bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In Breast Cancer ZMIZ1 Co-Regulates E2F2 as Part of the Estrogen Receptor-Mediated Cell-Cycle Response
Authors: Zhao Weiye , Rose Susanna F , Blake Ryan , Godicelj Anže , Cullen Amy E , Stenning Jack , Beevors Lucy , Gehrung Marcel , Kumar Sanjeev , Kishore Kamal , Sawle Ashley , Eldridge Matthew , Giorgi Federico M , Bridge Katherine S , Markowetz Florian , Holding Andrew N
Published: October 2019

The Estrogen Receptor (ER) drives 75% of breast cancers. On activation, the ER recruits co-factors to form a transcriptionally active complex. These co-factors can modulate tumour growth, and understanding their roles can help to identify new therapeutic targets.

Here, we present the discovery of an ER-ZMIZ1 interaction by quantitative proteomics, and validated by proximity ligation assay. We characterise ZMIZ1 function by demonstrating that targeting ZMIZ1 results in the reduction of ER transcriptional activity at estrogen response elements and a significant decrease in the proliferation of ER-positive cancer cell lines.

To establish a role for the ER-ZMIZ1 interaction, we measured the transcriptional changes in the estrogen response post-ZMIZ1 knockdown using an RNA-seq time-course over 24 hours. GSEA analysis of the ZMIZ1-knockdown data identified a specific delay in the response of estradiol-induced cell-cycle genes.

Integration of ENCODE data with our RNA-seq results identified ER and ZMIZ1 binding at the promoter of E2F2. We therefore propose that ER and ZMIZ1 co-regulate an important subset of cell cycle genes via a novel ER-ZMIZ1-E2F2 signalling axis.

Finally, we show that high ZMIZ1 expression is predictive of worse patient outcome, ER and ZMIZ1 are co-expressed in breast cancer patients in TCGA, METABRIC, and the proteins are co-localised within the nuclei of tumours cell in patient biopsies.

In conclusion, we establish that ZMIZ1 is a regulator of the estrogenic cell cycle response and provide evidence of the biological importance of the ER-ZMIZ1 interaction ER+ patient tumours, supporting potential clinical relevance.
PDGFRA Defines the Mesenchymal Stem Cell Kaposi’s Sarcoma Progenitors by Enabling KSHV Oncogenesis in an Angiogenic Environment
Authors: Naipauer Julian , Rosario Santas , Gupta Sachin , Premer Courtney , Mendez Omayra , Schlesinger Mariana , Ponzinibbio Virginia , Jain Vaibhav , Gay Lauren , Renne Rolf , Chan Ho Lam , Morey Lluis , Salyakina Daria , Abba Martin , Williams Sion , Hare Joshua M. , Goldschmidt-Clermont Pascal J , Mesri Enrique A.
Published: October 2019

Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS) is an AIDS-defining cancer caused by the KS-associated herpesvirus (KSHV). Unanswered questions regarding KS are its cellular ontology and the conditions conducive to viral oncogenesis. We identify PDGFRA(+)/SCA-1(+) bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (Pα(+)S MSCs) as KS spindle-cell progenitors and found that pro-angiogenic environmental conditions typical of KS are critical for KSHV sarcomagenesis. This is because growth in KS-like conditions generates a de-repressed KSHV epigenome allowing oncogenic KSHV gene expression in infected Pα(+)S MSCs. Furthermore, these growth conditions allow KSHV-infected Pα(+)S MSCs to overcome KSHV-driven oncogene-induced senescence and cell cycle arrest via a PDGFRA-signaling mechanism; thus identifying PDGFRA not only as a phenotypic determinant for KS-progenitors but also as a critical enabler for viral oncogenesis.

AUTHOR SUMMARY

Identification of the KS progenitor cell creates the possibility of studying viral oncogenesis and its determinants from its initial steps as a continuum. It also increases our understanding of pathogenic mechanisms and disease preferential tropism. Hereby we identify Pα(+)S-MSCs as KS progenitors, in which KSHV infection has oncogenic consequences; only when these cells are in a pro-angiogenic environment in which PDGFRA activation enables an oncogenic de-repressed KSHV epigenome. These results identify a KS-progenitor population in the Pα(+)S-MSCs and point to pro-angiogenic environmental conditions as essential for oncogenic viral gene expression and transformation. We designed a novel model of KSHV oncogenesis, creating a very robust platform to identify KSHV oncogenic pathways and their relationship with cellular lineages and extracellular growth environments.
Anthropogenic disturbance drives dispersal syndromes, demography, and gene flow in spatially structured amphibian populations
Authors: Cayuela Hugo , Besnard Aurélien , Cote Julien , Laporte Martin , Bonnaire Eric , Pichenot Julian , Schtickzelle Nicolas , Bellec Arnaud , Joly Pierre , Léna Jean-Paul
Published: October 2019

