bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Poly(ADP-ribose) mediates bioenergetic defects and redox imbalance in neurons following oxygen and glucose deprivation
Authors: Hossain M Iqbal , Lee Jun Hee , Gagné Jean-Philippe , Khan Junaid , Poirier Guy G , King Peter H , Dawson Valina L , Dawson Ted M , Andrabi Shaida A
Published: May 2023

PARP-1 over-activation results in cell death via excessive PAR generation in different cell types, including neurons following brain ischemia. Glycolysis, mitochondrial function, and redox balance are key cellular processes altered in brain ischemia. Studies show that PAR generated after PARP-1 over-activation can bind hexokinase-1 (HK-1) and result in glycolytic defects and subsequent mitochondrial dysfunction. HK-1 is the neuronal hexokinase and catalyzes the first reaction of glycolysis, converting glucose to glucose-6-phosphate (G6P), a common substrate for glycolysis, and the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP). PPP is critical in maintaining NADPH and GSH levels via G6P dehydrogenase activity. Therefore, defects in HK-1 will not only decrease cellular bioenergetics but will also cause redox imbalance due to the depletion of GSH. In brain ischemia, whether PAR-mediated inhibition of HK-1 results in bioenergetics defects and redox imbalance is not known. We used oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) in mouse cortical neurons to mimic brain ischemia in neuronal cultures and observed that PARP-1 activation via PAR formation alters glycolysis, mitochondrial function, and redox homeostasis in neurons. We used pharmacological inhibition of PARP and adenoviral-mediated overexpression of wild-type HK-1 (wtHK-1) and PAR-binding mutant HK-1 (pbmHK-1). Our data show that PAR inhibition or overexpression of HK-1 significantly improves glycolysis, mitochondrial function, redox homeostasis, and cell survival in mouse cortical neurons exposed to OGD. These results suggest that PAR binding and inhibition of HK-1 during OGD drives bioenergetic defects in neurons due to inhibition of glycolysis and impairment of mitochondrial function.
Purification and biochemical characterization of the DNA binding domain of the nitrogenase transcriptional activator NifA fromGluconacetobacter diazotrophicus
Authors: Standke Heidi G. , Kim Lois , Owens Cedric P.
Published: May 2023

NifA is a σ54activator that turns on bacterial nitrogen fixation under reducing conditions and when fixed cellular nitrogen levels are low. The redox sensing mechanism in α-proteobacterial NifA is poorly understood. In this work, we examine if a Cys pair that is part of a C(X)5C motif and located immediately upstream of NifA’s DNA binding domain is involved in redox sensing in NifA from the α-proteobacteriumGluconacetobacter diazotrophicus(Gd). We hypothesize that the Cys residues’ redox state may directly influence the DNA binding domain’s DNA binding affinity and/or alter the protein’s oligomeric sate. Two DNA binding domain constructs were generated, a longer construct (2C-DBD), consisting of the DNA binding domain with the upstream Cys pair, and a shorter construct (NC-DBD) that lacks the Cys pair. TheKdof NC-DBD for its cognate DNA sequence (nifH-UAS) is equal to 20.0 μM. TheKdof 2C-DBD for nifH-UAS when the Cys pair is oxidized is 34.5 μM. Reduction of the disulfide bond does not change the DNA binding affinity. Additional experiments indicate that the redox state of the Cys residues does not influence the secondary structure or oligomerization state of the NifA DNA binding domain. Together, these results demonstrate that the Cys pair upstream of the DNA binding domain ofGd-NifA does not regulate DNA binding or domain dimerization in a redox dependent manner. This suggests that other Cys residues in NifA, such as those located in the central AAA+domain, are responsible for redox sensing.
Differentiation and quality control of smooth muscle cells from human pluripotent stem cells via the neural crest lineage
Authors: Holt Peter J. , Davaapil Hongorzul , Shetty Deeti K. , Jacob Aishwarya G. , Sinha Sanjay
Published: May 2023

The Sinha laboratory has developed protocols for differentiating human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) into vascular smooth muscle cells along developmental lineage-specific pathways. In development, paraxial mesoderm (PM), lateral plate mesoderm (LM) and neural crest (NC) linages each give rise to smooth muscle cells significant in a location-specific manner. Induced PSCs derived from patients enduring disease provide a platform from which disease-relevant cell models can be established in the laboratory. Here we describe a robust protocol for differentiating hPSCs into vascular smooth muscle cells via a neural crest lineage and the control steps required to ensure consistently high-quality differentiated cells.
Bragg coherent diffraction imaging with the CITIUS charge-integrating detector
Authors: Grimes Michael , Pauwels Kristof , Schülli Tobias U. , Martin Thierry , Fajardo Pablo , Douissard Paul-Antoine , Kocsis Menyhert , Nishino Haruki , Ozaki Kyosuke , Honjo Yoshiaki , Nishiyama Hiraki Toshiyuki , Joti Yasumasa , Hatsui Takaki , Levi Mor , Rabkin Eugen , Leake Steven J. , Richard Marie-Ingrid
Published: May 2023

