bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SOX21 modulates SOX2-initiated differentiation of epithelial cells in the extrapulmonary airways
Authors: Eenjes Evelien , Buscop-van Kempen Marjon , Boerema-de Munck Anne , de Kreij-de Bruin Lisette , Schnater J. Marco , Tibboel Dick , Collins Jennifer J.P. , Rottier Robbert J.
Published: June 2020

SOX2 expression levels are crucial for the balance between maintenance and differentiation of airway progenitor cells during development and regeneration. Here, we describe SOX21 patterning of the proximal airway epithelium which coincides with high levels of SOX2. Airway progenitor cells in this SOX2+/SOX21+ zone show differentiation to basal cells, specifying cells for the extrapulmonary airways. We show that loss of SOX21 results in increased differentiation of progenitor cells during murine lung development. SOX21 inhibits SOX2-induced differentiation by antagonizing SOX2 binding on different promotors. SOX21 remains expressed in adult tracheal epithelium and submucosal glands, where SOX21 modulates SOX2-induced differentiation in a similar fashion. Using fetal lung organoids and adult bronchial epithelial cells, we show that SOX2+SOX21+ regionalization is conserved in human. Thus SOX21 modulates SOX2-initiated differentiation in extrapulmonary epithelial cells during development and regeneration after injury.
The Zinc Finger Antiviral Protein restricts SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Nchioua Rayhane , Kmiec Dorota , Müller Janis , Conzelmann Carina , Groß Rüdiger , Swanson Chad , Neil Stuart , Stenger Steffen , Sauter Daniel , Münch Jan , Sparrer Konstantin M. J. , Kirchhoff Frank
Published: June 2020

Recent evidence shows that the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is highly sensitive to interferons (IFNs). However, the underlying antiviral effectors remain to be defined. Here, we show that Zinc finger antiviral protein (ZAP) that specifically targets CpG dinucleotides in viral RNA sequences restricts SARS-CoV-2. We demonstrate that ZAP and its cofactors KHNYN and TRIM25 are expressed in human lung cells. Type I, II and III IFNs all strongly inhibited SARS-CoV-2 and further induced ZAP expression. Strikingly, SARS-CoV-2 and its closest relatives from bats show the strongest CpG suppression among all known human and bat coronaviruses, respectively. Nevertheless, knock-down of ZAP significantly increased SARS-CoV-2 production in lung cells, particularly upon treatment with IFN-α or IFN-γ. Thus, our results identify ZAP as an effector of the IFN response against SARS-CoV-2, although this pandemic pathogen may be preadapted to the low CpG environment in humans.

Highlights

SARS-CoV-2 and its closest bat relatives show strong CpG suppression

IFN-β, -γ and -λ inhibit SARS-CoV-2 with high efficiency

ZAP restricts SARS-CoV-2 and contributes to the antiviral effect of IFNs
Acquisition of ionic copper by a bacterial outer membrane protein
Authors: Bhamidimarri Satya Prathyusha , Young Tessa R. , Shanmugam Muralidharan , Soderholm Sandra , Baslé Arnaud , Bumann Dirk , van den Berg Bert
Published: June 2020

Copper, while toxic in excess, is an essential micronutrient in all kingdoms of life due to its essential role in the structure and function of many proteins. Proteins mediating ionic copper import have been characterised in detail for eukaryotes, but much less so for prokaryotes. In particular, it is still unclear whether and how Gram-negative bacteria acquire ionic copper. Here we show thatPseudomonas aeruginosaOprC is an outer membrane, TonB-dependent transporter that is conserved in many Proteobacteria and which mediates acquisition of both reduced and oxidised ionic copper via an unprecedented CxxxM-HxM metal binding site. Crystal structures of wild type and mutant OprC variants with silver and copper suggest that acquisition of Cu(I) occurs via a surface-exposed “methionine track” leading towards the principal metal binding site. Together with whole-cell copper quantitation and quantitative proteomics in a murine lung infection model, our data identify OprC as an abundant component of bacterial copper biology that may enable copper acquisition under a wide range of conditions.

Significance

Copper is an essential metal in biology due to its role in the structure and function of many proteins. Despite this, it is not very clear how bacteria acquire copper, especially for Gram-negative organisms. In this study we show that the outer membrane protein OprC has an unusual metal binding site that allows OprC to bind both reduced and oxidised ionic copper near-irreversibly. Given the versatility of OprC, its presence in many Proteobacteria and its abundance during lung infection in mice, our study shows that OprC is an important component of prokaryote copper biology that warrants further study to uncover its regulation and to assess its role in bacterial virulence.
Distinct genomic profiles are associated with treatment response and survival in ovarian cancer
Authors: de Witte Chris J. , Kutzera Joachim , van Hoeck Arne , Nguyen Luan , Boere Ingrid A. , Jalving Mathilde , Ottevanger Petronella B. , van Schaik - van de Mheen Christa , Stevense Marion , Kloosterman Wigard P. , Zweemer Ronald P. , Cuppen Edwin , Witteveen Petronella O.
Published: June 2020