There is growing evidence that anthropogenic landscapes can strongly influence the evolution of dispersal, particularly through fragmentation, and may drive organisms into an evolutionary trap by suppressing dispersal. However, the influence on dispersal evolution of anthropogenic variation in habitat patch turnover has so far been largely overlooked. In this study, we examined how human-driven variation in patch persistence affects dispersal rates and distances, determines dispersal-related phenotypic specialization, and drives neutral genetic structure in spatially structured populations. We addressed this issue in an amphibian,Bombina variegata, using an integrative approach combining capture–recapture modeling, demographic simulation, common garden experiments, and population genetics.B. variegatareproduces in small ponds that occur either in habitat patches that are persistent (i.e. several decades or more), located in riverine environments with negligible human activity, or in patches that are highly temporary (i.e. a few years), created by logging operations in intensively harvested woodland. Our capture–recapture models revealed that natal and breeding dispersal rates and distances were drastically higher in spatially structured populations (SSPs) in logging environments than in riverine SSPs. Population simulations additionally showed that dispersal costs and benefits drive the fate of logging SSPs, which cannot persist without dispersal. The common garden experiments revealed that toadlets reared in laboratory conditions have morphological and behavioral specialization that depends on their habitat of origin. Toadlets from logging SSPs were found to have higher boldness and exploration propensity than those from riverine SSPs, indicating transgenerationally transmitted dispersal syndromes. We also found contrasting patterns of neutral genetic diversity and gene flow in riverine and logging SSPs, with genetic diversity and effective population size considerably higher in logging than in riverine SSPs. In parallel, intra-patch inbreeding and relatedness levels were lower in logging SSPs. Controlling for the effect of genetic drift and landscape connectivity, gene flow was found to be higher in logging than in riverine SSPs. Taken together, these results indicate that anthropogenic variation in habitat patch turnover may have an effect at least as important as landscape fragmentation on dispersal evolution and the long-term viability and genetic structure of wild populations.
Access to unexplored regions of sequence space in directed enzyme evolutionviainsertion/deletion mutagenesis
Authors: Emond Stephane , Petek Maya , Kay Emily , Heames Brennen , Devenish Sean , Tokuriki Nobuhiko , Hollfelder Florian
Published: October 2019

Insertions and deletions (InDels) are frequently observed in natural protein evolution, yet their potential remains untapped in laboratory evolution. Here we introduce a transposon mutagenesis approach (TRIAD) to generate libraries of random variants with short in-frame InDels, and screen TRIAD libraries to evolve a promiscuous arylesterase activity in a phosphotriesterase. The evolution exhibits features that are distinct from previous point mutagenesis campaigns: while theaverage activityof TRIAD variants is more deleterious, alarger proportionhas successfully adapted for the new activity, exhibiting different functional profiles: (i) both strong and weak trade-off in original vs promiscuous activity are observed; (ii) trade-off is more severe (10- to 20-fold increasedkcat/KMin arylesterase with ∼100-fold decreases in the original phosphotriesterase activity) and (iii) improvements show up inkcatrather than KM, suggesting novel adaptive solution. These distinct features make TRIAD an alternative to widely used point mutagenesis, providing access to functional innovations and traversing unexplored fitness landscape regions.
CellWell: A micropatterned biphasic nanocomposite platform for culturing chondrocytes
Authors: Saraswat Ram , Ratnayake Ishara , Perez E. Celeste , Schutz William M. , Zhu Zhengtao , Ahrenkiel S. Phillip , Wood Scott T.
Published: October 2019

Graphical Abstract

We present a unique micropatterned nanocomposite cell culture platform to model articular cartilage that is suitable for high-throughput single-cell analyses using standard imaging techniques. This platform, the CellWell, is constructed out of a thin, optically transparent substrate that is lithographically micropatterned with a network of wells sized to fit individual cells. The substrate material consists of a thin layer of agarose hydrogel embedded with polyvinyl alcohol nanofibers. The geometries of the wells are designed to reinforce a physiological morphology, thereby combining the physiological advantages of 3D culture systems with the practical advantages of 2D systems. CellWells were found to have compressive moduli of 144 ± 11.5 kPa and 158 ± 0.6 kPa at strain rates of 5 μm/s and 15 μm/s. The compressive moduli were determined at two different strain rates to allow for comparison of CellWell stiffness with published values of pericellular matrix and with observed values of articular cartilage, which could not be indented at the same rate. Articular chondrocytes seeded in a CellWell were found to maintain their spheroidal morphology more effectively than those seeded in monolayer cultures and to be more easily imaged than those seeded in a 3D scaffold of identical thickness. Through its ease of use and ability to maintain the physiological morphology of chondrocytes, we expect that the CellWell will enhance the clinical translatability of future studies conducted using this culture platform.
Social behavioral deficits in NF1 emerge from peripheral chemosensory neuron dysfunction
Authors: Moscato Emilia H. , Dubowy Christine , Walker James A. , Kayser Matthew S.
Published: October 2019

