bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unveiling kinematic structure in the starburst heart of NGC 253
Authors: Cohen Daniel P , Turner Jean L , Consiglio S Michelle
Published: January 2020

We observed the Brackett α emission line (4.05 μm) within the nuclear starburst of NGC 253 to measure the kinematics of ionized gas, and distinguish motions driven by star formation feedback from gravitational motions induced by the central mass structure. Using NIRSPEC on Keck II, we obtained 30 spectra through a $0^{\prime \prime }_{.}5$ slit stepped across the central ∼5 arcsec × 25 arcsec (85 × 425 pc) region to produce a spectral cube. The Br α emission resolves into four nuclear sources: S1 at the infrared core (IRC), N1 at the radio core, and the fainter sources N2 and N3 in the northeast. The line profile is characterized by a primary component with Δvprimary ∼90–130 $\rm km\, s^{-1}$ (full width at half-maximum) on top of a broad blue 2wing with Δvbroad ∼300–350 $\rm km\, s^{-1}$, and an additional redshifted narrow component in the west. The velocity field generated from our cube reveals several distinct patterns. A mean NE–SW velocity gradient of +10 $\rm km\, s^{-1}$ arcsec−1 along the major axis traces the solid-body rotation curve of the nuclear disc. At the radio core, isovelocity contours become S-shaped, indicating the presence of secondary nuclear bar of total extent ∼5 arcsec (90 pc). The symmetry of the bar places the galactic centre, and potential supermassive black hole, near the radio peak rather than the IRC. A third kinematic substructure is formed by blueshifted gas near the IRC. This feature likely traces a ∼100–250 $\rm km\, s^{-1}$ starburst-driven outflow, potentially linking the IRC to the galactic wind observed on kpc scales.
Putatively cancer-specific exon–exon junctions are shared across patients and present in developmental and other non-cancer cells
Authors: David Julianne K , Maden Sean K , Weeder Benjamin R , Thompson Reid F , Nellore Abhinav
Published: January 2020

This study probes the distribution of putatively cancer-specific junctions across a broad set of publicly available non-cancer human RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) datasets. We compared cancer and non-cancer RNA-seq data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), the Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) Project and the Sequence Read Archive. We found that (i) averaging across cancer types, 80.6% of exon–exon junctions thought to be cancer-specific based on comparison with tissue-matched samples (σ = 13.0%) are in fact present in other adult non-cancer tissues throughout the body; (ii) 30.8% of junctions not present in any GTEx or TCGA normal tissues are shared by multiple samples within at least one cancer type cohort, and 87.4% of these distinguish between different cancer types; and (iii) many of these junctions not found in GTEx or TCGA normal tissues (15.4% on average, σ = 2.4%) are also found in embryological and other developmentally associated cells. These findings refine the meaning of RNA splicing event novelty, particularly with respect to the human neoepitope repertoire. Ultimately, cancer-specific exon–exon junctions may have a substantial causal relationship with the biology of disease.
Are infant mortality rates increasing in England? The effect of extreme prematurity and early neonatal deaths
Authors: Nath Selina , Hardelid Pia , Zylbersztejn Ania
Published: January 2020

Background

Infant mortality has been rising in England since 2014. We examined potential drivers of these trends.

Methods

We used aggregate data on all live births, stillbirths and linked infant deaths in England in 2006–2016 from the Office for National Statistics. We compared trends in infant mortality rates overall, excluding births at <24 weeks of gestation, by quintile of SES and gestational age.

Results

Infant mortality decreased from 4.78 deaths/1000 live births in 2006 to 3.54/1000 in 2014 (annual decrease of 0.15/1000) and increased to 3.67/1000 in 2016 (annual increase of 0.07/1000). This rise was driven by increases in deaths at 0–6 days of life. After excluding infants born at <24 weeks of gestation, infant mortality continued to decrease after 2014. The risk of infant death was 94% higher in the most versus least deprived SES quintile, which reduced to a 55% higher risk after adjusting for gestational age.

Conclusions

The observed increase in infant mortality rates since 2014 is wholly explained by an increasing number of deaths at 0–6 days of age among babies born at <24 weeks of gestation. Policies focused on improving maternal health to reduce preterm birth could substantially reduce the socio-economic gap in infant survival.
Fear extinction memory is negatively associated with REM sleep in insomnia disorder
Authors: Bottary Ryan , Seo Jeehye , Daffre Carolina , Gazecki Samuel , Moore Kylie N , Kopotiyenko Konstantin , Dominguez Jarrod P , Gannon Karen , Lasko Natasha B , Roth Brittainy , Milad Mohammed R , Pace-Schott Edward F
Published: January 2020

Study Objectives

Formation and maintenance of fear-extinction memories are disrupted in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety disorders. Sleep contributes to emotional memory consolidation and emotion regulation. Insomnia disorder (ID) is characterized by persistent sleep disturbance as well as rapid eye movement (REM) sleep abnormalities and often precedes or develops in parallel with PTSD and anxiety disorders. Here, we explore the impact of chronic poor sleep and sleep immediately following fear conditioning and extinction learning on preservation of extinction memories.

