bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Therapeutic effect of CT-P59 against SARS-CoV-2 South African variant
Authors: Ryu Dong-Kyun , Song Rina , Kim Minsoo , Kim Young-Il , Kim Cheolmin , Kim Jong-In , Kwon Ki-Sung , Tijsma Aloys SL , Nuijten Patricia M , van Baalen Carel A , Hermanus Tandile , Kgagudi Prudence , Gwete-Moyo Thandeka , Moore Penny L , Choi Young Ki , Lee Soo-Young
Published: April 2021

The global circulation of newly emerging variants of SARS-CoV-2 is a new threat to public health due to their increased transmissibility and immune evasion. Moreover, currently available vaccines and therapeutic antibodies were shown to be less effective against new variants, in particular, the South African (SA) variant, termed 501Y.V2 or B.1.351. To assess the efficacy of the CT-P59 monoclonal antibody against the SA variant, we sought to perform asin vitrobinding and neutralization assays, andin vivoanimal studies. CT-P59 neutralized B.1.1.7 variant to a similar extent as to wild type virus. CT-P59 showed reduced binding affinity against a RBD (receptor binding domain) triple mutant containing mutations defining B.1.351 (K417N/E484K/N501Y) also showed reduced potency against the SA variant in live virus and pseudovirus neutralization assay systems. However,in vivoferret challenge studies demonstrated that a therapeutic dosage of CT-P59 was able to decrease B.1.351 viral load in the upper and lower respiratory tracts, comparable to that observed for the wild type virus. Overall, although CT-P59 showed reducedin vitroneutralizing activity against the SA variant, sufficient antiviral effect in B.1.351-infected animals was confirmed with a clinical dosage of CT-P59, suggesting that CT-P59 has therapeutic potential for COVID-19 patients infected with SA variant.

Highlights

CT-P59 significantly inhibit B.1.1.7 variant to a similar extent as to wild type virus

CT-P59 showed reduced potency against the B.1.351 variant inin vitrostudies

Therapeutic dosage of CT-P59 showedin vivoneutralizing potency against B.1.351 in ferret challenge study.
Role of Gasdermins in the Biogenesis of Apoptotic Cell–Derived Exosomes
Authors: Hur Jaehark , Kim Yeon Ji , Choi Da Ae , Kang Dae Wook , Kim Jaeyoung , Yoo Hyo Soon , Shahriyar Sk Abrar , Mustajab Tamanna , Kim Dong Young , Chwae Yong-Joon
Published: April 2021

The gasdermins, GSDMA, GSDMB, GSDMC, GSDMD, DFNA5, and DFNB59, are a family of pore-forming proteins that has recently been suggested to play a central role in the pyroptosis and the release of inflammatory cytokines. Here, we describe the novel roles of gasdermins in the biogenesis of apoptotic cell–derived exosomes. In apoptotic cells, GADMA, GSDMC, GSDMD, and DFNA5 increased the release of ApoExos, and both their full-length and cleaved forms were localized in the exosomal membrane. GSDMB and DFNB59, on the other hand, negatively affected the release of ApoExos. The caspase-mediated cleavage of gasdermins, especially DFNA5, is suggested to enable cytosolic Ca2+to flow through endosomal pores and thus increase the biogenesis of ApoExos. In addition, the DFNA5-meidiated biogenesis of ApoExos depended on the ESCRT-III complex and endosomal recruitment of Ca2+-dependent proteins: annexins A2 and A7, the PEF domain family proteins sorcin and grancalcin, and the Bro1 domain protein HD-PTP. Therefore, we propose that the biogenesis of ApoExos begins when gasdermin-mediated endosomal pores increase cytosolic Ca2+, continues through the recruitment of annexin-sorcin/grancalcin-HD-PTP, and is completed when the ESCRT-III complex synthesizes intraluminal vesicles in the multivesicular bodies of dying cells. Finally, we found that Dfna5-bearing tumors released ApoExos to induce inflammatory responses in thein vivo4T1 orthotropic model of breast cancer. The data presented in this study indicate that the switch from apoptosis to pyroptosis could drive the transfer of mass signals to nearby or distant living cells and tissues by way of extracellular vesicles, and that gasdermins play critical roles in that process.
Reduction of dislocations in α-Ga2O3 epilayers grown by halide vapor-phase epitaxy on a conical frustum-patterned sapphire substrate
Authors: Son Hoki , Choi Ye-ji , Hong Soon-Ku , Park Ji-Hyeon , Jeon Dae-Woo
Published: April 2021