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a neurodevelopmental disorder commonly associated with social and communicative disabilities. The cellular and circuit mechanisms by which loss of neurofibromin 1 (Nf1) function results in social deficits are unknown. Here, we identify social behavioral dysregulation with loss of Nf1 in Drosophila. These deficits map to primary dysfunction of a small group of peripheral sensory neurons, rather than central brain circuits. Specifically, Nf1 regulation of Ras signaling in adult, Ppk23+ chemosensory cells is required for normal social behaviors in flies. Loss of Nf1 results in attenuated ppk23+ neuronal activity in response to pheromonal cues, and circuit-specific manipulation of Nf1 expression or neuronal activity in ppk23+ neurons rescues social deficits. Unexpectedly, this disrupted sensory processing gives rise to persistent changes in behavior lasting beyond the social interaction, indicating a sustained effect of an acute sensory misperception. Together our data identify a specific circuit mechanism through which Nf1 acts to regulate social behaviors, and suggest social deficits in NF1 arise from propagation of sensory misinformation.
Geographic Generalization in Airborne RGB Deep Learning Tree Detection
Authors: Weinstein Ben. G. , Marconi Sergio , Bohlman Stephanie A. , Zare Alina , White Ethan P.
Published: October 2019

Tree detection is a fundamental task in remote sensing for forestry and ecosystem ecology applications. While many individual tree segmentation algorithms have been proposed, the development and testing of these algorithms is typically site specific, with few methods evaluated against data from multiple forest types simultaneously. This makes it difficult to determine the generalization of proposed approaches, and limits tree detection at broad scales. Using data from the National Ecological Observatory Network we extend a recently developed semi-supervised deep learning algorithm to include data from a range of forest types, determine whether information from one forest can be used for tree detection in other forests, and explore the potential for building a universal tree detection algorithm. We find that the deep learning approach works well for overstory tree detection across forest conditions, outperforming conventional LIDAR-only methods in all forest types. Performance was best in open oak woodlands and worst in alpine forests. When models were fit to one forest type and used to predict another, performance generally decreased, with better performance when forests were more similar in structure. However, when models were pretrained on data from other sites and then fine-tuned using a small amount of hand-labeled data from the evaluation site, they performed similarly to local site models. Most importantly, a universal model fit to data from all sites simultaneously performed as well or better than individual models trained for each local site. This result suggests that RGB tree detection models that can be applied to a wide array of forest types at broad scales should be possible.
longfincausescis-ectopic expression of thekcnh2a ether-a-go-goK+channel to autonomously prolong fin outgrowth
Authors: Stewart Scott , Le Bleu Heather K. , Yette Gabriel A. , Henner Astra L. , Robbins Amy E. , Braunstein Joshua A. , Stankunas Kryn
Published: October 2019

Organs stop growing to achieve a characteristic size and shape in scale with the animal’s body. Likewise, regenerating organs sense injury extents to instruct appropriate replacement growth. Fish fins exemplify both phenomena through their tremendous diversity of form and remarkably robust regeneration. The classic zebrafish mutantlongfint2develops and regenerates dramatically elongated fins and underlying ray skeleton. We showlongfint2chromosome 2 overexpresses theether-a-go-go-related voltage-gated potassium channelkcnh2a.Genetic disruption ofkcnh2a in cisrescueslongfint2,indicatinglongfint2is a regulatorykcnh2aallele. We findlongfint2fin overgrowth originates from prolonged outgrowth periods including by showing Kcnh2a chemical inhibition during late stage regeneration fully suppresses overgrowth. Cell transplantations demonstratelongfint2-ectopickcnh2aacts tissue autonomously within the fin intra-ray mesenchymal lineage. Temporal inhibition of the Ca2+-dependent phosphatase calcineurin indicates it likewise entirely acts late in regeneration to attenuate fin outgrowth. Epistasis experiments suggestlongfint2-expressed Kcnh2a inhibits calcineurin output to supersede growth cessation signals. We conclude ion signaling within the growth-determining mesenchyme lineage controls fin size by tuning outgrowth periods rather than altering positional information or cell-level growth potency.
Pain-free resting-state functional brain connectivity predicts individual pain sensitivity
Authors: Spisak Tamas , Kincses Balint , Schlitt Frederik , Zunhammer Matthias , Schmidt-Wilcke Tobias , Kincses Zsigmond T. , Bingel Ulrike
Published: October 2019

Individual differences in pain perception are of key interest in basic and clinical research as altered pain sensitivity is both a characteristic and a risk factor for many pain conditions. It is, however, unclear how individual susceptibility to pain is reflected in the pain-free resting-state brain activity and functional connectivity.