The CITIUS detector is a next-generation high-speed X-ray imaging detector. It has integrating-type pixels and is designed to show a consistent linear response at a frame rate of 17.4 kHz, which results in a saturation count rate of over 30 Mcps pixel−1 when operating at an acquisition duty cycle close to 100%, and up to 20 times higher with special extended acquisition modes. Here, its application for Bragg coherent diffraction imaging is demonstrated by taking advantage of the fourth-generation Extremely Brilliant Source of the European Synchrotron (ESRF-EBS, Grenoble, France). The CITIUS detector outperformed a photon-counting detector, similar spatial resolution being achieved (20 ± 6 nm versus 22 ± 9 nm) with greatly reduced acquisition times (23 s versus 200 s). It is also shown how the CITIUS detector can be expected to perform during dynamic Bragg coherent diffraction imaging measurements. Finally, the current limitations of the CITIUS detector and further optimizations for coherent imaging techniques are discussed.
Conceptual design of a new experimental setup to simulate aircraft tyre spin-up dynamics
Authors: Mahjouri Saeed , Shabani Rasoul , Skote Martin
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The first touchdown moment of aircraft tyres on a runway is the critical phase where maximum of the vertical and horizontal ground loads is produced. Some valuable drop tests have been performed at Langley research centre to simulate the touchdown and the spin-up dynamics. However, a long impact basin and a huge power source to accelerate and decelerate the landing gear mechanism have been used. Based on a centrifugal mechanism, the purpose of this paper is to propose the conceptual design of a new experimental setup to simulate the spin-up dynamics.

Design/methodology/approach

A schematic view of the proposed mechanism is presented, and its components are introduced. Operating condition of the system and the test procedure are discussed in detail. Finally, tyre spin-up dynamics of Boeing 747 is considered as a case study, and operating condition of the system and the related test parameters are extracted.

Findings

It is shown that the aircraft tyre spin-up dynamics can be simulated in a limited laboratory space with low energy consumption. The proposed setup enables the approach velocity, sink rate and vertical ground load to be adjusted by low power actuators. Hence, the proposed mechanism can be used to simulate the tyre spin-up dynamics of different types of aircraft.

Research limitations/implications

It is important to note that more details of the setup, including the braking and actuating mechanisms together with their control procedures, should be clarified in practice. In addition, the curved path introduced as the runway will cause errors in the results. Hence, a compromise should be made between the tyre pressure, path curvature, the induced error and the cost of the experimental setup.

Practical implications

The proposed experimental setup could be constructed in a limited space and at a relatively low cost. Low power actuators are used in the proposed system. Hence, in addition to the performance tests, fatigue tests of the landing gear mechanism will also be possible.

Originality/value

Based on a centrifugal mechanism, the conceptual design of a new experimental setup is presented for simulating the tyre spin-up dynamics of aircraft. Considering that the drag load developed during tyre spin-up following initial touchdown is an important factor governing the design of the landing gear mechanism and aircraft structure, the authors hope this paper encourages engineers to continuously make efforts to increase the transparency of the touchdown process, enabling optimisation of landing gear design.
Economic effects of sustainable agri-food production in Taiwan: Does spatial agglomeration make a difference?
Authors: Chang Yun-Cih , Luh Yir-Hueih , Hsieh Ming-Feng
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This study investigates the economic outcomes of organic farming controlling for the four major aspects of a cropping system, including climate, genotypes, management and soil. Considering possible variations in treatment responses, this study also presents empirical evidence of heterogeneous treatment effects associated with spatial agglomeration or farm covariates.

Design/methodology/approach

Rice farm households data taken from the 2015 Agriculture Census is merged with township-level seasonal weather data, crop suitability index and average income per capita in Taiwan. To address the selection bias problem, the authors apply the Probit-2SLS instrumental variable (IV) method in the binary treatment model under homogeneous and heterogeneous assumptions.

Findings

It is found that organic farming leads to a significantly positive effect on rice farms' economic performances in terms of cost reduction and profit growth. This positive treatment effect is more sizable with spatial agglomeration. Furthermore, the treatment effect of organic farming is found to vary with the farm characteristics such as farmland area and the number of hired workers.

Practical implications

Two important implications for the promotion of sustainable agri-food production are inferred: (1) establishing organic agriculture specialized zones may benefit rural development; (2) providing economic incentives to small farms to expand their scale may be a more effective policy means to promote sustainable agri-food production.

