-term performance of venture capital institutions, mitigate the severity of local bias and raise the competitiveness of the Chinese venture capital market.

Originality/value

Because of data limitations, there is currently lack of prior empirical research on local bias of Chinese venture capital institutions based on large-scale data. This study intends to fill the gap.
The effect of corporate governance and firm-specific characteristics on the incidence of financial restatement
Authors: Hasnan Suhaily , Mohd Razali Mardhiahtul Huda , Mohamed Hussain Alfiatul Rohmah
Published: August 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the effects of corporate governance and firm-specific characteristics on the incidence of financial restatement among Malaysian public listed firms.

Design/methodology/approach

The elements of corporate governance consist of board size, board independence, multiple directorships, audit committee expertise, external audit quality and executive compensation. Meanwhile, the firm-specific characteristics consist of firm age, firm performance, firm leverage and firm liquidity. The agency theory has been used to guide the study. This study used a matched-pair sample that consisted of a sample of 49 restatement firms and 98 non-restatement firms between the years 2011 and 2016. Univariate (t-test and Pearson correlation) and multivariate (logistic regression) statistical techniques were used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The results show that there is a negative and significant relationship between executive compensation and firm performance, and the incidence of financial restatement. In addition, there is a positive and significant relationship between firm leverage and the incidence of financial restatement. However, the other corporate governance and firm-specific characteristic variables included in the study were found to be insignificant with the incidence of financial restatement. This paper provides evidence that some form of corporate governance mechanisms and firm-specific characteristics, particularly executive compensation, firm performance and firm leverage, may influence the direction and magnitude of the incidence of financial restatement. The findings indicate that optimal executive incentives may align management interests with those of shareholders. In addition, greater performance and lower leverage levels minimise firms’ financial pressure and debt covenant violation risk, which may reduce the management tendency to misstate the financial statement, and consequently, minimise the likelihood of financial restatement.

Originality/value

The main value of this paper is the effect of corporate governance and firm-specific characteristics on the likelihood of financial restatement in Malaysia. The findings of this study provide useful insights for regulators to improve and reconsider the current regulations on corporate governance mechanisms.
The future of property education in Australia
Authors: Parker David
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The study aims to comment upon the state of property education in Australia.

Design/methodology/approach

Statement of opinion

Findings

Property education in Australia is heading down a one-way dead-end road

Research limitations/implications

This article is a statement of opinion

Practical implications

Highlights alternative forms of delivery for property education in Australia

Social implications

Considers property education delivery in context of current social environment

Originality/value

Statement of opinion based in experience in academia and practice
The impact of institutional distance on sustainable investment: evidence from China’s Belt and Road Initiative
Authors: Kankanam Pathiranage Heshan Sameera , Xiao Huilin , Li Weifeng
Published: August 2020

Purpose

In an attempt to satisfy the desire to become a global economic leader, China is working on a series of ambitious deals with several countries. As a major country in a region considered as an emerging market, the immense infrastructure gap that is curtailing trade and accessibility for economic growth has led to major changes in economic policy. The past few decades have seen China invest billions of dollars not only in the developing countries of Africa and Asia but also in other world economic giants of Europe and the USA. China has embarked on a rigorous global effort to close the infrastructure gap through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in partnership with multilateral development banks. China’s BRI brings together several countries in East Asia and the Eurasian mainland into close proximity with China, thereby promoting inland trade between the countries. The investments in this project are estimated to reach US$1tn over a span of ten years. However, the volume of outward foreign direct investments (OFDI) from China to the host countries is determined by several factors. Several previous researchers have studied various issues affecting the business activities of China and the given countries. First, the cultural organization, policy approaches and objectives of China as a country create trade barriers with countries involved in the BRI plan. This paper aims to provide a comparative overview of how the institutional distance of the Belt and Road countries from China affects their sustainable development.

Design/methodology/approach

Data on the nature, success and challenges of the BRI (such as the volume of bilateral trade and OFDIs and its financial implications) were extracted from various published studies. The impact of cultural distance and internationalization of the BRI enterprise was analyzed through a comparative research methodology.

Findings

A significant relationship exists between institutional distance and sustainable development of the Belt and Road countries. However, the barriers – for example, inhospitable culture and regulations for organizations in participating countries – could become pillars of success once resolved.

