bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatial-temporal targeted and non-targeted surveys to assess microbiological composition of drinking water in Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria
Authors: Sevillano Maria , Vosloo Solize , Cotto Irmarie , Dai Zihan , Jiang Tao , Santiago Santana Jose M. , Padilla Ingrid Y. , Rosario-Pabon Zaira , Vega Carmen Velez , Cordero José F. , Alshawabkeh Akram , Gu April , Pinto Ameet J.
Published: May 2021

Loss of basic utilities, such as drinking water and electricity distribution, were sustained for months in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria’s (HM) landfall in Puerto Rico (PR) in September 2017. The goal of this study was to assess if there was deterioration in biological quality of drinking water due to these disruptions. This study characterized the microbial composition of drinking water following HM across nine drinking water systems (DWSs) in PR and utilized an extended temporal sampling campaign to determine if changes in the drinking water microbiome were indicative of HM associated disturbance followed by recovery. In addition to monitoring water chemistry, the samples were subjected to culture independent targeted and non-targeted microbial analysis including quantitative PCR (qPCR) and genome-resolved metagenomics. The qPCR results showed that residual disinfectant was the major driver of bacterial concentrations in tap water with marked decrease in concentrations from early to late sampling timepoints. WhileMycobacterium aviumandPseudomonas aeruginosawere not detected in any sampling locations and timepoints, genetic material fromLeptospiraandLegionella pneumophilawere transiently detected in a few sampling locations. The majority of metagenome assembled genomes (MAGs) recovered from these samples were not associated with pathogens and were consistent with bacterial community members routinely detected in DWSs. Further, whole metagenome-level comparisons between drinking water samples collected in this study with samples from other full-scale DWS indicated no significant deviation from expected community membership of the drinking water microbiome. Overall, our results suggest that disruptions due to HM did not result in significant and sustained deterioration of biological quality of drinking water at our study sites.

Graphical Abstract
Combined responses of primary coral polyps and their algal endosymbionts to decreasing seawater pH
Authors: Scucchia Federica , Malik Assaf , Zaslansky Paul , Putnam Hollie M. , Mass Tali
Published: May 2021

With coral reefs declining globally, resilience of these ecosystems hinges on successful coral recruitment. However, knowledge of the acclimatory and/or adaptive potential in response to environmental challenges such as ocean acidification (OA) in earliest life stages is limited. Our combination of physiological measurements, microscopy, computed tomography techniques and gene expression analysis allowed us to thoroughly elucidate the mechanisms underlying the response of early life stages of corals, together with their algal partners, to the projected decline in oceanic pH. We observed extensive physiological, morphological and transcriptional changes in surviving recruits, and the transition to a less-skeleton/more-tissue phenotype. We found that decreased pH conditions stimulate photosynthesis and endosymbiont growth, and gene expression potentially linked to photosynthates translocation. Our unique holistic study discloses the previously unseen intricate net of interacting mechanisms that regulate the performance of these organisms in response to OA.
Limited reciprocal surrogacy of bird and habitat diversity and inconsistencies in their representation in Romanian protected areas
Authors: Geue Julia C. , Rotter Paula J. , Gross Caspar , Benkő Zoltán , Kovács István , Fântână Ciprian , Veres-Szászka Judit , Domşa Cristi , Baltag Emanuel , Daróczi Szilárd J. , Bóné Gábor M. , Popescu Viorel D. , Thomassen Henri A.
Published: May 2021

Because it is impossible to comprehensively characterize biodiversity at all levels of organization, conservation prioritization efforts need to rely on surrogates. As species distribution maps of relished groups as well as high-resolution remotely sensed data increasingly become available, both types of surrogates are commonly used. A good surrogate should represent as much of biodiversity as possible, but it often remains unclear to what extent this is the case. Here, we aimed to address this question by assessing how well bird species and habitat diversity represent one another. We conducted our study in Romania, a species-rich country with high landscape heterogeneity where bird species distribution data have only recently started to become available. First, we prioritized areas for conservation based on either 137 breeding bird species or 36 habitat classes, and then evaluated their reciprocal surrogacy performance. Second, we examined how well these features are represented in already existing protected areas. Finally, we identified target regions of high conservation value for the potential expansion of the current network of reserves (as planned under the new EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030). We found that bird species were a better surrogate for habitat diversity than vice versa. Highly ranked areas based on habitat diversity were represented better than areas based on bird species, which varied considerably between species. Our results highlight that taxonomic and environmental (i.e., habitat types) data may perform rather poorly as reciprocal surrogates, and multiple sources of data are required for a full evaluation of protected areas expansion.
A novel system for classifying tooth root phenotypes
Authors: Gellis Jason , Foley Robert
Published: May 2021

