bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of neuronal synaptopodin reveals a myosin V-dependent mechanism of synaptopodin clustering at the post-synaptic sites
Authors: Gonzalez-Gallego Judit , Konietzny Anja , Perez-Alvarez Alberto , Baer Julia , Maier Urban , Drakew Alexander , Hammer John A. , Demmers Jeroen A.A. , Dekkers Dick H.W. , Frotscher Michael , Kneussel Matthias , Oertner Thomas , Wagner Wolfgang , Mikhaylova Marina
Published: January 2019

The spine apparatus (SA) is an endoplasmic reticulum-related organelle which is present in a subset of dendritic spines in cortical and pyramidal neurons. The synaptopodin protein localizes between the stacks of the spine apparatus and is essential for the formation of this unique organelle. Although several studies have demonstrated the significance of the SA and synaptopodin in calcium homeostasis and plasticity of dendritic spines, it is still unclear what factors contribute to its stability at the synapse and whether the SA is locally formed or it is actively delivered to the spines. In this study we show that synaptopodin clusters are stable at their locations. We found no evidence of active microtubule-based transport for synaptopodin. Instead new clusters were emerging in the spines, which we interpret as the SA being assembled on-site. Furthermore, using super-resolution microscopy we show a tight association of synaptopodin with actin filaments. We identify the actin-based motor proteins myosin V and VI as novel interaction partners of synaptopodin and demonstrate that myosin V is important for the formation and/or maintenance of the SA.
Handling Noise in Protein Interaction Networks
Authors: Correia Fernanda B. , Coelho Edgar D. , Oliveira José L. , Arrais Joel P.
Published: January 2019

Protein-protein interactions (PPI) can be conveniently represented as networks, allowing the use of graph theory in their study. Network topology studies may reveal patterns associated to specific organisms. Here we propose a new methodology to denoise PPI networks and predict missing links solely based on the network topology, the Organization Measurement (OM) method. The OM methodology was applied in the denoising of the PPI networks of two Saccharomyces Cerevisiae datasets (Yeast and CS2007) and one Homo Sapiens dataset (Human). To evaluate the denoising capabilities of OM methodology, two strategies were applied. The first compared its application in random networks and in the reference set networks, while the second perturbed the networks with the gradual random addition and removal of edges. The application of OM methodology to the Yeast and Human reference sets achieved an AUC of 0.95 and 0.87, in Yeast and Human networks, respectively. The random removal of 80% of the Yeast and Human reference sets interactions resulted in an AUC of 0.71 and 0.62, whereas the random addition of 80% interactions resulted in an AUC of 0.75 and 0.72, respectively. Applying the OM methodology to the CS2007 dataset yields an AUC of 0.99. We also perturbed the network of the CS2007 dataset by randomly inserting and removing edges in the same proportions previously described. The false positives identified and removed from the network varied from 97%, when inserting 20% more edges, to 89% when 80% more edges were inserted. The true positives identified and inserted in the network varied from 95% when removing 20% of the edges, to 40% after the random deletion 80% edges. The OM methodology is sensitive to the topological structure of the biological networks. The obtained results suggest that the present approach can efficiently be used to denoise PPI networks.
Unsupervised Machine Learning for Analysis of Coexisting Lipid Phases and Domain Growth in Biological Membranes
Authors: López Cesar A. , Vesselinov Velimir V. , Gnanakaran Sandrasegaram , Alexandrov Boian S.
Published: January 2019

Phase separation in mixed lipid systems has been extensively studied both experimentally and theoretically because of its biological importance. A detailed description of such complex systems undoubtedly requires novel mathematical frameworks that are capable to decompose and categorize the evolution of thousands if not millions of lipids involved in the phenomenon. The interpretation and analysis of Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations representing temporal and spatial changes in such systems is still a challenging task. Here, we present a new unsupervised machine learning approach based on Nonnegative Matrix Factorization, called NMFk, that successfully extracts physically meaningful features from neighborhood profiles derived from coarse-grained MD simulations of ternary lipid mixture. Our results demonstrate that leveraging NMFk can (a) determine the role of different lipid molecules in phase separation, (b) characterize the formation of nano-domains of lipids, (c) determine the timescales of interest and (d) extract physically meaningful features that uniquely describe the phase separation with broad implications.
Glial response to hypoxia in trachealess mutants induces synapse remodeling
Authors: Chen Pei-Yi , Tsai Yi-Wei , Giangrande Angela , Chien Cheng-Ting
Published: January 2019