The majority of patients with ovarian cancer ultimately develop recurrent chemotherapy resistant disease. Treatment stratification is mainly based on histological subtype and stage, prior response to platinum-based chemotherapy and time to recurrent disease. Here, we integrated clinical treatment, treatment response and survival data with whole genome sequencing profiles of 132 solid tumor biopsies of metastatic epithelial ovarian cancer to explore genome-informed stratification opportunities. Samples from primary and recurrent disease harbored comparable numbers of single nucleotide variants and structural variants. Mutational signatures represented platinum exposure, homologous recombination deficiency and aging. Unsupervised hierarchical clustering based on genomic input data identified specific ovarian cancer subgroups, characterized by homologous recombination deficiency, genome stability and duplications. The clusters exhibited distinct response rates and survival probabilities which according to our analysis could potentially be improved by genome-informed treatment stratification.
Epidemiology of malaria in an area with pyrethroid-resistant vectors in south-western Burkina Faso: a pre-intervention study
Authors: Somé Anthony , Zongo Issaka , Tchiekoi Bertin N’cho , Soma Dieudonné D. , Zogo Barnabas , Ouattara Mamadou , Somé Anyirékun F. , Dahounto Amal , Koffi Alphonsine A. , Pennetier Cédric , Moiroux Nicolas , Kouanda Seni , Dabiré Roch K.
Published: June 2020

Background

The objective of this study was to update malaria epidemiological profile prior to the implementation of a randomized controlled trial aiming to evaluate the efficacy of new vector control tools in complementary to the use of long-lasting insecticidal nets in Burkina Faso.

Methods

We carried out active and passive cross-sectional surveys to estimate the prevalence and incidence of malaria infection from August 2016 to July 2017 in 27 villages of the Diebougou health district.

Results

With the passive survey, we extracted data from 4814 patients included in the study from August 2016 to July 2017. Malaria incidence showed a seasonal distribution, with an overall incidence rate estimated at 414.3 per 1000 person-years. In the active cross sectional surveys, we enrolled 2839, 2594 and 2337 participants respectively in September 2016, December 2016 and June 2017. Prevalence of malaria infection were respectively 41.5%, 43.5% and 32.3% in September 2016, in December 2016 and June 2017. Multivariate analysis showed that girls seemed to have a lower risk of malaria infection (OR = 0.86; 95% CI = 0.79 - 0.95; p = 0.004). The risk of malaria infection was significantly lower in third survey (June 2017) at the beginning of the rainy season (OR = 0.69; 95% CI = 0.6 - 0.8; p < 0.001) compared to the first survey (September 2016) which was performed during the rainy season. Children aged 6 to 59 months had a higher risk of malaria infection compared to those aged 10 to 17 years (OR = 0.58; 95% CI = 0.51 - 0.66).

Conclusion

Malaria burden remains high in this region of Burkina Faso despite substantial efforts made in malaria control during this current decade. Children under 5 years old were subject of malaria burden in this setting. This results reinforce the urgent need to develop alternative control strategies to complement those already existing.
An Agent Based Model for assessing spread and health systems burden for COVID-19 using a synthetic population in Rangareddy district, Telangana state, India
Authors: Narassima M S , Jammy Guru Rajesh , Pant Rashmi , Choudhury Lincoln , Aadharsh R , Yeldandi Vijay , Anbuudayasankar S P , Rangasami R , John Denny
Published: June 2020

COVID-19 disease, caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus, has infected over four million people globally. It has been declared as a “Public Health Emergency of International Concern” (PHE 1C), by the World Health Organization (1). Several mathematical models, mostly based on compartmental modeling, are being used for projections for COVID-19 in India. These projections are being used for policy level decisions and public health prevention activities (2,3). Unlike compartmental models, which consider population averages, Agent Based Models (ABM) consider individual behavior in the models for disease projections. ABMs, provide better insights into projections compared to compartmental models (4).

We present an ABM approach with a synthetic population from Rangareddy district, Telangana state, India, to examine the patterns and trends of the COVID-19 in terms of infected, admitted, critical cases requiring intensive care and/ or ventilator support, mortality and recovery. The model is developed based on data pertaining to a local area, i.e. district, as this prove to be much helpful for policymaking compared to models estimating nation-wide disease projections. The parameters for the ABM model were defined and model run for a period of 365 days for three different non-pharmaceutical intervention (NPI) scenarios, namely; no lockdown, 50% lockdown and 75% lockdown scenarios. AnyLogic platform was used for the ABM simulations. Results revealed that the peak values and slope of the curve declined as NPI became more stringent. The results could provide a platform for researchers and modelers to explore using ABM approach for COVID-19 projections with inclusion of interventions and health system preparedness.
Tracking the dissolution–recrystallization structural transformation (DRST) of copper(II) complexes: a combined crystallographic, mass spectrometric and DFT study
Authors: Deng Qian-Jun , Chen Min , Chen Dong-Chu , Long Hang-Yu , Chen Chang-Ai
Published: June 2020