Human root and canal number and morphology are highly variable, and internal root canal form and count does not necessarily co-vary directly with external morphology. While several typologies and classifications have been developed to address individual components of teeth, there is a need for a comprehensive system, that captures internal and external root features across all teeth. Using CT scans, the external and internal root morphologies of a global sample of humans are analysed (n=945). From this analysis a method of classification that captures external and internal root morphology in a way that is intuitive, reproducible, and defines the human phenotypic set is developed. Results provide a robust definition of modern human tooth root phenotypic diversity. Our method is modular in nature, allowing for incorporation of past and future classification systems. Additionally, it provides a basis for analysing hominin root morphology in evolutionary, ecological, genetic, and developmental contexts.
Efficacy of double-stranded RNA for the large-scale control and prevention of sacbrood virus in Apis cerana (Hymenoptera: Apidae) apiaries
Authors: Yoo Mi-Sun , Truong A-Tai , Jeong Hana , Hahn Do Hyun , Lee Ju Seong , Yoon Soon-Seek , Cho Yun Sang
Published: May 2021

Sacbrood virus (SBV) infection in Apis cerana has caused tremendous damage in India, Thailand, Vietnam, and China since the 1970s. The disease caused by this virus results in colony collapse disorder in A. cerana and is also a devastating disease affecting A. cerana in South Korean apiaries. It has almost resulted in the elimination of the species. Therefore, control measures for this emerging threat are urgently needed. SBV RNA interference (RNAi) targeting VP1 was prepared to test the safety and efficacy of protection and treatment in artificially infected larvae and in infected colonies in South Korean apiaries. The efficacy of VP1 double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) was confirmed for the protection and treatment of infected larvae by increasing the survival rate in comparison with that in untreated larvae. Furthermore, an optimal application procedure was established for the large-scale RNAi treatment of SBV in apiaries. The protection of healthy colonies from SBV by RNAi was demonstrated in 100% of apiaries, and the treatment results showed that after five administrations, the SBV in infected colonies was mitigated to a safe level at which no symptoms of the disease were observed. Importantly, the low cost of dsRNA production in this study enables its application as a specific drug in large scale in South Korean apiculture.
AgMESH, a peritrophic matrix-associated protein embedded inAnopheles gambiaemelanotic capsules modulates malaria parasite infection
Authors: Camacho Emma , Dong Yuemei , Anglero-Rodriguez Yesseinia , Smith Daniel F. Q. , de Souza Jacomini Ricardo , McConnell Scott A. , Dimopoulos George , Casadevall Arturo
Published: May 2021

Melanins are structurally complex pigments produced by organisms in all domains of life. In insects, melanins are essential for survival and have key roles in cuticle sclerotization, wound healing and innate immunity. In this study, we used a diverse set of molecular, biochemical, and imaging approaches to characterize mosquito melanin involved in innate immune defense (melanotic capsules). We observed that melanotic capsules enclosingPlasmodium bergheiookinetes were composed of an acid-resistant and highly hydrophobic material with granular appearance, which are characteristic properties of melanins. Spectroscopical analyses reveal chemical signatures of eumelanins and pheomelanin. Furthermore, we identified a set of 14 acid-resistant mosquito proteins embedded within the melanin matrix possibly related to an anti-Plasmodiumresponse. Among these,AgMESH, a mucin-related protein highly conserved among insects that is associated with the midgut brush border microvilli proteome ofAnopheles gambiaeandA. albimanus. AgMESHgene silencing in mosquitos was associated with reducedPlasmodiumparasite infection, compromised integrity of the peritrophic matrix, and inability to synthesize a dityrosine network. Our results provide a new approach to study aspects of insect melanogenesis that revealed proteins associated with melanotic capsule, one of which was strongly implicated in the stabilization of the peritrophic matrix and pathogenesis ofPlasmodiumspp. mosquito infection. Given the conservation ofAgMESH among disease-transmitting insect vector species, future analysis of this protein could provide fertile ground for the identification of strategies that block transmission of vector borne diseases to humans.

Significance Statement

Malaria is a parasitic disease transmitted by mosquito bites. Here, we adapt methodologies to study fungal melanogenesis to explore the melanin-based immune response ofAnopheles gambiaeagainst malaria parasites. We reveal that melanotic capsules againstPlasmodiumare composed of pheomelanin and eumelanin. We demonstrate that melanin-encapsulatedPlasmodiumis associated to acid-resistant mosquito gut proteins and identify several putative factors of the melanin-mediated immunity. Disruption ofAgMESH, a surface-associated protein conserved among other mosquito vectors, demonstrates its ability to impaired formation of the dityrosine network and peritrophic matrix compromising parasite development within the mosquito gut. Our study provides a new approach to investigate the melanin-based defense mechanism in insects and identified a potential host molecule for developing novel universal vector-control schemes.
Deciphering the role of mucosal immune responses and cervicovaginal microbiome in resistance to HIV infection in HIV-exposed seronegative (HESN) women
Authors: Ponnan Sivasankaran Munusamy , Thiruvengadam Kannan , Tellapragada Chaitanya , Ambikan Anoop T , Narayanan Aswathy , Kathirvel Sujitha , Shankar Janani , Rajaraman Akshaya , Amanulla Mehar Afsan , Dinesha Thongadi Ramesh , Poongulali Selvamuthu , Saravanan Shanmugam , Murugavel Kailapuri Gangatharan , Swaminathan Soumya , Velu Vijayakumar , Shacklett Barbara , Neogi Ujjwal , Hanna Luke Elizabeth
Published: May 2021

