bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Information asymmetry and stock returns
Authors: Goel Anshi , Tripathi Vanita , Agarwal Megha
Published: August 2020

Purpose

This study endeavours to examine the relationship between information asymmetry and expected stock returns at the National Stock Exchange (NSE) of India, with a sample of NIFTY 500 stocks for a period ranging from 1st April 2000 to 31st March 2018, by employing three different proxies of information asymmetry: number of transactions, institutional ownership and idiosyncratic volatility.

Design/methodology/approach

The return differential amongst information-sorted decile portfolios has been assessed to understand the effect of information risk on stock returns by employing (1) traditional measures of performance evaluation like mean, Sharpe,  Treynor and information ratios, (2) regression models like the capital asset pricing (CAPM), Fama and French three-factor, Carhart's four-factor, information-augmented CAPM, information-augmented Fama and French three-factor and information-augmented Carhart's four-factor models and (3) an autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model.

Findings

The empirical evidence indicated that as information asymmetry associated with portfolio increases, returns also expand to recompense investors for bearing information risk validating the existence of a significant positive relationship between information asymmetry and expected stock returns at the NSE. Amongst the various asset pricing models employed in this study, the information-augmented Fama and French three-factor model turned out to be the best in explaining cross-sectional variations in portfolio returns.

Research limitations/implications

Strong information premium was observed such that high information stocks outperformed low information stocks which have strong inference for investors and portfolio managers, who all continuously look out for investment strategies that can lend hand to beat the market.

Originality/value

Easley and O'Hara (2004) proposed that stocks with more information asymmetry have higher expected returns. Very few studies have examined this relationship between information risk and stock returns that too restricted to the US market only, with a few on other emerging markets. No work has been conducted on the concerned issue in the Indian context. Therefore, it seems to be the first study to explore the relationship between information asymmetry and expected stock returns in the Indian securities market.
What we know about management accountants’ changing identities and roles – a systematic literature review
Authors: Wolf Tanja , Kuttner Michael , Feldbauer-Durstmüller Birgit , Mitter Christine
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Academic interest in role changes of management accountants (MAs) has increased during the past two decades. Role changes imply identity reconstructions as they do not only require an external legitimacy, but professionals have to internalize a new role script. Thus, this paper aims to contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the ongoing changes concerning MAs by providing an identity perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper systematically reviews the literature on the changing role of MAs from an identity perspective, based on a conclusive sample of 64 articles.

Findings

This review identified several external factors such as professional associations and educational institutions as well as organizational and individual factors that impact MAs’ identity and act as change drivers. MAs’ identity is linked with their image in the public and within the organization and is challenged by increasing demands, conflicting expectations and technological progress. Hence, the literature sample illustrates a fragmented and contradictory picture regarding the changes of MAs’ identities and roles and displays that the idea of a simple movement from one identity to another is misleading. Furthermore, the identity perspective offers new issues for management accounting research, practice and education such as nested identity, multiple or desired identities.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to review the literature of MAs’ changing identities and roles from an identity perspective. This perspective enables a novel focus on internal views, perceptions and internalized meanings of MAs connected with their role instead of exclusively debating changed external behavior expectations.
Institutional work and implementation of a performance measurement and management system in a developing country
Authors: Siti-Nabiha A.K. , Jurnali Teddy
Published: August 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the actions and activities undertaken by public managers of a local government to institutionalise an externally mandated performance measurement and management (PMM) system in a developing country.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative case study of one of the best-ranked early adopters of PMM in a local government in Indonesia was undertaken, with interviews with public officers at various organisational levels, along with an extensive documentary review. An institutional work perspective was used to explain the types of work undertaken to institutionalise PMM at the organisation.

Findings

The PMM change was shown to be centralised and directed from the top and facilitated by other public officers. The Mayors’ instrumental and political view of PMM as a tool for efficiency and societal legitimacy enabled the adoption of PMM. The political and cultural work of the Mayor and the key officers involved constructing new rules pertaining to PMM, specifically in dealing with resource allocation and its associated sanctions and rewards, which encouraged more substantive implementation. The substantive implementation of PMM had a significant influence on the norms and values of the local government.

Research limitations/implications

The case organisation is the local government of a relatively medium-sized city. Therefore, it may be easier to achieve tighter control and coordination as compared to the local government of other larger cities.

Originality/value

The paper highlights the interrelated nature of institutional work in the creation and disruption of institutions. In addition, the three main types of institutional work, i.e. political, cultural and technical work, are not mutually exclusive. The paper also indicates the processes involved in the implementation of PMM, which unfolds from the establishment of a policy, its impact, and the role of the actors in the process.
Why do consumers procrastinate and what happens next?
Authors: Azimi Shabnam , Milne George R. , Miller Elizabeth G.
Published: August 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the factors leading to and resulting from procrastination under high price uncertainty and provide recommendations for how managers can reduce consumer procrastination, thus decreasing consumer regret, anger and retaliatory behaviors.