Originality/value

The findings in this study complement the body of knowledge by drawing insights from the agriculture census data and providing profound evidence of the heterogeneous outcomes of organic farming due to spatial clustering and farm covariates.
Women-only training programmes as tools for professional development: analysis and outcomes of a transformative learning process
Authors: Chasserio Stephanie , Bacha Eliane
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Based on the transformative learning theory, this paper analyses a French women-only training programme (WOTP) that aims to develop women’s soft skills in their professional contexts. This paper aims to focus on the process of personal transformation, the collective dimensions and the unexpected effects of the transformation.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper used a mixed qualitative design that mainly combines a qualitative two-step study of 47 women to assess their personal changes in terms of self-confidence, self-efficacy and assertiveness. This paper used 13 semi-structured interviews to explore the perceived changes in-depth.

Findings

The analysis shows that beyond “fixing their lack of skills” – including self-limiting behaviours, low feelings of self-efficacy and difficulty claiming one’s place – a WOTP can trigger a transformational learning experience at the individual level and can modify the surveyed women’s attitudes and behaviours at work. The results also highlight the collective dimension of transformation and, to some extent, an avenue for a societal transformation.

Practical implications

One can state that these WOTPs may positively contribute to human resources development in organisations, and that they may be considered a relevant practice in the move to promote women and gender diversity in organisations.

Originality/value

The findings reveal that, at their individual levels, these women may become agents of change by influencing and acting in their professional lives. The results stress that training women may contribute to organisational changes in terms of gender diversity. These findings contribute to the enrichment of the transformative learning theory by developing the collective and societal dimensions.
Smart home cybersecurity awareness and behavioral incentives
Authors: Douha N’guessan Yves-Roland , Renaud Karen , Taenaka Yuzo , Kadobayashi Youki
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Smart-home security involves multilayered security challenges related to smart-home devices, networks, mobile applications, cloud servers and users. However, very few studies focus on smart-home users. This paper aims to fill this gap by investigating the potential interests of adult smart-home users in cybersecurity awareness training and nonfinancial rewards that may encourage them to adopt sound cybersecurity practices.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 423 smart-home users between the ages of 25 and 64 completed a survey questionnaire for this study, with 224 participants from Japan and 199 from the UK.

Findings

Cultural factors considerably influence adult smart-home users’ attitudes toward cybersecurity. Specifically, cultural differences impact their willingness to participate in cybersecurity awareness training, their views on the importance of cybersecurity training for children and senior citizens and their preference for nonfinancial rewards as an incentive for good cybersecurity behavior. These results highlight the need to consider cultural differences and their potential impact when developing and implementing cybersecurity programs that target smart-home users.

Practical implications

This research has two main implications. First, it provides insights for information security professionals on the importance of designing cost-effective and time-efficient cybersecurity awareness training programs for smart-home users. Second, the findings may assist governments in establishing nonfinancial incentives to encourage greater uptake of cybersecurity practices among smart-home users.

Originality/value

The paper investigates whether adult smart-home users are willing to spend time and money to engage in cybersecurity awareness training and to encourage their children and elderly parents to participate in training, as well. In addition, the paper examines incentives, especially nonfinancial rewards, that may motivate adult smart-home users to adopt cybersecurity behaviors at home. Furthermore, the paper analyses demographic differences among smart-home users in Japan and the UK.
Substation technology selection for environment efficient power distribution system in India: an integrated AHP-TOPSIS-based approach
Authors: Trivedi Ashish , Tyagi Amit , Chichi Ouissal , Kumar Sanjeev , Trivedi Vibha
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This study aims to provide a scientific framework for the selection of suitable substation technology in an electrical power distribution network.

Design/methodology/approach

The present paper focuses on adopting an integrated multi-criteria decision-making approach using the Delphi method, analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS). The AHP is used to ascertain the criteria weights, and the TOPSIS is used for choosing the most fitting technology among choices of air-insulated substation, gas-insulated substation (GIS) and hybrid substation, to guarantee educated and supported choice.

Findings

The results reveal that the GIS is the most preferred technology by area experts, considering all the criteria and their relative preferences.

Practical implications

The current research has implications for public and private organizations responsible for the management of electricity in India, particularly the distribution system as the choice of substations is an essential component that has a strong impact on the smooth functioning and performance of the energy distribution in the country. The implementation of the chosen technology not only reduces economic losses but also contributes to the reduction of power outages, minimization of energy losses and improvement of the reliability, security, stability and quality of supply of the electrical networks.

Social implications

The study explores the impact of substation technology installation in terms of its economic and environmental challenges. It emphasizes the need for proper installation checks to avoid long-term environmental hazards. Further, it reports that the economic benefits should not come at the cost of ecological degradation.