Originality/value

Previous studies lacked a standard framework to investigate how institutional distance is related to China’s outbound trade with the Belt and Road countries. The comparative analysis methodology adopted in this study fills this gap.
Modeling and simulation of frictional disc/pad interface considering the effects of thermo-mechanical coupling
Authors: Belhocine Ali , Abdullah Oday Ibraheem
Published: August 2020

Purpose

This study aims to investigate numerically a thermomechanical behavior of disc brake using ANSYS 11.0 which applies the finite element method (FEM) to solve the transient thermal analysis and the static structural sequentially with the coupled method. Computational fluid dynamics analysis will help the authors in the calculation of the values of the heat transfer (h) that will be exploited in the transient evolution of the brake disc temperatures. Finally, the model resolution allows the authors to visualize other important results of this research such as the deformations and the Von Mises stress on the disc, as well as the contact pressure of the brake pads.

Design/methodology/approach

A transient finite element analysis (FEA) model was developed to calculate the temperature distribution of the brake rotor with respect to time. A steady-state CFD model was created to obtain convective heat transfer coefficients (HTC) that were used in the FE model. Because HTCs are dependent on temperature, it was necessary to couple the CFD and FEA solutions. A comparison was made between the temperature of full and ventilated brake disc showing the importance of cooling mode in the design of automobile discs.

Findings

These results are quite in good agreement with those found in reality in the brake discs in service and those that may be encountered before in literature research investigations of which these will be very useful for engineers and in the design field in the vehicle brake system industry. These are then compared to experimental results obtained from literatures that measured ventilated discs surface temperatures to validate the accuracy of the results from this simulation model.

Originality/value

The novelty of the work is the application of the FEM to solve the thermomechanical problem in which the results of this analysis are in accordance with the realized and in the current life of the braking phenomenon and in the brake discs in service thus with the thermal gradients and the phenomena of damage observed on used discs brake.
Parent concerns regarding paediatric obesity in community‐based programmes serving children with developmental disabilities
Authors: Natale Ruby , Weerakoon Sitara , Woody Malaika T. , Kolomeyer Ellen , Pena Kristyna , Schladant Michelle , Bulotsky‐Shearer Rebecca J. , Messiah Sarah E.
Published: August 2020

Background

Previous studies show a higher prevalence of obesity among preschool‐age children with developmental disabilities (DDs) versus children who are typically developing (TD). Little is known about parent concerns about obesity in young children with DD. The purpose of this study was to examine concerns regarding paediatric obesity among parents who had a preschool‐age child with DD compared with parents with a child who is TD.

Methods

A cross‐sectional analysis occurred at baseline entry into one of three community‐based programmes. Parents of a child with DD (n = 815) or TD (n = 563) were asked obesity‐related questions about their child and in general. Multinomial and logistic regression unadjusted and adjusted models were run to generate the odds of obesity concerns based on disability status.

Results

The average child age was 38 months. Parent concerns about paediatric obesity differed by disability status. Unadjusted odds of parents ‘doing anything to control their child's weight’ was 38% lower among parents of a child with DD versus TD (OR: 0.62, 95% CI: 0.48, 0.82). The adjusted odds of perceiving that their child was underweight was 83% higher among parents of a child with DD compared with parents of a child who is TD (aOR: 1.83, 95% CI: 1.27, 2.64). Parents of a child with DD were 179% more likely to believe that childhood obesity is a public health problem (aOR: 2.79, 95% CI: 1.88, 3.96). The models were adjusted for age, sex and race/ethnicity.

Conclusions

Findings indicate that parents of preschool‐age children with DD are more likely to acknowledge that obesity is a public health concern. Because some parents of children with DD are concerned about their child's weight, families of preschool‐age children with DD may be receptive to the delivery of healthy weight strategies in community‐based programs.
Judging parental competence: A cross‐country analysis of judicial decision makers' written assessment of mothers' parenting capacities in newborn removal cases
Authors: Krutzinna Jenny , Skivenes Marit
Published: August 2020

This paper examines the discretionary reasoning of the judiciary in three jurisdictions, England, Germany and Norway, in cases deciding whether a newborn child is safe with her parents or intervention is necessary. Our analysis focuses on one specific dimension of decision makers' exercise of discretion, namely, if and how the strengths and weaknesses of the mother are considered. The data material consists of all decisions concerning care orders of newborns from one large city in Germany from 2015 to 2017 (n= 27) and 2016 in Norway (n= 76) and all publicly available newborn removal decisions in England for 2015–2017 (n= 14). The findings reveal a high number of risk factors in the cases and less focus on risk‐reducing factors. The situation of the newborn is considered to be harmful, as most cases result in a care order. Judicial discretion differs by how much information, and what types of factors, are included in the justification for the decision. A learning point for decision makers and policymakers would be to actively undertake a balancing act between risk‐increasing and risk‐reducing factors.
Harmful drinking occurs in private homes in some high‐ and middle‐income alcohol markets: Data from the International Alcohol Control Study
Authors: Huckle Taisia , Callinan Sarah , Pham Cuong , Chaiyasong Surasak , Parker Karl , Casswell Sally
Published: August 2020

Objectives

To describe how for some high‐ and middle‐income countries, the total volume of alcohol, including volume consumed in harmful drinking occasions, is distributed across drinking locations in each country.