Here, we identified and validated a network pattern in the pain-free resting-state functional brain connectome that is predictive of interindividual differences in pain sensitivity. Our predictive network signature (https://spisakt.github.io/RPN-signature) allows assessing the individual susceptibility to pain without applying any painful stimulation, as might be valuable in patients where reliable behavioural pain reports cannot be obtained. Additionally, as a direct, non-invasive readout of the supraspinal neural contribution to pain sensitivity, it may have broad implications for translational research and the development and assessment of analgesic treatment strategies.
Transgenerational dispersal plasticity and its fitness consequences are under genetic control
Authors: Cayuela Hugo , Jacob Staffan , Schtickzelle Nicolas , Verdonck Rik , Philippe Hervé , Laporte Martin , Huet Michèle , Bernatchez Louis , Legrand Delphine
Published: October 2019

Phenotypic plasticity, the ability of one genotype to produce different phenotypes in different environments, plays a central role in species’ response to environmental changes. Transgenerational plasticity (TGP) allows the transmission of this environmentally-induced phenotypic variation across generations, and can influence adaptation. To date, the genetic control of TGP, its long-term stability, and its potential costs remain largely unknown, mostly because empirical demonstrations of TGP across many generations in several genetic backgrounds are scarce. Here, we examined how genotype determines the TGP of dispersal, a fundamental process in ecology and evolution. We used an experimental approach involving ~200 clonal generations in a model-species of ciliate to determine if and how TGP influences the expression of dispersal-related traits in several genotypes. Our results show that morphological and movement traits associated with dispersal are plastic, and that these modifications are inherited over at least 35 generations. We also highlight that genotype modulates the fitness costs and benefits associated with plastic dispersal strategies. Our study suggests that genotype-dependent TGP could play a critical role in eco-evolutionary dynamics as dispersal determines gene flow and the long-term persistence of natural populations. More generally, it outlines the tremendous importance that genotype-dependent TGP could have in the ability of organisms to cope with current and future environmental changes.

Significance

The genetic control of the transgenerational plasticity is still poorly understood despite its critical role in species responses to environmental changes. We examined how genotype determines transgenerational plasticity of a complex trait (i.e., dispersal) in a model-species of ciliate across ~200 clonal generations. Our results provide evidence that plastic phenotypic variation linked to dispersal is stably inherited over tens of generations and that cell genotype modulates the expression and fitness cost of transgenerational plasticity.
Single cell map of the human ovarian cortex
Authors: Wagner Magdalena , Yoshihara Masahito , Douagi Iyadh , Damdimopoulos Anastasios , Panula Sarita , Petropoulos Sophie , Lu Haojiang , Pettersson Karin , Palm Kerstin , Katayama Shintaro , Hovatta Outi , Kere Juha , Lanner Fredrik , Damdimopoulou Pauliina
Published: October 2019

The human ovary orchestrates sex hormone production and undergoes monthly structural changes to release mature oocytes. The outer lining of the ovary (cortex) has a key role in defining fertility in women as it harbors the ovarian reserve. It has been postulated that putative oogonial stem cells exist in the ovarian cortex and that these can be captured by DDX4 antibody isolation. We analysed on a single cell level the transcriptome and cell surface antigen profiles of over 24,000 cells from high quality ovarian cortex samples from 21 patients. Our single cell mapping reveals transcriptional profiles of six main cell types; oocytes, granulosa cells, immune cells, endothelial cells, perivascular cells, and stromal cells. Cells captured by DDX4 antibody are perivascular cells, not oogonial stem cells. Our data does not support the existence of germline stem cells in adult human ovaries thereby reinforcing the dogma of a limited ovarian reserve.
Using experiential learning of NGOs to enhance active citizenship education in school curriculum
Authors: Chong King Man Eric
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse and evaluate the implementation of an empathy model of experiential learning in real-life sites, with the help of NGOs, for developing students’ active citizenship in two Hong Kong Chinese secondary schools.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employs a case study in which teachers and the researcher engage in planning, implementing and evaluating an experiential learning unit which combines together both classed-based learning activities and experiential learning activities provided by NGOs in real-life settings. Qualitative interview findings are collected from teachers and students.

Findings

Incorporating experiential learning activities in thematic learning units provided by NGOs for the active citizenship of students can facilitate teachers to develop student learning outcomes of empathy and perspective taking derived from authentic experience. In particular, teachers’ reflect on how to facilitate Chinese students’ reflect on disadvantaged people and ethnic minorities. This action research study recommends that students’ conceptual understanding of concepts such as poverty and ethnic minorities should be developed before they participate in NGO’s experiential learning activities, so that the experiential experiences can add something on what they have already learnt.