Originality/value

The present study is the first to provide a decision support framework for the selection of substation technologies using the hybrid AHP-TOPSIS approach. It also provides a cost–benefit analysis with short-term and long-term horizons. It further pinpoints the environmental issues with the installation of substation technology.
Banking system stability in the MENA region: the impact of market power and capital requirements on banks’ risk-taking behavior
Authors: Mateev Miroslav , Nasr Tarek
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the impact of capital requirements and bank competition on banks' risk-taking behavior in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

Design/methodology/approach

The study combines both descriptive and analytical approaches. It considers panel data sets and adopts panel data econometric techniques like fixed effects/random effects and generalized method of moments estimator.

Findings

Regulatory capital and market competition have different effects according to the bank’s type (Islamic or conventional). The results show that the capital adequacy ratio has a significant impact on the credit risk of conventional banks (CBs) while this effect is irrelevant for Islamic banks (IBs). However, market competition plays a significant role in shaping risk-taking behavior of Islamic banking institutions. Our results indicate that banks with strong market power may pursue risky strategies in the face of increased regulatory pressure (e.g. increased minimum capital requirements). The results were robust to alternative profitability measures and endogeneity checks.

Research limitations/implications

The most important limitation is the lack of data for some banks and years, and this paper had to exclude some variables because of missing observations. The second limitation concerns the number of IBs in the sample. However, this can be overcome by including more countries from MENA and other regions where Islamic banking is a growing phenomenon.

Practical implications

Our findings call for a change in Islamic banking’s traditional business model based on the prohibition of interest. The analysis indicates that market concentration moderates the association between capital requirements and the insolvency risk of IBs but not CBs. Therefore, regulatory authorities concerned with improving financial stability in the MENA region should set up their policies differently depending on the level of banking market concentration. Finally, bank managers are requested to apply a more disciplined approach to their lending decisions and build sufficient capital conservation buffers to limit the impact of downside risk from the depletion of capital buffers during the pandemic.

Originality/value

This study addresses banks’ risk-taking behavior and stability in the MENA region, which includes banks of different types (Islamic and conventional). This paper also contributes to the literature on bank stability by identifying the most critical factors that affect bank risk and stability in the MENA region, which can be relevant in the context of the new global (COVID-19) crisis.
Happy 20-year anniversary non-GAAP earnings: a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Brosnan Mark , Duncan Keith , Hasso Tim , Hollindale Janice
Published: May 2023

Purpose

It has been two decades since the first academic paper shone a spotlight on non-GAAP earnings. The past 20 years of research investigates concerns over the misuse of these disclosures and resulted in some significant changes to accounting and reporting standards across the globe. This paper aims to document the history of non-GAAP reporting and outline the emerging themes of the now matured practice of non-GAAP reporting.

Design/methodology/approach

This systematic literature review searches two popular databases to identify the academic publications relating to non-GAAP reporting between 2002 and 2022. The paper uses bibliographic mapping to present the key statistics of the non-GAAP reporting field of research.

Findings

The non-GAAP reporting environment started out as the “wild West’ but, through regulation and public awareness, emerged as an important supplement to the traditional outputs of financial reporting. Current consensus is recent non-GAAP earnings are informative to users but there is lack of research into qualitative non-GAAP disclosures and the vast body of archival research needs triangulating with more experimental studies.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the literature by documenting the past 20 years of non-GAAP reporting and identifying the important existing and emerging research areas concerning non-GAAP earnings disclosures.
Australian initial public offerings and US venture capital: different structures for similar early-stage funding?
Authors: Marsh Terry , Gilbey Kylie Jennifer
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) initial public offerings (IPOs) are an important source of early-stage capital and have also driven a substantial increase in main-board listed companies post-millennium. By contrast, Australian venture capital (VC) funding has remained largely dormant. The opposite has occurred in the US: IPOs have fallen by half, and VC funding has surged. The authors examine the reason for this divergence between ASX IPO and US VC systems that, with their supporting ecosystems, have many features in common and function similarly. The authors explore the potential factors that could explain the US VC surge vis-à-vis Australia's VC stagnation.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors’ analysis is predominantly qualitative. The authors describe the Australian listing process and its similar features and functions as for the prototypical VC. The authors also describe the developments in US VC driving its recent exceptional surge and highlight that such developments have not yet materialised on the Australian scene, where early-stage IPOs have served as a substitute.