Design/methodology/approach

Hypothesized relationships were tested through two scenario-based experiments using student samples. Data was analyzed using general linear model, path analysis and Wald chi-square test.

Findings

Long time limits, price uncertainty and price consciousness, all increase the likelihood of procrastination. Prestige seeking reduces procrastination, but only when time limits are short. When one delays a purchase and later the price of the item gets increased or one makes a purchase and later the price gets further reduced, procrastination and purchase decision both equally can lead to anger, which then increases the probability of exit, voice or word of mouth (WOM); however, procrastination has a much stronger impact than deciding to purchase on self-responsibility and regret, which in turn increases negative WOM.

Research limitations/implications

This paper provides a greater understanding of antecedents and consequences of procrastination as well as the drivers of retaliatory behavior. Further, the findings highlight differential consequences of consumer regret and anger on consumption behaviors.

Practical implications

This paper provides practical suggestions for reducing consumers’ procrastination through leveraging the effects of purchase time limit and price uncertainty in general, and more specifically, for prestige-seeker and price conscious consumers. The findings provide evidence for a silent path from procrastination to retaliation and highlight the importance of possible remedies or interventions by the companies to mitigate consumer emotions resulting from procrastination.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this research is the first to apply temporal motivation theory in the context of consumer behavior under price uncertainty, and examine consequences of consumer procrastination in terms of thoughts, feelings and retaliatory behavior.
Children witnessing domestic violence
Authors: Dodaj Arta
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Witnessing domestic violence is a common experience among children, but has only recently been recognized as a specific form of abuse. The purpose of this paper is to present a review of the researchers who have examined the experience of children witnessing domestic violence.

Design/methodology/approach

Research papers related to witnessing domestic violence and published in leading academic journals in the UK and abroad from January 1980 to September 2018 were identified and reviewed.

Findings

Although there were some inconsistent findings, it was found that most of the available research suggests that witnessing domestic violence is prevalent among children and recognized today as a form of abuse. Results from analyzed studies identified high rates of psychological problems among children exposed to witnessing domestic violence. Furthermore, there is evidence that a variety of child and parent characteristics are important to more fully understand what influences have on exposure children’s witnessing domestic violence. In the end, this data emphasize that to be successful, access is essential to the places where the risks for the occurrence of this form of abuse is most evident, in the family, working with the child and the parents/caregivers.

Originality/value

This is an original paper which draws on different research about children witnessing domestic violence.
Inventory stickiness, environmental dynamism, financial constraints and survival of new SMEs in China
Authors: Zhu Xuechang , Wang Jingbin , Liu Bin , Di Xiaoyi
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Although the adoption of lean inventory management for performance improvement has been widely recognized, sticky inventory management is still a stopgap measure for new small and medium enterprises (SMEs) against survival risks. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the nonlinear relationship between new SMEs inventory stickiness and venture survival by focusing on the moderating effects of environmental dynamism and financial constraints.

Design/methodology/approach

Classical moderating model is employed to investigate the effects of environmental dynamism and financial constraints on the relationship between inventory stickiness and venture survival. This study uses the accelerated failure time model for survival analysis and tests the relationships based on a large set of new manufacturing SMEs in China over the period from 1999 to 2007.

Findings

The main finding is that inventory stickiness has an inverted U-shaped impact on the likelihood of survival. However, the inflection point of this inverted U-shaped relationship lies at the end of the sample. Further moderation analysis indicates that environmental dynamism positively moderates the inverted U-shaped relationship between inventory stickiness and venture survival, while financial constraints negatively moderate this relationship.

Practical implications

Most new SMEs have great potential to increase the likelihood of survival by improving inventory stickiness before achieving effective lean inventory management. Sticky inventory management can help new SMEs achieve better survival in a dynamic environment. However, new SMEs that are financially constrained should prudently implement sticky inventory management.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the existing understanding about the likelihood of SMEs survival by addressing the role of sticky inventory management. It may be the first study to empirically demonstrate the moderating effect of environmental dynamism and financial constraints on the inverted U-shaped relationship between inventory stickiness and venture survival.
How Michelin-starred chefs are being transformed into social bricoleurs? An online qualitative study of luxury foodservice during the pandemic crisis
Authors: Batat Wided
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to examine response strategies and the change in Michelin-starred chefs' practices to adapt to the global pandemic coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis that has strongly affected the foodservice sector.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted an exploratory qualitative research that used mixed-method, combining online interviews with 12 French Michelin-starred chefs and archival data. A manual thematic analysis method was used to analyze the data and identify relevant themes following an iterative coding process.