Synaptic structure and activity are sensitive to environmental alterations. Modulation of synaptic morphology and function is often induced by signals from glia. However, the process by which glia mediate synaptic responses to environmental perturbations such as hypoxia remains unknown. Here, we report that, in the Drosophila trachealess (trh) mutant, smaller synaptic boutons form clusters named bunch boutons appear at larval neuromuscular junctions (NMJs), which is induced by the reduction of internal oxygen levels due to defective tracheal branches. Thus, the bunch bouton phenotype in the trh mutant is suppressed by hyperoxia, and recapitulated in wild-type larvae raised under hypoxia. We further show that hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α/Similar (Sima) is critical in mediating hypoxia-induced bunch bouton formation. Sima upregulates the level of the Wnt/Wingless (Wg) signal in glia, leading to reorganized microtubule structures within presynaptic sites. Finally, hypoxia-induced bunch boutons maintain normal synaptic transmission at the NMJs, which is crucial for coordinated larval locomotion.

Author summary

Oxygen is essential for animals to maintain their life such as growth, metabolism, responsiveness, and movement. It is therefore important to understand how animal cells trigger hypoxia response and adapt to hypoxia thereafter. Both mammalian vascular and insect tracheal branches are induced to enhance the oxygen delivery. However, the study of hypoxia response in the nervous system remains limited. In this study, we assess the morphology of Drosophila neuromuscular junctions (NMJs), a model system to study development and function of synapses, in two hypoxia conditions, one with raising wild-type larvae in hypoxia, and the other in the trachealess (trh) mutant in which the trachea is defective, causing insufficient oxygen supply. Interestingly, glia, normally wrapping the axons of NMJs, invade into synapse and trigger Wg signals to reconstitute the synaptic structure under hypoxia. This synaptic remodeling maintains the synaptic transmission of synapse, which associate the locomotor behavior of larvae.
A dynamic and integrated epigenetic program at distal regions orchestrates transcriptional responses to VEGFA
Authors: Wang Shiyan , Chen Jiahuan , Garcia Sara P. , Liang Xiaodong , Zhang Fang , Yan Pengyi , Yu Huijing , Wei Weiting , Li Zixuan , Wang Jingfang , Le Huangying , Han Zeguang , Luo Xusheng , Day Daniel S. , Stevens Sean M. , Zhang Yan , Park Peter J. , Liu Zhi-jie , Sun Kun , Yuan Guo-cheng , Pu William T. , Zhang Bing
Published: January 2019

Cell behaviors are dictated by epigenetic and transcriptional programs. Little is known about how extracellular stimuli modulate these programs to reshape gene expression and control cell behavioral responses. Here, we interrogated the epigenetic and transcriptional response of endothelial cells to VEGFA treatment and found rapid chromatin changes that mediate broad transcriptomic alterations. VEGFA-responsive genes were associated with active promoters, but changes in promoter histone marks were not tightly linked to gene expression changes. VEGFA altered transcription factor occupancy and the distal epigenetic landscape, which profoundly contributed to VEGFA-dependent changes in gene expression. Integration of gene expression, dynamic enhancer, and transcription factor occupancy changes induced by VEGFA yielded a VEGFA-regulated transcriptional regulatory network, which revealed that the small MAF transcription factors are master regulators of the VEGFA transcriptional program and angiogenesis. Collectively these results revealed that extracellular stimuli rapidly reconfigure the chromatin landscape to coordinately regulate biological responses.
Influence of nanostructure formation on the crystal structure and morphology of epitaxially grown Gd2O3 on Si(001)
Authors: Gribisch Philipp , Schmidt Jan , Osten Hans-Jörg , Fissel Andreas
Published: January 2019