Methods

Twenty-four ID age- and sex-matched to 24 healthy, good sleeper controls (GS) completed up to 2 weeks of habitual sleep monitoring with daily sleep–wake diaries and actigraphy, and then participated in a two-session fear conditioning, extinction learning and extinction recall procedure. Fear Conditioning and Extinction Learning occurred during session 1, followed by Extinction Recall approximately 24 hours later. Skin-conductance responses (SCR) and shock expectancies were recorded throughout all experimental phases to evaluate associative learning and memory. Overnight sleep between sessions 1 and 2 was recorded using ambulatory polysomnography.

Results

ID showed greater physiological reactivity during Fear Conditioning. REM sleep physiology was associated with poorer extinction memory in ID but better extinction memory in GS.

Conclusion

REM sleep physiology may differentially support emotional memory retention and expression in ID and GS. In the former, REM may enhance retention of fear memories, while in the later, REM may enhance the expression of extinction memories.
Parliamentary Scrutiny of the Quality of Legislation within Europe
Authors: Albanesi Enrico
Published: January 2020

The topic of this article is a comparative analysis of parliamentary scrutiny of the quality of legislation contained in bills in the British system and in Continental Europe (with a special focus on Italy as case study). The main difference between the two systems is due to the establishment, especially in Continental Europe, of specific parliamentary tools, standards, or bodies to scrutinize the quality of legislation. The hypothesis underpinning the article is that this is the result of the different approaches used to draft bills in the two systems. The British model of legislative drafting has shown its strength: clearly, it is better having a legislative product which is well-drafted upstream, instead of a scrutiny downstream. However, in the United Kingdom, there is currently a debate concerning the opportunity to strengthen parliamentary scrutiny of the quality of legislation by establishing legislative standards and bodies (such as a Legislative Standards Committee) for this purpose. The article will describe the Continental system of parliamentary scrutiny of the quality of legislation and then focus on the British debate. This will help to draw some conclusions, asking whether Continental Europe’s model of parliamentary scrutiny could be of any value for the United Kingdom.
Current status of Opisthorchis viverrini, minute intestinal fluke and Taenia spp. infections among inhabitants in the Kenethao district of northern Lao PDR
Authors: Senephansiri Phasouk , Thongseesuksai Thaksaporn , Sithay Phaviny , Laymanivong Sakhone , Boonmar Thidarut , Laummaunwai Porntip
Published: January 2020

Background

This study reports the prevalence of Ov/minute intestinal fluke (MIF) and Taenia infections among inhabitants of the Kenethao district, northern Lao PDR.

Methods

Fecal samples from 580 inhabitants were examined using the formalin-ethyl acetate concentration technique.

Results

The prevalence of Ov/MIF, Taenia spp. and coinfection was 45.3, 11.9 and 6.1%, respectively. There was no significant difference between males and females for Ov/MIF (p=0.813) and Taenia infection (p=0.759). The prevalence of Ov/MIF was significantly associated with age (p=0.005), but not for Taenia infection (p=0.836). Consumption of raw fish (p=0.001) and raw meat (p=0.046) was significantly associated with parasitic infections.

Conclusions

The results suggest that Ov/MIF and Taenia spp. are highly endemic in this area and there is a need for projects to eliminate these parasites.
Temperature Drives Contrasting Alternaria Leaf Spot Epidemic Development in Canola and Mustard Rape from Alternaria japonica and A. brassicae
Authors: Al-lami Hebba F. D. , You Ming Pei , Barbetti Martin J.
Published: January 2020

Recent surveys of canola (Brassica napus) crops across southern Australia highlighted that Alternaria leaf spot on canola is not solely caused by Alternaria brassicae but that other Alternaria spp. are also involved, including A. japonica. Studies were undertaken into the effects of different temperatures (14 and 10°C [day and night] or 22 and 17°C [day and night]) on development of Alternaria leaf spot caused by A. japonica as compared with A. brassicae in cotyledons (embryonic leaves) and true leaves (first leaves) of canola (B. napus ‘Thunder TT’) and mustard rape (B. juncea ‘Dune’). Both pathogens expressed less disease at lower temperatures of 14 and 10°C with percent disease index (%DI) of 19.1 for A. japonica and 41.8 for A. brassicae, but expressed significantly more disease at higher temperatures of 22 and 17°C with %DI of 80.8 and 88.2 for the same pathogens, respectively. At 14 and 10°C, mustard rape cotyledons showed less disease (percent cotyledons disease index [%CDI] = 18.1) from A. japonica but showed more disease (%CDI = 75.0) from A. brassicae. However, at 22 and 17°C, cotyledons and true leaves of both canola and mustard rape showed significantly more disease and varied in expressing the disease severity to the two pathogens; true leaves of mustard rape showed less disease (percent true leaf disease index [%TDI] = 48.4) from A. japonica but showed more disease (%TDI = 92.0) from A. brassicae. At 22 and 17°C, cotyledons of canola expressed more disease from A. japonica (%CDI = 99.1) than from A. brassicae (%CDI = 70.7). At the lower temperature, both host species showed the least disease, with mean %DI of 27.3 and 33.5 for canola and mustard rape, respectively, as compared with the higher temperatures, where there was a greater DI, with %DI values of 87.9 and 81.2 for these same host species, respectively. We believe that these are the first studies to highlight the critical role played by temperature for A. japonica as compared with A. brassicae in Alternaria leaf spot disease development and severity. These findings explain how temperature affects Alternaria leaf spot severity caused by A. japonica as compared with A. brassicae on different foliage components of canola and mustard rape.
Away from the limelight: Einstein and Milne
Authors: Weston Smith Meg
Published: January 2020