Findings

The findings show that Michelin-starred restaurants implement multilevel response strategies by developing dynamic capabilities while playing a social role through the development of new forms of business practices. The results show that Michelin-starred chefs adopt social bricolage entrepreneurial thinking to deal with the extreme situation and use diverse resources and response strategies to tackle social issues and improve the collective and individual well-being. The authors identified three major response strategies implemented by luxury restaurants: philanthropic activities targeting the well-being of the community, socially responsible business practices to support the foodservice actors and initiatives centered on consumer's food well-being.

Research limitations/implications

The limits of this study are related to the small sample size and the elimination of psychographic criteria such as age and gender, which can extend our understanding of response strategies implemented by female and male owners or by age range during crises in the foodservice sector. Also, given that France is the country of Haute gastronomy, the conclusions of this study may not be generalizable to other countries where the gastronomic culture might be different.

Practical implications

Restaurants with high-end or luxury positioning must use multilevel – i.e. individual, sector and societal – response strategies to play a social role while sustaining their businesses during times of crisis. These insights seek to provide a roadmap which can be applied to other sectors to assess response strategies driven by various motives, resources and capabilities.

Social implications

This research contributes to transformative service research literature by providing insights regarding how service providers can rethink their activities during the crises to play an active social role. Also, the findings point to several ways in which service actors can help customers and the community to improve their well-being.

Originality/value

To our knowledge, no prior research examined both the type of response strategies deployed by companies to survive and the importance of playing a social role and developing socially responsible business practices during times of crisis.
Restrict, clean and protect: signaling consumer safety during the pandemic and beyond
Authors: Bove Liliana L. , Benoit Sabine
Published: August 2020

Purpose

Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, customers fear for their health when interacting with service providers. To mitigate this fear service providers are using safety signals directed to consumers and other stakeholders who make organizational assessments. The purpose of this article is to synthesize the range of safety signals in a framework that integrates signaling theory with servicescape elements so as to provide guidance for service providers to assist in their recovery.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors extracted examples of how service providers signal safety to their consumers that the risk of infection is low in exchanging with their service. These examples were taken from secondary data sources in the form of trade publications resulting from a systematic search and supplemented by an organic search.

Findings

In total 53 unique safety signals were identified and assigned to 24 different categories in our framework. Most of the signals fell into the default and sale independent category, followed by the default contingent revenue risking category.

Originality/value

This study builds on signaling theory and service literature to develop a framework of the range of safety signals currently in use by service providers and offers suggestions as to which are likely to be most effective. Further, a future research inquiry of safety signals is presented, which the authors believe has promise in assisting recovery in a post-pandemic world.
A case study of tri-morbidity
Authors: Player Emily , Clark Emily , Gure-Klinke Heidi , Walker Jennifer , Steel Nick
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to highlight the vulnerability of individuals living with tri-morbidity and the complexity of care required to serve this patient group, moreover to consider how a life course approach may assist.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses a case study of a death of a young male adult experiencing homelessness and tri-morbidity in the UK and comparison of the mortality data for homeless adults in the UK with the general population. A synopsis of the mental health and health inclusion guidance for vulnerable adults is used.

Findings

This paper found the importance of considering a life course approach and the impact of negative life events on individuals living with tri-morbidity and also the role of specialist services to support the complex needs of vulnerable adults including the importance of multi-disciplinary working and holistic care.

Research limitations/implications

The research implications of this study are to consider how individuals living with tri-morbidity fit in to evidence-based care.

Practical implications

The practical implication is to consider that those living with tri-morbidity have extra-ordinary lives often with a high concentration of negative life events. Therefore, an extra-ordinary approach to care maybe needed to ensure health inequalities are reduced.

Social implications

This paper is an important case highlighting health inequalities, specifically mortality, in the homeless population.

Originality/value

This paper is an original piece of work, with real cases discussed but anonymised according to guidance on reporting death case reports.
Association of shift work with depression and anxiety in middle-aged adults: a large cross-sectional study among Iranian industrial manufacturing employees
Authors: Alizadeh Zeinab , Roohafza Hamidreza , Feizi Awat , Sarrafzadegan Nizal
Published: August 2020

Purpose

This study aimed to examine the association of shift work with depression and anxiety in a large sample of formal and contractual employees of a mill steel company, Isfahan, Iran.

Design/methodology/approach

This cross-sectional study was performed in 2014 among 3,060 formal and contractual employees of a mill steel company Isfahan, Iran, randomly selected from 16,000 people. Data gathering was done by some validated Iranian version of self-administered questionnaires including, International Physical Activity – Short Form, Effort–Reward Imbalance, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Logistic regression was used as the main statistical method.