Methanol- and temperature-induced dissolution–recrystallization structural transformation (DRST) was observed among two novel CuII complexes. This is first time that the combination of X-ray crystallography, mass spectrometry and density functional theory (DFT) theoretical calculations has been used to describe the fragmentation and recombination of a mononuclear CuII complex at 60 °C in methanol to obtain a binuclear copper(II) complex. Combining time-dependent high-resolution electrospray mass spectrometry, we propose a possible mechanism for the conversion of bis(8-methoxyquinoline-κ2
N,O)bis(thiocyanato-κN)copper(II), [Cu(NCS)2(C10H9NO)2], Cu1, to di-μ-methanolato-κ4
O:O-bis[(8-methoxyquinoline-κ2
N,O)(thiocyanato-κN)copper(II)], [Cu2(CH3O)2(NCS)2(C10H9NO)2], Cu2, viz. [Cu(SCN)2(L)2] (Cu1) → [Cu(L)2] → [Cu(L)]/L → [Cu2(CH3O)2(NCS)2(L)2] (Cu2). We screened the antitumour activities of L (8-methoxyquinoline), Cu1 and Cu2 and found that the antiproliferative effect of Cu2 on some tumour cells was much greater than that of L and Cu1.
Artificial intelligence and mobile apps for mental healthcare: a social informatics perspective
Authors: Gamble Alyson
Published: June 2020

Purpose

For decades, artificial intelligence (AI) has been utilized within the field of mental healthcare. This paper aims to examine AI chatbots, specifically as offered through mobile applications for mental healthcare (MHapps), with attention to the social implications of these technologies. For example, AI chatbots in MHapps are programmed with therapeutic techniques to assist people with anxiety and depression, but the promise of this technology is tempered by concerns about the apps' efficacy, privacy, safety and security.

Design/methodology/approach

Utilizing a social informatics perspective, a literature review covering MHapps, with a focus on AI chatbots was conducted from the period of January–April 2019. A borrowed theory approach pairing information science and social work was applied to analyze the literature.

Findings

Rising needs for mental healthcare, combined with expanding technological developments, indicate continued growth of MHapps and chatbots. While an AI chatbot may provide a person with a place to access tools and a forum to discuss issues, as well as a way to track moods and increase mental health literacy, AI is not a replacement for a therapist or other mental health clinician. Ultimately, if AI chatbots and other MHapps are to have a positive impact, they must be regulated, and society must avoid techno-fundamentalism in relation to AI for mental health.

Originality/value

This study adds to a small but growing body of information science research into the role of AI in the support of mental health.
Critical lifting simulation of heavy industrial construction in gaming environment
Authors: Sydora Christoph , Lei Zhen , Siu Ming Fung Francis , Han SangHyeok , Hermann Ulrich
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Heavy industrial construction often relies on large mobile cranes to erect equipment and pre-assembled modules. Engineering calculations are required for the lifting analysis where lifting capacity is analyzed to ensure the feasibility of the lifting scenarios. Such engineering calculations are often presented in static formats, e.g. two-dimensional or three-dimensional models. However, it is difficult to help practitioners (e.g. lifting engineers, site crews and operators) understand the complexity of the lifting process and thus operational decisions are often made intuitively. Therefore, this paper aims to introduce a game-based simulation system to allow for interactive analysis of the lifting process to improve lifting efficiency and safety.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed method treats the mobile crane as a robot with degree-of-freedoms, and the movements are simulated in the Unity game environment. The lifting capacity is calculated dynamically based on the lifting object weight, rigging weight and lifting radius.

Findings

Compared with the four-dimensional visualization, this development has added a dimension of real-time interactive simulation; this allows the users to understand the complexity and feasibility of the lifting process.

Originality/value

The developed prototype has been tested and validated using a real case study from a heavy industrial project with the possibility of generalizing crane lifting configurations.
Communication: the key for an effective interagency collaboration within the bushfire investigation network
Authors: De Sisto Marco , Handmer John
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to identify strengths and weaknesses in knowledge sharing between related post-bushfire investigative agencies. Based on this study, such a sharing of knowledge is essential to enhance collaboration amongst practitioners in the reduction and management of the risk of bushfires.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use a case study methodology; the research design is based on comparative analysis of six post-bushfire investigative departments in Italy and Australia (Victoria). A total of 44 bushfire investigators were interviewed between 2012 and 2013, across the two countries. Using focus groups and face-to-face interviews, the extent and quality of intra- and interagency knowledge sharing is analysed.