Findings

The ASX's structure and ecosystem have been critical to its success in fostering early-stage main-board listings. While the US has succeeded in alternatively growing VC, there is an increasing concern that the latter has occurred partially because valuations are stretched, tax concessions for carried-interest capital gains are too high and corporate control benefits are becoming increasingly diluted. These developments could have important implications for Australia, where VC structures are currently being reviewed.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no prior study has attempted to bridge the broad differences in IPO and VC funding trends for early-stage companies in Australia and the USA.
Do cultural differences affect the quality of financial reporting in the EU? An analysis of Western EU countries vis a vis Eastern EU countries
Authors: Mamatzakis Emmanuel C. , Neri Lorenzo , Russo Antonella
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This study aims to examine the impact of national culture on classification shifting in Eastern European Member States of EU Eastern European countries (EEU) vis-à-vis the Western Member States of EU (WEU). The EEU provides a unique sample to study the quality of financial reporting that the authors measure with classification shifting given that for more than five decades they were following the model of a centrally planned economy, where market-based financial reporting was absent. Yet, the EEU transitioned to a market-based economy and completed its accession to the EU.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a panel data set of firm year observations from 1996 and 2020 that covers the full transition of EEU. This empirical analysis is based on fixed effects panel regression analysis where the authors report a plethora of identifications.

Findings

This study finds classification shifting in the EEU countries since their transition to the market-based economy, though they have no long record of market-based financial reporting. This study also notices that cultural factors are associated with classification shifting across all Member States of the EU. This study further examines the impact of interactions between cultural characteristics and special items and reveal variability between WEU and EEU. As part of the robustness analysis, this study also tests the impact of culture on real earnings management measures for both WEU vs EEU, confirming the variability of the impact of culture on earnings management.

Research limitations/implications

Future research could explore the role of religion differences in WEU vis-à-vis EEU states, as they are also subject to cultural differences.

Practical implications

The findings are important for regulators, external monitors and investors, as they show that cultural factors affect earnings management with some variability across countries in the EU, and they should be acknowledged in policymaking.

Social implications

The findings show that cultural differences between EEU and the “old” Member States of the EU could explain classification shifting.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that sheds light on the impact of national culture on classification shifting in EEU of EU vis-à-vis the “old” WEU of EU.
Emotional well-being and performance of middle leaders: the role of organisational trust in early childhood education
Authors: Yu Dongqing , Chen Junjun
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The current study investigated the impact of organisational trust on emotional well-being and performance of middle leaders during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

A convenience sample of 265 middle leaders in kindergartens in China responded involving trust in schools (e.g. trust in principal and trust in colleagues), emotional well-being and job performance. Both confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling (SEM) were used in the investigation.

Findings

Three hypotheses on the relationships between the three constructs were verified. Trust in schools significantly influenced emotional well-being and job performance of middle leaders which correlated with each other. The interactive effects of trust in principal and trust in colleagues were discussed for improving the well-being and job performance of middle leaders. Relationships between the two kinds of trust and pride were also identified in the research.

Research limitations/implications

Further studies may put efforts towards improving these three outcomes synchronously.

Practical implications

Based on the evidence of the current study, future research may focus on how middle leaders act as a bridging role between different stakeholders such as principal and teachers, principal and parents, teachers and children, meanwhile how to boost the leaders' own well-being and performance in the early childhood education (ECE).

Originality/value

This study established the empirical linkages between school trusts, emotional well-being and job performance.
Does blacklisting cause a boomerang effect in combating illicit financial flows? Evidence from developing countries
Authors: Yeo Nibontenin , Ahizi Dorcas Amon , Coulibaly Salifou Kigbajah
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Tax evasion and money laundering have become important sources of illicit financial flows in developing countries. Foreign capital flows used by shell corporates are generally with no real economic activities but motivated by harmful tax practices, thereby inducing loss of revenue for developing countries. Despite the coercive actions, such as backlisting of noncooperative jurisdictions to anti-money laundering and countering terrorism financing standards, illicit financial activities are still eroding the tax base in developing countries. The purpose of the paper is to assess the blacklisting effectiveness as a coercive policy against illicit financial activities.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper applies a propensity score matching strategy to a sample of 118 developing jurisdictions from 2009 to 2017 to evaluate changes in illicit financial activities following the blacklisting.

Findings

The results show that rather than altering illicit inflows in blacklisted countries, financial restrictions have produced the inverse, causing a boomerang effect on financial crime activities. The illicit share of capital inflows increases on average by 6 percentage points and 0.7% of GDP following the blacklisting. These results are robust to alternative matching methods and to the hidden bias problem.

Originality/value

Most of the previous research analyzed the link between blacklisting and fiscal revenues. However, here, the study analyzes whether blacklisting makes countries more cooperative in terms of fighting illicit financial flows.
Islamic financial development & economic growth: the emergence of Islamic financial market in Pakistan
Authors: Naz Syeda Arooj , Gulzar Saqib
Published: May 2023

Purpose

The impact of Islamic finance on economic growth is an ongoing debate. The purpose of this study is to empirically evaluate how the development of Islamic finance affects the long- and short-run economic growth of Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

The institutional variables, Islamic banking development (IBD), Islamic bond market development (IBM) and Islamic stock market development (ISM), are considered as measures of Islamic financial development, and real gross domestic product (GDP) is taken as measurement proxy of economic growth. The quarter time series data from Q1:2006 to Q4:2021 is analyzed through Autoregressive distributed lag model, Bounds test, ECM and Pairwise granger causality test.