In his paper, ‘Einstein in Oxford’, Dr Robert Fox comments that Arthur Milne, my father, was the only person in Oxford capable of serious discussion with Einstein. They met at organized events, but more to Einstein's taste were less formal occasions. As both guest and speaker he came to Milne's colloquia. In Oxford and Potsdam they discussed Milne's cosmological theory. Einstein supported Oxford University in its effort to secure the proceeds from the sale of the Radcliffe Observatory.
Calorimonas adulescens gen. nov., sp. nov., an anaerobic thermophilic bacterium utilizing methoxylated benzoates
Authors: Khomyakova M. A. , Merkel A. Y. , Kopitsyn D. S. , Bonch-Osmolovskaya E. A. , Slobodkin A. I.
Published: January 2020

A novel anaerobic, thermophilic bacterium (strain A05 MBT) was isolated from Daginsky thermal springs (Sakhalin, Russia) on 2-methoxybenzoate as a substrate. Cells of the strain were motile long rods, 3.0–5.0 µm in length and 0.5–0.6 µm in diameter. The temperature range for growth was 47–68 °C, with an optimum at 60 °C. The pH range for growth was 4.5–8.0, with an optimum at pH 5.5–6.0. Strain A05 MBTdid not require NaCl for growth. The strain utilized methoxylated aromatic compounds (2-methoxybenzoate and 3,4-dimethoxybenzoate), a number of carbohydrates (glucose, fructose, mannose, trehalose, xylose, sucrose, galactose, ribose, maltose, raffinose, lactose, cellobiose and dextrin) and proteinaceous substrates (yeast extract, beef extract, peptone and tryptone). The end products of glucose fermentation were acetate, ethanol and CO2. The DNA G+C content of strain A05 MBTwas 40.2 mol% (whole-genome analysis). 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that strain A05MBTbelongs to the orderThermoanaerobacterales(phylumFirmicutes). The closest relative of strain A05 MBTwasCaloribacterium cisternae(94.3 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity). Based on the phenotypic, genotypic and phylogenetic characteristics of the isolate, strain A05 MBTis considered to represent a novel species of a new genus, for which the nameCalorimonas adulescensgen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain ofCalorimonas adulescensis A05 MBT(=KCTC 15839T=VKM B-3388T).
Description of Azotobacter chroococcum subsp. isscasi subsp. nov. isolated from paddy soil and establishment of Azotobacter chroococcum subsp. chroococcum subsp. nov.
Authors: Jin Haiyang , Wang Hui , Zhang Yanhui , Hu Tianlong , Lin Zhibin , Liu Benjuan , Ma Jing , Wang Xiaojie , Liu Qi , Lin Xingwu , Xie Zubin
Published: January 2020

Three aerobic, asymbiotic, N2-fixing bacterial strains, designated P205T, P204 and P207, were isolated from a paddy soil in Yanting County, China. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequences, the three strains were closely related to

Azotobacter chroococcum

IAM 12666T (=ATCC 9043T) (99.00–99.79 % similarities). Strain P205T formed an individual branch distinct from the other two newly isolated strains and other related type strains in phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene and 92 core genes. The average nucleotide identity (ANI), average amino acid identity (AAI) and digital DNA–DNA hybridization (dDDH) values based on genome sequences of strain P205T and

A. chroococcum

ATCC 9043T, P204, P207 were near or slightly higher than the thresholds for species circumscription (95–96, 95–96 and 70 %, respectively), and the dDDH values were significantly lower than the threshold for delineating subspecies (79–80 %), which strongly supported that strain P205T belonged to

A. chroococcum

but was a novel subspecies distinct from the type strain of

A. chroococcum

. This finding was further corroborated by distinct phenotypic characteristics such as growth in Luria–Bertani (LB) medium, carbon source utilization and chemical sensitivity to vancomycin. Therefore, strain P205T represents a novel subspecies of

Azotobacter chroococcum

, for which the name

Azotobacter chroococcum

subsp. isscasi subsp. nov. is proposed with the type strain P205T (=KCTC 72233T=CGMCC 1.16846T=CCTCC AB 2019080T). The subspecies

Azotobacter chroococcum

subsp. chroococcum subsp. nov. is created automatically with the type strain ATCC 9043T (=DSM 2286T=JCM 20725T=JCM 21503T=LMG 8756T=NBRC 102613T=NCAIM B.01391T=NRRL B-14346T=VKM B-1616T).
Molecular surveillance of HIV, HBV, and HCV amongst blood donors in five Chinese regions
Authors: Lv Xiaoting , Rodgers Mary A , Yin Peng , Ke Ling , Fu Ping , Wu Binting , Liu Yu
Published: January 2020

Hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are transfusion transmissible infections (TTIs) agents that threaten the safety of the blood supply. Surveillance of the variance of those viruses is an important way to monitor their diversity and evolution to improve safety in blood transfusion. In this study, we characterized the specimens of blood donors from 13 blood centers located in 5 Chinese regions.