The female genital tract (FGT) is an essential site of HIV infection. Discerning the nature of HIV-specific local immune responses is crucial for identifying correlates of protection in HIV-exposed seronegative (HESN) individuals. The present study involved a comprehensive analysis of soluble immune mediators, secretory immunoglobulins (sIg) and levels of natural killer (NK) cells, CXCR5+CD8+T cells, T follicular helper cells (Tfh) and T regulatory cells (T regs) in the vaginal mucosa, as well as the nature and composition of the cervicovaginal microbiome in HESN women. We found significantly elevated antiviral cytokines, soluble immunoglobulins, and increased frequencies of activated NK cells, CXCR5+CD8+T cells and Tfh cells in HESN females as compared to HIV unexposed healthy (UH) women. Analysis of the genital microbiome of HESN women revealed a greater bacterial diversity and increased abundance ofGardnerella sppin the mucosa of HESN women. The findings suggest the female genital tract of HESN females represents a microenvironment equipped with innate immune factors, antiviral mediators and critical T cells subsets that protect against HIV infection.
Instant three color multi-plane fluorescence microscopy
Authors: Gregor Ingo , Butkevich Eugenia , Enderlein Jörg , Mojiri Soheil
Published: May 2021

One of the most widely used microscopy techniques in biology and medicine is fluorescence microscopy, offering high specificity in labeling as well as maximum sensitivity. For live cell imaging, the ideal fluorescence microscope should offer high spatial resolution, fast image acquisition, three-dimensional sectioning, and multi-color detection. However, most existing fluorescence microscopes have to compromise between these different requirements. Here, we present a multi-plane multi-color wide-field microscope that uses a dedicated beam-splitter for recording volumetric data in eight focal planes and for three emission colors with frame rates of hundreds of volumes per second. We demonstrate the efficiency and performance of our system by three-dimensional imaging of multiply labeled fixed and living cells.
Consequences of PDGFRα+fibroblast reduction in adult murine hearts
Authors: Kuwabara Jill T. , Bhutada Sumit , Shettigar Vikram , Gojanovich Greg S. , DeAngelo Lydia P. , Heckl Jack R. , Jahansooz Julia R. , Tacdol Dillon K. , Ziolo Mark T. , Apte Suneel S. , Tallquist Michelle D.
Published: May 2021

Fibroblasts produce the majority of collagen in the heart and are thought to regulate extracellular matrix (ECM) turnover. Although fibrosis accompanies many cardiac pathologies and is generally deleterious, the role of fibroblasts in maintaining the basal ECM network and in fibrosisin vivois poorly understood. We genetically ablated fibroblasts in mice to evaluate the impact on homeostasis of adult ECM and cardiac function after injury. Fibroblast-ablated mice demonstrated a 60-80% reduction in cardiac fibroblasts, which did not overtly alter fibrillar collagen or the ECM proteome evaluated by quantitative mass spectrometry and N-terminomics. However, the distribution and quantity of collagen VI, a microfibrillar collagen that forms an open network with the basement membrane, was altered. In fibroblast-ablated mice, cardiac function was better preserved following angiotensin II/phenylephrine (AngII/PE)-induced fibrosis and myocardial infarction. Analysis of cardiomyocyte function demonstrated weaker contractions and slowed calcium decline in both uninjured and AngII/PE infused fibroblast-ablated mice. Moreover, fibroblast-ablated hearts had a similar gene expression profile to hearts with physiological hypertrophy after AngII/PE infusion. Our results indicate that the adult mouse heart tolerated a significant degree of fibroblast loss with potential beneficial impacts on cardiac function. Controlled fibroblast reduction may have therapeutic value in heart disease by providing cardioprotective effects.
A bioorthogonal chemical reporter for fatty acid synthase-dependent protein acylation
Authors: Karthigeyan Krithika P. , Zhang Lizhi , Loiselle David R. , Haystead Timothy A. J. , Bhat Menakshi , Yount Jacob S. , Kwiek Jesse J.
Published: May 2021