The influence of growth conditions on the layer orientation, domain structure and crystal structure of gadolinium oxide (Gd2O3) on silicon (001) has been investigated. Gd2O3 was grown at low (250°C) and high (850°C) temperatures with different oxygen partial pressure as well as a temperature ramp up during growth. At low temperature, the cubic bixbyite type of crystal structure with space group Ia{\bar 3} was grown at low oxygen partial pressure. The layers consist of two domains oriented orthogonal to each other. The epitaxial relationships for the two domains were found to be Gd2O3(110)[001]||Si(001)[110] and Gd2O3(110)[001]||Si(001)[{\bar 1}10], respectively. Applying additional oxygen during growth results in a change in crystal and domain structures of the grown layer into the monoclinic Sm2O3-type of structure with space group C2/m with (20\bar 1) orientation and mainly two orthogonal domains with the epitaxial relationship Gd2O3(20\bar 1)[010]||Si(100)〈110〉 and a smooth surface morphology. Some smaller areas have two intermediate azimuthal orientations between these variants, which results in a six-domain structure. The change in crystal structure can be understood based on the Gibbs–Thomson effect caused by the initial nucleation of nanometre-sized islands and its variation in diameter with a change in growth conditions. The crystal structure remains stable even against a temperature ramp up during growth. The layers grown at high temperature exhibit a nanowire-like surface morphology, where the nanowires have a cubic crystal structure and are aligned orthogonal to each other along the 〈110〉 in-plane directions. An increase in oxygen supply results in a reduced length and increased number of nanowires due to lower adatom mobility. The results clearly indicate that both kinetic and thermodynamic factors have a strong impact on the crystal structure, epitaxial relationship and morphology of the grown layers.
The distribution strategy selection for an e-tailer using a hybrid DANP VIKOR MCDM model
Authors: Titiyal Rohit , Bhattacharya Sujoy , Thakkar Jitesh J.
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to apply a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) framework to evaluate distribution strategies for an e-tailer. An application of MCDM method, the hybrid DANP–VIseKriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje (VIKOR) model, is used for e-tailers’ distribution strategy evaluation. The choice of distribution strategies under various dimensions is evaluated.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used a hybrid MCDM model to solve the decision-making framework, which combines Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL), DEMATEL-based analytic network process and VIKOR method. Data were collected from the experts (e-tail manager, logistics manager, operations manager and distribution center (DC) manager) using two questionnaires, first for the influential relationship among the criteria and dimensions and second for a performance rating of each alternative (distribution strategies) against each criterion.

Findings

DANP with VIKOR method prioritizes the distribution strategies in the following order: DC shipment, drop shipment, click and collect, store shipment and click and reserve. Performance gap was calculated based on the VIKOR method to provide distribution strategies to an e-tailer under different situations. The authors infer that in developing country, product characteristics and transportation have a major influence on deciding the distribution strategy.

Practical implications

Decision-making framework will provide e-tail mangers a knowledge-based understanding to select the distribution strategy under the different situations related to the performance, product, e-tailer and external characteristics for smooth order fulfillment process. The insights developed by this research provide a framework for rational decision making in distribution strategy selection in e-business.

Originality/value

This is the first kind of a study which offers a decision framework for e-tail managers on how to choose distribution strategies under different situations which are related to the performance, product, e-tailer and external characteristics.
A sustainability assessment framework for cement industry – a case study
Authors: Sangwan Kuldip Singh , Bhakar Vikrant , Digalwar Abhijeet K.
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a framework and key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess the sustainability of the manufacturing organizations along the integrated supply chain.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review of existing peer-reviewed articles has been carried out to understand the strengths and weaknesses of current frameworks. A sustainability assessment framework has been proposed for the manufacturing sector. KPIs to assess sustainability performance of manufacturing organizations are identified. An empirical study is carried out for the cement industry to test the proposed framework and KPIs.

Findings

The existing frameworks on sustainability assessment lacks an integrated assessment consisting product life cycle, resources, critical factors (product, process and policy), KPIs and their interrelationship with sustainability dimensions. In total, 121 KPIs are identified for sustainability assessment of manufacturing organizations. The empirical study of the Indian cement industry identifies 52 KPIs (17 social, 15 economic and 20 environmental), which are classified into 13 factors using exploratory factor analysis.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed framework is tested for the cement sector. More studies are required to validate and refine the framework to make it generalized for the manufacturing sector.

Originality/value

This study has developed for the first time a close interrelation among life cycle engineering, resources, critical factors, KPIs and sustainability dimensions.
Green information system integration for environmental performance in organizations
Authors: Anthony Jr Bokolo
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop an eccentric model to examine the factors that influence environmental performance in organizations based on belief–action–outcome framework and natural resource-based view theory.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected by employing online survey from respondents in organizations to statistically test the eccentric model and its associated hypotheses. Partial least squares–structural equation modeling and Statistical Package for Social Sciences were utilized to analyze the survey data.

Findings

The results show that information technology (IT) professionals and IT executives’ behavior positively influences environmental performance. Further results suggest that the belief of IT professionals and IT executives is significantly influenced by the action of IT infrastructure, institutional pressure, organizational strategy and information diffusion. In addition, results reveal that the action of IT infrastructure, institutional pressure, organizational strategy and information diffusion in organizations significantly has an impact on the outcome of environmental performance. Moreover, results indicate that green information systems (IS) for pollution prevention, product stewardship and clean development initiatives adopted positively influence the environmental performance of organizations.

Research limitations/implications

The developed eccentric model further shows how green IS practice integration can improve environmental performance. However, the selected respondents are from a single country as such findings from this study cannot be generalized to other countries.