Samples collected between 2014 and 2017 were screened with serological and molecular tests conducted on Abbott ARCHITECT and m2000 platforms. Sequencing was used to determine the classifications. The HBV immune escape mutations were also analyzed for assessing vaccine breakthrough risks and challenges for diagnostic tests. For HIV, 11 genotypes or recombinants were identified. The predominant genotype was C, which accounts for 42%. For HBV, the genotypes of B, C and D were identified, with B and C predominating. The major subgenotype was B2, comprising 84.1% of all infections. 79 out of 113 (69.9%) samples carried escape mutations in the “a” determinant region with 69 (87.3%) multiple mutants and 15 (19%) escape mutants which will affect HBsAg detection. For HCV, 7 genotypes or subtypes were identified. The major genotype was 1b (48%), followed by 6a (16.7%) and 2a & 3a (10%). This study provides the information of diversity of HBV, HCV and HIV strains circulating in blood centers from 5 regions in China. These data can also be scientific basis for development of detection assays that mitigate the impact of viral diversity on performance.

Importance

The prevalence of TTIs in blood donations is important for evaluating blood safety and it can also reflect the burden of these disease among populations. Virus variance is threat to blood safety due to it may affect assays detection by nucleic acid, antigen and antibody-based methods in blood donors. HIV, HBV and HCV exhibit high degrees of genetic diversity, with different strains predominating in different geographic locations. The aim of this study is to assess the diversity of HBV, HCV and HIV among blood donors in China. In this study, 13 blood centers located in 5 Chinese regions were involved and the most informative phylogenetic regions of each virus had been sequenced. This will benefit for viral monitoring by subtype/genotype analyses to determine whether the distributions of variants are changing over time and geographically, and to speculate whether previously rare subtypes are becoming established in blood donors in China.
Nuclear localization of calcium-activated BK channels in skate ampullary electroreceptors
Authors: Chen Abby L. , Wu Ting-Hsuan , Shi Lingfang , Clusin William T. , Kao Peter N.
Published: January 2020

Ampullae of Lorenzini are sensory organs capable of detecting microvolt gradients in seawater. Electroreception involves interplay between voltage-dependent calcium channels CaV1.3 and big conductance calcium-activated potassium (BK) channels in apical membranes of receptor cells. Expression of BK (kcnma1) and CaV1.3 (cacna1d) channels in skate (Leucoraja erinacea)ampullary electroreceptors was studied byin situconfocal microscopy. BK and CaV1.3 channels colocalize in plasma membranes, ribbon synapses and kinocilia. BK channels additionally colocalize with chromatin and nuclear lamins in electroreceptor cells. Bioinformatic sequence analysis identified an alternatively spliced bipartite nuclear localization sequence (NLS) inkcnma1(at site of mammalian STREX exon). Skatekcnma1wild type cDNA transfected into HEK293 cells localized to the endoplasmic reticulum and nucleus. Mutations in the NLS (KR→AA or SVLS→AVLA) independently attenuated nuclear translocation from endoplasmic reticulum. BK channel localization may be controlled by splicing or phosphorylation to tune electroreception and modulate gene expression.
Insertion and deletion evolution reflects antibiotics selection pressure in aMycobacterium tuberculosisoutbreak
Authors: Godfroid Maxime , Dagan Tal , Merker Matthias , Kohl Thomas A. , Diel Roland , Maurer Florian P. , Niemann Stefan , Kupczok Anne
Published: January 2020

In genome evolution, genetic variants are the source of diversity, which natural selection acts upon. Treatment of human tuberculosis (TB) induces a strong selection pressure for the emergence of antibiotic resistance in the infectingMycobacterium tuberculosis(MTB) strains. MTB evolution in response to treatment has been intensively studied and mainly attributed to point substitutions. However, the contribution of insertions and deletions (indels) to MTB genome evolution remains poorly understood. Here, we analyzed a multi-drug resistant MTB outbreak for the presence of high-quality indels and substitutions. We find that indels are significantly enriched in genes conferring antibiotic resistance. Furthermore, we show that indels are inherited during the outbreak and follow a molecular clock with an evolutionary rate of 5.37e-9 indels/site/year, which is 23x lower compared to the substitution rate. Inherited indels may co-occur with substitutions in genes along related biological pathways; examples are iron storage and resistance to second-line antibiotics. This suggests that epistatic interactions between indels and substitutions affect antibiotic resistance and compensatory evolution in MTB.