Findings

Despite the desire to collaborate, there are three main conditions that prevent an effective interagency collaboration within the bushfire investigation network, namely, separation, unidirectionality and interpersonal disengagement. This study finds that knowledge sharing suffers from a missing “feedback system” culture, where agencies give each other feedback with strictly bureaucratic purposes, rather than create an ongoing learning mechanism that develops after every investigation. At agency level, we also find that, sharing investigative knowledge and experience through daily and planned meetings is a standard practice to police members; but this is not found in the fire agencies. When made cross-country comparisons between Australia and Italy, the existence of common courses, joint manuals and the sharing of human resources witnessed in Australia (Victoria) is something that would benefit Italian agencies still trapped in a competitive and jurisdictional mindset. At the same time, Australian agencies might want to reconsider the separation between bushfire suppression and investigation, a distinction that has been made clear in Italy through the creation of full-time bushfire investigator positions.

Practical implications

This paper contributes to the improvement of interagency collaboration through the development of an investigative “social knowledge”. It reinforces the assumption that, to reduce and effectively manage the risk of bushfires, a combined effort from different stakeholders involved in forensic investigation is necessary.

Originality/value

Given the lack of research undertaken in the area of bushfire investigation, the current paper represents a unique piece of work. It is unusual, not only in identifying the current issues within the bushfire investigation network but also in providing agencies with theoretical and practical insights on how to reduce the extremely high number of bushfires and their risks.
The effect of innovation-driven policy on innovation efficiency: based on the listed sports firms on Chinese new Third Board
Authors: Chen Gang , Breedlove John
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the effect of innovation-driven polices on innovation efficiency of sport firms listed on the new Third Board in China.

Design/methodology/approach

Firm innovation efficiency, including comprehensive innovation efficiency, pure technical efficiency and scale innovation efficiency were calculated by using data envelopment analysis (DEA) models. The input variables and output variable in the DEA model were selected through correlation analysis. The effects of several innovation-driven policies on the innovation efficiency of sport firms were analyzed by a series of multiple regression analyses.

Findings

Regarding the innovation efficiency evaluation of sport firms, total research and development (R&D) investment and total R&D staff are two suitable input variables, and total profit, sales revenue and new effective patent are three suitable output variables. Income tax relief for high-tech enterprise has a positive effect on comprehensive innovation efficiency and pure technical efficiency, and governmental subsidies have a negative effect on comprehensive innovation efficiency and pure technical efficiency. However, pretax deduction of R&D expenses does not have a significant effect on comprehensive innovation efficiency, pure technical efficiency and scale innovation efficiency, and income tax relief for high-tech enterprise and pretax deduction of R&D expenses also have no effect on scale innovation efficiency. For a large-scale sport firm, the negative effect of “governmental subsidies” and the positive effect of “income tax relief for high-tech enterprise” on its pure technical efficiency are more significant. For a sport firm with more R&D staff, governmental subsides and “income tax relief for high-tech enterprise” have more positive effect on its innovation efficiency.

Practical implications

The study findings could potentially provide practical guidance to both managers and government-industry policymakers in the sports industry.

Originality/value

Firstly, this paper focused on Chinese sport firms from a rising industry in a developing country (China). The related conclusions are conducive to the governmental management of new industries and the innovation management of new enterprises. Second, this paper analyzed the effect of three special innovation-driven policies on three types of innovation efficiency and explored enterprise innovation development in more detail. Third, this paper not only discusses the effect of innovation-driven policies on innovation efficiency, but also the heterogeneity of their effects.
Transglobal leadership approach to sustainable tourism competitiveness at tourism sector-engaged MSMEs through integrated human resource performance and responsible marketing
Authors: Hermawati Adya
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This study aims to examine the effect of transglobal leadership on quality of work life (QWL), job involvement, organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) and human resource (HR) performance of tourism sector-engaged micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in East Java; to examine the moderating role of QWL, job involvement and OCB in the effect of transglobal leadership on HR performance of tourism sector-engaged MSMEs in East Java; to examine the effect of HR performance of tourism sector-engaged MSMEs on responsible tourism marketing and sustainable tourism competitiveness in East Java; and to examine the mediating role of responsible tourism marketing in the effect of HR performance of tourism sector-engaged MSMEs on sustainable tourism competitiveness in East Java.

Design/methodology/approach

The population of this research was all HR executives of tourism sector-engaged MSMEs in East Java and domestic and foreign tourists in East Java. The sampling of the tourism sector-engaged MSMEs in East Java (in 16 tourism potential cities) was performed using a purposive sampling technique. Determination of the sample size was made using the minimum criterion from structural model, ranging from 100 to 200. Thus, it was determined that the number of tourism sector-engaged MSMEs studied in this research was 200 enterprises from 16 tourism potential cities in East Java. From each tourism sector MSME, four employees and three tourists were selected. In total, this research involved 800 employees and 600 tourists (both domestic and foreign).