Originality/value

This study found some useful implications for exploring ways for teacher development by applying an experiential learning model in combination with classroom-based learning for active citizenship. This research study recommends implementing pre-experiential conceptual building activities and post-experiential classroom-based enquiry and reflection activities to help students consolidate their learning experiences through verbal and written reflection, as well as on what actions that they can take.
Challenges or survival instinct of Tibetan entrepreneurs
Authors: R Vedapradha. , Ravi Hariharan
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the financial sources and evaluate the credit facilities available to Tibetan entrepreneurs especially residing in the vicinity of the Karnataka district, India. The most significant problem is that lending rates are extremely high and there is a lack of professional skill to manage their operations. Availability of financial support is still a major barrier for established and potential Tibetan entrepreneurs in the growth of their enterprises.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample size of 115 respondents, belonging to the urban and rural districts of Karnataka were interviewed to collect the information as primary data. Correlation analysis, cluster analysis, one-way ANOVA and percent test have been applied for statistical analysis. The interest rate, bank loan, credit, savings, friends and relatives, corporate, retained profits and trade credit are the variables used for the research.

Findings

Personal savings, bank credit and bank loans are the most important variables reflecting the credit activities and are clustered having a total of 3.710. Corporate, trade credit and retained profits form minimal sources of credit having a total of 1.194. Hence, there is an important relationship between the variables and the credit facilities availed by the entrepreneurs.

Originality/value

The research emphasis on their credit facility, financial growth, availability of capital are some of the challenges encountered by the entrepreneurs hindering the growth of the new business. Hence the researcher has focused on understanding and exploring the various challenges faced by these entrepreneurs.
Cross-border online shopping experiences of Chinese shoppers
Authors: Baek Eunsoo , Lee Ha Kyung , Choo Ho Jung
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how geographic cues embedded in a website affect Chinese consumers’ cross-border shopping experiences. The study simultaneously explores the effect of telepresence on shoppers’ perceptions of product authenticity and their trust in retailers, key drivers of behavioral intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

Two experimental conditions were utilized. Geographic cues depicted a famous shopping district in the retailer’s country (South Korea) or the shopper’s country (China). Study participants were female Chinese consumers in their 20s and 30s who had purchased Korean fashion products in the past (n=236). Structural equation modeling was conducted using AMOS 21.0.

Findings

Results indicate that participants in the “retailer’s country” experimental condition experienced higher telepresence and greater perceptions of product authenticity. Furthermore, telepresence increased participants’ trust in the retailer and perceived product authenticity, which led to positive behavioral intentions.

Practical implications

Findings offer important implications for cross-border online retailing. First, results suggest a highly successful tactic for enhancing shoppers’ perceptions of product authenticity and retailer trust on a cross-border platform. Second, cross-border online business professionals should focus on the role of telepresence. Finally, this study provides insight about Chinese cross-border shoppers.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature on cross-border online shopping. It suggests that the strategic use of geographic cues on a website can provide an experiential benefit, telepresence, to cross-border shoppers. The study’s findings provide a novel insight into possible unique success factors in cross-border e-commerce.
Which wine do you prefer? An analysis on consumer behaviour and brain activity during a wine tasting experience
Authors: Alvino Letizia , van der Lubbe Rob , Joosten Reinoud A.M. , Constantinides Efthymios
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess whether or not electroencephalography (EEG) provides a valuable and substantial contribution to the prediction of consumer behaviour and their preferences during product consumption. In this study, the authors especially focus on individual preferences during a wine tasting experience.

Design/methodology/approach

A consumer neuroscience experiment was carried out with 26 participants that evaluated different red wines while their brain activity was recorded with EEG. A within-subjects design was employed and the experiment was carried out in two sessions. All participants took part in a blind taste session (no label session), in which information about the wine was not disclosed, and a normal taste session (label session), during which the bottle and its label were visible.

Findings

The findings suggest that EEG is a useful tool to study brain activity during product experience. EEG has high temporal resolution, low costs, small dimensions and superior manoeuvrability compared to other consumer neuroscience tools. However, it is noticed that there is a lack of solid theoretical background regarding brain areas (e.g. frontal cortex) and brain activity (e.g. brain waves) related to consumer preferences during product experience. This lack of knowledge causes several difficulties in replicating and validating the findings of other consumer neuroscience experiments for studying consumer behaviour.

Originality/value

The experiment presented in this paper is an exploratory study. It provides insights into the possible contribution of EEG data to the prediction of consumer behaviour during product experience.
Consumer involvement with corporate ads vs product ads: a cross-national study
Authors: Ashraf Rohail , Albert Noel , Merunka Dwight , Khan Muhammad Asif
Published: October 2019

Purpose

Increasing consumer skepticism of corporate behavior has led companies to actively manage and advertise their corporate brands. However, it remains unclear how receptive consumers across different markets are to such efforts. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate differences and similarities between corporate and product advertising by examining consumer ad involvement (AI) levels (a motivational state activated by the personal relevance of stimuli) and its antecedents and consequences for these ad types across two markets with varying degrees of economic development.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a 2 (ad type: corporate vs product) × 2 (market type: developed vs emerging) between-subject experimental design, the study was conducted in two markets with varying degrees of economic development, specifically, the USA (n=285) and Pakistan (n=311).