Findings

The results showed individuals in the rotating shift compared with day shift had a higher risk of depression (OR: 1.43; 95% CI: 1.12–1.84). Whereas after adjustment for various confounders, this relationship was not significant (OR: 1.19; 95% CI: 0.81–1.76). Anxiety was not associated with shift work, both in crude and adjusted models (OR: 1.08; 95% CI: 0.81–1.44) and (OR: 0.90; 95% CI: 0.67–1.19), respectively.

Research limitations/implications

Owing to the cross-sectional design of this study, cause–effect relationships could not be inferred from our findings. All the data used in the present analysis were collected by self-administered questionnaires.

Practical implications

Although our findings did not show significant association between shift work and mental health, further studies are suggested for obtaining informative data worldwide in this regard among workforce particularly among industrial employees.

Originality/value

Few studies have addressed the effects of shift work on mental health among industrial employees worldwide, and there is no study in developing countries.
Viewpoint: a primer for inclusive service marketing theory
Authors: Kuppelwieser Volker G. , Klaus Phil
Published: August 2020

Purpose

This viewpoint sheds light on an as yet underrepresented consumer group. Considering impaired consumers in our theories would not only change these theories’ meaning but also add variance. These theories would therefore develop from a specific case theory to a broadly acceptable and applicable theory.

Design/methodology/approach

As a viewpoint paper, this work relies on previously published literature and highlights exemplary shortcomings in the servicescape and customer experience theory.

Findings

The paper specifies shortcomings in the current theory development and application. While service marketing scholars consistently consider the normal and representative consumer, changing the customer groups will lead to a broader understanding of consumer behavior.

Originality/value

This paper not only highlights impaired consumers’ different needs and expectations, but also discusses the difference between impairment and disability. Given this distinction, the paper calls for further research on such consumers.
Smart policing service quality: conceptualisation, development and validation
Authors: Ekaabi Maryam Ahmed , Khalid Khalizani , Davidson Ross , Kamarudin Ahmad Haifeez , Preece Christopher
Published: August 2020

Purpose

This study evaluates a multidimensional hierarchical scale of smart policing service quality.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative and quantitative analysis tools were used to develop a smart policing service quality scale based on the integrative psychometric scale development methodology. A multidimensional hierarchical structure was proposed for smart policing service quality; a group of preliminary items selected from literature was used for the qualitative analysis. For data collection, users of smart policing services were selected through the United Arab Emirates (UAE) research centre. Several statistical methods were employed to verify reliability and validity of the construct and nomological validity of the proposed scale.

Findings

A smart policing service quality scale of 23 items was developed based on a hierarchical factor model structure. Nomological testing indicated that overall smart policing service quality is positive and significant, thus contributing to user satisfaction, intention to continue using the system and enhanced quality of life.

Practical implications

This study enables managers to evaluate types of policing quality and effectively implement strategies to address security and sustainability issues that exist currently in smart services.

Originality/value

Previous studies on policing service quality have not sufficiently addressed the role of smart policing service quality; the nature of discussion in this area is primarily based around concepts. The development of the smart policing service quality scale provides a measurement tool for researchers to use to enhance the understanding of smart policing service quality.
Social gains for artisanal agroindustrial producers induced by cooperation and collaboration in agri-food supply chain
Authors: dos Santos Renato Rocha , Guarnieri Patricia
Published: August 2020

Purpose

This study aims to analyze which collective actions (cooperation, coordination and collaboration), present in the supply chain of artisanal products, generate positive effects in terms of social gains.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conduct multiple case studies in the supply chain of seven artisanal agroindustries in the Distrito Federal, Brazil. The data were collected through interviews, documental analysis and direct observation. The data were analyzed using the content analysis technique proposed by Bardin (1977). With priori and a posteriori analytical categories, it was possible to conduct: a detailed analysis of the current situation of artisanal agroindustries regarding collective actions from the perspective of supplier/supplier and supplier/client and a detailed analysis for the possible effects of collective actions that impact the supply chain and the indicators of social sustainability of artisanal agroindustries.

Findings

The results indicate that cooperation and collaboration have contributed positively in the transactions of the products of the artisanal agroindustries, reflecting in social gains for the producing families. In this context, some collective actions can be highlighted as follows: the collective commercial spaces, the demonstration spaces of the artisan products in the clients’ environment, the prospecting of improvements from the final consumers, the face-to-face meetings with the suppliers, the product dissemination by the customer, the joint marketing actions and the rationalization of transportation logistics.

Research limitations/implications

The study used a qualitative approach and findings and discussion are inherently interpretative and cannot be generalized.