The compound α-Ga2O3 is an ultra-wide-bandgap semiconductor and possesses outstanding properties such as a high breakdown voltage and symmetry compared with other phases. It has been studied for applications in high-performance power devices. However, it is difficult to obtain a high-quality thin films because α-Ga2O3 can only grow heteroepitaxially, which results in residual stress generation owing to lattice mismatch and thermal expansion between the substrate and α-Ga2O3. To overcome this, α-Ga2O3 was grown on a conical frustum-patterned sapphire substrate by halide vapor-phase epitaxy. The surface morphology was crack-free and flat. The α-Ga2O3 grown on a frustum-patterned substrate and a conventional sapphire substrate at 500°C exhibited full-width at half-maxima of 961 and 1539 arcsec, respectively, for 10–12 diffraction. For the former substrate, lateral growth on the pattern and threading dislocation bending towards the pattern suppressed the propagation of threading dislocations generated at the interface, which reduced the threading dislocation propagation to the surface by half compared with that on the latter conventional substrate. The results suggest that conical frustum-patterned sapphire substrates have the potential to produce high-quality α-Ga2O3 epilayers.
Structural basis of chitin utilization by a GH20 β-N-acetylglucosaminidase from Vibrio campbellii strain ATCC BAA-1116
Authors: Meekrathok Piyanat , Bürger Marco , Porfetye Arthur T. , Kumsaoad Sawitree , Aunkham Anuwat , Vetter Ingrid R. , Suginta Wipa
Published: April 2021

Vibrio species play a crucial role in maintaining the carbon and nitrogen balance between the oceans and the land through their ability to employ chitin as a sole source of energy. This study describes the structural basis for the action of the GH20 β-N-acetylglucosaminidase (VhGlcNAcase) in chitin metabolism by Vibrio campbellii (formerly V. harveyi) strain ATCC BAA-1116. Crystal structures of wild-type VhGlcNAcase in the absence and presence of the sugar ligand, and of the unliganded D437A mutant, were determined. VhGlcNAcase contains three distinct domains: an N-terminal carbohydrate-binding domain linked to a small α+β domain and a C-terminal (β/α)8 catalytic domain. The active site of VhGlcNAcase has a narrow, shallow pocket that is suitable for accommodating a small chitooligosaccharide. VhGlcNAcase is a monomeric enzyme of 74 kDa, but its crystal structures show two molecules of enzyme per asymmetric unit, in which Gln16 at the dimeric interface of the first molecule partially blocks the entrance to the active site of the neighboring molecule. The GlcNAc unit observed in subsite −1 makes exclusive hydrogen bonds to the conserved residues Arg274, Tyr530, Asp532 and Glu584, while Trp487, Trp546, Trp582 and Trp505 form a hydrophobic wall around the −1 GlcNAc. The catalytic mutants D437A/N and E438A/Q exhibited a drastic loss of GlcNAcase activity, confirming the catalytic role of the acidic pair (Asp437–Glu438).
Competition, performance and financial stability in US agricultural banking
Authors: Regmi Madhav , Featherstone Allen M.
Published: April 2021

Purpose

The number of US commercial banks has declined by about 50% over the last two decades. This change could lead to a potential decline in competition and a potential increase in market power in the agricultural banking market. The focus of this study is to examine whether the risk of failure and the performance of agricultural banks has been affected by bank consolidations.

Design/methodology/approach

The impact of bank competition on performance and financial stability of agricultural banks is studied using a Lerner index as a measure of market power. A Z-score is constructed to measure bank stability. Similarly, the return on assets (net income to total assets ratio), return on equity (net income to the total equity ratio), agricultural loan ratio and agricultural loan volume are used as performance measures for agricultural banks. Two-way fixed effect regression models are estimated to measure the impact of competition on financial stability and performance.

Findings

Results indicate that bank competition has a U-shaped effect on the probability of default and an inverted U-shaped effect on volume and proportion of agricultural lending. There also exists evidence of a positive but non-linear effect of bank market power on the profitability of agricultural banks.

Originality/value

There is limited literature on the impact of bank competition on financial stability and performance of US agricultural banks. Agricultural banks hold more than 40% of US farm debt. A decrease in the number of banks or the level of competition in agricultural banking may cause an adverse effect on relationship lending. The key findings imply that bank regulatory strategies should focus on enhancing (reducing) competition in more (less) concentrated banking markets to improve the financial health and performance of agricultural banks.
Sources and flow of healthcare built environment design evidence
Authors: Wanigarathna Nadeeshani , Sherratt Fred , Price Andrew D.F. , Austin Simon
Published: April 2021

Purpose

A substantial amount of research argues that built environmental interventions can improve the outcomes of patients and other users of healthcare facilities, supporting the concept of evidence-based design (EBD). However, the sources of such evidence and its flow into healthcare design are less well understood. This paper aims to provide insights to both the sources and flow of EBD used in three healthcare projects, to reveal practicalities of use and the relationships between them in practice.