Author summary

Mycobacterium tuberculosis(MTB) is a human pathogen causing millions of deaths every year. Its genome evolution has been intensively characterized through point substitutions, i.e., nucleotide exchanges that are inherited. Additional mutations are short or long insertions and deletions of nucleotides, termed indels. Short indels in genes might change the reading frame and disrupt the gene product. Here we show that antibiotic treatment has a strong impact on indel evolution in an MTB outbreak. Namely, indels occur frequently in genes causing antibiotic resistance upon disruption. Furthermore, we show that the molecular clock, i.e., the temporal emergence of variants over time, holds for short indels in MTB genomes. Finally, we observe that indels may co-occur with substitutions in genes along related biological pathways. These results support the notion that indels are important contributors to MTB evolution. We anticipate that including indels in the analyses of MTB outbreaks will improve our understanding of antibiotic resistance evolution.
The HXD95: a modified Bassett-type hydrothermal diamond-anvil cell for in situ XRD experiments up to 5 GPa and 1300 K
Authors: Louvel Marion , Drewitt James W. E. , Ross Allan , Thwaites Richard , Heinen Benedict J. , Keeble Dean S. , Beavers Christine M. , Walter Michael J. , Anzellini Simone
Published: January 2020

A new diamond-anvil cell apparatus for in situ synchrotron X-ray diffraction measurements of liquids and glasses, at pressures from ambient to 5 GPa and temperatures from ambient to 1300 K, is reported. This portable setup enables in situ monitoring of the melting of complex compounds and the determination of the structure and properties of melts under moderately high pressure and high temperature conditions relevant to industrial processes and magmatic processes in the Earth's crust and shallow mantle. The device was constructed according to a modified Bassett-type hydrothermal diamond-anvil cell design with a large angular opening (θ = 95°). This paper reports the successful application of this device to record in situ synchrotron X-ray diffraction of liquid Ga and synthetic PbSiO3 glass to 1100 K and 3 GPa.
Nanoscale determination of interatomic distance by ptychography-EXAFS method using advanced Kirkpatrick–Baez mirror focusing optics
Authors: Hirose Makoto , Shimomura Kei , Higashino Takaya , Ishiguro Nozomu , Takahashi Yukio
Published: January 2020

This work demonstrates a combination technique of X-ray ptychography and the extended X-ray absorption fine structure (ptychography-EXAFS) method, which can determine the interatomic distances of bulk materials at the nanoscale. In the high-resolution ptychography-EXAFS method, it is necessary to use high-intense coherent X-rays with a uniform wavefront in a wide energy range, hence a ptychographic measurement system installed with advanced Kirkpatrick–Baez mirror focusing optics is developed and its performance is evaluated. Ptychographic diffraction patterns of micrometre-size MnO particles are collected by using this system at 139 energies between 6.504 keV and 7.114 keV including the Mn K absorption edge, and then the EXAFS of MnO is derived from the reconstructed images. By analyzing the EXAFS spectra obtained from a 48 nm × 48 nm region, the nanoscale bond lengths of the first and second coordination shells of MnO are determined. The present approach has great potential to elucidate the unclarified relationship among the morphology, electronic state and atomic arrangement of inhomogeneous bulk materials with high spatial resolution.
Predictor and optimizer system on selective catalytic reduction of NO in activated carbons based on experiment and computational intelligence technique
Authors: Yang Zhen , Song Kangning , Gu Xingsheng , Wang Zhi , Liang Xiaoyi
Published: January 2020

Purpose

Nitrogen oxides (NOx) have been considered as primarily responsible for many serious environmental problems. Removing NO is the key task to remove NOx hazards. To clarify, NO removal process for pitch-based spherical-activated carbons (PSACs), an online prediction and optimization technique in real-time based on support vector machine algorithm in regression (support vector regression [SVR]) is discussed. The purpose of this paper is to develop a predictor and optimizer system on selective catalytic reduction of NO (SCRN) using experimental data and data-driven SVR intelligence methods.

Design/methodology/approach

Predictor and optimizer using developed SVR have been proposed. To modify the training efficiency of SVR, the authors especially customize batch normalization and k-fold cross-validation techniques according to the unique characteristics of PSACs model.

Findings

The results present that SVR provides a property regression model since it can linkage linear and non-linear process and property relationships in few experimental data sets. Also, the integrated normalization and k-fold cross-validation show a satisfying improvement and results for SVR optimization. The predicted results of predictor and optimizer in single and double factor systems are in excellent agreement with the experimental data.

Originality/value

SCRN-PO for predicting and optimization SCRN problems is developed by data-driven methods. The outperformed SCRN-PO system is used to predict multiple-factors property parameters and obtain optimum technological parameters in real-time. Also, experiment duration is greatly shortened.
Critical risk factors in international construction projects
Authors: Viswanathan Satish Kumar , Jha Kumar Neeraj
Published: January 2020

Purpose

International construction projects encompass various risks, and it is essential to evaluate and manage them to achieve project and firms’ success. As approaches to addressing international market risks vary from one country to another, the purpose of this paper is to identify the critical risk factors of embarking on international construction projects according to Indian experiences.