Findings

Results show that consumer involvement with corporate ads varies for developed (USA: high) and emerging (Pakistan: low) markets but that it remains the same for product ads across markets. Developed market consumers tend to be as involved with corporate ads as they are with product ads, whereas emerging market consumers are more involved with product ads than with corporate ads. Aside from differences in involvement levels, the findings demonstrate substantial similarities in the antecedents and consequences of consumer involvement for both ad (corporate vs product) and market (developed vs emerging) types.

Practical implications

With advertising and communication campaigns increasingly being standardized across different markets, this study demonstrates that corporate messages do not function similar as product messages across markets. For effective corporate campaigns, ad designs should fit with the motivation levels of the target consumers across markets.

Originality/value

This study demonstrates the differences and similarities between corporate and product AI across a developed and an emerging market.
Accruals intensity and auditor choice
Authors: Aguir Wael , Liu Linxiao , Nwaeze Emeka
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between the intensity of accruals and auditor industry specialization. It investigates whether a client firm’s accruals intensity is a factor associated with the firm being audited by an industry specialist auditor.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper employs an empirical archival methodology using publicly available data. The sample consists of client firms that switched auditors from 2004 to 2014.

Findings

The results show that accruals intensity is positively associated with the choice of an industry specialist auditor, measured both at the national and the city levels. These findings imply that companies with high levels of accruals choose an industry specialist auditor to signal the quality of their accruals and to gain more credibility for their financial reporting.

Originality/value

This paper provides original empirical evidence of the association between accruals intensity and the choice of an industry specialist auditor. This link is new to the literature. Extant literature shows that firms with high levels of accruals are regarded as risky and suffer from reduced credibility in financial markets. This study contributes to the literature by showing that these firms choose an industry specialist auditor to alleviate investors’ credibility concerns about the high levels of accruals. These findings provide insightful information to audit firms, to managers of firms that inherently display high levels of accruals and to the capital markets participants in general.
Drivers of e-bidding implementation in the Saudi Arabian construction industry
Authors: Sayed Ahmed M.Z. , Assaf Sadi , Aldosary Adel S. , Hassanain Mohammad A. , Abdallah Abdullatif
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the key drivers for adopting electronic bidding (e-bidding) systems in public construction projects located in Saudi Arabia.

Design/methodology/approach

Literature review was undertaken to identify the drivers of e-bidding practices. Nine drivers, classified under four categories, were identified. A questionnaire survey was developed to assess the significance of the identified drivers. Responses were obtained from 20 large contractors, classified as Grade I and II contractors in Saudi Arabia, and 12 governmental authorities, representing owners of construction projects. The drivers were ranked according to their respective significance index (SI) values. Finally, a Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient was employed to ascertain the extent to which the two parties agreed on the significance level of the drivers.

Findings

Analysis of the identified drivers revealed that the most significant driver was “reduction in the physical storage requirements of bidding paperwork.” Further, a consensus was observed with regards to the significance of the drivers. The findings of the present study highlight the strong potential of widespread e-bidding adoption in Saudi Arabia. It demonstrates the key drivers for the implementation of e-bidding through the perspective of professionals within the context of Saudi Arabia.

Originality/value

Prior to this study, no previous research has endeavored to assess the drivers of e-bidding adoption in Saudi Arabia. The adoption of e-bidding will benefit organizations through improved efficiencies, which could potentially lower construction costs, thereby contributing to economic growth and benefitting the society at large.
Performance of Krylov subspace method with SOR preconditioner supported by Eisenstat’s technique for linear system derived from time-periodic FEM
Authors: Kumagai Makoto , Kakita Shimpei , Okamoto Yoshifumi
Published: October 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to present the affinity of BiCGStab and BiCGStab2 with successive over-relaxation (SOR) preconditioner supported by Eisenstat’s technique for a linear system derived from the time-periodic finite element method (TP-FEM). To solve the time domain electromagnetic field problem with long transient state, TP-FEM is very useful from the perspective of rapidly achieving a steady state. Because TP-FEM solves all of the state variables at once, the linear system derived from TP-FEM becomes the large scale and nonsymmetric, whereas the detailed performance of some preconditioned Krylov subspace method is not reported.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, BiCGStab and BiCGStab2 are used as the linear solver for a large-sparse nonsymmetric linear system derived from TP-FEM. In addition, incomplete LU (ILU) factorization is applied as a preconditioner to compare SOR supported by Eisenstat’s technique. As examples, the pot-type reactor and three-phase transformer is analyzed.

Findings

In the problem of the pot-type reactor, when SOR preconditioner supported by Eisenstat’s technique is applied to BiCGStab and BiCGStab2, the elapsed time can be reduced dramatically. However, in the problem of the three-phase transformer, the iterative process of the linear solvers with SOR preconditioner is not terminated, whereas the iterative process of linear solvers with ILU preconditioner is terminated. The preconditioner that can be supported by Eisenstat’s technique is not necessarily appropriate for the problem to derive from TP-FEM.