Design/methodology/approach

Three healthcare case study projects provided empirical data on the design of a number of different elements. Inductive thematic analysis was used to identify the source and flow of evidence used in this design, which was subsequently quantised to reveal the dominant patterns therein.

Findings

Healthcare design teams use evidence from various sources, the knowledge and experience of the members of the design team being the most common due to both ease of access and thus flow. Practice-based research and peer-reviewed published research flow both directly and indirectly into the design process, whilst collaborations with researchers and research institutions nurture the credibility of the latter.

Practical implications

The findings can be used to enhance activities that aim to design, conduct and disseminate future EBD research to improve their flow to healthcare designers.

Originality/value

This research contributes to understandings of EBD by exploring the flow of research from various sources in conflation and within real-life environments.
Procurement 4.0 to the rescue: catalysing its adoption by modelling the challenges
Authors: Joseph Jerome Jude Jegan , Saxena Disha , Sonwaney Vandana , Foropon Cyril
Published: April 2021

Purpose

The pandemic crisis has resulted in global chaos that had caused massive disruption to the supply chain. The pharmaceutical industry, in particular, has been working tirelessly to ensure that they can cater to the people who need them. With restrictions being imposed to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the movement of raw materials required has been affected, thus creating the need for the procurement function to be innovative. This study proposes the application of Industry 4.0 concepts into the procurement activities of an organization to make it more resilient and efficient.

Design/methodology/approach

To study the intensity of the challenges, Total Interpretive Structural Modelling is used alongside the “Matrice des Impacts Croises Multiplication Appliquee a un Classement” (MICMAC) technique.

Findings

Resilience can be achieved through the collaboration between the organization and its network of suppliers. This is however easier said than done. High and unclear investments have been identified as the challenge that is taking a toll on all technological investments in the pandemic era. The study also shows that organizational inertia which is present in established and structured firms are a deterrent as well.

Originality/value

This study is based on the application of procurement 4.0 to ensure that pharmaceutical supply chains stay least affected since they are essentials. This study using a multi-criteria decision-making approach to prioritize the challenges. This will help practitioners make decisions faster.
Governance modes in supply chains and financial performance at buyer, supplier and dyadic levels: the positive impact of power balance
Authors: Marques Leonardo , Lontra Paulo , Wanke Peter , Antunes Jorge Junio Moreira
Published: April 2021

Purpose

This study analyzes whether power in the supply chain, based on governance modes and network centrality, explain financial performance at different levels of analysis: buyers, suppliers and dyads.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs a dual macro-micro lens based on global value chain (i.e. market, modular, relational and captive governance modes) and social network analysis (network centrality) to assess the impact of power (im)balance onto financial performance. Different from previous research, this study adopts information reliability techniques – such as information entropy – to differentiate the weights of distinct financial performance metrics in terms of the maximal entropy principle. This principle states that the probability distribution that best represents the current state of knowledge given prior data is the one with largest entropy. These weights are used in TOPSIS analysis.

Findings

Results offer insightful reflections to SCM research. We show that buyers outperform suppliers due to power asymmetry. We ground our findings both analyzing across governance modes and comparing network centrality. We show that market and modular governances (where power balance prevails) outperform relational and captive modes at the dyadic level – thus inferring that in the long run these governance modes may lead to financially healthier supply chains.

Originality/value

This study advances SCM research by exploring the impact of governance modes and network centrality on performance at both firm and dyadic levels while employing an innovative combination of secondary data and robust set of techniques including TOPSIS, WASPAS and information entropy.
Supplier development under cooperative and non-cooperative investment structures
Authors: Srivastava Abhishek , Kumar Parimal , Mateen Arqum
Published: April 2021

Purpose

This study analyzes supplier development investment decisions under a triadic setting (two buyers and a common supplier). In a triadic setting, the supplier development investment decision of one buyer can have a spillover effect of the benefits on other buyer. Therefore, it is utmost important for the investing buyer to understand the impact of benefit spillover on other competing buyers'. Therefore, one of the purposes of this study to analyze the supplier development investment decision of buyers under two scenarios. First, under cooperative development structure where both buyers jointly invest in supplier and share equal benefits. Second, non-cooperative investment structure where both buyers individually invest in supplier development and share unequal benefits.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to assess the impact of supplier development investment decisions on the profitability of buyers and the common supplier, the authors used game-theoretic approach. The authors design a Stackelberg leader-follower game where the supplier acts as Stackelberg leader and buyers follow the supplier's pricing decision to maximize their profit level. Additionally, both buyers decide either to cooperate or non-cooperate while investing in supplier development.