Design/methodology/approach

After primarily verifying the identified 26 risk variables, a questionnaire survey was conducted to draw upon the views of experts who possess international project experience. The 105 responses were analyzed using univariate and multivariate techniques. An analysis of variance identified the significant variables that influence overall performance on international construction projects, which were then grouped according to underlying relationships using factor analysis to determine the specific risk factors. Furthermore, considering these risk factors as independent variables and overall project performance as a dependent variable, a stepwise regression analysis was carried out to identify relatively critical risk factors.

Findings

The results revealed that of the identified four risk factors, the project-specific risk factor emerged as the foremost critical risk factor, the economic and market-specific risk factor was the second most critical risk factor, the firm-specific risk factor was the third most critical risk factor and the political-specific risk factor was the least critical risk factor. These findings were also validated appropriately.

Research limitations/implications

This study was limited to the data acquired from Indian construction firms, predominantly consultants and contractors. Though the survey respondents possessed adequate familiarity in international construction, commonly perceived limitations in self-reported surveys such as the lack of conscientious responses and reporting bias were not an exception in this research.

Practical implications

The risk factors and their criticality – as identified in this study – can aid the multinational firms and international aspirants to prioritize the critical aspects and develop a suitable risk mitigation strategy to achieve greater project success in international market.

Originality/value

By investigating the various risk factors that influence overall performance of international construction projects, this research considerably contributes to the body of knowledge pertaining to international construction risk management that will enable firms from India and similar developing nations to emphasize on critical risk factors.
Potential application of the Hogarth curves in the modern garment
Authors: Zhu Xuyun , Wen Wenjing , Luo Yun , Zhang Yonglong , Sun Di
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a novel method for establishing the mathematical link between the restored Hogarth curve and the golden ratio, and to advance the potential application of the Hogarth curves in standardization of the garment pattern design by using this method.

Design/methodology/approach

The Hogarth curve was fully restored by using the plant design system (PDS) software package and divided the restored curve into two fragments based on the intersection point between the curve and the straight line joining the curve endpoints. The ratios between two fragments of curves and straight lines were calculated and compared with the golden ratio, respectively, which was set as a normalized value. The potential application of the restored Hogarth curves in the normalization of the garment pattern design was therefore studied by using the standard mannequins.

Findings

The ratio in the most beautiful curve, i.e., the fourth Hogarth curve, was found to be infinitely approaching to the golden ratio. Furthermore, the incorporation of the Hogarth curves into the garment pattern design demonstrated that the fourth Hogarth curve was the most aesthetic line.

Originality/value

This work offered a novel method for bridging the gaps between arts and maths, i.e., the mathematical relation between the Hogarth curves and the golden ratio. Such a method will provide the protocol to promote the potential applications of the Hogarth curves in the garment pattern design and the human body decoration.
Understanding the organizational performance metric, an occupational health and safety management tool, through workplace case studies
Authors: Yanar Basak , Robson Lynda S. , Tonima Sabrina K. , Amick III Benjamin C.
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to use a comparative qualitative case study design to better understand how the observed characteristics of an organization correspond to their score on the organizational performance metric (IWH-OPM), a leading indicator tool designed to measure an organization’s occupational health and safety (OHS) performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Five organizations were recruited based on their diverse IWH-OPM scores obtained in a previous study. Qualitative data were collected from these cases and analyzed with consideration of OHS leadership; OHS culture and climate; employee participation in OHS; OHS policies, procedures and practices; and OHS risk control. Similarities and differences among organizations were examined in relation to these themes.

Findings

Three distinct groups of firms emerged from the cross-case analysis in terms of their overall OHS performance: high, medium and low. Higher firm IWH-OPM scores generally corresponded to better OHS performance in the workplace as observed through qualitative methods.

Originality/value

The findings are a step toward OHS leaders or practitioners eventually being able, based on an organization’s IWH-OPM score, to have a quick understanding of a workplace’s OHS status and of how best to support further improvement.
Antecedents and consequence of brand management: empirical study of Apple’s brand product
Authors: Razak Mashur , Hidayat Muhammad , Launtu Ansir , Kusuma Putra Aditya Halim Perdana AHP , Bahasoan Shandra
Published: January 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the relevance of each variable such as brand attitude, brand awareness, brand visibility (BV), brand integrity (BI), brand reputation and brand performance through direct and intervening testing, so that the research has theoretical implications for the development of modern marketing science while having managerial implications for Apple product companies through model development what has been done by Pantea Foroudi.

Design/methodology/approach

This research is the development of Pantea Foroudi’s research. The original side of this study adds BI variables and BV as an intervening variable. The research analysis method uses partial least square, which is the process with Smart-PLS Software. The sampling method uses purposive random sampling with data collection using e-survey. This study also involved 395 samples of apple product brands in Makassar, Indonesia. This research was conduct from March to October 2018.