Findings

The findings of this study indicate that in the long run, there is a significant and positive correlation between IBD and ISM with the real GDP, though ISM negatively cointegrated with real GDP in the short run. In contrast, IBM and real GDP did not find cointegrated in the long run, though the relationship is significant but negative in the short run.

Practical implications

The findings highlight Islamic financial development in Pakistan can contribute to the country's economic development, and this can be achieved by improving the infrastructure, increasing skilled professionals, creating a favorable legal environment and ensuring financial sector stability. Investors can diversify their investments and mitigate risk by adding Islamic financial instruments to their portfolios.

Originality/value

This pioneering study simultaneously measures the cause and effect relationship between Islamic financial development indicators (Islamic banking, Islamic bond and Islamic stock) and economic growth in Pakistan.
Determinants of exit options of venture capitalists: evidence from India
Authors: Gupta Richa , Arora Padmasai
Published: May 2023

Purpose

A critical aspect in venture capital (VC) exiting is the choice of exit mode. This study aims to predict if venture capitalists (VCs) can take the venture capital undertaking public by identifying the impact of investment attributes, market timing and macroeconomic conditions on the choice of mode of exit for VCs.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses logistic regression on a sample of 632 Indian VC-backed firms where VCs exited during the past two decades via initial public offers (IPOs) and other routes, including strategic sale, secondary sale and buyback.

Findings

Results suggest that growth stage investments, larger syndication size and a larger number of IPOs increase the probability of exiting through IPOs, whereas investments in the information technology and information technology-enabled services industry have a higher likelihood of being exited through other routes. Region and gross domestic product are found to be statistically insignificant in predicting the likelihood for a particular mode of exit.

Practical implications

The results have practical implications for VCs as knowledge regarding the influence of investment attributes, market timing and macroeconomic conditions can help them in deciding their exit strategy vis-à-vis mode of exit and can maximize their potential gains. The results also have implications for the potential investors, primarily the public at large and acquirers.

Originality/value

The determinants of VC exit options remain an unexplored area in the Indian context. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the study is the first of its kind that has used investment attributes, market timing and macroeconomic conditions to predict VC exit options in India.
Developing a strategic planning model for developing, monitoring and evaluating digital transformation initiatives: a soft system approach
Authors: Santarsiero Francesco
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This research aims to develop a strategic planning model for developing, monitoring and evaluating digital and sustainable transformation initiatives in organizations. The purpose of this model is to provide a useful tool for managers and practitioners in the field of digital transformation.

Design/methodology/approach

This research draws on the soft systems literature and combines the reference models of the balanced scorecard and the logical framework approach to develop the model. The model identifies the key dimensions to be considered in the planning, monitoring and evaluation phases of a digital transformation initiative

Findings

This research makes important theoretical and practical contributions to the literature on digital transformation. This study enriches the literature and proposes a model that is useful both in the strategic planning phase and in the ex-post evaluation. The model identifies the key dimensions to be considered in the planning phase of a digital transformation initiative and describes the dimensions to be taken into account when monitoring the development of the initiative and the final evaluation of the impact achieved.

Originality/value

This model is original in its approach, as it draws on the soft systems literature and combines the reference models of the balanced scorecard and the logical framework approach. The model provides a useful tool for managers and practitioners that has normative and prescriptive value. The research makes important contributions to the literature on digital transformation by proposing a model that considers both the theoretical and practical aspects of digital transformation initiatives.
Board diversity and systematic risk: evidence from emerging markets
Authors: Daniel-Vasconcelos Victor , Crisóstomo Vicente Lima , Ribeiro Maisa de Souza
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the association between board diversity and systematic risk. The theoretical framework used in this study is based on agency and resource dependency theories.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a panel data set of 788 firms listed in the Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) Emerging Markets index from 2015 to 2020, the authors apply Panel-Corrected Standard Error estimation method to test the three proposed hypotheses and the two-stage least squares method is adopted for the endogenous test.

Findings

The results suggest that board-specific skills diversity (BSSD) and board independence (BIND) have a negative impact on systematic risk. On the other hand, board gender diversity does not affect systematic risk. The findings reinforce the relevance of board diversity for reducing systematic risk and offer valuable insights for policymakers and investors, suggesting that the presence of directors with specific skills and independent directors could reduce firms’ systematic risk.

Research limitations/implications

The study extends the scope of agency and resource dependency theories by suggesting that the BSSD and BIND reduce agency costs and bring critical resources to the firm’s survival.