Findings

This research found that transglobal leadership (X) , QBL (M1), job involvement (M2) and OCB (M3) had an effect on HR performance (Y). The results of this research highlighted that QWL variable (M1) moderated the effect of transglobal leadership (X) on HR performance (Y). It was found that job involvement variable (M2) moderated the effect of transglobal leadership (X) on HR performance (Y). This research also detected that OCB variable (M3) moderated the effect of transglobal leadership (X) on HR performance (Y). This research found that HR performance (Y) had an effect on responsible marketing (Z1). It was obtained in this research that HR performance (Y) also had an effect on sustainable tourism competitiveness (Z2). Finally, this research found that responsible marketing (Z1) had an effect on sustainable tourism competitiveness (Z2).

Originality/value

Regarding the originality of this research, the holistic compilation was integrated from the theoretical concept of the HR and marketing strategies through the implementation of the tourism marketing concept and application that are responsible for tourism sector-engaged MSMEs in East Java. Of course, tourists need to get a good understanding of the marketing strategy to participate in controlling the sustainable tourism competitiveness in East Java.
The supply and design of different types of venues for business events
Authors: Nolan Emma
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Hosting business events is no longer the preserve of hotels and purpose-built conference and exhibition centres. Today, visitor attractions, theatres, museums, universities and sporting complexes also compete for their share of the lucrative business events sector. However, few of these venues were originally designed and built to accommodate events but are now multipurpose in function and marketed to the events industry to secure a secondary source of income. This paper aims to evaluate the supply and design of venues for business events from both a historical and contemporary viewpoint.

Design/methodology/approach

As business events have specific venue requirements, ranging from extensive, accessible space for exhibitions to numerous rooms for plenary and syndicate conference sessions, choosing an appropriate venue from those available has become a considerable task. A review of key moments in history demonstrates how different types of venues have emerged and developed.

Findings

This study reveals how venues that have a similar background typically share features such as architectural design and layout. The paper discusses the characteristics of unusual, academic and sporting venues as well as hotels and purpose-built space to include factors such as availability, cost and location.

Originality/value

This paper provides an insight into the benefits and drawbacks of using different types of venues for business events and the advantages and challenges that these present to organisers. Case studies are embedded within this paper, illustrating the range of venues that are used to successfully host business events today. As there is limited literature that explores venue development for events, or commonalities of venue characteristics by type, the synthesis of these two important elements of event management makes this study an original and valuable contribution to the developing literature.
Anticorruption policies in Brazil: constitutional challenges on implementing asset civil forfeiture
Authors: Bechara Fabio Ramazzini , Manzano Gabriel Monti
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to answer three questions: Is the presumption of innocence principle in risk? How to balance it with the burden and standard of proof? Does the asset civil forfeiture procedure imply a criminal charge? These are the main constitutional issues that have hampered the processing of, and consensus regarding, the regulation of the asset civil forfeiture in Brazil, the subject of bill 5681/2013 of the Chamber of Deputies and bill 255/2015 of the Federal Senate. The hypothesis is that the property or the possession of illegal assets implies a violation of the Brazilian Federal Constitution, which presumes good faith and non-abused use to be legitimated. This study intends to enrich this discussion with the current American debate, its main lessons and concerns to individual procedural safeguards.

Design/methodology/approach

There are some questions that should be addressed: Is the presumption of innocence principle in risk? How to balance it with the burden and standard of proof? Does the asset civil forfeiture procedure imply a criminal charge? Thus, this paper aims to discuss these questions, which are the main constitutional issues that have hampered the processing of, and consensus regarding, the regulation of the asset civil forfeiture in Brazil, the subject of bill 5681/2013 of the Chamber of Deputies and bill 255/2015 of the Federal Senate. The hypothesis is that the property or the possession of illegal assets implies a violation of the Brazilian Federal Constitution, which presumes good faith and non-abused use to be legitimated. This study intends to enrich this analysis with the current American debate about asset civil forfeiture provisions, its main lessons and concerns to individual procedural safeguards.

Findings

This paper focused on answering three questions: Is the presumption of innocence principle in risk? How to balance it with the burden and standard of proof? Does the asset civil forfeiture procedure imply a criminal charge? The authors sustained the constitutionality of the asset civil forfeiture from a Brazilian perspective, based on three main arguments: First, asset civil forfeiture is based on the non-abused use of property rights constitutional provision. Second, asset civil forfeiture does not imply on or presume a criminal charge. Finally, asset civil forfeiture is not based on the same standard of proof as a criminal proceeding.

Originality/value

The value of this paper is based on its current debate, the regulation of the asset civil forfeiture in Brazil, which is subject of bill 5681/2013 of the Chamber of Deputies and bill 255/2015 of the Federal Senate. The hypothesis is that the property or the possession of illegal assets implies a violation of the Brazilian Federal Constitution, which presumes good faith and non-abused use to be legitimated.
The 1MDB case and the Swiss banking sector
Authors: Teichmann Fabian Maximilian Johannes , Falker Marie-Christin
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This case study highlights why and how the Swiss banking sector played a crucial role in the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) corruption scandal. In particular, the paper illustrates how different actors in the Swiss financial sector neglected compliance guidelines and due diligence, thus effectively facilitating the laundering of misappropriated 1MDB funds. The purpose of this paper is to give bankers and compliance officers an overview of the methods money launderers use to circumvent compliance measures so that the Swiss banking sector can be protected more effectively from abuse. In addition, there is discussion whether current regulations, including banking secrecy, should be amended.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper used a content analysis methodological approach to collect data from media sources. Qualitative methods were used to analyze these sources.