Findings

The 14 line analysis that the authors submitted, both tests were carried out directly or intervening. A total of 11 predictions stated significant influence while BV and brand awareness did not affect the brand reputation. Brand awareness also does not affect brand performance by making brand reputation an intervening variable.

Originality/value

The original side of the research adds a variable that is considered very important, namely, BI and BV.
Portfolio selection in Asia/Pacific region-Islamic markets
Authors: Hanif Muhammad
Published: January 2020

Purpose

Islamic capital markets, i.e. ICMs, featured as socially responsible investments, less levered and more reflective of the real sector, are a recent development in financial markets showing an impressive growth and offering the potential for portfolio diversification benefits. The purpose of this study is to understand the long-run integration of ICMs in the Asia/Pacific region.

Design/methodology/approach

This sample includes ICMs of Asia/Pacific region (such as Pakistan, India, China, Japan, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia) for 280 weeks between 2011 and 2016. Selected indexes are FTSE Islamic except for Pakistan and Indonesia. Evidence was obtained through the application of correlation, unit root, Johansen cointegration and Granger causality tests.

Findings

This study documents the results of the integration of ICMs based on developmental stage, geographic location, economic cooperation and shared religious beliefs/civilization. Partial support was observed for all hypotheses: integration of markets based on economic grouping, location, economic treaties and shared civilization. The Japanese market was the most integrated, while the Indian and Malaysian markets are the least. Evidence supports the shift of leadership role from advanced markets to emerging markets.

Practical implications

Selected diversification opportunities are available for global Islamic as well as conventional investors. This study recommends closer cooperation among Muslim majority countries of the region, as well as the effective use of economic cooperation treaties for joint economic growth and prosperity.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature by providing evidence on the integration of ICMs in an economically important region (Asia/Pacific) that is witnessing an increasing role in the global gross domestic product and international trade.
The impact of situational factors on ethical choice
Authors: Shamsudheen Shinaj Valangattil , Azhar Rosly Saiful
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to use Ferrell and Gresham (1985) contingency model to examine the impact of situational factors on decision-making behaviour related to ethical issues of Islamic banking practitioners.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 262 samples are collected from Islamic banking practitioners in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and data analysis is conducted using structural equation modelling (SEM) with a confirmatory approach.

Findings

The empirical findings indicate that decision-making behaviour related to ethical issues of Islamic banking practitioners is significantly influenced in the process of interacting with persons who are part of the organisation, and these influences are determined by the intra-organisational distance and legitimate authority between the individuals and the focal person. Further, it is also empirically verified that decision-making behaviour related to ethical issues of Islamic banking practitioners is significantly influenced by the presence and/or absence of the opportunity factors such as corporate policies, professional codes of ethics and rewards/punishment system that prevails in the organisation.

Research limitations/implications

Coverage of respondents in this study limited to single country, and the scope is limited to the model that adopted in the study.

Practical implications

It is recommended that respective authorities should have proper control over situational factors (i.e. significant others and opportunity factors) in organisations by encouraging ethical actions so that individuals are learned and influenced by each other and reviewing and improving existing corporate policies, professional codes of ethics and rewards/punishment system that limit the barrier and provide recompenses to the individuals in the organisation.

Originality/value

While the literature has presented the connection between ethics and Islamic banking, they failed to address ethical decision-making in Islamic financial institutions (IFIs). Hence, the empirical findings provide insights towards understanding organisational decision-making behaviour that to enhance governance.
Information content and informativeness of the analyst report in Malaysia
Authors: Mohd Thas Thaker Hassanudin , Mohamad Azhar , Mustaffa Kamil Nazrol Kamil , Duasa Jarita
Published: January 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the value of information content and informativeness of the analyst report for Sharīʿah-compliant shares in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use a sample of 657 daily published analyst reports on Sharīʿah-compliant shares from 2010 to 2015, which were downloaded from Bursa Malaysia’s repository system. The method was quantitative in nature and panel regression analysis was used. Diagnostics tests including the variance inflation factor, correlation analysis, heteroskedasticity test, serial auto-correlation and the Hausman test were performed to ensure validity and reliability of data. The significance of the variables indicated whether the analyst reports contained valuable information on Shariah compliancy.

Findings

Results obtained from the FEM-Robust model revealed that the R2 value was equivalent to 0.79 per cent, suggesting that the power of return explained by the information content and informativeness was less for Sharīʿah-compliant shares. The F-statistics were statistically significant for all models, postulating that the data used were reliable and fit for the purpose of analysis. The findings showed that the information content of target price and earnings forecasts significantly influenced the returns of Sharīʿah-compliant shares. In terms of informativeness, return on equity, sales to price ratio and cash flow to price were associated with the returns of the shares.

Practical implications

The outcome from this finding confirmed that the analyst report retained its position as a good source of reference when making investment decisions. However, the disclosure of information in the form of qualitative information together with fundamental information should be enhanced for Sharīʿah-compliant share so that investors would have adequate information when making an investment decision.