Practical implications

Practically, this paper has implications for the capability of IS to promote environmental performance in organizations.

Social implications

This study provides a pertinent contribution in developing and validating an eccentric model for green IS adoption. Besides, a survey instrument is developed that can be used by future studies.

Originality/value

The developed model helps to explore the factors that influence environmental performance and also the outcomes of green IS adoption for environmental performance. Accordingly, IT professionals and IT executives can draw upon the eccentric model in assessing their current environmental-friendly practice for the effective initialization of green IS for corporate value.
Lean management practices in healthcare sector: a literature review
Authors: Parkhi Shilpa Shekhar
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to synthesise the extent to which lean implementation in healthcare has been studied in the literature since its inception a decade ago.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based upon a literature review of mostly academic articles published mainly in the fields of operations management and medicine.

Findings

The current state of the literature on lean healthcare implementation is primarily evaluative (benefits-oriented), descriptive (process-oriented) and rarely holistic (interaction of lean implementation and clinical practice).

Originality/value

This paper identifies further research directions for academics, and provides an overview of findings relevant to healthcare stakeholders interested in lean implementation.
An empirical examination of the effects of the attributes of supply chain openness on organizational performance
Authors: Tipu Syed Awais Ahmad , Fantazy Kamel , Kumar Vinod
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to empirically examine how different supply chain attributes as determinants of the openness of supply chain affect organizational performance (OP).

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 259 supply chain executives in Pakistan. Structural equation modeling was used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The findings indicate that organizations may take the selective view of their supply chains resulting in a varying focus on different SC attributes. The results show that though all identified supply chain attributes positively relate to OP, some attributes such as combined agility and cooperation among supply chain partners have a weak correlation coefficient. This indicates that overall the relative openness of supply chain among selected sample of Pakistani organizations is low.

Practical implications

Supply chain executives may not have a selective focus on some attributes; rather, they may consider to have a broader perspective drawing upon a wider range of supply chain attributes as identified in the current study. In order to remain competitive, Pakistani manufacturing organizations need to learn more about opening up their boundaries and enhance the openness of their supply chain.

Originality/value

The contribution of the current study is two folds. First, drawing upon the current literature, it proposes the instrument to measure the relative openness of supply chain. Second, it empirically tests the selected conceptual model which highlights the relevance of supply chain attributes and their role in the resulting relative degree of supply chain openness. The empirical examination of the selected conceptual model of supply chain openness tends to make contribution to the wider literature on supply chain management.
The Business Initiative for Technical Education (BITE)
Authors: Alcaraz Jose M. , Hollander Rodolfo , Navarra Agustín
Published: January 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the creation of shared value (Porter and Kramer, 2011) through technical education by analyzing key events and factors associated with the midsize firm IMCA and the Business Initiative for Technical Education (BITE), a private-public alliance in the Dominican Republic.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper results from a five-year longitudinal case study that included an embedded participant (the third author of the paper) and was based on structured and unstructured interviews, observations and multiple archival records. Thematic and content analyses were applied to most of these sources.

Findings

IMCA’s staffing needs and search for a solid competitive strategy (one dependent on qualified technicians able to provide multiple services) was the original driver of BITE. The Initiative managed to enlist a formidable alliance of stakeholders, engaged in systemic, bottom-up, “small wins” approaches that targeted not only contents but also pedagogies that transformed multiple polytechnic schools. The initiative has resulted in significant corporate economic benefits and is currently altering fundamental aspects of the technical education of an entire nation.

Research limitations/implications

The research upon which the paper is based consists of a longitudinal case study comprising the years 2011-2015. BITE is a long-term project of which only the first stages have taken place.

Originality/value

The paper focuses specifically on two modalities of shared value creation: productivity in the value chain and local cluster development. It expands the understanding of important issues around shared value creation through private investment in (technical) education, particularly around the following dimensions: curricular and pedagogical transformation, stakeholder engagement and place/time scale. Insights may be of particular relevance for developing regions with significant educational needs.
Shared value clusters in Austria
Authors: Collazzo Yelpo Pablo , Kubelka Livia
Published: January 2019

Purpose

This study aims to contribute to fill in the gap identified in the literature at the interplay of clusters and shared value creation (CSV), by mapping out and assessing CSV clusters in Austria.

Design/methodology/approach

An exploratory, cross-sectional and multiple case study research with data generated through semi-structured interviews carried out with a sample of Austrian cluster managers. The collected data were assessed through a qualitative content analysis following Mayring (2010).