Practical implications

This study can contribute to researchers and practitioners interested in collective actions contributing to the incrementation of social responsibility in agri-food supply chains.

Social implications

Understanding how the collective actions support the inclusion of smallholding and artisanal producers in agri-food supply chains can help policymakers and managers to implement initiatives related to social responsibility, which can be measured using social indicators. This creates a social benefit through rural growth and economic development, generation of income and social productive inclusion of the artisanal producers in larger agri-food supply chains.

Originality/value

For the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first paper approaching collective actions as the main source of incrementation of social benefits, which can measure the incrementation of social responsibility in agri-food supply chains.
Collaborating to deliver value in health care: exploring conditions required for successful healthcare and life science sector collaboration
Authors: Rees Daniel J. , Bates Victoria , Thomas Roderick A. , Brooks Simon B. , Laing Hamish , Davies Gareth H. , Williams Michael , Phillips Leighton , Dwivedi Yogesh K.
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The UK Government-funded National Health Service (NHS) is experiencing significant pressures because of the complexity of challenges to, and demands of, health-care provision. This situation has driven government policy level support for transformational change initiatives, such as value-based health care (VBHC), through closer alignment and collaboration across the health-care system-life science sector nexus. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the necessary antecedents to collaboration in VBHC through a critical exploration of the existing literature, with a view to establishing the foundations for further development of policy, practice and theory in this field.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review was conducted via searches on Scopus and Google Scholar between 2009 and 2019 for peer-reviewed articles containing keywords and phrases “Value-based healthcare industry” and “healthcare industry collaboration”. Refinement of the results led to the identification of “guiding conditions” (GCs) for collaboration in VBHC.

Findings

Five literature-derived GCs were identified as necessary for the successful implementation of initiatives such as VBHC through system-sector collaboration. These are: a multi-disciplinarity; use of appropriate technological infrastructure; capturing meaningful metrics; understanding the total cycle-of-care; and financial flexibility. This paper outlines research opportunities to empirically test the relevance of the five GCs with regard to improving system-sector collaboration on VBHC.

Originality/value

This paper has developed a practical and constructive framework that has the potential to inform both policy and further theoretical development on collaboration in VBHC.
The influence of Senge’s book The Fifth Discipline on an academic career: a research journey into the learning organization and some personal reflections
Authors: Goh Swee Chua
Published: August 2020

Purpose

In this paper, the author explores his research journey into the learning organization and its impact on his academic career. This paper describes how Peter Senge’s bookThe Fifth Discipline: The Art and Practice of The Learning Organization(1990) was the spark that led to the author’s focus on empirical research in the field.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper provides author’s personal reflections on how this decision put him on a path to a variety of serendipitous experiences, exciting research areas and also enabled him to engage in productive collaborative research with many of his colleagues.

Findings

The findings conclude with a discussion on what the author see as new challenges and perspectives for advancing research into the learning organization.

Originality/value

This paper provides a unique perspective on howThe Fifth Disciplineby Peter Senge has influenced an academic career. It presents a personal reflection of a research journey into the learning organization that spans over 30 years.
How can the hospitality industry increase corporate value aligned with sustainable development goals? Case examples from Hilton, Meliá and Sun
Authors: Matteucci Victoria
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify possible benefits hospitality companies may derive from their corporate social responsibility (CSR) commitments and to explore further value opportunities for these organisations through an alternative approach in their selection of sustainable initiatives.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses secondary data collected from publications on corporate websites, accompanied by third-party supporting internet-based evidence, for three contrasting companies as follows: Hilton Worldwide Holdings, Inc. (Hilton), Meliá Hotels International (Meliá) and Sun Limited (Sun). Sustainability endeavours for Goals 8, 12 and 17 are analysed and opportunities for inter-sectoral partnerships and customer-centric experiences are considered for these brands to establish value opportunities.

Findings

The paper concludes that by integrating sustainable efforts to brand personality, hospitality companies can devise genuine goals, organically incorporating these to the brands’ vision, reinforcing brand equity and creating value, while increasing customer loyalty.

Originality/value

Three diverse organisations were selected for the study. Hilton and Meliá have a worldwide presence and are headquartered in the USA and Spain, respectively, while the third company, Sun, is a relatively smaller example, with properties located in the region of the Indian Ocean. The contrasting selection and comparison of hospitality companies display different approaches in their United Nations sustainable development goals (UN SDGs) efforts as part of their corporate social responsibility offering an ample perspective. The consideration of brand personality and stakeholder priorities offers alternative criteria for selecting CSR efforts in the hospitality industry.
Learning from sustainability practice: case examples from Accor, Scandic and Atlantica
Authors: Onoufriou Nikos
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the importance of trade-offs between the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and creating a holistic, integrated approach.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses secondary data including official reports from three companies: Accor Hotels, Scandic Hotels and Atlantica Hotels. Third party references from research sources are included.