Findings

The results show that the cooperative investment is always an optimal strategy for buyers and supplier. Interestingly, the efficient buyer's share of investment level is lower under non-cooperative investment structure and he is better-off due to its capability of taking advantage from the other buyer's investment. However, the inefficient buyer, on the other hand, is worse-off under non-cooperative investment. Furthermore, comparative analysis between the two shows that initially, the buyer who extracts more profit because of the other buyers' development investment tends to prefer the non-cooperative development investment set up. However, after a certain point, the same buyer is better-off under cooperative development investment through cooperation, and sharing equal benefit of the supplier's development, as the supplier in turn, starts charging a higher wholesale price under non-cooperative investment case.

Originality/value

To the best of authors’ knowledge, extant literature on supplier development has mostly focused on. One supplier-one buyer; thus, the learning spillover effect has almost been unexplored. In real-life, different buyers often purchase from the shared supplier. Therefore, it is important to analyze the spillover of supplier development benefits due to investment of one buyer on other buyer and deriving the condition under which buyers would be incentivized to invest jointly or individually.
Synergistic effect of cooperation and coordination to enhance the firm's supply chain adaptability and performance
Authors: Feizabadi Javad , Alibakhshi Somayeh
Published: April 2021

Purpose

To address how organizations should be malleable, the purpose herein is to draw on complementarity theory to examine the interaction effect of customer integration (i.e. coordination) and shared relationship governance (i.e. cooperation) on supply chain adaptability and firm's performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey research design is adopted to collect primary data from 177 automotive components suppliers. After assessing the measures' psychometric properties, the hypothesized relationships are evaluated using hierarchical regression analysis supplemented by structural equation modeling and complementarity test.

Findings

In the context of industrial markets, and specifically the automotive component industry, a complementary interaction effect is found between coordination and cooperation. The complementary impact was significant in affecting the supply chain adaptability and the firm's performance. Our results refine the existing supply chain integration by highlighting the complementary effect of coordination and cooperation.

Practical implications

Understanding the true interaction effect between cooperation and coordination to develop supply chain integration avoids decision-makers' misperception over or underinvesting in activities. This research also provides key insights on the complementary effect of coordination and cooperation to establish structural flexibility in the supply chain and the ability to respond to the disruptions, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Originality/value

Understanding the true interaction effect between cooperation and coordination to develop supply chain integration avoids decision-makers' misperception over or underinvesting in activities. The implications for theory and practice are also presented.
R-BPMN for abstract modeling of business process patterns
Authors: Kim Dae-Kyoo , Chung Yeasun K.
Published: April 2021

Purpose

The authors use the extension mechanism provided by the Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN) to define roles, which allows roles to be fully aligned with the BPMN standard. The authors describe how a pattern can be defined in terms of roles and present the formal semantics of pattern realization and refinement to support systematic reuse of patterns in business process development.

Design/methodology/approach

It is widely agreed that the use of business process patterns improves the efficiency and quality of business process development. However, few techniques are available to describe business process patterns at an appropriate level of abstraction to facilitate the reuse of patterns. To address this, this paper presents the role-based Business Process Model and Notation (R-BPMN), an extension of BPMN for abstract modeling of business process patterns based on a novel notion of role.

Findings

The authors apply R-BPMN in case studies for pattern realization and refinement and discuss tool support via an existing tool. The case studies demonstrate the practical benefits of R-BPMN in capturing pattern variability and facilitating pattern reuse.

Practical implications

The findings imply a potential impact of R-BPMN on practical benefits when it is supported at the metamodel level in tool development.

Originality/value

This study addresses the need for abstract modeling of process patterns at the metamodel level, which facilitates the formalization of pattern variability and tool development to support various realizations of process patterns at the model level.
Employee engagement and commitment to two Australian autism employment programs: associations with workload and perceived supervisor support
Authors: Spoor Jennifer R. , Flower Rebecca L. , Bury Simon M. , Hedley Darren
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Although there is growing academic and business interest in autism employment programs, few studies have examined employee (manager and coworker) attitudes toward these programs. The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of workload changes (a job demand) and perceived supervisor support (a job resource) on commitment to the program and employee engagement more broadly.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 229 employees from two Australian public sector organizations completed a survey about the autism employment program in their organization.