Findings

The analysis of the data suggests that there are five main categories that shape Austrian clusters’ CSV practices, namely, cluster context, cluster purpose, CSV context, development of CSV and types of CSV. Applying Mayring’s content analysis technique to the proposed CSV cluster definition results in one third of the networks labeled as CSV clusters. The lack of a clear understanding of CSV and its strategic value emerged as a barrier for Austrian clusters to further embed shared value in their operations.

Research limitations/implications

This cross-sectional, exploratory study adds empirical evidence to the theoretical appeal of the CSV construct. Being CSV firm-specific and context-dependent, the relevance of the findings is limited to the current state of play of Austrian clusters.

Practical implications

The cases revealed the opportunity to reinforce the message on the business case for CSV.

Social implications

By raising CSV awareness, social value creation is likely to increase.

Originality/value

This paper aimed at contributing to the buildup of empirical evidence on shared value creation. Deviating from the mainstream literature that typically portrays multinationals as CSV champions, this research looks at clusters as unit of analysis.
Perceived advantages and disadvantages of taking a psychology professional placement year
Authors: St Clair-Thompson Helen , Chivers Carla
Published: January 2019

Purpose

It is well established that there are several benefits of taking a placement year, for example, higher academic attainment, the acquisition of transferable skills and enhanced employability. It is therefore important to understand why students choose to take or not to take a placement. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

In the current study, 159 first year students studying psychology were asked about their perceptions of the advantages and disadvantages of taking a psychology professional placement year. Their responses were analysed using thematic analysis, and the number of participants who provided information relating to each main theme was also tabulated.

Findings

Students perceived the main benefits of placements as relating to career certainty, future prospects, experience, knowledge and skills. In contrast, they perceived the main disadvantages as practical disadvantages, social/emotional disadvantages, difficulty, and there being no guaranteed benefit of a placement.

Practical implications

The results are discussed in terms of their potential to inform practices for developing and enhancing psychology placements within higher education. For example, providing further empirical evidence of the benefits of placements may help staff in higher education to further promote placement years.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the knowledge of perceived advantages and disadvantages of taking a placement in psychology. Placements in psychology are likely to be very beneficial for employability, but are often only available on a voluntary basis.
Grey clustering evaluation based on AHP and interval grey number
Authors: Chen Kejia , Chen Ping , Yang Lixi , Jin Lian
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a grey clustering evaluation model based on analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and interval grey number (IGN) to solve the clustering evaluation problem with IGNs.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the centre-point triangular whitenisation weight function with real numbers is built, and then by using interval mean function, the whitenisation weight function is extended to IGNs. The weights of evaluation indexes are determined by AHP. Finally, this model is used to evaluate the flight safety of a Chinese airline. The results indicate that the model is effective and reasonable.

Findings

When IGN meets certain conditions, the centre-point triangular whitenisation weight function based on IGN is not multiple-cross and it is normative. It provides a certain standard and basis for obtaining the effective evaluation indexes and determining the scientific evaluation of the grey class.

Originality/value

The traditional grey clustering model is extended to the field of IGN. It can make full use of all the information of the IGN, so the result of the evaluation is more objective and reasonable, which provides supports for solving practical problems.
Corporate attributes and corporate social disclosures: a meta-analytical review
Authors: Majumder Md. Tofael Hossain , Li Xiaojing , Akter Aklima , Begum Munni
Published: January 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate how the corporate attributes, namely, company size, age, leverage, profitability and ownership concentration, are associated with corporate social disclosures (CSD). The paper further examines whether there are any moderating effects on the association because of different proxies of corporate attributes.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses 35 articles published between 1996 and 2016 for finding out the integrated results of the previous studies. The study uses the meta-analysis technique developed by Hunter et al. (1982) and Hunter and Schmidt (1990).

Findings

The findings of the overall meta-analysis show that company size and ownership concentration are significantly and positively associated with CSD, while age, profitability and leverage indicate an insignificant positive association. Also, the different proxies of explanatory variables moderate the association between corporate attributes and CSD.

Originality/value

This is a unique study that determines the association between corporate attributes and CSD by using meta-analysis. Therefore, it is expected that this investigation solves the inconclusive and mixed results of the prior studies and assists future researchers to develop a theory in that context.
Perceptions on self-regulation and transaction friendliness relevant to smart contracting
Authors: Solarte Vasquez Maria Claudia , Rungi Mait , Nyman-Metcalf Katrin Merike
Published: January 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to report on signs of public awareness and empowerment among the general public that are presumed to determine the viability of the smart contracting (SC) approach and identifies prevailing concerns regarding individual transactional experiences.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed approach was followed to explore perceptions of self-regulation and transaction friendliness by using an interpretative multiple case study method and by presenting a descriptive summative analysis of the data.