Findings

This study concludes that companies are adopting corporate social responsibility practices focussed on stakeholders’ needs. Additionally, the general trend in the case study hotel companies is towards similar sustainability approaches though less progress is reported in addressing the more complex issues relating to SDG 8 and SDG 10 because sustainability targets are more difficult to determine, implement and measure.

Originality/value

The three selected companies were chosen based on location criteria. Accor has a worldwide presence whereas the other two companies could be considered as multinational companies. Scandic is a Swedish company operating in Scandinavian countries whereas Atlantica is a Cyprus-based company operating in Greece and Egypt. The contrast among the selected companies displays different considerations regarding their commitment to SDGs.
Political Myths in Climate Leadership: The Case of Danish Climate and Energy Pioneership
Authors: Dyrhauge Helene
Published: August 2020

Climate leadership is important for the transition to a low‐carbon economy, where some countries are seen as leaders because of their ambitious climate and energy policies. Climate leadership is dynamic and evolves over time to become a political myth, however, which governments use in their policy strategies. Changes in governments lead to new climate and energy strategies that affect the respective countries' leadership positions. This article links the growing literature on environmental/climate leadership and the political myth literature. Specifically, it draws on the environmental/climate leadership framework to analyse the connection between political myths and the climate and energy policy strategies of governments to understand how the changing interpretation of the political myth influences leadership. The article uses Denmark as a case study because of the consensus in the literature on it being a climate and energy policy pioneer. This article analyses how Danish governments interpret the political myth of Danish climate and energy pioneership and how their policies influence the Danish leadership position, concluding that whilst the continued reinterpretations of the political myth of leadership do not always reflect the original myth, the myth remains important for government claims to leadership.
Patterns and determinants of intergenerational educational mobility: Evidence across countries
Authors: Lee Hanol , Lee Jong‐Wha
Published: August 2020

This study analyses the patterns and determinants of the intergenerational persistence of education attainment. Internationally comparable data are used by age cohort for parentsʼ and childrenʼs education levels for 30 countries. The intergenerational regression coefficients are estimated by explicitly considering the bias from the censored regressor, and they show that educational mobility has worsened over generations in most countries. However, the degree of change varies considerably across countries and over time. Country‐cohort panel regressions are performed using the estimates of intergenerational educational mobility and covariates. The results show that intergenerational educational mobility tends to decrease with income inequality, inflation and credit constraints. However, it increases with per capita GDP and public expenditure on primary education relative to that on tertiary education.
Development and validation of a lateral flow immunoassay for the detection of aflatoxin M1 in raw and commercialised milks
Authors: Pimpitak Umaporn , Rengpipat Sirirat , Phutong Songchan , Buakeaw Anumart , Komolpis Kittinan
Published: August 2020

Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1), a group I carcinogen, can be found in the milk of animals fed with aflatoxin‐B1‐contaminated feedstuff. In this study, we developed and validated a lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) with the cut‐off value of 0.5 µg/L for AFM1 screening. The validation revealed that the assay yielded high sensitivity, selectivity and efficiency with no false positives. Forty‐one commercial milk samples were tested for AFM1 by the developed LFIA. However, the developed LFIA could not be applied to milk samples flavoured with chocolate and coffee. Otherwise, all samples gave negative test results.
Policy responsiveness to all citizens or only to voters? A longitudinal analysis of policy responsiveness in OECD countries
Authors: DASSONNEVILLE RUTH , FEITOSA FERNANDO , HOOGHE MARC , OSER JENNIFER
Published: August 2020

A close connection between public opinion and policy is considered a vital element of democracy. In representative systems, elections are assumed to play a role in realising such congruence. If those who participate in elections are not representative of the public at large, it follows that the reliance on elections as a mechanism of representation entails a risk of unequal representation. In this paper, we evaluate whether voters are better represented by means of an analysis of policy responsiveness to voters and citizens in democracies worldwide. We construct a uniquely comprehensive dataset that includes measures of citizens’ and voters’ ideological (left–right) positions, and data on welfare spending in Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development countries since 1980. We find evidence of policy responsiveness to voters, but not to the public at large. Since additional tests suggest that the mechanism of electoral turnout does not cause this voter‐policy responsiveness, we outline alternate mechanisms to test in future research.
l‐carnitine supplementation vs cycle ergometer exercise for physical activity and muscle status in hemodialysis patients: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Yano Junko , Kaida Yusuke , Maeda Takashi , Hashida Ryuki , Tonan Tatsuyuki , Nagata Shuji , Hazama Takuma , Nakayama Yosuke , Ito Sakuya , Kurokawa Yuka , Otome Takaomi , Shibata Ryo , Tashiro Kyoko , Kakuma Tatsuyuki , Matsuse Hiroo , Fukami Kei
Published: August 2020