Findings

Perceived workload increases were associated with lower affective commitment and higher continuance commitment to the program. Perceived supervisor support was associated with higher affective commitment to the program and employee engagement, but lower continuance commitment to the program. Perceived supervisor support moderated the effect of workload increase on employee engagement, but not in the expected direction.

Originality/value

This research helps to fill a gap in the autism employment literature by focusing on commitment toward autism employment programs among existing employees. The research helps to provide a more complete and nuanced view of these programs within their broader organizational context.
Building blocks of financial inclusion through customer experience value at financial touchpoints in Southern Africa
Authors: Sithole Nkosinathi , Sullivan Mort Gillian , D'Souza Clare
Published: April 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to examine customer experience value orchestrated by non-banks' financial touchpoints to understand how they enhance the financial inclusion of low-income consumers.

Design/methodology/approach

Two independent but related studies were conducted using qualitative comparative analyses (QCA) research design with semi-structured interviews to compare and contrast customer experience value at two rural locations in Southern Africa. The interview transcripts were analysed using ATLAS.ti, which is a powerful operating system for analysing qualitative data.

Findings

The results indicate that non-banks in the two countries design financial services that include functional, economic, humanic, social and mechanic customer experience value dimensions.

Research limitations/implications

The data for this study was collected from financial services customers of retailers and mobile phone network operators in only one research setting in each country. Further research could extend the comparative context for qualitative studies across similar markets. Other limitations are discussed in the paper.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the body of knowledge by highlighting the salient and germane dimensions and components found to be important in understanding financial inclusion using customer experience value. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that incorporates customer experience value dimensions in understanding the financial inclusion of low-income consumers at the base of the social and economic pyramid in emerging markets.
The effect of financial literacy and gender on retirement planning among young adults
Authors: García Mata Osvaldo
Published: April 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze financial literacy's effect on retirement planning among young adults in Mexico, with gender as a moderator variable. Planning refers to the actual or intended implementation of several retirement strategies: private pension funds, investing in assets, government subsidies and family assistance.

Design/methodology/approach

The article's methodology is quantitative, empirical and cross-sectional. Ajzen's theory of planned behavior (1991) works as the theoretical framework to examine planning for retirement intentions determined by individuals' financial inclusion, attitudes, knowledge, behavior, occupation and family traits. The methodology follows generalized structural equation models (GSEM) with logistic regression basis, constructed with data from the National Survey on Financial Inclusion 2018.

Findings

Results confirm that the most financially knowledgeable individuals have lesser intentions to pursue passive strategies, while financial behavior and inclusion associate with actively planning. Gender plays a fundamental role in retirement planning too.

Research limitations/implications

Observations for several years are necessary to effectuate longitudinal analysis. Further research should include a more in-depth study of strategy choice triggers and policy impact on retirement planning.

Social implications

Findings can be useful to public and private institutions focused on saving, investment and retirement, especially in economies comparable to Mexico's. Avoiding the higher social costs associated with poor retirement planning depends on timely decision-making.

Originality/value

This study goes beyond the traditional pension fund strategy to analyze other options. It delivers information about young people's long-term financial plans in Mexico concerning financial literacy and gender.
The sustainability of fiscal policy in southern African countries–a comparative empirical perspective
Authors: Mackiewicz Michał
Published: April 2021

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to assess the fiscal sustainability of nine southern African countries that belong to the Southern African Development Community.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the author performs a novel time-varying analysis of fiscal sustainability in southern African countries.

Findings

The authors found that in Zimbabwe and Namibia, the formal condition of solvency was not fulfilled, resulting in the explosive growth of debt during the recent slowdown. In contrast, Angola, Botswana and Malawi prove to run sustainable fiscal policies, and they were also fiscally invulnerable to the recent unfavourable economic developments in Africa. For the rest of the countries in the sample (Eswatini, Lesotho, South Africa and Zambia), the results are mixed.

Originality/value

In the existing literature, there is abundance of empirical evidence concerning fiscal sustainability in European and American countries. In contrast, there is strikingly little knowledge concerning this phenomenon in African countries. The authors tried to fill this gap using a novel, time-varying approach.
Commodity prices and exchange rates: evidence from commodity-dependent developed and emerging economies
Authors: Haider Saba , Nazir Mian Sajid , Jiménez Alfredo , Jibran Qamar Muhammad Ali
Published: April 2021

Purpose

In this paper the authors examine evidence on exchange rate predictability through commodity prices for a set of countries categorized as commodity import- and export-dependent developed and emerging countries.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors perform in-sample and out-of-sample forecasting analysis. The commodity prices are modeled to predict the exchange rate and to analyze whether this commodity price model can perform better than the random walk model (RWM) or not. These two models are compared and evaluated in terms of exchange rate forecasting abilities based on mean squared forecast error and Theil inequality coefficient.