Originality/value

In this paper, the affinity of preconditioned linear solver supported by Eisenstat’s technique for the nonsymmetric linear system derived from TP-FEM is demonstrated.
Aligning financial and functional equivalent depreciations rates of building assets
Authors: Salvado Filipa , Almeida Nuno , Vale e Azevedo Alvaro
Published: October 2019

Purpose

Both financial and non-financial functions are imbedded in the life-cycle management activities of building assets. These functions provide relevant information for the establishment of operational and maintenance strategies and for decision-making processes related with the timing of major repairs, replacements and rehabilitations. The purpose of this paper is to focus on improving the alignment of financial and non-financial functions related to the recognition that the service potential of buildings should be appropriately funded as it is consumed over its life cycle.

Design/methodology/approach

Authors undertake an analysis of depreciation rates used to accommodate a systematic allocation of the depreciable amount of building assets over its useful life. Different depreciation approaches and calculation methods are explored. A case study of a school building portfolio is used to debate situations of misalignment of financial and non-financial depreciation rates. Data mining methods including decision tree and clustering are used to predict equivalent functional depreciation rates of buildings system and subsystems and promote an enhanced alignment with regulated financial depreciation rates toward an optimized life-cycle management of the school building portfolio.

Findings

Historical data show the relevance of considering technical and functional characteristics of the building system and their subsystems (landscaping; structure; external elevations and roofs; interior divisions; and services and equipment) when determining depreciation rates for the building assets The case study showed a misalignment of equivalent functional and financial depreciation rates used in the life-cycle management activities of the school building portfolio ranging between 1/1.26 for external elevations and roofs and 1/5.21 for landscaping.

Originality/value

Buildings initial technical and functional attributes are affected with its wear, aging or decay, causing loss of value until they reach end-of-life. This paper demonstrates the impact of the different interpretations of the concept of useful life and the subsequent misalignment that it generates between financial functions based on financial depreciation rates and non-financial functions based on historical data and the functional equivalent (technical and functional) depreciation rates. Economic data of 158 public school buildings constructed in Portugal since the 1940s, that sound life-cycle thinking enhances the alignment of both financial and non-financial functions.
The hashtag heard round the world: how #MeToo did what laws did not
Authors: Leopold Joy , Lambert Jason R. , Ogunyomi Ifeyimika O. , Bell Myrtle P.
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose that #MeToo is a social movement which has been more effective in changing norms around and increasing understanding about the prevalence and destructiveness of sexual harassment than decades of laws and organizational policies have been.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses communication, management and psychology literature on social media, public shaming and social movements to propose that #MeToo is a social movement that has changed perceptions of and knowledge about sexual harassment and assault. #MeToo provides voice to previously silenced targets and incentives for individuals to avoid perpetrating harassment and for organizations to deter sexual harassment at work and sanction it if it occurs.

Findings

The paper discusses individuals who have been publicly shamed and terminated for bigoted behavior outside of work, and organizational leaders who have been ousted after social media postings, as organizations attempt to distance themselves from the perpetrators of bigotry and sexual misconduct. Since #MeToo, some cities have passed laws prohibiting organizations from requiring sexual harassment targets to sign non-disclosure agreements.

Practical implications

Sexual harassment is associated with high individual costs and organizational costs, including costs of turnover, lost business and reputational damage. The #MeToo movement provides incentives for organizations to be more proactive and vigilant in their attempts to deter sexual harassment, and to appropriately address it when it occurs.

Social implications

Sexual harassment has widespread effects on women’s daily lives and careers. #MeToo gives voice to harassment targets, changes norms of silencing them, and increases awareness of harassment as unacceptable, harmful behavior.

Originality/value

The paper positions #MeToo as a social movement, with the ability to change the seemingly intractable problem of sexual harassment in ways laws have not.
Who visits the apartheid museum and why? An exploratory study of the motivations to visit a dark tourism site in South Africa
Authors: Mangwane Jacqueline , Hermann Uwe Peter , Lenhard Antje Inge
Published: October 2019

Purpose

This paper attempts to fill the gap that exists in research regarding visitor motivations at dark heritage sites. The purpose of this paper is to explore the motivations of visitors to the Hector Pieterson Memorial and Museum (HPMM) as an iconic dark site in South Africa to identify what motivates visitation and which demographic variables may have an influence on these motivators.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve the goal of this research, 205 participants completed a self-administered questionnaire using a random sampling technique at the HPMM. A statistical analysis through the use of factor analysis revealed seven motivational factors.

Findings

Novelty and knowledge seeking, remembrance and curiosity were identified as the three main motives for visiting HPMM. Novelty and knowledge seeking was found to be the main motive that contradicted similar research done in other parts of the globe. Escape and relaxation, which is usually found to be one of the main motivators to heritage sites, was revealed to be one of the least motivators for this study. The results also identified significant relationships between demographic and motivator variables.