Findings

On self-regulation, the study reveals spread awareness, empowerment, contractual competences and responsibility. Regarding transaction friendliness, subject matter influences transaction experiences the most, and trust and engagement are the most problematic factors. The findings support the viability of SC, endorsing the application of proactive perspectives in legal and managerial practice.

Research limitations/implications

The study confirms the foundational assumptions of SC, identifies key transactional issues that should be further addressed to improve the functionality of digital trade environments and contributes to the consolidation of the legal design research field on transaction usability.

Practical implications

The findings point to the viability of SC. Organizations and practitioners are given indications on transaction upgrade priorities and invited to adopt and help disseminate the proposal.

Social implications

The expansion of a collaborative transactional culture can reduce legal disputes, improving the legal environment of business and strengthening private governance regulatory models.

Originality/value

This is the first empirical study on the viability conditions of the SC-approach, identifying transactional usability testing and intervention priorities.
Impact of the busyness and board independence on the discretionary disclosures of Indian firms
Authors: D. Kavitha , R. Nandagopal , B. Uma Maheswari
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to empirically investigate the impact of board characteristics such as size, independence, busyness and duality on the extent of discretionary disclosures of listed Indian firms.

Design/methodology/approach

A disclosure index with 110 items was constructed to assess the discretionary disclosures in the annual reports of listed firms. The study measured disclosure using 1,024 firm-year observations over 8 years from 2009 to 2016. Board characteristics such as size, independence, busyness and duality have been used in the study as indicators of corporate governance.

Findings

The results indicate that while the proportion of independent directors positively impacts the extent of discretionary disclosures, boards with duality and the busyness of the director have a negative impact. The size of the board does not significantly impact the extent of disclosures.

Research limitations/implications

This study examines the discretionary disclosures made only in the annual reports. Future studies could examine information disclosed in other media. Moreover, this study uses an un-weighted self-constructed disclosure index, which is subject to its inherent limitations.

Originality/value

This study has examined the impact of the “busyness” of the director on the extent of disclosures. This variable has not been explored in prior studies. The significance of the variable indicates that the number of directorships held impacts the efficiency with which a director performs his/her role in the board. The study reiterates the need for firms and policymakers to focus on improving board independence and to move away from leadership structures with duality.
The role of spiritual leadership in fostering discretionary behaviors
Authors: Sholikhah Zahrotush , Wang Xuhui , Li Wenjing
Published: January 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the role of two mediating variables in the relationship between spiritual leadership with organizational citizenship behavior (OCB). The two mediating variables used in the study were organization-based self-esteem (OBSE) and workplace spirituality as followers’ intrinsic motivation and self-concept factors. Furthermore, the research also examined the role of perceived organizational support as moderating variable on the relationship between spiritual leadership and workplace spirituality.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was conducted using questionnaires via a face-to-face method. The five-point Likert scale was used to assess the variables and to measure the items. The tool of analysis used was partial least square. The sample consisted of 234 respondents encompassing teachers and educational staffs of an Islamic based education institution in Indonesia.

Findings

The results supported five out of the eight proposed hypotheses. It was apparent that there was a partial mediating role of the OBSE as followers’ motivational concept on the relationship between spiritual leadership and organization citizenship behavior.

Research limitations/implications

The dearth of literature on the adoption of spiritual leadership in Islamic schools makes the depth of discussion on the study framework somewhat limited.

Practical implications

The insight provided by this study into understanding and link between spiritual leadership and OCB among Muslim education practitioners. While a large body of leadership research has adopted a variation of leadership theories, the results shifted the focus of attention to the adoption of spiritual leadership as an essential determinant of discretionary behavior in a religious-based institution.

Social implications

Islamic schools are in dire need of teachers with discretionary behavior. Spiritual leadership proved to have a significant relationship with organizational based self-esteem and OCB. It promotes the intrinsic well-being of the follower by creating a vision where people can achieve their higher purposes of life and contributing to society by performing services to others, and by giving people a feeling of being appreciated.

Originality/value

The study extends scholarly understanding on the role of spiritual leadership, which is a relatively new and growing area of interest for academics and practitioners, in shaping teachers and academic staffs’ OCBs regarding both theory and practice.
Association of information technology and internal controls of Iranian state agencies
Authors: Abbaszadeh Mohammad Reza , Salehi Mahdi , Faiz Seyed Masoud
Published: January 2019

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the relationship between information technology and internal controls of state agencies in Iran.

Design/Methodology/Approach

The research population includes all auditors and managers working in public sector. Data collection instrument is a questionnaire designed by the researcher and administrated during March 5, 2016. The collected data are analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics (binomial test).