Findings

The authors find that primary commodity prices better predict exchange rates in almost two-thirds of export-dependent developed countries. In contrast, the RWM shows superior performance in the majority of export-dependent emerging, import-dependent emerging and developed countries.

Originality/value

Previous studies examined the exchange rate of commodity export-dependent developed countries mainly. This study examines both developed and emerging countries and finds for which one the changes in prices of export commodities (in case of commodity export-dependent country) or prices of major importing commodities (in case of import-dependent countries) can significantly predict the exchange rate.
Primary sector in Italy: profitability dynamics and relationship with the international economic crisis
Authors: Migliaccio Guido , Pavone Pietro
Published: April 2021

Purpose

This paper investigates the income dynamics of Italian primary sector, during and after the international economic crisis. It focuses on three research questions: what has been the evolution of the main profitability ratios of agricultural enterprises in recent years? After the crisis, have the surviving farms increased their profitability? Has the profitability been different also in relation to the geographic location?

Design/methodology/approach

Income dynamics of a sample of companies have been analyzed, obtaining the 10-year evolution of the average value of three income indices (return on equity [ROE], return on assets [ROA] and return on sales [ROS]). Statistical elaborations and the analysis of variance (ANOVA) method have been used.

Findings

The years of the international economic crisis are often characterized by higher incomes than the following ones. The descending trend involves all three national macroareas of Italy, although characterized by considerable socioeconomic differences.

Research limitations/implications

The study considers only the society that survived the crisis, so, presumably, the strongest. Moreover, other ratios should be considered in order to have a more complete view.

Practical implications

Public policymakers could use this study for a better intervention in support of agricultural and agro-industrial activities.

Social implications

The careful economic and financial analysis of the sector favors the relaunching strategies of the Italian primary sector in which many employees work.

Originality/value

The research contributes to the literature by providing a quantitative analysis of the dynamics of the sector, through the comparative information that may be derived from financial statements.
Risk disclosures and firm value: the role of governance in an emerging market
Authors: Jain Surbhi , Raithatha Mehul
Published: April 2021

Purpose

The objective of this paper is to investigate the impact of risk disclosures on firm value. We further investigate whether effective governance moderates the relation between risk disclosures and firm value.

Design/methodology/approach

We use a sample of the top 200 Indian listed firms on NSE from 2013 to 2018. The generalised method of moments (GMM) along with the ordinary least square (OLS) is used to investigate our research problem. Further, we use the Propensity Score Matching (PSM) technique and the Heckman selection model for correcting selection bias in the robustness section.

Findings

We find that higher risk disclosures result in lower firm value. Besides, we show that better governance minimizes the negative impact of risk disclosures on firm value. This finding encourages firms to have a good governance mechanism to mitigate the adverse effects of risk disclosures in public.

Originality/value

The main contribution of our paper is to examine the moderating effect of governance between risk disclosures in the annual report and firm value (market-based and accounting-based) in the context of an emerging economy. Moreover, the paper highlights the potential moderating effect of independent directors and resourceful boards on the risk disclosures and firm value in the Indian context.
The pricing of information asymmetry based on environmental uncertainty and accounting conservatism
Authors: Rashidi Mohsen
Published: April 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the information asymmetry pricing (relation between information asymmetry and expected return) based on environmental uncertainty and accounting conservatism.

Design/methodology/approach

The current study applies panel regression method estimator to investigate the relationship between accounting conservatism, environmental uncertainty and information asymmetry pricing of 1,309 firm-year observations in Iran for the period 2008–2018.

Findings

The result indicated the negative relation between accounting conservation and information asymmetry pricing and documented a positive association between environmental uncertainty and information asymmetry pricing.

Practical implications

In the present study, the weaknesses caused by the ambiguity of capital market efficiency in market performance-based statistical models are compensated and partially covered by quantifying the relationships and implementing models in each quintile. Results obtained from this study will aid policymakers to evaluate disclosure rules and firms to manage their information. The study is based on the corporate accounting and financial literature and examines behavioral changes in information and its effect on information asymmetry pricing that can be applied to investors, managers, standardization committees and legislators.