Methods

Population surveys of drinkers were conducted as part of the International Alcohol Control Study in New Zealand, Australia, Vietnam and Thailand. Consumption data were collected using a beverage‐ and location‐specific measure that also allows for the measurement of unrecorded alcohol.

Results

In the high‐income countries, the percentage of absolute alcohol consumed in harmful drinking occasions was 44% in New Zealand and 51% in Australia. In the middle‐income countries, the proportions were 55% in Vietnam and 66% in Thailand. The vast majority of alcohol was consumed in private homes (67% or above in all four countries). Private homes were also the location where the highest percentage of alcohol was consumed in harmful drinking occasions (range 33% in New Zealand to 44% in Vietnam). Unrecorded/untaxed alcohol was of considerable importance for heavier drinking occasions in private homes in Vietnam. Bars and nightclubs were more likely locations for harmful drinking in the high‐income countries relative to the middle‐income countries.

Conclusions

As the majority of alcohol consumed in each country, including in harmful drinking occasions, was consumed in private homes, these findings make take‐away alcohol a focus for alcohol policy including trading hour and pricing policies. Unrecorded alcohol was also of considerable importance in Vietnam, highlighting the importance of the policy responses being developed to address unrecorded alcohol.
Stress‐induced cortisol modulates the control of memory retrieval towards the dorsal striatum
Authors: Zerbes Gundula , Kausche Franziska M. , Schwabe Lars
Published: August 2020

Stress can modulate the recruitment of multiple memory systems during learning, favouring dorsal striatal “habit” learning over hippocampal “cognitive” learning. Here, we tested whether stress may also bias the engagement of “cognitive” and “habit” systems during retrieval and thereby affect the nature of remembering. To this end, participants first performed a probabilistic classification learning task that can be solved by both the “cognitive” and the “habit” system. Twenty‐four hours later, participants underwent either a stress manipulation or a non‐stressful control procedure before they completed a retention test for the previously learned task in the MRI scanner. During this retention test, stress‐induced cortisol levels were linked to a relative bias towards behavioural strategies indicative for the “habit” system. At the neural level, stress led to increased dorsal striatal activity during retrieval. Elevated cortisol levels were directly correlated with increased activity in the dorsal striatum and further linked to reduced functional connectivity between the hippocampus and the amygdala, which is assumed to orchestrate the stress‐related shift from “cognitive” to “habitual” control. Together, our data suggest that stress may bias the contributions of multiple memory systems also at retrieval, in a manner that promotes dorsal striatal “habit” processes and most likely driven by cortisol.
The differential relationship of an afterschool physical activity intervention on brain function and cognition in children with obesity and their normal weight peers
Authors: Logan Nicole E. , Raine Lauren B. , Drollette Eric S. , Castelli Darla M. , Khan Naiman A. , Kramer Arthur F. , Hillman Charles H.
Published: August 2020

Background

Physical activity (PA) is beneficial for cognitive and brain health during preadolescence. Given that childhood obesity (OB) is a public health concern, investigating this effect in children with OB is an important societal consideration.

Objectives

To identify the effects of weight status and PA on neuroelectric indices of executive function in preadolescence.

Methods

Children were randomly assigned to a PA intervention or a wait‐list control group and completed a task that manipulated inhibitory control, while task performance and neuroelectric (P3 component) outcomes were assessed. About 103 children with OB were matched to a sample of 103 normal weight (NW) children based on treatment allocation and demographic variables.

Results

Children with OB in the control group demonstrated reduced P3 amplitude from pre‐ to post‐test, meanwhile those with OB in the PA intervention maintained P3 amplitude at post‐test compared to pre‐test. Additionally, NW children in the PA intervention group showed that decreased visceral adipose tissue corresponded with faster task performance, a relationship not observed in children with OB.

Conclusions

These results suggest that a 9‐month PA intervention may be particularly beneficial to the cognitive and brain health of children with OB. These results are important to consider given the public health concerns associated with childhood OB.