Serum carnitine is decreased in hemodialysis patients, which induces muscle atrophy. Thus, we examined the different effects of l‐carnitine and exercise on exercise activity and muscle status in hemodialysis patients. Twenty patients were divided into l‐carnitine and cycle ergometer groups and were followed for 3 months. Muscle and fat mass, physical activities, and muscle status were evaluated by an impedance, physical function test, and magnetic resonance imaging, respectively. The l‐carnitine significantly increased muscle mass (P = .023) and thigh circumference (P = .027), decreased fat mass (P = .007), and shortened chair stand‐up time (P = .002) and 10‐m walk test (P = .037). The fat fraction was improved by the l‐carnitine (P = .047). Compared with the exercise group, l‐carnitine improved the changes in 10‐m walk test (P = .026), chair stand‐up time (P = .014), and thigh circumference (P = .022). Baseline fibroblast growth factor‐21 and myostatin levels predicted the l‐carnitine‐associated changes in exercise activities. l‐carnitine, rather than exercise, improved physical activity and muscle status in hemodialysis patients.
Rodent hosts and flea vectors in Brazilian plague foci: a review
Authors: REIS DA SILVA FERNANDES Diego Leandro , FILGUEIRA BEZERRA Matheus , SOBREIRA BEZERRA DA SILVA Marise , LEAL Nilma Cintra , DE SOUZA REIS Christian Robson , DE ALMEIDA Alzira Maria Paiva
Published: August 2020

Plague, caused by the Yersinia pestis bacterium, has several foci scattered throughout a large area from the Brazilian territory that ranges from the Northeastern State of Ceará to the Southeastern State of Minas Gerais and another separated area at the State of Rio de Janeiro. This review gathers data from plague control and surveillance programs on the occurrence and geographic distribution of rodent hosts and flea vectors in the Brazilian plague areas during the period of from 1952 to 2019. Furthermore, we discuss how the interaction between Y. pestis and some rodent host species may play a role in the disease dynamics. The absence of human cases nowadays in Brazil does not mean that it was eradicated. The dynamics of plague in Brazil and in other countries where it was introduced during the 3rd pandemic are quite alike, alternating epidemics with decades of quiescence. Hence, it remains an important epidemic disease of global concern. The existence of a large animal reservoir and competent vectors demonstrate a need for continuous surveillance to prevent new outbreaks of this disease in humans.
Autoclaving and extrusion improve the functional properties and chemical composition of black bean carbohydrate extracts
Authors: Escobedo Alejandro , Loarca‐Piña Guadalupe , Gaytan‐Martínez Marcela , Orozco‐Avila Ignacio , Mojica Luis
Published: August 2020

Common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) are rich in starch with a high content of amylose, which is associated with the production of retrograded and pregelatinized starch through thermal treatments. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the composition, morphology, thermal, functional, and physicochemical properties of carbohydrate extracts (CE) obtained from autoclaved (100 and 121 °C) and extruded (90, 105, and 120 °C) black beans. After evaluation of the functional properties, the CE from autoclaved beans at 100 °C for 30 min and 121 °C for 15 min 2×, and extruded beans at 120 °C and 10 rpm, were selected to continue the remaining analysis. Autoclaving treatments at 100 °C for 30 min and 121 °C for 15 min 2× showed a reduction of resistant starch by 14.4% and 26.6%, respectively, compared to dehulled raw bean CE. Meanwhile, extrusion showed a reduction in resistant starch of 54.2%. Autoclaving and extrusion treatments also decreased the dietary fiber content. Extrusion reduced almost entirely the content of α‐galactooligosaccharides, in comparison to dehulled raw bean CE. The results showed differences in color and granule morphology. The onset, peak, and conclusion temperatures, transition temperature range, and enthalpy of autoclaved and extruded bean CE were lower than dehulled raw bean CE. The CE from autoclaved and extruded beans contain retrograded and pregelatinized starch, which could be incorporated in food products as a thickening agent for puddings, sauces, creams, or dairy products.