Findings

The findings reveal that the Swiss banking sector played a major role in facilitating the siphoning and subsequent laundering of 1MDB funds by neglecting due diligence obligations.

Practical implications

This paper advocates a more consequential implementation of the existing anti-money laundering and corruption regulations.

Social implications

A reworking of the 1MDB scandal should be of interest to compliance professionals in the banking sector and citizens that have been negatively affected or are concerned by the involved high-level corruption.

Originality/value

This paper is the first of its kind to study the role of the Swiss banking sector in the 1MDB scandal.
La cesión de uso de viviendas con fines turísticos: algunos aspectos fiscales
Authors: Díaz Rubio Patricia
Published: June 2020

Purpose

La utilización de plataformas colaborativas, que intermedian en la cesión de uso de viviendas con fines turísticos, ha originado: por una parte, que se adopten medidas con el objetivo de prevenir el fraude fiscal (como por ejemplo, la obligación de información, a través del modelo 179) y, por otra parte, que la Administración tributaria preste especial atención al tratamiento fiscal de los rendimientos percibidos por los usuarios de las plataformas colaborativas.

Design/methodology/approach

Enfoque jurídico-tributario.

Findings

Las conclusiones se han puesto de manifiesto en el trabajo de investigación realizado.

Originality/value

Análisis de algunos aspectos fiscales sobre la cesión de uso de viviendas con fines turísticos.
Applications of Wiki in web-based research support system
Authors: Au Cheuk Hang , Ho Kevin K.W.
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This paper is to address the research gaps about Research Support System (RSS) as mentioned by earlier articles, and to provide a possible solution to develop an RSS for supporting academics in conducting their research.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts a single-case study with the application of netnography. Data were collected from an ongoing-using Wiki and the data were analysed using the theoretical lens established from earlier articles.

Findings

The result confirmed the possibilities of using Wiki to establish a system for supporting research. The authors have established a 3-stage EDM (Establishment, Development, Management) process model for illustrating the steps.

Research limitations/implications

This single-case study revealed the possibility for using Wiki as RSS for helping academics to conduct their research through providing support in preparing literature review, conducting project management and providing an archive for research methodologies. The paper also provided suggestion for practitioners on the implementation of the RSS.

Originality/value

This paper presents one of the earliest studies for developing a model to explain how to develop an RSS that gives a more concrete definition of RSS and outline a process of using Wiki as an RSS.
Conference report, consumer electronic show, Las Vegas, Part 2
Authors: Kesselman Martin A. , Esquivel Wilson
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the Part 2 of CES Conference review.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is a conference review.

Findings

Focus is on new innovative products on display.

Originality/value

This paper is an original report.
Valuing biodiversity of Dachigam National Park: a choice experiment application
Authors: Bhat Mohammad Younus , Bhatt M.S. , Sofi Arfat Ahmad
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Biodiversity loss has become widespread since current rates are potentially catastrophic for species and habitat integrity, and the Dachigam National Park in Jammu and Kashmir (India) is not a distinctive case. Therefore, the main objective of this study is to elicit the willingness to pay (WTP) for biodiversity conservation of the Park.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey-based choice experiment method was carried out at the Dachigam National Park, an area that is threatened by several anthropogenic pressures. Attributes selected for analysis through choice experiments were endangered species, national park area, research and education opportunities the park withholds. To estimate WTP, a monetary variable involving an increase in entry fee was also incorporated. To obtain the estimates, the authors use the augmented conditional logit model.

Findings

WTP for the selected attributes per visitor turned out to be ₹302.07 for enhancing the population of endangered species, ₹121.91 for improvement in the park area and ₹171.64 for increasing research and education opportunities the park withholds.

Research limitations/implications

Though the study uncovers very important aspects of evaluating the biological resources,albeitwith some limitations. The study estimates WTP for biodiversity conservation using a conditional logit model, which is based on a specific area and population sample. It would be better if a broader sample is considered to trace out the findings for meaningful generalization. Besides, the results can be replicated for similar kinds of samples.

Practical implications

With the use of benefits transfer method, this study aims to provide policymakers with useful information to manage biodiversity attributes across the Himalayan region.