Originality/value

This study will supply more insights into the matter of information content and informativeness of the analyst report in Malaysia by focussing on Sharīʿah-compliant shares, which is practically an underexplored research area in Malaysia.
Elimination of poverty by Islamic value based cooperative model
Authors: Selim Mohammad , Farooq Mohammad Omar
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper examines how the challenge of poverty can be effectively addressed by broadly adopting Islamic value based cooperative model (IVCM) where the members come together to overcome and eventually eradicate the curse of poverty for themselves and for their future generations.

Design/methodology/approach

The elimination of poverty by adopting IVCM and its impact on the cooperative members, as well as its effects on major macroeconomic variables, are examined on the theoretical ground by using the general equilibrium model of demand and supply-side variables.

Findings

The IVCM for the elimination of poverty reveals that the poverty gap can be eliminated through resource mobilization, as well as by creating new and additional income, wealth and resources through collaborative efforts. Through cooperative organizations based on Islamic values and principles, eventually, the entire poverty pool can enjoy income-earning opportunities through employment or self-employment, as well as promoting skills and education, leading to breaking the vicious cycle of poverty.

Originality/value

Cooperatives in general and Islamic cooperatives, in particular, are not new in the discourse about poverty. Indeed, there are cooperatives throughout the Muslim world and beyond and there are many studies related to cooperatives and their role in development. However, this might be the first theoretical contribution that models the role and impact of cooperatives in a macroeconomic framework, and thus, advances the scientific repertoire of knowledge and understanding about the related discourse by developing a rigorous mathematical model.
Sharīʿah compliant working capital financing_ a case-study of Indian sugar industry
Authors: Nomani Abuzar , Azam Mohammad Khalid
Published: January 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to assess how Sharīʿah guidelines improve the working capital needs of the Indian sugar industry. Previous studies reveal that the sugar industry in India is in a state of cash deprivation for decades. Finance is not available for expansion, as well as for working capital requirements. Banks have also declined to provide working capital loans to the sugar industry.

Design/methodology/approach

Lack of working capital management and its impact upon sugar mills profitability are examined based on a sample of six Indian sugar mills and the use of panel data analysis for the period 2011-2015.

Findings

The regression results suggest the need for reducing the number of days’ account receivables and inventories to a reasonable minimum to maintain the liquidity necessary for the mills, which current mills cannot manage to achieve, and consequently, suffer liquidity problems.

Practical implications

This paper presents a model of Sharīʿah-compliant working capital financing for cash deprived Indian sugar industry. All the three parties stand to benefit from this arrangement: the farmer will get the price of his crop promptly and at its farmland, sugar mill will secure the required quantity of raw material (sugarcane) without any immediate cash outflow, and the Islamic bank will earn a reasonable mark-up profit from this transaction.

Originality/value

The study is the first comprehensive effort to explore the possible combination of Islamic banking products subject to the fulfillment of needs of sugar mills and farmers and the application of an Islamic banking instrument in the agriculture sector of India. It also suggests the possible models for financing under a Salam and Murabahah contract.
How effective are financial sanctions against individuals?
Authors: Teichmann Fabian Maximilian Johannes
Published: January 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the role of money laundering methods in circumventing sanctions against individuals. In particular, it shows how politically exposed persons can circumvent sanctions through money laundering mechanisms.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 70 expert interviews were conducted, comprising 35 formal interviews with prevention experts and 35 informal interviews with money launderers. By subjecting their responses to qualitative content analysis, concrete ways of circumventing sanctions are identified.

Findings

Financial sanctions against individuals are highly ineffective, as they can be easily circumvented. To successfully influence political processes, alternative mechanisms are necessary.

Research limitations/implications

This study’s findings are limited to the perspectives of 70 interviewees. Hence, it is possible that a study with a larger sample conducted in different countries or at a different time could have yielded different results.

Practical implications

Identifying the gaps in anti-money-laundering mechanisms should provide compliance officers and legislators with valuable insights into why the current prevention schemes are ineffective and how sanctions against individuals can be circumvented. The findings, thus, highlight the scope to improve compliance mechanisms and the need for other tools to influence political processes.

Originality/value

The current sanctions against individuals are found to be ineffective means of influencing politics, as they can be easily circumvented. Hence, alternative mechanisms and tools are needed.
Signaling socially responsible consumption among millennials: an identity-based perspective
Authors: Johnson Olivia , Chattaraman Veena
Published: January 2020

Purpose

Using identity theory, this paper aims to explore differences in socially responsible signaling behavior based on the salience of a personal or social identity.

Design/methodology/approach

Structural equation modeling was used to study the relationship among identity commitment, salience, and signaling behavior.

Findings

Findings revealed personal identity salience mediated the relationship between socially responsible commitment and socially responsible social-signaling consumption behavior.

Practical implications

The results of the study suggest that Millennials engage in socially responsible activities as a result of a salient personal identity. Millennials use socially responsible behavior to signal their benevolence to themselves and others.

Originality/value

This is the first research that has examined the relationship between Millennials’ socially responsible consumption behavior and a salient personal or social identity.