Findings

The findings of the research show that there is a significant relationship between information technology and internal controls (administrative, financial and accounting controls, risk assessment, information and communication, control activities and monitoring). Moreover, the alteration of data collection methods (from traditional to modern) and the written instructions (in information technology) have a positive effect on the internal control and its subscales.

Originality/value

With regard to the emphasis on the development of computer application and the use of new processing facilities and the exchange of information and its specific controlling consequences, this is an innovative research.
Fatigue life assessment of crankshaft with increased horsepower
Authors: Fathi Sola Jalal , Alinejad Farhad , Rahimidehgolan Foad , Niazmand Amirreza
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the fatigue life of the crankshaft in an engine with increased horsepower.

Design/methodology/approach

The applied load on the powertrain components was calculated through a dynamic analysis. Then, to estimate the induced stress in every crank angle, the calculated loads in different engine speeds were applied on the crankshaft. Finally, the critical plane fatigue theories in addition to URM standard were used to estimate the damage and fatigue life of the crankshaft with the increased power.

Findings

It was found that a simultaneous increase of gas pressure and engine speed by 30 percent will cause an increase of maximum applied load on the crankshaft by 25 percent. It was also found that while the results of finite element (FE) method predict an infinite life for the crankshaft after increasing the power, the URM method predicts an engine failure for the increased power application. In this study, the crankpin fillet is introduced as the most critical area of the crankshaft.

Originality/value

Increasing the power of the internal combustion engines without changing its main components has been of high interest; however, the failure associated with the increased load as the result of increased power has been a big challenge for that purpose. Moreover, although URM standard provided an efficient practice to evaluate a crankshaft fatigue life, using FE analysis may provide more reliability.
Analysis of causes of delay in Indian construction projects and mitigation measures
Authors: K.V. Prasad , V. Vasugi , R. Venkatesan , Bhat Nikhil
Published: January 2019

Purpose

Construction projects in India continue to suffer excessive delays. This paper aims to investigate the delay causes in India by project sector (transport, power, buildings and water) and carry out a comparative study of delay causes in design build (DB) projects with that of design bid build (DBB) projects along with mitigation measures.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire survey was conducted among major clients, contractors and consultants in India. Importance Index was used for ranking of the delay causes. Projects were categorized based on the type, and causes of delay in each project type were identified. Projects were also categorized based on type of contract, and delay causes in DB and DBB projects were compared. Statistical analysis of responses by Cronbach’s alpha, one-way analysis of variance, Kruskal–Wallis tests was carried out with Statistical Package for Social Sciences. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with senior industry professionals to develop exhaustive mitigation measures.

Findings

The research findings indicate finance-related causes as the most critical causes of delay in Indian projects. Delay in settlement of claims, contractor’s financial difficulties, delay in payment for extra work/variations by owner, late payment from contractor to subcontractor or suppliers, variation orders/changes of scope by owner during construction and changes in design by owner were the highly ranked delay causes. The research found no significant difference in the delay causes in DB and DBB projects.

Originality/value

This is the first study wherein delay causes for various project types within a single country are identified. In addition, the study has identified and compared the delay causes in DB projects and DBB projects. Mitigation measures developed in this study will help professionals and project managers not just in India but other developing countries as well to alleviate delay causes and in improvement of project timelines.
Why is humility so relevant for leaders and can it be developed through coaching?
Authors: Aziz Khalid
Published: January 2019

Purpose

When we think of a successful leader, we typically recall those powerful personalities we see in the media, and there have been many over the decades. They propel a company to stardom with a winning strategy, publish books, do the speaker circuits and everyone celebrates their achievements. They were undoubtedly successful, but therein lies the issue. They were successful. Things are different now. The current global landscape means problems encountered in business are increasingly complex and require a collaborative approach to solving them. No one person has all the right answers. Trial and error, embracing failure, accepting criticism and learning from past mistakes are really the only ways to succeed. And they require leaders to possess a very different set of personality traits, with humility now being one of the most important.

Design/methodology/approach

There is a paradox here between the need to develop greater humility and aspire to becoming “unsung heroes” when we are in an age where charismatic, often egocentric, leaders have celebrity status. Why is humility as a trait so important today? Is it relevant across the management spectrum, e.g. for junior/middle managers spotted as high potentials and wishing to climb the ladder, or is it simply important right at the very top of an organisation? What do HR practitioners need to know? What can HR practitioners do to develop the required levels of humility in their managers/leaders? Can you learn to become more humble through coaching? What really works in practice?