Cells acquire fatty acids from dietary sources or viade novopalmitate production by fatty acid synthase (FASN). Although most cells express FASN at low levels, it is upregulated in cancers and during replication of many viruses. The precise role of FASN in disease pathogenesis is poorly understood, and whetherde novofatty acid synthesis contributes to host or viral protein acylation has been traditionally difficult to study. We describe a cell permeable, click-chemistry compatible alkynyl-acetate analog (Alk-4) that functions as a reporter of FASN-dependent protein acylation. In a FASN-dependent manner, Alk-4 selectively labeled the cellular protein interferon-induced transmembrane protein 3 (IFITM3) at its palmitoylation sites, and the HIV-1 matrix protein at its myristoylation site. Alk-4 metabolic labeling also enabled biotin-based purification and identification of more than 200 FASN-dependent acylated cellular proteins. Thus, Alk-4 is a useful bioorthogonal tool to selectively probe FASN-mediated protein acylation in normal and diseased states.
The VE-cadherin/AmotL2 mechanosensory pathway suppresses aortic inflammation and the formation of abdominal aortic aneurysms
Authors: Zhang Yuanyuan , Hutterer Evelyn , Hultin Sara , Bergman Otto , Forteza Maria J. , Andonovic Zorana , Ketelhuth Daniel F.J. , Roy Joy , Eriksson Per , Holmgren Lars
Published: May 2021

Arterial endothelial cells (ECs) have the ability to respond to mechanical forces exerted by fluid shear stress. This response is of importance, as it is protective against vascular diseases such as atherosclerosis and aortic aneurysms. Mechanical forces are transmitted at the sites of adhesion to the basal membrane as well as cell-cell junctions where protein complexes connect to the cellular cytoskeleton to relay force into the cell. Here we present a novel protein complex that connects junctional VE-cadherin and radial actin filaments to the LINC complex in the nuclear membrane. We show that the scaffold protein AmotL2 is essential for the formation of radial actin filaments and the flow-induced alignment of aortic and arterial ECs. The deletion of endothelial AmotL2 alters nuclear shape as well as subcellular positioning. Molecular analysis shows that VE-cadherin is mechanically associated with the nuclear membrane via binding to AmotL2 and Actin. Furthermore, the deletion of AmotL2 in ECs provokes a pro-inflammatory response and abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) in the aorta of mice on a normal diet. Remarkably, transcriptome analysis of AAA samples from human patients revealed a negative correlation between AmotL2 expression and aneurysm diameters, as well as a positive correlation between AmotL2 and YAP expression. These findings provide a conceptual framework regarding how mechanotransduction in the junctions is coupled with vascular disease.
Symmetry breaking in the female germline cyst
Authors: Nashchekin D. , Busby L. , Jakobs M. , Squires I. , St Johnston D.
Published: May 2021

In mammals and flies, only a limited number of cells in a multicellular female germline cyst become oocytes, but how the oocyte is selected is unknown. Here we show that the microtubule minus end-stabilizing protein, Patronin/CAMSAP marks the futureDrosophilaoocyte and is required for oocyte specification. The spectraplakin, Shot, recruits Patronin to the fusome, a branched structure extending into all cyst cells. Patronin stabilizes more microtubules in the cell with most fusome and this weak asymmetry is amplified by Dynein-dependent transport of Patronin-stabilized microtubules. This forms a polarized microtubule network, along which Dynein transports oocyte determinants into the presumptive oocyte. Thus, Patronin amplifies a weak fusome anisotropy to break cyst symmetry. These findings reveal a molecular mechanism of oocyte selection in the germline cyst.
The Slit-binding Ig1 domain is required for multiple axon guidance activities ofDrosophilaRobo2
Authors: Howard LaFreda J. , Reichert Marie C. , Evans Timothy A.
Published: May 2021

DrosophilaRobo2 is a member of the evolutionarily conserved Roundabout (Robo) family of axon guidance receptors. The canonical role of Robo receptors is to signal midline repulsion in response to their cognate Slit ligands, which bind to the N-terminal Ig1 domain in most Robo family members. In theDrosophilaembryonic ventral nerve cord, Robo1 and Robo2 cooperate to signal Slit-dependent midline repulsion, while Robo2 also regulates the medial-lateral position of longitudinal axon pathways and acts non-autonomously to promote midline crossing of commissural axons. Although it is clear that Robo2 signals midline repulsion in response to Slit, it is less clear whether Robo2’s other activities are also Slit-dependent. To determine which of Robo2’s axon guidance roles depend on its Slit-binding Ig1 domain, we have used a CRISPR/Cas9-based strategy replace the endogenousrobo2gene with arobo2variant from which the Ig1 domain has been deleted(robo2ΔIg1). We compare the expression and localization of Robo2ΔIg1 protein with that of full-length Robo2 in embryonic neuronsin vivo, and examine its ability to substitute for Robo2 to mediate midline repulsion and lateral axon pathway formation. We find that removal of the Ig1 domain from Robo2ΔIg1 disrupts both of these axon guidance activities. In addition, we find that the Ig1 domain of Robo2 is required for its proper subcellular localization in embryonic neurons, a role that is not shared by the Ig1 domain of Robo1. Finally, we report that although FasII-positive lateral axons are misguided in embryos expressing Robo2ΔIg1, the axons that normally express Robo2 are correctly guided to the lateral zone, suggesting that Robo2 may guide lateral longitudinal axons through a cell non-autonomous mechanism.
A Mean Shift Algorithm for Drift Correction in Localization Microscopy
Authors: Fazekas Frank J , Shaw Thomas R , Kim Sumin , Bogucki Ryan A , Veatch Sarah L
Published: May 2021