Practical implications

The findings support policymakers and managers in reducing systematic risk. In addition, the results demonstrate the importance of policies that encourage board diversity and BIND.

Social implications

The study demonstrates how companies can reduce systematic risk through board diversity and BIND.

Originality/value

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the association between board diversity and systematic risk only in emerging markets.
3D-Printed models for left atrial appendage occlusion planning: a detailed workflow
Authors: Stomaci Tommaso , Buonamici Francesco , Gelati Giacomo , Meucci Francesco , Carfagni Monica
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) is a structural interventional cardiology procedure that offers several possibilities for the application of additive manufacturing technologies. The literature shows a growing interest in the use of 3D-printed models for LAAO procedure planning and occlusion device choice. This study aims to describe a full workflow to create a 3D-printed LAA model for LAAO procedure planning.

Design/methodology/approach

The workflow starts with the patient’s computed tomography diagnostic image selection. Segmentation in a commercial software provides initial geometrical models in standard tessellation language (STL) format that are then preprocessed for print in dedicated software. Models are printed using a commercial stereolithography machine and postprocessing is performed.

Findings

Models produced with the described workflow have been used at the Careggi Hospital of Florence as LAAO auxiliary planning tool in 10 cases of interest, demonstrating a good correlation with state-of-the-art software for device selection and improving the surgeon’s understanding of patient anatomy and device positioning.

Originality/value

3D-printed models for the LAAO planning are already described in the literature. The novelty of the article lies in the detailed description of a robust workflow for the creation of these models. The robustness of the method is demonstrated by the coherent results obtained for the 10 different cases studied.
Using participative techniques to mediate power relationships between the researcher and child participant
Authors: Greyson Cheryl , Spear Sara
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This study aims to explore how power dynamics affect research with children, focusing on how the projected and perceived role of the researcher and the use of participative techniques, can mediate power relationships between the researcher and child, and impact children’s agency.

Design/methodology/approach

The research formed part of a wider study on children’s digital device use, with children aged 4 to 11 in a UK school. Eight pairs of children participated in buddy interviews, completing several creative and arts-based activities using a choice of equipment and materials, including PlayDoh, LEGO and most innovatively, Minecraft.

Findings

The study found the researcher’s projected role, and children’s interpretation of this, impacted the power relations in the interviews. A consistent projection was challenging however, and it was necessary for the researcher to adapt their role according to children’s needs and behaviour. Offering children a choice of activities was an effective power sharing strategy, and children’s absorption in these tasks provided a wealth of data from observations and children’s on-task “chatter”.

Originality/value

Using Minecraft as a participative method enabled the children to use their superior technical abilities to take power in the interview, and show their own personal geographies virtually in 3D, and offers potential for other qualitative researchers in conducting research with the agentic child.
Rosavin protects the blood–brain barrier against ischemia/reperfusion‐induced cerebral injury by regulating MAPK‐mediated MMPs pathway
Authors: Zou Hongyun , Li Lei , Yang Zhilai , Tang Lili , Wang Chunhui
Published: May 2023

Ischemia–reperfusion (I/R) injury is a common pathophysiological condition in ischemic stroke, involving various pathophysiological events, such as inflammation, cytotoxicity, neuronal loss and disruption of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). Rosavin is the major bioactive ingredient of Rhodiola Rosea L. with multiple therapeutic effects. The purpose of this was to investigate the role of rosavin in I/R‐induced cerebral injury. A cell oxygen–glucose deprivation and reoxygenation (OGD/R) model and a mouse middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model were established to induce I/R injury in vitro and in vivo, respectively. MCAO‐treated mice and OGD/R‐challenged human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMVECs) were administrated with or without rosavin at various concentrations. Rosavin‐treated mice showed reduced infarct volume, neuronal loss and neuronal cytotoxicity in I/R‐injured brains. Rosavin treatment downregulated the expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines, reduced apoptosis and inhibited the activation of nuclear factor κ B in I/R‐injured mice and HBMVECs. Administration with rosavin also alleviated mouse brain oedema and upregulated tight junction proteins in mouse brains after I/R injury, suggesting that rosavin protected mice against I/R‐induced BBB disruption. Further analysis revealed that rosavin reduced the BBB permeability in I/R‐injured mice and HBMVECs by inhibiting autophagy. Moreover, rosavin intervention inhibited I/R injury‐induced activation of the mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway and upregulation of matrix metalloproteinases in both mouse and cell models. In conclusion, rosavin protects the BBB against I/R injury possibly by regulating the MAPK pathway. The above results provide a rationale for further exploration of rosavin as a therapeutic candidate for cerebral I/R injury.
Phylogenetic distance–decay patterns are not explained by local community assembly processes in freshwater lake microbial communities
Authors: Gu Yian , Li Zhidan , Lei Peng , Wang Rui , Xu Hong , Friman Ville‐Petri
Published: May 2023