Practical implications

The findings of this study revealed that people visit the HPMM primarily for novelty and knowledge seeking, remembrance and respect for victims and curiosity. From the results, it is clear that visitors are driven to visit the site for different motives and that these motives, although common amongst visitors, differ from person to person subject to demographic differences. This study provides an improved understanding of dark tourism demand, which is essential for the sustainable development and promotion of sites in South Africa and globally commemorating people’s struggle against injustice and for democracy.

Social implications

South Africa is a country with a cosmopolitan history; however, the history associated with apartheid has only recently become topic of tourism research. This study provides a basis to better understand the type of tourist visiting these sites of historical sites, thus leading to better provision of services to visit such attractions.

Originality/value

This study is one of the first to delve into understanding the motivational typology of tourists to a tourism attraction in South Africa associated with the country’s Apartheid-era heritage. It provides an insight into enhancing the current fragmented understanding of dark tourism demand.
Effectiveness of early warning and community cooperation for evacuation preparedness from mega-risk type coastal hazard in childcare centers
Authors: Pinheiro Abel Táiti Konno , Hokugo Akihiko
Published: October 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the effectiveness of early warning and community cooperation for evacuation preparedness from mega-risk type coastal hazard in childcare centers, focusing in the evacuation of childcare centers from tsunami at the time of the Great East Japan Earthquake occurred on March 11, 2011.

Design/methodology/approach

As the research method, surveys were conducted in public childcare centers affected by tsunami in Kesennuma city in Miyagi Prefecture and Kamaishi city in Iwate Prefecture.

Findings

As the main findings, facilities, where teachers and children started evacuation immediately after the earthquake, could have more conditions to get cooperation from the local community to evacuate children in wide-scale urban environment. Children 3-5 years old tended to be instructed to walk two abreast under the lead of teachers, and children 0-2 years old tended to be carried by the piggyback ride and multi-passenger baby strollers. The destination of evacuation needed to be changed several times because of the risks for higher tsunami and fire outbreaks.

Research limitations/implications

As future issues, it is necessary to analyze the walking capability of children and the transportation capability of multi-passenger baby strollers by teachers, to address strategies to quantify the necessary community cooperation based on the severity of early warning.

Originality/value

Most of the past studies regarding disaster preparedness of nursery children are limited within the facility in case of fire. This work has importance as it focused on the emergency responses that require urban-scale evacuation in ascending route that differ from that which are required in the case of fire.
How adapted are built-environment professionals to flood adaptation?
Authors: Hobeica Liliane , Hobeica Adib
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore how architectural practices have been considering flood-risk adaptation within regular design activities. It relies on the assumptions that floods are hybrid phenomena that require actions in both the anthropic and hydrological domains to be successfully managed, and that floods’ spatial dimension can be subject to design to minimize the impacts of disasters.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper draws on the conclusions of a research focussing on the design of flood-prone urban projects in Europe, within which 22 built-environment professionals (BEPs) were interviewed. The statements of these informants were examined through content analysis, as a means to reveal barriers and incentives that affect their perception and practice of dealing with floods through design.

Findings

Having different experiences with flood-related projects, the interviewees showed uneven degrees of sensitivity to manage floods through design. The analyses pinpoint that for BEPs to be up to the challenges associated with these projects, besides technical expertise, some soft skills are needed such as professional openness and a positive mindset.

Originality/value

This paper explores flood adaptation not only as a spatial challenge but also as a cultural change that needs to be embraced within flood risk management efforts.
Real-time data processing in supply chain management: revealing the uncertainty dilemma
Authors: Lechler Sabrina , Canzaniello Angelo , Roßmann Bernhard , von der Gracht Heiko A. , Hartmann Evi
Published: October 2019

Purpose

Particularly in volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous (VUCA) business conditions, staff in supply chain management (SCM) look to real-time (RT) data processing to reduce uncertainties. However, based on the premise that data processing can be perfectly mastered, such expectations do not reflect reality. The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether RT data processing reduces SCM uncertainties under real-world conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

Aiming to facilitate communication on the research question, a Delphi expert survey was conducted to identify challenges of RT data processing in SCM operations and to assess whether it does influence the reduction of SCM uncertainty. In total, 14 prospective statements concerning RT data processing in SCM operations were developed and evaluated by 68 SCM and data-science experts.

Findings

RT data processing was found to have an ambivalent influence on the reduction of SCM complexity and associated uncertainty. Analysis of the data collected from the study participants revealed a new type of uncertainty related to SCM data itself.

Originality/value

This paper discusses the challenges of gathering relevant, timely and accurate data sets in VUCA environments and creates awareness of the relationship between data-related uncertainty and SCM uncertainty. Thus, it provides valuable insights for practitioners and the basis for further research on this subject.