Single molecule localization microscopy (SMLM) techniques transcend the diffraction limit of visible light by localizing isolated emitters sampled stochastically. This time-lapse imaging necessitates long acquisition times, over which sample drift can become large relative to the localization precision. Here we present a novel, efficient, and robust method for estimating drift using a simple peak-finding algorithm based on mean shifts that is effective for SMLM in 2 or 3 dimensions.
Decade-long remissions of leukemia sustained by the persistence of activated CD4+CAR T-cells
Authors: Melenhorst J. Joseph , Chen Gregory M. , Wang Meng , Porter David L. , Gao Peng , Bandyopadhyay Shovik , Pruteanu-Malinici Iulian , Nobles Christopher L. , Maji Sayantan , Frey Noelle V. , Gill Saar I. , Tian Lifeng , Kulikovskaya Irina , Gupta Minnal , Davis Megan M. , Fraietta Joseph A. , Brogdon Jennifer L. , Young Regina M. , Ambrose David E. , Chew Anne , Levine Bruce L. , Siegel Donald L. , Alanio Cécile , John Wherry E. , Bushman Frederic D. , Lacey Simon F. , Tan Kai , June Carl H.
Published: May 2021

The adoptive transfer of T lymphocytes reprogrammed to target tumor cells has demonstrated significant potential in various malignancies. However, little is known about the long-term potential and the clonal stability of the infused cells. Here, we studied the longest persisting CD19-redirected chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells to date in two chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients who achieved a complete remission in 2010. CAR T-cells were still detectable up to 10+ years post-infusion, with sustained remission in both patients. Surprisingly, a prominent, highly activated CD4+population developed in both patients during the years post-infusion, dominating the CAR T-cell population at the late time points. This transition was reflected in the stabilization of the clonal make-up of CAR T-cells with a repertoire dominated by few clones. Single cell multi-omics profiling via Cellular Indexing of Transcriptomes and Epitopes by Sequencing (CITE-Seq) with TCR sequencing of CAR T-cells obtained 9.3 years post-infusion demonstrated that these long-persisting CD4+CAR T-cells exhibited cytotoxic characteristics along with strong evidence of ongoing functional activation and proliferation. Our data provide novel insight into the CAR T-cell characteristics associated with long-term remission in leukemia.
Numerical and experimental research on the erosion of solid-liquid two-phase flow in transport butterfly valve based on DEM method
Authors: Xu Benliang , Zhu Zuchao , Lin Zhe , Wang Dongrui , Ma Guangfei
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the mechanism of particle erosion in butterfly valve pipelines under hydraulic transportation conditions. The results will affect the sealing and safety of butterfly valve pipelines and hopefully serve as reference for the anti-erosion design of butterfly valve pipelines.

Design/methodology/approach

Through the discrete element method (DEM) simulation that considers the force between particles, the detached eddy simulation (DES) turbulence model based on realizable k-epsilon is used to simulate the solid-liquid two-phase flow-induced erosion condition when the butterfly valve is fully opened. The simulation is verified by building an experimental system correctness. The solid-liquid two-phase flow characteristics, particle distribution and erosion characteristics of the butterfly valve pipeline under transportation conditions are studied.

Findings

The addition of particles may enhance the high-speed area behind the valve. It first increases and then decreases with increasing particle size. With increasing particle size, the low-velocity particles change from being uniformly distributed in flow channel to first gathering in the front of the valve and, then, to gathering in lower part of it. Fluid stagnation at the left arc-shaped flange leads to the appearance of two high-speed belts in the channel. With increasing fluid velocity, high-speed belts gradually cover the entire valve surface by focusing on the upper and lower ends, resulting in the overall aggravation of erosion.

Originality/value

Considering the complexity of solid-liquid two-phase flow, this is the first time that the DEM method with added inter-particle forces and the DES turbulence model based on realizable k-epsilon has been used to study the flow characteristics and erosion mechanism of butterfly valves under fully open transportation conditions.
Analysis of the effects of spatiotemporal demand data aggregation methods on distance and volume errors
Authors: Hornberger Zachary , Cox Bruce , Hill Raymond R.
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Large/stochastic spatiotemporal demand data sets can prove intractable for location optimization problems, motivating the need for aggregation. However, demand aggregation induces errors. Significant theoretical research has been performed related to the modifiable areal unit problem and the zone definition problem. Minimal research has been accomplished related to the specific issues inherent to spatiotemporal demand data, such as search and rescue (SAR) data. This study provides a quantitative comparison of various aggregation methodologies and their relation to distance and volume based aggregation errors.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper introduces and applies a framework for comparing both deterministic and stochastic aggregation methods using distance- and volume-based aggregation error metrics. This paper additionally applies weighted versions of these metrics to account for the reality that demand events are nonhomogeneous. These metrics are applied to a large, highly variable, spatiotemporal demand data set of SAR events in the Pacific Ocean. Comparisons using these metrics are conducted between six quadrat aggregations of varying scales and two zonal distribution models using hierarchical clustering.