Originality/value

The risk of accounting information in the context of the capital market environment can be divided into two parts: a part that is ambiguous about the accuracy of this information and another part that is a distribution of information. Unlike other research, information asymmetry pricing has also been addressed with regard to the origin and distribution of information. This study also considers the effect of information asymmetry and market constraints by considering the ability of financial reports to transmit firm information.
The relationship between job satisfaction, turnover intentions and performance of Nigerian polytechnic lecturers with doctorate degrees
Authors: Otache Innocent , Inekwe Ele-Ojo Iyaji
Published: April 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to determine the level of job satisfaction, turnover intentions and performance of Nigerian polytechnic lecturers with PhDs and to empirically examine the relationship between them.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopted a descriptive correlational research design. Thus, an online self-reported questionnaire was used to gather primary data from a purposively selected sample of 167 Nigerian polytechnic lecturers with PhDs. Descriptive statistics and PLS-SEM were employed to analyse the data collected.

Findings

Descriptive results showed a low level of job satisfaction, high level of turnover intention and moderate level of performance of Nigerian polytechnic lecturers with PhDs. The structural model indicated a significantly positive link between job satisfaction and performance of Nigerian polytechnic lecturers with PhDs. Additionally, further analysis showed significantly negative links between job satisfaction and turnover intentions and between turnover intentions and performance of Nigerian polytechnic lecturers with PhDs.

Originality/value

There is a paucity of empirical studies on the impact of turnover intention on employee performance, particularly in the Nigerian context. This study provides empirical evidence of the negative impact of turnover intention on lecturer performance in the Nigerian context. Importantly, the findings of this study provide insights into the fundamental issues, which underlie the brain drain of lecturers in higher education institutions, especially in developing countries.
Strategic value realization framework from learning analytics: a practical approach
Authors: Sheikh Riyaz Abdullah , Bhatia Surbhi , Metre Sujit Gajananrao , Faqihi Ali Yahya A.
Published: April 2021

Purpose

In spite of the popularity of learning analytics (LA) in higher education institutions (HEIs), the success rate and value gained through LA projects is still little and unclear. The existing research on LA focusses more on tactical capabilities rather than its effect on organizational value. The key questions are what are the expected benefits for the institution? And how the investment in LA can bring tangible value? In this research, the authors proposed a value realization framework from LA extending the existing framework of information technology value.

Design/methodology/approach

The study includes a detailed literature review focusing on the importance, existing frameworks and LA adoption challenges. Based on the identified research gap, a new framework is designed. The framework depicts the several constructs and their relationships focusing on strategic value realization. Furthermore, this study includes three case studies to validate the framework.

Findings

The framework suggests that leveraging LA for strategic value demands adequate investment not only in data infrastructure and analytics but also in staff skill training and development and strategic planning. Universities are required to measure the strategic role of LA and spend wisely in quality data, analytical tools, skilled staff who are aware of the latest technologies and data-driven opportunities for continuous improvement in learning.

Originality/value

The framework permits education leaders to design better strategies for attaining excellence in learning and teaching, and furnish learners with new data to settle on the most ideal decisions about learning. The authors believe that the appropriation of this framework and consistent efficient interest in learning analytics by the higher education area will prompt better results for learners, colleges and more extensive society. The research also proposes two approaches and eleven research agendas for future research based on the framework. The first is based on the constructs and their relationships in LA value creation, whereas the later one focusing on identifying problems associate with it.
Pathway patterns mobility study of first time vs. transfer students in computer science and information technology programs at a public university
Authors: Basavaraj Prateek , Garibay Ivan , Ozmen Garibay Ozlem
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Postsecondary institutions use metrics such as student retention and college completion rates to measure student success. Multiple factors affect the success of first time in college (FTIC) and transfer students. Transfer student success rates are significantly low, with most transfer students nationwide failing to complete their degrees in four-year institutions. The purpose of this study is to better understand the degree progression patterns of both student types in two undergraduate science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) programs: computer science (CS) and information technology (IT). Recommendations concerning academic advising are discussed to improve transfer student success.

Design/methodology/approach

This study describes how transfer student success can be improved by thoroughly analyzing their degree progression patterns. This study uses institutional data from a public university in the United States. Specifically, this study utilizes the data of FTIC and transfer students enrolled in CS and IT programs at the targeted university to understand their degree progression patterns and analyzes the program curricula using network science curricular analytics method to determine what courses in the curriculum require more assistance to retain students.

Findings

The major findings of this study are: (1) students’ degree mobility patterns within an institution differ significantly between transfer and FTIC students; (2) some similarities exist between the CS and IT programs in terms of transfer students' degree mobility patterns; (3) transfer students' performance in basic and intermediate level core courses contribute to differences in transfer students' mobility patterns.