Practical Application

Thermally treated black bean carbohydrate extracts are rich in starch, fiber, and protein. Because these extracts are already cooked, they can be added to products that do not require a thermal process such as puddings, sauces, creams, or dairy products, acting as a thickening agent.
The U‐Pb Geochronology and Lu‐Hf Isotope Compositions of Detrital Zircons from the Nanhua Group of the Longsheng Region, South China and their Implications for Pan‐African Events
Authors: ZHANG Chenglong , QIN Ya , YANG Yicheng , FENG Zuohai , LIU Xijun , LI Saisai , WAN Lei , WANG Chunzeng
Published: August 2020

It is unclear whether the South China blocks have an affinity with continental Gondwana due to a lack of direct Pan‐African magmatic and metamorphic features. In this study, we conducted U‐Pb geochronological and Lu‐Hf isotopic analyses for detrital zircons from a sandstone of the Chang'an Formation of the Nanhua Group in the Longsheng region of northern Guangxi, with the aim of constraining the timing of sedimentation and information as to its source, as well as seeking evidence for Pan‐African events in the South China blocks. The results show that the ages of detrital zircons peaked at 654.7 ± 6.2 Ma, 773.2 ± 4.1 Ma and 821.9 ± 6.5 Ma, with some at 920–870 Ma; the youngest age indicates the existence of the Pan‐African thermal event. The ∊Hf(t) and TDM2 values demonstrate that the study area has experienced three stages of crustal growth at 3.0–2.4 Ga, 2.1–1.5 Ga and 1.3–0.9 Ga. With intensively distributed Neoproterozoic mafic‐ultramafic and granitic plutons emplaced at 830–810 Ma along the southwestern section of the Jiangnan Orogenic Belt and positive ∊Hf(t) values from a large group of zircon grains, it is proposed that the sediments of the Chang'an Formation (of Nanhua Group) were largely sourced from the southeastern margin of the Yangtze block. Comparison with the zircon age spectra of the Cathaysian block shows that about 79% of the Pan‐African aged detrital zircon grains that have TDM2 = 1352–1031 Ma and ∊Hf(t) = 3.68–8.79, were sourced from the recycled Grenvillian crust of the Cathaysian block, suggesting that the Cathaysian block had a close connection with Gondwana.
Silurian Sedimentation in the South Qilian Belt: Arc‐Continent Collision‐related Deposition in the NE Tibet Plateau?
Authors: YAN Zhen , FU Changlei , AITCHISON Jonathan C. , ZHOU Renjie , BUCKMAN Solomon , CHEN Lei
Published: August 2020

The South Qilian belt mainly comprises an early Paleozoic arc‐ophiolite complex, accretionary prism, microcontinental block, and foreland basin. These elements represent accretion‐collision during Cambrian to Silurian time in response to closure of the Proto‐Tethyan Ocean in the NE of the present‐day Tibet Plateau. Closure of the Proto‐Tethyan Ocean between the Central Qilian block and the Oulongbuluke block and the associated collision took place from NE to SW in a zipper‐like style. Sediment would have been dispersed longitudinally SW‐ward with a progressive facies migration from marginal alluvial sediments toward slope deep‐water and deep‐sea turbidites. This migration path indicates an ocean basin that shrank toward the SW. The Balonggongga'er Formation in the western South Qilian belt represents the fill of a latest Ordovician‐Silurian remnant ocean basin that separated the Oulongbuluke block from the Central Qilian block, and records Silurian closure of the Proto‐Tethyan Ocean and subduction beneath the Central Qilian block. However, alluvial deposits in the Lajishan area were accumulated in a retro‐foreland basin, indicating that continent‐continent collision in the eastern South Qilian belt occurred atc. 450–440 Ma. These results demonstrate that the Proto‐Tethyan Ocean closed diachronously during early Paleozoic time.
An Early Paleozoic Tectonic Mélange at the Western Margin of West Cathaysia: Constraints from Organic‐walled Microfossils
Authors: WANG Lijun , ZHANG Kexin , HE Weihong , YIN Leiming , LIN Shoufa
Published: August 2020

The Jiangshan‐Shaoxing‐Pingxiang Fault (JSP Fault) is traditionally considered as the boundary between the Yangtze and Cathaysia blocks in South China. Whether the previously defined Shenshan and Kuli formations located along the JSP fault and near the Xinyu City, Jiangxi Province, are continuous strata or parts of a tectonic mélange is important for understanding the geological history of South China. A carbonaceous phyllite from the area, previously considered as part of the Neoproterozoic Shenshan and Kuli formations, is analyzed palynologically in this study. The Asteridium‐Comasphaeridium acritarch assemblage found in the slate can be correlated with the basal Cambrian Asteridium‐Heliosphaeridium‐Comasphaeridium (AHC) acritarch assemblage in Tarim and the Yangtze Block. The early Cambrian biostratigraphical age assignment for the carbonaceous phyllite indicates the presence of both Neoproterozoic and Cambrian rocks in the sedimentary package, and supports that the package is a part of tectonic mélange rather than a continuous Neoproterozoic strata. The Cambrian slate is the youngest known lithology in the mélange at present.