Findings

As quadrat fidelity increases the distance-based aggregation error decreases, while the two deliberate zonal approaches further reduce this error while using fewer zones. However, the higher fidelity aggregations detrimentally affect volume error. Additionally, by splitting the SAR data set into training and test sets this paper shows the stochastic zonal distribution aggregation method is effective at simulating actual future demands.

Originality/value

This study indicates no singular best aggregation method exists, by quantifying trade-offs in aggregation-induced errors practitioners can utilize the method that minimizes errors most relevant to their study. Study also quantifies the ability of a stochastic zonal distribution method to effectively simulate future demand data.
Banks’ international assets and sovereign default risk
Authors: Gori Filippo
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the nexus between banks’ foreign assets and sovereign default risk in a panel of 15 developed economies. The empirical evidence suggests that banks’ foreign exposure is an important determinant of sovereign default probability.

Design/methodology/approach

Using data from the consolidated banking statistics (total foreign claims on ultimate risk basis) by the Bank of International Settlements, the author constructs a measure of bank international exposure to peer countries. This measure is then used as the target variable in a panel regression for sovereign credit default swaps. The model includes 15 European and non-European developed economies. Identification is discussed extensively in the paper.

Findings

Quantitatively, a 1% increase in banks’ cross-border claims increases sovereign default risk by about 0.19%. The relationship is weaker when banks are more capitalised. On the other hand, governments are more vulnerable to credit risk spillovers from banks’ international portfolios when having higher debt to GDP ratios.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first paper that attempts explicitly to establish an empirical connection between banks’ international assets and sovereign default risk. To the author’s opinion, this paper represents a contribution to our understanding of how sovereign credit risk spills over across countries. It also extends significantly the existing literature on the determinants of sovereign risk (that primarily focused on fundamentals, market characteristics – such as liquidity – and global factors). This paper ultimately sheds some new light on the role of intermediaries in the international transmission of credit risk, also adding to today’s discussion about the linkages between banks and sovereigns.
Factors affecting the selection of effective cost control techniques in the UK construction industry
Authors: Oyegoke Adekunle Sabitu , Powell Robert , Ajayi Saheed , Godawatte Godawatte Arachchige Gimhan Rathnagee , Akenroye Temidayo
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to identify and analyse the factors affecting the selection of effective cost control techniques in the UK construction industry and assess their importance. The study examines these key areas; the factors that have significant impacts on cost overruns, the most effective cost control techniques and the factors for selecting cost control techniques for a project.

Design/methodology/approach

The study relies on a mixed-method research approach; a qualitative exploration of the most effective cost control techniques and the factors affecting the selection of cost control techniques, followed by a questionnaire survey and follow-up interviews. Relative importance index (RII) is used for ranking the factors.

Findings

The budgeting technique is ranked first with-0.821RII, followed by cost forecasting-0.800RII and cashflow monitoring-00.733RII, as the most effective cost control techniques. On factors that influenced the choice of the techniques used, cost information/cost-related factors are ranked first with-0.611RII, followed by the size of the company-0.509RII and the effectiveness of the technique-0.572RII.

Research limitations/implications

Although the scope of the study was limited to the UK construction industry, the results could be interpreted for critical learning in other developed/developing countries.

Originality/value

Identifying and ranking the factors affecting the selection of effective cost control techniques in the UK construction industry has been the focal point of this study. The study also proposes a simple but effective model which can be used for critical learning on mitigating cost overruns and the effective use of cost control techniques in the construction industry.
Brand familiarity vs profit-sharing rate: which has a stronger impact on Muslim customers’ intention to invest in an Islamic bank?
Authors: Hati Sri Rahayu Hijrah , Putri Niken Iwani Surya , Daryanti Sri , Wibowo Sigit Sulistiyo , Safira Anya , Setyowardhani Hapsari
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of brand familiarity and profit-sharing rate on Muslim customers’ brand trust, perceived financial risk, perceived value and intention to invest in an Islamic bank.

Design/methodology/approach

A between-subjects experimental design was applied in the study. Six experiments involving two brand familiarity levels and three profit-sharing rates were conducted using a total of 217 samples. Randomization was applied in the study, which generated unequal sample sizes for each group of experiments.

Findings

The findings of this experimental study demonstrated that Muslim customers’ familiarity with the bank’s brand has a significant impact on their brand trust and intention to invest in an Islamic bank. The study also found that the profit-sharing rate has a significant impact on the perceived value both with and without interaction with brand familiarity.

Research limitations/implications

The current study applies an independent measured design or a between-subjects experimental design, that resulted in unequal sample sizes. In addition, the study also does not control for the types of bank accounts owned by respondents. The design may invite the presence of confounding variables that exist due to individual differences and environmental variables.