Originality/value

This study introduces the concept of “mobility patterns” and examines student degree mobility patterns of both FTIC and transfer students in a large public university to improve the advising process for transfer students regarding courses and identifying secondary majors.
Boundary organising in healthcare: theoretical perspectives, empirical insights and future prospects
Authors: Kislov Roman , Harvey Gill , Jones Lorelei
Published: April 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce a special issue on boundary organising in healthcare bringing together a selection of six leading papers accepted for presentation at the 12th Organisational Behaviour in Health Care (OBHC 2020) Conference.

Design/methodology/approach

In this introductory paper, the guest editors position the special issue papers in relation to the theoretical literature on boundaries and boundary organising and highlight how these contributions advance our understanding of boundary phenomena in healthcare.

Findings

Three strands of thinking – practice-based, systems theory and place-based approaches – are briefly described, followed by an analytical summary of the six papers included in the special issue. The papers illustrate how the dynamic processes of boundary organising, stemming from the dual nature of boundaries and boundary objects, can be constrained and enabled by the complexity of broader multi-layered boundary landscapes, in which local clinical and managerial practices are embedded.

Originality/value

The authors set the scene for the papers included in the special issue, summarise their contributions and implications, and suggest directions for future research.

Research implications/limitations

The authors call for interdisciplinary and multi-theoretical investigations of boundary phenomena in health organisation and management, with a particular attention to (1) the interplay between multiple types of boundaries, actors and objects operating in complex multi-layered boundary systems; (2) diversity of the backgrounds, experiences and preferences of patients and services users and (3) the role of artificial intelligence and other non-human actors in boundary organising.

Practical implications

Developing strategies of reflection, mitigation, justification and relational work is crucial for the success of boundary organising initiatives.
That's how it should work: the perceptions of a senior management on the value of decentralisation in a service delivery organisation
Authors: Ohrling Mikael , Tolf Sara , Solberg-Carlsson Karin , Brommels Mats
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Decentralisation in health care has been proposed as a way to make services more responsive to local needs and by that improve patient care. This study analyses how the senior management team conceptualised and implemented a decentralised management model within a large public health care delivery organisation.

Design/methodology/approach

Data from in-depth interviews with a senior management team were used in a directed content analysis. Underlying assumptions and activities in the decentralisation process are presented in the logic model and scrutinised in an a priori logic analysis using relevant scientific literature.

Findings

The study found support in the scientific literature for the underlying assumptions that increased responsibility will empower managers as clinical directors know their local prerequisites best and are able to adapt to patient needs. Top management should function like an air traffic control tower, trust and loyalty improve managerial capacity, increased managerial skills release creativity and engagement and a system perspective will support collaboration and learning.

Originality/value

To the authors’ knowledge this is the first a priori logic analysis of a decentralised management model in a healthcare delivery organisation in primary and community care. It shows that the activities consist with underlying assumptions, supported by evidence, and timely planned give managers decision space and ability to use their delegated authority, not disregarding accountability and fostering necessary organisational and individual capacities to avoid suboptimisation.
Accidental falls and associated factors among the elderly in Thailand: a national cross-sectional study in 2007, 2011, 2014 and 2017
Authors: Khongboon Pattaraporn , Kespichayawatt Jiraporn
Published: April 2021

Purpose

This study assesses the prevalence of accidental falls in Thailand's older adult population and the contingent influences surrounding this prevalence.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were drawn from the Cross-Sectional National Surveys of Older Persons in Thailand, pooling of four survey datasets which took place in 2007, 2011, 2014 and 2017. Stratified two-stage sampling was employed. Interviews were conducted with sample sizes of 11,370, 11,061, 13,775 and 12,457 senior citizens, aged 60 and above, in the respective survey years. Further investigation was conducted on subjects who reported to be of good health and without any disability, yet experienced accidental falls. The prevalence of accidental falls was examined, and variable aspects concerning fall risk were assessed with probability-weighted multiple logistic regression.

Findings

The average prevalence of accidental falls from the four surveys was 4.7%. Significant risk factors identified were advanced age, being female, living in a rural residence, having worked in the previous 7 days, lack of/excessive exercise, alcohol consumption, smoking and having an outdoor lavatory.

Originality/value

Accidental falls tend to increase among community-dwelling seniors aged 60 and above. Falls increase with age and are more common among the women in that demographic. Findings suggest the need for government and local agencies to consider tailoring some public health approaches to the prevention of accidental falls. This study also highlights the necessity of proper work environment maintenance to prevent these falls.