Originality/value

The main contribution of this study is to provide a critical understanding of the valuation to facilitate the concerned body for better planning and management of biological resources. The findings of the present study can be used as an indicator of the inherent economic importance of biological resources across the Himalayan range for their better management and conservation that can help in ensuring sustainable utilization of these resources.
The effect of partially or totally replacing milk fat by jojoba oil in Domiati cheese production on some nutritional and quality properties
Authors: Ali Rehab F.M. , El-Anany Ayman M. , Mousa Hassan M.
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of partial or total substitution of milk fat by various levels of jojoba oil on the nutritional, physicochemical and sensory properties of Domiati cheese during cold storage at 6°C for 45 days.

Design/methodology/approach

The fat percentage of milk used for cheese manufacture was standardized to 4% fat. Five formulas were produced by replacing milk fat with 0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% of jojoba oil, respectively. The physicochemical and sensory properties of cheese samples at 0, 15, 30 and 45th days of cold store were evaluated.

Findings

No significant differences in moisture, fat, protein and acidity values amongst the control samples and those samples supplemented with different concentrations of jojoba oil. Significant differences (p = 0.05) in total volatile fatty acids were detected amongst experimental cheese samples. The highest values were recorded for control sample containing 100% milk fat, while the lowest values were recorded for cheese sample containing 100% jojoba oil (p = 0.05). Total nitrogen (TN), water-soluble nitrogen (WSN) and trichloroacetic acid soluble nitrogen (TCA-SN) levels of experimental cheeses were nearly same as for control. The results of fatty acids profile showed that jojoba oil has a unique structure of straight monounsaturated alcohols. Significantly (p = 0.05), the highest cholesterol content was recorded for control sample containing 100% milk fat; however, the lowest (p = 0.05) value was recorded for cheese sample containing 100% jojoba oil. At the end time of storage period, control sample manufactured with 100% milk fat had the highest (p = 0.05) values of free fatty acids, peroxide and thiobarbituric acid, while the lowest values were recorded for cheese sample with 100% jojoba oil as a source of fat. The sensory evaluation results demonstrated that blending milk fat with jojoba oil improved the sensory properties of Domiati cheese.

Practical implications

It is concluded that substitution of 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% of milk fat by equal amounts of jojoba oil enhanced the nutritional and sensory characteristics of Domiati cheese.

Originality/value

It is concluded that Domiati cheese formulated with substitution of 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% of milk fat by equal amounts of jojoba oil enhanced the nutritional characteristics and improved the sensory properties of produced cheese.
Efficiency of credit unions in Brazil: an analysis of the evolution in financial intermediation and banking service
Authors: Barros Manuela Gonçalves , Botelho da Costa Moraes Marcelo , Salgado Junior Alexandre Pereira , de Souza Junior Marco Antonio Alves
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the efficiency in financial intermediation and the cost efficiency in banking service of credit unions in Brazil, based on essentially accounting variables, and to analyze the temporal evolution of the efficiency of these cooperatives.

Design/methodology/approach

With a sample of 315 cooperatives over the period from 2007 to 2014, this research uses a two-stage process: application of regression models with panel data to verify which variables are related to the defined outputs, with the reduction of 31 variables to 8 variables in both models; and application of the data envelopment analysis method to obtain an analysis of credit unions’ efficiency.

Findings

The results demonstrate a high level of efficiency in financial intermediation, with low variation over time, associated with a low efficiency in the banking service, in which few cooperatives have remained efficient over time. In addition, the cooperatives with highest efficiency in financial intermediation were also the most efficient in providing services.

Research limitations/implications

This research has some limitations about the capacity of the proxies used to capture the real effect of the variables and assumptions of economic relations resulting in restrictions to generalize the results.

Practical implications

Cooperatives are usually analyzed under just one dimension. By separating the analysis into financial intermediation and banking services, cooperatives that are more efficient in each dimension can be identified, in addition to analyzing the evolution over time. The authors found that efficiency tends to be lower in banking services, and few cooperatives remain at the highest level of efficiency over time in both models.

Social implications

Credit unions provide an important service in the banking and credit market. Therefore, understanding its operation and the characteristics that influence its efficiency allows a better management of the cooperatives themselves and a greater understanding of this important segment of the financial market.
3D printing of biofiber-reinforced composites and their mechanical properties: a review
Authors: Jiang Lai , Peng Xiaobo , Walczyk Daniel
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to summarize the up-to-date research performed on combinations of various biofibers and resin systems used in different three-dimensional (3D) printing technologies, including powder-based, material extrusion, solid-sheet and liquid-based systems. Detailed information about each process, including materials used and process design, are described, with the resultant products’ mechanical properties compared with those of 3D-printed parts produced from pure resin or different material combinations. In most processes introduced in this paper, biofibers are beneficial in improving the mechanical properties of 3D-printed parts and the biodegradability of the parts made using these green materials is also greatly improved. However, research on 3D printing of biofiber-reinforced composites is still far from complete, and there are still many further studies and research areas that could be explored in the future.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper starts with an overview of the current scenario of the composite manufacturing industry and then the problems of advanced composite materials are pointed out, followed by an introduction of biocomposites. The main body of the paper covers literature reviews of recently emerged 3D printing technologies that were applied to biofiber-reinforced composite materials. This part is classified into subsections based on the form of the starting materials used in the 3D printing process. A comprehensive conclusion is drawn at the end of the paper summarizing the findings by the authors.