Practical implications

The results show that Islamic bank managers should care about the brand familiarity issue, which strongly influences customers’ brand trust and customer intention to invest in an Islamic bank. In addition, Islamic bank managers should pay attention to the profit-sharing rate given to customers, as it interacts with brand familiarity in influencing customers’ perceived value.

Originality/value

This study examined the impact of brand familiarity and profit-sharing rate on Muslim consumers’ brand trust, perceived risk, perceived value and intention to save in an Islamic bank. The paper provides a shred of empirical evidence to the theoretical relationship between the subjective and objective cues that influence the formation of customers’ trust, perceived financial risk, perceived value and intention in the Islamic bank context.
Measures to combat money laundering and terrorist financing in Palestine
Authors: Firas Murrar
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the evolution of anti-money laundering/combating the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) procedures in Palestine since 2004 in accordance with the standards issued by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

Design/methodology/approach

This study is qualitative in nature and involves studying the most important improvements made by Palestinian authorities in the state’s legislative and institutional frameworks to enhance the AML/CFT regime.

Findings

Palestine has established the necessary legal basis to combat money laundering and terrorist financing crimes. At the institutional level, the Financial Follow-up Unit was granted all the required powers of Financial Intelligence Units. The National Committee for Combating Money Laundering and Financing Terrorism has also played a vital role in issuing policies and plans to respond to the outcomes of the National Risk Assessment process. In contrast, a number of challenges still exist mainly with respect to the political factors and their expected consequences on the process of preparing for and conducting the mutual evaluation process for Palestine.

Originality/value

This study focusses on the AML/CFT efforts in Palestine owing to the nature and specificity of the Palestinian situation, as Palestine’s AML/CFT procedures have not been subject to any previous mutual evaluation process by the MENAFATF. Such efforts have rarely addressed the Palestinian case, making this study important to researchers and those interested in this field.
Nigeria’s upstream petroleum industry anti-corruption legal framework: the necessity for overhauling and enrichment
Authors: Olujobi Olusola Joshua
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This study aims to investigate why anti-corruption statutes are not efficient in Nigeria’s upstream petroleum industry.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is a doctrinal legal research that embraces a point-by-point comparative methodology with a library research technique.

Findings

This study reveals that corruption strives on feeble implementation of anti-corruption legal regime and the absence of political will in offering efficient regulatory intervention. Finally, this study finds that anti-corruption organisations in Nigeria are not efficient due to non-existence of the Federal Government’s political will to fight corruption, insufficient funds and absence of stringent implementation of the anti-corruption legal regime in the country.

Research limitations/implications

Investigations reveal during this study that Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) operations are characterised with poor record-keeping, lack of accountability as well as secrecy in the award of oil contracts, oil licence, leases and other financial transactions due to non-disclosure or confidentiality clauses contained in most of these contracts. Also, an arbitration proceeding limit access to their records and some of these agreements under contentions. This has also limited the success of this research work and generalising its findings.

Practical implications

This study recommends, among other reforms, soft law technique and stringent execution of anti-corruption statutes. This study also recommends increment in financial appropriation to Nigeria’s anti-corruption institutions, taking into consideration the finding that a meagre budget is a drawback.

Social implications

This study reveals that corruption strives on feeble implementation of anti-corruption legal regime and the absence of political will in offering efficient regulatory intervention. Corruption flourishes due to poor enforcement of anti-corruption laws and the absence of political will in offering efficient regulatory intervention by the government.

Originality/value

The study advocates the need for enhancement of anti-corruption agencies' budgets taking into consideration the finding that meagres budgets are challenge of the agencies.
Do key audit matters (KAMs) matter? Auditors’ perceptions of KAMs and audit quality in Finland
Authors: Rautiainen Antti , Saastamoinen Jani , Pajunen Kati
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Key audit matters (KAMs) in International Standard for Auditing, 701 seek to enhance the value of the auditor’s report by increasing the transparency of how the audit was performed. The purpose of this study is to investigate how professional auditors themselves perceive the impact of KAMs on audit quality and audit effectiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

Statistical analyses of an electronic survey of certified public auditors (CPAs) in Finland.

Findings

Regarding the perceptions of KAMs, the authors found two dominant views on auditing: quality and efficiency. In general, the respondents did not consider that KAMs improve audit quality. However, auditors focusing on efficiency considered that KAMs make the audit process more fluent. Further, the use of KAMs may facilitate audit effectiveness and cooperation between auditors and managers. The authors also found three factors related to the KAMs processes and auditing work: effectiveness, risks and workload.