Findings

As a leadership coach, the author is often asked whether it is possible to coach an individual to develop humility, and the short answer is yes, it is possible to be coached. Most people already have humility inside them, but many leaders have learned to behave in the opposite way and adopt the traditional “hero” persona instead. They will tend to only display it if there’s a genuinely humble culture permeating the organisation from the top. Get that right and any developmental issues will typically take care of themselves. This paper explains how to take these initial steps.

Originality/value

This is useful for all HR professionals responsible for learning and development strategy in their organisations, including those who provide or specify leadership coaching as an intervention.
Lymph node metastasis in Chinese patients with clinical T1 non‐small cell lung cancer: A multicenter real‐world observational study
Authors: Chen Bing , Wang Xiaojun , Yu Xinnian , Xia Wen‐jie , Zhao Heng , Li Xiao‐fei , Liu Lun‐xu , Liu Yang , Hu Jian , Fu Xiang‐ning , Li Yin , Xu Yi‐jun , Liu De‐ruo , Yang Hai‐ying , Xu Lin , Jiang Feng
Published: January 2019

Background

Approximately 8.3–15.9% of patients with clinical stage I non‐small cell lung cancer are subsequently shown to have lymph node metastasis. However, the clinical characteristics of patients with lymph node metastasis in China are not fully understood.

Methods

This is a multicenter retrospective analysis of pathological T1 non‐small cell lung cancer patients who underwent surgical resection from 2 January 2014 to 27 December 2017. Clinical and pathological information was collected with the assistance of the Large‐scale Data Analysis Center of Cancer Precision Medicine‐LinkDoc database. The clinical and pathological factors associated with lymph node metastasis were analyzed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression.

Results

A total of 10 885 participants (51.6% women; 15.3% squamous cell carcinoma) were included in the analysis. The median age was 60.0 years (range 12.9–86.6 years). A total of 1159 patients (10.6%) had metastases in mediastinal nodes (N2), and 640 patients (5.9%) had metastasis in pulmonary lymph nodes (N1). Most patients had T1b lung cancer (4766, 43.8%). Of the patients, 3260 (29.9%) were current or former smokers. The univariate and multivariate analyses showed that younger age, squamous cell carcinoma, poor differentiation, larger tumor size, carcinoembryonic antigen level ≥5 ng/mL, and vascular invasion (+) were significantly associated with higher percentages of lymph node metastases (P < 0.001 for all).

Conclusion

This real‐world study showed the significant association of lymph node metastasis with age, tumor size, histology and differentiation, carcinoembryonic antigen levels, and status of vascular invasion. Female patients with T1a adenocarcinoma in the right upper lobe barely had lymph node metastasis.
The use of cinacalcet for the treatment of calciphylaxis in patients with chronic kidney disease: A comprehensive review
Authors: Deen Jacqueline , Schaider Helmut
Published: January 2019

Calciphylaxis is a rare but life‐threatening condition, most commonly affecting patients with stage 4 or 5 chronic kidney disease. No universally accepted therapy exists so far. In an attempt to avoid surgical intervention with parathyroidectomy, which is of questionable efficacy and carries several risks, a number of noninvasive treatments have been trialled with variable success. These treatments are aimed at modifying risk factors for calciphylaxis, in particular hypercalcaemia, hyperphosphataemia and hyperparathyroidism. The aim of this review was to summarise the available evidence to determine the potential role of cinacalcet in the treatment of calciphylaxis in patients with chronic kidney disease. Demographic, clinical and laboratory data were retrospectively collected from the available English and non‐English literature. Overall, there was a very high response rate (partial or complete) of calciphylaxis lesions to both cinacalcet monotherapy and cinacalcet as part of a combination therapy (83.4% and 82.8%, respectively). When examining complete response to treatment specifically, combination therapy with cinacalcet proved more efficacious than monotherapy (62.1% versus 41.7%). There was also an associated rapid reduction of intact parathyroid hormone over a period of 2–33 months in both groups. While there are limitations as to how our data can be interpreted due to the heterogeneity of the methods and follow‐up of the included case reports and case series, prompt and consistent therapy including cinacalcet may help improve the disease outcome. Additional research needs to be performed in this area, to further define the optimal use of cinacalcet for the treatment of calciphylaxis.
Demand complementarities and cross‐country price differences
Authors: Murphy Daniel
Published: January 2019

Empirical studies document that markups vary across destinations. This paper proposes a novel mechanism to explain variation in markups: consumers’ utility from final goods and services depends on their consumption of complementary goods and services. In countries with more complementary goods and services, consumer demand is less elastic, enabling monopolistically competitive firms to charge higher prices. The paper provides empirical evidence documenting a dependence of prices on demand complementarities.