Findings

Most of the biofiber-reinforced 3D-printed products exhibited improved mechanical properties than products printed using pure resin, indicating that biofibers are good replacements for synthetic ones. However, synthetic fibers are far from being completely replaced by biofibers due to several of their disadvantages including higher moisture absorbance, lower thermal stability and mechanical properties. Many studies are being performed to solve these problems, yet there are still some 3D printing technologies in which research concerning biofiber-reinforced composite parts is quite limited. This paper unveils potential research directions that would further develop 3D printing in a sustainable manner.

Originality/value

This paper is a summary of attempts to use biofibers as reinforcements together with different resin systems as the starting material for 3D printing processes, and most of the currently available 3D printing techniques are included herein. All of these attempts are solutions to some principal problems with current 3D printing processes such as the limit in the variety of materials and the poor mechanical performance of 3D printed parts. Various types of biofibers are involved in these studies. This paper unveils potential research directions that would further widen the use of biofibers in 3D printing in a sustainable manner.
Trust and loyalty in online brand communities
Authors: Anaya-Sánchez Rafael , Aguilar-Illescas Rocío , Molinillo Sebastián , Martínez-López Francisco J.
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the effects of brand trust and online brand community (OBC) trust on consumer repurchase intention and the positive electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM) intention of OBC members.

Design/methodology/approach

The research model was assessed using data from a sample of 628 OBC users using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM).

Findings

The results show that brand trust positively affects repurchase intention and positive eWOM intention, both directly and indirectly through OBC trust. The total effect of brand trust on the results is greater than that of OBC trust.

Originality/value

This research contributes to marketing theory and practice by analysing the combined effect of OBC trust and brand trust on the consumer–brand relationship in the context of OBCs.
From the fifth discipline to the new revolution: what we have learnt from Senge’s ideas over the last three decades
Authors: Bui Hong T.M.
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to go through all Peter Senge’s books since his influential book The Fifth Discipline: The Art and Practice of the Learning Organization in 1990 and see what kind of ideas he has developed and the impact his books have created.

Design/methodology/approach

The author uses book review method to identify prominent ideas in those books that not only have significantly challenged but also contributed to transforming the world of business and management in both academia and practice.

Findings

Among many great ideas that Senge has developed, spirituality, mental models, systems thinking, and a sustainability mentality are prominent ones, which have set up trends for both researchers and practitioners in business and management.

Originality/value

Those ideas are interwoven, intertwined and have powerfully shaped new ways to see the world and act upon.
Metallurgy at the Crossroads: New Analyses of Copper‐based Objects at Tianshanbeilu, Eastern Xinjiang, China
Authors: LIU Cheng , LIU Ruiliang , ZHOU Pengcheng , LU Chun , YANG Zengxin , POLLARD A. Mark , HOMMEL Peter , MA Jian , CUI Jianfeng , BRAY Peter , TONG Jianyi , RAWSON Jessica
Published: June 2020

Tianshanbeilu is the largest Bronze Age site in eastern Xinjiang, China. Stretching across the entire second millennium BC, it performed a prominent role in connecting the Hexi corridor, Central China and the steppe. A further insight into the metallurgical tradition and the metal supply network is of vital importance to improve our understanding of its multi‐connected nature. This paper offers a new set of chemical and isotopic data on the copper‐based objects at Tianshanbeilu, including alloying elements, trace elements (impurities) and lead isotopes. Combining the concentrations of arsenic and antimony reveals that arsenic was introduced to copper partially due to the use of specific minerals tethrahedrite‐tennantite. Lead isotopes demonstrate that multiple sources of copper were employed at Tianshanbeilu and a majority of them are characterized by common lead, which appears rather different from those of the Central Plains and the Hexi corridor, but highly consistent with local ores. Surprisingly, one object at Tianshanbeilu contains the well‐known highly radiogenic lead. This object undoubtedly marks the westernmost boundary of the distribution of the highly radiogenic lead. We also anticipate that more lead isotopic analyses in NW China will further contribute to the study of the highly radiogenic lead in Central China.
Incentive‐compatible advertising on nonretail platforms
Authors: Eliaz Kfir , Spiegler Ran
Published: June 2020

Nonretail platforms enable users to engage in noncommercial activities, while generating user information that helps ad targeting. We present a model in which the platform chooses a personalized ad‐display rule and an advertising fee (which depends on the targeted user group). The policy that maximizes the platform's advertising revenues creates an incentive for advertisers to strategize targeting. We provide a condition for incentive‐compatibility of the first‐best policy, and highlight the forces that make it harder to satisfy. We apply our result to examples of platforms. Our analysis of social networks turns out to be related to the “community‐detection” problem.