Practical implications

Auditors may use KAMs to provide focus in their work. This facilitates balancing between the demands for added value while keeping the workload and audit risks at a tolerable level.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the emerging literature on KAMs as well as to the literature examining practitioner views of changes in auditing regulation. It is, as far as we know, the first study to report survey evidence on how CPAs themselves perceive KAMs and the effects of KAMs on audit work in an European Union country context.
Stakeholder status in the identification, prioritization and management of college athletic donors
Authors: Huml Matt R. , Cintron Alicia M.
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine how athletic fundraising managers perceive status and seek to use status to identify, prioritize and manage stakeholders within college athletics.

Design/methodology/approach

To test this purpose, the researchers use the Gioia methodology to interview 19 college athletic department fundraising officers within National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) institutions. Following interviews, the data were analyzed by the researchers and structured within a first-order and second-order concept designation.

Findings

Interviews show that status is an effective concept for explaining how athletic fundraisers identify and prioritize donors. Officers relied on economic (capacity) and social (passion and interest) factors to rank order donors. The results also show that athletic departments use status to manage stakeholders by rewarding their giving and escalating their commitment. Status is used in four strategies to manage the donor hierarchy: benefits, recognition, membership and access. Each strategy highlighted exclusivity and rank order.

Originality/value

There is a need to empirically test the application of status within the stakeholder theory context. These findings also contribute to the evolution of stakeholder management beyond the use of social identity theory or stakeholder salience. It helps our understanding of the evolving relationship between fundraiser and donor by recognizing the importance of capacity, passion and interests when identifying and prioritizing donors. Further, status-markers such as exclusive benefits, recognition, membership and access can be used to manage donors toward the organization's goals.
Hidden in plain sight: the bystander effect and the mobilisation of modern slavery whistleblowing
Authors: Stevenson Mark
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to provide new insight into the modern slavery threat and to enhance its detection in supply chains by understanding and addressing barriers to whistleblowing. A broad definition of a whistle-blower is adopted, which includes any witness internal or external to an organisation.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a viewpoint paper that includes using news reports and other secondary data sources on a recent modern slavery scandal in garment factories in Leicester, UK and the lens of the bystander effect from the social psychology literature. The core focus is on whistleblowing by members of the local community in which an operation or supply chain is embedded.

Findings

The phenomenon of modern slavery being an “open secret” within the local community is highlighted. But rather than the case being characterised by widespread whistleblowing, the problem only came into full focus when poor working conditions and forced labour during COVID-19 lockdown restrictions contributed to the spread of the virus. It is argued that overcoming this “bystander effect” can lead to the greater mobilisation of modern slavery whistleblowing.

Research limitations/implications

Two sets of propositions and a conceptual model are provided and seven future research suggestions are outlined, including extending the present study to whistleblowing by victims and other internal members of an organisation or supply chain.

Practical implications

If it can be mobilised, then whistleblowing has the potential to be an important part of detecting modern slavery, either temporarily replacing audits where they are not possible due to social distancing restrictions or directing the use of limited auditing resources to high-risk factories. In this way, combinations of practices can be effectively used to tackle the threat.

Social implications

This contributes to addressing an important societal problem and one of the grandest challenges facing modern-day supply chains. This, it has been argued, is an even bigger problem now than ever before given the economic and market conditions created by the COVID-19 global pandemic.

Originality/value

This is the first paper to focus on operationalising the practice of whistleblowing as a source of greater supply chain intelligence to aid modern slavery detection. Causes of the bystander effect include the perceived low-emergency threat of modern slavery, the high-ambiguity environment, a low bystander responsibility and low assistance/intervention incentive. Countermeasures include elevating the emergency status of modern slavery, creating a shared sense of responsibility for tackling the problem, having clear reporting channels and taking swift and consistent action when instances of modern slavery are detected.
Queries related to COVID-19: a more effective retrieval through finetuned ALBERT with BM25L question answering system
Authors: Godavarthi Deepthi , A. Mary Sowjanya
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to build a better question answering (QA) system that can furnish more improved retrieval of answers related to COVID-19 queries from the COVID-19 open research data set (CORD-19). As CORD-19 has an up-to-date collection of coronavirus literature, text mining approaches can be successfully used to retrieve answers pertaining to all coronavirus-related questions. The existing a lite BERT for self-supervised learning of language representations (ALBERT) model is finetuned for retrieving all COVID relevant information to scientific questions posed by the medical community and to highlight the context related to the COVID-19 query.

Design/methodology/approach

This study presents a finetuned ALBERT-based QA system in association with Best Match25 (Okapi BM25) ranking function and its variant BM25L for context retrieval and provided high scores in benchmark data sets such as SQuAD for answers related to COVID-19 questions. In this context, this paper has built a QA system, pre-trained on SQuAD and finetuned it on CORD-19 data to retrieve answers related to COVID-19 questions by extracting semantically relevant information related to the question.

Findings

BM25L is found to be more effective in retrieval compared to Okapi BM25. Hence, finetuned ALBERT when extended to the CORD-19 data set provided accurate results.

Originality/value

The finetuned ALBERT QA system was developed and tested for the first time on the CORD-19 data set to extract context and highlight the span of the answer for more clarity to the user.