While water and sediment microbial communities exhibit pronounced spatio‐temporal patterns in freshwater lakes, the underlying drivers are yet poorly understood. Here, we evaluated the importance of spatial and temporal variation in abiotic environmental factors for bacterial and microeukaryotic community assembly and distance–decay relationships in water and sediment niches in Hongze Lake. By sampling across the whole lake during both Autumn and Spring sampling time points, we show that only bacterial sediment communities were governed by deterministic community assembly processes due to abiotic environmental drivers. Nevertheless, consistent distance–decay relationships were found with both bacterial and microeukaryotic communities, which were relatively stable with both sampling time points. Our results suggest that spatio‐temporal variation in environmental factors was important in explaining mainly bacterial community assembly in the sediment, possibly due lesser disturbance. However, clear distance–decay patterns emerged also when the community assembly was stochastic. Together, these results suggest that abiotic environmental factors do not clearly drive the spatial structuring of lake microbial communities, highlighting the need to understand the role of other potential drivers, such as spatial heterogeneity and biotic species interactions.
Complexation of starch and phenolic compounds during food processing and impacts on the release of phenolic compounds
Authors: Wang Ruibin , Li Ming , Brennan Margaret Anne , Dhital Sushil , Kulasiri Don , Brennan Charles Stephen , Guo Boli
Published: May 2023

Phenolic compounds can form complexes with starch during food processing, which can modulate the release of phenolic compounds in the gastrointestinal tract and regulate the bioaccessibility of phenolic compounds. The starch–phenolic complexation is determined by the structure of starch, phenolic compounds, and the food processing conditions. In this review, the complexation between starch and phenolic compounds during (hydro)thermal and nonthermal processing is reviewed. A hypothesis on the complexation kinetics is developed to elucidate the mechanism of complexation between starch and phenolic compounds considering the reaction time and the processing conditions. The subsequent effects of complexation on the physicochemical properties of starch, including gelatinization, retrogradation, and digestion, are critically articulated. Further, the release of phenolic substances and the bioaccessibility of different types of starch–phenolics complexes are discussed. The review emphasizes that the processing‐induced structural changes of starch are the major determinant modulating the extent and manner of complexation with phenolic compounds. The controlled release of complexes formed between phenolic compounds and starch in the digestive tracts can modify the functionality of starch‐based foods and, thus, can be used for both the modulation of glycemic response and the targeted delivery of phenolic compounds.
Dynamic transition of molecular subtypes in relapsed small cell lung cancer treated with multimodal therapy: A case report
Authors: Yasuda Kengo , Haruki Tomohiro , Miyamoto Tatsuya , Oshima Yuki , Matsui Shinji , Kubouchi Yasuaki , Nakamura Hiroshige
Published: May 2023

Several transcription factors in small cell lung cancer (SCLC), including achaete‐scute homolog 1 (ASCL1) and neurogenic differentiation factor 1 (NEUROD1), contribute to rapid tumor growth and early metastatic dissemination. Recent studies suggested that these molecular subtypes represent neuroendocrine differentiation in dynamic SCLC evolution. In the present case, a 62‐year‐old man was diagnosed with limited disease SCLC originating from the right upper lobe. Biopsy specimens were positive for ASCL1 but negative for NEUROD1. Six months after concurrent chemoradiotherapy and prophylactic cranial irradiation, the primary tumor had regrown and salvage surgery was performed. The pathological diagnosis was recurred SCLC, and postoperative histopathology was positive for both ASCL1 and NEUROD1. The patient was subsequently followed up; however, he had multiple bone metastases 9 months after surgery. It was speculated that the shift to NEUROD1‐high expression in tumor cells surviving concurrent chemoradiation therapy may be related to the poor outcome after combined modality treatment.
Audit partner identification, matching, and the labor market for audit talent
Authors: Deng Mingcherng , Kim Eunhee , Ye Minlei
Published: May 2023

Conventional wisdom suggests that audit engagement partner name disclosure benefits investors by informing them about the partners' performance. However, such public disclosure of the identity of the audit partners may also intensify competition for audit talent in the labor market. To examine the economic consequences of audit partner identification, we build a two‐period model in which an audit firm matches partners to clients. The audit partner identification broadens a partner's outside options in the labor market, making talent retention more costly. If the talent‐retention cost is substantial, audit partner identification may cause an audit firm to adjust its partners' compensation packages and mismatch the partners and clients, which may lead to lower audit quality. Overall, we identify unintended consequences of audit partner identification by examining its impact on the audit labor market, and we provide economic reasons for the mixed empirical findings.